Zuma/Trancas Canyons

I would like to end my L.A. trip with a few words to people who love to explore, hike, bike, horseback ride and be out and out in mother nature. I spent a lot of time driving up and down Highway One or the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and discovered a lot of great things to do like hiking in the Zuma/Trancas Canyons and little cafe’s and wine bars along the way. Highway One is 655.843 miles going up and down the California coast. It starts at Interstate 5 in the Orange County area and ends in Leggett, Northern California, at route 101.

I spent most of my time exploring Highway One from L.A. to Santa Barbara. Take your hiking shoes, your camera, some towels and a bathing suite and a sweater for later, because you will encoutner some wonderful places to play and beauty you want to capture forever. The scenic view is breathtaking with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other and unique little towns in between.

I spent much time exploring the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu via Kanan Dume Road and Muholland Hwy. The Muholland Highway starts in West Hollywood off of the 101 and goes all the way to Sequit Point and is absolutely breathtaking, especially if you catch a sunset. There are hiking trails with canyon views and some with ocean views and little surprises along the way. Also, you must stop in some of the very extraordinary towns and explore many of the paths that are designated to hiking and walking.

Thank you for taking this journey with me to California and reading about the great people, wine and time I had visiting such a lovely place. I hope to revisit soon…this time Santa Barbara to Napa!

It’s All In The Name

Being the dreamer that I am I always seem to have ideas and concepts floating around in my head. I have been this way ever since I can remember. Blessing or curse I don’t know but it seems to be the cross I have to bare.

I love marketing and playing around with catchy branding. I probably would do really well in European beer commercials. I love catchy, funny, clever, witty…good marketing. It is a shame that so many people take offense and get their undies in a bunch over silly things that make people laugh and smile. It is like they feel it is a noble cause to be so serious about life, as if seriousness or grumpiness has ever solved any of the world’s problems. I digress.

Wine Wenches or The Wine Wench is no exception either. But the best part of dreaming is when you invite your brilliant friends to join in over some fabulous wine. Everyone starts to relax, unwind and let go and our minds are magnets for ideas.

Before we ended up with the concept of The Wine Wench – The Wench Knows Her Vine, we had plenty of other corny, devilish, catchy and fun ideas pop through our dirty little minds. The list that follows is our top five funniest wine titles:

The Wine Whore – The Hooker for AA!

The Cellar Feller – This Fella Knows His Cella!

The Wine Bitch – The Bitch Knows Her Wine!

The Wine Wench – The Wench Knows Her Stench!

And the best one is…

Vulva Vineyards – If your wine smells like ass, consider a pass, but if your wine smells like twat then you know you’re in the right spot!

Just another day in my life. Friends, wine and lot’s of fun.

The LAiens

Still in L.A. sitting at The Coffee Bean soaking in LAiens and their lifestyle contemplating if I could actually see myself living here. I am still very much undecided on this matter. I think it is a great place to come and visit but I just am not sure my out door, nature loving roots will allow it. If  Seattle didn’t have all the rain and gloomy overcast for 90% of the year, I would move their in a heart beat. I love the outdoors, I love being active, out and about, near the ocean or mountains, hiking, exploring and somehow walking down to Beverly Hills to Rodeo drive or around the corner to Armani or Dolce and Gabbana just doesn’t do it for me.

That being said I would definitely could see coming here for long weekends and staying at either The Sofitel or The SLS Hotel, both of which are right in the heart of things. The restaurants here are fantastic and I love that their is an organic cafe on just about every corner. Like Urth Caffe which offers fabulous fresh food and the best organic coffee. Their tomato soup is to die for, the salads are super fresh and the sandwiches are delicious. Then there is Le Pain Quotidien serving the some of the healthiest breakfast food using whenever possible organic ingredients in their dishes. They are 100% botanical/vegan. I especially love Le Pain Quotidien and their fresh mint tea. I’ve never had tea where they actually use just leaves and hot water. It is so delicious. I am hooked. They have three cafe’s here in L.A. and eighty around the world. None in Chicago though. I wonder WHY NOT?

