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What to Pack for Your Next Outdoorsy Getaway

Packing for an Outdoorsy Trip

When you pack for a trip, do you enjoy it or see it as more of a dreaded chore? I’m definitely closer to the latter. I find myself spending hours searching for clothing story boards or packing capsule wardrobe ideas on Pinterest, then going on to pack the same pieces I pretty much always pack.

Our African Safari trip was different, it required specific clothing in specific colors due to the nature of the environment we were headed: serious critter country. While this packing list isn’t for your next glamorous getaway, I thought I’d share it anyway for those who may have a more casual “in touch with nature” trip planned.

These really aren’t my colors, but I didn’t have much choice. When mixing with Mother Nature and her animals you need to blend in!

Here’s what I packed for a 5 day safari (click on any item description below to shop it!):

What to Pack

Wicking Shirts: short sleeved in army green | long sleeved in khaki

What to Pack

Cotton T-shirts: light pink | oatmeal | olive

What to Pack

Rain Jacket in stone

Compact Ultra Lightweight Puffer Jacket (I recommend natural, brown, or beige)

What to Pack

Wicking Pants: army green | khaki | silver sage

What to Pack

Cotton Bandana: beige | hunter green

Hiking Boots: On Cloudrock Hiking Boot in desert/clay (SPLURGE) | Adidas Hiking Shoes in blush and white (SAVE) 

Safari

As featured on my blog post, A South African Safari to Be Remembered– this khaki wide-brim sun hat is the last item I packed. Great for protecting you against UV sun rays when you’re out hiking, camping, or any nature adventures!

Since I don’t see these as closet staples, I didn’t spend much on this ensemble. Other than my OnCloudrock Hiking Boots, Orvis Rain Jacket, and Compact Puffer Jacket from Uniqlo – most won’t be worn much after this.

I have the Compact Puffer Jacket in several colors, it’s a closet workhorse. It rolls up and fits nicely in your bag. The OnCloudrock Hiking Boot was a splurge, I think a fantastic dupe is the Adidas Hiking Shoe as seen above and it’s currently on sale!

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A South African Safari to Be Remembered

Hello again friends! I hope you’re all having a fantastic week.

I’m absolutely stoked to share everything about our 5-day African Safari experience with you today! I have to say…it was QUITE the experience and I’m glad I get to share it with all of you.

Safari

The adventure began when we headed to Sabi Sands Game Reserve located adjacent to Kruger National Park- one of Africa’s largest game reserves. It is home to a variety of wild animals including The Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.

Safari

Our safari started with a black mamba snake falling from a tree onto our open air Land Rover… luckily, we were moving fast and the wildlife that followed made up for the shocking start!

Here’s a look at day 1 of our African safari:

To see them in action, head to my Instagram post HERE!

Here’s a look at day 2:

safari

Have you ever seen an lion up close, without a cage or glass barrier? I hadn’t either, until this day! And that’s not all, we checked the box on 3 of the “Big 5”.

Take a peek to see the one I was most excited to spot:

To see this beautiful creature in action, as well as an African leopard we spotted, head to my Instagram post HERE!

After 5 days and hundreds of miles and encounters with 2 of the most poisonous snakes in the world, we finally completed our search for Africa’s Big 5!

Hunters came up with this list based on how difficult it is the stalk these animals on foot. So while they may not all qualify as the largest animals on earth, they each have traits that make them incredible hard to track.

These majestic creatures were amazing to see in there own habitat. I did my best to capture them on video, but trust me when I tell you, the camera doesn’t do them justice.

Head over to my Instagram to see more from this unforgettable African Safari and keep an eye out for my tips on what to pack for a 5-day safari on the blog!

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Our Stay at Babylonsotren in South Africa’s Wine Country

 

Hello again friends!

I’m back with more snippets from our adventures from South Africa. We made our way from Cape Town to South Africa’s wine country, known as the Cape Winelands. We arrived just before dinner to Babylonstoren which you’ll see more about below!

