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Nov 7
2013

This weekend in San Diego – November

Saturday, November 9

Christmas on the Farm @ Bates Nut Farm – Visit Bates Nut Farm either Saturday or Sunday to start your holiday shopping early at the Bates Nut Farm “Christmas on the Farm” Arts ‘n Crafts Fair. Over 80 artisans will be selling a variety of handmade crafts and fine art. Enjoy live entertainment, Kids’ Zone and food while you shop, this is an all day event. There will also be the all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast provided by the Valley Center Lions Club. $6 adults/$5 children. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee and orange juice. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Taste of Seaside Market in Cardiff – Don’t miss the incredible holiday inspired food samples from over 20 different vendors at this delicious event! There will be special offers and great give aways. Stop by for your favorite Seaside Market items, and get great ideas for the 2013 holiday season! This event starts at 1:00 and will run until 4:00 pm, more information may be found at Seaside Market’s website here.

Sunday, November 10

San Diego Children’s Museum – (FREE) The New Children’s Museum grants free admission on the second Sunday of each month. Sponsored by Target, the free day allows all children and families in the community to enjoy the Museum, and ensure that cost is not a barrier. Every Target Free Second Sunday also includes a variety of activities for children. Open from 12-4 pm on 11/10/13.

***Don’t forget to enter our GIVEAWAY for the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum here. SoCal Savvy Mom is giving away a family 4-pack of tickets to one lucky reader!

Aug 22
2013

Fun Family Event ArtWalk @NTC

by Nicole Connerley

This weekend ArtWalk @NTC is set to draw more than 100 artists, a dozen musical performers, gourmet food and interactive kids’ activities at KidsWalk. The event is held on Saturday August 24 and Sunday August 25th at Liberty Station.

Join the fun and experience art “alfresco.” ArtWalk @NTC brings fine art outside under the sunny skies to create the perfect viewing art under natural light and purchase artwork directly from the finest artists in the region. Attendees get to meet with artists and hear what inspires them about their work. Whether you are a seasoned collector, a family on vacation or are simply ready to be inspired, come to ArtWalk @NTC to discover the art that has been waiting for you.

Bring the whole family out to this fun event. There are tons of playful activities like kite-making, a fun art studio for kids, drum and percussion instruments, and other exciting hands-on activities your children will not want to miss! The event is free for children and adults and there is no charge for parking. For more information click here.

Jul 27
2013

The Bar Method…is it for you?

by Nicole Connerley

A few months ago I decided I was going to get my booty back in shape! I thought I would make the rounds to all of the local workout places and wanted to share my thoughts and experiences. I was not paid to write this, I was not given free classes in exchange for writing this, I am in no way affiliated with any of the places I am writing about. This is part three of my experiences at Xtend Barre by the Sea, Fit in 60, The Bar Method and BodyRok.

The next place I visited was The Bar Method in Bressi Ranch. There is an amazing deal for first time clients, $10 for 10 days unlimited, amazing I know! I am actually sad because my 10 days are up and I really loved it. Everyone at The Bar Method is very nice and they really make an effort to get to know their clients. When you walk in they know your name, and if not they make a point to introduce themselves and really make you feel welcome, this was awesome! My friend Molly lives really close and so we did a lot of classes together which is always fun to have a friend to work out with. She took one class with me at Xtend Barre By the Sea, and she couldn’t believe how hard it was. For some reason we both thought The Bar Method brought it to the next level. As if doing crunches were not hard enough try putting a ball between your legs, squeeze the ball and then do crunches, were they trying to kill me? Also the pretzel is pretty much the hardest move thing I think I’ve ever done, the stretch after hurts too!

All of the classes are very similar and depending on the instructor may change a little. The only thing I didn’t like about The Bar Method was it seemed almost every single class was identical. My favorite instructor was Tonya, she is really sweet and will correct you without making you feel like you were doing anything wrong. I also noticed Tonya’s classes were different than other instructors and her classes changed daily.

I would without a doubt recommend The Bar Method! It is only $10 for 10 days go try it!!! You will thank me later, feel the shake!

I am rating The Bar Method 4 out of 5 stars.

