Festival Under The Lights #welkresorts

Family Fun Close to Home

We oft times forget the joys closest to us. Mom Amanda and Oma decided to spend Tuesday afternoon at the Welk’s Resort a short four miles from the homestead.

The Boulder Spring Pool area is designed for especially for kid fun. There are two shallow pools, a water splash pad, a small playground and a Jacuzzi. Mom, Reef, Coast and Oma had a blast. There is even a small snack shack that serves alcoholic beverages. Opa and Dad joined us as soon as they were done with their work day.

After spending a couple of hours soaking up the sun in the Boulder Springs Pool area, we were off to the ‘Festival Under The Lights.’ On Tuesdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the resort provides live music and a build your own pasta bar. Gourmet S’Mores are also available for purchase for dessert.

There was plenty of seating and some shade. It was the perfect way to enjoy family and the Southern California Sunshine.

About Welk’s Resort: In 1964, Lawrence Welk went for a drive in the country north of San Diego, California planning to invest in a grove of orange trees. Instead he bought a motel and a nine-hole golf course. After Welk staged one of his shows at the site, it became a popular tourist spot and grew to include a theatre, more golf and eventually timeshare.

Today, the Welk Group operates Interval International (II) premier timeshare properties in San Diego, Palm Springs and Cabo San Lucas, as well as a theatre and Resort Hotel in Branson. These resorts have been honored with Gold Crown status by Resort Condominiums International, a major worldwide vacation exchange organization.

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Glass Teapot Tea Infuser with Warmer #willowandeverett

I love my cup of tea all through the day. Along with being delicious, tea offer numerous health benefits. It contains antioxidant that help the body fight harmful free radicals that can lead to cancer and heart disease. Tea also contains flavonoids that restrict the buildup of cholesterol and help with blood vessel functionality.

Part of the pleasure of tea is its presentation. I love glass tea pots. This glass tea infuser is not only of very high quality, it is cute and stylish. Perfect for your personal tea brewing or as the centerpiece for your tea party. You can microwave your water directly in the glass teapot for expediency. I also love the fact that the infuser is rust free.

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Product Description

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Sometimes having a cup of tea is simply about a quick and convenient pick me up. Other times, it’s an opportunity to linger, savor the moment, enjoy good company or truly relax. This Willow & Everett elegant teapot infuser delivers on all of these things with every cup of tea you brew. The included custom fit cozy zips up snugly around your teapot keeping your tea warm until you, and your friends, are ready for the next cup. No more rushing through tea time or constantly having to remicrowave your tea!

• HIGH-QUALITY HAND BLOWN GLASS AND STAINLESS STEEL - This elegant microwavable glass and stainless steel 40 ounce teapot is made from premium materials and is designed with convenience and great design in mind. Large enough for brewing 4-5 cups of tea it's the perfect kitchen accessory for hosting guests or brewing up custom cups. This makes a great gift for Christmas, Mother's Day, Birthdays or Anniversaries!
• MICROWAVABLE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE - Because this tea kettle is all glass (with removeable stainless steel parts), brewing up a custom cup (or two!) of tea has never been easier. Simply fill with water, remove the lid and stainless steel infuser and pop it in the microwave to boil your water. This teapot eliminates the need to boil water separately and lets you do everything right in one teapot!
  
• SPILL-FREE LID AND RUST-FREE INFUSER - A well designed stainless steel lid locks into place and ensures water doesn't leak out of your tea maker. The brushed stainless steel accent looks great in any kitchen, is easy to wipe clean and adds elegance to your kitchen table. A removable 18/8 stainless steel mesh infuser is rust-free and allows you to steep any type of loose tea leaves and brew your tea to any desired strength.
• CUSTOM FIT TEA COZY KEEPS YOUR TEA WARM - Whether you're alone or with friends, sometimes lingering over a cup of tea is just what you need. Now, with the included black custom fit cozy that zips securely around your teapot to keep it warm there's no need to rush through your pot of tea or constantly reheat it!
• CUSTOMER GUARANTEE We're confident you'll love our Glass and Stainless Steel Teapot Infuser. 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 teapot to your shopping cart today for a risk-free tea brewing experience!

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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."

The Smith Boys Cool Off at the Pala Casino Pool

As the weather in Valley Center, California reached an uncharacteristic ninety degrees, the Smith Brothers took advantage of the pool at the Pala Casino and Resort for a bit of cooling off fun. Pala’s pool is perfect for those sizzling Southern California Days. 

A New Journey Begins

by Stacey Kuhns

Henson, the Service Dog

Hi everyone. So this time I am not reviewing a restaurant or a hidden gem in San Diego or Los Angeles counties. I am going to take you on a journey with me as I experience it.

As many of you know from my prior guest blogs, I am disabled. I am still independent but as the years go by, it has become more difficult to perform some simple daily tasks. I have several medical specialists who monitor my care, but things seemed to be deteriorating and I live in pain 24/7. As you have seen from my prior blogs, I get out and do as much as I can and enjoy life as much as I can. I want to be happy and make memories. I want to experience life.

