Tag: Southwest Lifestyle

Categories
Travel

Traveling Mesa Verde National Park

One of my favorite neighboring states to visit for a quick weekend or road trip has to be Colorado. I’ve explored Colorado from North to South, and there are so many beautiful cities, big and small, I will have to share with you all over the next few months. One of my favorite places to visit when I’m craving a weekend away is Southwestern Colorado, about a 3 hour drive from Albuquerque. Durango, Pagosa Springs, Telluride, Ouray are all some of my favorite places to visit in the Southwestern area. Quaint towns, filled with tons of natural beauty, outdoor activities, food, shopping and events. You name it, you can find it anywhere in Colorado!

Mesa Verde National Park is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. Just between Durango and Cortez, Colorado. I, myself, had never heard of Mesa Verde until I spent an extended time visiting and exploring the area. Ever since the park has been placed on my recommendation list for anyone visiting the area. The park protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Pueblo archaeological sites in the United States. The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, suspected to have begun construction at the end of the 12th century, are reported to be one of the largest protected areas in the United States, home to over 600 cliff dwellings. Trust me, it is an amazing site to see in real life and if you are in the area, is a place you definitely should visit.

There are several options for exploring the park. You can begin by stopping by the visitors center, where you can purchase tickets, usually running $15-$20, grab a map to take along with you, speak with park rangers and park employees, and explore artifacts located at the the center. To best explore the park you can decide what option is best for you and your group. You can purchase a guided tour or just drive around to different looking points off the map and explore on your own, which is what I prefer. There are also park employees at most of the dwelling locations to answer questions and give you more information about the site.

The cliff dwellings are amazing!! With different view points marked off, you can park and easily hike to the nearest cliff dwelling. Along the way you will get a glimpse of some of Colorado’s stunning views. It is a great experience. If you love history, national parks, the outdoors or just adventures in general, this is an adventure for you!

For more information about Mesa Verde National Park please visit the following website: https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

Categories
Travel

Sandia Peak Tram, Albuquerque, NM

There are so many things to do up and around Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico, many of which involve getting outside and admiring the beauty of the state of New Mexico. If you are visiting Albuquerque, road tripping through New Mexico, spending a weekend at the Balloon Fiesta, new to the area, or are just in town to experience what Albuquerque has to offer, the Sandia Tram is a must do in the city!

Sandia Peak Tram

Located at the feet of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, the tram runs year round and is the longest tram in the United States and the third longest in the world. Ascending from 3,000 ft. to just over 10,000 feet, the tram provides the most spectacular areal view not only of the city of Albuquerque but the gorgeous Sandia Mountains. With a quick 15 minute ascent you can enjoy the view, explore the mountain trails up above, eat  at the High Finance restaurant, reopening in Spring of 2019.

During the winter months the Sandia Tram Ski Basin is open for skiing and snowboarding. If you own your equipment, you can purchase a lift ticket, take your equipment with you, ride the tram up and ski/snow board down. If you do not, you will need a vehicle to drive around the mountain, through the town of Edgewood, up to the Sandia Tram area. There are also several hiking trails, such as the La Luz Trail, which I will be writing about a little later, you can hike from the base of the Sandia Mountains to the top and ride the tram back down. Along with hiking trails there are many mountain bike trails open during the spring and summer months. You cannot take you bike and equipment on the tram so you will have to have a vehicle to access the mountain bike trails. 

However you choose to experience this amazing site in the Albuquerque area, riding, biking, hiking or skiing, it will be worth your time and an experience you will not forget. 

For more ideas about things to do in and around the Albuquerque Area, check out my blog posts on https://thecharmingjay.com/2018/11/20/hiking-the-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument-in-new-mexico/ or the https://thecharmingjay.com/2018/09/05/sunrise-springs-resort-and-spa/.

Categories
Lifestyle

DIY Ornament Wreath

Happy Holidays, everyone!! Over here, I’m busy decorating, baking and shopping to get ready for the season. Long before I decided to start writing my blog, I made one of my favorite Christmas decorations, an ornament wreath which I love and use every season. As luck would have it, this year while taking it out of the box, I dropped it! It broke in half and several ornaments fell off and broke on the ground. Below is a picture of my decorating casualty. I was able to salvage the wreath, for the most part, glue it back together, and add some new ornaments, but honestly, it is just not the same. So I decided to make a new wreath and share it will you all.

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Ornament wreaths look so pretty and you can make them for a sweet $20 on your own! A fraction of the price online or at any store. Plus, they also make great gifts! Here’s what you’ll need to create this beauty for yourself.

