The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA

If you are in SoCal in the spring please make a trip to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. You won't regret it.

They are open from March through May. Be sure to check their website for specific dates and events. Also, make sure to ask about the AAA discount.

Bring some water, sunscreen, a hat, walking shoes and a picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables. For $5 more you can go on a narrated wagon ride around the fields. This is a great option for those that would have trouble navigating the sloped fields.

The Flower Fields are made up of beautiful ranunculus flowers of various colors. They are planted through out the fall such that over the course of the season there is always something in bloom. The north fields bloom at the start of the season and the blooms travel south for about 3 months duration.

You can buy cut flowers, bulbs (actually tubberus roots), shirts, note cards and much more at Armstrong Garden Center located adjourning the fields.

We took the wagon ride and enjoyed hearing some of the history, events and information about the other gardens at The Flower Fields.

There are plenty photo opportunities along the way. Make sure to stay behind the green tape in order to keep a safe distance from the flowers. Also, be sure to read their website about the photography rules and fees. If you plan on having professional photos taken here (this would be a great spot for engagement or family photos!) be sure to schedule in advance and pay the appropriate fee.

We got there late in the day and were only able to spend about two hours there before they closed. I suggest getting there earlier in the day to ensure you have enough time to see everything. There is also a rose garden, sweet pea maze and an artistic garden to name a few other attractions.

Poseidon Restaurant, Del Mar, California

A former co-worker from Texas came to San Diego for a course and we met halfway in Del Mar for dinner at The Poseidon Restaurant. The restaurant is directly on the beach.  I'm sure it's breathtaking at sunset.  There is a large covered patio on the beach that opens up to the main restaurant. It was quiet windy the night we went so the plastic shades were down. The inside of the restaurant had unique lighting and stone features.   There was even a fire pit inside. I wish I had taken pictures other than of just my food!

I had the Wasabi Seasame-Crusted Ahi Tuna with wasabi whipped potatoes, ginger bokchoy and lotus root chips.  The tuna was served rare and paired well with the teriyaki miso sauce. I loved the whipped potatoes, but was too timid to try the bokchoy (I'm still learning to like green food). Sam had the special, a swordfish with mashed potatoes and asparagus. We were too busy enjoying our own food to offer the other person a sample!

Besides the seafood, they also have a large selection of beef, wine, cocktails, etc. I had a Sparkling Clementine which is made of Clementine Vodka, orange juice and champagne.  Basically, a fancy mimosa.  It was good!

I would like to go back during the day or during sunset in order to enjoy the view.  Let me know if you've been or plan to go to The Poseidon.

Knockout Pizza, Carlsbad, CA

Sam and I have been to Knockout Pizza twice in the past week.  Both times I gobbled up the slices too fast to take pictures.  Maybe next time I'll remember to snag a few before I tuck in. There are other locations in SoCal, but they are called Flippin Pizza (also in NoVA/DC/MD area!). Cute names if you ask me. If you get a pie to go, be sure to check out the box (little pizza slices fighting!).

I found a deal in the community coupon flyer for free buffalo chicken bites if you buy a pie.  They let us get 1/2 and 1/2: white pizza and meat pizza.  These are not the official names, I'm just too lazy to look them up at this time. Lo siento. The buffalo wings were way too hot for me and I like spicy food.  Sam didn't seem to mind. Even though his forehead was covered in sweat when he was done. Note: if you wear contacts please take them out BEFORE you eat the buffalo bites.  Even though I washed my hands TWICE my eyes still stung when I took out my contacts.

If you like Knockout Pizza on facebook, they have a free slice special. Simply go to their FB page, like them, then go to the promotions tab. Here you can print out a free slice coupon which must be used within 7 days of printing it.  (This was why we ended up going twice in a week).