Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Three New North County Restaurants You Will Want to Try

Three New North County Restaurants You Will Want to Try

by Stacey Kuhns

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I would up eating out a lot because he was moving and things were crazy. We are eating healthy (for the most part), so wanted to try and stick with healthier options. We tried three new restaurants in North County.

Here is my breakdown on the places we tried:

The Flame Broiler

This restaurant is located at 3295 Business Park Drive, Suite B in Vista (right off Palomar Airport Road, across from Target). This place is great for takeout or eat in. You order at the counter and wait while your food is served up, then you pay. They offer a small bowl, large bowl, or large plate to choose from (kind of like the Poke places). You have a choice of chicken or Angus beef or a combo of both. They also offer a tofu option*. You can choose white or brown rice and veggies.

We both got a combo plate with veggies. The meat was good and the veggies were cooked perfectly. The cool thing is they have a condiment station with various sauces. I tried a red hot sauce and a green hot sauce and both were delicious on all the food. I apologize as I cannot find the pictures I took there. They weigh the meat and veggies separately and I am not sure how that will go when they are busy, as it seems very time consuming. All of their pictures show green onions on the top of the food served. We were not offered green onions and I would have liked that option. Not even sure if they had them.

Either way, the prices are reasonable and I would recommend this place as we felt good after eating there. They also have a very nice outside eating area. The prices range from $5.05 to $9.50.

*Flexitarians and Vegetarians love the uniquely charbroiled, organic, and non-gmo project verified tofu, cut and prepared on a bed of White or Brown rice.

 

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi

This restaurant is located at 3265-C Business Park Drive, Vista (same center as The Flame Broiler). This restaurant is clean and has lovely decor. It is a large place with plenty of seating and you are immediately greeted by staff (which appears to be a family owned business). The menu is extensive.

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

We started with three different kinds of Ngyiri. You get two pieces per order and have to ask for the paper menu that you make your selections on. The fish was amazing. It did not look like the usual Ngyiri you get in most sushi places. The salmon had an extra piece of salmon wrapped around it! It was like we got a free piece of shashimi! I could go there and just order the Ngyiri. There selection of sushi rolls also looked amazing. They have counter seating at the sushi bar where you can watch the chefs making your rolls. I do have to mention that their wasabi was out of this world. It tasted so fresh and biting. Way different than what I have had in other restaurants.

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

We both got different kinds of Ramen. We did the build-your-own version where you can pick your broth and your add-ins. I chose the Shoyu (which is what I normally order when eating ramen). Ed ordered the Tonkotsu (a pork bone broth). I also chose the spicy paste. I would recommend you order that on the side. I can take a lot of spice and heat but I was choking because it was so spicy. They offer a number of interesting add-ins, including pork belly two ways, sweet corn, tofu two ways, a wood ear mushroom, and other options. I chose bamboo shoots, corn, soft boiled egg and green onions. They left out two of my four ingredients but rectified it quickly when I pointed it out (although I did not receive any sort of credit on the bill for that). Ed loved his ramen. I would give the ramen another try. I found the flavor of the broth really different and not to my taste. It almost tasted sweet with notes of cinnamon or something along those lines. That with the heavy fiery spice was difficult to handle. They have so many options, I would give it another try.

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Ichiban Ramen & Sushi - Review by Stacey Kuhns

This restaurant also offers nice to go containers for the ramen. I would recommend it because of the quality of the Ngyiri, sushi, and the comfort and cleanliness of the place. The family also came out and said, "Arigato" when we left which was very nice.


Varanda

This restaurant is located at 1020 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, in Restaurant Row. It is in the old India Princess location and I must say a huge step up from India Princess. I have been here twice already and will be taking an out of town friend there next week. They have a regular menu but offer their buffet every day, including weekends! It is reasonable for all you can eat Indian food at approximately $15.

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns


The staff there are amazing and very friendly and welcoming. One of the girls remembered us from our previous visit. Edward and Chelsea were very helpful and answered all of our questions about the food. They were quick to refill drinks, ask if we wanted more Naan, or if we needed anything. The inside has been given a fresh facelift that makes a world of different from the previous owners place. It is very comfortable and welcoming.

