VINEYARD YOGA - SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
  • Home
  • TICKETS
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Photos
  • Contact
  • In The News
  • Private Classes
  • Blog

10 Ways to Lift Your Spirits in SYV During the Pandemic

8/10/2020

1 Comment

 
​If the pandemic has you feeling down and you are in need of a socially distant pick me up that won’t require you to drive too far or stray too far from home, then this list is for you. Our valley is overflowing with amazing opportunities to explore, inspiring places to adventure, and invigorating new experiences to try.  
 
1. Wake up early and watch the sunrise along the Santa Ynez River for a soothing start to your day. Those of us who walk the river today do not think much about it, but in the 1940s the Santa Ynez River was thought to have the largest run of steelhead fish south of San Francisco Bay. Prior to the completion of Cachuma Dam in 1953, the steelhead run on the Santa Ynez River was estimated to be as high as 25,000 adults. You can access the river at various points throughout the valley, but the most popular spot to walk is off Alisal Road. 
 
2. Buy a new book and read it in Hans Christian Anderson Park. Not sure what to read? Let our local bookstore The Book Loft select a book for you. Call them and let them know what you would like and pick it up on your way to the park. Or with prearrangement, they will deliver to homes in the Santa Ynez Valley Tuesday and Thursday 1-3 and Saturday 10-12.  There is a delivery charge of $5.00 on purchases under $100. 

Read More
1 Comment

A Perfect Day in Santa Ynez Valley: 3 Ways to Enjoy

12/1/2019

0 Comments

 
One Day Itineraries 
​As a local who’s lived in the Santa Ynez Valley for 16-years, I’ve come to know all the of the towns/cities that make up this place in an intimate way.  I’ve hiked every dusty trail, sought out the hidden culinary gems, combed the landscape, and tasted a lot of wine through the years. Weather you're local looking for a new way to experience the place you live, or if you're just visiting, there's something for everyone. 

I’ve broken down the Perfect Days into categories depending on what kind of experience you’re after in our hamlet here on the Central Coast of California: wellness, adventure, and food/wine. 

WELLNESS
The best way to start your day of wellness is with a hike in Los Olivos on the Midland Trails. You can choose to summit the peak of Grass Mountain (rated difficult, bring lots of water) or take scenic trails like Lovers Loop that meander along the creek and take you up/down foothills (easy/moderate).

Read More
0 Comments

Plant-Based Meals in the Santa Ynez Valley

12/21/2018

3 Comments

 
Picture
I've been plant-based for three years now, and while I love to cook, it's nice to enjoy someone else's creation from time to time. Even though there are no exclusively vegan or plant-based restaurants in the Santa Ynez Valley, there are still plenty of options for eating out in wine country if you know where to go and what to order.

So if you're a local who's looking for some healthier options or a visitor looking for what you can eat while you're in town, I've got you covered.

Here's my curated list of favorite plant-based vegan meals locally:

1. Petros Kafe in Solvang: The Super Veg Salad (no feta) and the lentil soup (no feta)

2. Café Dolce in Solvang: Dragon Fruit or Acai bowl with granola and fruit

3. Rudy's Mexican Food in Buellton: Fajita Burrito (no meat/no cheese), add guacamole, add black beans

4. Hitching Post II Lunch in Buellton: Enjoy the Beyond Meat vegan burger with smoked tomato mayo and eggplant jam while sipping on a glass of Pinot Noir and watching the ostriches run around next door

5. Hummingbird Café in Solvang: Roasted Pumpkin Coconut soup, Coconut Noodles w/Cashew sauce. Harold (the owner) will also create a custom meal for you if you let him know you don't eat meat.


Read More
3 Comments

10 Ways to Work Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life

9/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Most of us are humming along through our daily life caught up in thoughts about what’s to come—where we’re going for lunch, the important meeting next week, the trip to Europe next year. Or we are thinking about that awkward thing we said at dinner last night, or remembering the relaxing beach day we had a month ago.

