Howard Murad's Blog, page 12

Weekend Getaway: Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod Getaway Insider Tips

By Bethany Peterson, Blogger & Cape Cod Local

There are so many amazing, fun things to do and see on my home island of Cape Cod; I couldn’t wait to get going with this post! So, in order to cover Cape Cod (which is quite big), I’ve split up my recommendations by region: Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape and Outer Cape. I’ve also included a few of my favorite places on Martha’s Vineyard, should you be planning a day trip or even a few days over there, too!

So, I’ll start with the Upper Cape. This is where I live, so I know this region best of all.

 

Upper Cape

If your transportation mode to the Cape is by car, you will be accessing via one of our two bridges, the Sagamore or Bourne Bridge, and the Upper Cape is the first region you’ll hit, so it’s probably your most convenient destination. Have I sold it to you?!

Where to Stay

For a hotel, I would recommend the Beach Breeze Inn, Falmouth, a lovely hotel situated close to the beach—perfect for a beach day. It’s located on the shores of Nantucket Sound, making it host to some lovely walks and bike paths along the coast.

What to Do

One of my favorite paths is the Shining Sea Bikeway, which runs from North Falmouth all the way to Woods Hole (where you can catch the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard). You can rent bicycles at Corner Cycle and access the bike path nearby. Alternatively, pack a picnic and hike out to The Knob in West Falmouth to watch the sunset. Falmouth also hosts a fun Farmer’s Market on Thursday afternoons in the summer, which is a great place to pick up some yummy picnic treats or an afternoon snack.

Image copyright Bethany Peterson

Where to Dine

Moonakis Cafe is the best breakfast I’ve ever had. The cafe is small and gets busy quickly in peak season, so get there early or be prepared to wait for a little. The wait is worth it, though, I can tell you! It’s also cash only, so plan accordingly.

For a mid-morning or afternoon snack, Maison Villatte French patisserie has the yummiest baked goods and treats.

For lunch, go to The Raw Bar, Mashpee. If you plan to try a lobster roll while on the Cape, this is where you’ll get the best one. It’s first come, first serve, and the eating area is small, so, again, be prepared for a wait. It’s very casual dining (picnic tables and benches), but the reason you go is for the food, and it is good! Lobster rolls are pricey at $28, but they are also big so you might want to split one between two if you go.

Image copyright Bethany Peterson

For lunch or dinner, ESTIA, Mashpee has really yummy Greek food. Try the Greek Burger; definitely one of the best burgers I’ve ever had! Make a reservation for dinner. Bleu, Mashpee has delicious French food. I think I love every single thing on this menu—just amazing. Ask for the pomme frites. They’re not on the menu, but the chef will make them for you. Best French fries you will ever taste! Also, try their signature martinis. Their espresso martini is my personal fave. They have a live Jazz band on Sunday afternoons, so make sure to make a reservation for brunch! For dinner, The Glass Onion, Falmouth is quite fancy and has a delicious menu; there’s something for everyone. It’s best to make a reservation, too.

 

Mid Cape

Where to Stay

If you’re heading to the mid cape, I would recommend The Captain David Kelley House, a charming little B&B located in the center of Centerville.

Image copyright Bethany Peterson

What to Do

Walk or take a short drive to Craigville Beach for a beach day and stop off at Four Seas Ice Cream for a quick treat on your way back. Hands down the best ice cream you will ever taste! The town of Dennis is home to Cape Cod’s theatre, so you might want to book a play at the Cape Playhouse while you’re there, too. To see a list of their upcoming events, take a look here. Or check out the Cape Cod Melody tent in Hyannis for upcoming music events.

Image copyright Bethany Peterson

Where to Dine

For breakfast or lunch, Earthly Delights, Osterville has breakfast smoothies and sandwiches; perfect for a quick bite on the go. The Sea Street Cafe, Hyannis has amazingly yummy breakfasts and lunches. Great service! Crisp, Osterville has really delicious Italian food; I especially recommend the pizza! This is such a fun spot with outdoor dining, an outdoor bar, a fire pit, and even a ping-pong table! Always has a great ambience.

Image copyright Bethany Peterson

Lower Cape

Where to Stay / What to Do

If you’re looking for a great place to stay in the Chatham area, I’d recommend the Chatham Inn at 359 Main. It’s just a short stroll to Lighthouse Beach, or take a walk to the Chatham Lighthouse, a beautiful lighthouse that overlooks the ‘Chatham Bars’ sandbars.

