Bella Costas by Reef

It's been such a mild winter for most of the country that it's ok to be thinking spring already.  Especially when I learned about the launch of Bella Costas by Reef.  I am a huge fan of flats and these vibrant ones by Reef are even more special because they are part of their "We Heart Guatemala" project which supports the traditions of the Mayan Highlands.  Through a partnership with nonprofit organization Nest, Reef is providing an opportunity for Mayan women to create a sustainable living. I think we can all behind that cause, anything that promotes peace and empowers women is A+ with me.

Reef Tropic

Reef Rainforest

You must check out the lookbook.  It is like a mini-vacation and totally gets me pumped for warmer days by the beach.  Lucky for us Bella Costas launch TODAY and are an affordable $54!  What a great start to February!  Oh and did you notice how the name means "beautiful coasts" en español?  Right up my alley and I hope yours too!

Port Isabelle, TX w/ my boys

 Yesterday we had a fabulous visit to Port Isabelle.  It was a perfectly cool day and also perfect since the Canine Travel Team were along for the ride.  Newman still stuggles with riding in the car, but he's part of the team, so he had to come!  I really don't know too much about South Texas, so I am intrigued when I find these plaques that explain a bit about the history.

 We peeked in some of the shops and galleries and then decided to have some hot dogs with our little doggies.  The boys were so good!  Port Isabelle seemed pretty dog friendly although not all restaurants allow dogs in the patio seating areas.  We are so used to Cali, where dogs are pretty much royalty but hopefully we'll find some more doggy-friendly spots as we travel around Texas.

Jalapeño Cheddar hot dog, YUP so bad but so GOOD!

The weekend went by so quickly so we did not make it over to South Padre Island on the other side of the bridge you see above, but I know we'll be back soon.  How about you?
What adventures did you have this past weekend?

Pottery Pets

 Hello again!  I thought I would take a break from the unpacking to show you some of the pottery that is common here in the Texas Tropics.  Everytime I have been by the border I've been smitten with these goods and have to resist buying a truckload...oh yeah and now that I live in a one bedroom apartment, I am definitely being SUPER selective in what I acquire.  My fave piece was this turquoise fish, rustic, beachy and TURQUOISE!

 There's a little something for everyone's taste and I couldn't help but feel like I was at the pet store with all the variety of creatures. 

I've been in Texas for about 3 weeks and so far so good.  The movers finally arrived with our stuff last friday and it has been a little busy over here.  Thanks for sticking by me as I settle in here. 

What do you like to bring back when you go south of the border or just south?

Kale and White Bean Soup

 Since I've arrived in Texas, I've had to look for my inner domestic goddess and crank out some meals.  It's actually been really fun and has felt a bit like a Top Chef challenge.  B and I recently joined a co-op where we pick up a box of locally grown veggies each week and eat away!  But this recipe was inspired by a tweet I read from Real Simple (original recipe here).  As you may know, if it is quick and easy, I am ALL about it!  I also liked this recipe because it included ingredients I had in my pantry and sounded hearty.  Here is the full list of ingredients but you can ammend it a bit.  I made a few changes in my batch as you will see in the pics below.

Serves 8| Hands-On Time: 25m | Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 15.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed
• 1 cup small soup pasta, such as tubettini, ditalini, or orzo (4 ounces)
• 1 bunch kale, thick stems discarded and leaves torn into 2-inch pieces (8 cups)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan (2 ounces), plus 1 piece rind (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 loaf country bread, warmed

And there you have it!  I also love that I can serve it for lunch the next day.  As is in most cases, these soups taste even better a day later.  Let me know if you give it a try, it's a quick and easy meal and perfect for a winter day, even our 84 degree winter day here in the Texas Tropics!

The Water Dancer w/ Quiksilver

The Water Dancer is a series of short films in which Quiksilver ambassador and world champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore meets and converses with premier dancers to learn what inspires and drives them and how their dancing relates to her passion of surfing.  It makes complete sense that dancing and surfing mesh since both require being centered and in touch with how your body moves.  I've posted Stephanie's interview with ballet dancer Tiler Peck but you can find more inspirational videos here.  
~~~~~~
I also really like the parallel that Stephanie drew between dance and surfing:

“I once read that surfing a wave can be described as a dance performance: 'The wave is your stage and the sun is a spotlight.’ I like to think surfing and dance have similar qualities like power, grace, improvisation, rhythm and most of all, performance. When I'm competing, the majority of my drive comes from the performance. When I'm surfing I want to be powerful, but perform with style and grace, similar to that of a dancer.” 

Of course it's hard to ignore the super cute outfit that Stephanie is wearing in this interview.  Since I am now back to being full time CEO of sealaura, I thought this outfit definitely would be work appropriate.  Quiksilver is a brand that is synonymous with the beach but apart from having a fab selection of surf gear, there are so many other goodies I would not mind getting my hands on.
What about you?  Are you a water dancer?
 

reporting from Mexico

 

Our new home has us living about 1 mile from the Mexican border, which is kind of exciting.  Although we are super close to the frontera/the border,  the Mission/McAllen area is very nice.  In fact, most of the residents are affluent Mexican ex-pats who were able to come "al otro lado/ the other side" and escape the violence.  We live in what is called the Rio Grande Valley.  Unfortunately, México has been having a very tough time with crime and violence so going across the border is not really encouraged. 