The people seem to be super friendly here. Everywhere. I think people come to L.A. to either start over or become someone but in my humble opinion you have to be someone before you come here. What I mean by that is that you have to know who you are and be good with yourself. You can’t come to L.A. or anywhere for that matter, to try and find yourself. What your looking for is inside not outside. You are someone before you even step foot off the plane and LA isn’t going to do something you can only do within yourself.

I find everyone to be just like people every where else in the world with the exception that people are more open minded here and accepting. If you are okay with yourself the pretentiousness of people doesn’t get to you and eventually you just don’t see it anymore, you see past it and just see the essence of people. At least that is how it works for me. More and more I am finding that we see what we want to see. We find what we are looking for.

The other interesting thing is the way LAiens dress. I know the west coast is supposed to be so ahead of the game when it comes to fashion and they are considered to be fashion forward BUT like Carrie on Sex in the City… I just don’t see it. I often wondered what drugs the design director was on when they planned out her outfits. Then again, I know the way I dress isn’t for everyone either and I finally understand what my dad meant when he would say to us as kids, “What the hell do you got on? Did you just roll out of bed? I work really hard to make money so you can look decent and you look like you went shopping at a consignment shop!” I love ya dad!

And what the hell is up with all the dealer plates? I mean almost every Bentley, Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and any other luxury vehicle you can imagine have no plates or are sporting dealer plates! Is this a marketing tactic? That is a lot of dealer plates driving around Los Angeles.

All in all they have been very accepting of me and I really have enjoyed being here. I’ve met some fabulously, friendly people that I’ve exchanged information with. I know who I am and I’m already somebody so I’ve got nothing to prove and nothing to lose. I’m just soaking it all up.

Next post – Vina Sastre Roble, Ken, Rob, Martin, Sergio and The Bazaar

Ride, Ride Motorcycle Ride

I did it! I took and successfully passed the written portion of my motorcycle licensing. I am officially a permitted motorcyclist woman! I am now signing up for a class either through Harley Davidson or RideChicago.com motorcycle schools. I am thrilled! Woo Hoo! Soon I will be a part of a group riding club, traveling the world on my motorcycle!  Gotta love life! The more I let go, the more open I am to adventure and taking life one moment, one day at a time!

Let’s Go Flying!

Last week I was invited to try out this new program to learn how to fly planes. This has always been something that I have wanted to do and now there is a program that allows women just like me to learn how to fly.

We will be taking our first lesson at Midway Airport the second week in July and I am really looking forward to it. I am bringing a camera with me so you can actually sit through my first lesson with me. I think this is SOOOOO cool!

WORLD’S LARGEST PILOT ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW
LEARN-TO-FLY PROGRAM CALLED LetsGoFlying.com

It’s never been easier to find out what it takes to become a pilot, or to find a local flight school where you can take a specially priced introductory flight, thanks to www.LetsGoFlying.com, a new learn-to-fly program. Developed by the nonprofit Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world’s largest pilot’s organization with more than 415,000 members, www.LetsGoFlying.com offers a wealth of information and resources for anyone interested in learning to fly.

Just log on to www.LetsGoFlying.com to discover just how easy learning to fly can be. You’ll learn about the fun, excitement and many life-enhancing benefits that come to those who earn a pilot’s license. And for those who are ready to take that next step, there’s a comprehensive database of more than 3,500 flight schools across the country. Many offer discounted introductory flights — typically about half the normal price. This is a hands-on experience where you actually taxi out to the runway, throttle up and pull back on the controls at takeoff, all under the supervision of a certified flight instructor. For those who decide to continue their training, the introductory flight counts as time earned toward a license.

