Monthly Archives: April 2016

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

Dear Prince: Nothing Compares 2 U

How can this be? How can another musical icon’s time end so soon? I feel like I just got over David Bowie’s untimely passing, and now Prince. The sting of someone so influential and so unique is definitely something I’m feeling on a level I never thought I’d feel. Is it because this is yet another missed opportunity to see a musical great live? Is it because Prince was merely 57 years old and performed a show just last week? It’s all so overwhelming and confusing, and scary at the same time. There is a growing list of icons leaving Planet Earth in 2016, and it’s only April.

Prince was like Bowie: A controversial musical genius and fashion icon. He did what he wanted (including changing his name to a symbol), and fans loved every minute of it. Prince’s music crossed genres in so many ways from R&B to pop to rock. All in all, most will agree: his music was just plain good. An early Prince memory was a bus ride home from Disneyland when I was in the 8th grade, singing songs from the radio. One song we went back to over and over was “Little Red Corvette”. I wasn’t truly aware of what it all meant, I just knew it was a great song.

Since I’m still trying to process the news, I’ll just post about how Prince influenced my fledgling dreams of being a rock star when I was a teen:

I wrote a couple of songs when I was in junior high and high school. I fancied myself to be like Depeche Mode, making the keyboard my instrument of choice. My first one was a Casio, which I chose as a Christmas present. I would set up a mock recording studio in the privacy of my bedroom with a tape deck and a microphone. I finished my first recorded song and presented it live in one of my English classes my senior year. I recall being scared out of my wits because I was not only performing live in front of my friends, but I was putting my creative soul out there for judgement. It went very well, and my friends were so supportive.

In my first few years of college, I wrote many songs, but recorded only one demo. I wrote a song called “Destiny’s Arms”, which was a duet ballad. It was inspired by “The Arms of Orion” by Prince from the 1989 Batman soundtrack, also a duet with Sheena Easton. I love the idea love prevailing above all, no matter where, when, time or space. I recorded “Destiny’s Arms” with one of my former teachers in his mini-home studio over the period of about a month. I even sent the demo tape and lyrics to be copyrighted at the Library of Congress. I never sent my demo anywhere, but in hindsight, I wish I had sent it to Prince. I don’t know if he would have ever responded, since it was a basic little love song. But I wish I had sent it just so he knew that a 19-year-old kid in San Diego found inspiration from one of his works of art.

Farewell dear Prince, rest in peace.

In the heart of a sleepless moon
I’ll be with you forever
This is my destiny
‘Till my life is through

The Arms of Orion by Prince

(Top image from my personal collection)

Spring Fling x Love Tatum This Weekend!

Love Tatum Jewelry will have a pop-up shop at the Girl on The Go Spring Fling Event this Saturday April 23rd! There will be a lot of fun things happening, including free swag bags for the first 25 attendees. What a great way to end a Saturday night!

(From the Girl on the Go website)

RETAIL POP-UP SHOPS

Love Tatum | One of a kind jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings and cuffs

Style on the Go | The latest fashion and accessories for women and men

Good Life | Nutrition expert passionate about clean beauty products, self-care, and holistic healing

AsiiaByCara | Made by scratch soy-wax candles, body oils, and room mists

DELICIOUS FOOD & DRINK

Open bar with season cocktails, wine, and local beer

Marcel Belgium Waffle Truck | For purchase, delicious waffle goodness

COMPLIMENTARY SPA SERVICES

Enjoy a free polish change (must not have shellac or acrylics on), chair massage, skincare consultation, and live massage demo

Learn about and try our skincare and make-up product lines

MORE FUN STUFF

Photo Booth!

Music!

Raffle & Giveaways!

FREE SWAG BAG FULL OF GOODIES FOR THE FIRST 25 ATTENDEES!!

Record Store Day 2016 Is This Weekend!

10269461_10154080637560276_6252262966999318565_n

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? Record Store Day is upon us on April 16th, and I’ve made my choices for what I want (see below from The List). I’m still thinking about whether or not to go to more than one location, but I guess I’ll decide when the day comes.

Let me know if you’re doing Record Store Day and what you’re looking forward to in the comments below!

RSD EXCLUSIVE RELEASE

A-Ha

Hits South America

Format: 12″ Vinyl

David Bowie

I Dig Everything – The Pye Singles 1966

Format: 12″ Vinyl

The Man Who Sold The World

Format: 12″ Picture Disc

TVC15

Format: 7″ Picture Disc

Buzzcocks

More Product in a Different Compilation: Best of the United Artists Recordings

Format: 2 x LP

Death Cab For Cutie

“Tractor Rape Chain”/”Black Sun”

Format: 7″ Vinyl

Deftones

B-Sides & Rarities

Format: 2 x LP

Carl Douglas

“Kung Fu Fighting”

Format: 7″ Vinyl

Frankie Goes To Hollywood

Rage Hard

Format: 12″ Colored Vinyl

Madonna

Like A Virgin & Other Hits

Format: 12″ Colored Vinyl

The Monkees

“Saturday’s Child”/”You Just May Be The One”

