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Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review

September 25, 2014 by The Mom Jen 9 Comments

Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review Napa is becoming one of our favorite romantic getaways and it’s a great sign when my husband constantly asks when we were heading back! My answer would be every weekend if possible, with so much good food, great wine, and charming places to stay we are just hooked on the Napa Valley. Right on the very river that I kayaked on almost a year ago is the Napa River Inn, the highest Michelin rated hotel in Downtown Napa. Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review The Inn is located within the Historic Napa Mill that was a shipping and merchant business in 1884 along the riverfront. The mill as a warehouse for stocking supplies and wines for local vineyards led by Captain Albert Hatt, designating it a Historic Hotel of America. It’s a wonderful place to stay with so many great amenities that will have you come back time after time!

I love wine country hospitality at the Napa River Inn. The welcome glass of wine at check in is a treat after our drive and was happily taken to our room and enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the river. Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review Our nautical themed Embarcadero Building room included a queen bed and fireplace to make for romantic quarters. The circle mirror reminded me of a porthole combined with the wood paneling, we could have been on a ship. The view across the river houses the Napa Wine Train, an excursion we included on this very visit. Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review Walking around the property we found the Plaza Building rooms surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens with palms and flowers making us feel like we’re on a tropical island. We’ll request those rooms next time!Over 20 wine tasting rooms, many fine dining restaurants, and shopping are within a few walking blocks in distance from the Inn, but right on site you have the Napa General Store, Angele, Silo’s (live music, tribute bands, humorists), Sweetie Pie’s Bakery, Vintage Sweet Shop, and Celedon at your fingertips. Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review The Vintage Sweet shop offers lots of decadent pleasures and includes wine tasting with or without chocolates and will dip wine bottles in chocolate for unique gift ideas!

Evenings on the balcony or a walk on the riverfront are romantic and add to the overall charm of the Inn. Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review

Mornings are the best at the Napa River Inn, probably my favorite part of the stay was Breakfast in Bed! Included in your stay is a hot breakfast from Sweetie Pie’s Bakery that included for us a ham and egg croissant sandwich and fresh danish, hot coffee, and juice. Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review Delivered to your room in a basket, you can immediately hop back into bed with it or cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy it picnic style. Let me tell you, the food was incredible but those pastries I could buy in bulk. After breakfast you’ll be sure to be visiting the bakery/cafe to see what else you can sink your teeth into!

Romance on the Riverfront: Napa River Inn Review After breakfast indulge in the shower with the invigorating NV Organics body products, the shower is just big enough for two! With names like Champagne Sparkling and Cabernet you almost are tempted to taste them (just kidding), they are very fitting for wine country and also available for purchase, you’ll love their intoxicating scents!

Stay in bed and enjoy a late checkout upon availability, head out for a leisurely bike ride with the “bicycles to borrow” program, or book a couples treatment at The Spa, possibilities are plentiful! With so many amenities, we will return again and again! For more information and to book your stay, visit http://www.napariverinn.com/.

Our stay was hosted to provide the review, all opinions always our own.

A Day in the Wildlife with Dawn #DawnDayinTheWildlife

September 24, 2014 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Dawn Dish Soap. All opinions, and stories belong to Jamie of MN Girl in the World on behalf of Jen is on a Journey. This is one post apart of a 4 part series in relation to Proctor & Gamble and Dawn Dish Soap’s dedication to the Wildlife.

If there were 3 words to describe everything that happens at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA, they’d be: Hard Work, Dedication, and Passion. So, maybe those were 4 words.

When I was invited out to go behind the scenes at The Marine Mammal Center, I knew it was a center dedicated to rescuing animals, however, I had no idea about ALL the work that goes on behind the scenes.

Photo Credit: Middle Photo: Susan Goldman

Here’s a few fun facts:

This year alone, they have seen well over 900 animals come into the center!

During the busy season, staff and volunteers help sort up to 1000 lbs of fish a day because the animals eat that much!

Staff and Volunteers at the Marine Mammal Center help Rescue, Take Care of, and Release the Animals while also educating the public about the animals at the Center and their missions.

