Any Second Now

How I Got My Feet Summer Ready With The Emjoi Micro-Pedi!

I love when a product review falls in line with something I’ve been wanting to try! As I’ve gotten older, I find that the heels of my feet tend to get dry and become calloused more quickly than when I was younger. I used to get pedicures at least twice a month, but our family weekends have been so busy lately and I know Dominic would rather watch a movie or go do something other than wait for mama at a nail salon. I have been giving myself pedicures at home in the evening, but in order to continue to get that just-from-the-salon feel for my feet, I really needed something between the “egg-shaped” foot file I already had and a pricey electronic one. So of course I was delighted when I received the opportunity to review the Emjoi Micro-Pedi!

The Emjoi Micro-Pedi is battery operated (takes two AA batteries). I’m only showing my use of it on one side of my foot for this review because it truly has been awhile since I’ve taken care of my feet properly, so they are not in the best condition to photograph. But it definitely does what it’s supposed to do and because the rollers spin 360 degrees, it gets to all the places I just couldn’t get to with my manual foot file, especially the callous on the balls of my feet. Since it’s so easy to use and take care of (it comes with a little cleaning brush), I can use it often and get my feet back to where I want them to be, especially with sandal season coming up this summer!

Click this link to purchase your own Emjoi Micro-Pedi at $39.95 (batteries not included). Be sure to check out Emjoi’s other great products to help you build your own salon at home!

FTC Disclosure: I received product from Lipton Publicity and was asked to review the product in return. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Foodie Fest Encinitas is Tomorrow!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! I’ve been quite busy trying to fit everything in and I’m finally getting around to doing some product reviews and concert posts (in fact, I’m going to see The Cure tonight). Before I do, I wanted to share pictures from a wonderful event I attended with my good friend Angi last week, which was the Discover SD Foodie Fest Media Party. It was a preview of Foodie Fest Encinitas, happening tomorrow. At the preview, we got to sample a nice little selection of the vendors that will be there, and the event included tunes by The Fab Lushes and a fun little photo booth. Thank you to Tiffany of Delicious Buzz for the invite, and you can find information about the event below. Did I mention Angi won us tickets to KAABOO?!

Cheers and have a great weekend!

Foodie Fest Encinitas

When: Saturday May 21, 2016

Time: 11am to 4pm

Where: The Lumberyard Encinitas

Buy tickets here!

Delicious Kombucha by Living Tea Brewing Co. Loved the blood orange tea. Refreshing!

Favorite main dishes & appetizers of the night: Poke by Mission Avenue Bar and Grill; Vella Cheese Company Dry Monterey Jack Cheese from Gourmet Culinary; Deviled eggs by Local Tap House; Bacon wrapped pork belly drizzled in honey by Barrel Republic; Pork bahn mi by Frazier Farms Market. Yum!

Ah-mazing dessert dishes by Bistro West & delicious caramel by Cheryl’s Caramels!

The Fab Lushes!

Fun at the photo booth!

Angi had the winning raffle ticket for 2 passes to KAABOO! We’re going on Saturday September 17!

The Coupon Club: A New Monthly Feature!

I’ve got some great news for those of you who live in the San Diego area: I’m happy to announce that I’m going to be sharing monthly promotions with you from the following strip malls: Sabre Springs Plaza, Rancho Carmel Plaza and Poway Valley Center. It will be a part of a new feature called The Coupon Club, which will include these coupons and other deals I can find. I had something similar to this previously called “Deal of the Day”, but since I’ll be sharing these coupons over a span of time, it made more sense to encompass deals throughout any given month.

Here are the coupons for this month, and I’ll also be posting this on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, so be on the look out for more monthly deals!

Poway Valley Center

Rancho Carmel Plaza

Sabre Springs Plaza

Festival of my Dreams!

Coachella marks the beginning of “Festival Season”, and I know I’ve seen the fashion inspiration pretty much everywhere! I’ve thought about this for quite sometime: what would my dream festival be? Who would be in my line-up? I actually have made several lists in my head before, and they almost always turn out to be some kind of Rewind Festival, to which I’ve already gone to (my first post about it here, and my actual experience here). But I know my tastes go beyond the 80s, and with some inspiration from TickPick, I thought about how much fun would it be to include not just my favorites, but those of my husband and son, plus make it fun for all of my friends and family to attend. Honestly, my list ended up being 30 artists long, but I’ve narrowed it down to what I think became an eclectic mix of 10 artists, which is a combination of favorite acts, spanning several genres. My top three are intentional, based on my all time favorite band, a band my husband is just chomping at the bit to see, and our son’s favorite band. The rest is in no particular order, but includes some wants. If I could turn back time, my list would have included David Bowie and Prince, but alas, that is not to be. But how simply awesome is the graphic created by TickPick (who, by the way, is a great resource if you’re interested in finding Concert tickets, NFL tickets and more)?! It almost makes me want to contact someone, anyone, to actually make my Fauxchella happen!

Who would you pick for your ultimate festival? Let me know in the comments, and here’s why I chose my top 10. Cheers!

