Local's Look @ Redding, CA | Katie Dobbins

Recently, Mr. H and I took a trip back to Redding, CA - where we lived during our first year of marriage. Its almost been three years since we lived there and there were so many new hot spots. Thus, we enlisted the help of one of Redding's coolest... Katie Dobbins. Not only is this chick beautiful and fun, but she's also one of those dreamers who lives life fully! I can't think of a more perfect person to show us the "bests" of Redding. (Plus, she has mad photography skills, which equals an aesthetically beautiful post.)

{Katie hangin' around town}

{sisters // Allyson & Katie}

MMH: To start, what do you love about Redding?

KD: If I were to say the buzzing epicenter of culture and art, I would be lying. Probably the thing I love the most about Redding, is the fact that all of  my closest friends live within 10 minutes from front door. Or maybe, the fact that our little town is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers, and you can go on a new adventure every day.

MMH: Food+Beverage // Favorite _______?...

Breakfast

My usual go to for any breakfast outing is Déjà Vu cafe. It is tucked away in an old brick building in downtown redding. On most Weekends it is packed with families enjoying a leisurely morning. I am always impressed with their service, and equally impressed with the food! Let's be honest, any excuse to divulge in gluten drowned in syrup is fine by me!

Lunch

Wildas Grill. The steady line out the door is a testament to the quality of their food. Their menu was designed to meet the dietary needs of vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, and even those with gluten intolerances. Get a Buddah bowl, packed with rice, beans, cabbage, and chicken, add a side of sweet potato fries, and call it day! This place does so well, that they are only open from 11am-4pm Monday-Friday. If you remember to catch them while they're open, you've hit the jackpot!

Dinner

I’m pretty much always in the mood for Thai. I’ve been to every Thai restaurant in town (that I know of) and have deemed Champa Garden my favorite. The atmosphere isn’t outrageously trendy, but the food is always top-notch. I go there so often, they know my name, my order (yellow curry with chicken), oh… and my cell phone number.

Coffee shop

This one is a toss up. In the past year, two great coffee shops have popped up in town. Before they opened, you could only get high quality espresso from Starbucks… or Starbucks. Let’s just say, if you wanted to get a nice cappuccino or americano you would have to drive at least an hour and half outside of Redding.

Coffee Shop #1 Coffee Bar- This is the local watering hole for all 20 somethings in the Redding area. You can never go wrong with a latte, so my drink of choice is typically just that; or, in the summer, I’ll branch out for with a cold brew.

Coffee Shop #2 Heritage Rosting Co.- If you are up for a 15 minute drive, Heritage is worth the trip. The raw wood and exposed brick make this the perfect nesting spot for an afternoon.

Health/Wellness

Sky’s Pure Food. (I actually visited this place for the first time with Mr. and Mrs. H). Sky’s is a small business that specializes in clean, raw foods. Their nutrient dense menu does not lack “yumminess”. I can eat a piece of chocolate pie, and feel like I did myself a favor.  

Sweet spot (ice cream, cupcakes, dessert spot, etc)

I would definitely describe myself as an avid dessert lover. If I am in need of a sugar fix, I get a cupcake and gelato from Sweet Spot. The “Diva” cupcake and Cookies and Cream gelato are always a winning combo; however, I went in the other day and tried the “Samoa” gelato, and it looks like Cookies and Cream may need to watch its back. This place is super cute; it has a giant chalkboard for kids (and grown ups) to show off their artistic abilities.

Dive (food truck, spot that tourists wouldn't find, etc.)

A new favorite of mine would have to be El Rinconcito. A little Mexican restaurant located on the way out to Whiskeytown Lake. I get chicken tacos every time, and am never disappointed. They make the tortilla’s in house, and they definitely deliver on flavor!

MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods?

KD: Carousel. A small boutique that sells clothes, jewelry, and other odds and ends. It’s located next to Deja Vu, my favorite breakfast spot, so if you’re brunching on a Saturday, it’s worth walking over to take a peek inside.

MMH: Your favorite area in Redding (neighborhood, part of town, etc) and why?

