[Food Series] 3 Detoxifying and Anti-Inflammatory Homemade Juices

For years now, I witnessed the debilitating pain that inflammation can cause a body. I have a close family member who has been dealing with the painful issues associated with osteoarthritis and I am always trying new ways to keep their symptoms at bay. I truly believe that diet assists 99.9% of our health and well being, as well as regular physical activity and I am hoping, if you are dealing with any inflammatory dis-ease, these simple and delicious juices might just give you a bit of relief! Enjoy!

Rise and Shine
1/2 Papaya
1 Orange
1/2 cup Pineapple
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric

The Afternoon Anti-Inflammatory
1 Apple
4 Asparagus
3 Celery
1 bunch Parsley

Evening Star
2 Golden Beets
3 Carrots
1 Pear
2 Cucumbers

Discovering the Hidden Trails of Trippet Ranch - Hiking Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park spans 11,000 acres with 36 miles of trails that wind through a wide variety of terrain, from canyons and cliffs to hills and meadows and some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean Los Angeles hiking has to offer. It also features tons of cool geologic formations meticulously designed by volcanic activity, millions of years in the making. If you're an astutely observant explorer you can find a bevy of marine fossils and, if you're up for the challenge, yes, even those elusive and shifty earthquake faults.

With over 60 different trail entrances, it can be quite overwhelming just to pick a spot to start, but my suggestion would be to enter the park's main entrance at 20825 Entrada Road, Topanga, Ca 90290. There is a $10 fee to park in this lot, which I have no problem paying considering the desperate financial trouble our state parks are in right now, but you can generally find free parking on the numerous side streets, if you want to add a bit more mileage on to your day's hike.

Topanga State Park is plucked right from the front of the most stunning postcard you've ever seen. All you have to do is walk 20 steps from the parking lot and you're standing in the middle of a scene straight out of a Tim Burton film, surrounded by the crooked, twisted, welcoming arms of hundreds of ancient live oaks. 

Under the shade of this live oak grove, there are many picnic tables and clean bathrooms, making it the perfect place to lounge, play hide and seek, read a book, meditate or have lunch. Walk a few more steps past the picnic area, to the head of the Trippet Ranch Trail and it's as if you've walked smack dab in to a living, breathing Monet. We saw four artists masterfully painting this portion of the trail which conjured up memories of traveling through the french countryside. All that was missing was the Jambon-Beurre on a crispy baguette.

As you make your way up the curved incline you will come to a fork in the trail. To continue on to Eagle Rock, bear left.

This portion of the hike guides you along well-maintained trails through rough chaparral, oak forests and sprawling grasslands. Being a mixed-use trail, you'll encounter hikers, bikers and even the occasional meandering horse, so watch out for their little presents along the trail!

One of my favorite things about the Trippet Ranch Trail up to Eagle Rock, other than the fact that it's kid-friendly, are the numerous secondary trails which pop up out of nowhere, allowing extra opportunities for exploration and discovery. None of the informal trails we took actually led anywhere in particular, but when hiking, we're never in a real rush to get to any place specific anyway. On one of the secret little side-trails, we found a perfect spot for lunch, though, then continued on our wandering way.

As is the norm when hiking with kids, we never did make it all the way up to craggy, panoramic views of Eagle Rock, but we surely found our destination as we arrived back to our car, three hours later, with our imaginations well-used, a nature-calmed mind and de-stressed muscles.

11 Stroller Friendly Los Angeles Hikes Guaranteed to Get You and Baby Outdoors

After 6 months of bedrest and the subsequent unplanned cesarean section recovery, you can only imagine how I yearned for long hikes and fresh air, but coordinating all of it with a newborn, nursing and continuous diaper detail was all a bit overwhelming. I was the first of our group of friends to have kids and so it was all pretty much uncharted territory. I started venturing out fairly early, making great use of our baby carrier, but stayed pretty close to home, even still, I must say I'm so happy I got out there. Not only did it make me happy, keep me sane and helped me to recover quicker, it also primed our daughter for a life spent outdoors. A life where hiking, exploring and outdoor play are her go-to activities.

