Food - Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine

Finnair Sells Airplane Food in Grocery Stores

Katja Presnal — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:13:08 +0000

Can’t travel? No problem, you can now get your airplane meal in Finland

Finnair started selling versions of their business class in-flight meals in grocery stores. Nicely wrapped and marketed with pretty images, it is Finnair’s brilliant attempt to add revenue, but more importantly, keep their customers dreaming of travel and keeping the brand in mind for the upcoming flights… someday. The “Taste of Finnair” project of course is great for business purposes, but it also welcomed some of the employees back to work. Many of the staff members have been laid off since March. “This is a new business opening for us and employs our chefs in Vantaa. This project has been especially great, as so many of Kitchen’s employees are temporarily laid off, we can create new work and employment for our people,” Marika Nieminen, the head of Finnair Kitchen explained. Finnair is known for connecting Europe to Asia. Their menu always includes Finnish flavors, and they often create fusion food that is very Finnish but appeals to Asian palates. The Taste of Finnair meals are inspired by Nordic and Japanese flavors. The ready-made meals include Finnish reindeer meatballs, beef in teriyaki-radish sauce, and arctic char, as well as sides like roasted carrots with blue cheese. Unfortunately, just like Finnair, these meals are not flying in many places, and are the Taste of Finnair meals are currently available only at K-Citymarket Vantaa Tammisto close to the Helsinki airport. I heard they cost $12.90 per meal – that’s over 15 bucks (half of a RyanAir flight across Europe). But the meals are not your ordinary lunch menu quality either and are more of fine dining quality. Many restaurants are struggling and finding new ways like this to stay in business in the time of COVID, so premium home meal demand has definitely gone up. I’ve seen social media posts of people trying the meals from the Taste of Finnair menu and they’ve given it high praise and well priced for the quality. Now, we don’t even own a microwave oven, but you can also warm the ready meal up in an oven. What do you say… should we give these ready-made meals a try or just stick to waiting until we can fly again?

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Moomin Whisky by Kyrö Distellery Sold for Thousand Dollars per Bottle

Katja Presnal — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:14:42 +0000

Special Edition Whisky to celebrate Moomin and to Support A Charity

This is a threesome of my three Finnish fandoms, and the last one is the most important one. Tove Jansson’s Moomin books and characters have guided my adult life. Yes, I say adult, because when I was a child I was a little bit afraid of the ghost/white Barbapapa-looking characters and didn’t really understand their inner lives. It took until I became a mother and gave the books (and the TV-show) a second chance. Now I am the biggest Moomin-fan for the life lessons Moomins can teach us. In fact, I realize Moomins really were the original Skimbacoers living life to the fullest, and probably have been in the back of my mind even when I started this blog. Moominmamma loves being home, making her own juice from the bounty of the garden and hosting parties and picnics. Moominpappa is adventurous and tries to get the rest of the family to see that every day can be an adventure. I can relate to both of them. Moominpappa is a whisky connoisseur and enjoys good conversations with interesting characters. Moominpappa’s love for whisky and even related headaches have been seen in Moomin books and comics. No wonder sometimes the depth of the books is a little difficult to understand for the kids. To celebrate the author of the Moomins, Tove Jansson, on the 75th anniversary of the Moomins, Finnish Kyrö Distillery Company partnered with Moomin to create Moominpappa’s Bounty of the Sea rye malt whisky. Kyrö is my newer Finnish brand fandom, they make the world’s best gin (really, they have won awards). The Moomin whisky is their first whisky, a rye malt whisky that has been distilled from 100% malted Finnish winter rye and then matured in harsh Finnish conditions resulting in a combination of sweet, spicy, and earthy tones. Too bad you and I can not taste this and discuss about the awesomeness of Moomins by the Baltic Sea and let the whisky warm us, because only a small batch was made only to be sold in an auction at Lauritz.com. Six bottles were auctioned in two-bottle pairs and they sold for EUR 1,678 for pair, that’s around a thousand dollars per bottle.

Saving the Baltic Sea

The whiskey was sold on a charity auction to the benefit of #OurSea. #OURSEA campaign is a joint campaign by Moomin Characters Ltd together with the John Nurminen Foundation to raise money and then save the Baltic Sea. The sea was always important to Tove Jansson, that’s why you see Moomins living by the sea and enjoying the seaside lifestyle. The Baltic Sea is also my biggest love in Finland and now when I got you here with Moomins and whisky, I hope you continue to read about why the Our Sea campaign is so important. The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world, and urgent action has to be taken in order to save it. The John Nurminen Foundation’s measures to protect the Baltic Sea have been extremely successful. Thanks to their efforts and working together with multiple partners across the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Finland’s annual phosphorus load has been reduced by as much as 75%. This is a world record in marine protection! The Foundation’s projects aim to reduce the nutrient load to the Sea. They evaluate their Clean Baltic Sea projects and works on a basis of measurable positive environmental impact and assigns the donated money for work that puts it into most effective use. In just 15 years, the Foundation has started over 30 Clean Baltic Sea projects, of which well over 20 have been completed. In terms of environmental impact, they have accomplished the two most significant water protection efforts ever carried out in the Baltic Sea. In addition to environmental work, part of their work is preserving the seaside lifestyle as part of the culture. For example, the Foundation had published over 40 award-winning books in multiple languages giving a voice to people for whom the Baltic Sea is a vocation, a way of life, or a passion. For full portfolio of the Foundation’s activities, see www.johnnurmisensaatio.fi and then see the ways you can join the Moomins in supporting #OURSEA. Comic pictures: Tove Jansson, Moomin comic #2 Moomin and Family Life, 1955 Tove Jansson, Moomin comic #12 Moomin and the sea, 1957 All pictures © Moomin Characters Information about #OurSea: https://oursea.fi/

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Vegan BBQ Pulled Oats Sandwich with Orange Ginger Coleslaw

Katja Presnal — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 16:11:48 +0000

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Yes, it’s vegan.

