madison, wi: part three

Johnson Public House was another lovely establishment we feasted at whilst in Madison. Owned by an adorably kind (and cute!) hipster man, Johnson Public House brews an incredible array of coffee (Stumpton and Counter Culture to name a few) in addition to serving up some killer paninis.

smitten with these ceilings

a variety of art hanging to and fro

Oh! And the paninis. I got the Sunday Morning Breakfast Sandwich, which had a hefty portion of hardboiled egg, ham and cheddar shoved between two slices of country bread and grilled with just the smallest bit of maple syrup on top.

sunday morning breakfast sandwich

Madison, you are lovely and I'll definitely be back!

madison, wi: part two

One of my favorite things about Madison is that you can basically walk anywhere. There's a co-op in the middle of town, which I visited at least three times during my four day stay (they also make the best smoothies in the whole world at a strangely affordable price. The Green Dream... holy crap). But besides the co-op, one of our favorite meals was at a quaint and eclectic eatery called a pig in a fur coat.

outside a pig in a fur coat

In typical form, we ordered one of each menu item (I'm hardly exaggerating). But the dish to write home about was the ravioli: one giant pillow of heavenly goodness filled with ricotta cheese, egg yolk, crispy kale, fried bacon and topped with brown butter. It was the dreamiest. 

madison, wi: part one

Over Labor Day, my two best friends and I headed to Madison, Wisconsin to visit our fourth pal in her new habitat. I didn't know what to expect, but it's needless to say Madison surpassed all of my expectations. In fact, I think I'd be pretty happy to move there one of these days.

fried cheese curds

colectivo coffee

new glarus brewery

With cheese curds on every menu and the nicest people you'll ever meet, this city is full of art, culture, beer and some pretty tasty noms.

We checked out the farmers' market on Saturday and sampled an ungodly amount of cheese curds (my stomach wasn't thrilled). I tasted Colectivo Coffee (their packaging is to die for) and drank way too many Spotted Cow brews from New Glarus. We played more than a few aggressive foosball games, stayed out until 3 a.m. and laughed until we cried.

There's nothing quite like being with the people who know you best.

a weekend in Dallas, Texas

This past weekend, I visited some old pals in Dallas. It'd been two years since I've made the trip and for some reason, I always forget how nice everyone is there. I don't think I touched a door knob or handle the entire weekend (something simple but often so forgotten in California).

I also ate my fair share of Tex-Mex (read: queso), held, saw and shot a gun for the first time at the shooting range (yes I was totally freaked out at first) and got to spend some quality time with some of my favorite people in the world.

Unfortunately, I wasn't very good at remembering to use my camera, but I did manage to take a few shots at Craft and Growler (3601 Parry Avenue Dallas), a new beer bar in downtown Dallas. With an amazingly extensive local beer list, flights for just $10, the option for delivery from a variety of delicious restaurants in the area and excellent branding, I was obviously a big fan.

loved these light fixtures

the darker the better

my beautiful friends from college

We also had a fun night out on the town at Barcadia, an arcade/bar with Skeeball (YES!) Mario, Track and Field and tons of other old games as well as delicious drinks at Beauty Bar. If you're ever in the area, make sure to check them out!

Barcadia: 1917 North Henderson Avenue; Dallas

Beauty Bar: 1924 North Henderson Avenue; Dallas

All in all, the weekend was a success, though too short. It made me miss living close to a bunch of friends and really really made me miss living on my own. Plus, every time I'm in town, I start picturing what life would be like if I moved back. With a growing food and beer scene and absurdly cheap rent, it's definitely something to consider.

the power of a book

on the train | Middle-of-Nowhere, India

I once dated this guy who loved books and loved to read. Despite all of our issues, one of my favorite things about our relationship was that we could go to a book store and spend an hour or so, perusing aisles, making suggestions for each other to read and separately getting lost in the first chapter or so of a new book. Though that relationship failed quite miserably, I think back on those little moments and they make me happy. (Disclaimer: This is me trying to look at the positive. Am I growing up?)

Yesterday, I went to a book store and bought two new books, one of them being Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, a novel I've been told about several times but always forget to buy. The book takes place in India so I couldn't help but reflect on my own Indian adventure as I began to read.

While in India (fun fact: where this blog began), I wrote with such ease and as I read just the first page of Shantaram, Roberts' words came to life and I started to cry. There's something about India that I can't help but love like I've never loved anything before. The colors, the smells, the people, the food and basically every aspect of Indian life moves me in a way that nothing else does.

The aforementioned ex had traveled to India as well and that was one of the reasons we started dating: a shared passion for a country that many fear. Though that relationship was put to rest long ago, it's amazing how an activity as simple as going to a bookstore can bring back a flood of memories of both a person and the most life-changing experience of my life thus far.

{Does this ever happen to you?}

take me there: marfa, texas

I've realized lately that although I've traveled to over 20 countries around the world, I haven't seen a whole lot around the United States. With the lack of funds in my bank account, I've made it a priority in 2013 to do some local traveling... starting with Marfa, Texas.

photo courtesy of annie's treasure trove

I don't know how I've made it this far in life not knowing about Marfa. Especially since I grew up in Texas. My super awesome friend, Kiera, told me about this lesser-known city in, well, literally the middle of no where, Texas and after researching my you-know-what off, I absolutely need to go.

