The BIG 3-0 at Carmel Valley Ranch

This is 3-0!

My 30th birthday has come and gone and I have to admit, I don't feel much different! I was completely spoiled for my birthday and couldn't have asked for a better way to ring in the next decade!

Kyle threw me a surprise birthday at SUR! in the Barnyard the day before my actual birthday. I was completely surprised and so shocked to see all of my friends. Many who were leaving the next morning for international trips! I'm such a lucky girl! We had a great evening! I literally told Kyle, "The only thing that would make this better is going to a hotel and getting sleep"!

On the 14th, I woke up to a sweet voice saying, "Happy Birthday, Mommy". We had donuts, eggs and bacon and sang Happy Birthday. I opened all of my gifts and thought I was starting my day by going to run with Stroller Warriors. Kyle handed me a card and said that he didn't get me anything since we are going on a trip next month. I didn't think anything of it and opened the card. Inside were some sweet words and "We are going to Carmel Valley Ranch. Massage at 4pm and Dinner at 7:45pm" Seriously, this man knows the way to my heart.

I've talked about the American Express Platinum card in my previous post on our Babymoon. It is SERIOUSLY such a great deal. Annual fee is waived for military and the benefits are amazing. When you book at one of the FINE Hotels on their Travel Rewards site, you get the following perks:

• Early check in at 12noon 
• Late check out at 4pm 
• Breakfast for 2 (a $60 value) 
• Room Upgrade
• Free WIFI
• $100 Resort Credit (for spa or golf) 

The rates are sometimes a little bit higher, but the benefits totally outweigh the extra cost. 

We arrived to Carmel Valley Ranch and it was warm, sunny and so perfect! We checked in and were upgraded to an amazing suite with a bathtub on the patio. While we waited for our room to be available, we had lunch by the pool. I had salmon tacos and Kyle had a salmon salad. 

We checked into our room and lounged a bit before heading to the pool and spa. CVR does everything well. They have golf carts that transport you all around the property. They are super service-oriented. We lounged by the pool and I had my massage, too. It was excellent and a great way to spend my birthday. I was even greeted with a mini cupcake with a candle after my service was over. After soaking up the sun for a bit longer, we headed back to get ready for dinner. We had dinner on property at The Valley Kitchen. Dinner was delicious! Kyle ordered a steak and I had the pork. Both were delicious and wonderfully presented. They also served us their yummy "Carmel Valley Road" Ice Cream for my birthday and it was some of the yummiest ice cream I have EVER had! 

My entree! So yummy!

We couldn't pass up the daily offering of S'mores out by the pool, so we stopped there on our way home as well to have another sweet treat! So yummy. 

I think I was out to the world before 10pm. I was abruptly woken up at 4am when I realized I needed to pump and I was also freezing! CVR has A/C where our house does not, so needless to say, I was cold! We slept in till about 7am and the ordered a yummy breakfast from room service. 

After breakfast, Kyle headed back home to check on the kids and I headed down to the "River Ranch" to do a workout class. It was so great! After the class, I had a coffee and did some work while I enjoyed the fire pits. CVR is truly such a beautiful place. 

We headed to the pool to soak up every last minute of our time at CVR! My friend Jessica joined me for the afternoon and we dubbed it our new favorite place and are already scheming a way to get back! 

Can't beat this view!

If you have a chance to celebrate a special occasion at Carmel Valley Ranch, I would HIGHLY recommend it! 

My Monterey Favorites

It is April 2018 and we are almost one full year into our tour in Monterey. It has been a big adjustment for our family, but we have done well with embracing a new place (for the most part) and have found some amazing places on our journey! Here is a list of some of my favorite things in Monterey, with special tips, too! I've been working on this post for a while and this list will continue to evolve as we discover new things! 

I updated this post again in December 2018 to include more of my local favorites!

