So I just got an UrbanDaddy email about a zipline that’s being set up for only 11 days starting tomorrow, April 8th, in the heart of San Francisco. And the best part…. it’s FREE! Imagine flying along on a 600-foot long zipline in Embarcadero Square… Crazy! Sounds like a blast and definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Well, that is until someone awesome steps up to the plate and decides to start a company offering San Francisco zipline tours.

Read more about it by clicking here.

There aren’t too many ziplines in California, but for the ones that do exist, you’re looking at spending at least $100 per person. How amazing would it be to see the city from a totally different point of view – on a zipline! Totally worth every minute I spend standing in line with strangers all looking for the same thrill. That’s why I say make a day of it and bring everyone you know, tweet about it, and tell all your facebook friends. Oh, and don’t forget your camera so you can take the perfect profile pic.

Yea, I’m in. Anyone want to drive or fly with me to SF?!?

There are some who’ve been anticipating a write up about my backpacking trip to Havasupai Falls, and I’m sorry to report that I couldn’t make the trip this year. The others did make the trip and had a blast, as expected. Here are some pics to share with you (I can’t believe I missed this), and I hope to share my version of this adventure with you sooner than later.  Enjoy!

So we just added Canyoneering to our activity list and I’m dying to go. I love adventure so this will be the perfect outing for me. Canyoneering involves everything from climbing to hiking, jumping, scrambling, rapeling down waterfalls… you name it, you do it. Sounds fun, right?! I found a great story about a Canyoneering adventure. Hopefully I’ll get to view the video too (sounds like it was a great trip). What is Canyoneering? Come discover for yourself what this crazy activity is all about.

So for all you mothers out there, I’m sure you’re excited to be treated like a queen next Sunday, and for everyone else, you’re probably still thinking about what to do! It really is just around the corner, so you better come up with something good. After all, our mothers brought us into this world, and while they deserve to be treated like queens every single day, they definitely deserve something truly special and unique on their day.

While some moms are physically active and enjoy getting out there and doing something fun and outdoorsy, others just want to relax and be pampered on their special day. Both sound absolutely fun and fabulous! One thing I would suggest is maybe not taking her out to dinner. That’s one of the most common and expected things you can do, which is why it’s one of the busiest, money-making days of the year for restaurants. There are so many other fun and unique ways to say I Love You to your momma. In fact, I found an interesting blog with several cute and affordable ideas for Mother’s Day gifts.

Aside from giving gifts, take your mom out for the day and do something fun. We live in Southern California, for crying out loud, so why not take her out on a duffy boat or maybe a sailboat. It’s so relaxing, but at the same time, it’s exciting and a great idea for the whole family to enjoy. I know my mom would absolutely love going out on a boat because she’s never really been on one before.

Another idea is a brunch or dinner cruise, which we offer in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego. Although a less intimate setting than a duffy boat or sailboat charter, brunch and dinner cruises are fun and come with an amazing, gourmet meal and beverages.

If your mom has a serious case of seasickness, take her up on a hot air balloon ride over Southern California’s wine country, Temecula Valley. How fun would it be to go ballooning and then wine tasting afterwards?!? Sounds like a fabulous day to me!

For the more adventurous mothers, get out and ride some jet skis around the harbor or out in the ocean. Although it’s still springtime, the weather is heating up and it’s the perfect time to start getting out in and on the water. Let your mom shine and show off her skills by ripping it up on a jet ski or waverunner. What a blast!

Whatever you decide to do, make it a special day that your mom will never forget. Give her something unique and surprise her by taking her out to do something she’s never done and would never expect. Taking her out to dinner and giving her flowers is special, but very common. Moms, expect the unexpected this year. You deserve to have a unique and memorable experience with your loved ones. You are all so wonderful and we love and appreciate you unconditionally. Thank you for being you.

Sometimes fear stops us from doing some of the most exciting and adrenaline packed things in life. Ever since my friend passed along her copy of “One Month To Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life,” I treat everyday as the most important!

News or friends inform us about such stories that relate to life, and often make us wonder why things happen the way they do. For example, this morning there was a rare and freak shark attack in Solana Beach, San Diego. A 66 yr. old man in great shape was training for his next triathlon and was freakishly bitten by a shark and didn’t survive. And then I stumble upon a more uplifting story where a 96 yr. old former US Navy pilot took a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm so he could take in some excitement and ride the fastest rides there, regardless of being in a wheelchair.