We decided test Pulled Oats, and see if this trendy Finnish food item really is ready to take over the USA. Matt grew up in Austin, Texas. It shows in our dinner table in a way that we eat Tex-Mex at least once or twice a week. Texas BBQ however is something we might cook only once a year, usually on 4th of July, but we haven’t even owned a BBQ grill for a few years. We decided to mix Finnish ingredients, Pulled Oats, and make a vegan dish that even Texans might go for. We mixed the Pulled Oats with Orange Ginger Coleslaw and baked sweet potato with a crème fraiche sauce. It’s juicy and spice-loving texture is perfect for frying, and it’s the perfect ingredient for all the meals you love. Pulled Oats® are all vegan and pack more muscle-building protein than any (yup, any!) meat product on the planet. It’s good for you, good for “foodkind,” and good for the whole world. The real kicker here: this is a vegan dish. Hellmann’s makes a vegan mayo (for the coleslaw), Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is vegan, and Oatly makes a vegan crème fraiche. The verdict: it does not replace Texas BBQ pulled pork sandwich, but since we don’t eat that much meat anymore anyways, we don’t make pulled pork sandwiches anymore at all. So to have this kind of a substitute – brilliant.

Vegan Orange Ginger Coleslaw

Chop all these really fine: 1/3 cabbage 2 carrots small cube of fresh ginger 1 small onion 1 orange Spring onions Fresh cilantro Tip: use a potato peeler for the carrots, you can make really nice thin slices of carrot and makes the coleslaw nice and moist. Mix all these: 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar orange juice of one orange 3 tbs Vegan Mayo Dash of salt and pepper Dash of Cumin seeds Mix the chopped veggies with the mixed liquids well, and your super fresh coleslaw is ready.

Vegan BBQ Pulled Oats

Mix all of this: 1tbsp apple cider vinegar 1/3 cup apple juice Orange slices juice 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp ketchup 1/2 a Sweet Baby Ray’s container barbecue sauce 1 container of Pulled Oats Let the Pulled Oats soak in the liquids for 10-15 minutes or so, and then cook on a pan for another 10-15 minutes until soft and the excess liquids have soaked in/evaporated. Serve inside a fresh bun with the orange ginger coleslaw.

Vegan orange crème fraiche sauce for Sweet Potato

2/3 Oatly crème fraiche Juice of 1/2 orange squeezed Parsley chopped One clove garlic minced small Squeeze orange juice, chop parsley and mince the garlic and mix with Oatly crème fraiche

Baked Sweet Potato

Cut sweet potato in half, pour some olive oil on a baking sheet covered with a baking paper and place the sweet potato half face down on the baking pan. Cook 30 minutes on 300F/175C. Serve with the sauce. YUM. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Pulled Oats – Meatless Meat from Finland Is the Next Big Food Trend

Katja Presnal — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 15:53:04 +0000

Our Oats are Better than Your Jackfruit

Oat milk lattes, anyone? Thanks to Swedish Oatly and Finnish Kaslink, most likely you too have switched your milk into oat milk, or at least tried it. While Brooklyn had an oat milk shortage last summer, Finns were dealing with Pulled Oats® shortage already in 2016, when the oat-based meatless meat product launched here in Finland. Now Pulled Oats are getting ready to become a global phenomenon, so get ready for the next food trend. If you don’t believe me, Pulled Oats are perfectly aligned with the Food Trends for 2019 report by Whole Foods. Whole Foods predicts faux meat products as one of the top food trends in 2019, and is promoting jackfruit as a popular meat alternative being used in place of items like BBQ pulled pork, but my guess is Pulled Oats will pass the popularity of jackfruit as soon as it hits the supermarket shelves in the USA. Pulled Oats are called “the perfect protein”, and it is the first product in the world that brings together Nordic oats, fava beans and yellow peas to create a scientifically proven health bomb that has more protein and less fat than chicken, beef or pork. And yes, you guessed it, helluva lot more protein than jackfruit has. You should read the story how Pulled Oats were born, and how two Finnish boss ladies created the hit product that initially sold out in only 11 minutes in the first store stocking it in Helsinki. I was not kidding about the Pulled Oats shortage – people were lining up for the product, and there were sign up sheets and everything involved. I’m telling you all this now as a friend, so you can be prepared when Pulled Oats arrive to your country. Check out the vegan Pulled Oats sandwich with orange ginger coleslaw recipe, and you will see how easy it is to replace meat.

Oats, really? Yes, really.

I know, it is an engineered food product, and I don’t like buying food in a box either, but Pulled Oats actually make a lot of sense. Even EFSA and FDA prove oats, they have positive impacts on heart heath, digestion, and blood sugar, and are often safe for people with a celiac-disease. Pulled Oats having so many good qualities, “the perfect protein” is the best way to sum it up. Of course, you could also say it’s “the plant-based protein that has minimal impact on the environment, is locally produced, contains fibres and minerals and more protein than chicken, including all essential amino acids, but doesn’t have a trace of additives or animals in it, and upon all that tastes delicious”. And in addition it’s completely free from GMO or preservatives, filling agents and other additives, animals or other strange things some producers like to make their food of.

Pulled Oats Want to Come to the USA – Starting at SXSW

Pulled Oats is already a massive hit in Finland, so Gold & Green Foods Ltd. decided to test it out in one of the places where they make the best pulled pork – which happens to be Matt’s home town – Austin, Texas! Pulled Oats are served up at events at SXSW this week, and I hear even some hardcore meat-lovers said they’d love to see it on the US market. The company actually asked some of the SXSW visitors about their eating habits, and a whopping 59 % identified as flexitarians, 19% as vegetarians and 22 % as meat-lovers. 94 % of people who tasted the Pulled Oats said they would recommend it to their friends and look forward to buying and eating more of it. I hope the Pulled Oats folks from Finland scheduled some time to meet with Whole Foods while in Austin – because I’m telling you: you will want Whole Foods to stock Pulled Oats in the store near you.