For now, here are a few shots: lavender garden, farm locals and a shot from tonight’s farm to table dinner. Look this place up if you have a couple minutes, it’s a working farm, winery and spa which just happens to also be a hotel!

Speaking of the lavender garden…near the top of my list of favorite smells has to be lavender! I love it in candles, ice cream, balsamic vinegar, pretty much anything! One of the highlights of staying in Babylonstoren in the South Africa winelands is their incredible garden of lush violet. Buzzing with pollinating bees, you feel a real connection to nature just standing in it.

To be honest, we weren’t completely jazzed about making the stop in this section of Africa, after all, we are from California where we have several wine country spots, so what could be so different? Actually, a lot! We have fallen in love with this part of the world. It’s like France, Italy and Napa morphed together.

Here are some highlights from today:

Wine tasting at Delairegraff – We did a quick tasting of their whites, they were nice, but the real reason to come is this view! And make sure to check out the lobby floor, it appears to be copper, but a closer look shows you it’s actually made out of peach pits! How genius is that?

The quaint town of Franschhoek is a must! This spot was settled by the Huguenots (French Protestants) in the late 1600’s fleeing France when King Louis the XIV outlawed Protestantism. They came for religious freedom and brought winemaking with them. They helped transform this area into what it is today. Fun fact: I have Huegnot ancestors who also fled at the same time, but landed in the United States.

If you had an entire day on a working farm, what would you do? Since it was our last day at Babylonsotren, we wanted to check as many boxes as possible!

Up early to watch the ducks crossing the bridge, they do this every morning like clockwork.

We gathered eggs from two different hen houses. A big thanks to chicken expert Genico for sharing his craft with us. We took our finds to Bable restaurant on property where the kitchen made breakfast with them, delish! We’re seriously considering adding some of these little guys to the Peterson family after the remodel is done.

Bread making class – kid number 3 was super focused for this one!

Greenhouse – you can have lunch here or just enjoy the stunning glass and steal conservatory. Serious #yardgoals!

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More adventures to come so be sure to follow along!

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The Adventures Continue With a Day at Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai

Have you ever skied indoors? How about eating in an aquarium? Me either, until today! It was a day full of firsts in Dubai!

Ski Dubai is one of the most surreal travel experiences any of us have ever had. Located down the hall from a Cheesecake Factory in the Mall of the Emirates, it’s not where you’d expect to find a ski resort. Then again, Ski Dubai, built in the middle of a desert, is anything but typical. It has a very Disney-esque feel, meaning more amusement than actual sport.

The swing from 80 degrees outside to 36 degrees inside is a shock to the system! While it’s fun to check the box on this one, it’s A LOT of work to ski less than a mile down a hill with fake sky and snow! With that said, the kids LOVED it! Note: Scooter and I are still nursing our feet from the ill fitting boots!

Remember when I mentioned eating in an aquarium? Well that’s just what we did for dinner! I’m one of those folks who don’t like meeting my dinner before it’s served – I’ve never been able to pick out a live lobster, have you? So when I heard about the underwater restaurant, Ossiano Dubai in Atlantis The Palm, I pretty much knew I wouldn’t be ordering fish! All kidding aside, it was one of the best meals any of us have ever had!

The food is so stunning and art like, it’s hard to believe it’s edible, especially the gold flake topped potato puffs! Just curious, who was the first person who decided eating gold was a good idea?!? It’s a decadent notion, but I think I’d rather wear it! With that said, I tossed that little puppy back like it was a Cool Ranch Dorito! DELICIOUS!

I hope you’re enjoying following along all of our adventures because there is more to come!

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I Tried a 24 Karat Gold Cappuccino in the City of Gold

Gold Cappuccino

Dubai: like Vegas had a baby with Hawaii who was raised on solid gold lattes!