  • 25 count ornament pack. Diameter: 1+ inches
  • 50 count ornament pack. Diameter: 2+ inches
  • Hot glue gun
  • 15+ hot glue sticks
  •  Styrofoam wreath

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I purchased all of these items at Hobby Lobby and during the holiday day season almost all Christmas decorations are 50% off. If you don’t own your own glue gun, purchasing one will add to your cost but you can use the 40% off Hobby Lobby coupon to reduce the cost.

Let’s get started! Start by lining and gluing your larger ornaments around the inside and outside of your Styrofoam wreath. I take off the hardware to hang the ornament to better be able to glue the ornament down. Let the hot glue dry before moving on to another ornament, blowing on it helps, it not they start to slide because the glue it hot. Once you have ornaments around the inside and outside start gluing and filling in the ornaments  all along your wreath. Make sure to alternate colors. There really is not correct way to do this, just make sure you cover almost all of the white space. It helps to keep the ornaments in place by gluing them together. Let cool for a few seconds and move on the next. Once you have used all of your larger ornaments you will use the smaller ornaments to fill in the wreath and hide any white spots around the wreath. You want it to look full and with very little space of white showing.

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Once you’re done, let the glue dry completely and your wreath is ready to be put on display!! It really is that easy! I hope you love your ornament wreath as much as I do mine. Hope you all have a great holiday season!

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Categories
Travel

Hiking the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico

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As a New Mexico native, I have to admit, I had never made the time to hike Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, until recently. I know, it is almost embarrassing, but I am so glad I made the time to explore my home state and see this beautiful national land mark for myself.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is located on the Indian reservation of Cochiti Pueblo, and is about an hour northeast from the city of Albuquerque and a 50-minute drive west from the city of Santa Fe. Created 6-7 million years ago from volcanic rock and ash deposits, which with erosion and weathering have created these tent rocks and slot canyons.

The hike up to the mesa, up above the tent rocks is not very difficult and is often busy with hikers, families and kids. Two trails are available to hikers. The Tent Rocks Canyon Trail is slightly longer of the two hikes, a total of 3 miles out-and-back, accompanied with beautiful views along the way. The Cave Loop trail is an easier, flatter mile with similar rocks but with less scenic views.  As the trail progresses, you will make your way through narrow slot canyons, with a final 630-foot ascent up to a mesa, where you are rewarded with panoramic views of Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia mountains, and the Rio Grande Valley. It’s spectacular, truly, a must see in New Mexico.

img_7165Arrive at the park early, as it is visited frequently and you can end up waiting in line to enter the park as cars are leaving and parking. It is also a good idea to arrive early as the park allows entry between 8 am-4 pm, and often begin closing procedures at 3:30 pm daily or based . A bottle of water may be a good idea depending on the season and time of day of your hike. During the summer months temperatures in New Mexico are known to rise well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and you will definitely need water.

For more info on the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks Canyon Trail, visit the official site of the Bureau of Land Management.

If you are looking for more things to enjoy in New Mexico check out Giggling Springs Mineral Water Pools, in Jemez, New Mexico or Sunrise Springs Resort and Spa both very close to tent rocks and doable within a day.

Categories
Food

Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

If you know me, you know I love baking, and you might also know my go-to baking pan when baking a cake is my bundt cake pan. Seriously, it makes every cake look so pretty and saves you lots of time if you want your cake to not only taste good but look good. Here’s a twist on a Pineapple Upside Down Cake in a bundt cake pan. Comes out looking so pretty and looks like it took much more time than it actually did

Pineapple Upside~Down Bundt Cake
1 can (20 oz.) Pineapple rings in juice
1 jar (10 oz) Maraschino Cherries
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

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Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt cake pan. Normally,  I use Pam Baking Spray to coat my baking dishes.  It is so easy and saves you time and less messy but if you choose grease and flour your pan.  Pour melted butter into the bottom and sprinkle the brown sugar over it.  Slice the pineapple rings in half and arrange in the bottom of the Bundt pan with a Maraschino Cherry between each slice. Set aside and begin working on the cake batter.

Cake
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. Vanilla extract
4 large eggs
3 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
4 tsp. baking powder
2 T cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups whole milk

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.
In a your mixer, cream the butter. I start using a low-speed and stop when the butter looks nice and creamy.  Slowly add the granulated sugar as the mixer is running on low.  Turn mixer to medium and beat until fluffy.  Add the vegetable oil and mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.  Add the vanilla extract, then the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Sift the dry ingredients together and add alternately with the milk–1/3 dry ingredients, 1/2 milk, 1/3 dry ingredients, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients.  Mix on medium just until completely blended. Make sure to not over mix.

