pretty by the bay

This is what I look like when I’m relaxed. And happy. And thankful to have an amazing life. The sun is shining, I have the tiniest bit of a suntan, and my eyes are closed in laughter because my husband just said something that other people might not find funny, but I consider absolutely hilarious.

And in case you’re wondering….our little castaway is enjoying this vacation, too! She’s definitely making her presence known, and I’m feeling more movement with each passing day. Being pregnant isn’t always easy, but I love it. I feel beautiful (even in a maternity bathing suit – !) and proud of my body.

We’re on our second (of three) days at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. The property is absolutely beautiful – green and lush, with mountains in the distance. Flowers and herbs are blooming wherever we go, and the property is swarming with hummingbirds, butterflies and (friendly) honeybees.

My only complaint about this property? Sadly, the food is not that great. I was prepared for this, as many reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor stated that the cuisine is overpriced and underwhelming. We’ve been eating here only when necessary and spending most of our dining dollars in downtown Ojai, which is filled with gems like Suzanne’s Cuisine. Who wouldn’t want to eat in a place as lovely and inviting as this?

Suzanne’s menu rivals anything offered in San Francisco, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. We started our meal with zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta cheese and served with a light marinara sauce.

We also shared one of the most amazing salads I’ve ever ordered – arugula with crispy pancetta and proscuitto, avocado, manchego cheese and blue cheese stuffed figs. Simply an amazing combination of flavors and textures.

Both Corey and I selected seafood for our entrees. His included a trio of salmon, sea bass and scallop served with a smoky chipotle beurre blanc.

And mine was perhaps the most unique combination I’ve ever seen on a restaurant menu: salmon served with a dill beurre blanc and housemade sauerkraut. Don’t knock it till you try it! The lightly vinegary kraut was a fantastic complement to the buttery fish. I couldn’t get enough of this and wonder if I can recreate it at home.

We passed on dessert and returned to our room for some treats from Big Sur Bakery and an episode of Six Feet Under. Today’s agenda includes a facial (for me), a massage (for Corey) and some R&R by the pool. A girl could get used to this!