Wander & Lust - Sayulita, Mexico

Wander & Lust - Sayulita, Mexico

 

Navigating through a pandemic has made traveling complex. Researching foreign topics like ways to stay safe while away, travel restrictions, and protocols can leave a looming uncertainty. Having the flexibility to work remotely and with California on fire, we opted to fly south to Mexico, where we could be in paradise while maintaining and following guidelines responsibly.

First up, Sayulita, Mexico

Located in Banderas Bay in the Nayarit State, Sayulita is an eclectic beachside utopia. A small town with around 2500 inhabitants, Sayulita carries a huge spirit and charming charisma. It’s hard not to adore this vibrant hippy vibed beach town. With a reputation for surfing, Sayulita draws visitors from all over the world making it a tropical melting pot.

With a surplus of accommodations it's easy to find a place to match your travel needs. We desperately needed rest and relaxation and sure enough, we found it! Thanks to gracious friends for this romantic getaway. (Y & S ❤️)

Siete Lunas, meaning seven moons, is an enchanting hideaway toting seven thatched-roof villas making it the perfect locale to disconnect and recharge. Perched hillside amid the jungle, Siete Lunas overlooks the picturesque Bahia de Banderas Bay. The lush property gives way to spectacular views where the jungle meets the ocean. Tropical melodies of birds paired with the crashing waves below act as a tranquilizer, similar to the pineapple ginger margaritas served poolside.

Private villas face the ocean with floor to ceiling glass doors that can all slide open for an open-air experience. A patio wraps around and proves the ideal place to sip cocktails while watching the dazzling sunsets. Soothing waves caressed us to sleep as the moon shone brightly above, leaving light trails along the tranquil water. Morning greeted us with dramatic sunrises and calm waters that allowed dolphins the opportunity to show off their porpoising skills. 

Finally able to pull ourselves away from this oasis, we hopped on our scooter to head into town for some shopping and dinner. Being vegan abroad is not always easy, however, Sayulita proved otherwise. The tasty jackfruit tacos from Atico Sayulita are still on the brain, perhaps the best we’ve ever tried. Following dinner, we perused vendors set up along the town's colorful cobblestone streets where local musicians provided live background music. We capped the night off at Yambak, an open-air brewery with superb service and beer.

Although short, our visit was oh so sweet. Sayulita, one of those magical places that leave you mesmerized and wanting more. Our stay at Siete Lunas was the cherry on top and provided the recharge we needed in a lush, tropical, relaxing environment. We love this place to the moon, or seven, and back.

Con amor,

H+C 💋

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420 Adventures, Haight, San Francisco

420 Adventures, Haight, San Francisco

I like to joke that San Francisco isn’t really foggy. My theory being it's just a permanent cloud of marijuana smoke that blankets the city. It seems no matter where you are in the city fragrant cannabis clouds are in the forecast. April 20th of every year is the cloudiest of days. 420 devotees migrate to my hood, the Haight, for 420 celebrations. Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park is the location for the eclectic red-eyed crowd of thousands to rendezvous. A vast congregation of varied demographics, all brought together by Mary Jane. The history of 420 comes with several tales. Stories of it being a police dispatch code, to a code teens used in the 70s to smoke weed. Regardless of the origin the ritual takes place every year on 4/20 at 4:20, countdown included. I love heading into this peaceful storm to snap up the crowd that is always in the “highest” of spirits.  

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Vocalist Kirby Lee, Photoshoot & Interview at the Janis Joplin Residence, San Francisco

Vocalist Kirby Lee, Photoshoot & Interview at the Janis Joplin Residence, San Francisco

Kirby Lee is the soulful songstress of San Francisco based band Hush Crush. Kirby hails from Kansas and landed in my favorite SF hood, the Haight. There seems to be a steady stream of creative and talented inhabitants in this eclectic neighborhood and Kirby resides in this category. Her style, “ Vintage rock glam with a touch of boho,” also mimics her musical tastes, and hey, our neighborhood too.

The Haight, what can I say? A vibrant enclave with an extensive rock and roll history laced with peace, love, and acid. The neighborhood is brimming with gorgeous Victorians once housing musical legends, the spirits I’m sure still lurking around. I spent the evening with vocalist Kirby Lee and Vintage proved to be the theme as we spent an evening chatting fashion of decades past, music and the band’s latest album. Kirby wore a silky red dress from the ‘80s as the iconic residence of Janis Joplin played as our backdrop. Modern-day Haight met with the old.

Who are some of your musical muses? 

I'm influenced by a wide range of artists-- Fleetwood Mac (Christine McVie specifically), Jamiroquai, Hiatus Kaiyote, Elton John, Lianne La Havas... just to name a few. But I'm inspired by so many artists. 

Can you talk about Hush Crush, how would you describe the band's style? 

It's still very much developing. Since we tend to put on live shows with a theme, that tends to guide our decisions in wardrobe, hair and makeup. I've been in black lace, glittery dresses, and once, just pasties and body paint! One thing in my look that tends to stay constant though (at least for now): my faux-hawk. :)

When did you discover your love for music? 

I've been deeply connected to music from an early age. I've been singing for as long as I can remember. One memory in particular that sticks out was watching Garth Brooks stadium concerts on TV and seeing the way he put on a show. The crowd's reactions and love for the music... it was something I aspired to do. To bring people together through music. 

You wear a lot of vintage pieces, which is your favorite style era? 

I’d say I definitely gravitate towards the 70’s— from the high waisted, flared pant (it gives the illusion of legs for days) to the shiny and fitted jumpsuits à la Cher, even to the oversized femininity of all things boho— it was an incredible decade of expression where fashion was fluid and experimental!

What are some of the favorite vintage pieces you own?