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Tips How to Become An Adventurous Foodie

Katja Presnal — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 04:18:21 +0000

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Become the Foodie who Enjoys Local Food in Your Travels

If you are looking for an article listing the fifteen weirdest things to eat around the world, this isn’t it. But I will give you simple tips how to become an a more adventurous foodie in your travels. I didn’t grow up eating sushi, and I was in college when I tasted my first avocado, but I have become an adventurous foodie. It doesn’t always mean that I hunt for the “weirdest” food experiences when I travel. I highly recommend getting out of your comfort zone with food during your travels – even the bad experiences (like the time I ate liver soup in Germany…) just become great travel stories you will remember a lifetime. But it’s possible to discover great new foods when traveling, even without having to stretch far out of your culinary comfort zone. Here are my tips![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” bklyn_overlay=”true” bklyn_overlay_pattern=”true” bklyn_overlay_pattern_style=”bklyn-style-three” background_position=”center center” background_attachment=”fixed” css=”.vc_custom_1539963079221{background-image: url(https://skimbacolifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/salmon-with-avocados-and-chili-peppers.jpg?id=44964) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” bklyn_overlay_color=”rgba(44,62,80,0.5)”][vc_column][ut_parallax_quote quote_font_source=”google” quote_google_fonts=”font_family:Comfortaa%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” quote_font_size=”35″ quote_text_transform=”capitalize” cite_font_source=”google” cite_google_fonts=”font_family:Comfortaa%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” cite_font_size=”18″ cite_text_transform=”uppercase” quote_color=”#ffffff” cite_color=”#ffffff” cite=”Katja Presnal”]Food is the best way to travel around the world during dinner time on a school night![/ut_parallax_quote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_section full_width=””][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Foodie at home is a foodie when traveling

Start your culinary adventures at home. I always say that the best way to travel around the world during dinner time on a school night is via food. You can train your culinary palate – the same way you can train yourself to eat with the chopsticks. Even when you are in your hometown, go eat at a Thai, Greek, German, or whatever-is-exotic-to-you restaurant. Look for non-chain restaurants, preferably one run by an immigrant who wanted to move to your country to share their native cuisine. For example, we love to eat at many of the great Indian restaurants in Helsinki. You can also slowly develop a lifestyle where global cuisine is part of your everyday life by learning to cook foods from different cultures. Take cooking classes on your travels, and then recreate the dishes at home. This will not just enrich your everyday life, but also gradually make you a more adventurous eater on your travels. This is especially great to do with the kids, because then they learn to cook too! Our daughter Isabella has been making us French crêpes since she was 12-years-old.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ut_animated_image size=”full” image=”44268″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Ask the local foodies for recommendations

One of the reasons I love connecting with people on social media, and reading blogs before I travel is to connect with locals and get their recommendations. People also like to share their food recommendations, so I encourage you to discover authentic local foods on your travels by asking locals for restaurant recommendations, or even eating at their homes if possible. Anyone can be a “travel expert” on social media and I often get the best tips from people who are passionate about their hometowns, even if they don’t travel much. This especially applies to food![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ut_animated_image size=”full” image=”16761″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Local food at the right season

I have taken many cooking classes on my travels, and many of them start with the same thing: a trip to a local food market. Most food markets are not as fancy as my favorite food market, the Östermalm Saluhall in Stockholm, Sweden, where even the butcher shop has a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Local food markets, even if they’re not as exciting, always offer a mix of seasonal local foods. Nothing tastes better than local seasonal food! Even the winery owners in France claim that their wine doesn’t taste the same when it is exported. I’m not sure if that’s really true, but it is a fact that fruits and vegetables taste different around the world. Who knew that orange juice tastes the best in Morocco? I don’t know why, but the freshly squeezed orange juice, with nothing added to it, tastes much better at the Jemaa El-Fna markets in Marrakech than anywhere else. Same thing with melons in Bali – the watermelon juice in Bali is simply amazing. And the best strawberries in the world? They are in Scandinavia, where the long summer days and midnight sun gives extra sweetness to the berries – but only buy the local strawberries during summer, they are imported from the other side of Europe during winters. [/vc_column_text][ut_animated_image size=”full” align=”center” image=”40422″][vc_column_text]I always long to eat artichokes in Rome, and white asparagus in Germany during spring time. I like early August in Finland (or Nova Scotia, Canada), when the blueberries are ripe for picking. And I don’t even like bananas that much, but the small bananas only available on the Madeira island in Portugal… well, those are some tasty bananas! In addition to seasonal farmer’s market offering, there are also seasonal dishes you don’t want to miss. Christmas-time isn’t the same in Europe without mulled wine, Glüchwein in Germany and glögi in Finland. On Shrove Tuesday you can find local delicacies – sweet buns with cream in Sweden and Finland and pancakes in UK and other European countries. Always when you travel, don’t look just for local foods, but seasonal foods and dishes, you can find something truly unique that even locals only eat a few times a year! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Exotic food is good, simple local fare is better

I understand that while traveling people often want to eat Pasta Bolognese in Bologne, or the best pizza in Venice, or try the exotic dishes with names they won’t even remember when they get back home. I’m guilty of that too, but I think it is equally important on your culinary travels to try simple local dishes, fresh local foods, or even taste how familiar things can taste so different when eaten halfway around the world. I love fine dining, and have eaten in many Michelin rated restaurants, but some of my fondest travel memories come from trying local comfort foods, like poutine in Canada (french fries smothered with cheese curds and gravy), or eating street food, like crêpes (thin pancakes) bought from a window in a small shop in Le Marais in Paris. So, when you plan your culinary travels and research the “top ten restaurants” in town, make sure to save some appetite for the foods that the locals adore.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

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The Table is Set at the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia

