Rancho La Puerta Archives - Two California Sisters

Some things to pack for a great trip to Rancho la Puerta

Reposting in June 2023: Kate will be heading back to the Ranch for a solo trip shortly. So this is a great opportunity to remind her (and everyone else!) about what we suggest bringing in your suitcase. These items will make your trip easier and more fun!

During our recent trip to Rancho la Puerta, Kate and I compiled a list of a few things we were glad we brought (or wished we brought!) Here’s a rundown of what to bring to Rancho la Puerta-a few things to add to your shopping list that you might not have thought of.

A wonderful week at Rancho la Puerta with Kate

Spending a week at Rancho la Puerta with Kate feels like the official end to the pandemic. We spent a week there in March 2020, right before the lockdowns began. (We both remembered calling our husbands and asking them to stock up at the grocery store asap!) The Ranch closed shortly thereafter, for six months, reopening in September 2020. They were extremely diligent with COVID prevention- masks required in classes, social distancing, no more buffets. But things are pretty much back to normal, I can report. And it feels like the pandemic is coming to a close…

Appreciating the amazing benefits of breathing correctly

I know what you are thinking: “I must be breathing correctly- I’m alive, aren’t I?” Well, yes, that’s certainly true. But there’s been a lot of news and information lately about how many of us don’t breathe correctly (myself included.) And if you’ve ever done any breathing exercises or tried to “follow the breath” during meditation, you can appreciate how much better you’ll feel when you pay just a little more attention to something so simple. I’ll share a bit of what I’ve learned about the benefits of breathing correctly.

All the props you need to get the most out of restorative yoga

A recent rediscovery for me has been restorative yoga. In the past month, I’ve realized how much I miss it. I like to do it after work. It helps me wind down my day and gives me some time to meditate. I want to share some yoga props you will need to get the most out of restorative yoga.

meditating with candles and incense — Photo by Elly Fairytale on Pexels.com

Rancho La Puerta Resort reopening after six months

Rancho La Puerta Wellness Resort and Spa in Tecate, Mexico has a special place in our hearts. Kate and I have been visiting the Ranch, together and separately, since 1999. And since September 6th was the grand Rancho La Puerta reopening after being closed since mid-March due to COVID-19, we wanted to share some of our memories of our times there. And we hope that you’ll consider making a trip to help support the community and the people who have worked there for years. They’ve got to be struggling during this tough time.

My lifelong journey with exercise and wellness

playing water polo at Rancho La Puerta — Who knew that Kate’s fitness journey would lead to water polo with a pool noodle??

When Amy and I were in high school in Dallas, we had P.E. everyday, but other than that, we were not a family who exercised. I did the occasional bike ride around our flat neighborhood, but that was about it. But things have changed a lot since then, and I’d like to share my lifelong journey with exercise. Hopefully it will inspire you a bit.

Sometime in high school, Amy joined a workout studio called “The Workout” (yes, very original!) and in my memory she went there a lot. (Amy here: yes, I did go a lot. There were step classes and classes that involved those little trampolines. Frankly it’s a miracle that I never broke my ankle :))

How we’re keeping sane during the pandemic

This period is rough on all of us, for a lot of different reasons. Keeping sane during the pandemic can be hard; health, financial, educational, social and other worries are on our minds. There doesn’t seem to be an end to it in sight. I’d like to share some of the things I am doing to manage my mental well-being during this time. These are no substitute for professional help from a therapist or doctor, so don’t hesitate to reach to one if you need it. This isn’t the time to hope you can just “muscle through” this crazy time.