Pick up fish and chips at the Chatham Pier Fish Market. This is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the hundreds of seals that migrate here every year. Ever watched the movie Jaws?! The movie was filmed not far away on Martha’s Vineyard. With hundreds of migrating seals, these seals bring sharks, and there are shark sightings here every year, so if you’re hoping to see a Cape Cod shark, you just might be in luck!

Outer Cape

Where to Stay / What to Do

If you’re heading to the Outer Cape, you have to visit one of my favorite Cape Cod towns: Provincetown. Provincetown is a quaint, little seaside town at the tip of the island, full of charm and character. Stay at The White Porch Inn in the center of town and walk down P-Town’s main street (Commercial Street), bustling with shops, bars and restaurants. Stop off at the Pilgrim Monument, the tallest all granite structure in the U.S., and climb to the top for great views of Provincetown and beyond. The Provincetown Museum is also located at the bottom of the monument if you’re looking to take in a little of Provincetown’s history and culture.

Where to Dine

For lunch, Bubala’s By The Bay, Provincetown is a very casual place for lunch with great food! For lunch or dinner, The Chatham Bars Inn has a host of restaurants. I especially love The Beach House for lunch. It has outdoor dining overlooking the ocean. Jimmy’s Hideaway is a cozy, little restaurant with great ambience and great food. It only seats about 25 people, so make a reservation for dinner!

 

Martha’s Vineyard

Where to Stay

There are three main towns to see on Martha’s Vineyard: Edgartown, Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, each offering its own charm. If you decide to stay a night on the Vineyard, I would recommend The Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown, which has great views of The Edgartown Lighthouse and Vineyard Sound.

Image copyright Bethany Peterson

What to Do

If you’re looking to head to the Vineyard for the day, the ferry from Woods Hole runs regularly and is inexpensive for foot passengers. It costs about $8 per person. You can bring a bicycle on board, or you can rent one at the other end. If you want to take your car over, that’s a little trickier. You often have to make a reservation well in advance, and taking a car over is expensive, maybe around $160 round trip. If you do decide to bring a bike or rent one at the other end, it’s a great way to see Martha’s Vineyard. The island has a really good (and very inexpensive) bus system, which allows you to bring your bike on board (they attach the bikes to the front of the bus), and the buses stop off regularly in each of the island’s towns.

Take a trip to Menemsha to see the most spectacular sunset, and stop off at the Menemsha Fish Market for the best quahog you’ll ever eat! Bike ride through Oak Bluffs to see the pretty painted ‘Gingerbread Cottages’, or take the Chappaquiddick ferry over to Chappy (as the locals call it), a small, 2-minute ferry ride, which will take you to Martha’s Vineyard’s neighboring island for a peaceful, scenic bike ride. Book a sailboat excursion with Catboat Charters for a private sailboat cruise through Katama Bay, past the Edgartown Lighthouse, and along the shore of Chappaquiddick. Also, don’t forget to jump off the Jaws Bridge before you go home… it’s kind of a Martha’s Vineyard tradition!

Where to Dine

For breakfast, go to Among The Flowers, Edgartown. For lunch, Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company, Oak Bluffs is where you’ll get the best clam chowder. The Seafood Shanty, Edgartown is a great outdoor place to eat and for a view of the Edgartown harbor. For dinner, go to Chesca’s, Edgartown.

Image copyright Bethany Peterson

 

Bethany Peterson is the curator of the Miss Bethany Kate blog, which captures the day-to-day life of her family, as well as her thoughts, inspirations, and personal style. The 28-year-old mother of one married the love of her life and moved from England to the USA in 2010 to start a life. She studied for a degree in fashion and loves spending time near the water in the summertime.

The post Weekend Getaway: Cape Cod, MA appeared first on Face Forward.

Weekend Getaway: Austin, TX

Austin, Texas Insider Tips

By Miranda Anderson, Blogger & Austin Local

When we moved to Austin three years ago, I could never have imagined how hard and fast I would fall for this city. Not only is the weather beautiful most of the year, enabling an active outdoor culture, but it also has much to offer in amazing food, cool activities, great local shopping, and an overall super hip vibe. This list could be never-ending, but I’ve tried to collect some of my very favorite spots to stay, eat and play for you to enjoy on your next visit!

STAY

Hotel Saint Cecilia is the queen bee of cool hotels in Austin, located in the heart of South Congress. The iconic hotel is complete with private grounds and the Instagram-famous SOUL pool. The rooms are a bit pricey, so this is a great one for a splurge.

