Category Archives: GET OUTSIDE!

Eco Hotel Offers Life-Changing Vegan and Creative Journey Retreats and Introduces Trail Running for Beginners Package

August 7, 2024

The Stanford Inn & Resort is a pet and family-friendly eco-resort on California’s lush Mendocino Coast and the only 100% plant-based resort in the United States. Just outside Mendocino village, on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the property is a haven for guests looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. The resort’s lobby – featuring a curated bookshop, fireplace and comfy couches and reading chairs – is spacious and welcoming. The guest rooms and suites are paneled in warm pine and redwood, many with ocean views and wood-burning fireplaces. Included with each stay is a chef-prepared organic plant-based breakfast at their award-winning, farm-to-table vegan restaurant, Ravens (which offers lunch and dinner as well). Many of the menu’s ingredients are sourced from the resort’s own organic farm and lush gardens. Their Aquatic Center features a saltwater swimming pool, dry sauna, and hot tub – all housed in a delightful greenhouse that provides warmth and comfort throughout the year. The resort’s wellness center offers an unparalleled variety of experiences including nutrition and cooking classes, creative playshops, breathwork and meditation classes, guided hikes and trail runs, and gardening, nature, and mushroom foraging walks. Their spa facility – Massage in the Forest – offers massage, facials, and Ayurvedic treatments.

 

Ravens restaurant enchants even non-vegan diners (they got raves from O, the Oprah Magazine) and to take home some of that magic, guests can learn the joy of plant-based living while experiencing the luxury of the Inn at one of their Vegan Retreats, with one retreat occurring per season. Whether already vegan or merely vegan-curious, these retreats are life-changing. From cooking to nutrition, long-term habit change to environmental and ethical discussions, participants learn everything they need to know to be a happier, healthier person.

Retreat attendees enjoy:

  • Four nights at the indulgent Stanford Inn & Resort
  • Four plant-based breakfasts
  • Four plant-based dinners
  • Two plant-based cooking classes
  • Nutrition/healthy living class with author/nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman
  • Small Steps Class (Stress Management and Habit Change) with author/nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman
  • “Bringing it Home” conversation – how to apply what was learned
  • Complimentary copies of four books
  • Mountain bike rental

The upcoming Vegan Retreat is Thursday, September 5 – Monday, September 9, 2024. The price is $2,610 per person plus tax (single occupancy) and $1,850 per person plus tax (double occupancy). Gratuities are not included.

Another way guests can enrich their lives and open their minds is by participating in the inn’s Creative Journey Retreats. Joan Stanford, who owns and operates the inn with her husband Jeff, conducts the retreats. She is a registered art therapist and author and her “playshops” offer a profound opportunity for self-expression and discovery. By moving past self-judgement and into a truly creative space, Joan helps guests regain their love of creativity and discover insights about their lives and relationships.

Included in the Creative Journey Retreat:

  • Three nights lodging
  • Three breakfasts
  • Three dinners
  • Five creative experiences facilitated by Joan (art-making, writing, nature walk)
  • Open studio time (optional)
  • Complimentary copy of Joan’s book, “The Art of Play”

The upcoming Creative Journey Retreat is Thursday, October 24 – Sunday, October 27, 2024. The cost is $1910 per person plus tax (single occupancy) or $2620 per person plus tax (double occupancy). Gratuities are not included. Guests must call the Stanford Inn directly to book the Creative Journey Retreat at 800-331-8884.

It’s worth noting that if guests are not able to attend these set-date retreats, various private retreat packages can be added to a stay at any time of year which can include plant-based cooking classes, creative playshops and more.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Sid Garza-Hillman, who is also the resort’s Wellness Director, leads the brand new Trail Running for Beginners package. With this package, guests will learn proper form, pacing, nutrition on and off the trails, and a breathwork technique that improves fitness and endurance.

This package includes:

  • Three dinners
  • Three trail runs
  • Nutrition for Trail Runners class
  • “Breathing for Trail Runners” Breathwork Class
  • Special gift of three books

The cost is $555 per person plus tax or $890 per couple plus tax. Pricing does not include lodging or gratuities. There is a three-night minimum, and the package is subject to availability.

Beyond their special retreats and packages, the Inn enables their guests to experience something more than just a getaway to a beautiful place – they foster an interlude that is meaningful and life affirming.

“We hope our guests will gain a sense of connection,” says Jeff Stanford. “In these times, connecting with nature is so vital for well-being. We arise within nature and without recognizing and experiencing our bond with nature it can be challenging to connect with ourselves and each other.”