And a growing number of people are deciding to do just that. Since 1997, the number of licensed pilots in the U.S. has increased by about 6 percent. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts a dramatic increase in both student and licensed pilots in the next 10 years: more than 108,000 students by 2015, up from 90,110 in 2005; and 271,400 licensed Private pilots; up from 245,000 in 2005. Those are increases of 17% and 10%, respectively.

So why do more than 100,000 people take an introductory flight each year?

For starters, those taking the controls have discovered that learning to fly is easier than they imagined, thanks to technological advances in flight training and computerization. It’s also more affordable than they thought. Many people qualify to fly solo with just 12-14 hours of training for just over $1,000. You can earn a Private pilot license with as few as 40 hours of training and practice flying. Even a more typical 50-70 hours can cost as little as $7,000-$10,000, depending on the region of the country. And being a pilot opens up a whole new world of fun, adventure and opportunity. There’s the feeling of personal growth and sense of accomplishment that comes with learning to fly. With miles of open sky, there’s also the freedom and independence of knowing you can fly above stoplights and bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Sharing the experience of flying with family and friends also brings you closer. Imagine flying above congested highways to a remote vacation destination, or planning a golf outing or weekend getaway with friends at a location that’s now just a few hours —not days — from home.

But learning to fly also has practical benefits, especially for on-the-move businesspeople looking for easier, more direct ways to travel to meetings with associates or clients. With more than 5,000 public airports and landing facilities from which to choose, you’re usually just minutes from your final destination after you land.

A PILOT’S LICENSE OPENS THE DOOR TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Learning to fly can open the door to a host of career opportunities. In fact, the aviation industry is begging for qualified pilots. Consider that most of the 19,000 pilots hired last year to fill positions with the major, regional and commuter airlines were trained in General Aviation.

It all begins with an introductory flight at a local flight school. For more information visit www.letsgoflying.com

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association includes more than 415,000 members, or nearly two-thirds of all U.S. pilots and three-quarters of General Aviation pilots. Since 1939, AOPA has represented the interests of general aviation which covers all flying except the scheduled airlines and the military. Its headquarters are in Frederick, Md.

# # #

I’m so excited I can’t wait to tell you about it!

An Amazing Place to Visit – Elkart Lake, Wisconsin

I just returned home from Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. I was invited to watch my uncle participate in the historic races at Road America. Wow, what an event. Until now, I didn’t realize just how many women participate in this high-adrenaline sport. I thought I was the only one! It was refreshing to see the various women alongside their husbands, sporting their very own race cars and going for gold. I was even surprised that women in their 50’s were kicking ass out there on the race track. I was completely impressed and thought to myself, “Now, that is the kind of woman I am, and the kind of woman I am going to continue to be.” They were so hip!

While I was there, I enrolled myself into the Skip Barbara Formula One racing school. Upon completion of this three day class I will be eligible for my regional SCCA Competition License. I am so excited to be doing things in my life that I never dreamed of doing. It is amazing the self confidence you build when doing things that you fear. I can’t begin to tell you how following through with my passions and “some days,” add value to my personal and professional life on every level. If I happen to make it out of the Formula One racing school alive, I will be enrolling myself into the next level of racing, “Porsche’s!“. This is my ultimate goal–along with purchasing that BlackGT3 with chrome and lavender rims!

Because of Road America, Elkhart Lake has really taken on a new shape. I had no idea this little town was on the map. The lake is absolutely gorgeous. Not too big, not too small and it isn’t busy like many lakes that you find nowadays. We stayed at the Osthoff Resort. It wasn’t the Four Seasons, but it was a nice place to stay. It was a great weekend getaway. The resort has so many things to offer for couples, families or just a weekend getaway.

The spa, Aspira Spa,  is just a lovely as any other and offers some great packages. I enjoy being so close to the track and then coming home to sit out on their deck in a rocking chair with a glass of wine, looking over the peaceful lake and listening to the waterfalls. It is so serene and peaceful. Some of the activities available include: canoeing, boat rentals, bumper boats, fishing, hiking, bike rentals, sailing (my next passion), some of the best golfing in the area, bonfires and cruises. Those are just some of the summer activities, there is so much more.

