A fixture along Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, California – the Carlsbad Strawberry Company has owned the farmland that can be seen from the freeway since 1948.
This local farm sells Strawberries at Farmer’s Markets around San Diego County, packages and sells them commercially by Aviara Farms, AND even better there is an area open to the public as “U-Pick”.
When in season this Farm is on my “San Diego Favorites” List.
For my birthday one of my mother-in-laws gifted me with a Paint Night Gift Certificate for my husband and myself.
Neither. Of. Us. Are. Artists. Not even close. We can not even stay in the lines when we color with our three year old.
We quickly found out that we did not need to be artists to create something we actually liked; all the while laughing our way through a fun date.
Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking.
These views are not to be missed. Add Mt. Soledad to your San Diego “must see” list.
On a clear day visitors can see the Coronado Bridge in Downtown San Diego all the way to the Torrey Pines Gliderport and all the places in between.
It’s been a while since I ran relay in track…
A. LONG. WHILE.
However, like riding a bike you never really forget how to pass and hold on to a baton, right? Scratch that. Those handoffs do take a lot of practice.
Fortunately, the baton I’m holding today is all about covering some Southern California ground while taking photos and posting them on Instagram… SHEW!!
Julie over at Girl on the Move is hosting the SoCal Baton and today is my day to share some of the San Diego area via photos. I plan to carry the SoCal Baton to two of my favorite locations to view America’s Finest City and maybe I’ll stop in at a couple other of my favorite places along the way.
Let’s talk Dry Shampoo. If you have not yet been introduced, are still using Baby Powder to freshen up your locks, or have held out on purchasing a can of the good stuff this is the article for you. Read all about my thoughts on salon grade dry shampoo down to the grocery store finds. Dry Shampoo is a necessity for your “no wash” days, refreshing your style before an evening out, for overnight camping trips, and is a great way to keep your bangs looking fresh.
The VERY best Dry Shampoo on the market is Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder. Without a doubt. The best. Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder comes in a variety of hair 
colors/shades and while some other brands leave a white residue behind (ah-hem, Big Sexy Hair), Bumble and Bumble’s dry cleansing powder does not. Their product matches individual hair color and goes on without notice and without build up. This dry spray does not add weight, rather it adds the perfect boost and revives some much needed volume. Bumble and Bumble costs approximately $36 and can only be purchased at participating salons. A can lasts quite a while and it is definitely worth the cost and the drive to the salon.
It is almost summer and in most places it already feels like summer which has me thinking about my books of choice for afternoons on the beach. Author Sarah Jio just released her sixth novel, Goodnight June. And because I countdown to Jio’s book releases like a six year old counts down to Christmas I know better than to add this book to my “summer reading list”. I will most certainly have Goodnight June finished before our beach day this weekend however I have decided that this summer I will reread all of my favorite Sarah Jio novels which includes every book she has written.
My best friend gifted me a signed copy of Sarah Jio’s first book, The Violets of March, when it was released by Plume (Penguin Group) in 2011. Being that my best friend knew Sarah Jio through her then salon in Seattle she was aware of the plot and knew that Jio’s writing style would be one that I enjoyed. My bff could not have been more right and I am extremely grateful for the introduction to these novels. I have been a fan of Sarah Jio’s ever since reading her first book. Jio’s writing style makes for such an easy read. The setting of her books include my favorite era of 1930s/40s/50s and her dual storylines often touch the late 1990s through present day. The plot of each book typically has a connection to her beloved Pacific Northwest and there is mystery, suspense, and romance all tied into these fictional novels. They are engaging making it hard for me to put them down once I start reading and as mentioned I believe they will prove to make the perfect repeat read this summer.
If you happen to be looking to add to your summer reading list I recommend Sarah Jio’s books in this order:
– The Bungalow (released 12.27.2011) set in 1942, engaged Anne Calloway joins the Army to serve as a nurse; she meets a soldier whose mystery peaks her attention and begins consuming her time as they create their own story.
– Morning Glory (released 11.26.2013) set on Boat Street in the boathouse community of Seattle; after present day Ada Santorini leaves her broken life in New York she discovers a trunk & Boat Street secret in her residence (houseboat #7) belonging to Penny Wentworth from 1959.
– The Violets of March (released 04.26.2011) is set on Bainbridge Island in Seattle where Emily Nelson discovers a diary dated 1943 in her Aunt Bee’s home that involves many of the residents and a long time mystery that she feels obligated to solve.
– The Last Camellia (released 05.28.2013) another dual storyline set 50 years apart when Addison, a garden designer, uncovers the story of misguided Flora Lewis who traveled to England in 1940 to earn money to help save her family’s bakery.
