Babys Bar at Baby Cakes!!! These Sweets and Drinks can't be beat!

Thirsty Thursdays: Baby Cakes

Voted San Diego's Best Cupcakes in City Beat's Readers Poll 2011, Baby Cakes offers the most scrumptious cupcakes in town as well as the sweetest Happy Hour in San Diego! Stop by Baby Cakes in Hillcrest any time of the day for "liquid sweets and tasty treats." From chocolate martinis to butterscotch truffles, Babys Bar cocktail menu includes a variety of drinks that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Offering $3 Well Cocktails, House Wine, and Bottled Beer from 5pm-8pm every evening,  Babys Bar Happy Hour is one of the sweetest deals in the city! Come to Baby Cakes for cupcakes and drinks, a relaxed yet fun environment, with friends or to make new friends!  The owner calls it the "Happiest Place on Earth" south of Disneyland. At Baby Cakes, anything is possible! 

For more information visit: http://www.babycakessandiego.com/index.html

That Lagoon off the I-5N Is The Carlsbad Lagoon!

Things To Do Tuesdays: Carlsbad Lagoon

Often as I drive north on the I-5 toward my home in Orange County, near Carlsbad, I notice an activity-filled lagoon to the right of the freeway and I wonder what its all about. It turns out that this lagoon is a watersport activities paradise called the Carlsbad Lagoon. With calm, uncrowded waters and private areas for operation, the Carlsbad Lagoon is the perfect location to go on a water adventure. The Carlsbad Lagoon offers the following rentals: waverunners, boats, waterboarding equipment, waterskiing equipment, kayaks, paddleboarding boards, canoes, peddle boats, and water cycles. On your next trip north on the I-5 to the Orange County/LA area, stop by the Carlsbad Lagoon for a day of water fun!


For more information visit: Carlsbad Lagoon

Where Vintage Cars and Great Wines Meet

 

Museum Mondays: Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum

For Vintage Cars and Great Wine visit Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum just north of the Welk Resort Center off I-15. Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum caters to both lovers of antique cars and delicious wines. It's collection of unique American convertibles includes over 100 models. The museum's collection of wines is equally as impressive. This museum also features a gourmet deli, a gift shop, and a picturesque setting for outdoor events such as picnics, banquets, and weddings. Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum is conveniently opened daily from 10am-5pm. 


For more information on the Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum visit: Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum

Best Teriyaki Chicken in San Diego!!!

 

Foodie Fridays: Natural Style Chicken 

I am a huge fan of teriyaki chicken and one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants offering hands down the best teriyaki chicken in San Diego is Natural Style Chicken located in Point Loma. This little restaurant does not have the most appetizing curb appeal or interieur decor, however, their food is a different story. It is INEXPENSIVE, HEALTHY, and out of this world DELICIOUS! Experience it for yourself, stop by Natural Style Chicken for a flavorful bite. 


Natural Style Chicken Reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/natural-style-chicken-san-diego 

Palm Springs Escape

Weekend Escape Wednesday: Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs

This weekend let's escape 150 miles north-east of San Diego to Palm Springs. Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs is a cozy and serene destination only 10-minutes away from down-town Palm Springs home of the Silver Screen since the 1920's. Located within close proximity of El Paseo Drive or "shopping heaven" with over 300 major retailers and specialty stores there is no way you will ever want to leave. The area surrounding Le Parker Meridien Hotel offers world-class golf on over 90 championship courses which makes it the perfect destination for golf fanatics as well as people who would like to learn how to sport. 
Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs is a charming hotel with all the amenities needed to make your escape a home away from home. 


For more information on Le Parker Meriden Palm Springs visit: Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs 

A Trip To The Stars and Back!

Museum Mondays: Palomar Observatory

Take a trip to the stars of the past, present and future. Interested? Visit the Palomar Observatory located in Palomar Mountain. The Palomar Observatory is a world-class center of research owned by the California Institute of Technology. The Observatory is the home of many telescopes famous and not 5 of which are used nightly in a wide variety of astronomical research programs. Some of the studies conducted at the Palomar Observatory include a hunt for near-Earth asteroids, probing distant galaxies, and quasars located at the farthest ends of the universe.  For those interested in the history of the Palomar Observatory, stars, and anything related to the universe, visit the Palomar Observatory. Guided Tours are available on a first-come first-serve basis and only at certain times of the year. However, the Observatory is open to the public daily for those who don't need a tour and would like to explore on their own. For non-tour visitors, podcast guides of the observatory are available.


Dress warm and comfortably as temperatures are usually lower within the dome. Also, bring snacks for the family to eat at the Observatory's surrounding picnic area. 


For more information on the Palomar Observatory visit: Palomar Observatory

Food and Wine at The University of San Diego's La Gran Terraza!

Thirsty Thursdays: O'Toole's Lounge

Food and Wine at the top of the hill overlooking San Diego's magnificent city lights! What more can you ask for?

Only at O'Toole's Lounge at the University of San Diego's La Gran Terraza Restaurant. 

Check it out!

Escape to Santa Barbara's Romantic Hideaway!

Weekend Escape Wednesdays: San Ysidro Ranch

It's mid-March and already it feels as if the people surrounding me need a vacation. Not to worry, Spring Break is just around the corner! For those craving the most tranquil and romantic Spring Break escape, I highly recommend driving up to Santa Barbara's San Ysidro Ranch. 


