Decorating Daydreams...

People are always asking me about which blogs I read, particularly decorating blogs. If you enjoy entertaining your decorating daydreams too, check out THIS POST I've written over at San Diego Momfia to see my top 5 fave decorating blogs!

My new post at San Diego Momfia: Learning from an Architect's Home

My latest post for San Diego Momfia is a profile of the home of architect Jim Gates and his family. The 1916 cottage has gotten a makeover and is now a comfy habitat for Jim, wife Lara, their twins and 2 bunnies! The couple have some good tips for living with kids and pets, click HERE to read the full article.

 

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Go get them LOADED FRIES!

Back when I wrote my post about trigger foods, I fully intended to write a review of Arterra Restaurant (the place with the infamous LOADED FRIES). I really did! But then the Momfia "scooped" me, lol!

Beth (@hipmamab) has written an absolutely FABULOUS post about the now-legendary Momfia Contributors Dinner at Arterra Restaurant. When you see it you'll understand why "I can't believe I ate the whooooole thing." But I did! There's even a cute video of that night (with a photo of me making the "tweeting face"-yeesh!) made by Theresa (@rockonmommies). You can read Beth's post over at San Diego Momfia. Sorry to send you "offsite" but I think you'll be glad you went because...Momfia is GIVING AWAY A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE to Arterra!!! Do you know how many loaded fries you can get with that? A LOAD!

This is a golden opportunity for you ladies in the San Diego area-or for one of you who may be coming this way for, say, Blogher.  Arterra is located in Del Mar, about 25 minutes north of downtown San Diego, and is well worth the trip. :)

Now go get them loaded fries! Need that link again? Here it is!


Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Nacho Mama Goes to Legoland :)

I wanted to hurry up and get this posted for you folks right away because I heard that San Diego is going to the #2 Vacation Destination this holiday weekend (after Vegas, can that be true?) I also know that many of you who'll be coming to town for Blogher in August are bringing your families and staying through the weekend to enjoy San Diego. I figured some of you have got to be planning to visit Legoland, and maybe for the first time-like me!

Today my husband, kids and I had the privilege of attending the opening of "Splash Zoo"-a new feature at Legoland Water Park, along with the other moms of San Diego Momfia. It was a BEAUTIFUL day to hang out by the water in a cabana...

The Momfia Cabana at Splash Safari

I have to admit that, until today, it never crossed my mind that I could take my 2-year-old to a waterpark. So when I heard that Splash Zoo was designed for TODDLERS to enjoy the waterpark experience, I was a little concerned that my husband, 8-year-old and I might not be enjoying the day as much as our little guy. I needn't have worried-we had a FABULOUS time! We ALL enjoyed the toddler-safe "lazy rizer" innertube ride, the slides and especially splashing around with the Lego animal fountains. We all had a BLAST!

Photo via Legoland

Now as I mentioned, I was a Legoland virgin. However, I've grown up regularly visiting pretty much every theme park in Southern California. There are things I really love about theme parks: I love rides and OK, I'm a huge sucker for anything with a "theme." There are also things I generally don't care for: pricey food, lack of shade, crowds.  Here's what I loved about Legoland:

-The WHOLE family had fun, even though we spent the day in the "little kid" parts of the park.

-Most of the attractions were interactive, like this musical fountain. You can play the different instruments by jumping or dancing on the yellow circular pads. They also had fountains where the kids can aim the water stream at the Lego animals or targets-my kids LOVED those!

-Another thing I REALLY appreciated was the lush landscaping and abundance of shady places to sit. This is a big beef I have with a lot of theme parks. You're tired, maybe your toddler has fallen asleep in his stroller, and you have no choice but to broil while waiting for your older child to go on a ride. This is exactly what happened when my 8-year-old wanted to go to "Volvo Driving School." BUT, instead of turning into a chicharron?  I got to sit on a nice cool shady bench to watch my kid drive the Legoland grand prix!

-Although the line to get our tickets was pretty long, it didn't feel crowded inside the park at all. We hit the waterpark at about 11:30 and it didn't start to get busy until we were leaving to visit the main park at about 2:30.

I can't really say what kind of food was on offer. I didn't want to risk being stuck with something my super-picky kids wouldn't be in the mood for, so we packed our own drinks and snacks and had a lovely poolside picnic under one of Splash Safari's GIANT umbrellas (really-they were like a Christo installation!) It was delightful :)

We had "Resort Hopper" passes, but my kids were wiped out after Legoland and the Legoland Water Park, so we didn't get a chance to see the aquarium. I was a little disappointed about that, I love aquariums and it looked pretty awesome! I believe you can pay $10 and extend your passes for an extra day, so that might be something you'd want to consider.