Matt Presnal — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:54:57 +0000

When the tide comes up in the southern United States, it’s usually just enough that you have to re-position your umbrella and beach towels a few feet back when it starts to come in so they don’t get wet, and save the cooler from washing away. As I was standing on the seafloor of the Bay of Fundy along the Northeastern Atlantic coast, I was trying to imagine the drastic differences between what I knew from back home, and where I actually was. When the tides come in at Burnthead Cove, Nova Scotia, they can range between 47 to 53 feet above the seafloor. So you can understand my amazement when the good people from Burnthead Cove Park informed me that the very spot I was standing would be 40 feet under water in just a few more hours. But before that, was dinner time. We had arrived at the shore after driving through dense coastal fog, and slipped into our rubber boots preparing for a trek through Burnthead Cove Park. As we meandered down a forested path, I could hear the sounds of Irish fiddles playing in the distance. Walking along the seafloor is not something I envisioned myself doing, but it was truly breathtaking. The rock along the seafloor had been worn and eroded for thousands of years of ebbs and flows, and the tiny crabs that thrived in the pools left by the retreating tide clung to the seabed rock. As we arrived to the smells of lobster and shellfish, we were in awe of the view out over the bay. With a warm bowl of fresh chowder and biscuit to stay off the chill from the damp air, we sat down to enjoy this warm comfort in our hands. This is what “Raised in Nova Scotia” is all about. Nova Scotia is a culinary destination of the land and the sea, and people of this great province display great pride in their use of what nature’s harvest provides. The sea is full of some of the best of those harvests. From fresh caught lobster, to the famous Digby scallops, and to seaweed. I personally like it all at once, in a form of a delicious cup of fresh chowder (no, make it a bowl!!). Now what could be better than all the tastes Nova Scotia has to offer? Putting all that Nova Scotia nature into the tasting experience and enveloping yourself into the sights, sounds, and feels of where the food comes from. And this is the experience that Flying Apron Cookery provides. Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia brewery is just one example of how Nova Scotians make the local culinary experience happen. Alexander Keith’s is one of the oldest commercial breweries in North America that originated in Halifax in 1820. They set out to make a small batch brew that celebrated the heritage of one of Nova Scotia’s natural wonders. To do this, this adventurous brewery teamed with local farmers who grow hops, and a local company SeaBoost, which grows and harvests Bay of Fundy seaweed to mix into the brew. Intro Alexander Keith’s Fundy Low Tide White IPA. With its brine, fruity, and salty tastes, it pairs excellent with these seafood delights and at the same time brings the flavors of the sea together in one sip of this tasty ale. You may already know that you can find Alexander Keith’s in your local store, but for all of their specialty brews that bring out the local flavors such as the Fundy Low Tide White IPA and the Lunenburg Coffee & Cacao Stout, you’ll just have to come to Nova Scotia. Disclosure: thanks Alexander Keith’s for the dining experience at the sea floor. My opinions are my own, as always.

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Culinary Postcard: Garnacha Wine from Spain

Katja Presnal — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 04:32:19 +0000

Visit Wines of Garnacha. Learn about Garnacha, where to find it in Spain, our first impressions of Garnacha wine, and suggestions how to serve the Garnacha wine with a traditional Catalan dish for friends.

Garnacha Day is September 16th

On my last trip to Spain, I visited some wineries, attended a vineyard side picnic, and yes: tasted some amazing wine. Even if we can’t travel to Spain this fall, let’s say good-bye to summer with one last soiree and celebrate the Garnacha Day on September 16th with delicious Garnacha wine with Spanish style tapas or simple Catalonian pa amb tomàquet, tomato toast (recipe below). You can also find wine tastings happening across the USA where to taste Spanish Garnacha – find a wine tasting near you!

What is Garnacha?

Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of Garnacha before, but it is becoming as popular as Cabernet, Malbec and Chardonnay. Yes, Garnacha is a grape variety, and in fact one of the world’s oldest and most widely planted wine grapes that originates from North East Spain from the Aragon region, where it soon spread to Catalonia and then to other places, and it also has a long history in southern France, Italy, Croatia and even Greece. As the popularity grew in Europe, now Garnacha has also spread to Australia, North Africa and California. If you are not a wine expert, it can be a little bit confusing to learn about Garnacha, because it is one of the most versatile grapes. It has been used as the lower grade “workhorse” grape that is sweet, and capable of higher levels of alcohol, and it is often blended with many other grape varieties. It is the only mainstream grape with red and white varieties, and Garnacha wine itself can be red, white, or rosé. Garnacha is sort of becoming one of the trendy grapes on its own, as a new generation of winemakers in the original birthplace of Garnacha have taken a new approach to producing Garnacha wines in the past 20 years. Going into the future of wine producing, Garnacha shines over many other grape-varieties, and taste and the low price point are not the only reasons. Garnacha is the most eco-friendly grape in the world. In the vineyard, Garnacha is drought resistant, adaptable, self-sufficient and self-sustaining with strong roots getting water from subterranean water tables instead of depending on rainwater as most other grapes do. Those who look for eco-friendlier wine options, look for Garnacha varieties.

We sent our team member Wes some Garnacha – read what he thought of the wine!

Our team member Wes is a champagne-lover, but we wanted to hear what he thought of the Garnacha, and we sent him 5 different bottles of wine for a small gathering with friends. Here are his first impressions of Garnacha. Have you ever tasted a monovarietal Garnacha before? What is your first impression of the wines you received? Wes: I have not tasted Garnacha wine previously. I have had other Spanish varieties such as Tempranillo and Cava, but this was a first. My first impression was that this is a very drinkable red wine that is worth learning more about! How would you describe the wines you received? Wes: The wines I received are good reds to have on-hand, as I feel that it would appeal to a variety of palettes. This would make it great for entertaining, or as having one glass on the evening. They have a nice body and notes of red fruit with a touch of spice. Do you think they are easy drinking and could pair with everything? What would you pair it with? Wes: I found the wines to be very drinkable and easy to pair with, compared to some other varieties of red. I would personally not pair the red Garnacha with greens and poultry like I do with whites. However, with that being said it pairs very well with meats, lamb, and pasta dishes. I personally paired it with tapas pizza and small bites and it was great! What would you say to a friend about Garnacha? Would you recommend it? Wes: I would say that that is it a wine worth exploring and learning about if they have not tried it because it is easy to drink. I find that some people have an aversion to reds because they find them too heavy etc. I would recommend it as a red with a nice body that is not too light like a pinot noir but not too heavy like a Syrah. I would certainly recommend it! Regarding the value, what do you think? Wes: Granacha seems to be on average in the $10-15 range for a standard bottle here in the States. Given that price point, I think it represents a good wine for the value, and it is something to consider especially when gathering with friends or attending a dinner party.