1 Star – Hated it
2 Stars – Could take it or leave it
3 Stars – Liked it
4 Stars – Really Liked it
5 Stars – Loved it

Jul 16
2013

Fit in 60, is it for you?

by Nicole Connerley

I thought I would make the rounds to all of the local workout places and wanted to share my thoughts and experiences. I was not paid to write this, I was not given free classes in exchange for writing this, I am in no way affiliated with any of the places I am writing about. This is part two of my experiences at Xtend Barre by the Sea, Fit in 60, The Bar Method and BodyRok.

The second studio I visited was Fit in 60, which is located in Carlsbad Village upstairs from my personal favorite Naked Cafe. Fit in 60 offers new clients 10 days of unlimited classes for only $19, count me in! The first class was fun and seemed to go by very fast, all in all very similar to Xtend Barre. I loved my instructor Mandi, she is fun and funny and the class was over before I even got a chance to look at the clock. I was ready to sign up for a membership after my first class because it was so great! My second class was completely different, and I was happy I didn’t sign up for the membership yet. The class was beyond boring, the studio was extremely hot and it was completely packed, I assumed it was a fluke and kept going. The rest of my classes were a mix between my first and second class.

Fit in 60 also has a Cardio Ballet class, this class is a fast paced ballet class and I loved it! By far my favorite class yet, unfortunately the class is only once a week on Friday’s. One thing I really love about Fit in 60 is the amount of classes they have a day, there is also the option of a bar class or a Pilates apparatus class. Unfortunately, I was unable to take a Pilates apparatus class because it was not included in the $19 special.

There were a few issues with Fit in 60, some were pretty minor things but I wanted to note it just the same. The first issue was I purchased a 10 day pass, one of the days they were closed (usually they are open 7 days a week) and I asked if it could be extended one more day. The response was they do not extend past the 10 days, okay fine, but I thought I would at least ask. Second my friend came to try it out because I had told her I was going, she was given a really hard time. She was under the impression the first class was free (like most places) but found out it was $23 for one class or $19 for 10 days. She of course opted for the $19 for 10 days, they came back and told her she could not do the special because she had been a member there before. She had never been a member, and this was her first visit to Fit in 60. After a few e mails she was able to receive the $19 for 10 days but it left such a bad taste in her mouth she never ended up going back. The third problem I encountered was that I was told I would have to pay $10 for missing a class, a class that I attended no less! I e-mailed the owner and she said the computer messed up and she would fix it for me. But that is also something to note if you miss a class you will be charged $10. I did enjoy some of the classes at Fit in 60 and really loved the instructor Mandi, I wish she taught everyday. My next stop is The Bar Method in Bressi Ranch.

I am rating Fit in 60 2 out of 5 stars.

1 Star – Hated it
2 Stars – Could take it or leave it
3 Stars – Liked it
4 Stars – Really Liked it
5 Stars – Loved it

Jul 4
2013

Where to watch Fireworks in San Diego July 4!

by Nicole Connerley

Today there are over 20 firework shows throughout San Diego to celebrate July 4th.

See below for the full list for today July 4, 2013:

Big Bay Boom @ Shelter & Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village & Coronado Landing – As most of you remember last year was the big bay bust, with all of the fireworks going off within 9 seconds! This year The Firework show begins at 9 PM, enjoy music on radio “The Walrus 105.7FM” for more information click here.

Carlsbad @ Legoland – The annual Red, white and BOOM! at Legoland California is a fun-filled day for the entire family. You and your kids can enjoy live musical performances, family picnic games, like water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races and Uncle Sam Says. The Firework show begins at 8:30 PM, earlier than most because they know kids need to go to bed! For more information click here.

Coronado @ over Glorietta Bay – Coronado has a full day of activities on July 4th including the annual Independence Day Parade. The parade begins at 10 AM from Orange Ave from 1st Street to Churchill Place. Enjoy a concert in the Park at Spreckels Park at 4 PM where the Coronado Community Concert Band will perform. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, enjoy music by KYXY on 96.5 radio, for more information click here.

Del Mar @ Del Mar Fairgrounds – The fireworks at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is always incredible, I love that you can sit on the beach and enjoy the fireworks. The fairgrounds have a full line up of things to do on Independence Day including a Home Town Heros Parade at 7 PM. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, the fair is open until midnight so you can still enjoy some rides after the fireworks if you wish. For more information click here.