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns


There are so many choices that it is best to take a small spoonful of each and decide which ones you like for a second trip. They did not have all of the same items both times we were there so we were able to try a wide variety of Indian dishes. Some I absolutely loved, some others, not so much, but all the colors were vibrant and the food was cooked perfectly. The chef is a master.

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns

Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns
Varanda - Review by Stacey Kuhns


I highly recommend this restaurant as I could not find fault with anything there. Let's support our small business owners! If you like Indian food, this is a fabulous choice because you get so many options with the buffet. They brought us extra garlic naan, which we could not finish. They were happy to wrap it up for us to take home. Usually, buffet restaurants don't want you to take anything home.

I was adventurous and tried most things there, which were pleasantly surprisingly yummy. The beautiful dessert above, that kind of looks like a sticky funnel cake, was cold, which I was not prepared for, but boy was it good. Hats off to this place!

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Valley View Casino - Madhouse

We went to Valley View Casino last night. It was beyond packed. You could not eat at the buffet at all unless you had a Silver Card. That produced a plethora of pissed off Red Card Patrons. The slot machines were 90 percent in use – which meant that your favorite machine was probably not available. Further, and regrettably, more people produced the inevitable more smoke. 


Valley View Casino - Madhouse


Since the buddy we accompanied to the casino was the proud owner of the coveted Silver Card, we were issued a pager for the buffet. After a two-hour fifteen minute wait, it alerted us that it was our turn to eat.

I was a bit disappointed. I am not sure if I was just a bit too hungry at 7:30 pm or the Valley View Casino Chefs were just overwhelmed . . . . the food was substandard. My tiny lobster tail appear a tad undercook and therefore presented as “slimy.” My salad was accompanied by a funny sour taste. The chocolate pudding had a slight hard film on the top - yucky.

Bottom line, I had an awesome time with my husband and friends. We played and laughed and enjoyed each other. However, I did learn some pros and cons.

Pros:

Valley View Casino - Madhouse
The fact that my favorite slot machines were in use forced me to try and appreciate new ones.

Paul and I spent $40 on our buffet ($20 each) and only lost $15 gambling and boy did we gamble. So it was a relatively affordable date night.

Cons:

We were told by staff that it is always a madhouse at Valley View at the end of the month, as patrons try to redeem their complimentary food and gift coupons before they expire. When you couple that with a holiday (Halloween) . . . . that madhouse morphs into an insane asylum.

My final note on Valley View – This casino is cutting way back on their “freebies.” Last night my friend’s wife lost her Silver Card privileges. Paul and I have not received a “free” buffet in months. We have been told that it is all based on your spending over the last six-month period. However, that does not make much sense to us since our play has been consistent over the years.

Another bottom line coming here: In the last few years, our casino group would visit Valley View at least once a month, some months twice. However, we decided last night that it is time to explore other casino options . . . as our loyalty to Valley View is becoming increasingly unrewarding.

My suggestion was Harrah’s Rincon . . . . Viejas was also discussed. The new month should bring a new Casino adventure.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

San Diego Storm Water and the Hepatitis A Outbreak

San Diego Storm Water and the Hepatitis A Outbreak

Is San Diego In Compliance With Their Own Storm Water Regulations?


The San Diego Storm Water Management Unit's main focus is in implementing permitting, compliance, and other activities to reduce pollutants in municipal, construction, and industrial storm water runoff

The City of San Diego enacted San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC) §43.03 entitled Storm Water Management and Discharge Control in 1993, commonly referred to as the City’s storm water ordinance. This ordinance, in a nutshell, makes it unlawful for any person to discharge non-storm water into the City’s storm water conveyance system.

For contractors, this means that concrete slurry, stucco, sediments, paint, and other disposal of materials into the street gutter or storm drain are illegal discharges.

The intent of the ordinance is to protect and enhance the water quality of our watercourses, water bodies, and wetlands in a manner consistent with the federal Clean Water Act. The storm water conveyance system collects storm water and urban runoff containing pollutants and discharges these flows untreated into the creeks, rivers, bays, and ocean.

