Swing Away at Billy Goat Hill

Shorty, swing my way.

A few weekends back, my adventure friend, Daniel, and I decided to hit up some of the city's best views, aka the instagram jackpot locations. Billy Goat Hill was high on that list, and we lucked out because this time the swing was there! For some odd reason, it's hard to gauge if it's there. It gets taken up and fixed pretty often. I've learned to check the instagram hashtags for the most recent photos to see if it's up.

We people-watched in between snapshots. Each group of people that passed by couldn't resist hopping on for a turn on the swing: families with young children, two college students stopping by to smoke, and saw locals taking their pups on a walk.

It's an easy place to go if you want the city view, but don't want the hike. The location is hidden in the Glen Park neighborhood, and you can park nearby so no need to worry if you aren't wearing comfy shoes.

Chill at Coachella

Coachella with my bellas

Festival life... I'm all about it. When I take time off to go to a festival, I unplug from my day-to-day life and commit to living in the present. I go in with zero expectations, other than to leave with lessons about something new... about myself or the world around me. I treat them like a modern day retreat for my soul. 

Exploring Coachella with Kamp Kawaii

For the most part, Coachella was a blast. Looking at the event from an event planner's point of view, it's a well-curated festival. Coachella is infamous for it's legendary and diverse musical lineup with food vendors that redefine what carnival food should be. It's so well put together, it's earned itself a reputation that "any body that's anybody" must go, and is one of the country's most media-covered and branded music festivals. 

Day two during it's golden hour. It made for perfect sunset vibes and good lighting. 

In the Campground

Every morning, I woke up to beautiful palm trees and desert views, and walked on lush grass that felt good on bare toes. Though we did get some pretty bad wind at night, having a little park ranger background always goes a long way in these circumstances.

One the first day, we woke up and lined up to try the beauty bar, where they styled or braided your hair any way you wanted! The line was pretty long to return to one day two, so we tried doing something else. One of my favorite moments was the detox yoga session I participated in that Saturday morning. It brought me to tears.  

Inside the Festival

As expected, almost every performance had a special guest and the Yuma tent was lit. I wish I spent more time at the Do Lab stage, but I allowed my experience to follow where my group was headed. 

Heading into the festival from camp with Abbie and Nisa.

My festie bestie, my soul sister, Abbie.

Did I make the most of my experience there? Of course, that's what it's all about. Being present. Leaving Coachella, I did gain an appreciation for attending more multi-genre music festivals, and through the lack of, it confirmed my love for festivals with a focus on community and self-growth. Time to revisit my festival bucket list!

Besame Mucho.... or same, much?

Wine Tasting Trip to Napa

Call time to depart for Sonoma: 8:00am at Union Square. 

There was definitely a mandatory Starbucks stop before heading to meet these beautiful ladies. Many of which, I've known since my freshman year at Carondelet High School in Concord, CA. This month, we celebrated another year around the sun for Anjuli, one of my best friends since 2005. Once we got on the bus, we were greeted by cheese plates, fruit, croissants and fresh mimosas to get the morning started. She was so quick to treat us, when it should be the other way around! 

First quick stop was the overlook on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge for some mandatory photo opps.

The ladies getting in formation with Abe, the best wine tasting host in San Francisco. He is accommodating, hospitable and has quite the sense of humor that compliments your experience just perfectly.

We poppin' champagne like we won a championship game! She had those mimosas ready for us bright and early!

THE WINERIES

We stopped by four wineries throughout the day: Cline Family Cellars, Larson Family Winery, Madonna Estate and Kieu Hoang Winery. 

Cline Family Cellars

The first stop was already a favorite we've visited before,  so it was easily a great start to a day in wine country. Cline Cellars is located in Sonoma, California. It has a beautiful historic property, has been family owned since 1982 and all wines are sustainably farmed. I can only imagine how many weddings and gatherings happen here annually, with a property this nice. 

During the tasting, I learned that an Estate wine is one that is grown and exclusively distributed on the winery's property. Even if the winery sells products in your local city, it won't be the Estate wine. So if you're hoping to bring yourself a bottle, it may be best to grab the Estate wines while you're there visiting.

First stop: Cline Winery. The first lineup of tastings were awaiting us as we arrived.

Larson Family Winery

When we got off the bus, we were greeted by 3 large, sleepy Labradors who were insanely irresistible. Quickly, they stole the show, and everyone almost forgot why we came there. It wasn't long before Anjuli grabbed me by the hand and reminded me to go to the picnic tables for our tasting. Sorry, I'm a sucker for pups!

Once we managed to walk through the store, we saw the three dogs on the label of the "Three Lab Cab". The dog lover inside me died inside...again.

After we spent time enjoying the winery, accompanied by a few games of corn hole and rubbing the dog bellies, we loaded back on the bus. Before we departed, I bought a delicious truffle honey mustard that is so good with pretzels or crackers. Definitely a tipsy-buy, but it was a good pick! No regrets. Also, you must know that the chocolate wine sauce here is a MUST HAVE. I didn't bring one home, but damn, do I regret it. 

The three labs on the bottle are the Larson Family's dogs, who were there to greet us when we got off the bus.

Pete loved getting belly rubs.

Just a few of the many beautiful ladies there to celebrate Anjuli's big day!

Acting casual in the vineyards.

Madonna Estate

We arrived to the third winery, and we're still kickin'. Oh, Madonna Estate! Such a cute little boutique winery. This family-owned winery is known for their tradition for minimal intervention with the wine-making process. Their philosophy states, "...wine should reflect the vineyard, the vintage, and the varietals. Any winemaker influence should be subtle, must enhance and complement, but not overpower the fruit." A personal favorite? The Gewurztraminer.

After the wine tasting, we hobbled outside to the picnic tables and were served lunch in honor of the birthday girl. Some sandwiches and greek bites go a long way after several glasses of wine. Brought back to life in a heartbeat!

Lunch was served to us, and for dessert, Anjuli was surprised with a cake.

So much vino, yes yes yes!

Kieu Hoang Winery

Last stop! At this point, one by one, many of us started to nap. Fluffy pillows and throw blankets were also part of the blame. Good thing this winery was perfect for that.

Kieu Hoang has a breathtaking back patio that overlooks the vineyards. You can enjoy the view with the comfortable patio furniture, and iced fruit infused water. Their property was designed with tree trunk tables, and succulent centerpieces. My tree hugger side was at ease.

The back balcony view over the vineyards!

Enjoying the view with Anjuli.

Succulent centerpieces in the middle of all their patio tables.

We hopped back on the bus and headed back to Union Square for drop off. Another belated Happy Birthday to one of the most kind-hearted best friends in my life, Anjuli. If you have the honor of calling her your friend, you know what I'm talking about.  Until next time, wine country!