Serve Pa amb tomàquet, the Catalan Tomato Toast

When you are planning your Garnacha Day soiree, add this Catalan recipe in your menu. It’s as authentic as it gets, tastes amazing, and it’s budget-friendly. Pa amb tomàquet is simply bread with tomato, known as Spanish Toast, or Catalan Toast. It is a common dish in Catalonia, even moms make it for lunch for the kids, and while it is a humble everyday dish, the Catalan tomato toast is also served on finer dinners, and it is eaten any time of the day. It was a signature dish that we were served on almost any meal during our wine trip around the region. There are two ways to serve this: already made up tomato bread on a platter, like above, or bread, tomatoes and garlic stacked, and letting your guests do the “hard work” – as pictured below. Frankly, the latter is more fun, and I personally also like to toast the bread right before eating, instead of toasting it prior. Since there are not that many ingredients to this dish, choosing great quality ingredients is imperative. Start with good sourdough bread, you could also get a baguette if you want to make the breads mini-sized, but I didn’t actually see anyone serving this with baguette in Spain. Pretty good low-budget suggestion is Italian Pane Turano bread from Aldi. Pick small tomatoes that are ripe (soft and little bit darker in color). Cocktail tomatoes work the best, and you can leave them in the counter for a day or two to get them nice and ripe. And of course, good quality extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt are kitchen stables. You will need: 1 large sourdough bread 4-8 garlic cloves, halved crosswise 4-8 ripe small (cocktail) tomatoes, halved crosswise Extra Virgin Olive Oil salt to taste Prepare Pa amb tomàquet: 1. Cut the sourdough in slices or buy already sliced bread. 2. Toast the bread — either on a baking sheet in the oven (500F for 5+ minutes) or in a toaster. 3. Slice the garlic and the tomatoes in half. 4. When the bread is toasted, take the half of a garlic glove and rub the garlic on the toast. This will get a nice subtle garlic taste. 5. Then rub the ripe tomato in the bread, until you only have the tomato skin left. Discard the leftover tomato skin. 6. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt to taste. Hosting a Spanish style tapas night can be pretty easy; in addition to the tomato toast, just serve a selection of meats & cheese. Of course, adding a bowl of Spanish olives wouldn’t hurt either.

Culinary travel to Spain

If this made you hungry for more and wanting to plan a little culinary trip to Spain, here are a few more pictures for inspiration. I think food and wine are two excellent reasons why anyone should book a trip to Spain. On my last trip to Spain, I flew to Barcelona, and toured Catalonia is the North East part of Spain, where you can pretty much find anything; from city scenes of Barcelona to ocean side beach resort of Costa Brava to idyllic seaside town of Sitges to Pyrenees mountains in the north. Foodies love the closeness to the sea, because it means availability of amazing sea food. If you like meats… You will not be disappointed with the amount of cold cut meats available. Of course, Iberian ham is one of the must haves. I personally love visiting the food markets, and fresh vegetable and fruit stands, and if possible: rent a vacation home, so I can also cook with local ingredients during my travels. My fellow carbavores…. The fresh bread, pastries and croissants of Spain will satisfy your carb-lust. For wine lovers, Barcelona is a great starting point. Catalonia is divided in ten different wine areas, one of the most famous ones is Penedès, it is known for producing Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine. You could say it is the Champagne-region of Spain. Terra Alta wine region is in the southern Catalonia in the highlands, and that’s where, in the more challenging growing altitudes, where Garnacha grape shines. Garnacha is grown in other Catalan wine regions as well, but the birthplace and the main area where Garnacha is grown is west of Catalonia, in the southern Aragon wine regions of Calatayud, Carinena and Campo de Borja. Several of the vineyards organized us special wine tastings, and one of my favorite one was having a picnic by the vineyards. I admit, I have never visited Aragon, the actual birth place of Garnacha grapes, so my experience with Spanish wineries is only limited to the ones in Catalonia, but wine travel to Spain is absolutely what I would recommend.

Happy Garnacha Day!

Hope you got inspired to celebrate this tasty grape, or to book a trip to Spain to see where it grows. Learn more about Garancha wines or check out if you have wine tastings close by this month, there are Garnanca wine tastings across the USA this month.

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Mint Chip Smoothie inspired by Sedona’s Local Juicery

VIP Guest Blogger — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 17:30:43 +0000

When you satiate your wanderlust with adrenaline fueled adventure, you’ll probably need to refuel! A smoothie can be a nutrient powerhouse, but who knew it could taste like a sin? Summer Sanders, CEO + Founder of Local Juicery, Sedona, Arizona, has agreed to share with us her prized recipe for her lustful “Mint Chip” smoothie. Residents of Sedona & tourists alike flock to Local Juicery to sample all of the guilt-free goodies & cold pressed juices. The “Mint Chip” smoothie doesn’t just make for a great refuel though, it also makes for a decadent dessert. This is due to its healthful ingredients uncanny ability to perfectly mimic a Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake, sans the dairy. To add to this beneficial smoothie, utilize an ingestible Peppermint essential oil, such as Young Living’s Peppermint Vitality. It’ll easily turn this clean-eating smoothie into a tummy soothing treat & aid in digestion.* Skipping dessert to stay healthy just became a myth.

Mint Chip Smoothie

2 cups almond milk (homemade preferred!) 2 tablespoon almond butter 1 handful fresh mint or 2 drops of Young Living’s Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil* 1 handful fresh spinach 1 large frozen banana 3 ice cubes (optional) 1 pinch of sea salt 2 dates, pitted 1 tablespoon cacao nibs Blend & Savor! So what are you waiting for? It’s not every day you find a recipe that satisfies your stomach & eases your mind. *Not evaluated by FDA. Young Living Peppermint Vitality is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Photos: Brooke Genn of Nomadic Newlyweds Also in our Wellness + Wanderlust magazine issue.

BY TASHA ELKINS. Tasha has a bachelor’s degree in engineering. She works in oil & gas industry. But she doesn’t let either of those to define her, or to keep her from her real passion: traveling. Tasha has dedicated her free-time for traveling and she helps others to see how it is possible to travel while having a full-time job. Read her travel tips at Travel Part Time.

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Weekend Indulgence

Katja Presnal — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 20:08:09 +0000

Sponsored post. Happy Saturday! What belongs to your weekend indulgence? Mine is something that, well, I kind of don’t even want to admit. It’s Magnum ice cream. Let me explain…

