Fitness


National Hiking Day 2025

castle rock state park hiking trails

pictured: Castle Rock hiking trails / Zinfandel Trail in Cupertino / (below) Muir Woods /

Happy National Hiking Day! Today is the perfect day to go out and hit your favorite trail! Or, if you are bored of your favorite trail, try a new hiking trail!

Hiking is an amazing activity. Not only do you get exercise, you can enjoy nature, the beautiful surroundings, fresh air, and more! Plus, you can go with your friends and socialize while staying healthy. Love that!

My favorite hiking gear:

So, what are you waiting for? Close your laptop, put down your phone, and go for a hike!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Visiting the butterflies

wearing: sunglasses / statement earrings / lightweight jacket / long sleeve tee / classic jeans (old, also love this pair) / nail polish / water bottle / east/west handbag / sneakers (also, also love this pair) /

It’s Monarch Butterfly season! Every year, from mid-October to January, the Monarch Butterflies visit Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz and dazzle us with their beauty.

The butterflies gather on trees and enjoy the natural foliage around the area. Although there were large groups hanging out together on trees, my iPhone camera was too far away to get a good photo. That being said, I was able to get the up-close picture you see above!

Natural Bridges State Park offers an easy hiking trail, made up mostly of a wooden bridge, through the area where the butterflies enjoy gathering. This allows for the perfect view of the butterflies.

The parking lot is conveniently positioned between the butterfly trail and the beach. So, you can do both on the same day without moving your car. Love that!

After we viewed the butterflies, we relaxed on the beach and watched the waves and surfers. The view of the ocean at Natural Bridges State Park is fabulous. If you are local, it is a must-see!

After our visit to the beach, we went to downtown Santa Cruz and enjoyed a delicious meal at El Palomar. The food was top notch, and the service was friendly, fast, and beyond expectations. It’s my new favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz! Love!

So, if you are local or visiting the area, I recommend this fall/winter activity. You will love seeing the butterflies and relaxing on the beach!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Fall fitness routine

Fall fitness outfit from left: sweatshirt / holiday nail polish / black top / black leggings / earrings / water bottle / backpack / sneakers /

It’s fall! This means moving my workouts mainly indoors and working hard to stay on track. In addition, my fitness gear is getting a little bit cozier so I can properly warm up for my workout.

When temperatures go down, I like to have a cozy sweatshirt and longer leggings so my muscles stay warm and aren’t stiff when my workout begins. It helps to be warm for warm-up! Also, it is good to switch up your workout sneakers every six months in order to ensure proper fit and support. Loving these new sneakers from Nike!

As far as my workout routine goes, it isn’t much different from summer with the exception of sticking to inside fitness versus hiking and outside walks.

  • Monday: BodyCombat (cardio)
  • Tuesday: Rest
  • Wednesday: Spin (cardio)
  • Thursday: HIIT (Cardio and strength, interval)
  • Friday: POP Pilates (Strength and core)
  • Saturday: Rest
  • Sunday: Spin, BodyPump, Core (cardio and strength)

Well, that’s my fall fitness routine and I try hard to stick with it. If weather permits, I will try to throw in something outside; especially on a Saturday.

I hope you have a fabulous fall fitness schedule and stay warm!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy