Burke Williams Introduces New Ayurvedic Treatments! #BurkeWilliams

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Erin

Burke Williams Introduces New Ayurvedic Treatments!

By Erin

Burke Williams has a new experience to enjoy at their spas, Ayurvedic Treatments. Ayurvedic services are based on a technique that was developed thousands of years ago in India, and focuses on the subtle balance of the mind/body/spirit to achieve healing. The new body treatments are unlike anything else on the service menu, otherworldly and very unique in the market. I was invited to come in and experience this for myself and as I love Burke Williams and trying the latest and newest unique experiences out there, I was super curious to see what it would be like.

The Orange spa is conveniently located just off the 5 and 22 Freeways in The Outlets at Orange. It is a luxurious location that reflects the opulent beauty of a fine Italian Villa. After getting checked in and settled down it was nice to relax by the fireplace in the main lounge and I enjoyed the amenities in the spa while waiting for services.

The main lobby that welcomes you when you enter to check in and get your spa experience started.

Over 25 treatment rooms are in this beautiful facility, making it the perfect location for entertaining and offers a second, private lounge for groups. The therapeutic aroma of their signature essential oils wafts through the air. You can help yourself to pitchers of fruit-infused iced water or tea throughout the spa. I love the fruit-infused water they have. Get ready to relax and enjoy! 🙂

As I was waiting for my appointment time, I enjoyed the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere of the spa until my therapist came to get me for my treatment I had come here for. My therapist, Inga came to greet me and take me back to the private treatment room to experience the Ananda service.

Inga told me a little bit more about the practice of Ayurvedic and what the Ananda treatment consists of. Here’s a little bit more information on that if you are just as curious as I am to learn more about it.

Carmel by the Sea: a Foodie Paradise #LLBlogNotAConf

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Erin

By Erin

I traveled with a group of talented writers to Central California. We spent a few days in Carmel by the Sea, the Carmel Valley and Monterey for #LLBlogNotaConf.

Taking a vacation up the Central Coast in California is one of my all time favorite destinations. Enjoying family vacations in this part of California has always been a favorite. So much so I have been there countless times again and again on my own with friends as an adult. When I heard that there was a trip being planned to head up this way with some of my favorite writers and fellow foodie friends for LLBlogNotAConf, I could not pass the opportunity up.

Carmel by the Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a beautiful little European-styled village, sitting above a picturesque white-sand beach that has inspired artists, sparked romances, and attracted celebrities for decades with its charm. One of the top-10 destinations in the U.S. year after year, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a place you will want to vacation at too. Everything is within walking distance from your adorable hotel or inn. Activities range from the performing arts and cultural activities to hundreds of Carmel shops, restaurants, wine tasting, art galleries, and so much more, with tons of other options nearby as well. Food is a huge part of traveling for me, so I will share some of my favorite spots with you here and in the surrounding areas nearby.

Now, on to the FOOD right? Here are some of my top picks for places to stop along your drive up to Carmel from Southern California and while you are in and around Carmel.

The Apple Farm

A childhood favorite of mine, I always have to stop at The Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo for breakfast on my way through the Central Coast cities. Not only is the food amazing, but so is the atmosphere. There are so many things to see, you will want to make sure to leave a little time to wander around a bit before or after your meal here.

Jocko’s Steak House

If you LOVE steak as much as I do, then you MUST stop here on either your way to or from Carmel (or both if possible!) Located in Nipomo, CA they serve some of the most delicious steak around for a very unbelievable price; $24 for the Small Spencer (ribeye) pictured below, which was more than I could eat by myself. There was so much food with dinner. The steak was perfectly done, the pinquito beans were amazing, and the garlic bread was super garlicky. It also comes with a baked potato, salad, a relish tray that has a bunch of pepperoncini and sweet cherry peppers, dessert and coffee. Some of my favorite stuff, all included in one price. Such a crazy good deal right?

You don’t eat here for the ambience – that leaves much to be desired. It’s pretty plain and simple. You walk in to see a variety of animal heads plastered all over the walls and then walk into a very non-descript dining room. You come here for the food. It gets insanely busy here (since it’s that good) so it is best to make a reservation in advance if you know you will be coming up this way.

Wine Tasting

If you’re looking for a little wine-tasting before your meal, or you want to spend a relaxing afternoon strolling around town while sipping on some wine, make sure to get yourself a Wine Tasting Passport (The passport costs $65 and is a $90 value)! Sip and savor some wine in one of the many super friendly and pet-friendly tasting rooms. With your Passport you get 9 tasting tickets, so you will get to sample a wide variety of wine from many different tasting rooms.

Carmel Belle

Once you have made it to Carmel and you’re ready to have an amazingly delicious lunch (or breakfast or dinner) then make your way over here! We joined our group here for lunch after doing a little bit of wine tasting, and it really hit the spot. From salads, soups, to sandwiches and comfort foods, you are sure to find something that will make your taste buds happy. I tried the Mozzarella and Prosciutto La Quercia Sandwich with Tomato Bisque soup, both were delicious and very satisfying. Their soups are made by scratch daily. And dessert? Carmel Belle has plenty of options to make your sweet tooth happy too. 🙂

Mozzarella and Prosciutto La Quercia Sandwich with vegetables on country toast.

Scrumptious made from scratch Tomato Bisque Soup.

An assortment of delectable desserts to choose from. I’m in heaven! 🙂

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon Flies into Theaters! #PetesDragon

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Erin

Pete’s Dragon

By Jonelle

Friendly Dragons? Is There Such A Thing?

On the heels of the releases of The Jungle Book and Finding Dory earlier this year, Disney Studios is working its magic once again with a reimagining of the 1977 classic film, Pete’s Dragon. Other than the name of the movie and the main characters Pete and Elliot, nothing else is similar between these two films. Fans of the 1977 version will instantly fall in love with and appreciate the beauty of this version too.

Pete’s Dragon tells the story of a young boy, orphaned by a tragic accident. Lost and alone in the local woods, he runs into a legendary Millhaven dragon, which he names Elliot. Pete and Elliot come to rely on each other, not only for safety, but for friendship and love. Elliot acts more of a family pet, a protector for Pete, than an evil beast hell bent on scaring local hunters. When threatened, instead of fighting back, Elliot uses his magic to disappear. You can’t help but hope for Pete and Elliot to find a home of their very own, they already are family. The way Pete and Elliot love each other is so heartwarming. It goes beyond legend, beyond lore and beyond “species.”

As a child, park ranger Grace Meacham grew up hearing tall tales from her father Meachem, played by the legendary actor Robert Redford, about the fierce dragon he encountered in the woods years before.

He shares his story with the local town children, who love to listen to legend and lore. Much to the chagrin of Grace, who knows the forest like “she knows the back of her hand” and has never, herself, discovered the mysterious being.