Saturday, May 27, 2017

Ryan Blaney Wins the Hisense 4K TV 300

Ryan Blaney Wins the #Hisense 4K TV 300

NASCAR Race Mom Celebrates In Victory Lane

 

Ryan Blaney Wins the Hisense 4K TV 300 #nascar #Hisense4kTV300

After a couple of weeks off, the Xfinity series took the track for the Hisense 4K TV 300 (#Hisense4kTV300) today. The teams only had two practice sessions on May 25th and qualified at 10:00 a.m. today. Justin Allgaier captured pole, while our guy, Denny Hamlin in his #20 Hisense Toyota would take the green flag from eighth. Denny delivered a fifth place finish.

Thanks to my hosts, Hisence, NASCAR Race Mom had unlimited access to this two hundred lap race. Unfortunately, NRM is too tired to properly blog this event tonight (more to come later).  Therefore, the Instagram posts below will summarize the day for now.






A post shared by Missy Smith (@zwriter1) on








A post shared by Missy Smith (@zwriter1) on




A post shared by Missy Smith (@zwriter1) on


A post shared by Missy Smith (@zwriter1) on




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  4. Its a Wrap on the 23rd Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America #KPCharityRide
  5. The Big Meet & Greet With Dale Earnhardt Jr.


Thursday, May 25, 2017

Reef Enjoying his Swim Lessons

Reef Enjoying his Swim Lessons Lessons commonly begin by teaching children not to be afraid of the water. They learn to get their faces wet, blow bubbles, lift their faces up and take a breath. They then learn to float and breathe properly while doing simple strokes like the dog paddle and backstroke.


Reef Indy has come a long way in learning this essential life skill

Monday, May 22, 2017

San Diego Botanical Gardens

San Diego Botanical Gardens

A Place for All Ages


Last month, my boyfriend and I visited the San Diego Botanical Gardens.  I have been there a number of times over the years, but this was his first time there.

The botanical gardens are located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, in Encinitas, right off the Encinitas Blvd. exit from I-5. They are open daily from 9a.m. to 5p.m. and the cost is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and active military, and $8 for children 3-12. Members and children under 2 are free. Parking is $2.

On the first Tuesday of the month, San Diego County residents get in free but still must pay the $2 parking fee. The parking fee is waived if you have 4 or more people in your car. 





I would advise bringing a hat or wearing sunscreen, especially on those hot days. Also, bring snacks and water as there is only one kiosk near the visitor's center and gift shop (yes, they do sell plants). There are a limited number of picnic tables available and you are welcome to bring a picnic. There are no restaurants on site but plenty in the surrounding Encinitas area. The botanical gardens cover 37 acres and most of it is easy walking. Of course, different times of the year, you will see different plants in bloom. 






 You may even catch sight of a smiling dragonfly.



There are a number of gardens containing plants from around the world. There is even a bamboo garden where bamboo is harvested by San Diego Zoo staff for their pandas. The cacti all over the area were in full bloom and flowers were abundant so this is a great time of year to visit. There is also a children's garden that has an edible plant garden and lots of interactive activities for the kids, including some climbing structures.




There is also a garden area that has sculptures made out of plants.



There are certain places within the gardens where you can see the ocean. There is also an area that has a fairly tall waterfall. There were lots of different kinds of butterflies and birds flying around. There are great places to just sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. Many of the plants don't look so exciting on the outside, but if you lean over and look inside, they are magical.



There are plenty of docents and volunteers around to answer questions or show you special plants. We had a volunteer show us a cucumber thistle. They were trying to get rid of a lot of them as it is an invasive plant, but she let us hold one and look inside and touch one of the seeds. It was very cool. 



All in all, a very interesting place to visit any time of the year.

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Fun Grandson Day

Fun Grandson Day A nutritious breakfast at Home Sweet Home - then a quick trip to Opa and Oma Rufi's Home and then Ice Cream at Cold Stone!!!


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."