– Blackberry Winter (released 09.25.2012) set in Seattle in 1933, when single mother Vera Ray’s three year old son is abducted during a night shift in which she had to leave him home alone; this tragedy and mystery was solved many years later in another dual plot. (This book was by far the most difficult for me to read as my heart ached thinking of my own two boys with a lump in my throat and great sympathy for Vera as she longed to find her presumed dead son.)
Tonight I’ll know more about Goodnight June (released 05.27.2014) which is another mystery set in the 1940s. The next release for Sarah Jio is set for November 25, 2014 titled The Look of Love, Jio’s seventh novel and another Plume book. I am already counting down! (181 days.)
Happy Summer & Happy Reading…
– T
Note: Sarah Jio tweeted me! Writers everywhere can imagine how exciting that moment was for me. It’s not everyday you receive a shout out from your favorite author!! I’m still beaming. See photo; if you follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter you’ve likely seen it.
Linking up:
Works For Me Wednesday
Work It Wednesday
All Things With Purpose
Weekend Re-Treat
Weekend No Rules Blog Hop The Little Things Thursday
© 2014 All opinions are my own. www.tagsthoughts.com
I did not receive goods/funds/sponsorship to write this review.
Better Buzz Coffee is better than ________. Please fill in the blank with your favorite coffee and/or tea spot then read the above sentence and know these words are true.
Better Buzz is a Southern California coffee shop that currently has five locations as well as a separate coffee roasting facility. I have been to three of the five locations and they all serve the very best iced tea. Quick Disclaimer: I do not drink coffee. However I do come from a family of coffee snobs and have raised a nineteen year old “good” coffee connoisseur. I drink all flavors of tea and enjoy them hot, iced, and blended. I am a “Self proclaimed tea addict” aka a Tea Snob.
The Lab at Mission Beach is one of the Better Buzz locations and it is a super fun spot to order your tea or 
coffee. The back counter at The Lab is filled with jars of different tea leaves. Take a moment to soak in all that goodness then make your selection or even make a couple selections, order and enjoy your own Better Buzz Tea creation. My favorite combinations are half Sun Dew Green Tea & half Black Assam Bukhial or half Green Sun Dew & half Mango Black Tea.
If coffee is more your cup of tea then try The Best Drink Ever which was named after San Diego’s nickname for their signature Americano with a touch of sweetness, cream and vanilla or try their Vanilla 
Latte! Both of those amazing creations come recommended by my older son, my Aunt and my cousin. And believe me they know what they are talking about when it comes to coffee.
You’ll want to plan on trying Better Buzz on your first day visiting America’s Finest City so that you can make multiple stops for more of the BEST before your vacation ends. Both The Lab and the Pacific Beach locations are close to the coast and and will provide a perfect Beach treat.
If you happen to live in San Diego ~ I’ll see you at the beach! I’ll be the one soaking in the sun and the ocean breeze while enjoying my half green & half black iced tea buzz.
– T
Better Buzz is also posted on my SAN DIEGO page. Follow me: TWITTER PINTEREST Google+
© 2014 All opinions are my own. www.tagsthoughts.com
I did not receive goods/funds/sponsorship to write this review.
Crayola defines Color Wonder markers as “inks that color only on special paper and won’t color on skin, furniture or fabric”; it is “mess free”; for “ages 3+”; and is “the magic of color without the mess!”
tagipedia defines a 3 year old as an active, smiley, cuddly being who loves the outdoors; trusts there is “good” everywhere; asks why, then asks why again, and again; thinks Daddy can fix anything that is broke; believes a hug from momma can cure the worst moments & pains; lives for adventure and trying new things; finds happiness in minor and major accomplishments; is great with paint, play dough, and imagination; and can create a mess in record time.
As I’ve mentioned before I have a three year old. A three year old who is defined above. When I came across Crayola Color Wonder a year or so ago I thought, “Mess free? What a concept! What an unbelievable concept.” However, doubting the idea like waterproof mascara and superglue, I bought into the advertisement. Crayola’s colorful packaging and big bold “mess free” logo spoke to me. I bought it. And I quickly found out with my then two year old that Color Wonder is mess free and magical.
Color Wonder markers ONLY work on Crayola paper. The variety of colors mark in the specified cap color when coloring on the special paper and they do not mark on anything else. The tips are white in color yet the actual marking appears clear when placed on skin, walls, furniture, or anywhere else a two or three year old might find themselves being creative. Color Wonder is a perfect car ride and airplane activity, doctors office visit and restaurant activity, or even a busy time activity on Momma’s bed while she gets ready for the day (as pictured). There is no concern for distracted fingers moving markers across clothing, bedding, or furniture. They are magic.