The Marina Mammal Center has three missions: Rescue and Rehabilitate sick and injured marine mammals, partner with leading scientists and others to learn about the mammals in their care along with expanding their advance scientific knowledge, and educating the public and scientific community to foster stewardship towards the care of our environment.

They make their own Salt Water, starting with just tap water, with their own filtration system right on property. It is illegal to take Salt Water from the Ocean.

All this work is done with just 45 Staff Members and 1100 Volunteers!

Dawn Dish Soap is the chosen choice of Dish Soap at The Marine Mammal Center because it was proven over and over again to be the BEST for animals. They have been partners since 2006.

Dawn has donated over 50,000 Bottles to both the Marine Mammal Center and the International Bird Foundation that has helped saved over 75,000 animals!

The Life of a Volunteer:

During my visit at The Marine Mammal Center I got to shadow a volunteer at the center for over a hour. My volunteer, Valerie Porter, has been a volunteer for over a 1 and a half, but the one thing I got from her was how TRULY passionate she was to be there.

As she told me about the center and explained the processes of what we would be doing, it dawned on me how dedicated these over 1100 volunteers are to the center. Valerie helps out at the center every Friday starting a little after 8 in the morning and working until the work is done. During the busy season, volunteers can put in 12 to 14 hour days to make sure these animals are taken care of. She does this while also going to school full time. It is her desire to become a bio-medical engineer.

Me with my Volunteer Valerie Porter

During my time of shadowing her, I learned the process of weighing an animal at the center along with the process of cleaning a pen. It is HARD work.

Valerie and her team demonstrated how they moved a Sea Lion out of the pen and into a carrier so they could weigh it:

Photo Credit: Susan Goldman

The volunteers utilize Rescue Boards. These boards help guide the animal in the direction that is needed to go along with helping to protect the volunteers. These Sea Lions have mouths with TEETH, and their bites hurt. One of Valerie’s favorite memories is when a Sea Lion kept biting one of the boards in use while they helped guide him out of a pen.

Along with helping guide the animals, clean pens, volunteers also help to sort and feed the animals at the center. We got to help with the process of sorting the food:

Sorting fish with The Rebel Chick.

Photo Credit: Susan Goldman

The Release of the Animals:

The end goal for EVERY animal that comes into the Marine Mammal Center is to be put back into the Wildlife. Although, there are some that do not make it.

BUT, the best part, always, is when they do get rehabilitated, and they find their way back home. The average stay for an animal at the center is just 6 weeks.

Truly, the best part of our day at the center was when we were able to watch 3 Sea Lions be released back into the Wild. Can you feel the excitement?

Because we were. This was an once in a lifetime experience. Releases are never made public, and the only time others happen to see as if they’re on the beach when the release happens.

See for yourself how these animals reacted:

Photo Credit: Susan Goldman

A huge THANK YOU goes out to Dawn Dish Soap and The Marine Mammal Center for this amazing experience that will forever be ingrained in my memory. Be sure to keep an eye out for future stories as we talk more in depth about these organizations and showcase videos of our in depth Day in the Wildlife at The Marine Mammal Center.

For more information be sure to check out Dawn Saves Wildlife.

Carmel Valley: Plan Your Next Event at Holman Ranch

September 23, 2014 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

Since our visit over the summer, I have been suggesting many different events to my husband that we can plan at Holman Ranch. I mean, I even came up with trying to get my friend to have her son get married there to planning a family high school graduation for my daughter in 2016, it’s that special of a place!

Nestled in one of California’s most beautiful locations, Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley is inland from the Monterey Bay and surrounded by grand oaks and rolling hills. Once the center of social life in Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch hosted Who’s Who in Hollywood entertainment parties with the likes of Clark Gable, Vincent Price, Joan Crawford, and Marlon Brando! The lovely manicured grounds immediately inspire peace and tranquility, the quiet surrounds you all but a the chirping birds and buzzing bees.

The focal point of the 400 acre Holman Ranch is its recently restored 1928 Carmel stone Hacienda, a magical estate that sits atop a grassy hill, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The beautiful private estate offers unlimited possibilities for weddings, engagements, family reunions, holiday parties, or business seminars and any other occasion you can think of.