Location, Location, Location! Nestled in the Montecito foothills Southern California's Wine Country, The San Ysidro Ranch has been named number 4 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure's T+L 500 World's Best 2011 for its blend of classic luxury, natural beauty, and romantic heritage. Adventure on a hike, go biking, take a day trip to the beach, wineries, and/or to the local attractions. Regardless of the activity you choose to participate in while in San Ysidro Ranch there is no doubt that you will feel a sense of freedom and tranquility in experiencing the incredible mountain and beach views. 


The tranquility begins with the drive up to Santa Barbara, although sometimes congested, it is nonetheless, one of the most beautiful drives you will ever embark on as it is right along the pacific coast. 


A Magical picturesque week awaits you, visit the San Ysidro Ranch. 


For information on booking a room visit: San Ysidro Ranch

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Breakfast Compliments of the San Diego Firehouse Museum

Museum Mondays: The Firehouse Museum 

The Firehouse Museum is a fun and incredibly inexpensive attraction for children and adults alike. Visitors of the museum enjoy firefighting memorabilia such as firefighting buckets, fire trucks, and more dating back 100 years. The Firehouse Museum is located in Little Italy close to downtown San Diego. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children/seniors. For your convenience, the museum is open on the weekends, Thursday and Friday from 10am-2pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. 

Don't Miss Out! The Firehouse Museum will be hosting a St. Patrick's Day Parade and breakfast this Saturday, March 17th from 8am-11am!

For more information on The Firehouse Museum and/or its upcoming events visit:

Firehouse Museum

Rent A Harley-Davidson!

Things To Do Tuesdays: Haley-Davidson Rental

Wind in your hair and a sense of freedom in your heart, now you can experience both while riding through the open road on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. At American-Dream Motorcycle Rental of San Diego you can rent a Harley-Davidson independently or participate in a custom motorcycle tour of Southern California’s best roads. To be able to rent, riders must have a valid motorcycle driver’s license and must be 21 years of age. For an unforgettable road adventure rent a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

For rental information visit: American-Dream Motorcycle Rental

For A Spooky Time Visit The Whaley House

Museum Mondays: Whaley House

Historically important because it housed a granary, the County Court House, San Diego’s first commercial theater, various businesses, a ballroom, a billiard hall, school, and a polling place, The Whaley House in Old Town San Diego attracts thousands of visitors each year. Apart from its historic background, The Whaley House is notorious for paranormal occurrences. Suicides and hangings that occurred on the property before the house was constructed are only a few events that give the house an air of mystery. According to Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, The Whaley House in Old Town San Diego is the number one most haunted house in the United States. Learn about and experience San Diego’s historic past via a guided tour and perhaps a visual of the past. 

To learn more about the Whaley House visit: Whaley House

What To Eat On Fridays During The Lent Season?

Foodie Fridays: What to Eat on Fridays during Lent season?

It is the Lenten season, the Christian season of preparation before Easter in which Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays in commemoration of Christ’s Passion and death.  It is unclear as to what meat we are to stay away from; in my experience, different families have different beliefs. In my family, we give up all red meat on Fridays and some white meat including chicken, and turkey but we can eat anything that comes from the sea. However, other families I know just abstain from eating red meat; for them chicken and turkey is fine to have on Fridays during the Lenten season.  For those of you who give up chicken and turkey as well as red meat and can’t think of a replacement that will give you the feeling that you are full here are some ideas.

Last Friday, my boyfriend and I wanted something filling and yummy but since it was Friday, we were having a hard time thinking about a place we could go eat at that offered non-meat options. We went down to Ocean Beach because according to yelp, South Beach Bar and Grille has the best fish tacos in San Diego. Completely excited we approached the front door only to be told by the “bouncer” we must be 21 years old to go into the restaurant/bar. Regardless, South Beach Bar and Grille had a great vibe and smelled yummy. For those of you who are 21 and over I recommend you check it out and then let me know by commenting below this how it was.

Still hungry, we wandered across the street and found the Newport Pizza and Ale house. They offer really tasty/affordable pizza in a relaxed atmosphere. We ordered the pesto pizza and cheese pizza their non-meat options and they did not disappoint.

After the Newport and Ale House, we were still craving fish tacos. So we ventured off to Wahoo’s Tacos in Point Loma. Their fish tacos the blackened as well as the regular are delicious! The blackened is a little spicy so beware. I also noticed that their other seafood options included fish teriyaki bowls. Definitely something I’m trying next time.

As you can see, there are many different foods that one can eat and different restaurants that one can go to and still have a delicious meal on Fridays during the Lenten season simply yelp it up! Make it an adventure, go restaurant hopping like we did, or simply journey off to a restaurant and/or location you’ve never frequented. It is so much fun!

For ideas on restaurants in San Diego you can try visit: Ask About San Diego

BevMo The Place To Go For Beer and Wine Tastings!

Thirsty Thursdays: BevMo!

Bev Mo is your go-to store for all of your alcoholic beverage needs. For those of you who don’t know, like I didn’t about a month ago, BevMo offers great deals on wine and beer tastings at their stores on various days of the week! Currently, BevMo is also having their famous 5 cent wine sale, buy one wine get the second for only 5 cents! Coming up in a couple of weeks BevMo will be hosting their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Join the fun and taste a variety of brews perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. BevMo is definitely the place to go to purchase and learn about your favorite drinks.

For a calendar of BevMo Events visit: http://www.bevmo.com/