The STORM WATER STANDARDS Manuel (January 20, 2012) is one hundred and seventy-nine pages deep. In addition, the enforcement remedies have been increased to maximum civil penalties or fines of $10,000 per day per violation; up from $2500!

San Diego Storm Water and the Hepatitis A Outbreak


Back in March of 2017, San Diego Health Officials declared a Hepatitis A Outbreak. The county explained that Hepatitis A was spreading “through contact with a fecally contaminated environment.” This disease is a highly contagious liver infection caused by a virus. It is spread person-to-person typically through poor sanitation practices, such as not washing hands after using the restroom.

San Diego Storm Water and the Hepatitis A Outbreak
However, the problem was mostly ignored until September 2017 and then only after three hundred and thirty cases were documented and fifteen people died from Hepatitis A.  It became the second largest outbreak in the United States.

Then "America's Finest City" sprang into action and immediately begin power-washing our streets with bleach to fight a deadly hepatitis outbreak

San Diego Storm Water and the Hepatitis A Outbreak

Contractors (Clean Harbors) started spraying down areas with a diluted household bleach solution. The procedure, as prescribed by the county, involves first spraying down hazardous items such as human waste or needles, waiting 10 minutes, removing the contaminated items, then spraying the area again with bleach. After that, it calls for pressure-washing the area with water.

It is set to be repeated every two weeks, with weekly "spot maintenance," according to county guidelines.

My concern is that in every photo and/or video found of the cleanup efforts, the contaminated water, chlorine and bleach are just being allowed to drain into the City’s storm water conveyance system!

What research, if any, has been completed that states this is the best method of containment? How will this water runoff, containing human fecal matter, bleach, the Hepatitis A virus and other poisonous material, effect San Diego environment and water quality? Will it kill all the plants and trees in the treatment area? Will beach goers suffer from contamination?

What will the bleach fumes do to air breath-ability?  Bleach does emit fumes that can be dangerous when inhaled.

The fear that this solution might be worse than the original problem looms heavy.



Saturday, October 14, 2017

Bob Dylan in Funner, California

Bob Dylan in Funner, California

Harrah's Resort SoCal, The Events Center

• Address: 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
• Capacity: 2200
• Date: October 13, 2017
• Showtime: 9:00 PM

 

Bob Dylan in Funner, California


Paul, Uncle Dave and I were excited to attend the Bob Dylan Concert at the Harrah’s Event Center. I had never been there before and was thrilled by the small venue. There literally was not a bad seat in the house.

There were bars set-up conveniently all around the room. The bar staff was friendly and our $7.00 Jameson Ginger scrumptious.

The photo security was annoying, shining bright flashlights into the crowd all through the show. They had made it clear that if you were caught filming you would be ejected; hence the lone, badly lit photo I took at the show.

The band was exquisite and provided a full and rich sound. I was a tad disappointed with Dylan’s performance especially when he sang in a Sinatra style croon. Further, whether it was the singer or the room acoustics – lyrics were hard to understand.

The audience featured an array of aging hippies (much like myself) and a surprising splattering of young folks. My group was frustrated that Bob never addressed nor interacted with his adoring fans. It was evident, as Dylan carefully and cautiously returned to the seat of his piano every other song, that age was taking its toll. Nevertheless, it was just as palpable that Bob Dylan still took delight in presenting his work.

While this author is attempting to keep this review objective . . . . . Bottom Line Time . . . . This was a Bob Dylan concert. It was magical and I would have paid three times again as much for this personal concert experience with the legend, poet, rock star, songwriter, folksinger and recent Nobel Prize winner.