Weekend Indulgence

One of our normal Saturday morning “dates” with Matt is to stop by at the French bakery in town, perhaps have a cup of coffee already there, and then head back home for bigger breakfast with the kids. And of course, bring everyone fresh croissants. On most weekends then the entire family heads to farmer’s market to get fresh vegetables, and to run other errands. For some reasons weekends are a bigger celebration when the school was not out. Now when kids are home every day for the summer, Saturday mornings are not greeted with the same celebration as during the school year. So instead of letting Saturday morning roll around just like any other summer morning, I decided to start taking one kid at the time for Saturday morning fun. I wanted to lure them out of their bedrooms early on the morning and to try to get them away from their phones. Today, it was Isabella’s turn, and we I had a special surprise for her in mind. It literally added only extra 30 minutes for our morning run, and costed only a few bucks, and made all the difference. Of course, first we head to the Farmer’s Market. I love our local farmer’s market by the water. It’s a great spot also for local artisan made products and a place to meet new people, everyone is so friendly here. But mainly… it’s amazing for food shopping. Yes, I’m that person who has a joy in her chest when both beets and rhubarb are in season. We like to buy as much of our foods from the farmer’s market as possible, especially during the summer. I loved the road side farmer’s markets in upstate New York, and love the indoor market here. Since we don’t eat much meat these days, nor processed foods, it is not that difficult to buy the minimal amount from the grocery store, or other big box stores. We still have a few “bad habits” and indulgences that are difficult to quit. I already listed coffee, croissants, and well, fresh artisan baked bread in general. But what’s really something I don’t think we can ever quit; it’s eating chocolate. And we are very picky with our chocolate, and only buy European chocolates. We are not at all picky in the way we indulge our fancy European chocolate, and thus during winters we love European cookies with chocolate, and during summers it’s ice cream with premium chocolate. Magnum really has the ultimate Belgian chocolate indulgence in a form of an ice cream. Magnum Double Caramel has vanilla bean ice cream dipped in a chocolatey coating, caramel sauce and milk chocolate. The Magnum Double Chocolate is chocolate ice cream dipped in a chocolatey coating, chocolatey sauce and milk chocolate. There are also new Magnum Double Raspberry and Magnum Double Peanut Butter ice creams available at Target. So when I suggested Isabella a quick stop at the big box store to get some ice creams and a special place to go for a walk, she was all in! We head to the public gardens, and enjoyed our ice creams in the sun. Can’t get enough of the roses this summer! But above all, I enjoyed our time together, and connecting with Isabella. I think it is extremely difficult to be a young woman today, or well, any age for that matter. Not just that the society gives you so many expectations, but you learn to expect a lot from yourself too. While for example I want to teach Isabella and her sister how to live wellness lifestyle, I don’t want to show an example where I am obsessed by label-reading and have no flexibility at all. Even when you choose to eat healthy, it doesn’t mean that you never indulge. I always say that it is equally important to teach your kids how to eat a lobster and how to make rice and beans on a budget. I also think it’s equally important to teach the basics of healthy eating and how to indulge every now and then. Life is all about balance, and I think the worst is when you don’t allow yourself the best of anything. I hope that you too allow yourself an indulgence. Perhaps the next time you swing by Target, it can be in a form of ice cream too. I think the price is just right to begin with, but from now until 7/30/16, Magnum is offering special double dipped offers at Target. Get 2 boxes for $7 (offer valid only on 3pk) or use the Cartwheel app and get 5% off. Do you already use the Cartwheel app? You can download it to unlock other offers. Disclosure: Sponsored post by Mirum Shopper. All opinions are my own.

The post Weekend Indulgence first appeared on Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine.

Girls Getaway to Sedona, Arizona

Brooke Genn — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 21:35:29 +0000

Hello Sedona, Arizona! Girls Getaway #2 is in full swing… We’re ready to hike the red rocks, shop the boutiques, relax at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa and embrace all the mysticism that is Sedona! For this trip I’m fortunate to have the fabulous company of two phenomenal ladies – fashion blogger, Jessica of Armoire Consulting and (you remember her from the San Antonio adventures…) Travel Part Time blogger, Tasha! (Want to hear how the month of gal-pal shenanigans began? Check out my Girls Getaway weekend in Texas with T!) We’ve flown in to Phoenix and our first impression of Arizona is a 2 hour, star-soaked-sky drive into the mountains! The temperatures fall lower and lower as we inch upward toward the wonderful town that will be our weekend home. When we finally arrive, we’re escorted to the beautiful new rooms at Sedona Rouge Hotel and we snuggle under the crisp white sheets and dream of the wonders that are sure to show themselves in Sedona! The sun peeks through the curtains and I’m lured out onto the patio of our room… My Girls Getaway pals don’t love my early-morning-stirrings, but they know I’ll get a great photo of our lovely view, so I don’t hear too much grumbling! To jump start our first day, we’re off to a place that honestly sounded too good to be true: Local Juicery. Tasha promises it will be healthy AND tasty. For me, these two don’t generally fit in the same sentence… Boy o’ boy am I wrong that health food cannot be both! I will go broke (and possibly also get fat?!) on gluten free waffles (with bananas, strawberries, cacao nibs and honey), PB&J Vibes vegan smoothies, and avocado toast if miss Summer Sanders expands (as many have begged) and opens up shop in other cities! (As you’ll notice below, not only was the healthy food delicious… but it’s also GORGEOUS and oh-so-photogenic!! Every sense of mine is simultaneously joyful!) Chowing on healthy grub, meeting the brilliant proprietor of this genius juicery and laughing with Jess and T is the perfect start to our Sedona Girls Getaway!

As if we haven’t had enough to eat… we’re off to snag some Tamales – when locals give you secret tips on where to go and grub, you can’t pass them up… no matter how full you are!

Though Tamaliza Market is but a little kitchen, the menu hosts only 4 – 6 items and it’s not exactly what you’d call “instagrammable”… it is WELL worth the visit! Some places are meant to be savored and not captured, so upon receiving our plates from Claudia (the friendly owner and chef whose family recipes are served here), I snap a quick iPhone shot and we all dig in. These are my first Tamales, yep – ever, and T assures me I won’t find many better! She even asks if she can get some of these bad boys frozen to take home with her, but is informed they make them fresh each day and don’t freeze them!

This is a true taste of Sedona and I’m so glad it was suggested, as we surely would have missed it. Put this spot on your list for lunch, grab a few tamales to go and find a shady spot to enjoy!

Next up: Tlaquepaque. I’ve been dying to see this magical little “Arts and Crafts Village” (it sounds simpler than it is I assure you… you can do some high end shopping and some great eating and drinking here!) and I just know it’s going to be a Brooke-approved oasis…

We walk through an arched entryway and ahead of us is an ivy covered wall, to the right a beautiful, trickling fountain and to the left is The Secret Garden Cafe (where we escape the Arizona sun, dipping in to grab a glass of local vino). Tlaquepaque is an absurdly charming shopping and arts destination. Situated like a little town, there’s something unique and lovely around every corner and in each of the four stunning courtyards! Fountains, painted tiles, flourishing greens and vibrant flowers set against the lovely, Mexican-inspired architecture create a delightful ambiance for relaxing and exploring!