Mission Ranch
This is by far one of our favorite places for dinner and is an awesome place for special occasions and to show visitors the beauty of Carmel. Owned by Clint Eastwood, Mission Ranch doesn't take reservations, but that's ok, because you can sit outside (when we have good weather) and enjoy the sunset and a cocktail while you wait! If you prefer not to wait, get there right at 5pm. There will likely be a line already forming. I've heard there is a locals list that skips the wait, but we aren't that special yet! They also do a Sunday brunch which is really nice! $40 per person and includes a glass of champagne. They also have a piano bar that turns into a "sing along" every night at 9pm.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
When most people think of Monterey, they think of the aquarium. It truly is an amazing place and there is so much to see and do! We don't currently have a membership, but if you plan to go more than once, I highly suggest it as it will pay for itself on the first visit. We've been fortunate to borrow our friend's guest passes and also took advantage of the free passes from the library. All you need is proof of residency and you will get a pass for up to 6 guests. You will be required to show your library card and the form for admittance. Blackout dates apply including spring break and summer.

Parking can be tight near the aquarium, but I suggest having lunch at the c restaurant + bar  and they will validate your valet parking for up to 3 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to have a yummy lunch and browse the aquarium! Many of the restaurants around the aquarium are tourist traps, so be advised! Expensive and not the best food! I also like Lalla Grill and Johnny Rockets (for a quick and casual meal)

Lunch with a view at c restaurant + bar

My Museum
My Museum is a great spot for toddlers and small children! We first went for a birthday party and loved it so much that we decided to get a membership. They offer many classes and activities, including Kinderjam. They also offer a reduced admission of just $2 on the first Tuesday of every month for Monterey County residents. The membership is $100 for the year and a great value!

Shoreline Community Church
We've been blessed to find an amazing church here in Monterey! Shoreline offers so many wonderful programs including Awana, MOPS, VBS, Growth Groups in addition to regular Sunday services with childcare at all services (8:30, 10 and 11:30).

Monterey Bay Recreational Trail 
Spanning 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove, this is my favorite place to run or walk. You will never get bored of these gorgeous views and you are bound to see some type of wildlife while you are on your walk or run! You can also rent bikes from NPS or Adventures by the Sea. They offer a military discount and have surrey bikes as well!We just did the surrey bike in December and it was a hit! We stopped at Wave Street Cafe for a yummy lunch!

Surrey Rentals are $25/hour

Breakfast at First Awakenings
Arrive early and check it out on a weekday! Yummy breakfast and right near the aquarium and rec trail! The California Crepe Egg is my favorite!

Il Vecchio
My friend Tina recommended this restaurant and it has become Kyle's favorite! Their Italian is authentic Northern Italian food  and so good! Our favorites are the Gnocchi and Chicken Marsala, but honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu. They also offer an early bird special on pasta dishes if you order before 5:30pm.

Biscuits and Gravy at From Scratch
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, their biscuits and gravy help fill the void of the lack of Southern food in California. They serve their biscuits with the most delicious homemade jelly (that you can also purchase) and a side of fried cheese grits! Yum! Best part? They serve breakfast all day!

Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette
My fav is the JC (bacon jam and grilled brie?! yes please) the Fried "Full Tilt" Chicken with a cheddar biscuit and polenta! It is the south on a plate and so yummy. Totally big enough to share! Kyle loves their oysters. The atmosphere here is so amazing and is right down the road from Fort Ord housing. Truly a hidden gem!

Wine Tasting and Charcuterie at Folktale
When you walk into the garden area at Folktale, you will be greeted with a delicious glass of bubbles, to start out your tasting experience! I love Folktale because of the atmosphere and the sun. Located in Carmel Valley, it is usually a little warmer and sunnier, which is a huge plus for me. Enjoy yummy farm-to-table appetizers while you have a wine flight. Folktale also has corn hole and other lawn games. We bring our kids and pets are allowed too! Don't forget to ask for a military discount!

Brunch at Crema 
This is an adorable spot in Pacific Grove. Downstairs they have a sweet little coffee shop and upstairs, they have a full service coffee shop! Military discount is 15%. We loved the chicken and waffles.

