Friday, October 23, 2015

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California).

by Stacey Kuhns

 

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns


On Saturday, October 17, 2015, my friend and I decided to head down to the San Diego Harbor area and check out the new Waterfront Park, the Maritime Museum, and Anthony's restaurant.

We had planned to park in the parking lot across from the Star of India, but quickly realized that was the area the County turned into the Waterfront Park, so we wound up in a pay lot ($10) attached to the Waterfront Park.

This is a truly amazing area for parents with young children. It is directly across the street from the Star of India ship. I am sure the Waterfront Park gets extremely crowded on hot days.

It is open from 10:30-7, but there are no fences around it. There is security so the area seemed very clean and safe. The Waterfront Park  extends out on both sides of the County Administration Building.

There are shallow long fountains for kids and adults to play in. Behind the fountains is a playground with a multitude of play equipment. In front of the fountains is a very large grassy area. (To get an overview picture of the Waterfront Park, go to Google or your browser and type in San Diego Waterfront Park.) 


Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

We had a buy one, get one free coupon for the Maritime Museum  from the Entertainment coupon book. I would not recommend the Maritime Museum for anyone with physical disabilities that would prevent them from climbing backwards down stairs, crawling through holes on submarines, and climbing around the ships. I was under the impression the Maritime Museum was just that, a museum housed in a building. Boy, was I wrong! It is a cluster of ships, including two submarines that you can explore.


Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns


The ships are impressive inside and out. Many people are familiar with the Star of India, but have not seen or heard of the other ships that make up the museum. The ships offer amazing views from the decks of the San Diego downtown skyline, the Waterfront Park, the Coast Guard building, one of the US Navy buildings, and a fantastic view of the jets coming into Lindbergh Field and landing. 


Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns
The Star of India

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Below:  the indoor upper deck of the Berkeley. Gorgeous wood seats and stained glass windows. 

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Kid Friendly 

The small children we saw with their families really seemed to be enjoying climbing all over the ships, ringing bells, checking out the cannons, pretending to steer the wheels, and looking at all the model ships in the exhibits on board.

They also loved climbing onto a box and looking through the periscope on the Soviet Submarine. All the exhibits were well labeled and many were easy for children to understand. 


Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns


Below: Torpedo loading area on the B-39 Soviet submarine. 

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns
Writer/Photographer, Stacey Kuhns in the B-39 Soviet Submarine

Below: Very narrow hallways and the circular "doors" in the Soviet sub that you need to crawl through to get to the next section. There are about four or five of these to crawl through and one of them has a lot of hardware around it which resulted in a good knock on the head for me.

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

After exiting the Soviet submarine, we saw this beautiful jellyfish in the water below.

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns
Hammocks where some of the crew slept.


Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Below: Depiction of passengers on the Star of India.

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

We broke for lunch, in between seeing ships (you have a hand stamp to get on the ships), and ate at Anthony's. There were many families eating there with small children. It is not as pricey as some may think and really, is the only restaurant right next to the Maritime Museum (there was an outdoor food service area there also). From the time we walked into Anthony's until the time we left, the service and friendliness of the staff was exceptional. The manager came over twice to make sure everything was great, the bus boy was at our table with refills right before we finished our drinks, and the food was excellent.

I tried the Manhattan Clam Chowder (the only thing I would not get again as there were way too may potatoes in it,) but everything else was wonderful. We tried the calamari appetizer (ask for it with the tartar sauce which is delicious). They bring hot rolls to your table as soon as you sit down, with an amazing garlic sundried tomato butter. Yum!

My friend loved his fish and chips with shrimp (and the shrimp were good sized), and I had a shrimp and crab Louie salad which was piled with shrimp and crab.

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns

All and all, it was a wonderful afternoon on the water in beautiful San Diego. On the way out of downtown, we rode by the Wyatt Earp Gambling Hall and Hotel (which is supposed to be haunted). I have never seen it before and was stunned by the beauty of the building.

Fantastic Family Things to do in Downtown San Diego (California) by Stacey Kuhns


Thursday, October 22, 2015

Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle #futurepacetech


Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle #futurepacetech

Futurepace Tech is a Lifestyle Products company committed to innovation, sustainability, making shopping simple and delighting their style savvy customers. They strive to provide premium products to support their clients’ healthy outdoor lifestyles.

Everyone wants to live a healthy lifestyle right. Well, one step to better health is to keep yourself well-hydrated. It is critical for your heart health. Hydration isn’t just important during physical activity. Just sitting in the sun on a hot or humid day, even if you aren’t exercising, can also cause your body to need more fluids.

The Futurepace Tech ‘Hydrate on the Go’ insulated bottle will keep your liquid either super-hot or super-cold. It will help you save both money and the environment by keeping plastic out of our landfills. Oma loves that the Stainless Steel Water Bottle is really durable and rust proof. The top screws in securely and comes with a handy clip. I also appreciate the company’s 100% money back guarantee.


Product Description



Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle #futurepacetech
Are you mad at sports water bottles that...
  • - sweat, leak, rust, taste metallic
  • - don't keep drinks cold or warm enough
  • - need filling often
  • - are too big for cup holders/bike racks
  • - pollute us and the planet?