We meander through jewelry shops and art galleries… and while many items sold here are high end, nothing is mass produced – it’s a wonderful spot to look for one-of-a-kind pieces!

It’s been all food and laugher up until this point and it’s time to dig into some scenery and history to satisfy our thirst for knowledge and sights! Stop #1? Chapel of the Holy Cross… a striking piece of holy architecture jutting forth from the rugged red rocks… I’ve been itching to lay my eyes on this iconic spot since booked our flights!

There’s decent parking, we luck out with a nearby spot and meander uphill against the increasing wind. Passing various species of cacti and beautiful wild flowers growing in the cracks of the stone, we notice the crowds are greater here than we’ve seen thus far, this is a popular spot and you can see why. This remarkable structure was built in 1956, it’s design is an inspired vision of Brunswig Staude (she studied under icon Frank Lloyd Wright!). The cross stands 90 feet tall (on top of the 200 feet of rock it sits upon) and the panoramic view from the inside is just as magnanimous as that from here! This is far and away the most unique Catholic structure I’ve encountered! We’d love to linger longer, but we have dinner plans with renowned chef, Lisa Dahl – and when she invites you to dine with her, the answer is yes! After our leisurely first day we head in to freshen up – if there is a place in town that warrants dressing up a bit, it’s Sedona’s favorite restaurant: Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. Home to incomparable vistas and to the tastiest menu in town, this place is on the DO NOT MISS IT list!!!

Though we arrive late and the sun has retired behind the mountains, we glimpse just a bit of the famed view here at Mariposa…

As we settle in, we spot Lisa, she’s making her rounds, glowing with pride and care as she chats with her beloved guests. She makes her way to us and a bottle of sparkling Malbec follows (this wine is a new one for me, and what a treat!) From the moment we’re graced with this eclectic woman’s presence, the table is full and the conversation and wine are ever-flowing! Lisa regales us with tales of her travels, the inspiration behind her dishes and the life experience that’s lead her to where she sits right now.

We chat, we eat, we drink: South American influenced Fried Avocados with a smokey, pimento, lemon & Peruvian pepper aioli… Roasted Portobello Quesadillas (perfection) with spicy jack cheese and charred corn… Mom’s Favorite Au Gratin Potatoes… “Veggie Nirvana” Stuffed Poblanos… perfectly prepared Filets with Mushroom Gorgonzola Chipotle… and last, but certainly not least, the house-made Empanadas with Pineapple and Chimi Churri – which we were instructed to cut open and fill with the toppings! Need I even say it?? Don’t miss Mariposa when you visit Sedona. Just don’t.

We vow to return tomorrow for (more wine) and to experience the views, and we find our way home, to our dreamy hotel, for a good nights rest.

Our second day begins with a little romp around the resort grounds and a photoshoot for one of our favorite fashion brands, Tresics! We’ve all packed a few items from them for this adventure because they’re comfy, they pack well and they can be dressed up or down… Plus, we’ve noticed they seem to pair perfectly with our newest jewelry obsession: the Enjoy Life Diffuser Collection!

Travelers Tip: I love dropping a bit of peppermint and lavender oil onto my Wear Your Courage choker before I fly – it creates a light but pleasant aroma. Between this and tossing on my shiny new Bose noise-cancelling headphones, my time in the air seems a bit more like an oasis! (On the plush headgear: Normally I don’t go for the latest and greatest – but when my hubby put these over my ears I had visions of luxurious, peaceful flights filled with top-shelf bubbly and tuxedoed butlers – and I was sold.)

After strutting our stuff for photos all around Sedona Rouge, we’re on to breakfast at REDS, where chef Ron Moler brings authenticity to the kitchen using inspiration and skills learned from his mother and grandmother! The fare here is “gourmet comfort food” and is a true treat from the Chorizo Scramble to the Huevos Rancheros! Our waitress is energetic and fun, and returns quickly with our morning fuel & food! Our brains and bellies are now happy campers and we’re in for some red rock adventures!!

Devil’s Bridge Trail was top on our Sedona Girls Getaway to-do list and we’re making that happen this morning! It’s a bit difficult to judge what to wear as it’s hot yet cold here… and we know it’s sure to be windy the higher we climb. We layer up (probably a bit too much – I’m quickly stuffing my jacket into my tiny backpack) and head out!

Miss Jess hasn’t hiked before, but she’s pretty tough – so, while we could have taken the super short route (2 miles roundtrip) or we could have opted for the longest (8 miles RT… but the first/last two are flat and boring from what I understand), we’re settling right in the middle: 2 miles up and 2 miles back.

The winds grow wickedly strong as we progress along the well beaten path to Devil’s Bridge… and though you can tell many feet have trodden this way, it’s a quiet, tranquil, remarkably beautiful and seemingly desolate hike this morning.

We rest a few times – partly to calm our bodies from the dramatic shift in altitude as we go upward and partly to take in the ever-changing views as we go. Taking our time has allowed the hikers who didn’t get an early start to catch up with us and we’re sharing the path with more and more people as the morning progresses. (Works out well though, as we need a group shot taken here at one of our stops!)

As we near the end of the trail it grows suddenly steep, so be forewarned. You can do it, don’t worry – but be very mindful that if there has been any rain this could be a tricky spot. We reach the top, a bit out of breath from both the climb and the dramatic view we now have of Devil’s Bridge. The natural sandstone formation looks treacherous from where we stand, but I’m dead (pun intended) set on walking across it!

Tasha (the most practical of the group – she is an engineer after all), is hesitant to say the least. She crosses her arms and states, “I wouldn’t build it. So I won’t walk on it.” As we approach though, her adventurous spirit takes over and she’s just as game as Jess and I, and the three of us take turns waltzing out and having our photo taken!

This experience is exhilarating and the vistas (at nearly 5,000 feet) are remarkable. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a tourist who thinks they might like to snag a catbird-seat-view like this one… Add this trail to your list and revel in the fresh air and panoramic scenery of this spot while patting yourself on the back for an adventurous morning…

(Then hustle back to town to reward yourself with healthy snacks, of course! That’s what we’re up to at least. Another stop at Local Juicery… this time I’m having the “Sex in the Desert”. This organic, vegan ‘Golden Mylk’ smoothie with bananas, almond butter, sprouted almonds, and cinnamon tastes nearly sinful.)

