hiking – Page 17 – Mommy Hiker

Reflection + Realization = Elevation ; Our Year-End Wrap Up!

Posted on December 31, 2012February 24, 2016 by Jennifer Fontaine

It’s official! 2012 is over! The world didn’t end! Woo Hoo!

My 2013 will start with a breath and a whisper; to be the best person I can be… for myself, my husband, my daughter and the world. It’s a tall order, but still, I will pursue my declaration with vigorous devotion every morning I have the pleasure to awake.

Here are but a few of the days this year when I woke up grateful to be able to explore the world with my baby girl:

One of our favorite hikes before we had kids is this great trail in the Malibu mountains which leads you through meadows and over massive boulders, criss-crossing rivers and finally ends at a natural grotto. We finally brought the baby there this year. It was such a gorgeous day!

Hiking in Malibu, California

Earlier this year, fellow Mommy Hiker, Megan Flowers introduced us to Underwood Family Farms and it was love at first sight! It’s a great way to keep the kids connected to the earth, teach them where our food comes from and how it grows. Life lessons coupled with dirt! Lots of dirt!

Picking the perfect tomato

Me and the Peanut enjoying a tickle and the trickle of a calm mountain waterfall.

We only managed to sneak in a few days of camping this year. It never feels like enough! This was just a short ride up the coast to McGrath State Beach and it barely satisfied our thirst, but the bloody mary’s courtesy of Michael Flowers were delish.

Camping at McGrath State Beach

During our almost month-long summer stay in Turkey this year, we explored many ruins and villages along the way!

Exploring an old Turkish village

These purple hydrangea bloom every spring, right outside our front door!

Taking the time to stop and smell the flowers

One of our favorite hikes with the kids is a trail that meanders up a canyon in the mountains of Altadena, California which leads to a beautiful 50-foot waterfall and refreshing swimming hole!

Hiking in Altadena, California

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a recent discovery for us, but now that we have become NextGen members, I can tell you that it will become a significant part of our monthly adventures!

Frolicking in an art installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

These two have hiked the entire greater Los Angeles area together! It is one of my tremendous pleasures in life to watch them develop their bond.

Hiking buddies forever!

This picture my hubby took doesn’t really need any explanation. It was pure bliss to have the opportunity to introduce our baby girl to her father’s homeland.

Conquering the soft pebble shores of The Mediterranean

October brought us back to the Underwood Family Farms! During the Fall season, hey have an awesome corn maze and massive pumpkin patch!

Conquering a Corn Maze

Choosing the perfect pumpkin

While my mother and brother were in town visiting for the holidays, we took a drive up to Lake Arrowhead to frolick in the snow! Vivi LOVED it…for about 15 minutes! Then she was ready to snuggle up with the pups by the fireplace, which was fine with us considering that’s where the wine was!

What is this cold, wet stuff?

Christmas morning was full of gasps, laughter, shouting and joy. My mom’s comment summed it up perfectly! “Enjoy it, this is probably the last time she’ll ever be so excited to get socks.” Ha!

toddler opening presents christmas morning

I’ll leave you with this picture. For me, it sums up everything.

Take the time to be still, to ponder, to reflect, to realize. Happy New Year!!!

Reflecting on the year…

Why Wait til the New Year to Make Your Resolution?

Posted on December 17, 2012February 24, 2016 by Jennifer Fontaine

I have never really subscribed to the idea of New Year’s Resolutions. So I’m starting something new! New Day’s Resolution! If there is something you want to change in your life, why not start immediately?

This year has been filled with New Day’s Resolutions!

One of my resolutions earlier this year was to get organized. Of course, with a toddler in the house and two adults who work from home, this is always a work in progress, but something as simple as a few baskets to hide the clutter of books and toys immediately makes the living room feel less chaotic. I found these baskets on Craigslist for 80% less than retail!

organize children's toys and books with baskets

Another big resolution is one that I try to make daily; My decree to get out of the house! To introduce, enlighten and instill a sense of curiosity and confidence in Vivi.

toddler exploring los angeles county museum of art

Vivi exploring the Urban Jungle at LACMA

Los Angeles has such diverse geography and culture. There are so many amazing things to do and see here, we have yet to scratch the surface! And certainly, with the creation of our Mommy Hiker Community, we are never want for a reason to get outdoors with the babes! These ladies continually inspire me and push me to better myself and as a result, I am a better wife and mom.

With fellow Mommy Hiker Megan

(For a more in-depth look into our favorite Los Angeles children’s activities, stay tuned for the New Year’s Blog!)

My most recent resolution was one that I resisted and procrastinated on for at least the last two years! Blogging. Ha! I most certainly had the support and encouragement, but was lacking in the confidence. I have been pretty active in social media for years now, on Facebook and Twitter and have a modest yet loyal following. I also write in many different fashions, but there was the personal element attached to blogging that kept me at arm’s length. I thought what could I possibly write about my day-to-day life that would interest people? Then, I realized how easily I have been motivated and inspired by others who are brave enough to share their personal stories, thoughts, insights, anguish and passion with the rest of the world. It’s cathartic. It incites me to think more, to write more, to want to DO more and I’m so glad I didn’t wait until the New Year to start!

What will your First New Day’s Resolution be?

[Food Series] Easy Trail Mix Alternative! Wheat Berry Salad

Posted on December 12, 2012February 24, 2016 by Jennifer Fontaine

I watched Giada De Laurentiis turn Wheat Berries into a gorgeous summer salad on The Food Network and thought: “that looks easy”, so I ran out and bought a package of whole wheat berries and… they have been sitting in the pantry for close to 4 months now! Every time I would open the pantry door, I would see them staring back, mocking me. Finally, I decided enough is enough, so I googled “how to cook wheat berries”. I couldn’t believe how easy it is, then I mocked myself for ever being scared of a wheat berry to begin with! So, I say, “Don’t be afraid! Here’s how!”

alternative trail mix wheat berry salad with blueberry, garbanzo bean and cucumber

Ingredients
2 cups of wheat berries
2 bay leaves
4 cups of cold water
4 cups of chicken stock
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup blueberries
1 cup garbanzo beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

Start by soaking 2 cups of wheat berries in water, in the fridge, overnight. Throw the wheat berries in a deep pot with 2 bay leaves 4 cups of cold water and 4 cups of chicken stock, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and let them simmer away! Depending on what texture you prefer, your cook time will vary, but the minimum should be about an hour and can go up to two hours if you like them really soft. Drain your wheat berries in a colander and allow them to cool. That’s it! Yep. Really!

Now the fun part! Wheat berries are so versatile! You can throw in whatever you’re in the mood for! Giada’s recipe features strawberries, mint and goat cheese! I decided to go a more ‘finger food’ route with my first attempt, making sure to include V’s favorite ingredients, thinking it would be a great trail mix type of snack to bring hiking. Over my chilled wheat berries, I threw in chopped cucumber, blueberries and garbanzo beans, then mixed it with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of one lemon.