Category Archives: World In My Eyes

Fashionably Late: Catching Up On 2017

It’s been a busy year for The Chen Family! From getting new jobs to graduating college, we’ve been busy bees since the start of 2017. As a blogger, I do have the occasional post that I’m required to upload no matter what, but there are also many events that I get invited to that I share mostly on my social media platforms. Outside of those required posts, I’ve finally found time to post a few catch up posts of all the wonderful events I’ve attended in the first six months of this year.

Cheers!

Louis Vuitton x Unicef – 1/12/17

One of my blogger friends, Ashley Pöppe, works at Louis Vuitton at Fashion Valley and occasionally invites fellow bloggers and stylists to events there. At the Louis Vuitton x Unicef, a specially designed Lockit pendant and bracelet that was created to help children in urgent need was presented for purchase. For each sale, $200 was donated to UNICEF.

This wonderful bootie is called “The Ranger”

Easily my favorite set of pictures from that night! Kali from In Spades is a lovely friend and a blogger who I’ve come to know better in this interesting and creative world of blogging. There was a person stationed at this picture spot who just made us crack up as he was taking our picture, and we loved that he captured every giggle-filled moment!

Grand Opening of Flourish By Blues & Shoes – 2/18/17

Flourish by Blues & Shoes opened in February of this year where The Beat Clothing used to be in Carlsbad. Although I will miss The Beat dearly (see posts here and here), Flourish is a unique bohemian shopping experience with beautiful clothing, accessories and home goods!

Malia Designs Spring Collection 2017 – 3/16/17

I was introduced to Malia Designs two years ago (posts here and here), and I do everything I can to laud their cause, as they support the fight against human trafficking. They introduced their spring collection earlier this year at the Rigby & Pellar store in Fashion Valley.

With Tiffany of Glitz and Glam by Tiff & Jessica of Ziur Designs

Primavera Fashion Show – 3/24/17

It’s always fun to attend runway shows when I can, even when I arrive late! I attended the Primavera Fashion Show at Fashion Valley in celebration of the San Diego Latino Film Festival, and caught this video capture that I shared on my Instastories, as I arrived “fashionably late” from my office in Carlsbad.

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer Collection 2017 – 3/31/17

Aren’t these sneakers adorable?

With Nihan of Style With Nihan, her friend Claudia and Ashley of Ashley Pöppe

Festival Style at Macy’s – 4/7/17

Maria Von Losch is a stylist, author and blogger of Savvynista who I’ve also come to know. I’ve had the pleasure of being invited to a few of her events, including this one at Macy’s in Fashion Valley. During this showcase, she featured festival style, showing multiple ways of wearing the same piece.

I loved these pants by Free People!

With Maria, Tiff and Kellie of The Bicoastal Beauty

A Stargazer Brunch at Vocabulary Boutique – 5/7/17

Cecilia Church, owner of Vocabulary Boutique, always has wonderful events either on location at her shop in Little Italy, or somewhere fabulous in San Diego. I’ll put up a full post of her most recent event on a catamaran (yes, shopping on a boat), but I also attended their delightful “A Stargazing Brunch” the day before my birthday back in May, complete with celestial cookies and a Tarot card reader!

How fabulous are these cookies?

I adore my Taurus necklace, a gift from Vocabulary Boutique!

Fashion Week San Diego Spring Showcase 2017 – 5/13/17

Fashion Week San Diego celebrates their 10th year anniversary this year, and I have been attending since 2013. Back in May, I attended the FWSD Spring Showcase 2017, which is the kickoff event to all of the celebrations leading up to the runway shows in October.

With Fatsani of Tasanni, one of the designers featured in FWSD 2015

I purchased a fabulous leather cuff from Alber Rezko (a jewelry designer who showed at FWSD 2014 & 2015) and a FWSD bomber jacket!

Natuzzi Italia Collection at Hold It Home – 5/18/17

Hold It Contemporary Home in Mission Valley had a VIP celebration back in May because they added luxury brand Natuzzi Italia to their showroom. Pasquale Natuzzi founded The Natuzzi Italia Group in 1959, and is Italy’s largest furniture house. The designs are beautiful, sleek, and meticulously designed and the event was fun to attend!