Refuge 
Refuge is an amazing get-away! I've been several times, but I was pregnant, so could not fully enjoy! I don't recommend going with friends, because it is very hard to resist the urge to talk, as it is a silent facility. Enjoy time in the hot and cold pools and relax around the fire pit. Active and Retired Military receive 20% admission M-Th!

Bernardus Spa
My favorite spa experience so far on the Peninsula! Bernardus itself is truly a dream. It is secluded and sits on 28 acre of vineyards, oh and did I mention it is warmer and sunnier there?! I would spend every day here if I could. I highly recommend their organic facial and they also do a 10% locals discount! Stay all day and enjoy the amenities!

Bernardus Lucia Restaurant
Great for date night or a GNO! Bernardus is gorgeous and the service is impeccable.
Monday and Tuesday - $8 till 8 on cocktails
Wednesday- $15 Brick Oven Pizzas, $2 Oysters and Drink Specials (5-7pm)

Stroller Warriors Monterey
I've been a part of Stroller Warriors in Hawaii and in Jacksonville and it is truly an amazing organization. The members are SO welcoming and instant friendships are created! Workouts are on Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:15am at various locations.

Ventana/ The Sur House
A more upscale Big Sur experience with the best view by far! Food is more eclectic and expensive, but they do have a burger on the menu. The view and ambiance cannot be beat! Even better, you can make a reservation on Opentable!

Big Sur River Inn
Great for lunch, ice cream and relaxing in the river on the Adirondack chairs. Don't forget your rain boots to walk in the river!

Nepenthe 
We've only been once and it was a little foggy, but the views were still amazing. Get there early. It is a very popular restaurant! On their site they have a live weather cam, so check it out before you make the trip down.

Bixby Bridge
Completed in 1932 and recently made more popular by the show Big Little Lies, this is a must stop photo-op on your way down to Big Sur! It is absolutely breathtaking! We stop every time we drive down to snap a photo!

Asilomar Beach 
Asilomar is one of my favorite places for pictures and a wonderful place to watch the sunset. You will want to bundle because it can be rather chilly and windy here, but it is so beautiful! Parking is free and fairly easy, but be sure to park inside the lines on the side of the road or you will get ticketed!

Pebble Beach and 17 Mile Drive
This a great excursion for guests who come to visit! You can drive on 17 Mile Drive and then have lunch at Roy's at Spanish Bay, Sticks or Bench at the Lodge overlooking the 18th hole. Be sure to stop for a photo with the Lone Cypress. It's also fun to pull up Zillow and guess the home prices as you drive through. You will need $10.25 to access 17 Mile Drive (or say you are going to an open house and provide the address), but you will be reimbursed for that fee when you spend $35 at a restaurant and provide your entrance receipt!

The Lone Cypress

18th Hole at Pebble Beach

Bento Box at Roy's at Spanish Bay

Don't miss the bagpipers that play nightly at Spanish Bay at 5:45 p.m. during Daylight Savings, and a half hour before sunset during the winter months

If you are looking to buy Pebble Beach souvenirs, check out the Outlet on Cannery Row. They have huge sale racks and more affordable items. They also offer a 10% military discount.

The Farm in Salinas 
This was one of our first adventures when we moved here! We went to the farm for one of their weekend events and had a blast. They have pony rides, hay rides, a small petting farm with rabbits, bunnies and goats. They also have u-pick flowers that are super fun to cut and make a fresh bouquet. On Tuesdays and Wednesday, they also do a story-time at 10:30! Its a great place to visit!

Peter B's Brewpub 
We love going here for happy hour and dinner! They have great food and it is family-friendly. Some of our favorites include the sweet potato tots (Charlotte's favorite), wings, hot pretzel and their burgers. They also have complimentary popcorn that you can get from an old-fashioned popcorn machine! So fun. They will also validate your parking for you as it is located in the Portola Hotel. Happy Hour is 4-6:30pm daily and was voted "Monterey County's Best Happy Hour"

Baldemiro's Taco Shop 

I was craving Mexican one night and honestly, we eat a lot of Chipotle and I have been a little scared to try some of the local places. I'm so glad I took the plunge because it is SO good and super affordable. I love their carne asada tacos and their carne asada fries! Yum! They are closed on Sunday. 

