Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC is a weekender’s paradise. It’s a scenic 2-hour drive from Charlotte and filled to the brim with art, local pride, dog-friendly venues and fantastic food. It’s reputation proceeds itself as a tourist’s mountain mecca for outdoor adventurists, art lovers, modern day hippies and foodists alike. As eager entrepreneurs in the wholesome snack world, Sean and I knew a weekend visit was a must. So we picked a date, hoped for good weather (snow tires are not part of our entourage), grabbed some sample brüks bars and headed to the mountains. What we hoped to be a part-business, part-pleasure weekend getaway was a full fledged blast, in large part thanks to the infinite options of allergen friendly restaurants. We wined, we dined, we went home happy as clams. Here’s a look at some of the fantastic places we visited on our trip:

Katuah Market – Call it a natural foods market, call it Earth Fare’s new Asheville competition, or call it what you will, Katuah Market is a warm fuzzy place for natural food shoppers. BONUS: Starting this week, they will be carrying brüks bars!!

Hana Sushi – A quick stop at Hana for sashimi with mango and avocado satisfied our growling bellies until our late night dinner.

Curate – Late night, Spanish tapas, a warm modern European setting. Yes, please. This place was excellent all around. BONUS: Their menu consists of gluten-free, dairy-free options upon request.

White Duck Taco – This little gem is located on a mostly residential street in the River Arts District. The line wrapped around the building, but five tacos later, we realized it was worth the wait. BONUS: They offer vegetarian taco options.

French Broad Chocolates – This locally owned and operated joint is world class. Eating some chocolate here was a great all-around experience. BONUS: They have gluten-free options, their lounge is cozy, and open late!

Battery Park Book Exchange – This is the library of some people’s dreams. With exchanged books stacked as high as the ceiling, great coffee and wine, what more could you ask for in a reading room? BONUS: There about a dozen couches and corners, perfect for getting lost in a good book. Plant – Vegan menu, or not, the food here is simply out of this world. With flavor combinations that delight and a textures that mimic steak, for even the most critical of ex red meat connoisseurs (yes, Sean knows his stuff), this place rocks…and rolls. BONUS: Whatever your preference for veggies, meat, or in-between, go here for dessert. The brownie sundae will not disappoint.

While we merely had time for an introduction to this lovely city, we hope to frequent Asheville as often as possible. We highly recommend you grab your yoga mat, hiking shoes and appetite, and do the same.

Most of us are in the same boat every fall: we enjoy the beautiful changing colors, start sipping on our hot comfort drink of choice and begin the seasonal battle of the bulge. I’ll be the first to admit, as the weather cools, it becomes harder and harder for me to say no to treats, sweets, and calorie-packed pumpkin spiced anything.  Let’s face it, temptation is everywhere. While living in Miami last year, I managed to avoid the annual seasonal trap (being surrounded by tanned beautiful people helps one stay motivated). This year I am determined to trim my fattening fall habits, before I have to trim my waistline. Sure, I’m going to let myself splurge here and there, but no downward food coma/lack of exercise lulls for me this year! This is how I plan to stay fit and healthy this fall, without eliminating all comfort foods:

• Get outside to enjoy the fall weather. Yes, it’s chilly, but it’s the perfect time of year for hiking, biking and trail running
• Keep making fresh foods. It’s nice to settle in with the occasional warm comfort food, but for the majority of the week we’re going to keep eating salads, lean meats and whole gluten-free grains like quinoa and brown rice
• Make Chai and pumpkin spiced lattes a treat, not a default, substituting herbal teas instead
• Only make or buy treats to bring to others’ houses, NOT to leave at home. They always seem to disappear from the cupboards at home…

At the very least, this is a start. I believe that half the battle to a healthier season is consciousness – being aware of what and how much you’re eating and how much exercise you’re getting. I’m starting my commitment to a healthier holiday season this month. I hope you will too!

Moving to a place you’ve never been can feel a lot like being a child discovering a new world for the first time. It is invigorating, exciting and stressful to start a new life. Fortunately, we moved to the sweet south. Our experience moving here has been cushioned by the warmth of the Charlotte community. As opposed to the sink or swim mentality of New York or Miami, moving here felt more like, rushing through traffic because you’re 30 mins late, only to show up and greeted by someone with a Southern accent who says, ’Oh, don’t worry darlin’, you’re right on time, we were just about to get started.’ Despite the warm welcome we received, we’ve both had a few nail biting, near sleepless nights. Starting a business is no joke as it turns out! It’s a good thing we’re doing what we love. No matter what you do, even the most perfect job can be stressful. In order to cope with the high demands of...well, life…we’ve compiled some of our tried and true ways Sean and I take care of ourselves throughout a transitional time. (Even if you’ve lived somewhere for years read these, it’s never too late to try something new, or make some new friends!)

1. Take time for YOU (no, but seriously). Sometimes it feels impossible to sneak in an hour to go to yoga/run/take a bath/get your nails done, etc. Put it in your schedule. You’re worth it.
2. Exercise. We all know we should, but it’s hard to make a routine of it. This is the single best way to relieve stress, period. Pick your poison and join a club, set your alarm early, or go to the gym. Group workouts are great because you’ll be held accountable.
3. Join a club, or three. We’ve moved all over the country in the past few years. Meetup groups/adult social sports clubs saved my life. No matter how cheesy it sounds, you will easily bond with new people after playing kickball, a grade school favorite, with grown adults.
4. Find a “locals” spot. Whether it’s the coffee shop down the road, or the brewery next door, this is a great way to get to know the local culture, cuisine and/or upcoming events.
5. Eat well. Go out and try new things. That is what being new is all about. But make sure you’re still making healthy choices most of the time. Your body will thank you.
6. Make time for each other. No, strategizing about work, cleaning the house and running around like maniacs with too much to do, doesn't count. Date night counts. And it matters. Just find the time.

We hope this helps even one of you with a huge life transition! Whatever it is (moving, starting a new job/business, or starting a new personal goal), we know it ain’t easy. We also want to thank anyone who has already supported our pre-sale of Apple Pecan Bars by spreading the news. Your support really means so much to us, THANK YOU! We are getting ready for shipping our first batches nationally - only two weeks left to pre-order bars for  shipments the week of 10/1, so please share this blog and/or connect with us on social media to help us spread the love for our delicious snacks!! With love, Brooke