Sips & Sparkle with Art In The Find and Touchstone Crystal – 6/15/17

Conni of the blog Art in the Find had a fun event in June with Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski at the beautiful Bay Club Carmel Valley. Touchstone Crystal is a more contemporary arm of Swarovski, allowing more casual designs with the same quality crystals, that can be worn everyday.

Delicious drinks and appetizers provided by Bay Club Carmel Valley

We each got to take home a beautiful tennis bracelet by Touchstone Crystal

Game Masters at The Fleet Science Center!

Have you read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline yet? I’m obsessed with everything RP1 because although it’s set in the near future, it heavily features the nostalgia of the 1980’s (not to mention, the audio book is narrated by Wil Wheaton). In the book, I imagine that the OASIS game creator James Halliday’s collection of video game consoles and arcade games would have looked exactly like this new exhibition at Balboa Park’s Fleet Science Center, GAME MASTERS: The Exhibition. I first heard about this exhibition on Good Morning San Diego on KUSI News from none other than Brad Perry. After seeing just the arcade game portion of the segment, I knew I had to take the kids to see it. I actually finished RP1 after I visited this fantastic exhibition, and I’m so glad I did because I learned so much about the game designers that I recognized exactly who Ernest Cline was referring to in many instances, including when he mentions Dave Theurer, creator of my all time favorite arcade game, Tempest.

GAME MASTERS is separated into three sections. It starts off with “Arcade Heroes” showcasing arcade games from my childhood. The “Game Changers” section features games and consoles that took video game playing to the next level. Finally “Indies” highlights current games very familiar to my son and niece, like Angry Birds and of course, Minecraft.

Video game aficionados and fans of RP1 should definitely take advantage of visiting this amazing exhibition. GAME MASTERS was developed by ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) and is open now through January 15, 2018. Information about the Fleet Science Center, including hours and admission can be found here.

Cheers!

ACRADE HEROES

Mei-Lin attempting to play Space Invaders

My husband showing Dominic how it’s done! (Playing Elevator Action)

There, in front of me, at the base of this long pillar of light, stood an old coin-operated arcade game. I recognized its distinctive, angular cabinet immediately. Tempest. Atari. 1980.

– Parzival, Ready Player One

Your’s truly and Mei getting on the board!

GAME CHANGERS

Dominic playing SIMS

Mei-Lin…concentrating

INDIES

Playing Angry Birds on a touch-screen TV

Having fun with Castle Crashers

Not your typical game of “Air Hockey”

The only other game I’m actually good at: PaRappa the Rapper

One of their all-time favorites: MINECRAFT

FTC Disclosure: I received complementary passes to enjoy Game Masters: The Exhibition at The Fleet Science Center. Although I did receive complementary passes, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Quick Wok: Tasty & Affordable Chinese Cuisine!

During the summer, it’s always great when my sister and I can get together and take the kids out, especially since we have similar days off. Earlier this month, we took the kids out for a fantastic lunch at Quick Wok, located in the Carmel Mountain area at Rancho Carmel Plaza. The food was fast, delicious and the prices averaged at $10 or below, which made our lunch with drinks $35 for four people!

If you’re craving tasty Chinese cuisine at an affordable price, Quick Wok is located at 10175 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA 92128 and they can be reached at (858) 592-7770. If you’re in the area, you can also use Door Dash to have their full menu delivered to your door!

Cheers!

Hot & Sour Soup

The Sesame Chicken was amazing!

My sister had the House Special Beef and she loved it!

The kids love dumplings, so each ordered the Fried Pot Stickers. With a side of rice, it was a perfectly sized meal for each of them!

Our entire meal as pictured, with four drinks came to $35!

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to patronize a business at Rancho Carmel Plaza. Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(All photos taken by Rholnna Jiao)

The Latest From LEGOLAND® – Splash Out to Summer 2017!

