Monthly Archives: March 2017

Got different badges but they wear them just the same

Pin, buttons, badges: I’ve worn them all! Now, after all these years of wearing them, I find myself heavily embedded in everything having to do with “Pin Culture”. I’ll do a separate post about my love for the soft-enamel pin, but let me introduce you to a small part of my growing collection, as showcased on this awesome denim jacket from GOAT Romasco, an online fashion boutique here in San Diego. I have several denim jackets, but this one is longer and slightly over-sized, which makes it almost like a coat. I wore it over a nice comfy sweater and my new favorite jeans by Pilcro at Anthropologie.

I wasn’t lying when I said that the eighties run deep in me, and it’s fun to bring it forward and mix it in with my current wardrobe. Cheers and have a great weekend!

Outfit: Denim jacket from GOAT Romasco; H&M Sweater; Pilcro jeans from Anthropologie; Miista Val Tex ankle boots (no longer available); Topshop Hat; Cassette Phonecase c/o Bangood

Facing Left: “Love Donuts” by Gypsy Warrior; “Pulsar B1919+21” by Flared Pins; “Star of Bowie” by CSxBS; “Computerwelt” by khonkaklub; “Enjoy the Silence” by Exhumed Visions; “Forgettable” by Ball & Chain Co; “Lunchbox” & “The Black Rose” pins by Hallow Collective

Facing Right: “Brickhead 2Face” by Dead Original; “Turn it up!” by PSDesignCo; “It Wasn’t Just A Phase” by Punky Moms UK; “Series 1 Mix Tape” by Zato Designs; “90s Dream Phone” Laser Kitten; “Atari Joystick” by Pinmart

(All photos taken by Rholnna Jiao. Post title: Lyrics from “Oblivious” by Aztec Camera.)

“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)

Like They Do It In The Factory

As a blogger, we are dared to try new things and new experiences because of the nature of what we do. I have discovered new restaurants, new shops and boutiques, we well as new hair salons through this blogging experience. I discovered Kelly Cardenas Salon because they contacted me to try out their new location in Hillcrest. After they consolidated locations and when my main stylist, Salvador, moved to Las Vegas, I decided to try out a new place through a recent contact in the blogging world. Aaron Lacy is a stylist at theFactory, located in Downtown San Diego. I swear it was Kismet when I walked in and Music For the Masses was playing in its entirety!

Immediately, I loved the industrial-style space of theFactory. It’s very clean, modern and stylish. Once I got settled into the chair, Aaron explained what he had planned for my haircut that day: a simple and sleek bob cut, my favorite hairstyle. Aaron suggested we take my hair back to basics, and took great care to even out any odd layers. Without a doubt, this cut was one of the most precise bobs I’ve ever had. It’s been about a month since I’ve gotten my hair cut, and it’s growing out beautifully!

Thank you Aaron for the amazing cut and the fantastic pictures!

theFactory is located at 1025 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Contact them at (619) 255-6338 to schedule an appointment and please be sure to ask for Aaron!

Outfit: Unknown brand jacket from Wysh Boutique; Mossimo sweater from Target; Free People jeans; Jeffrey Campbell shoes; “Mason” necklace c/o Kendra Scott; rings by Wendy Brandes and Suki Bijoux; Leather jacket pin by Bananna Bones (from Gypsy Warrior), “Space Punk” pin by Major Crimes Division & “It Wasn’t Just A Phase” pin by Punky Moms UK; “Ceremony” Matte Lip Veil by Cryptic Cosmetics

(FTC Disclosure: I was offered a service free of charge as a courtesy, but not necessarily for the purposes of a review. Although I did receive a service free of charge, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.)

(All photos of me were taken by Aaron Lacy. Post title: Lyrics from “Lie To Me” by Depeche Mode.)

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)

The Latest From LEGOLAND®: Dominic’s Birthday at The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days!

As you know, The LEGO^® Batman^™ Movie did extremely well at the theaters this year. In conjunction with its release, LEGOLAND® California celebrated with The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days during the last two weeks in February. LEGOLAND® bloggers were invited to attend one of the weekends, so we decided to turn it into a birthday celebration for Dominic, who turned 8 on February 27th! Being the amazing photographer that she is, my sister skillfully captured all of the festivities at LEGOLAND®. The next day, we took Dominic out for breakfast at his favorite place, followed by The LEGO® Batman™ Movie.

The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days at LEGOLAND® California

My sister, Rholnna, in action!

Mei-Lin & Dominic were ready to take on the Miniland Scavenger Hunt!

Batman^™Mini-figures were hidden with letters throughout Miniland, which spelled out a word. Once the word was unscrambled, participants could enter to win one of two LEGO^® prize packs!

Batman^™ was present EVERYWHERE in places like The Big Shop. Even yours truly got in on the fun!

Mei-Lin & Dominic always have fun, and can find new things to do each time we go to LEGOLAND®. This time, they tried their hands at panning for gold!

Another big part of why we love LEGOLAND® is the amazing food. I always go for the Bao Bun at the Ninja Kitchen in Ninjago® World. The rest of the family feasted on desserts, like goodies from Castle Ice Cream and the Churro Stand at Castle Hill. Here’s a tip: Get the churros with chocolate sauce, you won’t regret it!

