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. 

A date with myself at Descanso

As I was lazily laying on my couch this Sunday morning, sipping my ginormously large latte, I was having such a hard time deciding what to do with myself. All I knew is I wanted to go somewhere I had never been before. It was time bust out my ongoing list of things to do and places to visit. This is just the day to adventure out on my own to one of these new spots. Descanso gardens seemed like the most logical and local spot for such a lovely day. If you have not been I highly recommend it. Because I live in Pasadena it is very close to me, but also, because it is right off the 2 (hipster highway) it is most likely close and traffic free to you too. I got there around noon planning on spending maybe a max of 3 hours there. Next thing I know I am practically being kicked out at the 5pm closing time. It was so sweet to just meander and wonder around and through the variety of gardens, landscapes, paths, trails, archways, and bridges. I would have stayed for hours more. This place is like an enchanted little fairy forest complete with acres of bubbling brooks, grassy meadows, shaded wooden benches, with hidden little nooks and crannies all around this great place. They even have a museum and cafe. I am in love. It was so peaceful, colorful, and felt like a little retreat for the day. The trees are glorious. Descanso gardens are a treasure. 

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" - Albert Einstein