My life took a detour, years ago, when I settled for a while in one of the world’s most majestic settings. From here I was able to see the forest through the trees—literally and figuratively. I discovered, not only an amazing landscape, but myself in the process, and began a new chapter… in California. Growing […]
Tag: California
San Diego Taste of Spain: Café Sevilla
Café Sevilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar Nestled in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is a wonderful Spanish restaurant. My husband and I enjoyed our lunch on the outdoor patio at Café Sevilla — a tapas bar, restaurant, and nightclub — which felt true to its claim for an authentic Spanish cultural experience (though at the […]
Yosemite Spring
Winter Deluge Enhanced the Beauty of this Natural Treasure Original article on Medium Yosemite Valley — photo by Caden Giaudrone Wet Winter February 2017 — according to reports, this was the wettest water season on record in Northern California. One stormy winter day, flashes of lightning filled our dimly lit sky. Daylight struggled to find its way through thick, ominous […]
Los Angeles
Our visit to Los Angeles over Thanksgiving reminded me of how fortunate I am, how grateful I feel… and how much there is to see and do in this megalopolis. With two boys who both play soccer year-round, and family in the area, we find ourselves in SoCal frequently throughout the year. Anytime we travel, […]
Brunch in Sacramento, California at Cafeteria 15L
Cafeteria 15L celebrates fresh ingredients. This is comfort food with a fresh, urban twist. Brunch has always been one of my favorite meals—a relaxed, late-morning meal—that is perfect for lounging with the family. Cafeteria 15L, a “Farm to Table” restaurant located in an urban rustic-industrial setting in Sacramento, offers a weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays […]
Hearst Castle
This lavish estate, inspired by Spanish Colonial and Mission style architecture, was the ultimate achievement of architect, Julia Morgan. The Hearst Castle remains a symbol of the extravagent wealth that peaked in the United States during the 1920s. Commissioned by media tycoon—newspaper magnate, film producer, art collector—William Randolph Hearst, this ostentatious country home was constructed in the […]
San Diego Omni La Costa Resort
San Diego is known for great weather year-round and a relaxed beach life vibe. The mild climate can be a great place to escape to, either from intense summer heat or from an extreme winter chill. This past summer, during a soccer tournament weekend, my husband and I were fortunate to spend a few days […]
California Spanish Mission
Between 1769 and 1833, Franciscans missionaries, led by Friar Junípero Serra, established 21 settlements along the coastline of Alta California to spread the Catholic faith among the native people. Spanish missionaries who moved into Alta California in the 18th century brought elements of their architecture with them. The influence of Spanish Baroque and Moorish architecture combined […]
The Allure of the Hills
People continue to strip away the soul of places along with its natural beauty in favor of generic, sterile development. Our view of the hillside we once enjoyed, is now altered forever. But where do we go from here? (The story below was written before the addition of the Silva Valley interchange. The large oaks […]
Finding Ambiance in El Dorado Hills, California
With little over a decade of history, this new town works to cultivate a sense of culture. While its historically-inspired buildings and manicured scenery provide the atmosphere of a village, it is the local shops that provide its character. Here in El Dorado Hills, California, I continuously seek out places to enrich my soul and enliven my spirit. Town Center, developed by […]