San Diego Getaway!

I recently visited San Diego, California, again, but this time it was going to be a girls only trip!

After other plans fell through for both my friend, Ness and I, we decided to meet up mid-week for morning mimosas, and within seconds a quick invite of, “Wanna go to San Diego this weekend?” Followed by a  “yes,” from myself had us booking a hotel and embarking on our next adventure, and first ever local road trip, together. The stars aligned just right, everything was ready to go, and Friday morning we took off to SD! 

We visited awesome beaches, trekked Torrey Pines hiking trails, munched on crispy bacon and avocado toast, sipped mimosas, gorged on juicy burgers and hit up the notorious Gas Lamp District for some dancing—something neither one of us had done in years! We had a blast, and filled much of the space between with discussions over life, relationships,  singing and major giggles. 

@shoesdogsandchocolate
Windansea Beach, San Diego 

Black’s Beach, San Diego 

Torrey Pines State Park 





@shoesdogsandchocolate 

GasLamp District, San Diego, California 

La Jolla Cove

@shoesdogsandchocolate

Brockton Villa Restaurant

The weekend was just what we both needed,  an affair to remember! Finding good people that care about your soul in a world full of shallow living can seem so few and far between, but when you find a genuine heart, whether a friend or romantic partner, hold onto them! It just might make you see the world a little differently, and will definitely make your life richer and worth the ride!

Hiking: Eaton Canyon

Trailed an old favorite—Eaton Canyon. The 3.5 miles round trip trail is best suited for those who enjoy agility training as it includes crossing back and forth over a stream, and hurdling over rocks and logs. I absolutely love it! The only downfall is the crowd. If you’re a fast walker or athletic at minimum, start your hike early (between 6am-8:30am) otherwise you run the risk of getting stuck behind slower or inexperienced trekkers. 

Also, wear the appropriate shoes. It’s best to wear hiking or trail running shoes with enough traction to keep you from slipping off rocks. Bonus if your shoes are waterproof! 

As for any additional essentials, it’s always a good idea to carry  a bottle of water, and to apply sunblock and bug spray before you head out on the trail. 

For those with any previous or current leg injuries, not in good health, or have poor balance, I would avoid this hike as you wouldn’t want to further injure yourself. However, if you’re athletic and have a brave heart to take on the challenge, then by all means! Enjoy! 

We Love Our Public Lands: How You Can Help

"Today, the President announced his plan to dramatically reduce the size of two national monuments in Utah—Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. This is the largest rollback of protected lands in American history. The decision also undermines the integrity of the Antiquities Act, which 16 presidents from both parties have used to designate and protect national monuments over the last 111 years."  --REI, American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation.




On December 4, 2017, our United States President spoke of his plan to drastically reduce the size of two national monuments located in Utah.  The decision followed Administration’s four-month review (April 2017 to August 2017) of 27 national monuments designated during the last two decades.




During this time of review, more than 2.8 million Americans submitted comments to fight for protection of these monuments. The voices were snubbed by administration and the decision was made, and took away 2 million acres of public land. A decision that has caused extensive outrage amongst all Americans who love the outdoors and appreciate it's beauty, including what it does for the welfare of people and the ecosystem. Large outdoor supplier and clothing store, REI has created a full page dedicated to helping those interested in voicing their concerns to our administration. To learn more, go here.


I am personally heart broken to hear what our admin would do to such precious places that millions of Americans call home. It's time to fight back so that our children and their children can continue on a legacy of God's beauty.


Show your colors and place this image on your social media platforms with the hashtag #UnitedOutside

Perfect balm to heal blisters and bug bites

 Hi All!


I recently ventured back to Yosemite National Park (I'll be posting pics soon), and as anyone is aware, when you're in the great outdoors and hiking long miles and tough terrain,  you're bound to encounter a few itchy bug bites and potentially painful blisters. Thankfully with the help of Bodyceuticals, I was able to soften my skin, and keep it from getting more chafed and irritated on my extensive journey by dabbing on this essential first aid salve with calendula and honey.

What is Calendula?
Calendula is a flower most commonly known as Marigold. The term "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary, and the flower is often used to honor her during Catholic events.


Egyptians are said to have used the flower for rejuvenating properties.


In as recent as 70 years ago,  American physicians have been said to use Calendula for fevers, cuts, scrapes and minor infections.


The flower, or herb rather, helps reduce pain and can be a very great disinfectant and treatment for minor skin irritations. As in my case, blisters, bug bites and chafing brought on by a lot of walking.