Image copyright Miranda Anderson

Kimber Modern offers clean lines, thoughtfully designed modern decor, and great location along South Congress. It is one of Austin’s premier boutique hotels and would be a fun place to call home on your stay.

Hotel San Jose is a lush, bungalow-style hotel also along the bustling South Congress Avenue. In addition to the mid-century industrial Texan decor, the hotel offers a full calendar of events, so you’re always sure to be in the happening spot.

 

EAT

South Congress Café has my favorite brunch in town. This little place fills up quickly so go early to get a seat. I always order the migas, but have been tempted by the carrot cake French toast as well. The cafe’s location right along South Congress Avenue shopping district makes it a perfect place to start the day.

Elizabeth St. Café has the best ramen and banh mi around, not to mention their amazing French pastries. (Tuck a couple into your bag for a late-night snack!)

Contigo on the patio is a great way to spend dinner. You’ll get your fill of fresh air, fried green beans and the best farmhouse burger in town. All charcuterie is made in house, and the vibe can’t be beat.

Hillside Farmacy is a picturesque, little cafe on the East side, serving up delicious food all day. It is the original site of one of the first pharmacies in the area, and it has an on-theme drink menu of cocktails and house-made sodas to match.

Torchy’s Tacos started as a single food truck and has expanded to brick-and-mortar locations in 14 cities. The original truck down on South First Street is still my favorite. I love the green chile pork, but everything is good. And the queso can’t be missed.

Image copyright Miranda Anderson

Stiles Switch is the best place to get great barbeque without a long line, and I’ll happily take my girlfriends there anytime. Plus, the mac and cheese is great, and I am very much a mac and cheese gal.

Josephine House is great anytime, but for brunch, it’s especially delightful. I choose the lemon ricotta pancakes, and we can share the fresh fruit and honey with burrata.

Walton’s Fancy and Staple was one of my first favorite spots downtown, and it remains high on the list. This Sandra-Bullock-owned cafe and floral shop serves up great salads and sandwiches for lunch, and grab a golden egg for dessert. It’s delightful.

Bananarchy food truck is one of the best when you’re craving a cold treat. You’ll get a frozen dipped banana rolled in all of your favorite toppings. I always go for chocolate with toffee and coconut. And, fair warning, you’ll crave them when you’ve returned back home.

Patrizi’s food truck serves house-made pasta to order every day of the week. The bruschetta appetizer is a great way to enjoy the short wait for your delicious, fresh food, and if you’re lucky, there will be live music playing on the patio while you eat.

Voodoo Doughnut is a new late-night fixture in Austin, serving up fresh doughnuts 24 hours a day. Skip the fancy-topped styles and try the Mango Tango or Ain’t That A Peach Fritter, which are both fresh, fruity and delicious.

 

PLAY

Barton Springs Pool is a natural swimming hole and an Austin staple. It is the most refreshing way to beat the heat in the summer, though the pool is open for swimming all year round!

Image copyright Miranda Anderson

Stand-Up Paddleboard out on Town Lake, cruising down to see the beautiful skyline from the water, is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the city.

BCycle easy bike rental has stops all around town. You can grab a bike and return it to any stop within 30 minutes, switching up and sightseeing all day long. One great place to ride is along Lady Bird Lake trail. It goes on for miles, with lots of fun people and duck-watching along the way.

The “Greetings from Austin” mural is like an initiation into your visit to the city. If you love it, feel free to visit any of the many, many other murals around town!

Image copyright Miranda Anderson

UMLAUF Sculpture Gardens is a hidden gem in the city. I love wandering in the shaded grounds, chatting with friends as we check out the gorgeous sculptures. And as a bonus, the museum is free all summer long.

Historic walking tours are a fun way to get some Austin culture, wandering through some of the city’s oldest beautiful buildings. If you’d rather ride, the Segway tour is one of the most fun and hilarious things I’ve done in downtown.

The Hideout Theatre is a great place to catch an improv act. They’re on twice nightly on the weekends, and you can go early and enjoy some old-school tea and checkers in the cafe while you wait for the show.

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, where the highest tipper gets to choose the next song. Even if you sit back and listen to others’ requests, you’re sure to hear some old favorites, and the energy is contagious.