KD: Whiskeytown Lake. Since “city life” isn’t really Redding’s strong suit, I would have to say my favorite part of town is actually more of a green space, than a hip neighborhood. Whiskeytown is Redding’s saving grace during the summer months. This man made lake is surrounded by mountains, and is even more beautiful at night; the sky is so clear out there, that you can spot several shooting stars on any given night.

MMH: What's your favorite green space in your city (park, outdoor area, etc.)?

KD: I have a few favorite’s for this category. Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.

1. Caldwell Park/ The River Trail- The park sits on the Sacramento River, and there is a shaded trail that runs alongside it.

2. Shasta Dam/Shasta Lake- You drive through the forested mountains to get to the stunning lookout. All around, a definite must see.

3. The Bluffs- Most Redding locals know about this “no trespassing” spot. This cliff overlook, gives you a panoramic view of the Sacramento River. Redding gets an A+ for sunsets, and this is THE place to watch them.

4. Lema Ranch- As an amateur runner, this is my favorite place to run. Trails weave around ponds and trees, featuring break taking mountain views.

MMH: Your perfect Saturday looks like...

KD: I would start my day at Coffee Bar catching up with a friend, then grab a longboard for an afternoon ride on the River Trail, stopping to walk down a rocky path to river. Next stop: dinner. Luckily Redding’s winters are very short, so cooking out with friends can be a regular activity; I would end the day with a trip to Whiskeytown to watch the stars.

MMH: Is there anything/anywhere that you'd tell a friend not to miss while visiting Redding?

KD: Burney Falls. It is a 45 minute drive outside of Redding, but a definite summer favorite. This oasis comes complete with rock waterslide, and plenty of cliffs to jump off of.

Thanks Katie! I love getting to go back "rediscover" a place you've loved and missed. I can't wait for my next trip to Redding... I'll definitely use your Local's Look to lead the way on our adventure there.

-mrs.h 

travel wish list // the parker palm springs

Although Mr. H and I are blessed to be on the road and traveling a good portion of our year, I still have places I want to eat, sleep, and stay. The Parker Palm Springs is one of those places.

I have a deep love all things midcentury. Maybe it's the happiness that embodied the Slim Aarons romanticized view of the 60's. Or, maybe you can blame it on the fact that I watched way too much Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie growing up. It's probably the latter. Regardless, I wish I could be transported back to SoCal in the glamourous 1960's. Since that's not likely to happen, I think I'll have to go for my next best option... a trip to The Parker. 

{Slim Aarons // wouldn't you love to be transported here?}

{they just don't make t.v. like the used to}

The Parker is a Palm Springs classic (most notably as the home of Gene Autry, the singing cowboy). This 131-room hotel was redesigned by Jonathan Adler. His signature happy-chic, midcentury style was a perfect fit and it truly takes a guest back in time, all the while infusing the heaviness of the midcentury color palette with fresh "citrusy" colors. Don't you just want to get in a plane and escape this "hump day" with a drink by The Parker's pool?

-mrs.h

Local's Look @ Coronado, CA // a.k.a. My Christmas Wish List

{Santa Ysabel Creek}

{Where the Board Walk Ends}

Right now the Christmas music is playing 24-7 in The Casa de H.  I've gotten our Christmas decorations up and the only thing we have left on the Christmas To-Do List is purchasing those last few presents. If you're having trouble finding that "special something for that special someone," look no further than today's Local's Look! 

{Sea of Grey // Bare // Sherbet}

Artist Gaynor Reynolds is not only one of my favorite artists, but she's also one of my all-time favorite people! She's a free spirit and a true lover of life. Her art embodies the freedom and love that she lives in. I love having (and giving) art that releases life into a home, and that's exactly what Gaynor's work does. 

{Nostalgia}

And, when it comes to gift giving, the best part of Gaynor's art is the variety of her subject matter... you can find something for anyone. I'm personally obsessed with Nostalgia and drooling over Bare, Mr. H wants one of her tarpons, Sherbet has my sister's name written all over it, my dad would love the Santa Ysabel Creek, and the list goes on! Plus, Gaynor's pieces have a wide price range that can fit many budgets. What's not to love, reasonably priced and insanely beautiful... the perfect gift giving combo! (Be forewarned, her work sells quickly on her new Etsy Shop. If you have your heart set on a piece don't wait! I loved Gold Valley Diptych and it sold.) 

