Starting Fhom Scratch

11/05/2024

Leaving the Petrified Forest, we were still riding high, windows down, that cool breeze flowing in as we headed toward the next stop—Old Faithful Geyser of California. It was one of those drives where everything just felt right—the sun hitting just right, hair whipping around, no hurry, just letting the moment sink in.

We arrived, got out of the car, snagged our tickets, and started down the path. Succulents were displayed at the start, alongside other unique items that added to the vibe as we joined a small crowd already waiting. We found our spot, eyes locked on the geyser, just waiting for some erupting to happen. Thirty minutes passed by, and every so often, a low rumble rolled through, keeping the suspense alive. And then, suddenly—the geyser erupted, water shooting high like the earth itself was putting on a show just for us.

Everyone stood there, caught in it, like we’d all just shared this raw, real moment together. Calistoga wasn’t done with us yet, but this right here? Definitely a lasting memory.

Catch the full story and my favorite moments over on Starting Fhom Scratch. Trust me, you’ll want in on this.

11/04/2024

Sunday morning finally arrived, and I was super excited, already up—no alarm, just that pull in my chest, like something big was about to happen. Today was the day I’d been circling on my calendar for months. By 8:30, I was out the hotel door, coffee in one hand, keys in the other, feeling like I was on the edge of something unforgettable.

The road to was quiet, with barely a car in sight—just us, with the windows down, and the cool morning air brushing across our faces. My playlist played softly, setting a chill, relaxed vibe for the road. I caught myself smiling like a kid, totally in the moment as the music played, ready for whatever was next.

Then, out of nowhere—Boom. A sign for the appeared. This wasn’t even on our itinerary, but something about a road trip makes you want to chase every random sign. So we turned, just trusting that little spark telling us to go for it.

Walking into the Petrified Forest? Whole other vibe. It felt like we’d stepped into a beautiful forest with so many untold stories. Huge trees, fossilized, standing beautifully like they’ve experienced it all. The beautiful morning air held onto stories from a time before us—a place that makes you want to just stop and breathe it all in.

The hike up wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, but each step felt like I was climbing toward something big. And when we hit the top? I felt small but connected to it all. It was beautiful. It was amazing. It was the perfect experience.

And here’s the thing—this was just the start of Calistoga. For the full story and every spot I loved, check out Starting Fhom Scratch. Trust me, this is one you don’t want to just read about. Go.

09/23/2024

Ever had one of those days where everything falls into place? That was Calistoga for us. We started at the Petrified Forest, walking through those ancient, stone-like trees and feeling connected to the universe. After that, we watched Old Faithful Geyser erupt, and it was pure excitement—nature showing up and showing out. And then we hit Buster’s BBQ… let me tell you, those ribs? Absolute fire. 😋🔥

But honestly, the best part wasn’t just the main stops. We discovered hidden gems along the way, took scenic roads that had us stopping every few minutes to soak it all in, and even came across this random Water Truck Sculpture—unexpected and photo-worthy. Every turn brought something new and different.

If you’re into good food, unique finds, and road trips that skip the typical tourist spots, follow along with us at Starting Fhom Scratch. This Napa Valley adventure is only just beginning, and trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

P.S. Check out StartingFhomScratch.com for fun adventures, recipes, foodie finds, and behind-the-scenes fun. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

— Scratchella

09/23/2024

After an amazing meal at Mary’s Pizza Shack, we noticed Sonoma State Historic Park across the street and decided to check it out. The first thing that caught my eye was the Sonoma City Hall—this beautiful building that’s been standing since 1908! I had to snap a few pics. 📸🏛️

As we walked through the park, the whole vibe was so chillaxing. The cool evening air made everything feel calm and laid-back. The people around us were friendly, smiling, and chatting as they walked by. Some were even stopping to take pictures, just like us. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’re in the right spot at the right time, just being part of the moment.

We took time, soaking in the fresh air and enjoying the views. Then we stumbled on a quiet little duck pond tucked away in the park. It was so peaceful, watching the ducks swim across the water like they had nowhere to be. 🦆💖 It was the perfect way to slow down and unwind after a full day of exploring.

Want to know more about the park and what else we found? Head to our website for the full rundown, and don’t forget to follow along for more of our Napa Valley adventures! 🌿✨

09/11/2024

On our recent Napa Valley trip, we made a stop in Sonoma and found the perfect dinner spot—Mary’s Pizza Shack! This family-owned gem, right near Sonoma Plaza, was exactly what we needed after a day of exploring.

We kicked things off with their Mozzarella Garlic Bread—cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious. For the mains, I went with the Meatball Sandwich, and my foodie partner-in-crime tried Mary’s Famous Hamburger. Both hit the spot after a long day of checking out the town.