Known for their mystery lights (UFOs?), art, desert landscape, hip hotels and all around (for lack of better words) weird stuff, Marfa is no easy place to get to. Eight hours from Dallas, six hours from San Antonio and three hours from El Paso, no matter where you fly in to, it's going to be quite the drive.

People rave about Mediterranean-esque cuisine from Food Shark as well as tacos (obviously a favorite of mine) from Tacos del Norte. If you want to get fancy, Maiya's ever-changing menu seems to draw in quite the crowd as well.

photo courtesy of food shark

My favorite part of this strange town, however, has to be the accommodation options. The Thunderbird Motel seems to be an Ace Hotel equivalent, boasting locally-designed custom furniture, an awesome pool and plenty of other vintage touches.

photo courtesy of nonsense and sensibility 

Or you can stay somewhere a little less conventional. El Cosmico offers super affordable renovated trailers, safari tents and teepees. TEEPEES!! I think my seven-year-old self is most excited about that option. 

photos courtesy of el cosmico

And while you're there, you cannot miss the incredible art scene. Chinati, inde/jacobs fine art and Ballroom Marfa seem to be the most popular galleries.

photo courtesy of west texas weekly

To be honest, I really have no idea why I'm so drawn to this place but since I found out about Marfa's existence, I haven't stopped researching or dreaming. How fun would it be to chat with the locals from this little town and explore for a weekend? I'll keep you posted on my potential plans to visit Marfa. Anyone want to be my date?

a bit of chicago

Friends, if it didn't get so freezing cold in Chicago, I think I'd be just dying to live there. Between the picturesque brick buildings, the perfect fall leaves and the incredible food, I was in heaven.

As one of my best friends and an epic tour guide, AJ (second from the left) took us to the top of the Trump Tower for a beer, Portillos for quintessential Chicago noms, Chicago Bagel Authority for probably the best bagel ever (over 80 bagel sandwiches on their menu!), Farmhouse for our special dinner out and of course a walk around Bucktown/Wicker Park... my dream neighborhood. Chicago, I love you and I will return (when it's a bit warmer).

inspired by locals: jill from cultivating compassion

As you all know by now, this time last year, I spent some time in India. If you've been to India or written about India on your blog, most likely I've commented and emailed you with a million questions [if I haven't, please please please send me a link so I can read]. Lena can attest to that. For some reason, I feel immediately bonded to anyone who had even a remotely similar experience to me... traveling and/or volunteering in a crazy different country... and even more so if that country is India. Bloggers like Lena, Katelyn, Lauren, Mae and Peter who have had experiences like this and Meagan who today, wrote about wanting to see the world, continue to remind me that this world is a big, beautiful and unique place. I believe that it's our job as educated Americans to get out there and not only see it but give back to the people who don't and may never have the same opportunities as us. 

So today, I want to introduce to you a truly inspirational woman and a dear friend of mine for this week's "Inspired by Locals." Though a bit younger than me, she has always been one of my biggest role models. Our friendship began in sorority-land but evolved into something much bigger and stronger when we realized our shared passion for getting out into the world to force and implement change where ever we can and travel travel TRAVEL.

Jill and I

Currently, Jill is in India and her story and journey has touched my heart in more ways than one. So without further adieu, here's Jill's story:

When Allie asked me if I would write a guest post for her blog, I felt honored and immediately said that I would. She asked me to write about why I think it’s important to serve others and work for a cause/go outside of your comfort zone. 

But before I get to that I think a little background on me is in order. My name is Jill and I have been a friend of Allie’s since her sophomore year and my freshmen year at the University of San Diego. I am finishing up a Masters in Peace Studies in which I specialize in Human Rights and Development. And as part of my Masters I am currently interning with a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Gujarat, India that works for the rights of those individuals who fall within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, more commonly known as the untouchables.

Now having got the background details out of the way, I turn to the heart of the matter…why it is important to give back and get out. I myself am kind of an addict when it comes to traveling and working for a cause. Together these two things give my life purpose, make my heart sing and my soul dance.

And if there is any piece of advice I ever give people [to everyone actually] it is to TRAVEL! Travel far and wide, take in as much in as possible, because you will never know until you go just how magical the world is, and how wonderful people really can be.

We get so caught up in our daily routine, that we let the small stuff stress us out, like traffic. We cannot control the traffic but yet we still waste precious time and energy stressing about it, when instead we should be using that time to relax and listen to our favorite new song.

But when you get up and go you realize just what you are capable of and how much you have to be grateful for. This goes double for when you take the time to give your time to a cause or to serving others (especially abroad). I know everyone does not have the luxury of being able to volunteer abroad, but if you ever do I urge you to take it…more for yourself then for the good you will be able to do. Even if you cannot make it abroad volunteer at home, I promise you that you will not regret it. Once you have felt what it is like to truly make a difference in someone else life, then you will realize all else is trivial to this.