It’s getting hot here in San Diego, and what better way than to cool off at LEGOLAND’S® Water Park in Carlsbad! A couple of months ago, my sister and I got to spend the day there with the kids to kick off their “Splash Out To Summer”. In addition to the festivities, we also got to see behind the scenes during the construction of their newest attraction, Surfers’ Cove. We captured all of the fun we had that day, and I’ll be sure to post when Surfers’ Cove officially opens!

A very early morning at LEGOLAND®!

(This image courtesy of LEGOLAND®)

While I stayed with the kids at the Water Park, my sister got to tour the area where Surfers’ Cove was being built.

This area is near where the entrance would be to Surfers’ Cove and the blue platform area will become the Surfers’ Ride. There will also be a Beach Street Taco stand, and we got the chance to sample what will be offered. Pictured below is a delicious fish taco!

A fun little gift pack; I’m excited to finally have a waterproof carrier for my phone!

(Most pictures taken by Rholnna Jiao & Cy Chen, unless otherwise noted)

Where The West Is Fun: The San Diego Country Fair 2017

The beginning of June also signals an annual family tradition: The San Diego County Fair! This year’s theme is “Where The West Is Fun”, but isn’t a fair always fun? The sights, the sounds, the smells of The San Diego County Fair all let you know the start of the summer is here and it all just takes me back to when I attended the fair with my sister and parents, known as The Del Mar Fair when I was younger. Now, my husband and I take Dominic every year because I want him to also grow up with the same wonderful memories of The San Diego County Fair. We attended The Fair recently, and you still have time to enjoy all that The Fair has to offer. It runs from June 2 to July 4, and all ticket information can be found here. A way to save and get the best “bang for your buck” at The Fair would be to buy the “Passport to Savings” coupon book (either at The Fair or online), sponsored by Albertsons and Vons. It’s only $5 and comes with a free San Diego County Fair admission return ticket ($18 value), plus one of the coupons is for a free Souvenir Cup with purchase from one of the food vendors, Fresh Pretzels. The cup is refillable throughout the time of the fair, which is only $2.60 each refill! We buy it every year because it’s filled with amazing savings at vendors all over The Fair, but hang on to it because the savings can be extended to outside The Fair to places like 7-Eleven, Broken Yolk and California Sock Company!

Cheers and happy trails!

THINGS TO DO & THINGS TO BUY

The Garden Show

The O’Brien Stage

There is plenty of entertainment at The Fair at various stages throughout the fairgrounds. A full schedule of the remaining entertainment can be found here:

Entertainment at The San Diego County Fair

Bing Crosby Hall

The Bing Crosby Hall is one of several exhibition halls, perfect for shopping for those uncommon goods!

I’ve always wanted a nesting doll, and now I have one thanks to Russian Souvenirs!

My newest pin and Dominic’s newest spinner

THE FUN ZONE

Dominic’s absolute favorite ride, hands down. My husband and son ride it every year!

THE FOOD!

All Dominic wanted was the waffle from Chicken Charlie’s, but Deon and I opted to use the Fresh Pretzels coupon to get some fabulous food and a souvenir cup!

Of course I would buy a dessert involving cheesecake dipped in batter and fried!

The last bite of the day: Bacon wrapped deep fried jalapeno poppers!

Dominic ending the day with the frog he won at The Fun Zone and a final drink from our refillable Souvenir Cup

Thank you San Diego County Fair for another wonderful season! Until next year!

FTC Disclosure: I received complementary media passes to enjoy the San Diego County Fair. Although I did receive complementary passes, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

On Birthdays, We Wear Pink!

Before the month ends, I wanted to put up pictures of when my sister and I went out for my birthday earlier this month. We both have Monday’s off, and my birthday was on May 8th, which fell on a Monday this year. Since my husband was working and our son was in school, my sister and I went on a mini-adventure in the Irvine area. I’ll split our trip up into two parts, which was what I wore, and what we ate!

Birthday Adventure 2017: THE OUTFIT

I bought two things from the Victoria Beckham for Target line: The Blush Floral Jacquard Bomber Jacket and the Black Collared Dress, which I’ll be wearing in another outfit post (pictured above). It was fitting that we visited the Hello Kitty Cafe on our way home, because pink was the order of the day, and who wears it better than Hello Kitty! I wore the jacket very casually with black jeans and a white t-shirt, but jazzed it up a bit with a pom-pom necklace, metallic sneakers, and of course…pink pins!

