Jill Jozwiak Shabelman

It's amazing the short amount of time you need to be inspired.  I had about two minutes of free time today between working, trying to exercise, eating dinner and then working some more.  In that brief window, I stumbled upon a Lonel...

I have wanted to boat-in camp since I moved to Northern California.  Motor boat, canoe, kayak - I didn't care - I just wanted to be on the water, camping on a beach away from lots of people.  My wish finally came true this weekend in the most...

There's a new kid in brewery town.  Well, not a new kid, but a kid with some new digs.  The long anticipated opening of the Barrel House at Drake's Brewery in San Leandro has happened and its off to a great start. To kick off their opening, t...

The weather in the Bay Area is more like Spring today - read below for a great way to spend a "spring-like" Saturday in the East Bay.  This is a follow up outing from our first adventure in Pleasanton this past winter.  Craving another cheese...

It’s berry season in the Bay Area – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, marionberries, olallieberries – you name it, it’s here.  They are easy to find at the local farmers market or grocery store, but this weekend I was i...

Napa isn't necessarily known as a hiker's town, but there are some great trails just outside of downtown that are easily accessible and a great way to start a day in Napa. So grab your trail shoes and head out for an early morning hike, followed by som...

About 115 miles north of San Francisco lies the best kept wine region secret in the country.  In two small towns, Boonville and Philo, you will not only find some of the best wines, but also an outdoor lovers paradise.  Boonville is ...

Question: When your favorite band decides to curate a music and art festival in a small town across the country, do you go? Answer: Yes, don't miss it at any costI was a skeptic of Wilco's Solid Sound Festival in 2010 - I didn't know many of the other ...

A recent trip to Seattle included a Mariners game at Safeco Field - now my favorite Major League Baseball park.  The park is walking distance from almost everything in downtown Seattle and has plenty to keep you occupied even if you aren...

For the second year, we've been enjoying the scenery and shows at Cal Shakes Theater just outside of Orinda. It's the one thing we do to be semi-cultured because what's more enlightening than a Shakespeare play? The season typically consists of four di...