El Cajon @ Kennedy Park – This is a great family event to attend and it is totally FREE. Enjoy carnival games, crafts, family games, skate park, kiddie train rides, live music and more. The Firework show begins at 9 PM,the event activities begin at 1 PM. For more information click here.

Escondido @ Grape Park – Enjoy a variety of free entertainment, including musical performances, magicians, baton twirlers, children’s arts projects, old-fashioned contests and fireworks! The fun begins at 4 PM, and ending after the firework show at 9:30 PM. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, for more information click here.

Fallbrook @ Grand Tradition Estates – Fallbrook’s 9th annual July 4th celebration is now at a much lower price! Last year the price was closer to $40 for adult and it was $12 for children, now it is only $22 for adults and children 11 and under are FREE. Included is admission, parking, live entertainment, and of course the fireworks! The Firework show beings at 9 PM, for more information click here.

La Costa @ La Costa Resort & Spa – La Costa has a full day of activities for children on July 4th including making s’mores (my son’s favorite) The Firework show begins at 9 PM, for more information click here or call La Costa to make a reservation.

La Jolla @ Elizabeth Browning Scripps Park – As you probably know parking in La Jolla is very difficult especially in the summer! If you do plan to watch the fireworks arrive extra early and be prepared to be stuck in traffic. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, for more information click here.

National City @ Kimball Park – The annual carnival will have fun games, rides, live musical entertainment and contests. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, the carnival opens at noon, for more information click here.

Ocean Beach @ OB Pier – The Firework show will begin at 9 PM, on the Ocean Beach pier. For more information click here.

Oceanside @ Camp Pendleton – This event is for authorized patrons and their guests only. It will be held at the Del Mar Beach Resort, which opens at 6 AM, Free family fun zone, live bands, and a fireworks show. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, and runs until 9:30 PM, for more information click here.

Oceanside @ El Corazon – Please note The Fireworks show was on July 3 at 9 PM, not July 4th. The city of Oceanside is celebrating 125 of incorporation on July 3rd.

Poway @ Old Poway Park – Bring your family and friends and celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the-twentieth-century-style” at An Old-fashioned Fourth of July. The Old-fashioned Fourth of July is followed by the The Firework show at 9 PM, at Poway High School. For more information click here.

Rancho Bernardo The Spirit of the Fourth – The evening opens at 6:00 p.m. at the Athletic Field of Bernardo Heights Middle School at 12990 Paseo Lucido, with an array of live entertainment. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, for more information click here.

San Marcos @ Bradley Park – The fun begins at 6 PM with carnival games, jumpers and food sales available on-site. The Firework show begins at 9 PM, for more information click here.

Santee @ Town Center Community Park East – The Santee Salutes Fun Zone; will include a variety of inflatable attractions, carnival rides and games. There is no cost for admission however parking is $5 – $15, The Firework show beings at 9 PM. For more information click here.

Vista @ Moonlight Amphitheatre – Moonlight Amphitheatre is within Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. Events include live music, the Light Up the Night Dinner, and one of the biggest fireworks displays in San Diego County! The Firework show begins at 9 PM. Admission is $5 (children under 5 are free) and parking is $15. For more information click here.

Jul 2
2013

Legoland July 4th Red White & Boom!

by Nicole Connerley

Legoland California is hosting a perfect July 4th event for kids of all ages called Red White & Boom! There will be building contests at Build & Test from 10 am to 5 pm, there are 3 different age groups per build. Parents and kids can enjoy live musical performances and participate in all-American family picnic games, like water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races and Uncle Sam Says. You will not want to miss the lawn games on Miniland Lawn from 12:30-3, or the character dance party! Live performances with Clint Perry & The Boo Hoo Crew as well as Uncle Sam on Stilts lead up to the fireworks show at the end of the night. Legoland California will have a fireworks display at 8:30 running until 9.

Depending on the weather you will be able to see Legoland’s fireworks from some distance away. Please note that Cannon Road will have no parking signs up and down it as will most of the office buildings located next to Legoland. Costco located on Palomar Airport road may be a good option if you would like to watch the Legoland Fireworks but don’t actually want to stay at Legoland that long. Any of the hotels in the area like the Sheraton, or Pacific Grand Palisades will have a grew view of the fireworks. Another great option would be to dine at Karl Strauss brewery for dinner and sit on the patio, it is a perfect view of the fireworks. For more information on Red White & Boom at Legoland click here.