Local's Look @ Coronado // Gaynor Reynolds

{This is a picture of Harry and me in front of our backyard bougainvillea!}

MMH: Favorite _______?

GR:

➺ Coffee Shop/Breakfast Spot - Clayton's serves great coffee and breakfast! Great place for people to go after beach yoga or surfing.  The young bohemian waitresses all wear 40's aprons. Very cute. You will usually sit near a group of young Navy men in their camp... not a bad way to start your morning. (The Naval Air Station is located on Coronado)

➺ Lunch - LeRoy's! They are an open air restaurant with a wonderful beer selection that rotates weekly.  SoCal farm fresh cuisine. They feature local artist and rotate paintings/artists monthly.  I was the featured artist in August!

{Harris getting friendly with rescue parrot on Orange Ave}

➺ Dinner - Miguel's. Since Mexico is only about 11 miles from Coronado you know the Mexican food is legit.

➺ Etc. (any favorite spot not covered above) - The Hotel Del Coronado is a dream (locals call it "The Del"). It is over 125 years old and the architecture reminds its viewer of a sandcastle. This time of year they have an ice rink on the front lawn overlooking the Pacific. 

{Enjoying a little red vino on the deck of the Del}

MMH: What does you perfect Saturday in Coronado look like?

GR: Harris and I would walk our dogs to the dog beach that backs up to the Navy base.  Then we would stroll along Ocean Blvd. to Orange Ave. and enjoy coffee and breakfast at Clayton's.  We might hit up a good ole Estate Sale on our way home.  We'd change for 11 o'clock Mass at Sacred Heart. Following Mass we would ride our beach cruisers down to the ferry landing and enjoy mango mojitos at Peohe's overlooking San Diego Bay and downtown.  There we would watch the Navy ships and sailboats cruise in and out of port. That afternoon we would head to Spreckles Park for Coronado's delightful "Concert in the Park" (which only runs from May - Sept) - wine, cheese and picnic blanket in hand.  Following the concert we would head to the Del's deck to watch helicopter drills and the sunset.

MMH: Sounds delightful - may we join? 

{Make it to the Sea}

{Tarpon}

MMH: Gaynor, thanks so much for sharing your favorite spots with us! 

GR: It was fun being reminded of the paradise we do live in.

MMH: After this week's Local's Look, we want to add two tickets to Coronado and several of your paintings our wish list from Santa!!

-mr.&mrs.h

Local's Look @ LA | Trisha Wheeler from A Glittery Life

We're thrilled to have Trisha Wheeler on the Mr.&Mrs.H Guide today! Trisha is not only the makeup guru behind A Glittery Life (ladies, if you haven't subscribed already, her YouTube channel is a must for amazing beauty tips), but she's also an artist and a dear friend of ours who impacted our lives deeply when we lived in Northern California. Since then we've moved twice and Trisha has made her way back down to her roots in SoCal. No matter where Trisha is, she finds beauty and creates beauty. So, it's a treat to see the beauty of LA through the eyes of Trisha Wheeler! 

M&MH: To start, what do you love most about LA?

TW: Well so far what I love most about this crazy city is the culture.  Music, art, fashion, food, faces, architecture…each block has something new to offer.  LA is really made up of a million little cities and communities and each one has a distinct feel and flavor.  The other thing that makes LA so special is that she is made up of dreamers.  Everyone here is at some stage of chasing or realizing a dream, which means the city is made up of equal parts hope and heartache.  It’s an interesting but beautiful tension to live in, but I love that everyone I meet is trying to live out their dreams!  

{I love living in a city that celebrates art and street art is very much a part of the LA art scene!}

Food+Beverage:

M&MH: Favorite _______?
TW: Well my answers are all going to be coming from a normal person’s world.  I’m not living large in LA so I’m not going to list any of the spots you read about in the tabloids!  This is LA food non-baller status.  However, these are the places I think about when I’m hungry!

➺ Breakfast 

Saturday Brunch at Hugo’s.  It’s always a toss up for me between the BYO omelet, Cinnamon Swirl French Toast or the Almond energy Pancakes.  And it just depends on how clean I am eating that week or how bad the traffic has been.  They are all about the organic everything so you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.  There happens to be a Hugo's right behind my building so I never have to find a parking space!