Band Members

  • Bob Dylan - piano
  • Tony Garnier - bass
  • George Recile - drums
  • Stu Kimball - rhythm guitar, maracas
  • Charlie Sexton on lead guitar
  • Donnie Herron - violin, electric mandolin, pedal steel, lap steel

We Are Waiting For the Fans to Fill the Room at Harrah's Resort – SoCa / Seats 64 & 65 Section B Row S
We Are Waiting For the Fans to Fill the Room at Harrah's Resort – SoCa
Seats 64 & 65 Section B Row S For Bob Dylan Concert

Play List

  • Things Have Changed
  • It Ain't Me, Babe
  • Highway 61 Revisited
  • Why Try To Change Me Now
  • Summer Days
  • Melancholy Mood
  • Tangled Up In Blue
  • Honest With Me
  • Where Is the One
  • Pay In Blood
  • September of My Years
  • Tryin' To Get To Heaven
  • Early Roman Kings
  • Desolation Row
  • Soon After Midnight
  • Thunder on the Mountain
  • Long and Wasted Years
  • Autumn Leaves
  • Blowin' In the Wind (Encore)
  • Ballad of a Thin Man (Encore)

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Wine Aerator Pourer
(#akhomery #akhomeyaerator)

Wine Aerator Pourer Campaign (#akhomery #akhomeyaerator)

The Only Wine Aerator Pourer Made Of GLASS

Link to Product = http://amzn.to/2xdBdAw


Oma loves a good glass of red wine. After all, a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away. . . . right. If you’re a wine enthusiast also, you have probably heard about wine aerators. They still are not very common. Therefore, this fancy gadget is very fun to share with your wine drinking friends and actually work well!

Wine poured through this Wine Aerator is much sharper and more enjoyable than the same wine poured from the bottle! Trust me, Oma tried it both ways and the Aerator appears to awaken the wines essence.

The Wine Aerator Pourer is so very easy to use that you will never hesitate to enhance your bottle of wine with this cute vino tool. It’s made of high quality glass and comes in a nice box that makes a great gift for wine lovers!



Product Description



  • BETTER TASTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE WINE! Wine enthusiasts, it is time to take your drinking experience to a new level! This deluxe wine decanter will make your glass of Merlot, Chardonnay or Cabernet unforgettable, enhancing its taste by infusing oxygen in it and offering it irresistible aroma that will blow your mind! 
  • DIVINE WINE HERE AND NOW! No more wasted time on waiting for your relaxing wine glass to be aerated in a wine decanter! Let steam off after a tiring day with a heavenly aroma glass fast and efficiently! Indulge in a deluxe wine drinking experience with a wine accessory that has come to make your life easier, oxidizing your wine in a breeze!

     
  • ONLY BEST QUALITY FOR WINE LOVERS! This precise pouring wine spout aerator is the ONLY ONE on the market made of HAND BLOWN GLASS among the many acrylic ones flooding the market! Enjoy the MOST aromatic wine, oxidized by a deluxe glass decanter! The ergonomic design and the peerless style of this wine pourer make it a MUST-HAVE for professionals and all wine lovers! 
  • A STYLISH AERATOR GIFT SET: Add class and refinement to your loved wine lovers’ experience, offering this wine bottle aerator in the ELEGANT PACKAGING! Thrill the lucky recipient with an elegant glass wine aerator spout and put a wide smile on their face! It makes a stunning wedding or housewarming party that will underline your excellent taste! 
  • TASTE THE MOST FLAVORSOME WINE OR YOUR MONEY BACK! At AKhomery we are committed to offering our customers only top quality products that will meet their expectations in full! This is why we are backing our liquor pourer/ wine aerator with a Money-Back Guarantee! So, buy with confidence; if you are not absolutely thrilled with our wine decanter, we will return your money!



We Use Technology To Uplift Your Homery

*AKhomery Inc. on Facebook*




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."

Friday, September 15, 2017

Better Homes and Gardens Floating Shelves Set

Better Homes and Gardens Floating Shelves Set

Two 14-inch Picture Ledges - Small and Lightweight

 



You can easily spruce up any room with this Brown Marble Finish Wall Décor. Perfect for any room that could use a bit of extra ‘counter’ space. These ‘easy to install’ shelves measure fourteen inches wide and are four inches deep.

Oma loves how this product is secured by concealed screws and anchors; they look as if they were installed by a professional! Perfect for a quick room makeover. You just need a soft dry cloth to keep your shelves clean and shiny.



https://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-Picture-Ledge/dp/B072Q71MZP/ref=sr_1_50?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1504381348&sr=1-50&keywords=picture+ledges

Product Description



"Simply beautiful." "The pictures don't do justice to just how pretty they are in real life!" "Very simple & easy to hang!"

