Tag Archive | beach

Savvy Curls with Kathleen Shelfer

The Savvy Curls new commercial is out.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

If you would like to purchase a Savvy Curls Curling Headband, please contact me here or go to…

http://www.SavvyCurls.com, but don’t forget to use my Client Code for your discount and to link you directly to me.

Client Code: kats1 (all lower case)

I can’t wait to see your results!  🙂

xo

A Sweet Sunday

Today was a good day.  It stated out with watching a couple of episodes of Orange is the New Black in bed. Relaxing and easing into the day.

About 9:30 I rolled out of bed, washed my face, brushed my teeth, moisturized, brushed my hair, then threw on some clothes. Down the stairs I went. Had an apple and gathered my things to head out with my family to the beach.

Sunday is the rest of my families day to hang out with the guys and the kids.  They’ve done soccer, ultimate frisbee and now they are on to beach volleyball. It’s a joy to watch them all gather, join teams and play for fun.  All of the laughter and smiles on their faces makes me so happy inside.  I truly enjoy watching them on Sundays.

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After a bit of watching the guys, my friend, Laura, and I walked over to Armida’s tasting room for a little wine tasting. It’s always a treat, both the wine and the wonderful company.

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After some wine tasting and great conversation, I made my short trek back home.  I had some wonder food to prepare.

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Today I made Falafel’s, Garlic Hummus, Basil Pesto and Mint Garlic Pesto. All from scratch. Everything turned out beautiful.  Super yummy too.

We had the Falafel’s and some of the hummus for dinner. I’ll use both of the pesto’s this week with my meals. Yum! 🙂

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I baked a batch and also friend a batch.  I wanted to be able to compare them.

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Garlic Hummus

Garlic Hummus

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Basil Pine Nut Pesto

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Mint Basil Cashew Pesto

By the way… the hummus came out kick-ass! Maybe I should rename it, Kathleen’s Kick-Ass Garlic Hummus? Ha! 🙂

xo

Tonights Beauty

I set out with my family this evening to try and catch the beautiful Eclipse and Red Moon, but the marine layer had something else in mind. We waited, but were still not able to see the moon.

While waiting I walked down to the shore and was able to capture a few beautiful photos of the sun setting. Unfortunately, something has gone haywire with the setting in my Camera, so I opted to take a few with my iPhone. I’m just happy they came out as well as they did.

I hope you enjoy.

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After I got home my Niece sent me a quick text and told me that she could see the moon out a bit now. I headed out to the balcony. I’m so happy that I was able to catch the tail end of the eclipse. It is so beautiful. Again, unfortunately, I had to capture a few with me iPhone. I suppose it’s better than nothing.

Here are a couple that I was able to capture.

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Good night!  🙂

xo

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

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Sunday…

I woke up feeling great! I cleaned myself up and headed out the door. I was on a mission to see some friends that are such beautiful souls.

My friend Dele was doing the Surf City AIDS Ride. Esplanade Park, in the Capitola Village, close to where I live, was the first stop on their map.

I loved cheering on the riders and they came in. Then here came Dele and her friend, Richard. Woo hoo!!! Right on riders!IMG_6068
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Can you believe that she was doing 65 miles that day?! Isn’t that just amazing!  She has done the AIDS Ride several times as well.  I am just so proud of what she does for others.  Constantly!  She is always an inspiration to me.

As for Kristofer, he will be doing the AIDS ride for his first time coming up.  I am so proud of his will and the endeavors he pursues.  Another true inspiration! For sure!

What a wonderful way to start my day.  Also, to set the tone for the rest of my week. 🙂

Monday…

After dropping the kiddos at school I came home, made myself a little breakfast, then took off for a walk. Headphones on, hit play on the podcast and off I went.

I never get bored walking around my home.  So many beautiful things to look at.  So many different paths to take.  Every single one of the breathtaking.

My walks each day have been making me feel so very good. Good for the mind. Good for my soul. Good for my mood. Good for my body. Just so many ways to list.

Here are a few pics from this wonderful town that I call home.  Enjoy!  🙂



  

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Tuesday…

What an amazing day this was.  A field trip with the 5th graders!  Woo hoo!

We met with a Guide, by the name of Todd. I believe that he is a Survival Trainer.  Anyway, he was fantastic.  On point. Patient with the kids and super informative.  I would love to take my family back for a day, or even a weekend and just have him teach us.  Great stuff!

IMG_6105We saw Banana Slugs, raccoon tracks at the creeks edge, learned how to walk like a fox and be aware of our surroundings.  We were shown what we need to make fire and how to do it.  We made shelters with what was available in our surroundings.


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I could just imagine what else we could have learned in a smaller group.  I was very impressed.  It made me really think about booking some really quality time with my family.  Away from the house.  Away from electricity and the distractions that it brings. Back to family, talking, stories, bonding.  I miss that so much.  xoxo

All in all, I must say that my mornings have been amazing.  It usually works out that if my morning stays calm, then the rest of my days does as well.  Kind of setting the day, if you will.  I love my life when it falls into place this way.  This month has been a very hard one for me.  A new chapter in the book of learning for sure! As for today, I couldn’t be happier. 🙂

xo

Walking to calm the soul. 