I also began to wonder if all the medications I take are really helping me as much as medical professionals think. I decided to take advantage of a referral from one of my specialists to explore acupuncture.

On the referral of a prior patient, I connected with David Stoeber, L.Ac. He is the owner of North County Wellness, located in San Marcos. David is a chronic pain specialist. He has been dealing with chronic pain patients for years and has a deep understanding of the diseases and holistic methods used to assist in alleviating pain.

We met and he spent time getting to know me, my symptoms and primary concerns, and took the time to answer all my questions. I have been going to him weekly and Anna Kaplan, has been amazing in following my acupuncture sessions with light touch massage. I have noticed a difference and I feel David and the staff at North County Wellness really know their stuff.

During one of the sessions, I was discussing the difficulties I have experience with the diseases I have. David suggested a service dog. That was like a bomb going off in my brain. A service dog? For me? A chronic pain patient? David said he had several patients with the same issues get service dogs and they were helped tremendously.

I began researching this because taking on a dog is a huge commitment for someone who has days where she is barely able to walk. I talked with professionals in the service dog community and made the decision to move forward with this.

I don't want to ramble on about this, but on May 1, I will be bringing home Henson. He and I will spend two years training for him to be certified as my service dog.

Meet Henson:

I am very excited to start on this journey with him. I believe he will be a great help to me physically and emotionally, and as an avid animal person, I know he will have a loving home always. Stay tuned for our escapades, beginning May 1, when eight week old Henson comes home with me.

Nine-Month-Old Coast Oak

Coast Oak turns nine months old and is cute as a button.

He has four teeth and loves to eat.  Coast is also display a tendency to be very verbal. 

Day at the Beach Southern California Life

San Diego County is known for our gorgeous beaches. With seventy miles of pristine coastline, year-around sunshine and mild temperatures, you can enjoy the surf and sand almost any day of the year.

The fresh air inherent to a beach outing is wonderful for kids of all ages.

Reasons a Parent Should Care About Fresh Air: 

1. Stronger bones and lower cancer risk: Today’s “indoor kids” don’t get enough sun and are becoming Vitamin D deficient, causing health risks.
2. Trimmer and more healthy kids: An hour of play a day is what doctors say is a basic tool in the effort to ward off childhood obesity and diabetes.
3. Improved eyesight: Recent studies find that kids who get outdoor time have less nearsightedness and need for eye glasses.
4. Less depression and hyperactivity: Outdoor time in natural setting (even tree-lined streets) soothes kids and lower their need for medications.
5. Longer attention spans: Children who stare at TV and video games all day have less patience and shorter attention spans.
6. Better at making friends: Children playing together outdoors relate directly with one another, create games together, choose sides and improve their “people” skills.
7. More creative: Outdoor kids are more likely to use their own imaginations, inventions and creativity while playing.
8. Less “acting out” at home and school: Getting kids away from TV violence and video games helps them see that violent behavior does not always solve problems.
9. Measurably better grades in school: The healthy bodies and minds that come with outdoor play are better able to do well in school.
10. A longer lifespan and healthier adult life: Doctors estimate that sedentary and obese children lose three to five years from their life expectancy.

BakeMaster 12 Cup Silicone Muffin and Cupcake Pan #BakeMaster12Cup #BakeMaster12Cup

Oma has been a big fan of baking utilizing silicone ever since she first tried silicone muffin cups. Therefore, I was thrilled to be asked to test the BakeMaster 12 Cup Silicone Muffin and Cupcake Pan. This economical baking aid quickly captured my baking heart. I love how the pan facilitates quick even baking and cooling.

I love the bright color of the pan and the fact that it will not rust and look ghastly. However, the best feature is how easily it is to remove the finished muffins/cupcakes. The only drawback is that this pan is slightly smaller than my old pan – Opa likes big muffins in his lunch.

Tip: the pan is a bit flimsy and makes me nervous regarding spillage – I simply put the pan on a cookie sheet to give it that extra support.

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Product Description

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• EXCELLENT QUALITY BakeMaster Silicone cupcake pans are made from high quality silicone with no plastic mixed and additional reinforcement between the cups add extra durability, long life and heat resistance of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
• ALL PURPOSE USE BakeMaster muffin pans are made from FDA approved silicone, that is odor resistant, rust free and does not need any grease, unlike the metal pans. Silicone baking pans can be used for both baking, and freezing the food items.
• EASY TO CLEAN & STORE Unlike the tin pans, silicone pans create less mess and can be easily cleaned and reused. Because of their light weight nature and flexibility, silicone cupcakes pan can be easily stored and do not need a lot of space like metal pans.
• VARIETY OF FOOD & SNACKS BakeMaster non-stick silicone baking pan can be used for baking cupcakes, muffins, brownies, pastries, quiche, cup lasagna, puffs, chicken pot pie and many other food items depending on the moods and occasions.
• USE FOR ALL OCCASIONS Silicone mold are perfect for all occasions like parties, holidays, picnics, celebrations, pot lucks, or just to create a simple quick snack. BakeMaster silicone pans come in simple packing with a 100% Money back guarantee or replacement if this product does not meet your standards.

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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."