Gently, spoon the batter into the bundt pan on top of the pineapple and cherries.  Place in the preheated oven for 55 minutes.  After 30 minutes, turn oven down to 325 and continue baking until a cake tester comes out cleanly from the center.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a platter.

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That’s it! You’re done and you’ll have a great tasting cake your family or guests will love.

On a side note, I just want to say, if you don’t have time to make a cake from scratch, buy a boxed cake, set it up in your bundt pan and bake away. Your cake will look beautiful and it makes no difference if it was made from scratch. Enjoy!

Categories
Travel

Valle de Guadalupe-Mexican Wine Country

I’ve been so excited to share this post about my wine tour through Mexican wine country with you all! Especially, my wine and travel lovers! The Valle de Guadalupe, located in Baja California, just a little more 30 miles from Ensenada, Mexico, you will find what people are calling “the new Napa” with miles and miles of beautiful landscape and more than 200+ wineries. You could spend weeks visiting each winery but I will highlight a few we loved on our visit.

If you are interested in a wine tour, there are several different ways you can book a tour for your liking. If you are not willing to venture down the coast to Ensenada, there are many tours willing to pick you up at your hotel in San Diego, drive you across the border and through the Valle de Guadalupe to and back to San Diego at the end of the tour. Other options are to rent a car, make sure you get insurance to cover you across international boarders and drive the wine route on your own. You will however, have to endure the very long line of vehicle’s attempting to cross back over to the United States upon your return. So pack your patience! Every day is different and you may be sitting in line for a few hours. Lastly, you can do as we did and take the San Diego trolly to the last, most southern stop and walk across the border on your own to the ABC bus stop, less than a mile from the crossing and purchase a bus ticket for $20 down the coast to Ensenada, about a 90 minute trip. We then, with the help of our concierge at Hotel Lucerna, booked a tour with a private driver to several wineries through the Valle of Guadalupe.

Our first stop, the oldest winery in The Valley, and in my opinion, with the best tasting wine was Santo Tomas Winery. Located on a beautiful estate tucked away in the rolling hills this is what wine country looks like. Vines as long as the eye can see, beautiful green rolling hills and a colorful, welcoming space to taste and enjoy wines. Each winery has their own cost for a tasting ranging from $10-$20 per person per tasting. Such a deal! Especially, if you have traveled to Napa, you know tasting can cost more than $50 per person. Santo Tomas, had the most wines of any other winery with a typical tasting including five different types of wine.

Our next stop was the Clos de Tres Cantos Winery along the wine route. This winery was chosen by our tour guide company we booked our tour with. Of the four wineries we visited, it was one of my favorites for the establishment and the scenery. It was very unique and rustic looking, with many places to sit and enjoy our rainy wine tasting day. Even the bathroom had cute details such as the neat window made out of bottles to swivel and open.

The wine was decent and was accompanied by a little wine and cheese, which was definitely appreciated as we still had two more winery to visit, and had started with a five wine tasted at the previous winery. The landscape overlooking the vineyards was beautiful, even on a rainy day, and they were kind enough of give me a small bag of wine corks to take home with me. They are expanding the building at this winery and there will soon be more to explore and see while on the property.

Our 3rd winery, the ATP Vinos y Familia, was the smallest and one of the best experiences of the day.  Family owned, ran by a husband and wife, this winery has won many awards for their wines. The wines available for tasting depend on the season and they it is well known they tend to run out of award-winning wines during the busy summer season. The wines were tasty, but more than anything, I loved the homey feel of this winery. We were allowed to walk through the vineyard, sample grapes still on the vines and see the cellar with the barrels of wine. It was spectacular and the most fun of the day! Getting to know the owners, learning about the history of the vineyard and entire Valle de Guadalupe was a great experience for the day.

The final winery on our stop is currently one of the most famous wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe, Bruma Winery. Bruma, known not only for thier wine but also for their modern casitas available and their beautiful structures and landscape. This is a great places to stay if you would like to stay in the valley and not have to travel back to Ensenada. It is a great way to travel to many more wineries during your visit! However, if you would like to stay at Bruma, you will need to email to make reservations as early as possible as the establishment is small, popular, and they book rooms quickly and months ahead. This is also one of the wineries you will need to have reservations ahead of time for a wine tasting. If you do not have a reservation you can wait up to an hour for the next available tasting. However, the wine is good and the grounds are beautiful and is worth checking out.

We finished up our day with a great dinner set up by our tour guide, lounging on hammocks, drinking more wine and enjoying the rain before our driver drove us back to Ensenada. It was a perfect end to the day.  Valle de Guadalupe wine country was such as great experience and so easy to access from San Diego, we will definitely be back to explore more wineries across the valley. If you love wine or have always wanted to check out Baja California, this is a great getaway for you!