Five Things I’m Currently Loving In The Desert – Music, Mud & Motors

After nearly 15 years of calling the Coachella Valley home, you’d think I’d have experienced just about everything the desert has to offer. But one of the best parts about living here is that there’s always something new to discover!

Our little corner of the world is constantly evolving, with new businesses, activities, and experiences popping up all the time. And lately, I’ve had the opportunity to try some particularly fun ones! From an adrenaline-pumping drive to a candlelit evening of music and a few unexpected discoveries in between, these five experiences reminded me just how much there is to see, do, and enjoy right here in our own backyard.

So, without further ado, here are five things I’m currently loving in the desert!

XO, Lindsay

CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS AT THE RITZ

My mom is an excellent gift giver. Case in point? My husband and I recently celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary, the traditional present for which is wax, and my mom surprised us with a gift certificate for a Candlelight Concert at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Put on by Fever, the musical series, which has been running at the resort since last November, features a string quartet performing tributes to various artists and genres on a stage illuminated by hundreds upon hundreds of candles. My husband and I opted for the Michael Jackson tribute, and it was phenomenal! Over the course of 60 minutes, the room came alive with classical renditions of some of the King of Pop’s greatest hits. It was impossible not to tap our toes along, and no one seemed to be having more fun than the musicians themselves! It was a genuinely unique and memorable evening all around. I especially loved seeing the many children in the audience completely captivated by the music. For some, I imagine it was their very first exposure to classical instruments. And what a wonderful introduction it was!

BMW TRACK MEET

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a very good driver, and I really don’t enjoy going fast. So this is probably the last place anyone would expect to find me! But when I was recently invited to participate in a BMW Track Meet, I jumped at the chance, having heard amazing things about the performance driving school ever since it first opened. And my husband was only too happy to tag along! The half-day adventure included three different driving challenges—a Performance Drive, the Rat Race, and a Timed Autocross—each behind the wheel of a different BMW model. We practiced navigating turns, raced around an oval-shaped skid pad, and competed against the clock. Despite being categorically terrible at all three (I was actually lapped every single time I participated in the Rat Race!), I honestly can’t remember when I’ve smiled so much! The experience wraps up with a fabulous catered lunch (don’t miss the whipped potatoes!) in a dining room overlooking the track. And while I opted out of the Hot Lap, during which a seasoned instructor takes guests on a high-speed ride around the course (I’m far too much of a scaredy-cat!), it was the highlight of the day for my husband in a day already packed with highlights.

COLOR ANALYSIS WITH SIDRA

In a very lucky turn of events, I was introduced to Sidra Rednall, of The Color Edit by Sidra, less than 24 hours after my mom had mentioned she was in desperate need of a closet edit. Sidra offers personalized color analysis and wardrobe styling, and we decided to start with a color session before tackling my mom’s wardrobe. The process was as extensive as it was fascinating to watch! Over the course of several hours, I witnessed my mom’s face go from washed out and grey to positively illuminated as Sidra worked her way through countless colors to pinpoint her perfect palette. (She’s a Soft Autumn, by the way.) Following the session, Sidra sent over a comprehensive digital catalog showcasing exactly which colors, from clothing and jewelry to makeup and nail polish, will make my mom shine.  She has already booked a hair appointment based on Sidra’s recommendations, and the closet edit is next on the agenda! If you’re interested in discovering your own most flattering colors, you can reach out to Sidra directly via Instagram.

GOOD VIBES SOUND BATH

I find it nearly impossible to relax. God may have rested on the seventh day, but I pretty much never do. So I’ve been intrigued by Good Vibes Sound Bath ever since the company launched in 2023. The experience is as intimate as it is immersive, with participants tucked onto cozy rafts and set adrift in resort pools across the desert, surrounded by some truly spectacular scenery. But could someone like me, who can barely sit still for five minutes, actually switch off and unwind? And would I enjoy doing so? I finally had the pleasure of finding out this past weekend, and the answer was a resounding yes! The experience was nothing short of a revelation—and seemed to pass in a heartbeat. With a calming soundscape reverberating from both sides of the pool, the gentle lapping of water surrounding me, and the subtle rocking of the raft, I found myself as relaxed as I’ve ever been. So much so that setting foot back on solid ground was actually a bit jarring! I honestly can’t recommend the experience enough and am seriously considering making it a regular ritual for this perpetual overthinker and overdoer.

MUD & MATCHA NIGHTS

My dear friends Kayla Munoz of Buena Matcha and Pouneh Shahrestani of Design by Pounehrecently joined forces to launch Mud & Matcha Nights, a unique experience bringing together the worlds of matcha and pottery. I was invited to take part in their inaugural workshop, and what an amazing experience it was! There’s something incredibly inspiring about people who are not only passionate about what they do but exceptionally talented at it as well. And this workshop gave me a front-row seat to both as Kayla walked us through the art and intention behind preparing matcha, while Pouneh taught us the fundamentals of pottery. Needless to say, my skills at both leave quite a bit to be desired, but I had an absolute blast learning! I even came away with three handmade pieces of pottery, which Pouneh subsequently glazed and fired. And while I’m quite proud of my creations, I’ll still be turning to Pouneh and her studio when I’m in the market for some truly beautiful ceramics!

Thanks for Reading…

I hope this week’s newsletter inspires you to try a few new experiences of your own in this great Valley of ours, especially now that cooler temperatures are finally upon us!