 

Miranda Anderson is a maker, designer, blogger, foodie, and adventurer. In addition to sharing regular inspiration for living a simple, creative life on her blog One Little Minute, she also hosts regular craft and sewing workshops in Austin, TX, where she loves living with her husband, three wild children, and the family dog. She’s always working on three different projects, planning the next family vacation, and is on the hunt for the next best food truck.

The post Weekend Getaway: Austin, TX appeared first on Face Forward.

Weekend Getaway: Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs Getaway Insider Tips

By Annette Vartanian, Blogger & SoCal Local

I’ve been enjoying getaways in Palm Springs since before I could walk. These early trips taught me the fine art of relaxation, the importance of good food, the value of making time for vintage shopping, and how to appreciate great architecture. If a girls’ weekend called for a recipe, then all of these ingredients make for the perfect getaway. Once a haven for Hollywood’s Rat Pack, Palm Springs is now home to stylish boutique hotels, hip eateries, and a super-cool bar and pool scene. There are a lot of trendy places to stay, eat, and see in Palm Springs, but it’s the lesser-known spots that make a weekend getaway with the girls even better.

These are my recommendations for a weekend that pays homage to the art of a girls’ getaway.

Where to Stay

Korakia Pensione: This Moroccan-meets-Mediterranean-style resort oozes relaxation and serves as the perfect backdrop to reconnect with the girls. The extra-large suites and villas are great for a small group, and the lush grounds are a great place to enjoy some quiet time. This is my favorite hotel to escape to when all I need is some quiet time with my girls.

The Amado: For a place that’s designed for a more celebratory getaway (read: bachelorette party), the Amado combines all the benefits of a boutique hotel with the comforts of a private residence. It’s a great spot for a larger group, as you can rent individual suites or all 6 suites on the property.

 

Where to Brunch

Cheeky’s: There’s always a wait to snag a table at Cheeky’s so it’s definitely not a secret spot, but the seasonal breakfast and brunch menu is well worth the wait. The secret to getting a table faster at Cheeky’s? Try Friday and Saturday brunch in lieu of Sunday brunch, and your taste buds will thank you. Always go for the bacon flight, French toast and agua fresca!

 

Where to Dine

Rooster and the Pig: For a low-key dinner, Rooster and the Pig is a delicious Asian-fusion restaurant tucked in a discreet corner of a strip mall. What this place lacks in charm, it makes up in its culinary offerings. Order a little bit of everything to share around the table, and enjoy a cocktail before heading out for drinks.

Workshop: Workshop brings a bit of Los Angeles to the desert with delectable dishes and an ultra-stylish interior. It’s to place to see and be seen on a Saturday night with the girls.

Bernie’s Lounge and Supper Club: Bernie’s combines the allure of a 60s lounge with a modern menu. I recommend this place, as it features a trendy dinner menu with a side of 60s nostalgia—complete with live entertainment!

Great Shakes: As the name indicates, this is the place to get the best shakes in town. Great Shakes features a giant wall menu filled with traditional and adventurous shakes and flavors.  Every shake is topped with homemade whipped cream and a mini doughnut on the straw! If you’re anything like me (someone who eats ice cream for a meal), then this is worth battling the crowds in Downtown Palm Springs.

 

Where to Drink

Hacienda Cantina & Beach Club: The Hacienda Cantina & Beach Club features live DJ music, an outdoor bar and cabanas for a truly decadent pool-party scene. If you’re celebrating with the girls, then gather everyone together and spend Sunday afternoon at Hacienda to round out the weekend.

Birba: Birba is located right next door to the famous Cheeky’s. The open patio is the perfect place to unwind with an aperitif after a long day and before heading out to dinner. The lounge seating around the patio ensures you’ll make fast friends with the people sitting next to you—one of the many things I love about Palm Springs.

Bootlegger Tiki: Bootlegger Tiki is in the Uptown Design District and is a super cool experience in itself. It serves up the best fruity cocktails in town and is a great place to ring in the evening with the girls.

 

Where to Relax

Elements Spa at Hilton Hotel: Palm Springs has a lot of spas, but Elements is the only place that will leave you feeling completely relaxed after your treatment and throughout the whole weekend. The Eucalyptus-infused steam room and the Swiss shower are unparalleled and make me wish every weekend was a girls’ getaway. This is my go-to spa spot on every trip—a girl just can’t turn down a Eucalyptus-infused steam room!

At the Pool: The simple act of lounging by the pool and drinking a refreshing cucumber water is relaxing. Make time to enjoy the pool with a good book or calming tunes. The Korakia tops my list, as their pool scene is uber calming and makes me feel like I don’t have a single worry in the world.