There is nothing wrong with projecting about the future or rehashing the past, but it means we are never really living fully in the NOW. The discord comes because our physical bodies are only alive in the present moment which means our body and mind are always in different places. To sync them up, use mindfulness practices. Doing these things won’t cost you anything, you can do them almost anywhere, and at any time. Even if you can only work in a few, you will be living more mindfully.


Read More
0 Comments

Ten Day Trips from the Santa Ynez Valley

5/12/2018

0 Comments

 
I love living in the Santa Ynez Valley and hardly ever tire of our bucolic landscape. But sometimes it's good to get out of town on a day trip and and have some other Central Coast adventures. So pile your kids into the car, and head out for a memorable day trip with the family. Google the activities I list to get directions, hours, costs, etc.

Read More
0 Comments

Lasagne Soup: winter comfort food

1/20/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Salad w/ Jalapeño Dressing

6/21/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
INGREDIENTS
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large onion, preferably red, chopped
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  •  Salt
  •  freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh hot chili, like jalapeño
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  •  Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 cups cooked black beans, drained (canned are fine)
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Read More
0 Comments

33 Ways to Entertain your kids in SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

6/12/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
While I am a marketing consultant for a local winery and a yoga teacher, I am also, first and foremost, a Mom. While I love every part of living in the Santa Ynez Valley, keeping your kids entertained here over the summer here can be a challenge. Here’s a list I’ve compiled over the years of 33 things you can do that are kid-friendly in our little slice of paradise.


Read More
2 Comments

Day Hikes Abound in the SYV

5/19/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Spring has sprung in the Santa Ynez Valley and it’s time to come out of your winter hibernation and enjoy the outdoors. Our Valley is full of day hike options that feature all kinds of terrain from easy to difficult. Here’s a roundup of some of the local day hikes:


Read More
0 Comments

10 Ways to Boost Wellness in the SYV

5/18/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
When I first moved to the Santa Ynez Valley 14-years ago, there wasn't much offered here in the terms of wellness. You could take a yoga class or get your standard Swedish massage, but the depth and breadth of treatments was limited. Fast forward to 2017, and this Valley has transformed into a mecca of health and wellness with a plethora of possibilities.

1. Infrared Sauna at Nirvana Institute
A few years ago, I bought a package of infrared sauna treatments at Nirvana and sweated more than I thought possible (which is A LOT). They have two saunas onsite which you’ll have to book ahead. Once there, you’ll change into a terry cloth wrap, spa slippers, and sit in the sauna from 45-mins to an hour. The staff will bring you coconut water to drink and stay hydrated. If you’re not familiar, infrared saunas omit infrared light waves that create heat in the body, causing you to sweat and release stored toxins. The benefits range from anti-aging effects, increased detoxification, pain reduction, joint and muscle support, and cardiovascular healing. Located in Solvang http://nirvanahbo.com/

2. Green Juice at El Rancho Market
This local market recently added a juice bar to their coffee house in the front of the store. They use produce from a local organic farmer and have a wide variety of juices to choose. For the most antioxidants, try a green juice like the Green Machine (kale, cucumber, celery, romaine, apple, spinach, ginger, lime). You can also stop in here for a quick wheatgrass or ginger shot. Located in Santa Ynez http://www.californiafreshmarket.com/

3. The Chakra Balance Massage at Spa Elan
I was treated to this massage last month and it was transcendent. Each chakra (energy center in the body) is paired with a vibrationally attuned oil and you’re given a word and a color to focus on as that part of your body is massaged. It’s aromatherapy, it’s bodywork, and it’s amazing. Located in Los Olivos http://www.spaelanbeauty.com/

4. Tighten Your Core at Bilancia
This serene Pilates studio with large open rooms and natural light has both mat and reformer classes. These classes will help you find balance in your body and build a strong foundation. So you’ll work up a sweat, but walk away feeling calm. A win-win! Located in Los Olivos http://www.bilanciapilates.com/bilancia_pilates_studio/bilancia_pilates.html

