Monday, March 28, 2016

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad

Worth the Admission?

by Stacey Kuhns



The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields, located in Carlsbad, at 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008, is a seasonal attraction that draws tourists and local alike. The Flower Fields are open from March 1 through May 8 this year, daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

There is almost 50 acres of ranunculus flowers, walking paths, plants for sale, birds, a variety of other flowers, and a tractor/wagon ride (which usually is $5 and is run by the Antique Steam and Engine Museum). 

Admission to the Flower Fields is Adults ($14), Seniors-60+/Military ($13), Children 3-10 ($7) and children under 2 are free.

I have lived in San Diego County for approximately 29 years. I have walked on the sidewalk above the Flower Fields, driven by the Flower Fields, but never paid to go inside the Flower Fields. Is it worth it? For me, it most definitely was. I guess it depends what you are hoping to find.

There is a play area for children, and they seem to love the tractor/wagon ride. There are some snacks and drinks for sale and it is a fabulous backdrop for family photos. There is also a "mining" area for the kids. For $4, they get to pick a bucket of dirt that contains at least 9 semi-precious gemstones. They wash and sift through the dirt to "find" their gems.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

As you can see, my boyfriend got way more than 9 gems. All the staff running the place, from the ticket booth to the mining, to the drivers, are extremely friendly and there to answer any questions you have. 

The ranunculus are gorgeous and truly amazing when seen up close. Each year, The Flower Fields grows one of the large fields of flowers into a picture, usually of the American flag (on the Palomar Airport Road side of the fields). It was not grown in yet when we visited, but there were still acres and acres of beautiful flowers to explore.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

You can stand at the top of The Flower Fields and look over the gorgeous colors and right out to the ocean.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

We chose not to take the tractor/wagon ride as I wanted to really walk around and see all the flowers up close and take pictures in the designated areas that make it seem like you are sitting inside the field of flowers. There is green tape around all the flower beds and it is easy to see where the picture spots are. Unfortunately, we also saw a few people stepping over the tape and walking into the flower beds to take pictures. They do have security there, but not enough when it gets crowded. There is also a sweet pea garden area.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

There are also a number of benches where you can sit and relax, take it all in, and enjoy the ocean breezes.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

I recommend getting there when they open. It is usually a little overcast then and a lot less crowded. It just seems to be the perfect time to go. By 11:00 or so, it starts getting very crowded and hot. I would advise wearing sunscreen and bringing water or something cool to drink, especially if you have children with you. Once you get into the actual area where the fields are, it is packed dirt, no paving, so be aware of that.

There is an area near the restrooms where they have a number of colorful finches, lorikeets, doves, and other birds to observe.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns


Is it worth the price of admission? 

I thought so and wondered why I had never visited before. The Flower Fields are also located near many restaurants and shops, all within walking distance of the parking lot. 

If you plan to go, go soon before the flowers are gone. 

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad by Stacey Kuhns



Sunday, March 27, 2016

Aquarium Depot - The Amazing Reef Coloring Book #AquariumDepot

Adult coloring has become a trendy way to relax. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is a mental health profession in which the process of making and creating artwork is used to "explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem."

I enjoy it as it makes me put the electronics away for a while. Now this book is definitely geared towards adults. Be sure to remove the page from the book and tape it to a hard surface for the best results. I used a set of color pencils and utilized the color photographs on the back of the book as a guide.

The gray-scale pages prove a creative challenge fit for adult relaxation. This is definitely not the usual coloring book.


Product Description



Adult coloring books are growing in popularity because thousands of people find it relaxing, helps you decompress, and let their inner child out to play while opening up creativity. Many of the books on the market are centered on patterns but we cater to you reef lovers. They are a little more detailed than a child's book but also designed for you to interpret the colors as you want to see them.

These pages were patterned for you to enjoy your free time diving into one of your passions, the ocean. You should not be limited to the color palette you see in your tank or on your next reef dive. Pick a color at random and jump in.

Now we understand that many adults probably haven't colored a page in over 20 years. Crayons were great as a child but grownups should probably use grown up materials. So we recommend colored pencils as you can blend them to make realistic works of art.




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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."

Foldable Storage Cube Baskets - Set of 6 #BandCHomeGoods

These storage cube baskets with reinforced extra strength stitching on each handle really do make transporting even heavy loads easy. I also love that you can simply wipe these durable cubes down to clean and then collapse for easy storage.

The baskets are perfect for my closet consolidation project. Nevertheless, If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason they will refund your money no questions asked!!!



Product Description



Control your clutter, get a handle on great organization and do it all with style. Functionality and great design are our priories and this set of six fabric storage cubes will not only help you tidy up your home but won't ruin your home decor in the process. 

