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Lavenderwood Farms – 4H Interview

 

 

April 22, 2018

Lavenderwood Farm – 4H Interview

I love the mission of the 4H!  I won’t even try to repeat it to you, but you can watch Nadia say it from heart WITH heart on this video.  Lavenderwood Farm is a little urban farm (who knew there was such a thing?) tucked away in a not so rural part of Thousand Oaks in Southern California.  The mainstay there is are the Nigerian Dwarf Goats, NOT as little as you might imagine. They breed them, milk them, shear them and show them.  The partnership with 4H (teaching kiddos responsibility, leadership and how to positively work with animals) is my favorite part.  I think I might sign my own kiddo up.   The most amazing part is watching these girls speak so well and so confidently!  If you had asked me to speak cold at that age, I think I would’ve passed out.  Kudos to these four (4) young ladies, actively participating in their community and being leaders in their own right!  You ladies are so amazing and inspiring.

If you happen to be in the area, check them out on Saturdays where, most times, you can sneak in a baby goat yoga session.  Afterwards, head over to Little Calf Creamery (no relation), get an ice cream in a waffle bowl with sliced bananas, whip cream and caramel.  Any flavor will do ya, but the salted caramel is out of this world and, yup, I still shamelessly topped it with caramel. I’ve never – – and I mean NEVER – – had a waffle bowl taste as delicious as this. It’s thicker than usual with strong cinnamon flavor in the best possible way. The whip isn’t the kind that never deflates (like when you hand whip it), but hey, you can’t have everything!

Coming soon, they’ll have overnight stays on site in their sweet cottage!

Special thanks to Danette, Nadia, Brooke, Vanessa and Brooke for hosting us!

RELATED VIDEOS:

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COME VISIT:

  • https://www.lavenderwoodfarm.com/
  • http://www.littlecalfcreamery.com/

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  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
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Sandast Interviews – 4 Part Series + Wine Intro

 

SANDAST INTERVIEW – Wine Teaser

If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong!  What a fun afternoon sitting down with Mr. Sandast himself – – wine, chocolate, cheese, coffee and leather, all my favorite things!  You know it’s going to be a good interview when you can’t stop laughing long enough to even get started. It’s gonna take a while to edit this goodness, but here’s a bit of silliness to tide you over.

 

 

SANDAST INTERVIEW I – Honey, we gotta sell the house…

I love that life is this hilarious mix of going for broke, failing, succeeding and then starting all over again.  Where would you be if you never quit that job, moved to that new city or went back to school?  In Chris’ case, would Sandast exist if he never sold his house?

I feel like the highlight reel of your life is those times that you pushed your chips to the center and went all in.  It’s not all the successes, but the times you went for it. It’s an honor to share the true story of Sandast, not just the legacy of their product, but their trials and their struggles before the rebirth.  I hope you enjoy watching his story as much I did.

SANDAST INTERVIEW II – He who wishes to the move the mountain…

Life is overwhelming.  Thinking about the steps it would take to be where we want to be is enough to make your head spin so I love the idea that Chris has a mantra that gets him through the minutiae.  It’s simple, but perfect and he engraved it on his bag as a permanent reminder.

This is life.  Complicated and overwhelming, but simple and beautiful in this weird way.  It’s not the big steps he took.  It’s not that Blake Lively commissioned a bag (she did). It’s not the Johnny Depp loves Sandast (he does).  It’s that Chris comes to the studio day in and day out and life has a way of working out for people that work for it.

SANDAST INTERVIEW III – From that point on, I never looked back…

Chris is a painter.  His artwork is displayed prominently as the backdrop of his humble studio and sales floor.  As you enter, there is a painting on the left that is this brilliant mix of red and yellows.  In the years before, it was a somber mix of grays that gradually gave way to what you see today.  Chris painted over it. Then he painted over it.  Then he painted over it.  To me, this mural is his phoenix rising…we are all changing, struggling, doing over and beginning again.  Some people stop at the gray.  It’s easy to do. Life is this impossible mix of struggles some days, but I see his spirit and I’m inspired.

If you’re in the gray, keep going.  Add just a little bit of red.  Commit to doing the same tomorrow.  Be just a little better than you were.  Life is a process.

SANDAST INTERVIEW IV – We’re just getting started…

Truer words were never spoken.  I look forward to the evolution of Sandast. He’s got his feet under him and he’s off to the races.

It’s beautiful to see something come together in the way that Sandast has after years of struggle and self-doubt and the thoughts that plague us.  The Sandast legacy is a testimony to hard work and persevering when you aren’t sure of the outcome.  Chris, you’re an inspiration.  After the success of Sandast, you’re still you; you’re still relatable and you’re funny as all get out.  Thanks for an afternoon of laughs and time well spent.  I’ll drink to that.