In honor of all of the new mothers out there, here's a beautiful Mother's Day gift; 11 stroller friendly hikes that I lovingly share with the rest of the 10,000,000 Los Angeles county residents! Happy Hiking!

...

3 Ways Mother Nature Helped Give Me a Hand Up and Out of Depression

The face of depression has an infinite number of sides. Its expressions may even seem, at times to be smiling right back at you. But, when it settles in for an extended stay, often times, depression can become a way of life. This is where I found myself, a seemingly endless, 6 months ago. 

Depression runs in my family. We talk about it frequently and we all have a pretty good idea of what it looks like when it manifests in us. I have battled it a few times in my early 20's and spent many sleepless nights trying to drug it away, drink it away, and even submitting to it completely. I wear my battle scars as badges and am proud of what I overcame and who I am today as a result of it, which is why I was blind-sided in late January when I woke up and found myself peeking through a haze which I (later) discovered I had been sitting in for going on two months.

Everyone has their own set of reasons and their own triggers and it is important to mention, their own CHOICE to allow those reasons and triggers to carry you to that dark place. In the end, no single reason or trigger is worthy of taking your joy and power away, but I'll be damned if I didn't have some pretty great justifications. A miscarriage, two failed insemination attempts, all of the crazy hormones that come along with said attempts, not being able to get pregnant; all of them, my reasons. And I allowed all of them to affect me, my husband, our daughter, my family and my friends, whether they actually realized it or not.

Waking up to depression is only the first step. Then, there are the subsequent steps that you have to remain hyper aware of every single waking second until you reach the colossal steps which you then must arduously climb upward and finally out. I am happy to say, I am finally out and I am sharing with you, for whatever it is worth, the most precious moments that, even while I was still in the dark, helped me to climb every single one of those massive steps, up and out and back in to the beautiful world of my life.

Feel the Warmth of the Sun

This first one just takes one step. That first crucial step. Just get out. Get up, get out and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. That's it. It may seem so simple and maybe even silly, but it can be the turning point for many. That one baby step forward has the potential to propel you towards a reawakening which in turn can lead you to a path of healing. The first step is the hardest. I know. Just do it. Seriously. Trust me.

Listen to Soft Sounds of the Creek

The simple act of sitting and listening to the sounds around you has a wonderfully calming effect. It allows you the time to see the immense beauty that is constantly surrounding you. For me, personally, there is nothing in the world that is more calming than sitting creek-side, listening to the trickle of the water passing by, imagining where it has come from and pondering what other wonders it will see on its journey. A perfect metaphor for our lives, just like all of us, moments are fleeting and nothing stays the same forever, we float by the hard times, the good times and everything in between and we are always the navigators of our course. Oh! And while you're at it, smell the roses and the honeysuckle and the evergreen and feel roughness of the the dirt and the softness of a smooth rock and watch the bees buzzing by and the ants trek across the terrain and...everything else! Just be still and soak all of its wonder in to your soul.

Seeing the Bigger Picture Instills Hope

We are big fans of  volunteering in our family. We have witnessed first hand how Giving Back, Gives Right Back to YOU. Try donating your time and your services to paying it forward and it will come back to you a thousand fold. Putting yourself in the service of those who need help is one of the best ways to not only give a smile to someone else, but it will, most-assuredly put a smile on your face! When we place ourselves in a situation where we have the ability to empathize with others and realize a bigger picture of the world around us it helps keep us grounded in reality and is a great way to keep our own problems in perspective. 

So, go out in to your community and give a helping hand! Plant a tree, pick up trash, get dirty, find a way to reconnect with Mother Nature and all of its inhabitants and you will immediately feel her loving arms wrap around you like a warm, comforting blanket. I know it worked for me!