Gold Cappuccino

Known as the City of Gold, it makes sense you’d find a 24 karat cappuccino here. Burj Al Arab is the iconic hotel best known for its boat like shape, is home to this liquid gold delight. There’s so much sparkle on this baby, it makes you want to grab a spoon and start skimming it off the top! We had ours with oat milk, because they said the almond milk just isn’t strong enough to prop up the gilded foam. So, what does drinking a cup of this metallic element taste like? Surprisingly it doesn’t really have a taste, but it sure is fun finding the flecks stuck to your teeth and lips. The ornate cup, saucer and tray also add a nice Midas touch.

 

Continuing our gold tour, we stopped by the Gold Souk (Arab market) where we were blown away by massive row of stores dripping with gold. Some were simple, while others were pieces of wearable art.

Gold Tour

Uncle Fluffy Cake, located in The Dubai Mall, is the Japanese cheesecake that has taken the Middle East by storm! Kid number 2 has been talking about this FOREVER, so we made the special trip to a mall to have it. It’s a tiny shop that’s hard to find, which is a testament to the power of social media, which has put this place on the map! Good news, the store manager said they are looking to expand to the US as soon as next year.


And the final stop of our “gold tour”… dinner at Al Nafoorah Dubai Restaurant – a constant on the top restaurants of Dubai. The standout: their simple hummus and pita bread. I’d describe the consistency as lighter than cream cheese, yet more dense the whipped cream. My family agreed that it’s unlike any we’ve ever had before.

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A Fun Detailed Recap of Our Trip to Dubai

After two years of trying, we’re finally taking this trip and you’re coming with us! I’m recapping some of the most notable moments of the trip for your entertainment and for you to take notes if you plan on traveling to the breathtaking city of Dubai!

The trip as a whole was truly an adventure from start to finish. Before the 16 hour flight even takes off, the adventure starts in the Emirates lounge at LAX with the most beautiful burrata and red velvet cake – the kids were in heaven, it’s their idea of the perfect meal! I included a video of the view from the lounge balcony of the Tom Bradley International terminal at LAX on this post on Instagram. This place has really changed over the years, for the better.

Once onboard, Scooter and I took a minute to breathe and take it all in, as this trip came together in the eleventh hour!
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When’s the last time you were on a long haul flight? And how happy were you when you finally landed after what seemed like the equivalent of 4 back to back viewings of Gone With The Wind? We’ve all been there, stuck in the middle seat, so tired you just want a bed, any bed! Well, sister, that day my ship came in…actually, it was a surprise flight upgrade from my husband Scooter who turned to me at the ticket counter and said Merry Christmas! Whether the upgrade was more for him than me and the kids, it doesn’t matter, I’ll take it!

Here are the highlights from Emirates or what I call the flying hotel:

Instead of a seat, you have a living room like pod which features it’s own bar, writing desk and makeup mirror, I knew I should have packed my Conair Hot Rollers!

Bathroom with shower, yes, girl, a shower! You actually book your shower time when you board, it’s wild! Another head turner, the custom Dubai wallpaper. And it’s toiletry section that more day spa than night flight. When you’re done, tea service awaits!

Then there were the official Emirates pajamas, not sexy, but super comfy along with a bag of goodies that rival any gift with purchase Neimans has ever done! Look at this full size bottle of Bulgari! It makes me wish I wore perfume! The bar with light pink stone counter is an updated return to the days when the 747’s were king, even wore the pj’s here, LOL!

Then there’s the non-stop food service. Think high end restaurant style, with full menu, made to order dishes, including caviar service – it was so surreal!

Honestly, the flight alone was a vacation! No dishes, no cell service, it was heaven! I didn’t want to sleep because I didn’t want to miss a minute of this experience!

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My Viral Mashed Potatoes Hack!

How many life minutes do you think you’d save if you didn’t need to peel your potatoes anymore? My guess is a lot! 

I’ve got some good news: you can now throw your peeler in the donation basket, because you don’t need it anymore! This quick trick is going to change your yukon gold game for good! 