It is a very small town, but if you really just want to relax for a few days and unwind, it is a great place to stay. On Saturday nights they have live music on the beach. On Sunday evenings there is a little outdoor bar that overlooks the lake and has local musicians showing off their talent, and they are pretty good. When we were visiting we heard Ryan McIntyre and Rob Anthony. I bought both of their CD’s. They are both aspiring artists. Together they make a great band, amazing vocals and great songs too. You can find there Cd’s by visiting their websites:  www.ryanmcintyremusic.com and www.robanthonymusic.com. I really like Ryan’s cd “my nine song ep”. It is acoustic guitar, nice soothing vocals and great road trip music!!

So if you are looking for a great getaway that is about two and a half hours away, why not check out Elkhart Lake and maybe you too will be enrolling yourself in the Skip Barber racing school! I don’t think you will be sorry.

Racing Cars – My Best Day At The Race Track

Today was one of the best days in my life and a day I will not forget anytime soon. I advanced from a novice racer to intermediate level during my race session today at The Joliet Autobahn Country Club. In addition, Joe Rizza Porsche let me drive my first Porsche ever – a brand-new Cayman S. Wow, I can’t even begin to describe how exhilarating that experience was. The Cayman S goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds and her top track speed is 170MPH. But, it is the fact that she is so light that makes her handle so well. It isn’t only the speed on the straight away, but it is the way a car and driver handle the turns that makes the difference in winning and losing. The special design of each Porsche is what makes the ultimate racing car. Their light weight, along with their speed to weight ratio is very balanced and their ability to handle corners at top speeds is outstanding.

The Cayman S is an entry level racing car for someone such as myself. But, as you progress up the line of Porsche’s, you will see the professional racers own the GT3’s, and the really serious die-hards upgrade to the ever elusive, sexy – RS. These cars are limited and custom. The availability is slim because only so many are brought into the US every year and they are not cheap.

My uncle is a professional racer. His racing company is called Hish Racing and he races all kinds of cars. He recently purchased the 2008 limited red series edition of the GT3-RS and let me tell you, it is breathtakingly, sexy-sweet. She is curvy, has wide hips and is low to the ground, not to mention that her looks are top of the line. She is race ready but is almost to pretty to take on a track. My uncle has a fleet of different types of cars including a semi and crew to go along with him. His partner and good friend is John Weinberger. They are very well known in the racing circles and are really good at it. I enjoy watching them. John Weinberger’s lovely wife races her own car and has won a few trophies herself! Maybe my uncle’s love for fast, beautiful, stellar cars has rubbed off on me and that is where my love for fast cars and racing originated from.

But, today it was about ME. I owned the track. I was at the top of my game and have really learned the lines of the track. With each instruction, I have learned a new technique and have increased my lap time by almost 20 to 30 seconds by learning how to control the car around the corners. I was running with the big boys today and it was fun. I walked with my head high and my shoulders back and got quite a few compliments from the guys. I have finally earned their respect on the track. I am no longer the “hot” babe with the BMW, but a force to reckon with. Not just because I was driving a Porsche but, my BMW was handling amazingly well today (although, my instructor Mike told me it was me and not the car that was the cause of her smoothness).

Learning about cars and racing them is truly a confidence building exercise. To have all that power in your hands and master it on the track is a very powerful experience. You have to think on your feet, make quick decisions, be able to recover from mistakes quickly without freaking out and losing control of your car and you really have to learn to be alert at everything around you. I have had some of the best driving instructors and professional racing instructors teach me how to handle these high performance cars and today was the day that everyone realized just how good a driver I have become in such a short time period. I was so proud to be not only keeping up with them, but overtaking a few of them and kicking their pants off, in a BMW. My 650i weighs 4,000 pounds. She is a tank. Porsche’s weigh half of that and that is the kicker and what everyone is amazed at. You see, I am living proof that it is not the car but the driver that makes the difference.