Another tip: instead of taking the exit off Interstate 5 marked for "Legoland" you can get there by taking the Palomar Airport Road exit, then turning left onto Armada. The roundabout will lead you to Legoland. We took this way home and got a jaw-dropping view of the coast, I wish we could have seen it at sunset!

Hope you find these Legoland tips helpful for your next family trip :)

MANY, MANY, THANKS to Legoland and San Diego Momfia for the invite. My kids are already begging to go back!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Disclosure: The tickets to this event were gifted to me by Legoland.  The above is my honest opinion and I have not been compensated in any way for what is written here.

GIVEAWAY! Nacho Mama Tackles the Ross Dress for Less Challenge! Will YOU?

As you may know, I have been working the new Weight Watchers Points Plus plan for a while. But I haven't mentioned that, during this month (May), I have also been participating in the Joggermom Marathon. Moms all over the country signed up to walk or run 26.5 miles during the month of May. And I? FINISHED BY MOTHER'S DAY!! Wooo-hooo!  I'm trying to finish another "marathon" before the month is out.

Two BIG things occurred to me while I was doing all that walking: first, I really need a new exercise bra (TMI?) and second, I could be toning while I walk. Thus began my quest for the perfect deal on a pair of Skecher Shape-ups. Yes, they're...unattractive. But everyone I know who owns a pair swears by them.

The problem? They retail for $100. Gulp.

Weight Watchers had coupons for 30% off a pair, which would bring the price down to $70. Not bad, but still a bit steep for me. I went to the Skecher outlet, where the lowest price was $65.00. I tried to tell myself that it was an investment in my health. I was not convinced.

And then?

Sorry it's so dark-it was super cloudy!

Last week a number of us contributors at the San Diego Momfia were contacted by the good people at Ross Dress for Less to take on "The Ross Dress for Less Challenge!" They sent us each a $50 Ross gift card and challenged us to see how much bang we could get for our buck. I crossed my fingers, made a silent wish and hit my local Ross.

They had TONS of Skecher Shape-ups! All styles, colors and sizes (for men too). They even had other brands of toning shoes like Reebok, Fitflops and more. After trying them all on I settled on the perfect pair of comfy Skecher Shape-ups for FORTY DOLLARS. FORTY! Which meant I had just enough left over for a cute red Champion exercise bra ($8.99). That's $125 worth of badly needed fitness gear for under $50!

Here's a better view...

I am one happy mama! I found some other awesome stuff that I think I have to go back for, like ankle weights for $4. And something that would be the perfect giveaway for one of you next month....but I'm not telling!

Speaking of GIVEAWAYS...Ross is giving away a $25 Ross gift card to one of YOU! I can't wait to hear what you are able to find on your own "Dress for Less Challenge!"

Here's how to enter (you'll get 1 entry for each of the following-limit 3 entries per person):

1. Leave a comment below telling us what you're hoping to score a bargain on at Ross. Need a dress for that high school reunion? New cookware? Shape-ups? There's still plenty left!

2. Like Ross Dress for Less on Facebook and come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did.

3. Follow Nacho Mama's Blog and leave a comment to let me know (or if you already follow).

That's it! Contest closes May 25th at midnight. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on May 26th.


Wishing you love and a great bargain with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama


Disclaimer: The items mentioned in this post and the gift card for the giveaway were gifted by Ross Dress for Less. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Coming to San Diego for Blogher 2011? Don't miss HILLCREST!

If you're one of the 3,000 attendees expected at this year's Blogher conference this August here in San Diego, I hope you've set aside a little time for exploring America's Finest City (yes, I still have trouble typing that with a straight face :) but San Diego is awfully pretty!)

The conference will be downtown at the San Diego Marriott and Convention Center. There are scads of parties being planned all over the city but what about daytime, family or after-hours fun? From the Convention Center, it's just 2.5 miles down Fifth Avenue to my lovable, colorful stomping grounds, the neighborhood of Hillcrest.

R Gang Eatery? Yeah, it's in Hillcrest!

I've compiled a Top 10 list of places in Hillcrest to see, eat and shop for San Diego Momfia. You can check it out HERE!  Writing this post kind of reminded me of this...

Because you can buy Kale in Hillcrest too!


Wishing you Love with Extra Cheese-
Nacho Mama

Are Blog Years Like Dog Years?

Ahh-the life of a blogger. I'm very, very grateful that you all stop by to check in with me here and at Rock On Mommies and San Diego Momfia.  My favorite thing, though, is learning about all of your blogs! Blogs have truly enriched my life and I love hearing everyone's point of view.  