Want to Know Why So Many Amazon Customers LOVE the Better Homes and Gardens Floating Shelf Set? Here's Why!

  • TOP QUALITY! Our picture ledges are the #1 choice of Amazon customers because they're not only chic and inexpensive but also easy to install with durable hardware! This means you won't have to waste time and money buying better anchors or hiring an expensive contractor. This is your last stop for beautiful wall shelves!
  • STRONG! Unlike other floating shelves that chip and peel, our wall ledges feature solid MDF wood with PVC laminate, which means they'll hold up beautifully for years!
  • GETS THE JOB DONE! If you're looking for the perfect wall decor to fill an empty wall, then your search is over! At 14 inches long, you can install these display shelves in any room -- kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, or office -- to create a rustic and stylish new look.
  • NO-HASSLE! The problem with other wall shelves is they're so big and clunky. Each picture ledge is just 4 inches deep, which means you'll be able to hang them without taking up valuable space. Display pictures, collectibles, and other items for unique and stylish new look!
  • PRACTICAL! Unlike other floating shelves with visible screws and unsightly brackets, our lightweight yet durable picture rails are secured by concealed screws and anchors, creating a fresh, clean look as if they were installed by a professional!
  • Your search for the PERFECT wall decor is now over. With a name like Better Homes and Gardens, you can trust you're getting best-in-class home furnishings at an affordable price.





Get Social with Better Home & Gardens


With Better Homes & Gardens products at Walmart you can get the looks you want from the magazine you love, at affordable prices. 

Website



Facebook



Twitter



Pinterest



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, August 24, 2017

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service
Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service 
I ordered a pair of Mayari Birko-Flor Graceful Toffee Size: EU 41 / US 10-10.5/8-8.5 Width: Regular on August 15th for an event I am attending on August 25th. Part of the purchase price included shipping cost. Since I live in a rural area twenty miles from the nearest town, I do not mind paying the extra shipping cost as it saves me the time and cost of a forty mile trip.

I was thrilled when I was notified by email that my order would arrive on August 22th. However that joy evaporated quickly when I open my package. Birkenstock had sent a pair of brown Gizeh!?!

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service
Birkenstock Mayari
After double checking my order, I confirmed that the error was on the company’s side and immediately email them at the email address provide. Birkenstock did not even bother to respond. (Super bad customer service)

On the 23th, I called Birkenstock’s 800 number. Nickey, the Customer Service Representative, confirmed that I had ordered the Mayari not the Gizeh and said she was “sorry.” Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do until after they received the Gizehs back!!!

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service
Birkenstock Gezeh
I explained that I had wanted the shoes for Friday; I explained that I would have to spend my time and gas to make a forty mile round trip to the UPS store; I explained that I would have to lose a couple of hours from work to drop of the shoes – all because of an error Birkenstock made!

Again Nicky stated that she was "sorry" but she could not help me in any way. She emailed me a return label and stated that they would ship out the correct shoes only after I returned the ones they shipped to me in error. Nicky made it seem that they were doing me a favor by supplying the return shipping!

After spending $102 to have a pair of sandals shipped to me, I expected better customer service. I would not recommend that anyone order shoes from this company via the internet. If you want the shoes drive to a store that stocks them. You will have to make the trip anyway and not be charged for shipping that does not deliver as promised!!!!!

You can buy the same shoe, online at Nordstrom for the exact same price but with free shipping!!!

Friday, April 28, 2017

Stay away from Escondido Hyundai

Stay away from Escondido Hyundai

Trips to This Dealership Are Always Frustrating!!!



My husband bought me a Hyundai Tucson from Escondido Hyundai in August of 2015 as a birthday present. So far the car has been pretty nice. However, our interaction with the dealership has be a constant source of disenchantment.

Here is my review of my latest service call for routine service and a rattling tailgate: 

 

When I made my appointment and again I when dropped off my Hyundai at 8: 30 for my 8:45 a.m. appointment; I explained both times that I need to have my car by 11:00 a.m. because I had a work appointment at 11:30 a.m. which was located a half-hour away from the dealership. I emphasized that being late for this appointment could cost me my job. If the car would not be ready, I could still arrange for transportation to my appointment.