Directly working with a cause or a person has a way of stripping away all of the stereotypes, labels, standards, and expectations we feel pressure to live up to.  It shows us that life is all there really is and that everything else is just perspective… that we as a person matter… that we can make a difference just by giving our energy and light to something… just by caring.

all photos courtesy of cultivating compassion

At the end of the day we will not be remembered by how far we got in school, or what we accomplished at work, but by the love we gave to a few people in this world. So get up, go out, explore, and give of yourself…because in the end it will be the best gift you ever gave yourself. 

take me {there}: raymond vineyards

You know me. I'm a beer drinker snob, all the way, and wine is actually rarely something I'm interested in sipping on. However, there's something about meeting the faces behind the product, learning about the process and sampling the vintages directly from the source that piques my inner winos' interest.

If you've been to Napa, you know that it's pretty much the most adorable town ever... something out of a movie or a good book. It feels small but is home to some of the most incredible restaurants, stores and of course, vineyards, in the United States. I've been fortunate enough to spend a little bit of time there, however after stumbling upon Raymond Vineyards, I'm certain I'll need to return.

one // two // three // four // five

That fifth photo is of the blending room where you can create your own wines [do I smell a craft?] Clearly this caught my attention... I think I'd make a pretty great mad scientist. Plus, all of those fancy rooms are just too cool.

Has anyone been? Or maybe the more appropriate question is, does anyone want to go? 

take me {there}: ace hotel

I'm going stir crazy. I really think I am. My whole life, I've had an awesome trip to look forward to [I know I know I'm so deprived]. And now, for the first time... ever, I don't. I'm dying for a weekend away to relax and explore somewhere new, but as you may have noticed, I am the minority in this blog world. Correct... I'm (gasp) single. Which means no cute guy to share in my adventures or plan weekends away with. Does anyone else have this problem?

This past weekend, Amanda and I went up to Palm Springs for the night. We were there for just under 24 hours so it was a short trip, but the whole time I kept thinking how much I'd love to come back. [enter: future boyfriend?] And: take the tram, stay at a cool hotel, do some hiking, eat at all of the trendy restaurants, spend all day by the pool... sounds great, right?

But thanks to Tammy and a few other bloggers who have visited Ace Hotel, I'm DYING to stay there [hipster heaven = my heaven] with or without my future boyfriend. I love the simple and eclectic decor and I definitely want to take a nap in that hammock. 

photo credit: pop sugar & oyster.com 

{Yup... I think I'd fit in just fine.}

feast from the weekend: joshua tree

After an incredibly memorable night camping in Joshua Tree National Park, we started our journey home to San Diego, but decided to make a quick pit stop at The Natural Sisters Cafe for some breakfast. Let's just say it was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

the interior was adorably decorated with art from local artists

cute centerpieces on the tables

spinach, egg and cheese wrap with a side of the best yogurt ever

biscuits and gravy... enough said.

If you ever have the opportunity to camp at Joshua Tree, don't miss out on this fantastic cafe located just outside of the park in the city of Joshua Tree.

joshua tree national park

Lately, my weekends have consisted of too much beer and food and lazy days on the couch [feeling terrible]. This weekend, I was determined to mix it up. Thanks to a little inspiration from an article I wrote at work and the companionship of a good friend, I jetted off to Joshua Tree National Park. Just about two hours from my house in San Diego, I was surprised to find this vast desert land covered in absurdly large rock formations and interesting foliage.

we started how any good road trip beings... with in n out at 10 a.m.

Besides the beautiful weather we encountered, there was something else that made this trip extra special. sure the rocks and the terrain were cool, and the other friendly campers contributed as well, but there was a certain freshness in the air and an aura that seemed to follow us around. Feelings of certainty, almost a right place at the right time kind of feeling, contentment to be out and away from the city and the hustle and bustle of everyday life and peace filled every moment that I spent at joshua tree.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy vacations planned around fancy hotels and expensive meals, but strangely [or maybe not so strangely] this mini vacation was better. Maybe it was being able to see an area, so close to where I live, that was so baffling and strange that it was almost mysterious. Maybe it was the fresh air, the clear skies where more stars than we'd ever see in san diego were visible. Maybe it was cooking the best chicken [ever] over an open fire and finishing the night with s'mores. Maybe it was sleeping on the ground, feeling just a tad too cold, but being so happy and content that the cold didn't even matter. Maybe it was that we turned off our cell phones and vowed not to check the time so as to be able to fully relax and truly not have an agenda. Or maybe it was all of those things combined. Whatever it was, Joshua Tree National Park captured my heart and spirit and I cannot wait to go back.

creatively climbing through the rocks

peak-a-boo

]

a joshua tree

chicken and zucchini

ending on a sweet note

Though there's always a sense of sadness leaving an incredible place and trip behind, I still feel happy and so very grateful for the relaxing weekend that i truly enjoyed to the fullest. I think the natural high from this trip will keep me going for a while.

{hope everyone's weekend was just as good!}