  • GET ORGANIZED WITH AN ATTRACTIVE SOLUTION - Getting organized is a top priority but you don't have to sacrifice style to do it. This attractive 6 pack of beige fabric storage bins are designed to fit into almost any storage cube unit and hold a generous amount of toys, craft supplies, linens, games and more. They conceal your clutter and mess without being an eyesore like other bins and storage solutions. Each cube measures 11 inches x 10.5 inches x 10.5 inches.
  • DUAL REINFORCED HANDLES MAKE TRANSPORTATION EASY - Unlike every other storage basket out there, these bins have handles on BOTH sides making them easy to pick up and transport. Even kids can easily carry them! Each handle is reinforced and attached to the bin with extra-strength stitching so the bins can handle a heavy load.
  • SAVE SPACE WITH COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN - If you ever find you don't need to use all six storage containers at once, simply remove the heavy-duty board bottom of the cube and fold the whole unit up. Each cube reduces to about half an inch in thickness and can be easily stored away until future use.
  • DURABLE WIPE-CLEAN FABRIC - We get it - sometimes life is messy. Especially when it comes to kids and corralling clutter around the house. Made out of durable non-woven fabric, these storage bins with handles on both sides easily wipe clean with a damp rag so you don't have to worry about stains and smudge marks from dirty hands or normal wear.
  • CUSTOMER GUARANTEE We're confident you'll love our Foldable Cube Storage Containers with dual handles. However, if you're not completely satisfied, we'll give you a 100% refund within 90 days of purchase--NO QUESTIONS ASKED. We have the best customer service on Amazon, and YOU, the customer, are our top priority. Add a set to your shopping cart today for a risk-free culinary experience!





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."

Our Ireland Adventure
Day 12

Happy Easter - Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

 

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Good-bye St. Judes B&B

Our B&B decorated for Easter and we each received a small chocolate egg, so we enjoyed that homey Easter atmosphere. However, we did miss our family a bit.

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Good-bye St. Judes B&B

After a nice breakfast, we quickly packed up and left St. Judes for our next adventure. The drive to Lough Eske Castle  was one of the longest of this trip – approximately three hours. While it rained considerably, the trip went quickly and well.

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel


The hotel is housed in a restored 17th-century castle on the shores of Lough Eske close to Donegal. We were escorted to a Courtyard Room that looked more like a small apartment, very plush and modern. It is impossible to believe that this was originally the castle's horse stables

The five star hotel offered numerous activities, but Paul and I took the opportunity to hike around the castle grounds. As you can see from the photos below it is beautiful here. 

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - Happy Easter and Checking Into the Lough Eske Castle Hotel


We ate both lunch and dinner at the castle bar. The Gallery Bar also offers a classic list of cocktails, aperitifs, after-dinner drinks, Irish coffees, European wines, and a collection of over 90 fine whiskies. At lunch I splurged and bought a shot of Midleton Very Rare – what a joy.

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - The Gallery Bar at the Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - The Gallery Bar at the Lough Eske Castle Hotel

We were honored to chat with locals, mother and daughter, at dinner. They recommended that we go to the Bushmill Distillery – the oldest distillery in Ireland. They also suggested we check out the Giant Causeway. Paul and I love following the recommendations from locals.

The topic turned towards politics and both ladies were horrified at the possibility of Trump as the next American president.

Our Ireland Adventure Day 12 - The grounds at the Lough Eske Castle Hotel


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Saturday, March 26, 2016

Our Ireland Adventure
Day 11

Aran Island Day Tour 

 

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour


Yesterday was a bit rough. Paul could not get comfortable in his bed and breakfast bed. Breakfast was not served until 8:30 a.m. and we had to walk about a half a mile to our pick-up point for our Aran Island day tour, so we just picked up a quick pastry and left.

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour
The weather in Ireland finally presented cold and rainy. That plastic poncho AAA supplied us sure did come in handy. The tour company had us wait across the street from the aquarium, in from of the dog poop disposal!!!  We got there about fifteen minutes early and of course they were about fifteen minutes late; so it was a long wet wait out in the Ireland elements.

The bus picked us up for the half hour bus ride to the ferry to Aran Island. The boat was sitting there waiting for us and the forty-five minute journey to the Island went quickly although the seas were lumpy. However, Aran Island was cold, and super windy.

We walked up the hill to the front of the Fisherman B&B to wait for our bus tour. Our driver was very knowledgeable and fun. He was born and raised on Aran and it showed. We stopped at an old cemetery but it was flooded from the recent storm.

The bus wove through the narrow path through the island and the driver narrated expertly. However, it was just too cold for us to really explore. Paul and I found a nice warm café and enjoyed a long lunch. We also enjoyed the warmth of the little shops.

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour

We had to wait for the return ferry back in the rain. Then when the doors finally opened, the horde of youngsters pushed their way forward and tried to run though us. They did not realize that we are not pushovers. We found a good seat and relished as a group of high school kids squealed every time a big wave rocked them violently.



Of course the bus was forty minutes late picking us up for our return ride to Lower Salt Hill. Of course it hailed during our wait.

Our Ireland Adventure Day 11 - Aran Island Day Tour


Aran Island was fun but the trip left us cold, hungry and tired. I really do not do well when I have to wait. It certainly did not help that I was suffering from a headache. Not the best day but still a great day in Ireland.

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