- A gold jumpsuit (it’s as good as it sounds)

- Late 80’s Lady Tigers breakaway jacket from a women’s college team back in Kansas

Any vintage shop recommendations? 

Locally, mine are all in my neighborhood, The Haight: 

- Relic Vintage: for well-kept fashions from the 20s-70s. Tip for those lucky small-waisted gals: there are some treasures for you in store here!

- Wasteland: everyone says Wasteland, but... it’s a good one

- Indigo Vintage Co-op: there’s one in Berkeley too, and expanding. Go here for good Levi’s and clutch tees.

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From the Dance Studio to the Photo Studio, Interview with Professional Dancer, Keanu Brady

From the Dance Studio to the Photo Studio, Interview with Professional Dancer, Keanu Brady

Creative play dates are my favorite. From the dance studio to my impromptu photo studio, I was ecstatic to shoot portraits and chat all things dance with my friend and professional dancer Keanu Brady.  As a creative, it is always an honor when your craft and passion becomes full-time. Keanu has stepped into his niche as a dancer paving a career for himself within the San Francisco dance community. Whether in rehearsal for an upcoming performance, teaching a dance class or training in the gym he is always on the move. 

Portfolio: Keanu.dance

Currently performing with: LEVY Dance & FACT/SF

Did you always want to be a dancer? How did you first come to dance?

No, I wanted to be a professional skateboarder, or veterinarian. 

Movement has always been in my life; comes with the nomadic upbringing. What pushed me over the edge to deciding to dance was my mother presented me with a choice when I was 15. Watch the movie Step Up, or be grounded for two months. I begrudgingly watched the movie and WHAM. Thank you Channing Tatum for teaching me dance doesn’t only happen in a studio or on stage. I immediately started dancing anytime I had a radio tuned into Utah’s number one for hip hop 92.5. Free styling in parking lots with the car doors open as my mom was doing the errands. 

What three words would you use to describe your dance style? 

Fluid, meditative, evolving

What excites you the most about a career as a dancer?

The ability to create community; share vulnerable spaces without words; and continuing to use dance as a way to understand the world. 

Can you describe how you would go about developing a dance routine? 

It depends on what I’m researching. Sometimes I start with movement and add music; or vice versa if I’m loving a song. Making a dance is like sculpting. You have a giant piece of marble (the idea of the dance/dancers I’m working with/piece of music) and its a constant listening routine of allowing the movement to speak to me or whether I need to push the movement to express itself. 

Most of the dance I make is a collection of improvisational movement and sets of choreography. 

What’s the most common misconception about dancers?

That our lives are rainbows and butterflies. It’s not. In my opinion the life of an artist requires us to be the most of ourselves, in a world that doesn’t support uniqueness. It’s like fitting a large marble into a square space. 

Have you suffered from any dance related injuries? 

Many, a broken hand, sprains in all the joints, but the recovery from each teaches me something I didn’t know

How do you get inspired?

Live life to the fullest, reflect, and stop to enjoy the infinite little beauties of life. 

Outside of dance how do you stay fit? 

Over the last two years I’ve started a gym regiment of 4-6 days a week. Resting. And staying active with other kinetic forms (ie yoga, Pilates, other dance classes)

Any advice for aspiring dancers? 

Don’t be afraid to ask for support. Find your limits, accept them, and mindfully push them (without getting injured). It’s okay to fall out of love with dance, it’s a relationship that never leaves your life if you keep pursuing it. 

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Beach Walk and Yoga Talk With Lauren Pisano, San Francisco

Beach Walk and Yoga Talk With Lauren Pisano, San Francisco

Instantly picked up on a sense of calm when I first met Lauren. Sometimes those first impressions are just spot on. I was intrigued to learn she studied and taught yoga. After several run-ins in our funky San Francisco neighborhood, we agreed to link up for an early morning adventure. Curious about her yoga journey and around the world retreats, we took to the ocean for a beach walk and some yoga talk.

Check out her classes and retreats at LaurenPisanoYoga.com

*upcoming Thailand retreat 

 

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you became involved with yoga? 

I was fortunate to find yoga when I was 19 years old through a friend. Immediately I felt how physically healing and energizing the practice of yoga was. A few years later I met Stephanie Adams and Adi Vajra of Hood River, Oregon, two teachers who imparted the spiritual and mental context of the practice. I owe a great debt to whatever force brought me there, because it changed the course of my life in immeasurable ways, and it thrust me into a deeper communication with my inner self and the world around me. This communication is ever-deepening, and ever-revealing of my own misunderstandings that lead me to foolish action, and of the joys I could easily have missed had I not been blessed by this practice. 

How did you evolve into teaching?

I began teaching at my college gym when I was 21. At the time I had little appreciation for the responsibility or context around what I was doing, I just loved yoga and wanted to share it. My mindset has changed greatly since then. I am still learning. Teaching is a practice in and of itself. At nearly nine years of experience I consider myself a beginner. 

Can you tell us about your upcoming workshop, where it will be and what someone attending should expect? 

I have two upcoming events: a weekend meditation & yoga immersion Oct 4-6th in San Francisco, and a weeklong retreat in Ko Samui, Thailand Oct 26th-Nov 2nd. What to expect? It is difficult to say because everyone perceives experiences so differently. I will say that my intention is to create an atmosphere that will be supportive to your yoga and meditation practice, whether you are brand new or have spent years on the mat. Based on my experience, that means a space that invites peace, clarity, direct communication and joy. 

What do you hope people will walk away with from your classes or retreats?

A sense of honesty. 

What other ways do you stay active when not doing yoga? 

Urban walks or local hikes. Chasing my dog around Haight Ashbury.

What is your favorite thing about San Francisco? 

The weather, the fog, the hills... the landscape is so dynamic and beautiful.

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