Depeche Mode: That was a given (too many posts about them on this blog, but see my review of their Delta Machine Tour here). If their line up could include Dave, Martin, Andy along with Alan and Vince, I think I would just have to drop the mic.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: A band that my husband absolutely wants to see, sometime in this lifetime.

Imagine Dragons: Our son’s favorite band. He knows their lyrics better than we do, and don’t even question him about which song is on which album. He schooled me once, and it was embarrasing…did I mention he’s seven? We took him to see them last year, and it solidified his fandom.

Metallica: Another of my hubby’s favorite. He’s seen them live previously, but would not mind seeing them again.

Duran Duran: They were my first favorite British band, until Depeche Mode stole that title from them. But I still adore them and they produce great music to this day, and are fantastic live (post here).

Bruno Mars: He is a spectacular entertainer and musician. My husband and I saw him two years ago (review here), and it was so good.

Snoop Dogg: Because I just want to see him. Do I need a reason?

Q-Tip: I cannot believe I’ve never seen A Tribe Called Quest in concert (but I did a post about them here). Now that Phife Dog has passed, I know I will never have that chance. But Q-Tip has done some solo work, so I hope I get to see him someday.

Maroon 5: I have been watching Maroon 5 for years because they opened for Guster and John Mayer before heading out on their own. I then went to see a headlining tour with my best friend once a few years ago, and I think she would enjoy meeting them, especially Adam. I have met them before (picture here), this was ages ago.

Chromeo: I thought about a DJ to round out my line-up, and then I realized that Chormeo both DJ as well as perform their own songs! My husband and I have seen them before (post here), and we would see them again in a heartbeat.

The Latest From LEGOLAND®: NINJAGO World & NINJAGO The Ride Now Open!

Today, NINJAGO World and NINJAGO The Ride are open at LEGOLAND®! As a LEGOLAND® blogger, I’ve got some exclusive pictures of when Dominic, my sister and I attended the media preview last week, including the press preview video (you may see some familiar faces). Before you become a master of Spinjitzu, you can hone your skills at Zane’s Temple Build, Kai’s Spinners, Cole’s Rock Climb, Jay’s Lightning Drill and present all of what you learned on NINJAGO The Ride! NINJAGO The Ride is a 4D experience, allowing you to take direct action in the ride to determine the outcome. Please enjoy the pictures and I hope you get out to LEGOLAND® to visit NINJAGO World and try out NINJAGO The Ride!

The food at the new Ninja Kitchen was fantastic. I highly recommend the Bao Buns (pictured on the left)!

Dominic is ready for the festivities!

Such an action packed opening ceremony. I think the Ninjago ninjas have found a new recruit, Dominic is a natural!

Like my sister, Rholnna, you have to wear 3D classes to enjoy the full effect!

Oh NO, Master Chen is a bad guy?!

We definitely had a lot of fun on NINJAGO The Ride, but we didn’t quite grasp the concept (it was quite overwhelming to experience the whole 4D thing). We figured it out in the end, and we vow to return and better our scores!

Trying to master Kai’s Spinners, with 10 News in the background…no pressure!

Look who else we got to see from the local news world: Brad Perry from KUSI’s Good Morning San Diego! We watch him and the whole crew every morning!

Dominic with Kai at the end of our day. Although it started off a bit wet, the sun eventually came out and we had a great time!

(Most pictures taken by Rholnna Jiao, with some iPhone pictures by yours truly. Press video courtesy of Legoland California.)

Mother’s Day Events at Las Americas & Carlsbad Premium Outlets!

If you still haven’t solidified your plans for Mother’s Day, there are some fun things happening at two of my favorite outlets: Las Americas and Carlsbad Premium Outlets! Both locations will have a “We Love Mom” photo booth and Brand Ambassadors to help you find the perfect gift for mom:

Brand Ambassadors available noon to 4pm

The ambassadors will be interacting with shoppers and handing out Mother’s Day promotional rack cards, which contain additional deals for those in search of special Mother’s Day gifts. Shoppers can also search #foundatsimon on social media for deals and Mother’s Day gift ideas from bloggers in their local community.

Check out additional details below!

Las Americas Premium Outlets

May 6 to May 8, 2016

Moms and shoppers who spend $250 or more, or purchase a Simon gift card for $250 or more will receive a complimentary Mother’s Day Gift!

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

May 6 to May 8, 2016

On Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. guests can treat mom to a fun, fashion-focused experience where shoppers can enjoy makeup application tutorials, and retailer product displays showcasing gift ideas for the extra special woman of the hour. The soiree will include informal modeling hosted by Under Armour, bra fitting sessions by Jockey, a cooking demo from Le Creuset, jewelry cleaning and inspection from Zales, Wetzel’s Pretzels samples, and a display from Clarks.

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

In the past couple of years, I’ve posted a “Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide” to help those of you who are procrastinators (like me) get through the Christmas holiday. Although I missed Valentine’s Day, I’m going to start putting together some “Last Minute Gift Guides” for other special occasions. Not only will it help me get creative with my own gift giving, but I hope it will help you as well! For this Mother’s Day version, I’ve gathered ideas from stores at Fashion Valley Mall to help with giving your mom (and mine) something unique on her special day!

