Saturday, July 30, 2016

Quality Wood Keepsake Cremation Box #qualitywoodurns


Quality Wood Keepsake Cremation Box #qualitywoodurns
This light brown decorative wood urn really is unique and pretty. However, I ordered the small one and it was a tad too small to serve as an urn. Also the slide bottom is very loose and flies open when I pick up the box. If you were to use this as a cremation box, you would have to glue it shut.

However, Oma plans on using this hand carved container to store her favorite knickknacks. I love how this distinctive engraved vessel looks displayed on my night stand.



Product Description



Our quality hand carved rosewood adult urn is one of our most popular wood urns we sell. The details are finely carved by artisans who take pride in their work and you will not find any other hand carved urn of quality and value.
Quality Wood Keepsake Cremation Box #qualitywoodurns

About the Product

  • Hand carved by artisans
  • Made from beautiful rosewood
  • Dimensions: 5" x 3" x 2"
  • Capacity: 10 cu. in.
  • Elegant design






Quality Wood Keepsake Cremation Box #qualitywoodurns







Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Thursday, July 28, 2016

It’s Election Time, And I’m Confused

Below is an amazing simple to understand explanation of what is occurring in my beloved America.  It was written by my Auntie, Marlene K. Smith. She proudly served as the Cumberland Town Council president in the 1980s.


It’s election time, and I’m confused. Many of us remember I Love Lucy’s “Vitameatavegamin” salesgirl. I think I’m a “conserva-popu-liber-xeno-nation-global” girl.

I believe in capitalism and I believe in welfare but I don’t believe families should be on welfare for generations or women have multiple pregnancies at taxpayers’ expense. I’m a fairly regular churchgoer, but under certain strict circumstances, I believe a woman should have the right to decide to terminate a pregnancy.

I believe in gay marriage. Whether by birth or by choice, persons’ sexual behavior or choices are between a loving Creator and themselves….period.

I believe in fiscal responsibility. I am frightened by the enormous deficit this country continues to ignore and blame on wars supported by both parties. Neither party seems to have done much to stop the deficit clock from ticking.

I believe in legal immigration. I believe illegal immigration should be treated for what it is: a deliberate attempt to “cut the line.” Call it whatever you wish, blame whomever you wish and rationalize it however you may, it remains wrong.

I love my country, but realize we have made many errors particularly in our treatment of Native Americans and Asian and African Americans. But I know that other countries, with the exception of Alexander the Great, seldom did any better in their treatment of minorities.

I fear radical Islam which is inconsistent with the ideas of a modern democracy, but so is extremism in Christian or Judeo religions. Extremist religious views do not represent a majority of believers nor the highest ideals of any religion.

I have no faith in the elite and powerful of either major political party.

I refrain from discussing politics to avoid ridicule or confrontation. I liked Dr. Ben Carson, a black man, whom I found thoughtful and sincere. I liked Sen. Marco Rubio, an Hispanic man, because of his strong stand on national security.

I proudly support our law enforcement and military personnel. I have cringed at the outright hostility from many present leaders towards them, especially the President who seems now, after tacitly encouraging lack of respect towards both, has finally decided to attempt to become more even-handed. Too little too late, Mr. President.

I support unions and was a member of a teachers’ union, but not always happy with its leadership, nor were they with me.

I believe women should be able to drive, vote, marry, divorce, study and carry guns. But Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, Susan Rice, or Debbie Schultz do nothing to stir my feminine pride. Why? Because I believe in reading bills before they are passed, I would never help a leader “save face” by lying, and even though I am Arab-American, I support Israel as an important ally.

I have no faith in Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s vision for our country. So I will vote for Mr. Trump despite his many flaws.

Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill


by Stacey Kuhns


On Friday night, my boyfriend and I met some friends at the Belching Beaver, in the revitalized downtown Vista area. They also have a brewery in Vista (980 Park Center Drive).

This is more of a restaurant and bar setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Belching Beaver is located in the old First National Bank building on the corner of Broadway and Indiana. Their official address is 302 East Broadway. There is no sign to distinguish the place but their truck is normally parked in the small parking lot (come early to find parking downtown). They are open 3pm-9pm Mon-Wed, 3pm-10pm Thurs-Fri, 1pm-10pm Sat, and 1pm-9pm Sun. (They are located directly across the street from The Yellow Deli). 


Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns


There are three areas to enjoy at this establishment. A large indoor seating area, a dining patio, and to the right of the building, a backyard area that has lots of sand, benches and chairs, fire pits, game areas, and serves finger foods and more bar type foods. The front outside dining area and inside serve more interesting and pricier choices made by their onsite chef. They also have a nightly chef's special. Both outdoor areas are dog friendly. 


Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns


It was very hot outside so at first, we were the only ones on the patio. They have umbrellas, but as the sun went down, there was no escaping the sun in our eyes. One of the workers informed us they are getting sailcloth to block the sun so that will be a welcome addition. The staff are all nice and attentive, but service can get a bit slower as the place fills with people.