I highly recommend Crayola Color Wonder for those needed busy activity times that less supervision is available. My personal opinion is that Color Wonder is ideal for ages 2-4. Note: the packaging states “3+”. The markers are “fat” and easy for tiny hands to maneuver. They make a great gift for those creative little ones in your life who might have plenty of crayons, paints, stamps, and stickers. And this gift doubles as a break for their parents who you adore; might they take a moment for themselves, sit down with a cup of tea and breathe while their tot puts marker to paper and makes magic. Color Wonder is available in many designs, activity packs, and characters. And they work for my little guy and me this Wednesday.
Wishing you a colorful and magical day!
– T
Follow me: TWITTER PINTEREST Google+
Linking up at: Works For Me Wednesday What I Learned Wednesday Thrifty Thursday Epic Friday Linky Party Time to Sparkle
© 2014 All opinions are my own. www.tagsthoughts.com
I did not receive goods/funds/sponsorship to write this review.
I am a firm believer that a sweet tooth is hereditary and I have no doubt that I got mine from my Granddad. He was a man who often said “you only live once, eat dessert first” and he never met a dessert he didn’t like. At Thanksgiving as dessert plates were being filled the question would be asked “Pumpkin, Pecan or Apple?” to which he responded “Yes please”. Translation: he’ll take one of each and don’t forget the Chocolate that wasn’t even mentioned. My sweet tooth doesn’t quite have the same appetite. Just one bite works for me.
If you are someone like me or know someone like me who has a bit of a sweet tooth and enjoys an after dinner treat then you need to know about Just One Bite. This small business offers a variety of single serving desserts that can be prepared and ready to enjoy within a matter of minutes. They mix fresh dry ingredients and package them ever so sweetly to be opened and prepared by their customers by simply adding a couple “wet” ingredients then microwaving.
Just One Bite has a variety of flavors as well as six different gluten free mixes. My personal favorite is “It’s Practically My Birthday” Cake. My husband is a huge fan 
of their Chocolate Lava Cake and as far as my teen goes, well, he shares the same middle name as his Granddad and lives by the same motto of eating dessert first so he’ll take one of each! Just One Bite has a S’more Brownie mix that is one of their top sellers as well as a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake, Pumpkin Spice Cake, Streusel Coffee Cake, Crustless Pecan Pie, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Peanut Butter Chip Cake. All of these mixes are delicious and can be purchased off of their website for $2.50 each along with a five inch whisk for $1.25 and a four inch Ramekin to bake in for $2.75.
Just One Bite doesn’t just work for me, it works as a gift for others! It’s a perfect birthday gift, Mother’s Day gift, surprise treat, and is a great thing to keep in the pantry for those nights that a sweet tooth flare up occurs. If you’d like to send this sweet treat to a friend Just One Bite will gift wrap ($2.25) your selections and your thoughtful tasty gift will be ready share with a very lucky person. These delicious mixes make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. For orders to be received by Saturday, May 10th be sure to place your orders by Monday, May 5th.
Just One Bite will be happy to receive your orders and fulfill them year round. Be sure to LIKE them on Facebook and bookmark their website so that you have a yummy gift idea ready to order for Father’s Day, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays, “Works for me Wednesdays”, and every other day.
For other fantastic ideas check out more It “Works for me Wednesday” posts on Kristen Welch’s blog site “We are that Family” or search Twitter for #wfmw.
-T
© 2014 All opinions are my own. www.tagsthoughts.com
I did not receive goods/funds/sponsorship to write this review.
WHEN IN SAN DIEGO… A MUST make stop is the Donut Bar in downtown at 631 B. Street. If you live in San Diego, then make it a weekly stop! I LOVE THIS PLACE. This is by far the very best donut breakfast and dessert EVER. However, if you plan on it being your dinner dessert you’ll need to pick up your donuts of choice in the morning because they sell out fast. These donuts are the #bestdonutsintheworld.
The Donut Bar opens at 7am on weekdays and 8am on Saturday & Sunday. Their closing time varies as they close once they sell out which could be as early as 10am or as late as 1pm. Don’t chance it – go early!
The menu at Donut Bar changes daily. They post their menu each evening on different social media outlets to inform their customers of which of their favorite donuts will be available the following day. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and check their Website for more information.
To read about my family’s favorite Donut Bar Donuts click here or go to the San Diego link at the top of this page. Happy Monday!
