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). 

Carlsbad Village Yoga and Fitness

Sam and I have been going to Carlsbad Yoga and Fitness for the past several weeks. I had been meaning to check it out for a while. Then a Groupon we couldn't refuse came along.

Its a co-op, so all the instructors have different experience, back grounds and views of their yoga or fitness practice. The classes range from various levels of yoga including prenatal and kids to barre, boot camp and sculpting.

Deb runs a well organized schedule at the studio. Every Friday there is a different yoga class (yoga to candle glow or black light for example) followed by a social event. These socials range from wine and beer tasting to potlucks and massages with protein shakes.

The studio is very involved in the community. It partners with local business to offer special events and hosts fundraisers when a 5th Friday rolls around. In March, the fundraiser is for MS.

If you are in the area I strongly suggest you check out the schedule and attend a class or two.

Bikini Season

I don't know about you, but I can never have enough bathing suits.  I have a whole drawer in the dresser in this little studio apartment just for my bathing suits. I have plenty. I really don't need anymore.  That is until I realize Victoria's Secret has a sale.

Then I go a little nuts.

I'm big into mixing and matching tops and bottoms, so the sale works perfectly for me. I typically go with styles and colors that will work with other suits I already have. Or, I get something that I love and then have to find yet another piece to match it. It kinda snow balls from there as you can imagine.

With that said...I now have 80 some dollars of discounted (okay, most of it was discounted) swim wear headed my way.

The problem with living in SoCal is that it really is bikini season for much of the year. This is one of my justifications for buying the new suits. The other problem is that I feel inadequate in a bathing suit compared to all the local beauties. I intend to use this as motivation for exercising more.

Need a coupon to help you get a deal?  Head on over to PromotionCode.Org to see what the current codes are for Victoria's Secret and many other stores. They have codes listed for numerous stores. Quickly let them know if the code works or doesn't with the click of a button.  This data is used to let them know if the code still works. They have changed their site recently, so if you've used it in the past, stop by again to see the new look. I ended up with a free tote along with my purchase thanks to Promotion Code! So excited for my order to get here!

333, Oceanside, California

Finally made it to 333 in Oceanside.  This is the vodka bar that we frequently passed in Oceanside. We went before seeing a movie and were impressed! The atmosphere was casual, yet refined and the drinks were fantastic.

Sitting in the lounge area instead of a table entitles you to Happy Hour which consists of $7 martinis and signature "skinny" cocktails.  333 also boasts different specials for most days of the week.  Wine Wednesday is 50% select bottles of wine and Monday is Microbrew Madness. There are multiple other specials based on day of the week and happy hour, so be sure to check out the website.

Unfortunately, this picture does not do our drinks justice. I had the key lime pie martini which was fantastic!  It comes with lime foam.  I strongly suggest getting this drink or anything else that comes with lime foam.  This reminded me of the key lime milkshake from the fruit stand we visited on the way to AND from The Keys, Robert Is Here. More on that later.

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Weekend Bag

I have been casually looking for a weekend bag for a while now.  I hate lugging a rolling suitcase around for a short weekend holiday. I have a few totes, but they aren't very visually appealing, nor are they durable.

Thanks to Pinterest I found a cute monogrammed bag from Marley Lilly.

I would have loved the navy bag, but it wasn't available, so I went with olive as the least abrasive color option. I love that it has a detachable shoulder strap in addition to the handles. The leather detail is a nice touch.  As a Virginian who has some time with some southern belles in South Carolina, I also approve of the monogram.  I choose chocolate thread for my initials.

Speaking of monograms.  What style do you prefer?  I like script, but nothing so curly that you can't read it.  That kinda defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

I was surprised to note that Marley Lilly is based out of Greenville, SC.  I lived there for two years after finishing grad school and was well versed in monograms by the time I left. You really can't live in South Carolina without embracing monograms.

Will try to post pictures once my bag arrives!

If you like monograms, definitely check out Marley Lilly.  They have cell phone cases, koosies, clothing, towels, glasses, bags and so much more.  I think my next purchase may have to be one of their cute tanks.