What made it even better? The outdoor patio seating. We caught a cool breeze while eating, and after dinner, we took a relaxing walk around Sonoma State Historic Park, which was just a few minutes away. It was the perfect way to end the night.

If you ever find yourself in Sonoma, definitely check out Mary’s Pizza Shack for a comforting, delicious meal. You won’t regret it!

Want more foodie adventures and details on our Napa Valley getaway? Head to my website!
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09/10/2024

Saturday morning started off slow—trust me, rolling out of bed wasn’t exactly easy. But once we got cleaned up, packed, and made a quick stop to get the car all shiny and fresh (because who doesn’t love starting a road trip in a clean car?!), we were officially off! By 9:15 AM, we were driving through vineyards and those iconic California hills, the excitement was heavily kicking in for our Napa Valley weekend.

First stop? American Canyon, where we stumbled on Tacos Michoacan. And let me tell you, those tacos did not disappoint. After grabbing some travel guides and settling into our hotel, we headed straight to Sonoma for dinner at Mary’s Pizza Shack. That meatball sandwich? Game. Changer. We finished off the night chilling by a peaceful pond in Sonoma State Historic Park, soaking in the calm vibes after a fun first day.

And the best part? We’ve only just begun! Tomorrow, it’s all about Calistoga—hot springs, and all the unexpected finds that make these trips unforgettable. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! Follow along for the full ride. 🚗✨

09/06/2024

Napa Valley, here we come!

We’re headed to this weekend and the best part? No set plans! That’s right—no itinerary, no reservations (except for the hotel), just pure freedom to explore whatever catches our eye. I’m so excited to see where the road takes us. Whether it’s a spontaneous dip in a mud bath or walking through a fossilized forest, I’m ready for whatever comes our way.

And you already know we’re not leaving without finding some good ass BBQ. It wouldn’t be a real adventure without satisfying our cravings with something smoky and delicious. There’s just something about stumbling upon a spot and savoring every bite of BBQ that hits the spot after a long day of exploring.

We’ve decided to let Calistoga surprise us, so who knows what kind of hidden gems we’ll find? That’s the beauty of this trip—no pressure, just vibes, and some much-needed downtime. I love trips like this, where the adventure isn’t about crossing things off a list but just being in the moment and seeing where it takes you.

So, make sure you’re following along to catch all the spontaneous stops, eats, and surprises we run into on this journey. I’ll be sharing it all—good, great, and everything in between. Can’t wait to take you along for the ride!

Here's your Uber: https://startingfhomscratch.com/f/i-cant-wait-for-our-upcoming-trip-this-weekend

Hey, Travel Besties! I hope you’re all having an incredible summer, soaking up all the fun and sun! I’ve got a little confession, though—until recently, I realized I hadn’t traveled much beyond Sacramento since summer st...

07/29/2024

I had such an incredible time at the California State Indian Museum! I walked in thinking, "This should be interesting," but by the time I left, I was blown away by how much I’d learned. The different tribes, their cultures, and the powerful stories behind every artifact were just amazing. I found myself getting completely wrapped up in their history and realizing how much we still don’t know about the people who originally called home.

And the artifacts? They were mind-blowing. From the beautiful handmade baskets to the amazing beadwork, every piece had so much history and meaning behind it. I kept asking myself, "How did they even create this back then?" It was one of those humbling moments where you realize just how much skill and creativity people had, long before we had modern tools.

If you love getting lost in a good museum like I do, the California State Indian Museum needs to be on your list. I’ve got the full rundown over at Starting Fhom Scratch—trust me, you don’t want to miss this one. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.

07/13/2024

Hey, Sac ! Let me put you on to Tori’s Place in Sacramento because this spot is serving up some of the best soul food I’ve had in ages. Let’s start with the fried red snapper—it was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. Pair that with their tender green beans and hot water cornbread? Game over. That cornbread? I’m telling you, it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Fluffy inside with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. I could’ve easily eaten a whole plate of it!

And then they brought out the fried chicken. One bite, and I was hooked. How is this chicken even real? Juicy, crispy, and everything you want in fried chicken. And the mac and cheese? Creamy, cheesy, and the perfect match for the chicken. Oh, and of course, more of that hot water cornbread—because once you’ve tried it, you can’t stop.

If you’re serious about good food, do yourself a favor and check this place out. Full review and all the details are up on Starting Fhom Scratch. I’m still thinking about that meal! Damn!!!!

Check our website for the full review: https://startingfhomscratch.com/blog/f/our-first-bite-experience-at-toris-place-in-sacramento