I was assured by Ruben that the services would only take an hour to an hour and a half. At 10:15 a.m., I checked with Ruben as to the status of my car. I told him that if it would not be ready I could still call for a ride to make my appointment. Ruben informed that all was well – nevertheless I made him promise to check on the status of my vehicle.

When I still was not contacted in the waiting room by 10:50 a.m., I went back to the service desk and asked Ruben how my car was doing. He looked dazed and started tapping on the keyboard of his computer. “Oh it looks like they are have a problem with your tailgate,” he reported. I told him that I needed to leave in five minutes – at 11 a.m. or I could lose my job. ‘Oh’ he exclaimed like that had been the first time he heard that bit of information.

Ruben then jumped up and grabbed a set of keys (not mine) and ran outside as he stated that he had to help another lady. He handed the keys to a lady in the parking lot and then jumped into another car and drove away.

I was left in the service trailer with no explanation and now late!

Just then Steve (the manager) stepped into the trailer. “How’s it going,” he asked. I proceed to outline how it was going for me. Steve was very nice and browsed his computer. He worked hard and quickly; I received my car at 11:08 a.m. I never did see Ruben again. And yes, I was late to my appointment (but did not lose my job).

When Paul and I bought the car, we were promised a free car wash with every service. However, this trip, I was informed that since the dealership changed ownership that promise was on longer valid . . . . bad to worse.

That night, my husband opened the engine compartment of the Hyundai and was immediately covered in old oil. No one had even bothered to clean up after the service work.

Gosh I hate going to Escondido Hyundai. Mayhap it is time for this family to try the North County Hyundai of Carlsbad dealership.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Valley View Casino – VIP Wine and Food Event

Valley View Casino – VIP Wine and Food Event

Saturday, April 22 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

 
Oma and Opa at the Valley View Casino – VIP Wine and Food Event


Valley View Casino – VIP Wine and Food EventYesterday, my husband Paul and I were honored to be included in the Valley View Casino VIP Wine and Food Event. This experience was ‘By Invitation Only.’ However, I won our participation through a contest presented by KFM-BFM .

Check–in at 5:00 p.m. went smoothly and quickly. We were given purple wristbands that allowed us entry into this very special wine and food gathering. During this exclusive VIP Event, we sampled numerous varieties of wine from BK Cellars Urban Winery while indulging in delicious ‘made-from-scratch’ food pairings.

 

Wine / Food Pairings

  • Cabernet Sauvignon (South Coast) paired with chocolate fountain-dipped strawberries, petit fours and truffles.
  • Grenache / Syrah / Mourvedre (El Pomar District) paired with cheese, crudite, dried fruit, nuts, olives, grapes, crostini/crackers and bread with spreads (Hummus, White Bean, Olive Tapenade).
  • Le Melange Blanc (California) paired with chilled lobster, grapefruit, fennel, pickled red onion and arugula with citrus vinaigrette.
  • Merlot (Temecula Valley) paired with lamb sliders
  • Syrah (San Pasqual Valley) paired with braised beef short ribs and potato puree



The Valley View Chefs did an excellent job with all the food.BK Cellars is one of San Diego County’s newest urban wineries. They make wine in the historic Escondido Vineyard District. This urban winery is a functional winery making wine on-site from California grapes and serving their tantalizing white and red wines in a tasting lounge with a cosmopolitan flare.

Both the food and wine was available and free for the whole four hours. While the portions were small; you could have as much as you wanted. My wine of choice was the San Pasqual Valley Syrah. The Valley View Chefs did an excellent job with all the food; however the chocolate fountain-dipped strawberries definitely proved to be my downfall.


Live music was presented throughout the evening by a trio named 'Tres.'


Live music was presented throughout the evening by a trio named 'Tres.'  I was amazed at how many of my favorites they covered. I loved their closing performance of 'I Don't Know Why' by Norah Jones.

Brett Winterble expertly served as the event master of ceremonies.