Hiking the Santa Monica Mountains: The Peter Strauss Ranch

One of my most favorite things to do is to just jump in the car and drive... and keep driving until something in my soul tells me to take a left, then my fingertips tell me to veer right and somehow, we end up somewhere we've never been. Nine times out of ten it's someplace magical and that is exactly how we happened upon the Peter Strauss Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains.

We were heading back down to LA after a weekend visit with my mom up north. We had no plans for the day and so I decided to take the Pacific Coast Highway up instead of jumping on the boring 101 freeway. Driving along, watching the waves crash along the shore, enjoying the brown pelicans zoom down the beach, an itch in my nose whispered, "take Kanan." 

Solitude.

Kanan is one of those gorgeous canyon roads that begins at PCH and meanders through the Malibu hills and meadows. I kept my eyes open for a state park sign or a trail head marker, knowing this road had many to choose from and it wasn't long before we spotted exactly what we were looking for: a new discovery! Peter Strauss Ranch!

Where there's a tree, she will climb it!

This 64-acres of ancient live oaks and chaparral was once home to the Chumash Indians, later it was the perfect backdrop for pre-WW II dances under the light of the moon and rumor has it even some of Charles Manson's gang hung out there! Now, as our luck would have it, Mother Nature has reclaimed it as her own and it is the perfect spot for an easy hike, a lazy picnic or a game of hid and seek!

Hide & Seek!

Its parking lot is huge and its trails are on the short side and super easy, making it a perfect starting point for moms just getting back out there with their infants or toddlers clocking in their first tiny-footed trail miles. Nestled in the quiet Malibu hillside, this hidden gem of a park is rich in history and offers plenty to explore and discover!

Full Disclosure: The (Sometimes) Reality of Being a Work-At-Home Mom

Last wednesday we left for an amazing 4 day road trip, meandering up the coast to Monterey, California, a land beautiful beyond words. Jump cut to Monday: 700 photos sitting waiting to be processed, payroll to be sorted out, three story deadlines to meet, 2 new wedding client contracts to be drafted and a three year old to nurture and entertain. Sometimes, full disclosure of the reality of a work-at-home-mom is the only appropriate discourse, and so as I run to kitchen to try and scrounge up something that looks like dinner, I have chosen to simply leave you with this; a picture of our living room, that I am lovingly referring to right now as a tornado.

It's not too pretty. Our suitcases still haven't been unpacked! (haha) Our cameras are waiting patently to be cleaned for the next job, my laptop sits bursting with photo processing and social media managing, dirty lunch plates screaming at me, toys strewn about and our toddler pleasantly painting a masterpiece.

In the brief moments when I think, about the 'greener grass' peering at me from a windowed office, I remember just how incredibly lucky we are as a family to have the experiences we choose, feel the love we feel and continually build upon the life we aspired to in the wildest dreams of our youth. They are coming true in every direction we look and I stand here in the middle of this mess feeling nothing but gratitude.

An Urban Outdoor Adventure Guest Post for Rain or Shine Mamma

I must admit that I am a bit envious of my fellow nature lovers and outdoorsy families who live next to pristine nature preserves on the outskirts of breathtaking national parks, but alas, that is not the geographical landscape we live in here in Los Angeles. We live smack dab in the middle of a sprawling urban city and so, we must be creative and determined in our hunt for outdoor adventure. Here is a guest post I wrote for Linda at Rain or Shine Mamma, which details seven of our  family's most favorite outdoor urban activities, designed to you get you and your kids outside and into nature!

Adventures in Urban Hiking

Hiking in an urban setting can mean something as simple as stepping foot outside your door and making the decision to turn left or right. You'd be surprised how much there is to discover and learn with your children, just by making a trip around the block. Gather items like rocks, seed pods, berries and  leaves to use as tools for teaching how varied leaf textures can be or to open a discussion on the difference between metamorphic and sedentary rock formations. 

