Inspiration from the Lush Life in Carmel

Beautiful flowers, gardens, landscapes, cacti, succulents, ect  all take my breath away everytime I visit Carmel.  I get  inspired when I see all this and it  always motivates me to dress better with my wardrobe, improve my own home and garden  and “lush” up my life!

Fleur Dress by Zara, Burgundy Fringe Necklace by Eddie Borgo

During my last trip to Carmel I could not stop myself from taking pictures of all the beautiful “LUSH” plants, succulents,and flowers.  They thrive so well in Carmel due to the fog, moisture and cool temperatures. I am envious that the Succulents do so much better there than here in Tucson.

Here is the proof!

Succulents/Cacti

What a walkway to the door!

Succulents that look like Giant Sand Dollars!

Gorgeous with the Red Outer Leaves

This gorgeous cacti specimen displays in front of a Church.  The famous Cypress Inn owned by Doris Day is across the street.

The Courtyard behind Anton and Michels.  I used to have lunch at this restaurant way back when I worked at Saks Fifth Avenue on Ocean Avenue.

More Succulents decorating the sidewalks and streets
I love this grey color mixed in with the rocks and dark burgundy

Flowers

I call this the egg yolk flower. Spotted this beauty as I was walking to La Playa Hotel to see all their flowers!

La Playa Hotel

On one of my visits to Carmel I stayed at La Playa.  This was the view from my room

Geranium Basket

Charming Outdoor Cafe on Ocean Ave

Bougainvillea- is exploding with color everywhere

The next two pictures were taken at Point Lobos National Park. Absolutely gorgeous park with breathtaking views of the Sea and Sea life, rugged cliffs,  great trails.  I will be blogging about Point Lobos in the near future!

Residential 

This house is on Scenic Drive, I love the carpet of flowers

Carpet of Iceplant and Window Boxes

Carpet of Lavender with a Wild Rose climbing up the chimney.  Wow!!!!  The owner came out and I asked her if she minded I was taking the picture.  She said no and was just happy I appreciated her House and Garden.

I think it is so important we are inspired by someone or something to improve our daily lives and get a little circulation going thru our creative veins. The only way to do this is by getting ourselves out there seeing new things, embracing new experiences and meeting new people.  If you are lucky enough and live with people who inspire you and are surrounded by Inspiration all ready than my congrats to you.  For me I need to go out and get it!!!

Fleur Blouse by Zara,  J Brand Jeans, Cole Haan Brown Croc Embossed Belt

Its a Dogs Day Everyday in Carmel!

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Carmel by the Sea, California is truly a special place.  It is a cottage town that I would define charming, sophisticated, rustic, artistic, lush, wealthy, friendly, and lets not forget the Spectacular  Sea! I have been visiting Carmel since I was … Continue reading →

Spinning is good for you!

I love to Spin! I don’t mean on the tea cups in Disneyland, or twirling on the dance floor or that feeling before you lose your cookies. I am talking about spinning on a stationary bike with resistance simulating riding a bike outdoors.

 The perks : You can’t get run over by a car, you won’t get a flat tire and you won’t be subjected by the outdoor elements such as a bee swarm, swallowing a bee, and finally not having to wear your biking “costume” and look like an alien bee! Thus my bike is “out of order” at the moment for those reasons!

I have been Spinning for over 11 years and to this day I tell my class I still love it and can’t imagine life without it.  It is so crazy fun, totally intense and  last but not least a detox sweat fest!I have been an instructor for 8 years and the best part is I get to be the DJ! I believe the art of a good playlist is to have lots of rhythm, drum beats to synchronize your pedal strokes, and  lyrics you can sing too If the mood strikes you.  I like soulful melodies you can feel, aggressive rock, classic rock, alternative,  80’s  and a little humor never hurt either as Stand Up comedy has entered the building.  I enjoy all genres of music and I choreograph a class based on climbing hills, jumping, sprinting.

One of the most enjoyable classes I ever taught was at LA Fitness 5 years ago.  It was New Years Eve morning and I had a Party PlayList that was off the charts!  I also provided party hats and noisemakers.

Here is the memorable playlist!

Cocktails for Two 2:58 Spike Jones
Fight For Your Right 3:28 Beastie Boys
You Should Be.. (Blockster’s 12_ Mix) 3:38 Blockster Ministry Of Sound:
Krazy (Feat. Lil Jon) 3:53 Pitbull Fast And Furious
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer 8:27 George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Revolution 3:24 Beatles
I Want To Hold Your Hand 2:26 The Beatles
Can-can 2:06 Offenbach
Feeling Good 2:55 Hans Zimmer, Nina Simone
Samb-Adagio 5:58 Safri Duo
Insane in the Brain 3:27 Cypress Hill
Shout (Parts 1 & 2) 4:23 The Isley Brothers
Tequila 2:14 The Champs
Auld Lang Syne 1:49 Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Auld Lang Syne 3:22 Mairi Campbell,
Auld Lang Syne 2:09 Guy Lombardo
The Best Is Yet To Come 3:40 Tony Bennett, Diana Krall Duets: An American Classic Vocal, Easy-Listening, Jazz 56 11/12/2011 11:56 AM

One of the best parts of a spin class is developing friendships.  I have so many wonderful friends because of spinning.  I think to myself if it wasn’t for this class I would of never met them . What a gift! Thank you Mike for toweling me off!
So many delightful students have joined me for an intense hour and thoroughly enjoyed themselves

So let’s talk about shoes!

Cycling shoes are needed to clip in and get that simulation I was talking about with a road bike.  I have gotten my moneys worth on my first pair of Spinning shoes I purchased  12 years ago.  My replacements are Moon Platinum Silver Sidi’s and was referenced in class as “My little Air Streamers! I am loyal to Sidi but there are a lot of good shoes to choose from.

  So many people come up to me and say spinning looks intimidating, really hard; I think I would have a heart attack!  Nonsense!  I have had 88 year olds in class as well as ten year olds. If they can do it so can you!  Also it is gentle on the body and great exercise if your limited because of knee issues, ect.

So on a final note I encourage you to give Spinning a try. You might like/love it!  I also want to thank all of the people who have taken my classes and supported me thru the years, we really have had a blast!   I plan on continuing for years to come!!!