Retreat to Relax and Re-Create at Kenwood Ranch

A couple of weeks ago, before Johan returned to Europe, we managed to carve out a few days to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Our friends Sarah and Darius Anderson, who host The French Flea Market at Chateau Sonoma each spring, also have a wonderful vacation rental in Kenwood near Sonoma, 
and we were able to book a weekend there. 

We were aiming to relax and enjoy the wine country, but also to combine this retreat with some strategic planning  so we can bring you, our customers, better goods and services and find more ways to enjoy doing it. 

       "Find a job you love, 

and you will never work another day in your life."

This place is amazing and definitely the right place to clear your mind and come up with fresh ideas. The serenity of the countryside is so conducive to meditation but there are plenty of other things should you choose to socialize. There are plenty of wineries, restaurants, spas. We did venture out a bit and enjoyed some of the local cuisine, but we were also treated to Martin's exquisite meals. The food, the clean air, the spirit of the land and the spirits from its vineyards got our creative juices flowing and we ended up not just having a wonderful time, but also came back with new ideas and ready to take next steps. 

Speaking of steps, this vacation rental is surrounded by 75 private acres and we did take advantage of the morning to go on a hike and admire the beauty of the vineyards and get some fresh air into our lungs. As we walked, we were startled by a sudden flutter and odd noises and were able to see a flock of wild turkeys running into the woods. As you walk along the small road going uphill, you encounter statues and other beautiful artwork. There is a beautiful, 9 ft. majestic rooster in pique assiette style, a beautiful bell that conjures up images of Provence, and a few other items that will make you smile. As you get to the top of the hill you can see surrounding vineyards and hills and on a good day, glimpses of the San Francisco Bay. 
You will also find at the top of the hill, a small platform where Darius and Sarah celebrated their wedding. This is such an idyllic place for that! I see a ring, I hear wedding bells...catered by Ramekins...   here

Photos above by Kenwood Ranch

I could write more on the description of this lovely place but I want you to go over to their page and read all the details. One warning for Francophiles, bring your smelling salts for you WILL ooh and aah, gasp, 
and eventually swoon. 

The home is exquisitely decorated by Chateau Sonoma and you will roam through 
each room mesmerized by the beauty of the treasures. 

You have been warned but there is good news, and that is that you can go visit Sarah at Chateau Sonoma and select items to make your own home your personal French get away.  
Here is a link to the vacation rental Kenwood Ranch and here is a link to the store Chateau Sonoma

Photo above by Kenwood Ranch

Thank you Sarah and Darius for sharing your beautiful space with us and for the friendship! Un abrazo!

Trinidad, Johan, and Martin

Tastefully Tasty: St. Helena Olive Oil Co.

Less than a month ago, in one of our events, we met a delightful and amazing woman who was searching for items to outfit her new store. She selected a few items there, and then made an appointment to visit our place since she needed a few more tables, mirrors and such. 

I am talking about Peggy O'Kelly, president/founder of the St. Helena Olive Oil Co.

Peggy told us that some of the images on our web site had inspired her and that she wanted to create her new  store, Napa Valley Bath Co. with a soft and feminine touch. By the way, her new store will be opening on November 25. 

 

Napa Valley Bath Co.will feature a line of organic and natural bath products made from organic lavender that they distill in the Napa Valley. It will have a scent bar where customers can experience the different aromas and learn about the plants and their therapeutic values, etc. It will be a blend of aromatherapy and bath and body. Follow Peggy on Facebook for more information on the grand opening. here

When she came to our place, we were pleased that she was able to find plenty of pieces she could use. While she selected them, we were impressed by her pleasant nature and strong sense of what she liked and wanted.

Peggy has strong core values about her products and life in general. She takes great care to understand each step of the way in the creation of her products because she aims to provide healthy products that both go in and on the body. For more on her philosophy and production ethics. Here

She shared a bit with us about her two tasting rooms and their "look." Yesterday we paid her stores a visit and saw that they are both tastefully and yet daringly decorated in a French, rustic style that fits quite well with her products. We walked around the stores admiring all her pieces and vignettes, as we sampled some of her delicious variety of dipping olive oils. Johan couldn't resist taking some photos and as we admired them later, decided to share this amazing place with you. We also couldn't resist buying a few bottles of oil to enjoy later. I chose one bottle of jalapeno flavored oil, Johan chose the one with basil, and Martin chose some wonderful Dijon mustard. We just enjoyed some of those before and during dinner. 

Next time you are in the Napa Valley area, pay Peggy and the St. Helena Olive Oil Co. a visit, either the tasting rooms, or soon at her bath and body store.

Cheers Peggy!

Trinidad