Urban hiking is a great way to start if you're a novice because it's easy. Let's face it, you're never too far from a restaurant or a store, so no need to buy a grappling hook or expensive high tech hiking boots. Just pack a light lunch, some water and use it as a way to take in the sights, study the surrounding architecture and reflect on the distinctions of the enveloping sounds. Better yet, on a nice warm evening, adventure out on a nighttime walk and allow your child  to examine how differently the world seems when the sun goes down.

Read the Full Article at Rain or Shine Mamma!

Meandering Among the Majestic Monarchs - A Recharging Family Roadtrip

The day-to-day grind of being a work at home mom can definitely get overwhelming and trust me, I've had more than a few Calgon moments over the past few months. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself very lucky. My husband and I have thriving freelance businesses which allow us the luxury of maintaining our own schedules which in turn, give us more family time, but sometimes the itch to unplug and recharge becomes so great that we just have to "get out of dodge"! 

So, needless to say, when my mom told me she was headed up north to Pismo Beach for some meetings, I cleared our schedule and we jumped in the car! Pismo Beach is a sleepy little beach community a few hours north of Los Angeles, up the famous Pacific Coast Highway, nestled in between wine country, state parks, majestic mountains and white sand beaches. It offers peaceful solitude, lazy walks, monumental sunsets and an awe-inspiring Monarch Butterfly grove!

Sometimes, the very act of changing your scenery can adjust your outlook and it was just our luck that our hotel was steps from the white powder-sand beach, the boardwalk and a huge pier, perfect for watching the sunset. Since birth, I have had an affection for the sounds of moving water. When I was younger, I had a secret place I would go to when I needed to be alone. It was basically just a drainage ditch dressed up with rocks and foliage. To me, it was a babbling brook where I could sit in silence for hours contemplating my teenage angst. I think I got it from my mom. She is happiest when the sound of the surf is within earshot.

We whiled away most of the weekend just spending time with each other, searching for sea glass, building sandcastles and running in the surf. On our way back down to Los Angeles, we made sure to stop at the Monarch Butterfly Grove and it just so happened that it was Western Monarch Day. We seriously couldn't have been luckier! 

As we entered the butterfly grove we walked into a full blown festival complete with art activities for the kids, a drum circle, CAKE and educational exhibitions. They brought to life "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and had magnifying glasses for the kids (and adults) to see, up close and personal, the life cycle of the Monarch, starting from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis. It was a beautiful day full of moments we will keep close to our hearts forever.

There's a very delicate line we must constantly walk, it's a sweet balancing act between expecting independent play while mommy works and both of us losing our minds. I must say that the outdoors is not only a place for V to run, jump, explore and discover, it's a shining beacon of sanity for me! If we are cooped up in the house for too long, we both start to lose our minds and so it is into the woods we go (even if mom's on deadline).

The one thing I've learned with our newest adventure in parenting is, when the walls start closing in, it's exponentially more beneficial to all of us to simply stop and get out on a trail, even if for an hour. There truly is nothing that hits the reset button more quickly than a nature walk. The crunch of the leaves under foot, a distant woodpecker knocking, the sun warming the back of our necks, all aid in calming our minds and bringing the smile back to our faces.

Join Mommy Hiker & #OutdoorFamilies Wed. 2/12 @ 1:30PM PST For The Inaugural #OutFam Weekly TweetChat

Greetings from Mommy Hiker HQ! Apparently I don't have enough irons in the fire so I've taken on another project and I couldn't be more excited!

An amazing group of outdoor family bloggers has come together to share their expertise in a new Twitter Chat focusing on outdoor family adventures. We've been sharing our stories and insight through the #OuttdoorFamilies‬ hashtag for awhile but now we're taking the next step and opening up the conversation through the chat-friendly hashtag, #OutFam. Not only am I thrilled to be a part of this group, but to be able to connect with these inspiring adventurers from all over North America is a true testament to the power of social media. 