Here are four very special reasons you should plan your next event with Holman Ranch!

1. Amenities
Planning a wedding? The picturesque location offers so much for the bride and groom and the wedding party. Imagine sipping estate-grown wine in our stunning vineyards, exchanging vows al fresco among the rolling hills, tasting buttery and sumptuous house-pressed olive oil at your rehearsal dinner in our enchanting olive orchard. Exchange vows outdoors and within the sanctity of the Catholic Church doctrines or inside the private chapel, ensconced in the hacienda that has been sanctified by a Catholic Priest and seats up to 50 people.

Family Reunion in mind? Carmel Valley’s first pool was placed at Holman Ranch, stroll past the Pinot Noir vineyard to the Wine Cave for barrel tasting, or head to The Stables for a horseback or carriage ride! Gather and perhaps dance (quincenera?) in the Rose Patio. Other family events such as baptisms, memorial services, private masses, blessings, interfaith unions, and memorials are also welcome in the chapel on the property.

Planning a friends’ retreat? Skeet Shooting, scavenger hunts, poker nights, billiards, and darts in the game room is available. Wine and olive oil tasting is available, space in the Carriage House can include tables for scrapbooking or crafting, yoga or Zumba!

Planning a business seminar? All the technology you need is included:
-Drop Down Screens, Projectors and Conference Phone
-Audio Visual Equipment
-Wi-Fi Access
-Fully Appointed Executive Board Room

2. Amazing Photo Opportunities
Everywhere you turn there is a view that you can’t miss. There are gardens of flowers you have to see. The architecture of the buildings themselves are so ornate and unique they can be the stunning backdrop to wedding or family photography. Even if you’re there for a business seminar, you can’t help but snap a shot that may be the next framed art in your living room or office! Here’s what I mean!

3. Cozy Cottages
10 guest rooms, most with two beds or a bed and sofa bed (sleeps up to 4) provide a comfortable setting to get back to at the end of a great day. Heating and air conditioned rooms offer a private full bath with organic bath products, and there is also a lobby area with a full kitchen and fireplace. We loved the patio decks most with their wooden rocking chairs and tables to enjoy your morning coffee or a night cap in the evenings.

4. The Wine
Holman Ranch has a small 20 acrre estate vineyard located in the world-class Carmel Valley appellation. Harvested by hand and cellared in their estate wine cave, the wines are crafted to present the true varietal character of the fruit “vine to bottle.” Thanks to the climate of central coast California, the warmth of the valley combined with the cooling marine layer provides optimal growing conditions for Pinot varietals.

Their off-dry Pinot Gris was amazing, and if you love sweet whites, the Sweet Love late harvest Savignon Blanc tastes like Hawaii in a glass! The 2010 Hunter’s Cuvee named for Holman Ranch owner Hunter Lowder is an award winner and has a delightful story to go with it!

Tasting Holman Ranch wines can be done at their tasting room less than a mile from the ranch, 19 E. Carmel Valley Road. and events can be planned at that location as well!

I’ve dined with the owners, enjoyed the wine, stayed in the cottage, and have toured the gorgeous grounds, vineyard, cave, and olive grove. There is so much history, beauty, love, and professionalism at Holman Ranch that it inspires me to plan an event every time I think about it, it’s truly an idyllic location!

From the article, what do you love most about it?

My stay was hosted, all opinions my own!

Lee National Denim Day Oct. 3: Facts and Fashion Tips

September 22, 2014 by The Mom Jen 25 Comments

natldenimday

Lee National Denim Day® 2014 kicks off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Friday, October 3. Join the movement by wearing your jeans in exchange for $5 to help the American Cancer Society® finish the fight against breast cancer. Lee National Denim Day is proud to have the American Cancer Society as the program’s beneficiary. Ending breast cancer is the overall goal, but the greatest immediate impact lies in helping those living with breast cancer – making everyday life better for those with the disease. From research, to treatments, to programs such as lodging for patients and caregivers, your Denim Day teams help women rise above breast cancer.