~~~~~~~~

After doing a little research, B and I decided to go an take a peek at what's on the other side.  We were recommended to park our car on the US side and walk in via the Nuevo Progreso entrance to México.  I was definitely a little bit nervous, but our plan was to just stay in the first few blocks past the border and head home.  It was a bit comforting to see many Winter Texans crossing over but still we were on high alert.  To tell you the truth it was very heartbreaking to see how hard people have to hustle to survive.  B and I just walked a few blocks and turned around (which is HIGHLY recommended).  You definitely do not want to leave the border town.  It's incredible to see the drastic change in the quality of life once you cross the border. 

Nuevo Progreso offers the usual artisan crafts and other goodies that you can pick up along the way but honestly, I was so over stimulated and a tad stressed that it was not the most relaxing venture.  Still the adventurist in us wanted to see what was "al otro lado" and we did.  In case you are wondering why I don't have more pictures, it's because you do not want to draw any attention to yourself while you are here and I really didn't feel comfortable snapping away. 
~~~~~~~
Winter Texans and other folks come here for more affordable dental work, pharmaceuticals and of course some other lower priced ammenities.  This trip was not like the trips of my youth from LA to Tijuana which usually meant a little partying and a beachy lighthearted time.  México is a beautiful  country and Mexicans are very courageous, wonderful,  sweet people but it's hard to truly enjoy the culture and the beauty of this land knowing the struggle that they currently have to endure.  I know I usually take you to happy places and I do believe in my heart this is a wonderful land.   But in my opinion, part of traveling is also understanding and acknowledging what the day to day life is like for the locals. 
~~~~~~~~
 If you want to learn more about the situation in México check out this article from NPR.

Hello South Padre!

Port Isabel Lighthouse

 Although we have spent most of our time in the car lately, we decided to hit the road for a mini-journey to South Padre Island and do a little exploring.  So with canine team in tow, we made a weekend out of it.  Our trip was mostly to explore the real estate market down here, and let me tell you we are definitely not in California anymore ( read: affordable!) .  But I will leave that discussion for another day.
~~~~~~~~
We left on Friday night and since both of us had never been to SPI before we had no idea what to expect.  As you approach the island, you will find the Port Isabel Lighhouse which is open to tourists for climbing.  We will definitely have to check this out later and check out the panoramic view of SPI and the surrounding area.

 On Saturday we were able to take in the view to the island and it was super pretty.  This is the Queen Isabella Bridge that connects SPI to the "mainland."

 We found this lovely statue of "Cristo de los Pescadores" Christ of the Fisherman and it was a stunning addition to the coastline.  From what I understand this maritime statue is supposed to symbolize Christ blessing the fisherman that have been lost at sea.  At the base you will find the names of some of those lost fisherman.  The statue is located at the entrance of Isla Blanca County park on South Padre.

 Our Sunday morning walk on the beach was just lovely, there were many sweet shells in the sand and the water was beautiful.  Apparently this part of the island is one of the best and also a great place to fish.  I anticipate B might be headed here soon for some spear fishing.

We had to head back and leave this lovely island but I am certain we will be back time and time again.  Like I mentioned, we spent most of the time looking at casitas and villas but soon we will be back to take in  more of the sights.  There are many places to stay here, motels, condos, RV parks etc.  We stayed in a budget and pet friendly motel and paid about 75 bucks for the weekend.  Right now is a great time to visit because it is very calm and all the "Winter Texans" are here enjoying the sun.  Even though this island is mostly known for the crazyness of Spring Breakers, it certainly has so much more to offer.  I was happily surprised to run into an international crowd that even had me practicing my French.  It seems many people make this a second home to avoid the chilly winter temps.
~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm hoping to get back to regular blogging soon, but it's been a little bit like camping for us lately. Our belongings are still in transit from Cali.  I look forward to the delivery but not to the unpacking!  Still, I hope to set some sort of routine for my new life here but I know it will take some time.  So bear with me!

Hola! from the Texas Tropics!

 Hello dear friends!  If you follow us on FB you might already know that we've left Monterey and our now residing in what is called "The Texas Tropics!"  I'm not gonna lie, it was hard saying goodbye to my beloved California.  I just adore my home state, but I also love adventure and life has brought us to the Texas Tropics and we are happy to be here.

Texas is definitely very different than Cali but rather than focus on comparisons, I want to enjoy all the newness.  One thing I have always been drawn to is tradition and I really love all the pride, customs and history that Texas has to offer.   Our Coastal Adventures continue but now you will be seeing us along the Gulf of Mexico (and who knows where else!) . Here's to a happy new year to all of you and thank you for coming along on all of our journeys!