The rush that comes with this sport is very potent. Every part of your being has to be completely engaged and focused. Your mind, your thoughts, your energy must be channeled and honed in on your driving skills. One bad move, one jerky turn, going into an apex too early or too late can be costly. You have to be in sync with your car and know what is going on with her. It is as if you are “one” with her, connected. Not to mention, when you learn to master the apexes, racing becomes like a ballet- smooth and graceful and you literally pick up seconds on your laps. At the end of each session, I am drenched in sweat, my heart is beating fast, my face is glowing and I am full of passion. It is a complete rush, who needs drugs?

I HATE MY JOB!

Have you ever wondered what you might be doing with your life? Have you ever thought, “If I just had a chance at my dream job, I know I would love it.” Or maybe you know somebody who is very unhappy at their job but they have responsibilities such as mortgage, children and can’t just take off and follow their passions. So they keep going, unhappy. You spend the better part of your life at work, so you should be doing something that is both fulfilling and something you love. Some people don’t know how to get themselves out of their rut. I guess that is the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary. Women and men alike have the ability to make necessary changes and lead themselves out of their ruts. With that said, as strong people, we have a lot of influence on the people around us whether we realize it or not. So offering them guidance and direction is a great thing because that is all some people need, a little help, a little shove in the right direction.

So, here is a website that you can share with these people or even use for yourself! If you want to make a vocation change but are scared that, “what if you might not like your dream job?” Here is the perfect solution: take a Vocation Vacation and have some fun trying out something you have always been interested in. Vocation Vacations is a company that was started by Brian Kurth who dreamed up this idea while stuck in traffic on the Chicago Kennedy Expressway. Each day the two to three hour drive was taking its toll on him. He started thinking, what can I do with my life? Two years later he lost his job in the dot.com collapse. That is when he jumped in with both feet and started Vocation Vacations. People thought he was crazy but now he is running a very profitable business that gives people the ability to “test drive” their dream jobs and “change their lives.” There are three groups he caters to: Career Changers, Curiosity Seekers, and Gift Givers.

9/11 was a massive wake up call to people. Now more and more people are taking control of their lives and getting involved in creating first hand experiences and creating their own stories instead of getting them second hand. This is one way to make a huge shift in your life or maybe the catalyst that will help someone else that you know. I am going to try a few myself. Brian currently offers a very large array of hands on experiences in many vocations. From Wine Maker to Pastry Chef, to opening up a Doggy Day Care, you can experience just about any vocation at very reasonable prices. So be adventurous or help someone out and give them a Vocation Vacation today!

Personally, I love music. Ever since I was little I was moved by music and I love to dance. I was in Jazz, ballet, and tap dancing up until 8th grade, but there was something about music that moved me and continues to move me. I feel the beat within my core. I hear the changes in rhythm, it relaxes me, it releases my creative energy deep inside and maybe this is why I have always wanted to be a DJ. Taking two or three different songs and mixing them together to create one unique beat that moves people is exciting. Some of my favorite DJ’s are DJ Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Deep Dish and many more. The lyrics on many of these songs are very powerful too. Scratch DJ Academy offers a six to ten week course that combines curriculum and hands-on training with over fifty turntables and celebrity DJ instructors. I am going to attend that school before I die. It is a itch I am going to have to “scratch” soon!  I love when DJ Tiesto took Sarah McLachlan and made the remix “Silence,” and “Fallen,” they are energizing.

Ibiza, one of the three Balearic Islands, is nothing short of the most beautiful scenery. It is a Mediterranean Paradise, nestled outside of Spain and Portugal. Ibiza is is the European Trance capital of the world. It is an amazing island to visit and absolutely breathtaking, but if you really like European Dance Music and like to dance, you have to go clubbing at least one night while you are visiting! It is something you will never forget and probably won’t want to do again.