• Garden,  Oregon,  Wine Tasting

    A Visit to Stave and Stone Winery and Hood River Lavender Farms

    Spend the afternoon at a lavender farm and a winery all in one place in the beautiful Hood River valley. July is the perfect month to visit Stave and Stone Winery when the lavender is at it’s peak at Hood River Lavender right next door! Wander Around in the Lavender Fields Besides enjoying the scent of lavender as you walk around the farm, you can also purchase lavender at their U-Cut garden to take home with you. The cost is $14 per bunch. Hood River Lavender Farms is also a great place to stock up on lavender oil, soaps and lotions as well as culinary lavender and candles. While you’re…

  • Hecita Head Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
    Oregon,  Road Trips,  Travel

    A Night at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

      The Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast is a magical place nestled in the hillside of the Oregon Coast. The keeper’s house was built over 100 years ago. A lighthouse keeper operated the Fresnel Lens from 1894 until the 1930s when electricity became available. As a result, the lighthouse was automated and the keeper was no longer needed. Consequently, the house was sold for the unbelievable price of just $10! Many years later, in 1995, it was converted to a bed and breakfast. Enjoy Your Stay The welcome drink pairs nicely with the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from the front porch. Grab a blanket, cozy up in an…

  • 10 Essentials for your outdoor adventures
    Guides,  Hiking Adventures,  Hiking Guides,  Oregon,  Travel

    10 Essentials for Hiking and Adventuring

    What are the 10 Essentials for Hiking and Adventuring? The 10 Essentials is a list of items for outdoor adventurers to keep on hand in case of an outdoor emergency. This list originated in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based adventure group. It contained specific supplies to bring in your pack to increase your odds of survival should an emergency arise. The list included a map, compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, headlamp/flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife and extra food. The original list has evolved over the years but the basic systems needed for survival remain an important part of outdoor emergency preparedness. Options for outdoor gear…

  • 7 Dresses I wore in Cabo
    Mexico,  Style,  Travel

    Great Outfits to Wear in Cabo Throughout the Year

    Just a few short weeks ago I was busy putting together my wardrobe for our anniversary get-away to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Cabo is one of our favorite places in the world. I was looking forward to walks on the beach, laying in the sun, and having all kinds of new adventures! The following post contains all the fun details of what I wore in Cabo! Amazon to the Rescue As you can imagine not many local stores carry sun dresses and summer tops in January, so I began to look online. Even my favorite online shops were still featuring sweaters and pants. After I got some preliminary ideas from…

  • Smokey Bear Gift Guide
    Favorite Things,  Gifts

    Smokey Bear Gift Guide

    I grew up hearing Smokey Bear commercials advocating for responsible campfires. I can still hear him say in his deep bear voice “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.” It was a campaign with lasting message that urged kids not to play with matches and urged adults to put out any campfires they make. This year on August 9, Smokey Bear turned 75 years old. He’s lookin’ pretty good I’d say! What birthday would be complete without some gifts?  In honor of Smokey the Bear turning 75 this year, I created a quick gift guide with great ideas for anyone who loves Smokey Bear as much as I do! I had…