Burrito and Carne Asada Fries

Gusto's Pizzeria and Pasta

Also located in Seaside. It's an adorable spot! We enjoy takeout from here and also eating at the restaurant. They offer a happy hour and delicious authentic Italian. Their pastas are homemade. We love their Margherita pizza, lasagna and butternut squash ravioli.

Heirloom Pizza 

My friends went out to dinner here the night that Hux was born. We were in the hospital, so we weren't there. This place is SO good. We didn't go until August and I so wish we would have found it sooner. They feature deep dish pizza and my goodness is it yummy! I love the "Heirloom Pizza" which is their signature with gorgonzola cheese. So yummy! The "PB&G" is another good one that has pear, bacon and gorgonzola. If you go to their website you can get added to the waitlist or visit their website as it is a small restaurant. They do offer delivery through toasttab.com and they do a military discount!


Paris Bakery 

This is a great spot for a quick bite before or after a visit to My Museum as it is right across the street! The food is so good and super affordable. I love their quiches, french onion soup and pastries! So yummy!

Charlotte loves their "Princess Cake"

My Favorite Things: Trader Joe's

I'm excited to start a "My Favorite Things" blog series. I've had several requests through my followers on Instagram and I'm excited to share. If you have a favorite things request, send me an email!

We are very lucky to have TWO Trader Joe's here on the Monterey Peninsula. Moving to Monterey was definitely an adjustment because there is NO Publix here, which is where I exclusively shopped back in Florida (in addition to Costco). The Trader Joe's in Jax was about 20 minutes from our house, but I did go there to pick up special items occasionally. Our Monterey house is less than a quarter mile from the commissary (military grocery store), but we really love shopping at Trader Joe's because of the quality and cost. The commissary is great for last minute things though and fun to walk to with Charlotte!

We attend 8:30am church service on Sunday, which means we are out of church and in our car by 10:00am. This gives us plenty of time to get our grocery shopping done before we grab a later breakfast or early lunch. I actually love shopping as a family too, because my husband does do quite a bit of the cooking. He is very talented and comes up with excellent recipes on a whim. Thanks babe! A few weeks back we attended the 50th Anniversary of TJ's! Can't believe it has been around that long, but definitely a successful business. Ok, well on to my favorite things from Trader Joe's.

Produce/Prepared Foods 

The produce speaks for itself. It is fresh, good quality and inexpensive. At Trader Joe's everything is sold by item vs. weight. So keep that in mind when picking out your items!

Broccoli Slaw. I buy a bag of this weekly. It's so versatile and is an easy "Zoodles" replacement, except the work is already done. We love to make Thai Chicken Meatballs with Zoodles. 

Butternut Squash Zig Zags. These are awesome for little ones or even a replacement for pasta noodles. I love to toss with olive oil, S&P and roast in the oven. Charlotte loves butternut squash and sweet potatoes!

Shaved Brussel Sprouts. These are thinly shaved and so yummy roasted and tossed with TJ's Applewood Smoked Bacon!

Fresh Flowers/Orchids. TJ's has flower bunches starting at 3.99 and up. Their flowers are amazing and beautiful. Perfect for a hostess gift or for your own home! Throw them into a mason jar and you have a centerpiece! Their orchids are also beautiful and start at 9.99. What a deal! Add some dark chocolate and you have the perfect birthday gift for a friend, too!

Five Spice Chicken & Asian Style Noodle Salad. I buy these for Kyle for a quick lunchbox item. Everything is packed inside, including the dressing and he loves them!

Egg White Salad with Citrus. I LOVE egg salad, but of course it is loaded with calories. This is a lighter option with lots of flavor! I love snacking on this with crackers!