Outfit: Blush Jacquard Bomber Jacket by Victoria Beckham for Target (no longer available online); The Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee by Everlane; Michael Kors purse (older, no longer available); Jeans and Leather Eyes Bag Tag by Madewell

Pom-Pom necklace purchased at Vocabulary Boutique; Chic” pin by Pin Drop; “Just Another Tweenage Dirtbag” pin by Pretty Nobody Co.; “George Michael” pin by Bang-Up Betty

Breakpoint Metallic Canvas sneakers by Converse

Birthday Adventure 2017: THE FOOD

Our food adventure began at Burntzilla (menu here) and ended at Stax Cookie Bar (we didn’t actually eat at Hello Kitty Cafe).

Burntzilla is a brick & mortar cafe, combining two of Orange County’s popular food trucks: Burnt Truck and Dogzilla. We originally had other plans to visit a place that served specialty tater tots, but unfortunately it was closed on Mondays. Since I was in the mood for tater tots in any form, I searched “tater tots Anaheim”, and Burntzilla came up (although the location is in the Irvine area). I love a good slider, so the menu was appealing because it had different variations on sliders and mini-hot dogs.

The folks at Burntzilla generously gave me a complimentary Golden Combo for my birthday! The Golden Combo is a great deal because you can get two Sliders or Zillas (or one of each), with a soda and naked side. Along with the tots, I had the Yaki Zilla (hot dog) and the Sloppy Joe Slider. Both were amazing and the tots made my meal perfect!

My sister also had the Golden Combo, but had the Dogzilla, Cheeseburger Slider and fries, since I had the tots.

For dessert, we wanted something out of the ordinary. On the fly, my sister hit the dessert jackpot in her search while we were literally on the road, and found Stax Cookie Bar, right across the street from UC Irvine. Based on the pictures below, you’ll see why!

This is the Smookie. Stax has a variety of filled cookies to choose from, and you can top it any way you desire. Since it was my birthday, I had the Snickerdoodle cookie (filled with Nutella) topped with birthday cake ice cream and caramel sauce. I can’t even begin to describe how decadent it was!

On the left is the Bacon Chocolate Chip Creamrito, which my sister attempted to get through. The Creamrito is rolled ice cream wrapped around more ice cream and other yummy fillings. This truly is a two-person dessert, and we do plan on coming back up and doing it justice because it was quite delicious. On the right, is the famous “Waffle Shot” by Zia Valentina. I had my first one at The Grove, but the one I had at Stax was espresso with ice cream at the bottom of the shot. Yes, it was as good as it sounds!

I had a great time on this mini-food adventure with my sister, who gifted me with several new pins, because well, she’s my sister and knows what I love! Thank you Rholnna for spending my birthday with me, and here’s to more foodie adventures to come. Cheers!

Premier Sports & Pub Grub at Phileas Fogg’s in Sabre Springs Plaza!

Having been to London three times (and counting), I have a great love of pubs. I love the sports fueled atmosphere, the camaraderie, and especially the food, affectionately known as pub grub. Recently, my sister and I had lunch at a great little pub located at Sabre Springs Plaza called Phileas Fogg’s Bar & Restaurant. They were voted “San Diego’s Best” three years in a row, and by the experience we had, we could see why. Right when I walked in, I felt like I entered a pub in London, soccer prominent at every turn, even on the ceiling!

The food was just as wonderful as the atmosphere, reminding me of England on one hand, as well as making me feel right at home. Their menu ranges from traditional British fare, to Asian and Mexican. I had the Bangers & Mash with brown gravy and onions, and my sister had the fish tacos, along with her favorite appetizer, poutine fries. We finished off our afternoon with bread pudding and banana fritters with ice cream for dessert. It’s good to know that I can have delicious pub grub right in my own backyard!

If you would like to indulge in some pub grub while catching your favorite football club on the telly, Phileas Fogg’s Bar & Restaurant is located at 11385 Poway Road, #100 San Diego, CA 92128 and they can be reached at (858) 486-4442. Cheers!