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Arista Winery Interview:  https://goo.gl/eSQiNL
  • Day in the Life of Colonel Littleton: https://goo.gl/EL26J9
  • Top 3 Travel Bags & Accessories:  https://goo.gl/LtQNzn
  • She Travels Playlist:  https://goo.gl/M4qSmK

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BUY IT HERE:

  • Sandast:  https://www.sandast.com/shop/

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  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

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FTC Disclaimer – This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

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Sandast Leather – Let’s be serious!

 

SANDAST INTERVIEW – Wine Teaser

If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong!  What a fun afternoon sitting down with Mr. Sandast himself – – wine, chocolate, cheese, coffee and leather, all my favorite things!  You know it’s going to be a good interview when you can’t stop laughing long enough to even get started. It’s gonna take a while to edit this goodness, but here’s a bit of silliness to tide you over.

RELATED VIDEOS:

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BUY IT HERE:

  • Sandast:  https://www.sandast.com/shop/

_______________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

_______________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

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Colonel Littleton – No. 36 Trekker Review Part I

Check for it here (Customizable!):  No. 40A Leather Campaign Bag*

*The No. 36 Trekker is no longer for sale, but the Leather Campaign Bag is the most similarly styled bag.

No. 36 Trekker Review, Part I

The Great American Leather Company

This video is everything I love – leather and coffee and animals plus husband and kiddo.  Remember my first review of the Colonel Littleton Drifter where I made my husband stomp around to get rid of the snakes?  Well, he got me back!  Let me just say that he knew the goats would come after me, but encouraged me to take my coffee out and shake it, knowing they would mistake it for food.

This is such a great weekend bag for medium carry!  I love that the long front flap means it’s perfectly secure, but still easily accessible (especially, since I never snap the strap closed).  Plus, it’s got great organization and is just so comfortable to carry.  I had it on all day – during the coffee roasting, goat mauling and dog mauling and just about forgot that it was on.  The capacity is very surprising! I didn’t get to showcase all the features of this bag (as to be expected when a goat is trying jump on you), so stay tuned for a more serious Part II review of this amazing bag!

So, if you fall in love with this bag, I gotta say – I’m sorry! This bag is no longer available on Colonel Littleton.  Out with the old and in with the new.  The bag that I’ve found that most closely resembles it (including some amazing upgrades – removable pocket, hello?!) is this one.  Hopefully, that’s the next bag in my arsenal because I can use that one for weekday carry also since it will fit my laptop!

 

RELATED VIDEOS:

Col. Littleton No. 25 Drifter

A Day in the Life of Col. Littleton

Colonel Littleton Play List

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BUY IT HERE:

No. 40A Leather Campaign Bag*

*The Trekker is no longer available, but this new bag is very close!  It’s upgraded in size and is the work version of my Trekker as it can house a laptop up to 14”.

No. 25 Drifter

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MY AMAZON SHOP

MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou

MY CHANNEL

MY FACEBOOK

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FTC Disclaimer – This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

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V6 Ranch – Staying at the Water Tower! (Part 2 of 3)

 

 

V6 RANCH – STAYING AT THE WATER TOWER (Part 2 of 3)

I’ve stayed in some remote places, but nothing as small as Parkfield, either population 17 or 34, depending on what you believe. I chose to stay at the Water Tower. The guy on the phone sweet talked me by saying it was the only place available so it was that or nothing – you sold me!  He did also mention that it had the most luxurious of all the bathrooms.  I will say the bathroom was a pretty generous size and I was very pleasantly surprised at how large it was (two usable stories, one third story that’s still under construction).  It had great outdoor space – very sweet front porch with awesome rocking chairs and a generous sized 2nd floor balcony overlooking the property.

 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

  1. There is no living room or common area besides the outdoor spaces mentioned above, but each floor does have its own TV and the upstairs bedroom has its own desk area as well.
  2. There is no bath tub in this unit (many of the other units have a shower over tub combo) so if you need to bathe your little one, this unit might be a challenge.
  3. The bathroom space (both the vanity and the shower, restroom area) are very generously sized.
  4. They have the best liquid soap on the planet! Seriously, I don’t know what they do to it, but it’s made on site and they sell it for $3 for a pretty modest size bottle.  It’s liquid gold. Take your room one home with you.  All natural ingredient and processed locally, what more could you ask for?
  5. This is perfect for a family of 3 or 4 (if the kiddos are small), but anything more than that and it would feel a bit crowded.
  6. If you want an option with a full kitchen, living room and outdoor BBQ, try the converted Post Office next door.  It’s the only other stand alone lodging option besides the Water Tower.  All other units are part of the main lodge which means shared walls and shared porches.  It is a relatively small lodge, however, so even if it’s fully booked, I don’t imagine it would feel too crowded.
  7. Bring some swimsuits and flip flops.  The pool and hot tub are far enough away you’re going to need some shoes.
  8. Don’t forget the s’mores!  They’ve got the sweetest little fire pit, next to the bocce ball court.
  9. Don’t forget the wine!  Hang out in the outdoor gathering space tucked between the Post Office and the Water Tower or just hang out on your over sized porch and watch the country side.
  10. Bring some snacks!  I couldn’t even tell you how far away the nearest store is, but it’s way too far to go out for food and the cafe is not open all the time.

