BCS Pt. 1: Rancho Pescadero.

Winter in the Midwest is rough. You leave for work, it's dark. You come home from work, it's dark. After a white Christmas, the snow really loses it's novelty. Every year it leaves me wondering WHY, why did I decide to leave perpetually sunny Los Angeles, and come back to the arctic tundra?

Then, just in the nick of the time, the winter gives way to spring. A flicker of hope that tides us over until the glorious Michigan summer graces us with perfectly breezy 80 degree days. The sun just barely sets at 10 p.m. and all is right in the world. I think it must be akin to childbirth, all the warm and fuzzies allow you to forget the pain...at least until the next one! 

For better or for worse, we're here for the long haul. That doesn't however, exempt us from needing a break from the cold. My mom and I actually started the tradition of our annual 'Mother Daughter Winter Escape' back in 2011 when I was living in Chicago. I had stumbled upon a little resort called Rancho Pescadero in Food & Wine magazine, and convinced my mom we needed a getaway. 

the beautiful pool area - someone take me back!

Well, six years later and we're still coming back (can you blame us?)! It must be something they put in the coffee, or the wine? The tequila? I digress...

Rancho Pescadero is a self-proclaimed "outrageous ocean-front oasis", and they're pretty spot on. This is not the place to go if you're looking for foam parties in the pool, or body shots out of belly buttons. Rancho is where you go when you want to escape the daily grind, disconnect, fill up on organic farm fresh food, drink craft cocktails and totally zen out by the pool (or in yoga, if you're more motivated than I). Adults 18 years and older are welcome at the resort, no kids please! Trust me, leave them behind - you will not be lonely! Every year that we've visited, we always leave with new friends from all around the country. 

Rancho sunsets are divine. 

 

I spy a cozy fire pit.

The property has 28 beautifully appointed guest suites, so there is no 5 mile hike from your room to the beach, no getting up at the crack of dawn to reserve your spot at the pool (praise be!). You are in fact, so close to the water you can hear the enormous waves of the Pacific crashing against the shore all night - no sound machine required! When you finally awake from your most peaceful slumber ever, you'll find the sweetest basket of coffee, fresh fruit, and pastries awaiting you. How do I sign up for this service at home?! Did I mention it's complimentary? As is morning yoga, but again...I'd hate for the pool to be lonely. 

I could definitely get used to waking up to this.

our basket of love.

a view of the property from one of the upper level suites.

Another thing that sets Rancho Pescadero apart is their cuisine. They have their own organic farm on the property, that yields the most flavorful fruits and vegetables, used in all their dishes and cocktails. This is not your typical Mexican dining experience. Everything is fresh, delicious and healthy! That's right, this is not the trip where you gain 5 lbs of queso weight. In fact, with all the green juice I'm drinking I feel like I may even come home a better version of myself! Ok, that might be a bit much..but I'm at least cancelling out the cocktails!

If you love to cook like I do, taking a cooking class at the garden restaurant is a must! It is such a treat to cook alongside such talented people and have the most luscious ingredients at your fingertips. Save your meal planning for the work week and let chef guide you to the most delicious meal. The best part, you helped make it! 

produce that we picked from the garden.

salsa verde.

don't you just want to dive in? just me?

adding the finishing touches.

Vacation Make Up with Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario.

This makeup tutorial was inspired by the makeup look I wore during most of my recent trip to Mexico. I used the Master Palette by Mario, as well as products from Tarte and Honest Beauty. Watch the video and let me know what you think!

Products used listed below.

PRODUCTS USED:

Wedding Dress Shopping in Chicago.

Having been a bridesmaid 5X over these past two years, I'd like to think I know a little bit about the wedding game. Probably one of the most (if not THE most) important thing to a bride on her big day, aside from you know, the groom, is finding her perfect dress. I've been to my fair share of bridal shops, from Michigan, to Florida, to California - I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I recently made a weekend trip to Chicago for dress shopping for my dear friend (bride #5). We visited two very unique and beautiful bridal boutiques, so I wanted to share my experience as well as some recommendations and tips for brides to be, and their support crew!

Get the Green Smoothie

I would drink this green smoothie twice a day while I was on vacation in Mexico. Since I've been home, I've recreated the recipe and incorporated it into my morning routine. It's so easy to make (especially with my Blendtec Total Blender) , and a really beautiful way to start your day.

It's super easy to get creative with this recipe too! Try adding pineapple for a tropical twist, or swapping lemon juice for the lime, if you prefer. It's hard to go wrong with such fresh, delicious ingredients. The only thing I would avoid adding is melon, as it doesn't pair well (digestion wise) with other foods. 

Be sure to comment if you make it, or post a photo on Instagram. I'd love to know how it turns out!

xx KK

   

Get the Green Smoothie

Ingredients (organic whenever possible)

1 cup coconut water
1 small lime, juiced
1 banana
1/2 granny smith apple, peeled
1/2 large seedless cucumber, peeled
3-5 (depending on size) lacitano kale leaves, stem removed
1 sprig of fresh mint (5-7 leaves, depending on size)
1 small bunch of fresh basil (5-7 leaves, depending on size)
1 handful of ice

Place all items in your high powered blender (I use a Blendtec Total Blender), starting from softest to hardest, and process on the 'smoothie' setting (about 45 seconds on high speed). If you don't have a high power blender, I'd recommend blending in steps, first the liquids and greens until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients.

Why?

I think this is probably the most frequently asked question when starting any new project, by others and by yourself. It's a question I've been running into ever since I decided to start this blog.

Yes, a blog. Another blogger. They're everywhere. It's overwhelming, intimidating, and honestly, a little embarrassing! In a world where we are constantly bombarded with so much content, why do I feel the need to contribute more?! What will make people want to listen to me over all of the noise? I suppose we'll see!

I've found throughout these past 27 years of life, one of my biggest strengths is being a sounding board (of sorts) for others. Need a shoulder to cry on, have a tale to tell, need advice? I'm you're girl. That is my happy place. I love helping and guiding others, whether it's through a breakup, finding a good restaurant to take their dad when he's in from out of town, or IDing their correct shade of tinted moisturizer (v. important). When you enlist my services, I'm all in. So, I thought, since my daily life typically lands me in this role, why not share it with others?

Though I love my day job, I really craved having an outlet where I could focus on the other things in life I'm passionate about. Design, travel, beauty, plant based nutrition...the list goes on. Luckily, the things I gravitate to, others seem to gravitate to me for advice on.

Where I hope to deliver a different a POV, is with the alignment of these different facets of life, and offering a holistic approach to the way we live day to day. I also have the unique advantage (I think) of living in Detroit, a city blossoming with new ideas and opportunity, but without the over-saturation of other metropolitan destinations to the east and west. There are so many great resources here, we just need to tap into them. My hope is that these becomes a landing pad for people who enjoy finding the beauty in the day to day.

So, here we are! Welcome! Thank you! Bear with me while I get the hang of this thing. I'm new here, but genuinely super excited to share my world and the things I love with you.

xx KK