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I woke up so happy early this morning, ran downstairs with a plan in mind, then my morning took a nose-dive. I went back upstairs, changed into my walking clothes, then went down with a much needed intention that I needed to get out and walk for two hours.  Just put my headphones on, turn on a podcast and breathe.

I finally got out the door over an hour later. Taking care of my family and important deeds. I walked out the door. I walked for about 35 minutes.  Enjoying this beautiful day. Thinking positive thoughts. Enjoying this amazing town that I live in. Walked to the end of the wharf admiring the tourists take photos. The locals fishing. The fisherman packing fish. Just enjoying the business of those around me. All while still breathing slow and deep.

  I must IMG_5879also say, that when I put on Rose Caraway’s, Kiss Me Quick’s Podcast, I am able to clear my mind a bit and force myself to focus on the stories. I am so thankful.

I know I mentioned yesterday, that this has been a trying month for me. A month VERY out of the norm of my preferred mood.  I am just happy that I am instilling things that will help me move forward and out of my current space.

I also must add that it is my Father’s 80th Birthday today. How amazing is that!

When I got home from my walk, we put the candles on the glorious Key Lime Pie that I both from him at Gayle’s before my walk. He asked for pie this year instead of cake.

I have to say, that I am amazed by my Father. He dances every Friday night.  He is so active and vivacious. I just hope that I can grow-up to be as healthy as he is. It is just so wonderful and a blessing.

My Father has lived with us for 15 1/2 years now. A third parent to my children. They don’t know life without him. He adores them and they adore him. It is a beautiful relationship they have. That is what makes my soul happy today.   🙂

xo

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Looking up and feeling good.

IMG_5827Yesterday I set out for a much needed walk.  A walk for just me.  To breathe deep.  To focus on the beauty around me.  To feel my body move.  To ignite relaxation. To ease my head. To heal my soul.

I did just that and I felt amazing after that two glorious hours.

I set out listening to a blogpost that I just adore.  I walked, enjoyed the ocean breeze. Walked on stairs, sidewalks and trails that were new to me.  I loved every moment of it.

Since September 1st, something has been off inside of me.  I remember the day well.  I remember the moment it happened.  I remember what triggered it.  I just never expected it to never go away.  It’s so odd.

I have two friends that have been telling me that it is the Mercury Retrograde in Sidereal Virgo.  I sure hope that’s just it.  I’m ready for it to end.  I have felt so off, it’s not even funny.  I’m not used to being not able to control my energy.  I am a very, very positive person.  This not the kind of energy I need in my life.  I will keep working everyday to surround myself with positive thoughts and love in my life.

Here are some photos that I gook along the way.  Hope you enjoy!  🙂

xo

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Brilliant!

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This really stuck with me today. It can’t express how I feel any better.  It also reminds me of what I need to do in my life. What I think about constantly, but don’t follow through with. That I need to just speak and not walk on eggshells. That I need to do more for myself and what makes me feel good.  

I want to thank, Rachael, a friend on Facebook. One of the very few friends that I have on Facebook, that I have never actually met in person. I adore your drive for life. For peace. For health. For education.  ♥

xo

Time to Vent

The Beach Parties in my area started last week.  I missed it due to a music performance for my #4 Son.  This week one of the most popular bands in the area will be playing.  Regardless of who is playing, it is going to be a blast.

My friend is in town, but had to cancel due to a work dinner.  No worries!  I figured I would just take my four Boys with me and let loose, have some fun.  No phones, just music, the sand on our feet and dance like no one is watching.  Wishful thinking.

I mentioned it to each one of my Boys, individually, as they came home from school.  “Mom, it’s just not my thing.” “I don’t want to go.” A nice roll of the eyes, purse of the mouth and no response at all. “Mom, I like to do other things with you like road trips, or go out to breakfast, lunch and dinner with you.  Those are good things right?” “Do I have to?”

Actually, it all makes me kind of sad.  As I told my oldest, “One day when your 40, you will have wished you went with me that one time to the Beach Party and made memories with your Mother.” I wasn’t trying to give guilt, just trying to let him know that life goes by quickly and sometimes it’s fun to do things for others, even though “it’s not your thing”.

I will get ready to go to the Beach Party, ask one more time, but I am not going to pressure anyone to spend time with me.  Hopefully, by that time I will be over my hurt feelings and I will just go and have a good time.  By myself.

Thank goodness I don’t mind being alone. 🙂

xo

Meet Gypsy

I have a new fun toy and I’ve named her Gypsy.  She is a fun-loving free spirit.  She is my new Electra Bike.  She is beautiful!!!  I just love her!

Meet Gypsy

She really is so much prettier in person.  Probably the last bike that I will ever have for pleasure.  I can just picture myself on this bike when I am 90.  My long hair flowing in the wind.  Still not wanting to wear a helmet.  Hahaha!  🙂

xo

Random Beach Crasher

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On Tuesday I went for a walk along East Cliff with a friend. We came across this man crashed on the beach. I couldn’t stop laughing at the randomness of what I was looking at…
A sleeping Man.
An empty bottle of wine.
A pack of cigarettes.
An open laptop.
A backpack pillow.
His bike.
A sword.

I hope his morning was productive before his nap. 🙂
xo