Format: 7″ Picture Disc

Sex Pistols

Never Mind The Bollocks Here’s The Sex Pistols

Format: 12″ Picture Disc

Simple Minds

Big Music Tour 2015

Format: 2 x LP

Soundtrack

Star Wars: The Force Awakens “March of the Resistance b/w Rey’s Theme” (Millennium Falcon)

Format: 10″ Picture Disc

Joe Strummer

Gangsterville: IMPORT

Format: 12″ Vinyl

Talking Heads/Echosmith

“This Must Be The Place”

Format: 7″ Vinyl

Various Artists

Disney Favorite Songs

Format: LP

Various Artists

Judgment Night (Soundtrack)

Format: LP

RSD LIMITED RUN / REGIONAL FOCUS RELEASE

Hello Kitty

Hello World

Format: 12″ Picture Disc

‘RSD FIRST’ RELEASE

Ramones

“Judy Is A Punk”

Format: 7″ Vinyl

The Latest From LEGOLAND®: Strike a Ninja Pose!

In celebration of the new Ninjago World and Ninjago The Ride at LEGOLAND®, you can win a Family 4-Pack of tickets simply by striking a Ninja pose!

Here’s how to enter, and remember, be creative and show everyone your inner-Ninja!

Facebook: Login to Facebook and use our Photo Submission App on our Page to share your photo. Or compose a new Facebook Timeline post on the LEGOLAND California Page and include the hashtags #LEGOLANDCA and #NINJAGOWorld with your photo.

Twitter/Instagram: Post your photo on Twitter or Instagram that the hashtags #LEGOLANDCA and #NINJAGOWorld

Checking Out The Carlsbad Flower Fields & Premium Outlets

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I have been spending a lot of time up in Carlsbad lately. Although I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life, I rarely got the chance to get to know the North County because when I was younger, it always seemed so far away. That has definitely changed, and I was recently invited as a blogger to re-explore a couple of my favorite places in Carlsbad during a media day: The Flower Fields and The Premium Outlets. I remember once going to The Flower Fields with my dad because he was such a plantsman. Then I went a few times after, most recently last year (post here). But this was the first time I actually rode the tractor and toured the entire grounds of The Flower Fields in-depth, really learning about the family behind the beautiful gardens. The Ecke Family currently owns the land and we had the pleasure of Paul Ecke III giving us the tour of his family’s farm. There really is so much more to explore at The Flower Fields, as you can see in the pictures below. The Flower Fields will be open until May 8, and you can purchase tickets here.

After exploring The Flower Fields, bloggers were treated to lunch at Blaze Pizza, then toured the Carlsbad Premium Outlets with Terri Mannes, General Manager and Janissa Reyes, Director of Marketing and Business Development, both of Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Thank you to Noelle of Curator PR for the invite and to everyone at The Flower Fields and The Premium Outlets for a fun-filled day of exploring and shopping!

Fun Facts about The Flower Fields:

– There are over 70 million flowers!

– Most of the flowers in the main field are ranunculus, also known as the Persian Buttercup.

– Ranunculus are native to Asia and are normally a cold season plant.

– The seeds are kept in a 32 degrees cooler, then planted.

Our souvenir bouquets of beautiful ranunculus to take home!

Paul Ecke III mentioned they purchased all of the pieces in their Santa’s Playground from the original Santa’s Village in Arrowhead. He had a bidding war with Paul Rubens (aka Pee Wee Herman) on one of the mushrooms!

Being silly with Laura of Laura Neuzeth at Santa’s Playground!

In addition to Santa’s Playground, kids can pan for treasures at The Carlsbad Mining Co!

We didn’t get a chance to try it, but I want to come back with my husband and son to take on the Sweet Pea Maze!

Events can be held at Ecke Family Barn, which has an additional seating area for an outdoor affair!

The Ecke Family are known for their poinsettia, grown beautifully in their greenhouse.

I’m sure it’s the influence of my dad, but orchids are one of my favorite flowers, and The Cymbidium Orchids Greenhouse had some gorgeous ones that I’m sure my father would have loved!

My humble attempt at emulating Anton Corbijn’s photographic style (blurry forefront, clear background).

Paul Ecke III, Angelica Banales of IMW Agency and grower Jess Williams of Mellano & Company, our hosts and tour guides at The Flower Fields.

Lunch c/o Blaze Pizza, which makes artisan pizzas from their established menu or you can have them create a custom pizza from their selection of toppings. That blood orange lemonade is fantastic!

(Photo courtesy of Carlsbad Premium Outlets’ Twitter page)

All of the bloggers who attended that day, including some of my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers!

Somehow I always end up at Kate Spade when I shop at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets!

This was an awesome goodie bag!

(All photos taken by me, except where noted)

FTC Disclosure: Bloggers were treated to a tour of The Flower Fields, and we received a gift card as a courtesy to enjoy the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, but not as compensation for this post. Although I did receive a gift card, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this:

RETAIL POP-UP SHOPS

DELICIOUS FOOD & DRINK

COMPLIMENTARY SPA SERVICES

MORE FUN STUFF

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this: