Mother Daughter time in Mother Nature

Ojai, pronounced oh-hiiiii, like a personal greeting recited every time the name rolls off the tongue. Ojai's charms are many, being that it is such a concentrated artists community of intentional living. Its earthy historical roots derive from a tribe of natives that once resided within the valley. The land is treated as sacred and has been so well preserved. My mom and I took a lil trip up the coast to explore Ojai and to embark on much needed leisurely mother daughter time, and ohhhhh what a time we had. I am so extremely fortunate to have a mother who is also a best friend. To have such a sweet getaway with her was a rare treat.  The deep talks we had, the fits of laughter, each sweet silly cherished moment was a gift. After a special horseback trail ride through the oak shaded valley, we checked ourselves into the emerald iguana inn. We had an entire bungalow to ourselves, which seemed more like the most glorious and elegant hobbit hole to ever have existed. We felt right at home. Most of our time was spent outdoors in the seemingly never ending sunshine, the weather was pure perfection. I wish I had taken more photos, but sometimes when you are truly living in the moment you just have to put the camera down...these are the few images I managed to capture. 

Ojai has a plethora of darling little privately owned shops and cafes. We managed to fit a lot into our quick trip, we enjoyed every moment, but here are some of the highlight spots I highly recommend 

Agave Marias for their pixie margarita's made with local pixie clementines! 

Casa Barranca's wine tasting room, organic wine from up the hill. 

Regalo Olive Oil, the sweet owner offers private tastings and a tour of how olive oil is made. 

Azu, the tapas are tasty and the drinks are well crafted. 

Hip vegan, the food is just full of prana and glory goodness. 

Soul center, I could browse this shop for hours thumbing through books and smelling candles and oil blends

Bohemian rock goddess, my favorite clothing store where I acquired the most captivating vintage gypsy robe I have ever laid my eyes on (I swear it belonged to me in another life)

Colors of autumn

::DEEP SIGH::

I miss New England. A lot. Living in Los Angeles for the past 7 years has been wonderful, but always leaves me longing for the drama and beauty throughout the changing landscape during the transitional seasons. It is not very often I am able to get back to Massachusetts during the fall, my visits tend to be during the winter holidays. This year I was able to travel back east for a retreat with my parents. I grew up on this land, between the ages of 7-13 I would spend a week out in nature at this very camp. I had been here before, it was the same...only different. 

Bridal blessing way

To be part of and to witness a blessing way is like being a goddess draped, cuddled, and encircled in a blanket of etherial beauty, high intention, and heavenly nourishment. The ancient ritual of a bridal blessing way honors a woman's transition into a lifetime of love and marriage. A day devoted to sacred love, support, and guidance through the honorary maiden's transition. Women gather to create an enchanted space as a community effort. These goddesses sing, chant, dance, write, eat, offer, encourage, reflect, and share the joys and challenges of marriage, all while massaging, treating, and adorning, the bride to be, as a symbol of how she will continue to bloom and transform as she steps into this new stage in her life. A celebration of honesty, love, admiration, and deep rooted connection like none other.