What to do? Easy! Choose our perfect 'Hydrate on the Go' Solution ...

For Convenience...

Your insulated water bottle will keep drinks super cool or warm. Easy to carry Loop Lid. Easy fit for cup holders, bike racks, back packs. 20oz/600 ml means longer between fills.

For Health...

Hydrate with safe, refreshingly cool drinks at the office, gym, yoga or outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking. Or enjoy warming herbal tea. No aluminium or plastic. For Savings...

Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle #futurepacetechSave mega$$$ every year - switch to Stainless Steel over disposable plastic.

For Sustainability....

Your reusable water bottle uses top quality 18/8 Stainless Steel for inner and outer walls guaranteeing tough, durable, rust proof, sustainable and no metallic taste and stops plastic in oceans/landfill. For Cool, Style... Gloss coated charcoal - designer white print. We know you will love it yourself and want to gift it to family/friends so we have packaged it in a stylish white box for any occasion.

We take pride in our Stainless Steel Water Bottle; we use it and love it. We choose Amazon FBA so our valued customers have a simple, risk free buying experience and a full 100% money back guarantee.




Customers are our business.
As an Amazon Seller, we take great pride in our
after sales follow up and commitment to Customer Care.

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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, October 20, 2015

French Press Coffee Maker by Sumatra Dream #SumatraDreamFrenchPress

Oma recently learned that a good French Press can be perfect for brewing that perfect pot of tea! In fact, it is considered one of the best tea brewing methods. I always assumed that the French Press was for strictly for coffee. A French Press provide tea leaves much more room to fully expand and steep properly, unlike a tea bag or tea ball.

The French Press Coffee Maker by Sumatra Dream will help you to obtain a creamy, foamy, velvety, pure coffee and tea. It is really stylish with an elegant design. The unit is so durable, it comes with a life-time guarantee. It also comes with a coffee scoop and extra screens.

The French Press Coffee Maker by Sumatra Dream would makes a perfect gift idea for the coffee and/or tea lovers in your life: think housewarming, birthday, graduation, wedding registry, Christmas . . . .

Tip: Pre-heat the press, by pouring ‘off the boil’ water into it, letting it sit a minute, and empty out before putting the coffee grounds.


Product Description



There is a certain magic to that moment in the day when you pause to sip your perfectly brewed favorite tea or coffee, all your senses are stimulated and your mind is inspired to dream. Hence the name, Sumatra Dream.

The beauty of the French press is that once you’ve got the basics down (instructions in brochure), you can tweak it to suit your unique taste, it’s been nicknamed the “Freedom press”… You can experiment with the coarseness of the ground (like breadcrumbs is best), with the ratio of coffee ground to water (which will directly impact the strength of the brew), with how many minutes to let it steep (3-4 minutes is the norm, but you could try up to 6-8 mins).
  • Elegant, comfortable and practical design: commercial grade French press made with heat-resistant, solid 2.1 mm borosilicate glass and a plastic handle that is comfortable to hold and stays cool while you pour. BPA-free lid.
  • Flavor. Each serving from this 27 ounce, 800 ml. french press coffee maker pours a rich and flavorful cup of coffee with no grounds. Brews 2-4 or even 6 coffee cups (4 oz) or 2 large travel mugs in just 4 minutes. Brews excellent loose leaf teas and infusions. Ideal for homes with coffee & tea lovers.
  • Dishwasher-safe parts. Easy to clean. 3-part extra fine stainless steel mesh filter keeps grounds out of your cup and disassembles for easy cleaning.
  • High Quality. The seal on the screen is tight, for grind free coffee, to help extract your coffee's aromatic oils and subtle flavors. Along with your French press, you're also getting three extra replacement filters that will help extend the life of your French press, a coffee measuring spoon and brewing instructions are also included.
  • Lifetime warranty: the LAST French press you will need to buy! If any defect comes up during the lifetime of this press, Sumatra Dream will replace it. Great for the outdoor camping trip or office! Makes a perfect gift idea for the coffee lovers in your life: housewarming, birthday, graduation, wedding registry, Christmas, holiday, or any gift





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."

Monday, October 19, 2015

Acacia Wood Plate Set of 4, Acacia Square Plates #Acacia

Beautiful, Eco-friendly Wooden Plates

 

Acacia Wood Plate Set of 4, Acacia Square Plates  #Acacia

These Acaciaware Plates, by Nice & Nature, are of the highest quality Acacia woodenware. They are made of a dense, naturally resinous hardwood which, by its very nature, resists penetration by water and will not absorb stains or odors.

The plates stack well for easy convenient storage and are hand carved. They are smooth and polished. The woods warm color make them compatible with all types of tableware. Oma likes to use her Acacia Wood Plates to present the dinner salad to her guests.

Easy to clean; you just rinse or wipe and air dry. The Acacia Wood Plate resists water and will not absorb stains or odors.