Here’s the low down on this fast and fun method:

Boil a bag of potatoes, SKIN ON. No need to poke with a fork, score with a knife or any of those other time consuming things, just toss all the spuds in your pot, fill with water and boil until done, about 20 minutes.

When tender, remove from water and cut in half.

PotatoesPotatoes

Place cut side down on top of baking rack and push!

The center pops through the grate and into your bowl, while the peel is caught on the square grids. That’s it! 

Potatoes

Now add your choice of seasonings. I use grass fed butter, organic heavy cream, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and you’re ready to serve. Giving new meaning to instant mashed potatoes.

I hope you like this trick! For more, follow me on Instagram & TikTok

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Jessie’s Girl Goodie Bag, who doesn’t love a Rick Springfield M & M?

Jessie’s Girl Turns 50 party goodie bag reveal! Here’s the complete rundown of what was waiting for guests in their hotel rooms.

@valeriebeverlyhills donated her amazing eye patches – THE BEST! Thanks, Valerie!


Matches from @foryourparty – I designed this logo featuring the pic of me with my first @rickspringfield album back in 1981.


Custom @mmschocolate with photos & theme


Breath mints from @icebreakers
The protein bars I can’t live without: @rawrev
@goultima hydration sticks, I drink this every day!
80’s candy favorite: @poprockspoppingcandy
@happyhourvitamins – don’t have a drink without them.
Organic dark chocolate from @greenandblacksus
Organic @doritos
@shout stain remover pads
@nooshbrands almond butter, birthday cake flavor
Sunscreen packets
Mini champagne bottles from @chandonusa
Water bottles featuring @icustomlabel                                                                                                                                                        One of a kind gift bag – with weekend itinerary printed on the bag.


Insert with things to do and places to eat. On the back, a copy of Rick’s Bio Sheet from his fan club folder in the early 80’s, yes, I still have the original.


Custom tissue paper from @techperch featuring a pic from the first time I met him during an interview over 20 years ago.
Note, we ran out of the custom Jessie’s Girl Turns 50 ribbon made by @namemakerinc but thought you’d like to see it anyway. We used it to tie the concert tickets on with guest names and hotel.

Rick received one of these bags, too, but a more customized version, with a couple extra treats for him and his wife.

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Celebrity pumpkin patch: the farm the famous flock to every Fall!

Did you make it to a pumpkin patch this year? Luckily, I was able to get my annual trip in just under the wire! Here in Los Angeles a stop at @underwoodfamilyfarms this time year is like going to the Academy Awards, except the stars are wearing jeans instead of a gown or a tux.

Despite all the celebrity power it attracts, you won’t find rhinestone studded gourds or artificial hay in the wagons here, in fact, it’s so perfectly pumpkin patchy it’s almost like a movie set.

The highlights are their pumpkin house and tractor mountain of jack-o-lanterns. While folks may come to pick out something they can carve, if they’re like me, they fall in love with the real stars of the show found in the chicken coop. Underwood Farms doesn’t only grow gorgeous gourds, they raise some of the most beautiful chickens and roosters you’ll ever see!

So if you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next Fall, you just might find yourself wandering the field with one of these guys, all of which have been spotted there:

@rachelbilson

@kardashians

@gwenstefani

@jennifer.garner

@davidbeckham

@victoriabeckham

@kanyewest

 

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Eat this, sleep better – the best bedtime snacks revealed!

Do you have trouble sleeping after eating a rich dinner, sugary dessert or big snack? Me, too! So what can you eat close to bedtime without messing up your shut eye?

According to @mindbodygreen foods rich in magnesium are the answer for when the late night hunger pains hit. Here are some of your best bets, listed in order:

Bananas
Dark Chocolate
Nuts & seeds
Chickpeas (Hummus) with nut & seed based crackers

To make sure I get plenty of magnesium, I take a supplement every night before hitting the hay. Like anything else, you’ll want to ask your doctor before you add that to your routine. In the meantime, try a light snack from the list above and let me know how it goes!

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