Our waitress, Jessica, was amazing. Very friendly and so knowledgeable about the beers, wines, and food. You could tell she enjoys her job. There is an extensive beer menu. My boyfriend tried 8 small (5 ounce) beers ($2 each). You can pick any beers you want to try, any amount, for the $2 each. I had a glass of wine as I do not like beer. (They also have an extensive wine list). Our friends also tried a variety of beers. My boyfriend's favorite (and also some of our friends' favorites) were the Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout Nitro (everyone loved this), the Mango beer, the Raspberry beer (cannot remember the name of it), and the Hofbrau Hefeweizen. They tried a number of other beers, but these were the favorites. 


Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns

Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns


The next three pictures are from the Belching Beaver website as I was unable to take pictures inside and outside in the sand area due to the crowds.


Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill

Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill

Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill


We stayed at the Belching Beaver for four hours. In that time, we had a chance to order a number of appetizers and split them. The food is delicious and unique. Many of the items were made with beer so I steered clear of those, but my boyfriend and friends tried some of them.

My boyfriend tried the Andouille Corn Dogs, which he loved. They are made with a Southern style Andouille sausage dipped in their Hop Highway 78 IPA corn meal batter and served with a honey mustard sauce made with the Me So Honey beer.


Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns


We split the Dueling "Pokes", two types of ahi poke, one with a smoked poke sauce and one with a mango/tropical sauce. So good!

Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns


My boyfriend later tried the Fire Grilled Shrimp Skewers which have a citrus soy glaze and are served over local organic greens. The Belching Beaver uses a lot of locally sourced organic ingredients. 


Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns


I later found out you can order the bar food from the other side and enjoy it on the dining patio, so I ordered a small Caesar Salad. It was one of the best I had ever had (but I forgot to take a picture of it). We also split the Tri City (three different sliders). One is a house-made poke Brat patty with a stoneground mustard made with the Me So Honey beer. I took one bite of this particular slider and gave the rest to my boyfriend. I did not like it at all (probably the beer taste), but he enjoyed it. The second was a chorizo slider which I liked quite a bit and he did not care for. The last was a Cubano slider that I loved. 


Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill by Stacey Kuhns


The Belching Beaver also serves flatbreads (in which the bread itself is made with brewers yeast and Damned IPA), a number of interesting salads, burgers, seafood, steak, stuffed meatloaf, pork chops, and something called the Brontosaurus Bone ( a giant braised beef rib). My friend ordered the Fried Cauliflower and Leeks. I have to say, the fried leeks were amazing!! Could have eaten a bowl of those. A couple of the guys ordered the BBQ Short Rib Sandwich. They liked the meat but felt the bread was soggy and greasy.

For two of us, between the beer, wine, and food, the bill came to almost $100. The food from the other side (sand area) is quite a bit less expensive, but you have to ask to see that menu if you are not sitting in the sand outdoor area. (More fries, burgers, wings, finger food items).

All in all, it was a pleasant experience and we would definitely go there again. A great place to meet friends, talk, try new things, and relax.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Rancho de las Palmas
Mexican Grill and Seafood

by Stacey Kuhns


This past weekend, I had a craving for taquitos. We were in Escondido and needed a dog friendly Mexican restaurant. We have driven by Rancho de las Palmas restaurant many times but had never tried it. Las Palmas is located at 507 W. Washington Avenue, Escondido (but is close to the corner of Centre City Parkway and Washington).

The actual front of the restaurant is situated, although set back a bit, on Centre City Parkway. They are opened Monday - Thursday from 10am to 10pm, Friday from 8am to 12am, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am-10pm. 


Rancho de las Palmas Mexican Grill and Seafood by Stacey Kuhns.


They have a large dog-friendly outdoor patio, a large eat-in area with booths, and a private room for rent. When we were there, it was packed (about 6pm on Saturday). There is a lot of parking but I would recommend going earlier to avoid the crowds.

There was also a wedding happening in the private room and a party of about 30 people on the patio. Luckily, we found a table for two on the patio. They do come outside to take your order so no need to stand in any lines. 


Rancho de las Palmas Mexican Grill and Seafood by Stacey Kuhns.


The menu is extensive. They have at least 4 different kinds of soup, aztec specialties with nopales, Mexican beers, wine, smoothies, Mexican drinks, and even molcajete bowls (which I have only seen at a specialty Mexican restaurant in Long Beach).

Further, they have a large assortment of seafood dishes, which I will try next time. The prices are very reasonable and well worth the amount of food you get - Come hungry!

Our waitress was so friendly and even though the menu said "no substitutions" she had no problem with our customized orders. One thing to note, the plates of food are huge. We split the taquitos as an appetizer but that would have been plenty for dinner. I could not even come close to finishing the taco/enchilada plate I ordered for dinner. The taquitos were delicious! I ordered them with cheese and lettuce on top and they were some of the best I have had. My boyfriend loved his chimichanga plate. I thought the rice was just ok, but he loved his. My cheese enchilada was good, but very cheesy and just too much for me to eat.