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One of the best "Bloggy" events I've gotten to attend recently was "Spa Social"-an evening at La Costa Spa with 199 other lady bloggers.  First of all, I ADORE La Costa Spa. The spa amenities there are second to none. And the food!

Me & Joey (@joey_hendrix, my partner in mediamonarkey.com) enjoying our champagne and Kobe beef sliders-Ahhhh!

But the best part by far was hanging out with my bloggy besties and meeting new fabulous ladies and their blogs.  The first question we all asked each other was "How long have you been blogging?" Some had only been live about a week-others, like me, have been at it for quite while. I noticed that an answer of 2 years or more garnered a respectful "Oooooooh..." I also noticed that I had trouble remembering just how long I have been blogging. My stock answer that night was 3 years. A venerable number, to be sure. But was it accurate?

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Turns out, I was waaay off!

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As I mentioned before, I've had several blogs over the years. As I tried to remember exactly when it all started, it seemed like everytime I came up with a "first"blog? There was one before it I'd forgotten about. After a little excavating I have finally determined that I have been blogging for at least FIVE YEARS. Which in blog years? Means I'm eligible for the Early Bird Special at Sprinkles.

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I had TOTALLY forgotten that my first foray into the blogosphere was on <cough> myspace. And, if I remember, it was only after relentless coaxing from my friends that I tried it at all. My first post is no longer there (though my profile has not yet died from neglect) but it was something along the lines of "Ok, fine. HERE'S my blog. Happy now?"

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 Ok, so the joke was totally on me. 

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I know at least one of my favorite bloggers, Bitchcakes, started out on myspace too. What about YOU? Did you have some bloggy-babysteps before plunging into the brave, new blogosphere of today? Care to share the link? Hmmmmm???

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Just to jog your memory-here's one my myspace posts from way back in 2006!!! It's an oldie and a moldie-enjoy!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Form versus Function....This time it's personal.

Today I present an object whose claim to design fame leaves me deeply conflicted.

Yes, it is a brilliant, irrefutably practical design. From the humblest bedside table to the set of the Oprah Winfrey show, this object is there for you when life throws you a curve ball. It relieves you of germs, tears and...other things.

Such an object should be exalted in every home, no? And yet, this noble servant of man is often the first thing hidden from view when the camera snaps or when company calls.
Why? The reason is simple: Like a beautiful woman with no dress sense, it's form is simple and elegant, but it's appearance is hopelessly frumpy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you
The Kleenex Box.

Your home's Glamour "DON'T".

INSPIRING WORDS from the San Diego Family Justice Center

Words, as I mentioned in my recent post for San Diego Momfia, are very powerful. I wanted to share all the quotes submitted by the staff and volunteers of the San Diego Family Justice Center in hopes that they might inspire you as much as they did me.


Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is acting in spite of fear.
-Carly Fiorina


It's choice, not chance, that determines your destiny.
-Jean Nidetch


No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
-Eleanor Roosevelt


Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win.
-Bernadette Devlin


The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
-Nelson Mandela


No longer lend your strength to that which you wish to be free from.
-Jewel


None of us can change our yesterdays, but all of us can change our tomorrows.
-Colin Powell


Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
-Robert Collier


We must be the change we wish to see.
-M.K. Ghandi


Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it with use.
-Ruth Gordon

And please remember that if you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)


What are some of your favorite inspirational quotes?


Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Never underestimate the power of the vela!

So....excited....hard to.....type...complete sentences!!!

People, this blogger if going to HISPANICIZE!!! If you've heard of it, you can imagine how excited I am to be going. If you haven't, then you can check out the the HUGE Hispanic PR, Marketing and Social Media Conference that is Hispanicize HERE.

You have no idea how badly I wanted to attend this conference! But the tumbleweeds in the family coffers were blowing across my dreams of meeting my role models and fellow blogueras like, well, tumbleweeds. I had given up all hope of going. Good thing I love free wine!

That's right, last Friday, the wonderful ladies of the San Diego Momfia sweetly invited me to attend a free wine tasting (thanks Mirassou wineries!) where I ran into Eva Smith of Tech Food Life. Eva asked if I was going to Hispanicize and when I shared my tale of financial woe, she told me that Jennifer from Mami to Mommy was having a contest for a free pass to the conference! When I went home and got online to investigate, I learned that I had only one hour left before the contest ended to write a post about why I want to attend Hispanicize. One hour!

And?

 You can read my WINNING post HERE!