➺ Lunch 

John’s Garden in Malibu.  I work in Malibu three days a week and if I get to choose our lunch spot it’s always John’s Garden.  Their sandwiches are legendary in Malibu.  It’s a favorite for locals and tourists alike.  The guys are friendly and will get to know you by name and order.  I get the surfer/princess every time!  It’s heaped with roasted turkey, the freshest avocado and lettuce etc.  Warning though, it’s definitely a sharing size sandwich!  Half is all I can manage!  It’s a walk-up stand and I always enjoy sitting outside eating and people watching.  The thing about Malibu is you never know who you’re going to run into.  And Malibu has such a cool beachy vibe that you can’t help but relax!

➺ Dinner 

Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica.  Their menu is seasonal which is great because everything is fresh and fits your mood!  It’s located in the heart of trendy Santa Monica and is always busy.  A reservation from open table is always a must.  They also have a great selection of beer from Artisanal Beers, American Craft Brews and a few from Germany, Japan and Belgian.  My snobby beer friends are always impressed.  My favorite approach to Rustic Canyon is family style eating.  Go with a few friends and order a bunch of different plates and then share them all so you can have a rich culinary experience!

➺ Coffee shop 

Intelligentsia Coffee. I actually don’t drink coffee.  But every once in awhile I will find myself at Intelligentsia with an iced coffee in my hand.  I’m a non drinking coffee: coffee snob.

{Intelligentsia} 

➺ Health/Wellness 

For this I have to say Urth Caffé in Santa Monica.  It’s definitely one of my favorite food/drink spots in LA.  It’s all organic and there are 4 or 5 locations in LA.  I always have a tough time deciding on what to order but I will say that the pot roast sandwich will melt in your mouth and it has showed up in my dreams!  It’s so good!  And, for breakfast I love the fresh grapefruit bowl!  My favorite is to sit on the back patio with some great friends and share life over good tea and delicious healthy food!

➺ Sweet spot (ice cream, cupcakes, dessert spot, etc) 

Carmela Ice Cream at Artisan Creamery in Pasadena!  I die over their organic homemade Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean and Salted Caramel ice cream with salted caramel sauce poured all over it!  It’s a drive to get there but worth it every once in awhile!!!  Go with some friends and then plan on sitting on a nearby curb while your mouth goes to ice cream heaven for a few moments! 

{Here is the menu from Carmela!  Expect the line to be out the door!}

Second to Carmela is this amazing little organic cotton candy cart called Bon Puf.  The owner is this hip young entrapreneauer Named Cloe and you can actually rent her cart for a party!  My favorite flavor is The Aloha! It’s banana, coconut & watermelon swirled together for a tropical treat.  And guess what?!?!?!?!  You can add edible glitter to it!!  

{Bon Puf}

➺ Dive   

Well so far I haven’t met a food truck I didn’t like!  LA is the land of the gourmet food trucks!  You can get fresh organic juices, lobster sandwiches, sliders, hotdogs 500 different ways, organic salads, truffle grilled cheese and of course tacos!  And these are just a few of your choices!  I won’t even go into the cupcake trucks!!!  During the summer months all the food trucks gather in Venice for first Fridays and it’s food truck paradise.  Through out the rest of the year you can find them just off main street on Tuesdays also in Venice.  Truth be told I’ve barely even scratched the surface when it comes to the food truck community but first Fridays has been a great introduction to the goodness that is created in those mobile kitchens!  

M&MH: Favorite shops? What are their goods?  

TW: Well, I’m a beauty products junkie so I’m always excited to see a LUSH, Sephora or MAC store.  But, there is great shopping all over LA.  I enjoy the atmosphere if shopping at the 3^rd street Promenade in Santa Monica because of all the street performers.  But, the Grove has a cool vibe too as well as being home to LA’s only TopShop.  And, if you have an endless supply of cash then you better make your way over to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. And for really cool shops with a wide variety of price points I love Montana street in Santa Monica.  There are so many cool boutiques and places to eat there.  I always come home with something cool.

M&MH: Your "must see or do" while in LA...

