Tag Archives: blogger

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)

Silly Rabbit

As mentioned in my previous post, I purchased two Victoria Beckham items at Target: a bomber jacket and a dress. I purchased a black shirt dress with a white-collar and white cuffs by Glamorous back in 2013 that I wore to Fashion Week San Diego (post here) . Unfortunately, I followed the wash instructions incorrectly and I damaged the collar and cuffs. Since then, I have been on the hunt for something similar. When I saw the Black Collared Dress from the Victoria Beckham for Target collection, I knew I had found the one. It is extremely well made and fits perfectly, skimming my body without being too tight. The rabbit details are more charming than cutesy, giving it a very vintage feel, which is why it was perfect that we did a photo shoot in South Park at Bad Madge, one of my favorite vintage stores in San Diego. A big plus: the dress is machine washable, and came out just as perfect as when I bought it!

Inside Bad Madge. I was going to buy that cape, and let them know I was coming back for it. I haven’t gone back yet, but I’m hoping it’s still there!

I just HAD to take a picture with this sign outside Thee Inglorious Blacktree Barbaria. Nothing like truth in advertising!

Outfit: Black Collared Dress by Victoria Beckham for Target (no longer available online); Miista “Eva” pumps (no longer available); BCBG purse (from the outlet store); Kate Spade bracelet & earrings (no longer available); Tights c/o Berkshire at eberkshire.com; Savannah Animal Print Frames c/o Select Specs

(All photos by Rholnna Jiao)

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!

Give Mom the Gift of Kipling!

Kipling at Fashion Valley celebrates Mother’s Day with ways to show your appreciation for that extraordinary woman in your life! Whether that special mom is adventurous, super, new or stylish, Kipling has what you need to find that perfect gift. And in honor of Mother’s Day, select items will be 25% off!

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know Kipling is my mom’s favorite brand and she would probably adore anything we find for her, but I personally love the new Louna Vegan Leather Saddle Bag in black.

I’d like to wish all my fellow mums a wonderful and blessed Mother’s Day, cheers!

(Photos c/o Kipling Fashion Valley)

Review: Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers for the Emjoi Micro-Pedi

Last year, I reviewed the Emjoi Micro-Pedi as I got my feet ready for summer sandals and strappy heels (post here). Recently, I received an awesome add-on accessory: Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers! These rollers are amazing at smoothing out the roughest part of my feet, which are my heels and calluses that develop at the balls of my feet. After working on those parts of my feet, I then switched to the regular rollers to completely smooth out my feet all over. With the Micro-Pedi, I’ve got all I need to give myself a complete pedicure at home!

I also asked my sister to give me her thoughts on the Micro-Pedi, because I’ve been talking it up so much that she wanted to try it herself. But to really test it out, she had her husband try it, and they’re so glad they did!

As I read the instructions on how to use the Micro-Pedi, I asked my husband if I can try it on him, since his feet are a little rougher than mine. I told him that I had to wash and dry his feet first. He was willing and ready to! As I started using the Micro-Pedi on his feet it was very simple and easy to maneuver around. When I finished with both of his feet, I definitely felt the smoothness of his skin. He even said, “Very smooth!”. Once we were done, I read on how to clean the Micro-Pedi. It is very easy to take the roller out with one push of a button, then cleaning it with the brush. Finally placing it back in was also easy and simple. Overall the Micro-Pedi by Emjoi is a very simple little machine to use for both men and women.

– Rholnna Jiao

If you would like to purchase the Micro-Pedi and the Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers, click on the links below:

The Micro-Pedi by Emjoi – https://emjoi.com/Store/Products/AP-3RP ($39.95)

The Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers – https://emjoi.com/Store/Products/AP-3RPX/ ($19.95 for a two-pack)

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.

Pardon The Interruption: Pining For Pins!

I’m so sorry my posting schedule has been a bit off lately. My work schedule at my new job is a bit out of the norm, and I’m really trying to get used to a Tuesday through Saturday shift, with Sunday and Monday being my weekend. Such as the life of a call center supervisor! Even with all of the chaos it has created in my mind, it has allowed me to hang out with my sister a bit more, so I can do more outfit posts on a regular basis. I’ll be putting up a catch up post soon of events I’ve attended in the last few months, along with some product reviews.

In the meantime, please enjoy the glory that is the jacket containing 25 pins I recently won in a contest held by Pinlord on Instagram (original picture on my Instagram here)! My collection has risen to over 100 pins and is growing each month. One of my catch up posts will be about my first pin event that I attended with my sister, niece and son back in March. You can start to see the build up of my newest obsession that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon!

In the meantime, pardon again for the interruption and hope you’re having a great week, cheers!