5. Tour Local Farm Stands
One of the best things about living in this Valley is the abundance of local fruits and vegetables that are grown here. I love taking my kids on a farm stand tour where we visit all the local produce stands and buy what looks best. There are quite a few to choose from, but it’s best to start at one end of the Valley and work your way through them all. Start in Buellton at Something Good Organics on Santa Rosa Road (the strawberries here are so good they’ll make you cry). Then jump over to Folded Hills Farmsted located off the 101-freeway near the Nojoqui Pass (try their organic watermelons and heirloom tomatoes). Then make your way to the Finley Farms stand in Santa Ynez. Here you’ll find everything from bell peppers, zucchinis, cantaloupe, and fresh flowers. Finish your tour at rustic and unassuming Summerset Farms in Santa Ynez. This organic farm will let you pick your own raspberries and blackberries and also sells seasonal fruits and veggies. http://www.somethinggoodorganics.com/

6. Restorative Yoga at Bloom
This sumptuous yoga class will leave you feeling deeply nourished. You’ll use bolsters, blankets and blocks to prop the body in various poses. The poses are held for 5-10 minutes without effort so that the body can activate the relaxation response. When the body and mind relax, healing can begin. Restorative yoga benefits anyone who needs to release stress, recover from injury or feel balanced and integrated again. Located in Solvang http://bloomyogasolvang.com/

7. 20-min Foot Massage at Little Rainbow
This is the best kept secret in the Santa Ynez Valley. I think most locals think this is only for travel-weary tourists, but they’re missing out. My husband and I end our evening dates here (they stay open late) with side-by-side foot massages on individual bed-like cushions. It’s amazing how such a short massage can leave you feeling so relaxed. Located in downtown Solvang.

8. Hydradermie Double Ionization Facial at Alisal Resort Spa
Last year, I tried this facial when it was first debuted at The Alisal. I knew it was special when the rep for the company who makes the ionization machine said I’d have to drive to LA or San Francisco to experience this because it’s so exclusive. Thankfully The Alisal now owns this ahead-of-its-time machine and we don’t have to drive to a big city. The 50-min treatment uses two metal rollers. One roller issues positive electrodes and the other negative. The rollers ionize a hydrating gel on your skin and you’ll feel a tingle as the treatment is absorbed. Then a glass wand, filled with gas, lights up in a red and orange light, as the high-frequency current stimulates the micro-circulation. My skin never looked better after I had this done. Located in Solvang http://alisal.com/relax/facials/

9. Dip in the Natural Hot Springs at Gaviota
Located in a State Park, this hot springs is a bubbling gem. After a long hike up Gaviota Peak, strip down and soak in the warm natural hot springs. Thanks to some 1960’s-hippies who built the masonry around the spring, there’s an actual pool where you can sit. This experience isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s a sulfur smell. And leaves/dead bugs you may need to sweep off the top of the pool. And you’ll be sitting in charcoal-colored dirt on the bottom. But if you can overlook all that, it’s a natural experience unlike any other you’ll get in the SYV. Located in Gaviota State Park http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/hikes/frontcountry/gaviota

10. Mini-Retreat with Vineyard Yoga 
I offer private vineyard yoga classes to couples, companies, and groups of various sizes. I offer everything from a 1-hour class at a winery to a full Day of Wellness mini-retreat. I’ve planned 40-person retreats with yoga class, followed by a 3-course lunch and exclusive wine tastings. I’ve also created a romantic vineyard yoga and meditation class for couples followed by wine tasting and picnic. Click on Private Classes for more information.

2 Comments

    Archives

    August 2020
    December 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018
    June 2017
    May 2017

    RSS Feed

Home
About
Contact
Photos on this website are the property of Vineyard Yoga SYV and may not be used without permission.
  • Home
  • TICKETS
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Photos
  • Contact
  • In The News
  • Private Classes
  • Blog