I hope you'll join us on Twitter this Wednesday, February 12th, at 1:30pm PST, to share your ideas and experience as well as learn from this collection of adventuring families who really know their stuff. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there will be something for everyone, hoping to inspire each other to get out there more to discover the beauty and wonder Mother Nature has to offer.

And guess who gets to play co-host right out of the gate? Veteran Granola Mom herself Val from ValInRealLife, teaming up with Melissa of Chasqui Mom to talk about Love of the Outdoors! Then, NEXT Wednesday, February 19th is yours truly, so of course we'll be talking all things hiking! 

Check us out on Twitter: @ValinRealLife, @Melissabravery, @Jen_Fontaine and #OutFam. 

Come join the conversation! Wednesdays at 4:30 pm EST/1:30 PST (30 minutes) starting February 12th.

[Food Series] 3 Detoxifying and Rejuvenating Homemade Juices

As a general rule, we are not big juice drinkers, especially store bought juice which is chocked full of added sugar and devoid of most of its original vitamins and minerals. We eat copious amounts of fruits and vegetables in our house and, for the most part, I prefer to enjoy all of the benefits of eating the whole food. But in the winter time, when germs are at an all time high and everyone we know is sick, we juice. It's one way to ensure that we get the extra immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals we need to keep us healthy and active. Here are three of our favorites! Enjoy! 

Morning Sunshine
2 Ruby Red Grapefruit
2 Oranges
3 Gala Apples
1 2-inch piece of Ginger

Afternoon Cooler
4 Persian Cucumbers
6 Stalks of Celery
5 Large Swiss Chard Leaves
2 Gala Apples

Evening Calm
4 Large Carrots
3 Beets
5 Apricots
1 Bunch of Parsley

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] A Setting Sun Still Whispers a Promise For Tomorrow...

[Guest Blogger Series] 7 Marvelous Tips For a Meditative Hike by Isabel Barreto

It is with honor and excitement that I introduce you to my friend Isabel Barreto. She has been a shining light and an inspiration in our family for years. Not only has Isabel guided me through countless restorative meditations, she introduced me to the power of cultivating a Kundalini practice and the importance of keeping a sound mind. She lives her life full of intention and love and I can't be happier to have her here with us this month!

As you hike your favorite mountain or stroll your favorite path, you may find your mind wandering to the existing to do lists, unfinished projects and mastering problem solving. In today’s world, it is becoming harder and harder to disconnect and this constant connection and being “on” can bring a lot of anxiety and stress to our lives which can turn to disease and depression. To restore balance and refresh your mind, take some time to let go of the hustle, get outside by yourself, with your kids or your partner and try some of these soul rejuvenating exercises.

Listen.

Take time to listen to all the different sounds around you. Birds chirping, ocean waves, the crinkling of leaves or rocks underneath your feet, a nearby creek, or people passing by.

Allow all that is to be, and allow it to flow through you. As you listen, consciously slow down your breath in order to slow down your mind, listen to your breath. When you find your mind wandering, bring it back with your breath and begin focusing on the sounds that surround you.

Breathe.

Create a rhythmic breath that is slow long and deep as you move your body. Connect with your body, your lungs, and create a consistent rhythm. Allow your belly to relax, breathe long, slow and deep breaths.

Sing.

Singing (regardless of what you sound like to others) can be very therapeutic and relaxing. Sing a tune that makes you happy, whose lyrics are inspiring and leave you feeling calm and happy. This might feel silly at first, but it’s really relaxing and very heart opening.. try it!

Repeat a mantra.

A mantra is a great way to keep your mind focused and therefore allowing your subconscious to release old thoughts, patterns, etc. A mantra is a word or set of words that help to infuse the mind with a certain energy so make sure you pick something positive and uplifting.

One of my favorite mantras is Sat Nam which means I am Truth in Sanskrit. On the inhale mentally chant “Sat” and on the exhale mentally chant “Nam”.

Practice Gratitude.