Since its inception in 1996, Lee National Denim Day participants have raised more than $91 million for the fight against breast cancer. With your help, millions will be added to that total in 2014. Lee National Denim Day is committed to improving the everyday lives of those with breast cancer – past, present and future. Find out how a simple gesture turns into extraordinary support for lifesaving screenings in communities nationwide, hope and care to those traveling away from home for breast cancer treatment, and investments in groundbreaking breast cancer research. Join Lee National Denim Day by creating a team and donating $5 or more at denimday.com.

Breast Cancer Statistics:
• Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.
• Mammography can identify breast cancer at an early stage, usually before physical symptoms develop, when the disease is most treatable. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
• One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The American Cancer Society urges all women to get a mammogram every year starting at age 40. Mammograms are simple tests that take just a few minutes – just a few minutes that could save your life.
• This year, an estimated 232,670 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
• In 2014, about 40,000 women will die of breast cancer.
• There are currently more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Working Denim at Work
Denim at the office isn’t only for comfort. This year more than ever, you will see casual Fridays become an everyday norm and dressed-up denim become a trend. So how do you stay casual while looking professional? Wearing denim to the office can be pulled off with the right pair of Lee jeans and a few finishing touches.

Use these styling tricks to make your next denim ensemble exec-level chic:

1)     Dark jeans are a must. Clean, dark denim says classic and sophisticated, while the distressed, boyfriend look can put off a weekend vibe.

2)     Don’t underdo your denim. Pair it with your staple work separates: a dressy blouse, cardigan or a blazer – style it just as you would a dress pant or pencil skirt.

3)     Not all denim cuts are office-friendly. Opt for clean (not slouchy) style – a straight, skinny, crop, or trouser.

4)     Decorate your denim. Any of your favorite accessories will do – a nice pair of heels, colorful skinny belt or statement necklace will make you meeting-ready in minutes.

5)     Feeling feminine? Try layering a Lee denim jacket on top of a colorful skirt or dress. Pair it with office-chic counterparts like red lipstick and pearls to polish it off.

So there you have it. With the right pair of Lee jeans and trusty pieces to style it with, you can achieve an office look that’s understated yet confident!
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Jeans were sent as well as offered for giveaway.

Cape Verde: The Secret Paradise For Beach Lovers

September 19, 2014 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

Are you looking to go on a holiday any time soon? Cape Verde is the perfect place for beach lovers who to experience gorgeous beaches, superb tropical weather and vibrant nightlife. Where is Cape Verde you might ask? It’s an island country in the coast of Western Africa are famous for their warm climate, volcanic islands, exotic music and sumptuous cuisine. Curralinho and Boa Vista are two of the most popular beaches in the country.

Boa Vista
Boa Vista is the largest island in Cape Verde and the easternmost. While its neighboring island, Sal, attracts droves of tourists each year, this island is very unique. Traveling back in time when the great explorer Christopher Columbus set foot on the island in 1498 it didn’t seem like a great place to him, but maybe he had seen too many mesmerizing things on his journeys to really be captivated by most places we ordinary mortals would consider paradise. But today the island is fast growing in popularity. Its tropical temperatures and beautiful beaches are the stuff of unbridled beauty, spanning a whopping 55 km. They feature crystal clear blue tides and a low number of tourists at the beach, making this one of the best places to relax away from the bustles of civilization.

Curralinho
The beach at Curralinho is said to be one of the best and is popularly known as Santa Monica due to its likeness to the California beach. It features around 20 miles of pure Australian grandeur and neighbor’s Praia da Varandinha beach. Curralinho beach has calm, warm waters, making it the ideal beach to spend the day swimming, especially with family. It is also a great place if you are into diving, not to mention that there are numerous restaurants and beach bars nearby where you can enjoy delicious delicacies and relax with a drink afterwards.

Curralinho and Boa Vista are two of the most popular islands in Cape Verde. Their blend of a unique environment, and magnificent resorts makes them some of the must see attractions in the republic. This is not to mention that they are great relaxation spots for those seeking some peace and quiet.

Guest post provided to Jen is on a Journey.