 

Image Copyright A Vintage Splendor

Image Copyright A Vintage Splendor

Image Copyright A Vintage Splendor

What to Do

Neighborhood Tour: Borrow a bike from the hotel or rent one at BIKE Palm Springs, and hit the town. Ride through the Movie Colony and Sunnylands neighborhoods to see the creme de la creme of midcentury modern homes. Swing by the Canyon Country Club area to spot a variety of colorful homes, including #thatpinkdoor! Not only will you work out your senses, but also those glutes as you ride street to street.

Vintage Shopping: You can’t make a trip to Palm Springs without doing some vintage shopping. Some trips to the desert with my girlfriends are designed for the very act of vintage shopping. Dazzles is a must-see, as it has a colorful selection of glassware, jewelry and rattan furniture. The store is a feast for the eyes. The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five carry a varied selection of post-modern furniture and accessories, as well as new and vintage art, vintage jewelry and clothing. The swanky font on the exterior of the building is begging to be Instgrammed. Finally, the Palm Canyon Galleria is an arcade of shops located in Downtown Palm Springs that showcases midcentury decor, including furniture, sculptures, art, ceramics, jewelry and books. Try not to spend an entire day here, which is difficult, as there is so much good design to look at.

Image Copyright A Vintage Splendor

Image Copyright A Vintage Splendor

Thrifting in Palm Springs. | Image Copyright A Vintage Splendor

“Dive-in” Movie: This is a new to-do in Palm Springs, but definitely fun for a girls’ getaway.  ARRIVE hotel features a “dive-in” movie on Thursdays. It’s free and open to non-hotel guests; it’s a great place to catch a flick, have a drink and dip in the pool.

Moorten Botanical Garden: Moorten is a tranquil botanical garden with thousands of cacti and other spiny desert plants. Need a succulent or two for your place? This place has it all, plus it makes for a great Instagram photo op!

If you’re anything like me, you won’t get enough of this sunshine-drenched desert oasis. My take on it? Don’t fight the urge to plan a girls’ getaway on a regular basis. Palm Springs is calling you!

 

Annette Vartanian is the curator behind the A Vintage Splendor blog. Known for her sophisticated meets vintage style, Annette has a distinct eye for the ever evolving mix of new with old and classic meets eclectic. A Vintage Splendor aims to inspire the everyday woman with elevated yet approachable style: whether it’s the frocks hanging in her closet, décor gracing her home, or a cocktail soirée needing that je ne sais quoi.

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How to Practice Yoga Anytime Anywhere

By Natalie Zimmerman, Certified Yoga Instructor

Many people love yoga but don’t practice because they can’t carve out time for a daily yoga class.  Yet one of the wonderful things about yoga is that you don’t need much time, other people or elaborate equipment to make it part of your day.

Here’s a tutorial to show you how easy it is to create a daily practice from some of the basic building block poses you know from yoga class. You can practice 3-5 rounds of Surya Namaskar A, or sun salutation A in 10 minutes. This asana works the whole body and heats the muscles and the joints. This can be done right when you wake up or throughout the day as you find time.

Begin by taking a deep breath in and a slow release out of your nose. In yoga you always breathe in and out of your nose and this part of the practice is called ujjayi breathing.
Come to the front of your mat. Root down through all four points of your feet and lift all four sides of your torso. Take a deep breath in through your nose and lift your arms over your head. Wrap your outer arms in while you reach tall toward the ceiling. Draw the shoulders away from the neck.
Exhale out of the nose and sweep your arms down your sides and bend forward over your legs to a standing forward bend. Reach your arms down toward the ground in front of your toes. Extend the front of the body, while you round the back of your back and allow the head to hang freely. Release the tension in the neck. Engage the inner thigh muscles, and press the thighs back, stretching the hamstrings.
Inhale, place your hands to your shins and come half way up with a long spine. Lengthen the sternum away from the navel.
You will then come into plank pose by placing one hand down flat to the ground, then the other. Step your feet straight back coming to plank pose, lining up your wrists underneath your shoulders with the hands shoulder width apart and your feet hip width apart. Lift up through the thighs and press back through the heels.
Exhale, come forward a little, keeping your low belly up and your neck long. The forearms are perpendicular to the floor and your hands are alongside the ribs. Reach your chest forward as you lower all the way down to the ground coming in to a low cobra pose.
Hug your elbows in toward your ribs and press the top of your feet down, pressing all ten toes down on the mat, even the baby toes. Continue to press evenly through your hands and widen your fingers. Bring your chest through your arms, as if someone was pulling you from your sternum. Curl your toes, press up to plank pose and exhale back into downward facing dog pose (pictured below). Make sure your wrists are parallel to the front of the mat and your feet are hip distance apart. Hold it here for five deep slow breaths in and out of the nose. Press down through the hands and engage the triceps. Keep the ears in line with the arms. Spread wide across the collarbones. Continue to breathe, long even breaths. Draw the pelvis back away from the shoulders and reach the heels down. They don’t need to touch the ground, but that is the direction you are working toward.