BOOK IT HERE

BUY SOME GRASS FED, FREE RANGE BEEF 

RELATED VIDEOS:
She Travels
V6 Ranch Part 1
Lazy Adventures Ranch

MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
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FTC Disclaimer – This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.

 

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V6 Ranch- Ranch Life (Part 1 of 3)

 

 

V6 RANCH – RANCH LIFE (Part 1 of 3)

What a fun and random place to stay!  This town is about halfway between LA an the SF Bay Area.  Population ranges from either 17 (if you believe the sign on the way into town) to a whopping 34 (if you believe what’s painted on the side of the tank). Either way, this is the definition of small town.  For eating, you’ve got one (1!) option – the V6 Café. Though,  I will say that is some goooood eats.  They’re a working cattle farm so talk about fresh and local.  I even bought some meat with me to cook at home; it’s THAT good.  There’s essentially three (3) lodging options – standalone Water Tower, standalone former Post Office and the rooms attached to the lodge.  We chose the Water Tower and it was a great option for us.  If we went back, I think I’d choose one of the rooms attached to the lodge.  The 2nd floor is more of a mezzanine so your kiddo (esp. if you have a little one) is not so out of sight.  Plus, the lodge is a little closer so you can always go hang out in there (though the lodge is available to everyone, regardless of your lodging choice).

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

  1. Absolutely do not arrive when it’s late / dark / café is closed. The entire town will be shut down and even though they knew we were coming, I couldn’t find anyone for about twenty (20) minutes.  There *are* wild boars (hence fences & gates everywhere to keep them out) so wandering in the dark is not recommended.
  2. The café hours, though listed, are APPROXIMATIONS. They definitely weren’t open till 9 PM and they didn’t open at 11:30 AM. Roll with it. It’s part of the charm of small towns!
  3. The road in is a small, windy country road with no lights. You’ll be on this road about ½ an hour.  Plan accordingly.  The town is about halfway between the 101 and the 5.
  4. On the way out, you can drive up the hill about fifteen minutes to see the ridgetop view. If you are driving down south on your way out, this is fifteen minutes in the wrong direction.
  5. Food options are limited. Basically, there’s only the café, though they do sell meat if you wish to grill. The Post Office standalone lodging option has an awesome grill out back. If you are planning on hanging out, bring food with you.  There’s a super charming fire pit with metal work detail depicting a cattle drive (see the stills at the end of my video).  Bring some hot chocolate, and stuff for smores.
  6. There is a large gathering space between the Water Tower and the Post Office – perfect for picnics, cheese and wine or enjoying your BBQ. Pack accordingly.  You will need the plates, utensils, etc.
  7. Even though it’s California, it gets cold in the winter…bring layered clothing so you can walk around the ranch in the early mornings and at sunset.
  8. Bring swimsuits! There is a small hot tub, pool area and ping pong table. The pool is a pretty modest size, perfect for children so you can keep a better eye on them.   It gets pretty cold here in the winter (30s/40s) so although the pool is open, I would think hot tubbing is really the only option.  Bring your bathrobe to make the trek back to your room!
  9. Their big event is the Bluegrass Festival which draws about 2,000 people on Mother’s Day. That’s a TON of people for a town that usually has 30-something people. All the lodging is reserved for the bands so camping is the only option.  We were planning on going to this because they said it’s super family friendly, but something about 2,000 people camping in a relatively small area unnerved me a bit.  I think that’s 2,000 people using the great outdoors as their facilities…hmm.  They have some photos here that show some RVs so if you’re planning on RVing it, this looks like a great getaway. Maybe they bring in port-a-potties for us camping in a tent folks, but still.  Twenty years ago, I would have been all about this, but at this age, it’s another deal.
  10. Their other big event is their Rodeo. I thought this sounded like a fun family event, but in the evening there is a fair amount of drinking and debauchery (in a good way) so maybe not the best event for families.  When we come back, I think I’ll stick to one of the Cattle Drive weekends (long live City Slickers!) or the photography workshops. They seem like more my speed.
  11. We came on the last weekend of winter before they shut down to the public. It was a quiet weekend so apart from eating at the lodge,the kiddo playing in the Tree House or the Pirate Ship, swimming and bocce ball, there’s not much to do.  Long story short, if you come at a time when there’s no formal activities, 1 or 2 nights seems like plenty.

BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

BUY SOME GRASS FED LOCAL BEEF

RELATED VIDEOS:

Lazy Adventures Ranch

She Travels

 

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