The salve created by Bodyceuticals has honey added to it, right from their very own apiary!
If you're an ingredient reader like myself, you'll want to know everything, so here is a full list of their ingredients:


Extra-virgin, unrefined, first cold-pressed oil from olives grown in volanic soil, whole golden calendula flowers which are Kosher, Organic/wild crafted grown using biodynamic methods, fresh, local organic beeswax, fresh Pacific Northwest honey, high potency vegan, non-GMO d-alpha tocopherol and mixed tocopherol Vitamin E.


Additionally, there product is currently harvested, certified organic, vegan and kosher.

If you're interested in learning more, about the product or the team behind it, just go to their website. Also, "Like" them on Instagram. They are all so friendly and kind and willing to answer any questions you may have about their products.

Trip to Yosemite

"The world is big 

and I just want to have a good look at it before it gets dark." - John Muir 

...Because nature needs no words, I'm just going to show you pictures of my trip last weekend to Yosemite, Bass Lake and Raymond. Please enjoy. 

(All photos by @shoesdogsandchocolate)

Yosemite is the most beautiful park I've had the pleasure of visiting and the pictures only show a sliver of its majestic meadows, waterfalls and rock formations. If you've never been I suggest you do. Just once. Find Your Park! 

Visit: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm 

Get Your Kisser Ready: POGO by Ecolips Review

Took my new POGO on a hike in Pasadena, California. The weather was great on my afternoon trek through Eaton Canyon. I had it all: good shoes, my partner-in-crime, sunblock, bug spray and my iced iced berry flavored POGO #putongoout .

The easy refillable, sustainable product is biodegradable, gluten-free, cruelty-free, USDA organic, fair-trade certified and made right here in the USA!  

Just launched in Target stores, this cute little globe-shaped balm is available in six flavors; and you'll want them all! Just swipe on your pout and #KissTheWorld

Take a hike! (or two)

Need some thing to do this weekend? Try one of these two hiking trails located in the always beautiful and sunny, Southern California. 

The first trail is Eaton Canyon, a three an a half (3.5) mile hike round trip, located in Pasadena. You may bring your dog but a leash is required. 

The trail starts out smooth with minor hills to warm your legs up, but as the hike progresses, so does the amount of natural barriers. I wouldn't recommend bringing small children or babies in a carrier as the hike intensifies rather quickly. 

Measuring your agility is also important, as If it's below medium to high, I would sit this one out. 

Streams and rock gather throughout the hike, causing slippery foundations to cross through. If you can manage leaping through water, you'll enjoy the trail. 

Be sure to wear comfortable and stable hiking boots, as regular shoes may cause you to slip and potentially hurt yourself. 

A few hikers had to limp back to the parking lot due to busted knees and elbow scrapes. Not a great way to start your weekend. 

Nature will wow you on this trail, and if you can make it to the top, the waterfall at the end will make your accomplishments worth the journey. 

For more information on Eaton Canyon and trails, visit ECNCA.ORG 

The next trail is Claremont loop, a five mile (5.0) round trip, extra steep, curvy nature trail in the San Bernardino mountains. 

I will caution you, although this is a man-made trail, it is deeply nestled in the wilderness; a home to mountain lions, mule deer, snakes and much more. 

When you first start on the trail you'll have two options: left for a medium hike, right for a more strenuous one. Of course, we chose the right. 

Many people showed up to hike this trail: some beginners, others, well-seasoned professionals, runners, bicyclist  and fun-going nature lovers. Pets are welcome with an on-leash policy. 

Second pre-caution. Be courtesy of your pet's stamina, weight and age. Bring plenty of water for you and your pet and be prepared to carry your pet down the mountain if they should get hurt. We saw a few dogs struggle on this hike, one collapsed and another injured himself. Be mindful of your pet as they can't communicate properly. Assessing their needs are important on a trail like this.

Continuing up the mountain you'll find a few rest points to rejuvenate weary legs. 

I took full advantage of these.

That's not to say I didn't push through the tough terrain, because I did, and if you are looking for a great booty workout, this hike is for you. 

The views are also beautiful and the air is crisp. 

When hiking a long trail such as this one, it's easy to get lost in thought, but try not to as you'll need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Especially as you may come face to face with an animal.  

If you should come face to face with an animal, stand your ground but also be respectful of their turf. We stood tall and still. The main deer walked towards us to evaluate his own concern and our response. Once he saw that we were of no harm to him, two more deer walked towards us and down the side of the mountain away from us, which cleared our path to continue on. 

Amazing but a little scary. So again, as mentioned before, be well aware of your surroundings, watch out for your pets, yourself, and respect the wilderness and I guarantee you'll enjoy this hike. 

For more information visit, Claremont Wilderness Park

Happy trails to you!