English Cheddar with Italian Truffles. I really could have shared ALL of the cheese at TJ's, but this one is one of my favorites! They have some amazing varieties of meats and cheeses (including our favorite, prosciutto). You can make a mean charcuterie board with their amazing selections. Once again, prices are on point too!

Frozen Items 

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter & Sage. We bought this on a whim one day, but it has easily become one of my favorite items/ go to side dishes. The calorie count really isn't bad when you consider the flavor and servings! Yum. This pairs excellent with a grilled steak and asparagus.

Cauliflower Rice. If you have ever heard someone talk about Trader Joe's, they have probably mentioned the cauliflower rice. I actually like to mix this half and half with brown rice. You really don't even notice the difference! We love to make Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli and serve with the rice mixture!

Turkey Corn Dogs. These are a great item to have in the freezer as a back up for your little ones! Charlotte loves these and they are fun to eat!

A Dozen Macarons. These are great to have on hand for a little dessert or to take to a party! You would never know these were frozen before!

Dry Goods 

Speculoos Cookie Butter. There really isn't much to say about this except, it is heaven in a jar. If you haven't tried this yet, RUN to TJ's! I prefer the crunchy version and love to put on toast and top with banana. They also have yummy Speculoos Cookie Butter Sandwich cookies which are also amazing! When we lived in Hawaii, my sister used to ship this to me!

Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies. These adorable and yummy cookies are perfect for your little ones. If I give these to Charlotte, she has to tell me the letters or numbers before she can eat them. A little lesson and treat all in one! These are also fun to spell out messages for a spouse or older child!

Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. Yes!! This is a fairly new product, but boy is it amazing. If you love Everything bagels, but don't love the calorie count that comes along with it, you have to try this. I love the sprinkle mine over Avocado toast. So good!

Lasagna Noodles (No Boil). These are a great and inexpensive product to make homemade lasagna. No boil, just simple layer with your sauce and ricotta and bake!

Coconut Oil Spray. A great alternative to other cooking sprays and super inexpensive!

Pumpkin Pancake Mix. This is a seasonal item, but so yummy for fall. You can make pumpkin pancakes or waffles with this mix! Yum!

Orange Muscat Champagne Vinaigrette. This dressing is amazing! Kyle makes a salad with grilled chili-lime chicken, avocado and mango and this dressing pairs perfectly with it! It is low in calories too!

Truffle Marcona Almonds. Ah, two of my favorite things. Truffles and Marcona Almonds. These are amazing, but I can usually only have a couple. They are so rich! These pair perfectly on a cheese board. Have them on hand for your next party or get together!

Mini Hamburger Buns. We aren't huge bread people, well at least we try not to eat a lot of bread. But these little mini buns are so cute and perfect for sliders. TJ's has an amazing bread selection with tons of different options, including pretzel sticks, brioche and even a cinnamon swirl french toast bread. I can get in trouble in this section!

Coffee. TJ's coffee selection is on point and offers a wide variety of options. I am currently drinking decaf, which I grind fresh in store and I think that makes it drinkable and tasty even though it has no caffeine! Kyle loves the K-cup options and they also released a Cold Brew Coffee too and it is organic!

Health/Beauty

Honey Mango Cream Shave. Kyle bought this and I'll admit, I have hijacked this product. I used it to shave my legs the other day and I couldn't believe how amazing it left them feeling. It has Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. It's really amazing!

Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion. Great price for this everyday lotion with SPF! 

Wine

Trader Joe's has an amazing selection of wine and of course, they are most commonly known for their "$2 Buck Chuck Wine", which is now $2.99. I've price compared TJ's with Total Wine and Costco and they usually have the best price. For example, Meiomi is $15.99 at TJ's!! 

I really could go on and on, but the items listed above are really my go-to TJ items. Don't have a Trader Joe's in your area? A quick Google search will return many shippable dry good items! Of course, you will pay a premium for these items! What are your favorite Trader Joe's items?