The “Go-To” Gift

A New Purse – This is a great “go-to” gift because it’s easy and if your mom is like mine, anything practical will do just fine. As I’ve mentioned before, my mom is a big fan of Kipling (2nd floor), so getting her something she will like immediately is a snap. My mom loves backpacks or cross-body purses, and there are so many fun styles and colors to choose from.

Jewelry – This is always a great “go-to” because if you get something your mom loves, you have the pleasure of seeing it on her all the time. I think charm bracelets are wonderful because you can pick out charms that are meaningful to the both of you. If you are not worried about a budget, Tiffany & Co (2nd floor) has gorgeous bracelets and charms in sterling silver, rose gold and gold. If you are looking for more wallet friendly bracelets and charms, Swarovski (2nd floor) has a lovely little selection that will be easier on on your pocketbook.

Quality Time

Day Spa – There are two day spas at Fashion Valley: Carlton Hair (1st floor) and Happy Nails (1st floor). Gift cards are available at both locations to give any mom a wonderful full day of pampering from head to toe!

Brunch and a Movie – Treat your mom to a mid-morning meal and movie, all at Fashion Valley! True Food Kitchen (1st floor) is one of my favorite restaurants there, and they have a healthy and oh-so-delicious brunch menu. Then take her to see a new flick at AMC Fashion Valley 18 (2nd floor), maybe the upcoming Captain America: Civil War?

Bring it on Home

Home Cooked Meal – How about some pampering at home? Either cook something special for mom or get her some new gadgets if she’s the culinary wizard at Williams-Sonoma (2nd floor). I’m a baker myself and there are just so many cool things to find there for anyone who wants to dabble in cookery.

(Pictured: Mother’s Day Cookie Gift Box & Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Bakeware Set from their official website)

New Parking Guidance System

If you’re a regular shopper at Fashion Valley (like me), then I’m sure you’re already aware of this awesome bit of news: The guess work has now been taken out of the parking situation with their new “parking guidance system” that helps inform you of how many spaces are available! This new system is available at all eight of their parking garages (structures A through H).

FTC Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Fashion Valley

Celebrate Children’s Day at Las Americas Premium Outlets this Weekend!

It’s been a busy week of events, but I want to make sure you know about as many as I can post!

In anticipation of Mother’s Day events, Las Americas Premium Outlets has a fun day for the kids this Saturday. Check out all of the information below!

Las Americas Premium Outlets will also be hosting special activities and giveaways for kids in celebration of Children’s Day. On Saturday, April 30, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the center will provide arts and crafts, a clown who will be handing out balloon animals and a chocolate covered treats station with Godiva Chocolatier. Skechers will also be handing out coloring books for kids to take home and enjoy.

For more up-to-date news and events, please follow Las Americas Premium Outlets on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Voodoo Vixen at Unique LA This Saturday!

If you’re going to be in the LA area this weekend, one of my favorite clothing labels, Voodoo Vixen, will have a booth at Unique LA! I love markets like this because you can support local businesses and independent designers, so there’s always something cool to find. Shop for yourself, or maybe shop for Mother’s Day, since it’s right around the corner.

Here’s more information below, directly from the Unique LA website, cheers!

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PEOPLE… Unique Markets create giant pop-up marketplaces that bring modern, independent design to the masses. When you shop at Unique LA you help designers and small businesses grow and become sustainable and support the local economy! Come join the fun and you’ll get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from hundreds of hand-selected designers and artists in one space. Discover our rad creative community, find great deals, be inspired and have a blast with DJs/free drinks/free craft projects, free portraits and more. SHOP LOCAL AT UNIQUE LA!

Cost: $10 at the door (cash only) or skip the line, purchase pre-sale tickets here! (Kids 12 and under are free)

Admission includes these great Amenities & Perks:

Unlimited re-entry all weekend (both Saturday and Sunday)

Free drinks and snacks from GT’s Kombucha, LUNA and Pop Chips

Free DIY craft projects all weekend long

Free photo booth portraits with Oh Snap Studios

Kick up your feet in one of our multiple Lounges

Free gift wrapping – don’t forget Mother’s Day

Where: The Penthouse at California Market Center, 110 East Ninth St.
Hours: 11am-6pm (both Saturday & Sunday)
Parking: There is secure, underground parking at the California Market Center for a $6 flat-rate. There are also numerous outdoor parking lots surrounding the building. We encourage shoppers to carpool, take public transit or Uber.

Designer Vault Showroom Grand Opening April 28th!

I purchase all of my Chanel vintage jewelry from one very specific place: Designer Vault (see one of my favorites here). I’ve gone to a few of their events in the last couple of years (here and here), and I’m excited to share that they will be celebrating the grand opening of their showroom in Carlsbad!

If you would like to join the festivities, here’s the information. Hope to see you there!

Date:

April 28, 2016, 5p – 9p

RSVP by 4/26/16:

[email protected]

Location:

Designer Vault

2734 Loker Avenue W, Suite H | Carlsbad, CA 92010