Downward Facing Dog Pose

On the last exhale, step your feet up in between your hands and inhale, placing the hands to the shins, lengthening your spine forward. Length all four sides of the neck. Exhale, fold down and let your head hang. Coming up with a long spine, inhale, sweep your arms along the sides and reach your arms up overhead. Place your hands together as you look up. Exhale and bring your hands down by your sides. Then press your palms together and bring them to your chest. Take a slow even breathe in and out of your nose.

Before heading to yoga I spray Hydrating Toner on my face. It has a refreshing spa-like smell, which instantly puts me into a relaxed state of mind and ready for class. I also apply Renewing Eye Cream to refresh the eyes and keep me alert on my mat. After class I wash my face with Daily Cleansing Foam and apply my favorite treatment product, moisturizer and eye cream again. Right now I’m loving Advanced Active Radiance Serum and Perfecting Day Cream, followed with Essential-C Eye Cream. If I take a class in the evening the products in my regimen change a bit, but it always consists of cleansing, toning, treating and moisturizing.

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Weekend Getaway: Napa Valley, CA

Napa Getaway Insider Tips

By Meghan Roxas, Blogger & Napa Local

I have said it once and I will say it again, it’s such a blessing to have a beautiful city, such as Napa, in your own backyard. It’s not hard to have a holiday at home when there is so much to do. Sure, there are plenty of wineries to enjoy, but there is so much more to Napa than just grapes. So, I have compiled a list of things I like to do while in Napa!

Redd Wood

I probably come here once a month because it’s one of my favorite pizza spots. While there are other great places to eat, this is definitely my favorite for casual dining. The service is outstanding, and the food is amazing. The pizza reminds me of the pies I had in Italy. Nothing but fresh, quality ingredients. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, my boyfriend loves getting the chicken dish. Don’t forget to try their jalapeno-infused Moscow mule. It gives the cocktail a real kick.

Image copyright Beyond Basic

Andaz

If you want a hip and trendy hotel, get a room at the Andaz. You may even end up never leaving! This is the spot where young locals love to grab a cocktail or two. The lobby bar is full of life and, on occasion, there is live music. Also, their outdoor bar has fire pits where you can sit around and have a more intimate conversation. The rooms are ultra modern and roomy. This is one of the newer hotels in the Downtown Napa location.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

There’s no better way to view Napa Valley than from the edge of a balloon. Hovering over 1,000 feet in the air, you will get amazing 360-degree views of the entire valley. For those who are not as daring, it’s still a sight to see all the balloons take off from the launch area.

Farmer’s Market

One of my absolute favorite things to do on a Saturday morning is to grab a cup of coffee and head over to the Napa Valley Farmer’s Market. It’s always good to support the community by purchasing locally grown produce straight from the source.

Oxbow

I love going to Oxbow Public Market. They have a lot of great artisan eats and treats. If you’re a cheese freak (like myself), head over to their cheese section for a great selection of artisan cheeses. And if you’re having trouble picking just one, get anything by Cowgirl Creamery. You cannot go wrong!

Hiking

If you live a more active lifestyle, Napa has plenty to offer. Take a hike at Skyline Wilderness Park. Some of the trails at Skyline can be challenging, but there is a beautiful lake to enjoy, campgrounds, and a native plant garden, too. For a dog-friendly area, head on over to Alston Park. My dog Darla loves it. It’s off leash, has plenty of space for dogs to run around, and is surrounded by a nearby vineyard.

Bike tours

Love taking a spin? Why not take a ride around the vineyards! It’s a great way to see Napa. There are plenty of bike tours available, but if you’re new to the area, I highly suggest a guided tour.

Live music

Napa is home to BottleRock, a 3-day music, wine and food festival. It happens once a year toward the end of May. There are also great musical acts at the Uptown Theatre in Downtown Napa. Also, there are summer concerts at Robert Mondavi Winery.