His daughter mentioned that “He doesn’t get out at all, so sometimes I plan a day where we go out,” she said. “That morning, I told him, ‘If you get out of bed, I’ll buy you breakfast, and maybe we could take a ride up to Knott’s.’ He liked that idea.”

How I look at…we’re dealt with a deck of cards each day – you can play or pass. I’d rather play!

Okay, so after reading this blog, I’m dying to go paragliding! For me it’s hard to imagine the feeling of flying thousands of feet in the air… and not in an airplane. The adrenaline rush, the fear, the excitement, the euphoria, the gratification one feels after just going out there and doing it. It takes some major guts to paraglide, but for millions of people around the world, it’s on their weekly agenda.

Luckily for me, we just added paragliding to our extensive list of activities. I think it’s time for an “Activity Day”, eh? First activity on my list: flying! Who hasn’t wanted to fly sometime in their lifetime? And the great thing is that there are so many beautiful places to fly in Southern California. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get high…..

As many may know, Laguna Beach is home to great art and many fabulous artists. In fact, the first Thursday of every month, galleries in town stay open later to host “1st Thursday’s Art Walk,” a time where all can enjoy award-winning art amid the crowded paths of pch.  It’s a fun time for residents and othera alike to meander around town, sipping wine, enaging in conversation and exploring new techniques used to create such diverse works. In fact my favorite gallery, the Surf Gallery, on Thalia Street is having a sneak peak art show this Friday, April 25th. The work will display most recent paintings and prints from local artists. I can’t forget to mention the live music -that’s always a huge plus for me! The show is hosting some up and coming artists whose illustrations are recognized on surf clothing, wetsuits, shoes, logos and surfboads from a hand full of years.

Hope to see some of you there!

I was introduced to these via conversation with one of our customers who ordered mountain bikes for a trip with his buddies. Unaware of this destination, I asked where these were. You’ve never heard of this spot? No. Unfortunately I had not, but was so eager to google it I hopped on the internet ASAP. In addition to being a destination for some beautiful, natural hot springs, it’s also a common destination for skinnydippers and skinnysoakers alike… hmmm. Located just southeast of Hesperia, Deep Creek Hot Springs are a cluster of natural hot springs with various temperatures that are accesible by foot or bike. To get there, hike a vigorous 2-miles or meander the 6-mile trail… the choice is yours. Either way, the pictures I’ve googled are amazing and definitely scream fun! I’ve stumbled upon plenty of sites that provide directions and other important information. In addition, I discovered a very cool site that’s a great resource for natural hot springs in California, Colorado and other places in the country.

Yes…it is cocktail hour and I hope to be working up that sort of buzz soon, but I’m talking about a different kind of buzz. It looks like Quiksilver is taking it up a notch and launching a new line of women’s clothing geared towards the older fashionista rather than the surfer wahine. Quiksilver, one of the biggest sellers of clothes that targets surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding, hopes the new line will draw those who grew up wearing Roxy. The new line includes jeans, dresses, shirts and jackets with a price point ranging from $34 to over $100 and should be in company stores as well as Nordstrom’s soon.

Love it love it love it. Great step for Quiksilver since there is definitely a market for this. I can’t wait to get my hands on a short silky dress!

You can check out more about the line here.

What a gorgeous day it was yesterday! Feeling guilty after sleeping in so long, I peeked out my window to see one of the most beautiful days, and what better way to take advantage then by going on a hike. My favorite little hike is located just behind my house in Laguna Beach; Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. I pinch myself just thinking how fortunate I am to have this at my fingertips every day. You can access the trail via High drive (and squeezing through a little fence) or at the top of Dartmoore which takes you directly on the trail (no squeezing needed). I haven’t been in awhile (naughty me) and as I approached the trail I was taken back by the florescent green hilltops and vibrant fields of wild flowers. All of this can be viewed with a backdrop of the deep blue Pacific Ocean waters. Beyond this trail, there are numerous trails you can access that are great for mountain biking. Whatever your adventure may be, you’re bound to capture beauty, engulf the quietness and gain strength from climbing. Enjoy!