– T
It “Works for me Wednesday” hosted by Kristen Welch of the blog/website “We are that Family” is a great place to find reviews of ideas/projects & products that WORK for others. Consider #wfmw a hidden manual of sorts that will offer tips and tricks you may not have discovered as well as products you must try.
My recommendation that I believe anyone with color treated hair MUST try is the Color Lover Line by Framesi. This shampoo, conditioner, and primer works for me on Wednesdays and every other day of the week.
For the past few years I would ask my stylist to add lowlights to my hair. I love being a natural blonde however just like those with curly hair who want straight hair and vice versa I wanted my hair to be a little darker than my natural base. Time and time again I would walk away from the salon feeling confident that my color was “just right”. And it was on day one. In fact, week one was always exactly what I wanted – blonde with dark blended in adding the contrast and dimension I loved. Yet by week two and especially week three my brunette strands had faded. I finally decided that it was time to embrace my blonde. Or was it?
Enter Framesi Color Lover. The answer to keeping my color. It works. The last time I had my hair color treated I faithfully and strictly used the Framesi Color Lover line to care for my hair. Framesi Color Lover prolonged my color and in fact I still had those brunette locks on week eight! Overall the lowlights had faded a little however it was still evident that my blonde had dimension. I’ve been using the Volume Boost shampoo & conditioner and I love the weightless product as well as the volume it creates. The Color Lover line also includes a Moisture Rich, Curl Define & Smooth Shine. Along with the shampoo and conditioner I have also been using the Primer which is a light leave in conditioner that not only detangles but it leaves my hair shiny and without static. I use the Primer on wet or dry hair. It is made of a Quinoa Protein and plenty of vitamins and serves as a thermal guard when it comes to drying, curling and straightening my hair. I owe a huge thank you to Annie Fisher of AFH Salon in Seattle for introducing me to the answer for prolonging my color treatment.
I’d love to hear what works for you; comment below or contact me on Twitter. And follow We are that Family on Twitter for more #wfmw.
– T
Note: The Framesi Company does not test on animals. The Color Lover line is FREE of Gluten, Sulfate, DEA, Paraben, Sodium Chloride, and 100% Vegan. Framesi packages their products in recyclable plastic. Click here to find a salon near you that offers these fabulous products.
Tip: Framesi’s BY (Be Yourself) line has a “light” gel and “light” hairspray that WORKS perfect with long hair styles that don’t require a super strong hold. They are necessities for my hair.
© 2014 All opinions are my own. www.tagsthoughts.com
I did not receive goods/funds/sponsorship to write this review.
Click on the image below to “LIKE” Framesi USA on Facebook. 
The Collect App is a fabulous invention for iPhone users who would like a daily digital photographic journal of their memories. A huge thank you goes to a friend of mine in Georgia for recommending this app to me. It quickly became one of my favorite apps of all time. I LOVE PICTURES.
As with a lot of apps there is a free version in the iTunes app store as well as an upgraded paid version that you can purchase via the free Collect App after you have downloaded it to your phone. The paid pro version is only $1.99 and in my opinion it is worth the two bucks. Both versions allow the user to add comments as photo titles as well as tags to easily search for later. They both also include the option of a daily push reminder if you haven’t added a photo to your timeline by evening. However, while the free Collect App keeps a beautiful calendar with a few options the upgrade will get you the awesome option of printing your photos to be framed or added to a scrapbook.
To print your Collect Photos from the Pro edition simply select the individual photos and/or month of photos you’d like to print then select “export” and follow the prompts. You will be prompted to choose one of the three size options, card format (which is like choosing your “filter” on Instagram), print bleed, card back, and finally decide whether or not to include your verbiage recorded in the notes and then export to either your camera roll or to Dropbox. (If you do not already have a Dropbox account, I recommend giving them a try. It is a free service that will host your photos and files via the internet giving you the ability to login from anywhere to access your files.) Once you have exported your Collect photos you can print them from either your computer or upload them to the photo lab of your choice for printing. As you become more familiar with the app try creating a collage or a video; two additional fun options that the Collect App offers. Trust me, it is easier than it sounds.
A final tip: you can at ANY time go back to previous calendar dates to add photos. There is no pressure on assigning photos every day. Just click on the date you want to add a photo to and select the photo from your iPhone camera roll taken that day.
It’s fun. It’s easy. And it’s free. Try it out and let me know what you think www.twitter.com/tagsthoughts.
– T
© 2014 All opinions are my own. www.tagsthoughts.com
I did not receive goods/funds/sponsorship to write this review.
to view more of my favorites, check out my FAVORITES PAGE
tags thoughts, recipes & reviews 