Brett Winterble expertly served as the event master of ceremonies. He proficiently kept the appreciative attendees excited and engaged. A free bottle of BK Cellars Wine was given away every 15 minutes until the Grand Prize drawing at 8:30 p.m. The Grand Prize consisted of an all-inclusive Napa Valley Get-Away for two including airfare, couples massage, wine tasting, and a $1,000 spending cash.


Valley View Casino – VIP Wine and Food Event

Valley View Casino – VIP Wine and Food Event

Although we did not win anything at the wine tasting event itself, both Paul and I had abnormally good luck at the slots. We actually returned home with an extra One Hundred and Fifteen Dollars ($115) in our pockets.

The only con of this VIP affair was a lack of adequate seating.

The only con of this VIP affair was a lack of adequate seating. There were plenty of older patrons forced to stand for long periods. Nevertheless, both Paul and I thoroughly enjoyed making history by attending this first-ever Valley View Casino – VIP Wine and Food Event. If you ever receive an invite, I recommend that you go.


A post shared by Missy Smith (@zwriter1) on

Monday, April 17, 2017

Pink Women’s Leather Analog Quartz Watch Campaign #Aposon

Pink Women’s Leather Analog Quartz Watch Campaign #Aposon
Pink Women’s Leather Analog Quartz Watch Campaign #Aposon
Oma found this scratch resistant Watch absolutely cute and stylish. The large face with hearts, rhinestones and Arabic numerals make this watch modern yet sophisticated. More importantly, the comfortable leather band makes it easy to wear all day. The Imported Quartz Movement keeps time accurately.

Further, I love that this Analog Quartz Watch is waterproof; perfect for wear in the rain, while sweating and when washing one’s hands. A warm wet cloth will keep this fashionable accessory clean.

Specification:

  • Dial Case Diameter: 1.50 inch / 3.8 cm
  • Dial Case Thickness: 0.47 inch / 1.2 cm
  • Band Color: Blue
  • Band Width: 0.75 inch / 1.9 cm
  • Band Length: 9.06 inch / 23 cm
  • Max Fit Wrist: 8.07 inch / 20.5 cm
  • Min Fit Wrist: 6.30 inch / 16 cm
  • Band Clasp Type: Double Locking Fold Over Clasp
  • Watch Weight: 1.48 oz / 42 g
  • Battery Code: SR626SW



Product Description



  • - SPECIAL DIAL DESIGN WITH HEARTS AND CUTE ARABIC NUMERALS. FASHION AND CASUAL, AN IDAEL COMPANION FOR YOU. Elegant leather band strap, bring you classic and casual simplicity fashion. Beautiful and stylish zinc alloy shell, along with the little square shinning rhinestones makes you the high-profile star in all occasions.
  • - PRECISE TIME KEEPING and KEY SCRATCH RESISTANT WATCH FACE. Imported Original Quartz Movement provides precise and accurate time keeping. No more key scratches with the high hardness mineral glass watch face.
  • - WATERPROOF FOR DAILY USE: 98 FT waterproof (30 M) - 3ATM. Perfect for all kind of business, casual, indoor activities and daily use. Hand wash, rain day, sweating, no problem! NOTE: Please DO NOT pull out the button under the water. Too much water contact or usage in extreme Hot or Cold temperature will damage leather band and shorter watch life.
    Pink Women’s Leather Analog Quartz Watch Campaign #Aposon
  • - COMFORTABLE GENUINE LEATHER BAND STRAP and DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL CASE COVER. High quality leather watch band strap provide comfortable wearing experience. Stainless steel water proof case cover make it super durable and not easy to fade.
  • - PERFECT WATCH FOR BESTIES AND GIRLFRIEND EVER! ELEGANT AND GIRLISH, PRACTICAL AND FASHIONABLE. Slim and pink outlook, beautiful and shinning dial design, full of elegant and lively elements. For the cost of a cheap meal, this is the most meaningful thing to get for surprise gift to besties and girlfriend! WHAT IS IN THE PACKAGE: Women Leather Band Business Casual Dress Watch x 1







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."