The sun is out and the sky is blue, but the temperature up here in the mountains is brisk! We take an afternoon dip in the Sedona Rouge hot tub, it’s an idyllic setting as this spa is situated away from the pool and with the beautiful red rocks in view. Relaxed, we head just a few steps back to our gorgeous room and get ready for our evening out!

First stop of the night is Mariposa! Like I mentioned it was already getting dark when we visited and we’ve heard the view is worth another gander!

Well, we weren’t mislead… Popping back by for a walk around in the daylight, and another glass of vino on the patio, has been worth our while!

Now, we’re heading out to another of Lisa’s restaurants, Pisa Lisa – where she tells us to be sure to order a wood-fired red sauce pizza and not to miss the Tuscan Tomato Bisque!

We’re full (of pizza and tomato bisque… of course!) and we’ve turned in (or so I thought), when T decides we’re going out OUT. Truthfully, I’m not much for “going out” or bars, so she has to drag me… not kicking and screaming, but dragging my feet for sure. News that the spot we’re checking out is within walking distance is alluring and after some poking and prodding, Jessica and I change out of our yoga pants and into some slightly more appropriate clothing, and we all head out.

Vino di Sedona: It’s open late and within walking distance of Sedona Rouge. Not only a viable weekend pitstop… but an absolute local Sedona gem! We walk through the doors of an unassuming and seemingly quiet building and are overwhelmed at what we find inside! The place is packed, there large parties at the tables, friends mingling at the bar and couples busting a move on the dance floor! One section of the room is setup like a store or the wine aisle at your favorite liquor store – We snag a bottle (it’s quite a deal!) and a front row seat.

This is my kind of night “out”… A laid back ambiance, good wine, live music, a short walk from my weekend home and loads of people watching to do!

It seems everyone knows everyone here in Sedona, and now (on only our third night) we’re in the loop too! As he waltzes in the door, dressed sharply in a suit and fedora, JB (he’s the maître d’ at Mariposa, and our newest travel pal) spots us and gives us a wave before he commences to shaking hands and chatting with everyone in the bar area. Before we know it, he’s back – with more vino, an impressive cheese plate and loads of fantastic conversation!

We eat, we drink, we chat around the patio fireplace and we cap the night off with a few rounds of darts at Mooney’s Irish Pub. Cheers to a Sedona night out!

Our third and final day in Sedona, Arizona: The birds are singing as the sun lights up the red rocks behind Sedona Rouge Hotel, and though it was a late evening we’re energetic – ready to embrace our last day in this magical town! There’s no better way to do it than what we have planned. First up? Chocolatree.

An organic oasis, whose garden is full of wildflowers, fruit trees, dreamcatchers and colorful hammocks, Chocolatree is a wonderfully-weird and marvelously-mystical place. The chocolates are raw, vegan, fair trade and 100% organic… and while this all sounds great on paper, I was worried I might be able to taste all of that mindfulness in my treats! As I pop a square of chocolate with raspberry glaze and a tiny buddha shaped-chocolate into my mouth, my worries melt away.

Now, onto the real food (I mean, “Life’s Short, Eat Dessert First” is definitely one of my mottos – but I’m hungry… bring on the grub!). Our waitress is knowledgable, friendly and authentic – she tells us how the foods they’re preparing for us have no grain, no GMOs, no gluten and are truly organic. Best of all, 95% of the menu here is seasonal and local – always something new, always something fresh!

We take her menu suggestions and she soon returns with goodness in forms from Live Spring Rolls to Palak Uttapam (Indian Pancakes with spinach and curry).

As I sip my frothy drink, the “Heart On” (the recipe to which is literally the length of my arm… it includes but is not limited to ginseng, rhodiola root, maca, snow lotus flower and cayenne!) and attempt to play fair with who gets the last bite of each delectable still left on the plate, a beautiful tune starts up across the room. As we finish our snacks Jenna Hall (an incredibly talented indie/folk singer whose delivery is humble and whose sound makes the music feel effortless) croons covers and originals alike, filling this authentic space with a truly spiritual presence.

As we’re heading out, our cheery waitress hands us three Ginger Lemonades to-go… “sounds weird”, I think, as I reluctantly put my lips to the straw and sip cautiously. I’m instantaneously in love. This is one of the most interesting and refreshing beverage combinations I’ve ever had and I’m going to slowly sip on this golden delight, sadly knowing it will too soon be gone!

I’m still toting around my favorite new drink as we arrive back at our hotel, this time we’re not heading in to our luxurious room, however… We’re off to experience Sedona Rouge Spa!

Tasha, Jess and I sign in – we’re on the schedule for hot stone massages – and head to the beautifully appointed changing room where we excitedly slip into our plush linen robes!

We spend a little time in the steam room… which I hate. It’s hot (duh) and between not being able to see anything and feeling like I’m suffocating (is this because I have asthma or does everyone feel this way?? Why subject yourself to this torture? Just, why?) I call it quits before my gal pals and I head to the spa hot tub where they soon meet me.

T and I submerge while Jess dips her toes in (it’s clothing optional – and we’ve opted to be clothed, in swimwear at least!) then we all lounge around in our robes, enjoying the fresh Sedona air and the serene atmosphere of this elegant spa.

We toast one last time to our Sedona Girls Getaway before we’re all summoned for our treatments. The next 60 minutes are pure bliss: Hot stones, strong pressure, meditative tunes and the aroma of rosemary, eucalyptus and chamomile.

I wish I could leave you as refreshed after reading this as I am after the restorative experiences I’ve had here in Sedona… The magic, the views, the food and the booze surely make this a box to check on your USA bucket list! Visit Sedona, embrace the weirdness, hike the red rocks, drink the wine and indulge in the authentic food… and while you’re at it, pack me in your suitcase – I’m (already) ready to return!

Don’t forget to read about Girls Getaway #1: San Antonio, Texas and stay tuned for my adventures in Big Sur California with Travel Part Time and Curt Pittman, up next!

*Photography in this post provided by Nomadic Newlyweds, Travel Part Time and Armoire Consulting

*We’re upfront folks: Some of the highlights on this adventure were sponsored – but, as always, all opinions expressed here are our very own :)

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