In your mind list all the items you are grateful for in your life in the moment. Be grateful for what is and what isn't and remember that everything that is and happens, is for your well being.  This is a great one to do and teach to kids. Being in a state of gratitude brings opportunity.

Become one.

As you stroll, remember that everything you see (leaves, sun, trees, ocean, etc) is a part of you and vice versa.  

As you walk and breathe, practice being one with nature and bless yourself and your surroundings. Let go and allow yourself to practice oneness with the moment.

Be in the moment.

Trust that where you are is exactly where you are meant to be, be grateful for this opportunity of life and practice being in your breath, and in the moment. Often times by practicing being present, we receive inspiration or the answer to a question we were searching for. Allow yourself to be in the moment and enjoy it.

I am feeling relaxed already! What are some of your favorite ways to connect to your soul and relax your mind?

___________________________________________

About the Author

Isabel Barreto is a Kundalini Yoga & Meditation teacher, a lover of life, nature, & all things inspired, authentic, creative & fun. Mother, wife, natural foods cook, ideas generator, dream implementer & happiness promoter. http://allthatislight.typepad.com

[Food Series] Rustic Thyme and Brie Apple Tart

Last minute full-blown dinner parties always bring out my creative side, so when our friends called us over for what was sure to be a seven course meal, I knew I had to represent with a beautiful desert. I made a mad dash across town from the studio, ran into the house and quickly scoured my fridge to come up with this quirky rustic dish. Voila! Enjoy!

Ingredients
4 Granny Smith Apples
1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
1 stick of Butter
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
8 sheets of Phyllo
1 teaspoon fresh Thyme
3 oz Brie

Begin by softening the butter. Peel, quarter, core, then cut the apples into very thin slices. In a large pot, on low-medium heat, add the sugar and half of the butter and allow it to caramelize, then add the apples, cinnamon and a dash of sea salt. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the juice from the apples has reduced almost all the way. In a small mixing bowl, mix the other half of the warm, melted butter and a tablespoon of brown sugar. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the first layer of phyllo into a baking dish and brush it with the butter and brown sugar mixture. Repeat this process with the remaining seven sheets of phyllo, then slowly spoon the apple mixture into the center of the phyllo leaving about an inch and a half around the perimeter. Fold the edges in, then brush the top of the folded phyllo with the remaining butter and sugar mixture. Pop it into the oven for 20 minutes or until the top edges of the phyllo are golden brown. Enjoy!

[Food Series] Ginger Butternut Squash Soup

Our family just recently started receiving our produce through a community supported agriculture (CSA) delivery service. Everything is locally grown, seasonal, organic and delivered to our doorstep. When I open my front door, once a week, and our box of goodies is sitting there, it's almost like I won the lottery and can't wait to open it up to see what we've won! This week was a ton of butternut squash, so I decided to make soup! This is a seriously healthy, nutritious and hearty meal, perfect for a cozy, winter family dinner. Enjoy!

Ingredients
2 lbs Butternut Squash
1 tablespoon ground Ginger
3 Bay Leaves
1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 15oz can of low sodium organic garbanzo beans
4 cups water
Pepper
1 tablespoon Pine Nuts
1 Avocado

This recipe is seriously easy!! First peel and remove the seeds from the butternut squash, then cut into one inch cubes. Throw everything (except for the pine nuts and avocado) into a soup pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover and let it simmer. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Spread out the pine nuts on a lined baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 3 minutes, making sure to watch them closely so they don't scorch. Thinly slice the avocado. When the butternut squash is easily mashable with a fork (approximately 20-30 minutes), use a hand held immersion blender to puree the soup, directly in the pot. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with avocado slices and pine nuts and devour! I served this up with leeks in olive oil. Heavenly.

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] One Touch of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin...

