August 16, 2012

San Diego Spots to Visit

All my life I have lived in "Sunny San Diego" home to many great historic sites and sports. 
With so much to do, you can never get bored here!

Summer always gives us a great opportunity to explore and enjoy what this city has to offer.
From the restaurant's, farmers markets, to just plan out door fun you have a lot to choose from.
Follow along as I share some of our favorite spots.

First on the list historic Balboa Park, this ones our favorite places to check out on Sunday's after church. 
We love to walk around the pond area and check out the art work.  
One of the coolest things we like to do is head over to Whole foods to pick up sandwich's before we get to the park.  





Looking for great desserts, hop on over to Extraordinary Desserts off of 5th in downtown San Diego.  
This place has a great selection of homemade desserts and tea's.  They even carry gluten free items. 





 Next up Coronado Island, close to down town San Diego.  Two ways to get there is the ferry boat taxi or drive straight over the bridge.







The Island has great things to see and good food choices for a romantic evening.
Surround by the beach and bay you will enjoy the beauty and sites.

The hotel Del is a must for all that visit San Diego it sits right on the beach with cute little shops and restaurant's with in the hotel.  We like to visit Spreckels Sweets & Treats known as the candy shop.
My favorite item there is the dark sea salt chocolate, yes I do have to say it's good.


Our final adventure is Liberty Station located in the heart of Point Loma
 There you can find small shops, a few restaurant's and Wine Steals.


Love this place Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe.  They have the best sandwiches.



And across the way you will find Shelter Island that is right on the bay.  

Here's a list of other great spots to visit:

Seaport Village
Historic Old Town
La Jolla Cove
Point Loma Lighthouse
Del Mar Beaches
Sea World
Zoo
Lego Land

Planning a trip do San Diego and have questions regarding a place.  
I will be happy to answer those questions. 
Email me at rgc2310@gmail.com


Happy Travels
RC







August 06, 2012

"50th" Birthday 70's, 80's & 90's Old School Theme


 Planning my Brother's "50th" old school party was one of the funniest parties I got to work on in awhile.

The invites is what set the tone for this party, being that he was turning "50" he wanted to incorporate his favorite thing music.  I purchased postcard invites through vista print on-line, which they make it easy to upload graphics and design what you want.  Vista print has great sales you just have to look for them.  These invites cost around $40.00 dollars, which included return envelopes and RSVP cards that I also made.  



I was the lucky one in charge of the invites, decor and some baking.  
As some know all that I love to do on a budget.  I have to say I did spend a little more on this party then I normally do.  But I still got some great deals and ideas that didn't cost much.  


The centerpieces where made with styrofoam rounds, black & gold tissue paper, pre-cut music notes and glitter. I also hand made the little records in the middle with black and gold paper using a gold paint pin to write.  The Reserved table signs where left over invites.


This cute sign I purchased at Party City for $9.99.  They now sell different style of signs with lettering included.


Keeping it simple over the cake table I used music notes and crepe paper streamers.


Now for the fun part, photo booths is the new rave for parties and weddings.  They can be very costly if you have a company come in for the night.  To bring some fun to the party I decided to create a photo back ground like the ones you might see back in the day when you where in high school.  By making a balloon arch over the top and using a tall cardboard back drop covered with black paper and white table clothes for curtains.  My brother had an old collection of LP covers from the late 70's & 80's that we used.  
Next to the back drop we placed a card table with lots of fun stuff to put on.  I made a sign above the table that said take an item and strike a pose.  Please return back to the table when done.  
He also hired a photographer for the night who took pictures during the party and at the photo area.  
Which ended up being why cheaper then what the booth would of cost.




Let's just say people loved it and we got are money's worth.



Last but not least my brother wanted a cupcake display full of some outrages flavors.  
All I have to say is thank goodness for my mom and sister who are the top baker's in the family.  Displayed above was my pineapple delight, cherry cola & lemon drops cupcakes.  
Which I will be posting recipes for on another post.

If you have questions on this post please email me at rgc2310@gmail.com or follow me on facebook at 
The Sweet and Simple Sisters.

Thanks for checking me out.