If you have been to Napa, let me know in the comments what your favorite spots are in the valley.

 

Image copyright Beyond Basic

Meghan is the face behind the Beyond Basic lifestyle blog. She grew up right outside of Napa and goes quite often to visit her family and play tourist. She currently lives outside of San Francisco with her boyfriend and little dog, Darla. During the day, she manages her online business and works in marketing and events in San Francisco.

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Beauty Advice from Mom

Mother knows best, right? Did you ask your mom for any beauty tips when you were growing up? The best beauty advice is not always found in glossy magazines, but instead, from the women who created us. Our moms are our first teachers, after all.

Here are the top 5 beauty tips we learned from our moms.

Wear sunblock. Mom always said, “Do not even think about leaving the house without sunblock on.” This is one of most important things you can do for your skin. Our Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++ is a powerful, antioxidant-rich daily moisturizer. It helps protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays and free-radical damage, while improving skin’s radiance, firmness, and elasticity. And don’t forget this important tip from mom: “Always wear a hat when outdoors.”
Use a good moisturizer. This is another vital beauty tip that moms swear by. If your skin isn’t moisturized properly, it can dry out, and this will result in premature aging. Our bestselling Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture is a luxurious, yet lightweight, cream that provides 24-hour hydration to restore suppleness and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Mom’s pro tip: Apply it to a clean face in gentle, upward, circular motions.
Never skip washing your face. As mom liked to remind us, “Always wash your face before bed, no matter how tired you are!” Our Essential-C Cleanser uses Vitamins A, C and E to neutralize and rehydrate skin by removing impurities. Another option is Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, an intensive cleanser that polishes away dull skin and impurities with 3 exfoliating agents—Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid—revealing a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
Give the eye area some love. Mom always said, “Get plenty of sleep,” but when that’s just not possible, choose a powerful eye treatment to refresh the eye area. The delicate eye area is especially vulnerable to the signs of aging, and fine lines can start popping up in your early 20s. Our Renewing Eye Cream is a multi-active anti-aging treatment for the eye area that firms, brightens and hydrates to minimize the appearance of lines and dark circles. You’ll also see diminished puffiness for a brighter, illuminated eye area.
With wrinkles, prevention is key. Mom always showed us that it’s never too early to start the inevitable fight against wrinkles. If you want to stay ahead of the aging game, add a powerful treatment to your regimen. Advanced Active Radiance® Serum is a fast-acting treatment that boosts radiance and reverses visible signs of aging. If you start using this in your 20s, it will help keep dark spots at bay. This serum also helps to improve brightness, clarity and radiance.

Another valuable piece of advice from mom: “Make time for yourself every now and then.” Get a professional facial every month. You’re never too young to start getting into the habit of taking some time out for yourself and having your skin treated by a professional esthetician.

The post Beauty Advice from Mom appeared first on Face Forward.

Skin Cancer is Color-Blind

We talk a lot on the blog about the importance of wearing SPF. This is especially true as we head into the hot summer months. With over 2 million people diagnosed annually, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we also want to spread the word that skin cancer is color-blind.

While Caucasians are the primary victims of skin cancer, everyone—regardless of skin color—can develop skin cancer. Yes, it’s true that darker skin pigment contains more melanin, which helps protect skin from harmful rays, but people with darker skin are not immune to skin cancer.

Melanoma is many times more common in Caucasians (1 in 50) than in African Americans (1 in 1,000) or Hispanics (1 in 200). But the danger for people of color is greater. The five-year survival rate for African Americans is 73 percent, compared with 91 percent for Caucasians. That difference is usually linked to later diagnosis and treatment. Doctors caution that it’s not a disease that should be ignored.

In one of the most notable cases of skin cancer, reggae legend Bob Marley discovered a type of malignant melanoma under the nail of one of his toes. The cancer spread to Marley’s lungs and brain, causing his death at the age of 36.

The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer if it’s caught early. So everyone—no matter their skin color—should be wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection daily, getting checked by a dermatologist yearly, and doing skin self-checks monthly, looking carefully at the soles of the feet, palms, fingernails, toenails, mouth, groin and buttocks.

Here are some more sun-safety tips:

Seek shade whenever possible.

• Wear sun-protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

• Avoid tanning beds.

• Apply an SPF formula of at least 30 to all exposed areas of the skin 15-to-30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 90 minutes when outdoors, after swimming or sweating.