Hiking the Charlie Turner Trail to Mt. Hollywood - 360 Views of the City of Angels

Griffith Park is a treasure to behold. Smack dab in the middle of Los Angeles and spanning over 4000 acres, it's one of the largest urban parks in North America. It's been called the Central Park of Los Angeles, but luckily for those of us who love hiking and the outdoors, it offers 53 miles of trails that are more rugged and untamed than its East Coast Counterpart. A true wilderness oasis where kids and parents can quickly escape the noise and chaos of the busy city to decompress and re-energize!

Getting to the Charlie Turner Trail is really easy. Drive up to the Griffith Park Observatory and as soon as you enter its parking lot take a left and park. The trailhead starts at the north end of the lot. This hike is 100% stroller friendly, well maintained and if you make it all the way, you'll be rewarded with the most spectacular 360 degree views of Los Angeles.

It's about 3 miles round trip, so that means a full day's hike, if you're with a toddler! Just kidding! I've done this hike with a gaggle of kids and it took us about 3 hours to complete, including many water breaks and lunch at the top of Mt. Hollywood.

I've also done this hike with kids where it took us 45 minutes just to make it a quarter mile up the trail, but that's what hiking with kids is all about; going at their pace, encouraging endurance, engaging them in exploration, exercising listening skills and, most definitely practicing patience. Last time we did this hike, V sat in a newly discovered cave for (what seemed like) half an hour, hunting bears, bats and spiders! Oh My!

Please keep in mind that this hike offers little to no shade, so make sure to lather on the sunscreen, wear your hat and bring lots of water! Picnic tables at the summit provide a comfortable and spectacular place to relax, eat and soak in the views. If you don't want to go back down the way you came, there are plenty of interconnecting trails and summits to explore, just make sure to use a map!

I would say the second best thing about this hike is that if you're still up for more discovery once you've done the trail, the Griffith Observatory is right there with an entire universe of (free) exhibits to spark the imagination and inspire!

What a perfect way to spend the day!

[Food Series] Mom's King Cake - A Treasured New Orleans Tradition

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm from New Orleans and as most Crescent City natives are, I am extremely proud of my hometown! Tradition runs deep in my family and I strive to pass it down to our daughter along with my husband's family traditions. And so, it is with pleasure that I introduce her (and you) to the King Cake!

Ingredients
16 oz of Sour Cream
1/3 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
2 envelopes (1/4 oz/each) Active Dry Yeast
1/2 cup warm Water (100° to 110°)
1 tablespoon Sugar
2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
6 to 6 1/2 cups bread flour*
1/3 cup Butter, softened
1/2 cup Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

Start by cooking the first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until butter melts. Set that aside, and allow the mixture to cool to between 100° and 110°. Next, stir together the yeast, 1/2 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon sugar in a measuring cup; let it stand 5 minutes. Beat the sour cream mixture, yeast mixture, eggs and 2 cups flour at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until smooth. Reduce speed to low, and gradually add enough remaining flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups) until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until dough is doubled in bulk. Punch down dough, and divide in half. Roll each portion into a 22- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread 1/3 cup softened butter evenly on each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Stir together 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over butter on each rectangle. Roll up each dough rectangle, jelly-roll fashion, starting at 1 long side. Place one dough roll, seam side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bring ends of roll together to form an oval ring, moistening and pinching edges together to seal. Repeat with second dough roll. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 20 to 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375° for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden. Slightly cool cakes on pans on wire racks (about 10 minutes). Drizzle Creamy Glaze evenly over warm cakes; sprinkle with colored sugars, alternating colors and forming bands. Let cool completely. 

Optional Cream Cheese-Filled King Cake: Prepare each 22- x 12-inch dough rectangle as directed. Omit 1/3 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Increase 1/2 cup sugar to 3/4 cup sugar. Beat 3/4 cup sugar; 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 large egg; and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on each dough rectangle, leaving 1-inch borders. Proceed with recipe as directed. Enjoy with a little Dixieland Jazz or When the Saints Go Marching In!

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] Do Not Go Where the Path May Lead...