I'll be tweeting about the conference @shesnachomama and @mediamonarkey

Are you going? If so, I hope to meet you in person! If not, what would you like to know about what's going on at the conference? I'll try to address your questions in my tweets and posts FROM HISPANICIZE!


Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Do you have trouble arranging your bookshelves?

I hope you'll find this post I did for San Diego Momfia helpful! I was honored to be asked into the home of fellow Momfia-member Beth (@hipmamab of La La La) and her husband Jason (@petcobra of Dad Centric) to help them arrange the rather large bookcase in their family room. The post includes some general tips for your bookcase, whatever the size-enjoy!

Photo by Beth (@hipmamab) for San Diego Momfia

How to get a custom paint color...

Here's a post I wrote this week for San Diego Momfia. I realize that it's about a specific paint store here in San Diego, but there are some general tips about getting a custom paint color that you might find helpful. As you'll see, I am a devoted fan of Benjamin Moore paints! I love the way they look (of course) but some of you may be interested in their superb line of eco-friendly paints, called "Natura"-I forgot to mention that in the post, which you can read HERE.


Wishing you love with extra cheese,
Nacho Mama

Could you use a BRA MAKEOVER?

Check out my review of Intimacy bra-fitters (with locations around the US) at San Diego Momfia and enter to win a $25 Gift Certificate to help you obtain the perfect bra. Yes, it does exist!

You can check out Intimacy and schedule a FREE fitting at a location near you by visiting their website, http://www.myintimacy.com/

Your breasts deserve a Happy New Year too!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,
Nacho Mama

Nacho Mama's Day Out-with TATER TOTS!

It's not often this mama gets a day out. So when I saw on twitter that my online friends Theresa and Beth were going to be lunching in Hillcrest? I just had to weasel solicit an invitation for myself. After all, the ladies were going to be in Nacho Mama's 'hood. And? They were going to be vlogging about the launch of their AWESOME new site SDMomfia. And? They were going to be joined by Aaron from He Said, She Said. AND?  It was going to be at R GANG EATERY!!! Which I have been dying to try since it opened but haven't because, as I said above, it's not often I get a day out. (Whew! That's a lot of links for one paragraph, no?)

OK, so I totally horned in on their awesome mommy lunch. But it was worth it.

First of all, even though we all live in the same town, and all write for Theresa's site Rock On Mommies, I've never met the ladies in person. We tweet each other all day long, but there is a singular thrill that comes from meeting the face behind the twitter-handle that is difficult to convey unless you've actually experienced it. Let's just say that the web is waaay to small to contain the ferocious divinity that is Theresa and Beth. Now with Aaron I had some idea what to expect, having seen his hilarious webisodes. He did not disappoint and yes boys, he is even cuter and sweeter in person!

Speaking of cute-our menu was personally selected for us by R Gang's a-dorable chef, Rich Sweeney. Who was recently on a show called "Top Chef" - perhaps you've heard of it? He is also mas chulo in person. How lucky am I? 

So there we were, enjoying the gorgeous Hillcrest afternoon and gabbing away with Theresa's webcam capturing it all. They brought us cocktails. In honor of Nacho Daddy (who's real name is Todd) I'd ordered the Hot Toddy. It was absolutely delightful-like I was drinking in the warm Hillcrest sun.

Aaron ordered the Gingerbread Martini-which had a little Gingerbread Man drowning in it! If you want to save him, you have to drink really fast.

The cocktails made us even more talkative. Until the food came. Then the silence was deafening. Where to begin? First there were Tater Tots:

Then a spinach salad with duck and duck confit Tater Tots (even now I have to pause for a moment of silence):

Then? A scallop Po' Boy with some of the tastiest fries I have ever had.

(For my fellow weight-watchers, I figured I took in about 35 points with this one meal alone! But, that's what our new Points Allowance is for! And I had the other half of the sandwich for dinner. It was so worth it-for the company and the food!) 

Other food highlights at our table included Mac & Cheese and also Chicken & Waffles. Back when Nacho Daddy and I lived in New York, we'd get chicken and waffles in Harlem, and R Gang's might be better than we had back in the day (gasp!)

And the BEST thing we had? It's on the wall in the photo behind us.

Chef Rich Sweeney, Theresa, Me and Beth (Aaron took the photo)

No one asked me to write this review. But I had such a fab-you-luss time that I just had to share it with all of you. If you live in America's Finest City, or are visiting (perhaps for the holidays?) I hope you'll stop by R Gang Eatery. Be sure and check the chalkboard for new menu items, since Chef Rich likes to mix things up. You moms will be glad to know that it's SO kid-friendly. And you weight-watchers will be glad to know you have some place to spend those extra points!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,
Nacho Mama