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Road Trip Tips and Skincare Essentials

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to think about gassing up the car and driving wherever your heart desires. Road trips are all about freedom, friends and adventure. No stress allowed. Picture yourself behind the wheel: your hair is blowing in the wind, your favorite music is playing and you’re creating memories to last a lifetime.

Are you ready to hit the open road? Here are some tips for a fun and fulfilling road trip:

Pack the Essentials

We’re talking healthy snacks, your favorite music and directions to your destinations. We also recommend bringing Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++. Here’s why we love this product for a road trip: Invisiblur Perfecting Shield blends together treatment, primer and SPF to blur and protect while combating signs of aging. It gives your face an airbrushed look, smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and pores and “blurring” imperfections—no makeup required. Your skin will look flawless in all those pictures you’re going to take! Because who wants to wear makeup on a road trip anyway?

Rest and Rejuvenate

After driving all day, a good night’s sleep is essential. You don’t want to have puffy eyes on your journey. We also recommend packing our Eye Lift Firming Treatment. This eye treatment instantly lifts, firms and visibly reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles (again, good for those photo ops). The result is a youthfully smooth, “filled” appearance. This is also great to have on hand to keep you looking fresh if you’re feeling a little sleep deprived.

Enjoy the Scenery

One of the best things about road trips is that you can find a beautiful spot, jump out of the car and explore. But remember, an SPF moisturizer and a hat are absolute necessities. We recommend our bestselling Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++. This is an antioxidant-rich moisturizer that shields and revitalizes your skin. It’s made to help protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays and free-radical damage, while improving radiance, firmness, and elasticity.

Road trips can be some of the most exciting, cost-effective and flexible types of vacations out there—a big contrast to trips that require plane tickets, detailed itineraries and a lot of cash. So leave the stress behind, pack up the car and hit the road. Have fun, and drive safely.

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Live Younger: Change your relationship with stress

Natural stress has helped to shape us as modern humans. Our hardwired response to stress makes us more alert so that we are better able to protect ourselves from danger and more focused so that we can complete tasks necessary to survive and thrive. The challenge we face today is learning to respond to an entirely different kind of stress we call Cultural Stress®—the constant and unrelenting stress that is a byproduct of the exponential increase in the complexity of our daily lives.

The last twenty years have brought an unprecedented acceleration in technology, higher expectations of us in every realm of our lives from work to family to community, and less and less time to take care of ourselves. Our connections to others have grown increasingly virtual and our social isolation has grown increasingly real. Time to sleep has become the ultimate luxury.

Cultural Stress is so deeply woven into the fabric of our lives, we don’t even notice it—until we look in the mirror and see the damage it is doing.

Lines and wrinkles of premature aging are visible signs, but Cultural Stress ages every cell in our body. We cannot change or eliminate Cultural Stress. But we can change our relationship to stress to blunt its aging impact. We can choose to live younger.

When you were young, you had a strong sense of self, you were in touch with your passions, you weren’t trying to be someone else, you didn’t judge yourself harshly and you were the most important person in your life. Living younger means recovering your natural resilience by reclaiming the joy of play and recapturing the vital energy that comes from understanding and celebrating your own worth.

Murad helps you live younger by activating youth through cellular hydration and by reinforcing all the healthy connections that are the hallmarks of a happier, healthier and more beautiful life.

The post Live Younger: Change your relationship with stress appeared first on Face Forward.

The New Cult Classic: Eye Lift Firming Treatment

Beauty experts are raving about Eye Lift Firming Treatment, our professional-strength treatment that infuses the delicate eye area with exclusive, proprietary surface-filling and firming technologies that instantly lift, firm and visibly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Here’s what everyone is saying:

“Murad Professional Eye Lift Firming Treatment comes with ingenious patches that help push in wrinkle-filling hyaluronic acid and firming polymers.”

– Katie Becker, Beauty Editor at Harper’s Bazaar

“It did have some of the most impactful results I’ve seen yet—and I’ve been around the block. This baby is a keeper!”

– Stephanie Mark, Marketing Director & Co-Founder at The Coveteur

“This is a must-have for jet-setters, mature skin, and party girls. It’s an instantly noticeable fix for dehydrated, tired eyes.”

— Brandie Hopstein, Celebrity Makeup Artist

 

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Eye Lift Firming Treatment

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The post The New Cult Classic: Eye Lift Firming Treatment appeared first on Face Forward.