Dominic got an awesome XBOX gift card from Auntie Rholnna, Uncle Jeremy and Mei-Lin!

Thanks again LEGOLAND®, Dominic said he had an awesome time!

Dominic’s Birthday

My mom couldn’t make it to LEGOLAND®, so she opted to have breakfast with us at Breakfast Republic Dominic’s actual birthday. I’ve been to the North Park location, and Dominic and I have eaten at the Liberty Station location. Since we live near Downtown, we all ate at the East Village location for his birthday.

Dominic’s favorite meal at Breakfast Republic are the Churro Pancakes!

For his birthday, Dominic was also treated to coffee cake with his favorite fruit: strawberries!

Dominic loved The LEGO® Batman™ Movie so much, this was actually round two for him!

Adore Me Asks: How Do You Netflix & Chill?

Netflix & Chill with Adore Me by any2ndnow

Being out and about is always fun, but sometimes you need a night in to lounge around. Recently, Adore Me (the online lingerie retailer), inspired bloggers to share what we consider to be a good “Netflix & Chill” sort of night. The funny part about it was the timing: my husband was away in Palm Springs at a golf tournament a few weekends ago, which meant a night in on my own. So while our son was in his room playing video games, I hung out in our living room treating myself to my favorite snacks, curled up with a comfy blanket and had a “Netflix Night”! We have been subscribers for a long time, so I ended up watching the 80s cult hit Heathers, an 80s inspired Irish gem called Sing Street and re-watched the last season of the Netflix series starring Jamie Dornan called The Fall.

I know Adore Me has adorable underwear and lingerie that you can purchase through their showroom or through a monthly subscription, but they also have cute sleepwear, which I’m more inclined to wear during a night in. For instance, I usually wear cute pajama bottoms or shorts with my favorite worn-in concert t-shirt from the 80s.

So how do you Netflix & Chill?

Smells Like Global Spirit!

It has finally happened: Depeche Mode announced the American leg of their Global Spirit Tour!

I got my tickets yesterday through a special fan pre-sale where we were given a link on Facebook. It was then up to us increase our chances of getting tickets earlier in the day by purchasing the album or sharing our referral link, where those who clicked on the link allowed the referrer to better their place in the queue. I felt it was successful because it allowed those of us who are truly die-hard fans to get their tickets before the mad rush of the general sale this Friday. I also didn’t have high expectations for my seats because I’ve seen them so many times that I just need to be in the building (if you’re wondering, this tour will make it the 11th time I’ve seen them live). Lawn tickets are an affordable $35, and I will be seeing my Basildon Boys on October 6 with my husband and son!

Depeche Mode Global Spirit Tour – Fall 2017 North American Tour

August 23   Salt Lake City, UT   USANA Amphitheatre
August 25   Denver, CO           Pepsi Center
August 27   Detroit, MI           DTE Energy Music Theatre
August 30   Chicago, IL           Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

September 1       Uncasville, CT       Mohegan Sun Arena
September 3       Toronto, ON           Air Canada Centre
September 5       Montreal, QC       Centre Bell
September 7       Washington, DC       Verizon Center
September 9      New York, NY       Madison Square Garden
September 11   New York, NY       Madison Square Garden
September 13   Tampa, FL           MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 15    Miami, FL           AmericanAirlines Arena
September 18    Nashville, TN       Ascend Amphitheater
September 20   Austin, TX           Austin360 Amphitheatre
September 22   Dallas, TX           Starplex Pavilion
September 24   Houston, TX           Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented
by Huntsman
September 27   Phoenix, AZ           AK-Chin Pavilion
September 30   Las Vegas, NV       T-Mobile Arena

October 2       Santa Barbara, CA   Santa Barbara County Bowl
October 6       San Diego, CA       Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
October 8       San Jose, CA       SAP Center
October 10       Oakland, CA           Oracle Arena
October 12       Los Angeles, CA       Hollywood Bowl
October 14       Los Angeles, CA       Hollywood Bowl
October 21       Seattle, WA           KeyArena
October 23       Portland, OR       Moda Center
October 25       Vancouver, BC       Rogers Arena
October 27       Edmonton, AB       Rogers Place

Modern Map Art: San Diego

I have been working with my husband on enhancing our bedroom since we’ve been married. He got a great start a couple of years ago when he decided to get all of our records in order by putting together shelving and created a wonderful wall space showcasing our love for music and travel. London, Paris and New York are always represented, because it’s so easy to find murals, maps and cityscapes of those major international cities. As much as I love those cities, especially London, I also adore my hometown of San Diego.

This San Diego city street map by Modern Map Art is the perfect way to incorporate my city into our decor, without detracting from the simplicity my husband and I crave. This print comes in four different colors, but this black & white version complements everything in our room, and I love that my hometown is beautifully represented. Pictured is the 16×20 version, but they come in five different sizes from 8×10 to 24×36. Modern Map Art has over 500 renderings of maps from all over the world, so I’m sure you can find one of your favorite city, or maybe for someone special as a gift.

Thank you Modern Map Art for the lovely print. It holds a pride of place in our room!

FTC Disclosure: I received product in exchange for a product review for Modern Map Art. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

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