Top 5 Things To Do In Monterey

School is finally out for Christmas break - for the next 16 days that is! Gabriel's company also closes during the holidays so you can imagine how excited we are with the extra time off together. We have a line up of tasks to accomplish within the next couple of weeks - house renos, shopping, travel, family time but we're definitely making lots of room for relaxation as well. I'll make sure to keep you up to date!

Today, I want to share my Top 5 favorite Things to do in Monterey. Monterey/Carmel was the last stop on our anniversary trip. Being only a few short hours south of San Francisco, it was definitely worth the drive.

1. Play a round at Pebble Beach
2. Take a drive down 17 Mile Drive
3. Shop, pet dogs and people watch in downtown Carmel
4. Eat by a fire pit overlooking the ocean at the Stillwater Bar & Grill
5. Stay & eat breakfast at the Portola Hotel & Spa

Unlike the other places we visited while in California, Monterey and Carmel were the most laid back. Picture a classy, quant west coast beach town. And if your husband is a golfer, I promise he will never forget this day - for the rest of his life. Seeing my sweet hubby play on his dream course made the experience that much better!

My Go-To "Winter" Attire

Living in Miami, the temperature never really drops below 65 degrees. Lately, its been hotter than usual - so you can forget about throwing on anything more than this.

In my perfect world, the temperature would be 70 degrees all year round. Why you ask? Because then I would get to wear this style all year round. While in Cali a few weeks ago, the weather was glorious. My everyday wear usually involved a pair of boots, jeans, a button down and a sweater. If I had to pick one word to describe my style, it would have to be classic. I do not like overly complicating my outfits. I like crisp lines, simple pattens and neutrals (excluding black).

This outfit it perfect for a running errands, grabbing coffee with a friend or walking around the country side as we did.

What's your go-to "winter" attire? 

How (Rodan + Fields) Worked For Me

A few weeks ago, I tested a new & highly recommended facial line.

Rodan + Fields^® Dermatologists is committed to offering real people real results with their skincare. And while everyday skin conditions can be complex, the solutions don't have to be. That's why our Products are based on philosophy of Multi-MedTherapy—using the right medicines and active cosmetics, in the right formulations, in the right order. 

About:

I was sent a facial kit that included Micro-Dermabrasion Paste, Retinol and Peptide. The first step was to massage the micro contents over my face for 30-60 seconds (dry). Next, I was instructed to apply retinol and peptides.

...

Micro-Dermabrasion- Sugar and salt scrub featuring vitamin C & E. Meant to give skin a brighter, refined complexion and that it did! At first, I was surprised how it was applied while my skin was dry- and felt as if dead layers were being peeled away!

Retinol- A thick paste that felt sticky to touch, but when spread felt like new layers were being added on to my skin. I can see why this product claims to bring life to dead skin, it wasn't kidding around. 

Peptide- This product was the last to apply in the kit. It was a nice way to end the routine because of its cooling affect. The peptide felt very moisturizing and sent me straight off to bed to wake in the morning with a glowing and smooth complexion. 

All in all, I truly believe this product is game changer and can't wait to order my first full set! 

If you are interested in giving these products a try, or have an interest in becoming an independent consultant, contact Leah Martorana! She has even been kind enough to give all Inspired By Above readers a holiday discount!

Email: leah.martorana@gmail.com 

Our Journey Through Napa

After four days in San Francisco, we decided to take the short drive to Napa Valley. We arrived in Napa on our one year anniversary and stayed for two nights. Napa was definitely on the top of my list. I absolutely loved Napa....

A few reasons why I fell in love:

-beautiful countryside

-fall colored grape vines

-first time wine tasting 

-beautiful architecture

-oxbow public market 

-perfect weather all year round

-laid back locals

-poor house 

Napa Eats:

(steak) Coal's Chop House

(mexican) Rosita - hole in the wall on main street 

(coffee) Ritual Roasters

(baked good) Model Bakery 

(wine) Jameson Ranch, Andretti, BV

(burger) Gott's Roadside

On a side note, I tried my first glass of wine while in Napa and actually found it to be pretty good. Wine tastes a whole lot different when you learn a thing or two about it and you taste it at its origin.  I was most fond of Chardonnay - probably its sweet & light taste. 

Best of San Francisco

The first stop on our trip to California was San Francisco. We landed late Thursday night - if you are traveling east to west, I would recommend taking the red eye because when you land, you will have gained 3 hours.

Highlights:

• Accommodation: Hotel Nikko 
• Transportation: Bus, cable car, tour bus and foot
• Best Breakfast: Taylor Street Coffee Shop- try their hash brown skillet. 
• Best Lunch: Roam Artisan Burger- to die for. 
• Best Sushi: Domo - quaint loungey feel - ridiculous fish tacos and rolls.  
• Best Coffee: Blue Bottle is the best. Although a bit steep at $4 for a latte, it is totally worth it. They use special New Jersey dairy cows that produce the creamiest milk in the world! I would have to say they made my favorite coffee to date. 

Things To Do:

•  Take a stroll through Hayes Valley 

• Eat Smitten ice cream 
• Hike through the Golden Gate National Park 

• Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

• Take a night tour of Alcatraz

• Shop at Union Square
• Walk through Lombard Street 

• Take a day trip to Salsalito 
• Visit the sea lions at the Wharf 

• Take a paper craft class at Paper Source

• Have a hot chocolate from Ghirardelli 

• Enjoy the views at the Sutro Baths

& pet every frenchie you see walking by!

Overall, we loved San Fran. It was a first time visit for me and a second time visit for Gabriel. Similar to Seattle, San Fran is an artsy city with great food, local spots and quirky people. I would also recommend visiting during this time of the year- we experienced amazing weather... high 60s mid day and low 40s at night. Perfect fall weather!