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Smart Fitness Activity Band Heart Rate Blood Pressure Calorie Step Distance Counter Sleep Quality Recorder MSG Call Push USB Charger Sedentary Remind Smart Sports Bracelet IPX7 #Alisten

Smart Fitness Activity Band Heart Rate Blood Pressure Calorie Step Distance Counter Sleep Quality Recorder MSG Call Push USB Charger Sedentary Remind Smart Sports Bracelet IPX7 #Alisten Oma received a really nice FitBit Surge for Christmas 2016. Sadly the thing broke January of 2017; just a few days out of warranty. I called the tech support, but there is no way to fix it. Oma does not have another $250 to replace it with a new one; especially if it is only going to last just a single year!

Therefore visualize my glee when the opportunity arose to review this Smart Fitness Activity Band which sells for just $35.00. 




My monitor arrived well packaged and protected in a hard cardboard gift box. The box contained the wristband and an easy to understand user manual. Before I could begin testing, it was necessary to charge the unit and download the ‘H Band’ app. Both tasks were stress-free to complete. 




For testing, I wore my new Smart Fitness Activity Band alongside my old old fitbit. They are close to the same price with the #Alisten a tad cheaper. I found the #Alisten and the H band app very easy to set-up. It did everything I wanted in a step PLUS tracker. It was also easier to read and the app kept track of more data. The #Alisten worked much better than the regular Fitbit and mimicked the expensive Fitbit Surge closely.




Most importantly, the #Alisten Watch is very comfortable to wear and looks very stylish.

A big positive for me is that you do not have to worry when you get the #Alisten Activity Unit wet. With my other monitors, I would take it off to shower or do the dishes. Then, of course, I would forget to put it back on and miss recording the day’s activities. This smart watch is IPX7 water-resistant. Swimming, hand-wash, and showering are no problem! 

The only con I found is that I miss all the fitbit friends I have made over the years.

Dimension:

  • Band Length: 8.27 in / 21 cm
  • Band Width: 0.59 in / 1.5 cm
  • Max Fit Wrist Diameter: 2.76 in / 7 cm
  • Min Fit Wrist Diameter: 2.09 in / 5.3 cm
  • Product Weight: 0.74 OZ / 21 G




Product Description



  • MEASURE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE BEFORE AND AFTER EXERCISE. With the intelligent chip, Bluetooth 4.0 and smart "H Band" APP, this device is super easy to be connected and upgraded with the OTA technology. Intelligently detect your blood pressure with our stylish industry-leading Smart Wristband!
  • STEPS, DISTANCE, CALORIES COUNTER. EASY-TO-READ 0.87'' OLED SCREEN with HIGH SENSITIVE TOUCH SENSOR. TIME, DATE, WEEK and NEVER MISS CALLS OR MESSAGES BY VIBRATIVE NOTIFICATIONS. Clearly and easily see your steps, heart rate, calories, distance, sleep time and sleep quality, sedentary reminder, caller ID, latest messages by tapping the bottom screen. For the cost of a meal, enjoy your life when motivated. Isn't that worth it, alone?
  • IPX7 WATER RESISTANT FOR SWEATING, HAND-WASH ,LIGHT WATER CONTACT, COMFORTABLE TPU BAND WITH SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT SLIM DESIGN, WHAT A GREAT VALUE! Silent vibrate and smart alarm will wake you up once you set the right time. Sync wirelessly and automatically to your Smart Phone every time with the app. Search and download "H Band" in APP Store (See User Manual) to unlock all these amazing features. *** IOS 8.0 or Android 4.4 and above required***
  • LONG BATTERY LIFE, HEALTHY LIVING, EASY TO USE BY GESTURE CONTROL. Charge the battery for about 1.5 hour from the USB connection and use the HRM for 2-4 days standby time. Just pull it out and plug in. Gesture control for just tapping on the bottom screen. Perfect companion will be with you everywhere you go and looks good on you no matter what you're wearing! What are you waiting for?
  • FREELY CHANGE BETWEEN VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL DISPLAY MODE. Simply by long pressing the touch area for 5 seconds, you will change the display mode from vertical to horizontal or vice versa. It meets users' preferences and offers maximum user experience! WHAT IS IN THE PACKAGE: Heart Rate Monitoring Wrist Band x 1, User Manual x 1










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."