6 Totally Free So-Cal Kid-Friendly Learning Excursions

Growing up in a lower middle class household where my single mother worked two, sometimes three jobs and my grandmother played the role of father, really shaped who I am as a mother. I grew up shopping at the thrift store and at times we ate grits and eggs for dinner, but there was never a lack of love and laughter. I was never showered with unnecessary material things and I never wanted for anything. I learned that often the best things in life, like family and spending time together, are free and I try as much as possible to give those same ideals to our daughter.

From that childhood, blossomed a real respect for money and so I find it really hard to justify shelling out tons of money, when there are perfectly great FREE alternative outings all over Southern California! It requires a bit of planning and a bit of hunting, but those are two things that I love anyway. So, here are six of our favorite free things to do in Los Angeles when you're looking for a great learning experience without a high sticker price!

The Page Museum at The La Brea Tar Pits

On the first Tuesday of every month (except for July and August), general admission to the Page Museum is FREE! They have all of the prehistoric animatronic dinosoars your kid could possibly want, not to mention over one million ice age fossils from 650 species and a fascinating fishbowl laboratory where you can watch the paleontologists clean, study and prepare fossils for exhibition!

Outside on the grounds are the tar pits where excavation takes place seven days a week and if you're lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of them working. New discoveries are made every week, if not every day through their excavation program which dates back to the early 1900s. And if that doesn't hold their attention, there are plenty of trees to climb and grass in which to play tag.

Travel Town

Travel Town admission is always FREE and they are open daily (except Christmas Day), Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

They have everything from locomotives to freight cars and cabooses and even passenger cars, perfect for the little ones to explore and let their imagination run wild. 

There is also a little train ride if you want to spend a few bucks, fare is $2.75 per person and well worth the beaming smiles. Travel Town also has large grassy area to expel that ceaseless toddler energy, a huge picnic area and tons of free parking. Win, Win, Win! If your kid is anything like mine, you'll be dragging them back to the car, kicking and screaming at closing time. 

Noah's Ark at The Skirball Cultural Museum

Every Thursday at The Skirball Cultural Museum admission is FREE to the public (check their site for holiday closures). Their Noah's Ark Exhibit is a veritable Candyland for kids; a cultural explosion and a discovery zone almost impossible to uncover in one visit.

This exhibit is fulled to the brim with countless ways to connect with your little ones. At any given time, be prepared for an impromptu story time, a musical jam session, a puppet show, art time or just be amused by all of the other hands on learning stations. It's a wonderland, indeed!

Some other great free things to do in and around LA:

Commune with the Alpacas at Windy Hill

Explore the Tide Pools at Leo Carrillo

Hike Eaton Canyon

What are some of YOUR favorite free things to do with the kiddos in Southern California?

[Food Series] Roquefort Stuffed Chicken Provençal

I first made this dish, what seems like a lifetime ago, but I guess it was only about 8 years ago. It was a romantic, candlelit and conversation-filled evening with my husband. Fast-forward to our present dinner table, serving it up for a busy and laughter-filled family meal, where the joy is in watching our daughter scarf down Roquefort and leeks in any fashion. It's bliss in all of its many forms. Enjoy!

Ingredients
4 large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 medium Leek
1/2 cup Roquefort
1 tablespoon Thyme
1 tablespoon Rosemary
1 tablespoon Marjoram
1 tablespoon Oregano
3 cloves Garlic
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper

Start by preparing your stuffing. Thinly slice the leeks and crumble the Roquefort. In a bowl add the leeks, Roquefort and half of the pepper, mix well and set aside. In a smaller mixing bowl, add all of the herbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half length-wise, then pound them out to about a quarter inch thickness. Spoon about a tablespoon of the leek and Roquefort mixture into the middle of one chicken breast, then roll it up and place it in a baking dish. Repeat this process until all of your chicken breasts are filled, rolled and nestled in the baking dish. Evenly spread the provençal and olive oil mixture on top of the chicken. Bake for 40 minutes and serve! We ate this with rice and green beans. So delicious!