Rancho de las Palmas Mexican Grill and Seafood by Stacey Kuhns.

Rancho de las Palmas Mexican Grill and Seafood by Stacey Kuhns.

Rancho de las Palmas Mexican Grill and Seafood by Stacey Kuhns.


We had a relaxing time just sitting on the patio, although with the warm weather you do have to deal with some flies. A group of kids from the wedding came out and were hanging out with us and the dog, so that was fun. My boyfriend had to go inside to get the check and pay as it seemed they forgot about us with all the parties going on, but I would definitely go there again. I just would not order so much.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Baffle Yoga Lotus Petal Women's Racerback Tank Top - Black Design #baffleyogatanks

Working-out is always a struggle. Therefore, anything that makes my exercise more fun is highly desired. This fun “Burnout Racerback” tank is made by ‘Next Level’ of material that is the ‘Hottest Material’ on the market right now.
Oma loves how light and soft it feels. You have the choice of five remarkable colors and their shipping is fast. I ordered the Shocking Pink and love it. I also love that it is made in the good ole USA.

About Next Level

Next Level Apparel delivers the latest fashions with superb quality incorporating innovative fabrics that are heavenly soft at a value that is second to none. Our outstanding color palette, up to date styles and fit continue to define us as one of the leading suppliers of fashion blanks in the US market. The addition of a distribution network brings the hottest brand in the market to your doorstep.

Next Level Apparel is committed to the highest standards in every aspect of our business. From manufacturing to customer service and shipping, every individual is dedicated to delivering our top line of versatile fashion basics at an outstanding value with the highest level of quality and service.



Product Description



"Yoga Lotus Pedal" – is a BEST SELLER From Baffle’s Yoga Collection. Women's super-soft workout gym tank. Choose from five awesome colors! High-Quality tank sure to grab lots of notice. Our Next Level burnout tanks are the softest in the industry and most popular and light weight for working out. Enjoy our super-fast shipping! High Quality Next Level
  • Burnout Tank Top - Very Soft Material
  • Fast Shipping/Great Customer Service
  • Preshrunk 65% Polyester 35% Cotton
  • 5 Colors to Choose From
  • 100% Made in the USA




Baffle is a brand new local business that specializes in trendy and funny t-shirts and baby clothes. They sell handmade funny baby clothing and t-shirts.

Get Social with Baffle on Facebook


To see all of Baffle’s products click here .






Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Happy Birthday Coast Oak.


Coast does not appreciate his Birthday Hat.
 
 
However, birthday treat was a smashing hit
 Photo taken at Coast's Pirate Pool Party
As cute as he could be.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Baffle Yoga Made Me Do It Black Text - Women’s Burnout Racerback Tank #baffleyogatanks

Working-out is always a struggle. Therefore, anything that makes my exercise more fun is highly desired. This funny “Burnout Racerback” tank is made by ‘Next Level’ of material that is the ‘Hottest Material’ on the market right now.

Oma loves how light and soft it feels. You have the choice of six remarkable colors and their shipping is fast. I ordered the Banana Cream (Yellow) and love it. I also love that it is made in the good ole USA.

About Next Level

Next Level Apparel delivers the latest fashions with superb quality incorporating innovative fabrics that are heavenly soft at a value that is second to none. Our outstanding color palette, up to date styles and fit continue to define us as one of the leading suppliers of fashion blanks in the US market. The addition of a distribution network brings the hottest brand in the market to your doorstep.

Next Level Apparel is committed to the highest standards in every aspect of our business. From manufacturing to customer service and shipping, every individual is dedicated to delivering our top line of versatile fashion basics at an outstanding value with the highest level of quality and service.



Product Description



"Yoga Made Me Do It" – is a BEST SELLER From Baffle’s Yoga Collection. Get tons of laughs
from this tank! Women's super-soft workout gym tank. Choose from 6 awesome colors! Funny tank sure to grab lots of laughs. Our Next Level burnout tanks are the softest in the industry and most popular and light weight for working out. Enjoy our super-fast shipping! High Quality Next Level

  • Burnout Tank Top - Very Soft Material
  • Fast Shipping/Great Customer Service
  • Preshrunk 65% Polyester 35% Cotton
  • 5 Colors to Choose From
  • 100% Made in the USA






Baffle is a brand new local business that specializes in trendy and funny t-shirts and baby clothes. They sell handmade funny baby clothing and t-shirts.

Get Social with Baffle on Facebook





To see all of Baffle’s products click here .





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Let's Party
Happy First Birthday Coast Oak

Coast Oak turns one-year-old in two days. We all went to Oma’s house to celebrate. Smart Mom took the opportunity of this family gathering to arrange for a professional photographer to memorialize the gathering. 


Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)

Happy First Birthday Coast Oak (Photo by Leah Steiger)


All photographs were taken by Leah Steiger. Oma believes we can all agree that her work is exceptional.