Football (NFL) & more football (soccer)? Why yes! Plus, take a look at that ceiling and the amount of jerseys and flags; I spotted Manchester United straight away!

Above: Bangers & Mash; Poutine Fries

Below: Fish tacos

Above: Banana fritters with ice cream

Below: Bread pudding with white chocolate chips and caramel

Pub grub just the way I love it!

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to patronize a business at Sabre Springs Plaza. Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(Most photos taken by Rholnna Jiao)

Grand Opening: Double Happiness Jewelry & Home

I apologize for the lack of posts lately! Sometime life happens and we all get caught up, which has happened these last two weeks! But I promise to be posting more regularly, as I’ve been attending several events and have been taking outfit posts with my sister during my new days off. In the meantime, I wanted my first catch up post to be about this wonderful new kiosk that opened up at Liberty Public Market called Double Happiness Jewelry.

Stephanie Wells, jewelry designer and author of The Earring Style Book, brings her gorgeous creations locally to Liberty Public Market and has expanded her line to include “Wall Jewelry” and home accessories. I had the pleasure of attending their grand opening, which was busy from when I got there to when I left! Good luck to Stephanie and her new venture, and you’ll be seeing more of her beautiful jewelry and home designs here!

Yummy chocolates shaped like gems by Mission Heights Chocolates!

Delicious Chimney Cakes were provided by Mia Sorella

I bought this fantastic silver ring, but I think I also want it in gold!

Thank you to Daisy Mae PR for inviting me to celebrate the Double Happiness Jewelry and Home grand opening!

“Mangia Mangia” at Bongiorno’s Pizza in Poway Valley Center!

Hometown eateries are always a great find because they’re like hidden gems. My sister and I have been discovering fun places to eat up near where she lives in Rancho Bernardo, and Bongiorno’s Pizza in the Poway Valley Center is a tasty and affordable choice for Italian cuisine. Our entire lunch meal, which included our main dishes with garlic knots, drinks and dessert only came to $29! There were so many great choices, which solidifies a return trip with our families!

If you would like a great and affordable Italian dining experience, Bongiorno’s Pizza is located at 13332 Poway Road, Poway CA 92064 and they can be reached at (858) 679-3278. They also do deliveries within 5 miles. Cheers!

Bongiorno’s has a cozy feel, with lots of pictures of New York. Isn’t that pizza clock awesome?

I had the spaghetti with meat sauce, and my sister had the baked ziti. Both were really good, and we loved the garlic knots!

“Leave the gun, take the cannoli…”

This is absolutely one of the best deals at Bongiorno’s: the Dough Bites. They are deep fried dough rolled in powdered sugar, and come in a small pizza box. The entire box was only $4.99 and so great hot and right out of the box!

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to patronize a business at Poway Valley Center. Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(Most photos by Rholnna Jiao)

The Latest From LEGOLAND® – The LEGO® STAR WARS™: THE FORCE AWAKENS Miniland Model Display

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that the longest LEGO^® STAR WARS™ Miniland model ever built was just unveiled last week at LEGOLAND® California. LEGOLAND® bloggers got a sneak peek at the media preview a couple of weeks ago. My sister and I brought the kids to partake in the fun!

Sarah Michelle-Gellar, best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer but is currently the voice of Seventh Sister in Star Wars Rebels, was on hand to help the young guests “power up” the display with their light sabers!

The detail was simply amazing!

Have I mentioned my love for themed food? There was plenty of snacks on hand to feed the young Padawans!

I think Mei-Lin and Dominic had fun, don’t you?

KUSI’s Brandi Williams was on hand to interview Julie Estrada, Media Contact at LEGOLAND®

We then got to meet Brandi and she was so sweet! She took pictures with us and let the kids hold her KUSI microphone!

Imagine my surprise to see myself and the kids as part of the media kit that went out to everyone after the preview night!

(This image courtesy of LEGOLAND®)

Thank you LEGOLAND® for a wonderful night and for the gifts for the kids. Congratulations on your new LEGO^®Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display!

(Most pictures taken by Rholnna Jiao, unless otherwise noted)

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