Photos: Daniel Turbert Photography

HAWKs LA: Reconnecting Children With Nature 

March 5, 2024

Hey LA Parents!  Please check out this amazing Curriculum-Focused Day Camp With Programming Like Forest Bathing, Salad Foraging and Natural Art Dye:

HAWKs LA (Hiking Adventures With Kids) is an LA-based after-school program and day camp that is dedicated to reconnecting children with nature and away from screens. The company was developed by experienced educators, naturalists and parents and is offering a dynamic curriculum beyond traditional learning like Forest Bathing, Salad Foraging, Natural Art Dying and more. 

HAWKS camp

“HAWKs was created as an investment in our children’s wellness as much as an investment in the future or our environment,” says co-founder Emma Flanders.

As “explorers” (what the camp calls their campers) continue to navigate further into understanding the planet, they begin to earn more than just experience. HAWKs has a colorful badge system celebrating the kids’ accomplishments and learnings, helping to encourage excitement about the world around us. Plus, explorers can show off their creativity and personal style. 

Their mission continues to touch many families as there is growing evidence that links the lack of nature in a child’s life to the rise in obesity, attention disorder and depression. On average kids only get 4-7 minutes of outdoor free play and 1 in 3 children have never climbed a tree. HAWKs wants to change these statistics and with their robust programming, have started to make incredible strides. 

“One of the main things we teach students is how to identify native plants. It’s amazing to watch students, even as young as five, begin to see our beautiful chaparral not as a blur of brown and gray shrubs that might poke you or make you itchy, but as a complex and bountiful ecosystem full of unique plant life,” says Emma. 

 

You can find their full list of programming on the HAWKs site. You can register your explorers for upcoming school closures like Spring Break, April 24th, and of course, Summer Camp as well as Weekend Adventures like Natural Plant Dye workshops and Salad Foraging!

Art, Elevated At The Artist Tree: Saturday, January 20

January 17, 2024

Prepare to unleash your creativity and dive into a world of artistic inspiration fueled by the delightful effects of cannabis. This unique event invites you to join the festivities alongside KeeneVisions, a talented creative spirit from Seattle, for an afternoon filled with flower-themed painting and elevated vibes.

(Sharing some of my own ecstatic watercolors for mind expanding inspo!)

Emily Wagner, watercolor on paper

The venue, hosted by The Artist Tree, promises an unforgettable experience. The event kicks off with a chance to immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of the consumption lounge – the ideal prelude to your upcoming artistic adventure. Once you’re in the groove, ascend to the artist studio where a curated and elevated journey of artistic expression awaits.

Attendees are encouraged to bring an open mind and attire that can handle a bit of paint splatter. It’s an opportunity to let loose and embrace the artistic process in a welcoming environment.

Now, let’s delve into what this unique experience has in store for attendees:

Emily Wagner, watercolor on paper

The Experience

The organizers have you covered on all fronts – from art supplies to expert guidance and exclusive entry into The Studio Lounge. The event begins with a pre-painting session in the swanky cannabis consumption lounge, setting the tone for the creative journey ahead. As you move upstairs to the artist studio, you’ll be guided to craft your own masterpiece. The event is designed for participants of all skill levels to enjoy and appreciate the artistic process.

About The Studio Lounge

Nestled in the heart of West Hollywood, The Studio Lounge at The Artist Tree is not your average venue. It’s a haven for smoking, entertainment, and igniting creative sparks. As the #1 licensed consumption lounge in Southern California, it offers indoor and outdoor seating, captivating art exhibits, food options, local entertainment, and wellness classes. Conveniently located next to The Artist Tree West Hollywood retail cannabis dispensary, it provides a holistic experience for attendees.

Emily Wagner, watercolor on paper

Food & Drinks

Satisfy your cravings with the mouthwatering menu of fresh California-style cuisine. From chopped salads to artisanal pizza, tacos, and freshly-baked cookies, there’s something for every palate. Whether you grab an espresso on the go or take a leisurely break, the dishes are crafted for an elevated state of mind. Additionally, the rotating menu of handcrafted cannabis cocktails adds an extra layer of excitement to the culinary offerings.

Mark your calendars, pack that open mind, and get ready for a paint-splattered, cannabis-infused journey into the world of art and good vibes. This event promises to be an experience like no other!

More Details

They do not allow onsite consumption of outside cannabis products or food and beverages.

To learn more about The Studio Lounge and follow us on instagram @theartisttree and @thestudiolounge_official

The Studio Lounge at The Artist Tree

8625 Santa Monica Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069

Chin Up, Gin Up – Spring Hath Sprung With Dewar’s Scotch Whisky

June 8, 2023

Dewar’s has released Dewar’s 19-Year-Old, its 2023 commemorative US Open bottle, aptly entitled “The Champions Edition”!