TW: My list of must see’s are: watch the sunset at Zuma Beach in Malibu, picnic on the back lawn of the Getty, visit to Disneyland, shopping at the 3^rd street promenade in Santa Monica, and take a late afternoon/early evening trip up to Griffith Observatory.

{One of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Malibu!  The cliffs by Zuma Beach.}

{The gardens at The Getty}

{Enjoying a warm summer walk around the gardens at The Getty}

{Celebrating our birthdays at Disneyland! This is my best friend Danielle.}

{Sunset up at Griffith Observatory on a warm spring evening.}

M&MH: Are there any cool markets (farmers markets, flea markets, etc)? 

TW: There are a million good farmers markets in this city!  They are easy to find and have the best prices for organic fresh produce! 

As far as flea markets go The Melrose Trading Post is the one you can’t miss!  It’s open rain or shine every Sunday from 9am-5pm in the parking lot of Fairfax High School.  The vendors are top notch and have some of the most interesting and unusual items I’ve ever seen.  The best part for me is that the price of admission goes straight to funding the arts at the high school and they have raised millions of dollars for their arts programs over the years! 

M&MH: Where do you go when the weather's perfect and you want to bike/walk/run/etc. or have picnic? 

TW: I love to ride my beach cruiser bicycle along the beach from the north end of Venice through Santa Monica and into the southern part of Malibu.  It’s a beautiful stretch of the coastline and makes for a nice ride.  Plus there is no end to the interesting people and things you will see.  And if you’re here for a visit there are plenty of spots to rent a bike along the beach! 

My favorite place to have a picnic is up at the Getty.  It’s an incredible museum that overlooks the Beverly Hills/Brentwood/ Westwood part of town.  It’s on top of a mountain and the views of the city from the backside are beautiful.  The best is to grab food from Trader Joes and head over there in the late afternoon.  The museum is free but you do have to pay for parking.  I love to sit on the back lawn with friends and just hang out.  It’s so pretty, peaceful and relaxing!  I think it feels like you are out of the city!

{The Backside of the Getty in the gardens on a hot summer day with my friend Micaela.}

M&MH: Is there a touristy spot that's actually worth the visit while in LA?

TW: Well, I try and avoid Hollywood, and the surrounding area, as much as possible because it’s so crazy and dirty, but most tourists want to go see the Walk of Fame. And, I get why but once in a lifetime is enough!   I’ve not been to the LA zoo yet but people keep telling me how great it is, so I will be trying that as soon as the weather cools off!  I love all of our amusement parks so I think those are worth it!  Especially if you are visiting LA between September and May!  The lines will be short and the parks won’t be so crowded!  Disneyland on a Tuesday or a Wednesday in the off season will have 5 minute wait times for the best rides!  You can’t beat that!

{My friend Kassie and I going Back to the Future at Universal Studios!}

M&MH: Is there anything else you'd tell a tourist not to miss if they really want the local's experience while in LA?  

TW: Well, I almost hate to give away my favorite restaurant!  But tucked away on Riverside Drive in Tolucca Lake is a little spot called Sweet Salt.  I actually dream about eating here!  Everything on their menu is amazing and I am currently obsessed with their lettuce cups.  I would eat there everyday of the week if I could.  The staff is super friendly, the place is cute and if you time it right you can get there when the line isn’t out the door! 

M&MH: What does your perfect day in LA look like?

TW: Oh that’s an easy one!  You would find me up at Chavez Ravine with a bunch of friends eating an all beef Dodger dog cheering on the boys in blue!  I’m a huge Dodger fan and I go to as many games a month as I can!  They call Dodger Stadium "Blue Heaven" and after one trip up there and you will know why.  It’s my most favorite place to be in the whole city!  Partly because it’s sentimental for me and reminds me of my childhood, but also because it’s such a beautiful stadium and sunset over the 3^rd base line is unreal!  The Dodgers have had such an epic season this year and getting to be part of that has been so much fun!   

{The rush of celebrating after a Dodger victory!  This game went to 13 innings!}

{All Beef Dodger dogs during the opening series this season!}

M&MH: Trisha, thanks so much for sharing the beauty of LA with us! We are dreaming about a trip to LA to try some of your local hotspots and go to a Dodgers game with you. Until then, continue enjoying the "glittery life" in the City of Angles. 

-mr.&mrs.h