Product Description



Acacia Wood Plate Set of 4, Acacia Square Plates  #Acacia
Use the Acaciaware Square Serving Tray / Plate every day and use it on special occasions - the exquisite craftsmanship, gorgeous color and natural design will make a special occasion out of any occasion. Acaciaware also means easy care. Hand wash with warm soapy water and air dry. It doesn't typically require oil but, if for some reason it appears to be drying out, simply use a non-toxic mineral oil to restore the wood grain to its original beauty.

Creating high quality woodenware is not Nice & Nature only concern, we are also concerned about the environment. Their wood sources do not harm the environment by using slash and burn methods of harvesting trees. All of their wood is harvested with care meaning that the trees they use are harvested legally from privately owned lands.

Nice & Nature cares about sustaining the environment and are constantly looking for wood sources. Richly grained acacia wood turns out in smooth, naturally suited to everyday use, entertaining or artful display.

  • Acacia Wood Square Plates, Size 7" x 7", Set of 4, Natural color
    Acacia Wood Plate Set of 4, Acacia Square Plates  #Acacia
  • These plates are tied together with Leather, making them a great gift.
  • Decorate tables and counter-tops with elegance value and Design
  • Beautiful grain wood pattern enhanced by rich, dark color compliments any room
  • Not for use in microwave or oven. Hand wash only with a soft damp cloth. Do not soak. Keep away from heat.





Acacia Wood Plate Set of 4, Acacia Square Plates  #Acacia



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."

Natural Best Foods in Escondido, California

by Stacey Kuhns

 

Natural Best Foods in Escondido, California by Stacey Kuhns

Natural Best Foods in Escondido
A great spot for a healthy meal that is also delicious.


My friend and I recently visited Natural Best Foods (located at 242 E. Mission Ave, Suite E, in Escondido). I wanted to try this place because of all the great reviews I had seen on Yelp. We were not disappointed.

The menu is not extensive, but everything is good. The owners, Claudia and Carlos run a clean, friendly shop. We arrived around 7:30 on a Friday night and Carlos was working. (Hours are M-F 8-8., Sat 8-6, Sun 10-5).

He greeted us warmly and was very accommodating with our orders. We both chose the tuna. I chose the sandwich on squaw bread and my friend chose the tuna torta. Both were wonderful and everything was so fresh.

The tuna was made simply and they seem to use lemon instead of a bunch of mayo. Their sandwiches come standard with lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado but you can add jalapenos or have the sandwich made exactly to your liking. He was definitely not skimping on the amount of tuna in our sandwiches.

Carlos also brought over some homemade cilantro dressing for us to try on the sandwiches (that is also offered on the salads). It was very nice.


Natural Best Foods in Escondido, California by Stacey Kuhns

There were other items I am not familiar with but Carlos made us some amazing smoothies. We had ours with strawberry, pineapple, and banana-all fresh and very yummy. The large smoothies are so much cheaper than the chain stores and taste a lot better.

Natural Best Foods also offers a variety of flavored waters. While we were eating, Carlos made sure we had what we wanted and he brought over a basket of chips for us, on the house. My friend ordered a chicken Caesar salad to go. He ate it the following day and said it was the best one he had ever eaten.

We will definitely be returning to Natural Best Foods. (I unfortunately did not have my camera with me so had to use a subpar phone to take the photos, so I apologize for the lack of clarity, but wanted to give you an idea of what everything looks like).

Natural Best Foods in Escondido, California by Stacey Kuhns


Sunday, October 18, 2015

Magical Time at the Pumpkin Patch
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA

If you haven’t been to the Bates Nut Farm yet for this Halloween season; try to make it out. There is so much to do and the cost is very reasonable.  

Magical Time at the Pumpkin Patch Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA

WARNING: There is a $5.00 per car parking fee this year on the weekends – so have a five dollar bill out to make it easier and quicker for everyone.

Oma and Opa really enjoyed their visit to the pumpkin patch with grandson’s Reef Indy and Coast Oak; Mom and Dad; Auntie Heather and Uncle Johnny; and of course Cousin Belle.

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2015 to Saturday, October 31, 2015

Time: All Day

Description: Over 50 years of fall traditions and memories have been created at the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch. Family and friends enjoy the tractor hayrides, straw maze, petting corral and pony rides. Grab a wheelbarrow and pick from variety of pumpkins: Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’ Lantern, minis, squash, gourds and other fall décor. In addition, weekends at Bates include live entertainment from 12:00 -3:00, BBQ, kettle corn, food trucks, rock climb, bounce, slide and other family friendly events. Check our calendar for details and schedule. $5.00 parking on October weekends.

 

2015 Pumpkin Patch Pricing:

  • Tractor Rides $2.50
  • Straw Maze $2.50
  • Pony Rides $5.00 each (Cash only)
  • Petting Corral $3.00 each (Cash only)
  • Bounce: $2.50
  • Slide: $2.50
  • Farm Zoo: Free

Pumpkin Package $10.50

  • Monday - Friday: Pumpkin Package includes 1 Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin, Tractor Hayride & Straw Maze
  • Sat. & Sunday: Pumpkin Package includes 1 Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin + 2 tickets to use in your choice of Tractor Hayride, Straw Maze, Bounce or Slide.
  • Hours:
  • Weekdays 9:00 - 5:30