This year’s US Open bottle is a 19-Year-Old Scotch Whisky double-aged with an extra-matured finish exclusively in new American Oak casks and ex-Rye Whiskey casks, from Napa Valley. The Champion’s Edition was inspired by the ethos of the U.S. Open’s “From Many, One” campaign, bringing together up to 40 grain and single malt whiskies. It features notes of red berries and black cherries, which resolve into a rich and fruity finish with a hint of nutmeg. Part of the bottle proceeds go towards the USGA Foundation, which celebrates, serves, and advances the game of golf.

In addition to the bottle, this year is the Dewar’s Lemon Wedge (recipe below) which will serve as the official cocktail of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship, held at The Los Angeles Country Club (LACC), June 15-18. This signature cocktail will be offered to patrons on the course however, for the golf fans who cannot make it to the fairway but want to raise a toast to the game and Father’s Day at home, Dewar’s has created a cocktail kit available nationwide, see HERE which serves as another great gift for dad this year.

The kit is available via Cocktail Courier’s website and include all the ingredients and tools needed to experience a piece of the US Open from the comfort of home with family and friends – like lemon juice, soda water, Dewar’s 12-Year-Old, garnish, and accessories to style the cocktail like golf balls and tees.

Dewar’s 19 Championship Edition 2023

Dewar’s Lemon Wedge

  • 1.5 oz of 12-year-old Whisky
  • 3 oz of Club Soda
  • 2 oz Lemonade
  • Method: Combine all ingredients over ice in a highball glass and garnish with lemon wheel.

Sweat And Surf Have Nothing On These Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones

October 11, 2022

The biggest issue I’ve had as a fitness trainer who teaches my signature class (The Work IN) via Zoom is this: Sweaty air pods falling out from sweat, getting clogged from sweat, and slipping out while I teach. I have tried several hacks – wearing a sweatband (looking like John McEnroe ) to keep them in, but even so, I still have the issue of them clogging and losing connection. I also take sweaty hikes, and once again, the clogging, slipping, the dreaded falling out into the dirt road, searching for the dirty pod, cleaning it, and reconnecting. A major pain.

Enter H2O Audio, with their new waterproof headphones, designed for multi-sport use. They are not only waterproof bone conduction headphones, but they go beyond the highest waterproof IPX8 rating by being submersible up to 12 feet of water for an unlimited amount of time.

The perfect gift this holiday season for the sport enthusiast in your life.

Music increases endurance significantly. Think: Listening to your favorite music while you work out, and running to your favorite jams with no issue of sweat or falling so you can run harder, bike longer and swim faster without fussing constantly.

 

The “TRI Multi-Sport Headphones with Bluetooth and MP3” have a built-in MP3 player and Bluetooth, hold 8 GB of memory, and offer 9 hours of battery life.  No wonder…H2O Audio is the world leader in waterproof headphones and accessories,

H2O Audio, the world leader in waterproof headphones and accessories, launched its H2O TRI – Triathlon Multi-Sport Headphones.

These headphones were designed for triathletes, but made for anyone who likes to listen to music while they swim, surf, run, bike, ski, snowboard or sweat.

“Combining our latest bone conduction speakers, Bluetooth, MP3 player and the stable fit of a behind-the-neck headphone, the H2O TRI headphones are designed take on any sport – in and out of water,” said Rauhala. “As a small but innovative brand, we are pleased to launch the H2O Triathlon Multi-Sport headphones and extend the use of our headphones from the swimming pool to the ocean, bike, mountain or trail.”

H2O TRI Headphones Specs and Features:

  • Multi-Sport Design: Designed for swimming, biking, running, paddling, surfing, skiing, snowboarding and any outdoor activity, the open ear bone conduction speakers provide great sound while maintaining surrounding awareness.
  • 100% Waterproof: H2O Audio waterproof technology allows submersion to 12 feet/3.6 meters underwater for an unlimited amount of time. The sound under water is truly an amazing experience. Waterproof Rating: IPX8.
  • MP3 Player: Built-in MP3 player with 8 GB of memory will hold several hundred songs and accepts most music formats.
  • Bluetooth: Connect your iPhone, Android or any music enabled smart watch – and enjoy running and biking with streaming music.
  • Battery Life: 9 Hours of play time should cover even the most grueling endurance events.
  • Secure Fit: The neck band provides a secure and comfortable fit while swimming, paddling, running, and working out.

But them here on Amazon!

About H2O Audio
H2O Audio was founded in 2003 in San Diego, California just as a new era of digital music and portable MP3 players began to give people outstanding audio quality on the move. As avid watersports lovers, we wanted to extend that use to the pool and ocean. Designed by athletes for athletes, we now lead the field in waterproof headphones, MP3 players and Apple accessories, creating products with superior underwater sound.