Bangkok, Thailand - Part II

Since we only had two days to spend in Bangkok,

we wanted to be efficient with our time. 

The sun was up and shining by the time we woke up,

so we didn't need much motivation to get out there. 

We quickly got dressed and set out to explore all the beautiful landmarks that Thailand's capital city has to offer. 

Uh oh... that didn't look good. I'm glad we took a smaller and safer river taxi. 

Beautiful Wat Arun.

Birthday kisses.

After spending some time on viewing some stellar sights from the top of Wat Arun,

we took another water taxi across the river to check out Wat Pho,

which was right next door to the Grand Palace, and home to Thailand's biggest reclining Buddha statue. 

I was pretty stoked about the selection of cover ups I was offered before entering each temple.
Being dressed "inappropriately" can sure lead to a fun game of dress-up throughout the day. 

See what I mean?

From Wat Pho, we decided to hire a tuk tuk driver for the rest of the day, 

in order to get around to some of the smaller temples in a jiffy. 

One of my favorites was Wat Saket, famous for its "Golden Mount," 

a man-made hill topped with a towering chedi that offers incredible views across Bangkok.

All that exploring in the high temperatures of June made us pretty tired,

but nothing that a couple-hour nap couldn't cure. 

Did you really think that I would spend my birthday night snoozing?

Not a chance. 

The husband and I got all gussied up on our last night in Bangkok and hit the town for dinner and drinks. 

I'll have a full summary of our night out, along with some other Bangkok dining recommendations in my next post. 

Stay tuned!

Queenstown Public House

I hope everyone in the states had a wonderful 4th of July!

I spent my day at the beach, soaking up the beautiful weather,

along with thousands of other San Diegans. 

I thought it would be impossible to come back to work today,

(I mean honestly, they couldn't just extend the holiday and call it a day?)

but in reality, I'm quite pleased with how it all turned out. 

You see, today is Friday after all,

which means, another weekend is upon us already,

and who's going to complain about that? 

Not I my friends. 

This weekend I plan to carry on with this whole relaxation thing we've been partaking in lately..

 lazy pool days, game nights with friends, and last but not least - Sunday brunch!

And where is my hot spot for brunch these days?

Queenstown Public House. 

A spot I was invited to check out last weekend, and can't wait to come back to!

What's so special about it?

Well, the decor, for one, is absolutely adorable. 

Set in a building that closely resembles the lot from Full House,

the restaurant is full of quirky vintage staples.

There's plenty of spots at the bar, but when the temperature is as perfect as it has been lately,

you'll find it pretty hard to pass up the patio seating. 

What about the food?

Well, I've heard that the Kiwis know a thing or two about burgers,

and if the food in New Zealand is anywhere as good as it was at Queenstown, then I'm ready to book my next trip!

The menu offers so many choices, that believe when I tell you that it was reaaally difficult to make our selections. 

We finally settled on the Bare Lil Lamb burger and the Blazin Ahi sandwich,

which were both out of this world. 

I'm talkin' finger lickin' good. 

Don't believe me?

Then I suggest you check this place out for yourself as soon as possible. 

How cute is the little cow milk dispenser? It's the littlest details that make me giddy.

That look says it all..

Queenstown Public House

1557 Columbia Street

Little Italy, CA 92101

Bon Affair

How is it possible for the weekends to fly by SO quickly?!

I suppose I don't have too much to complain about..

the weather has been close to perfect in San Diego recently - maybe a smidge too hot,

but not anything that a chilled wine spritzer can't fix.

And boy do I have the perfect potion to cool me down!

A few weeks ago I received the most amazing care package from Bon Affair,

a top shelf, lighter option for California wine. 

Even though I typically prefer a deep red wine over anything light,

I must say, the Sauvignon Blanc I tried out this weekend was just right. 

The crisp taste is reminiscent to Champagne or Prosecco, 

and the fact that it's 100% natural, with no added sugar, 

(translation, this stuff has half the calories of regular wine),

make Bon Affair a no brainer. 

I'm seriously obsessed with their packaging too. 

The simple white and black bottle design is so chic, don't you think?

It's perfect for any occasion.. 

whether you're trying to cool off by the pool, want to impress a hostess at your next dinner party, 

or simply want a delicious, light beverage to sip on before your next night out on the town,

I highly recommend Bon Affair. 

Curious to try it for yourself?

Bon Affair is available for purchase on their site and at select retailers in the San Diego region. 

Please drink responsibly. 

Bangkok, Thailand - Part I

Bangkok. 

First day of our trip, and thank God for that,

because we definitely needed all our energy to take in this city. 

The colors, the smells, the constant flow of traffic.. 

our senses were erect from the minute we stepped out of our posh hotel room,

and I didn't expect our experience to be any different. 

Our first day in the Thai capital happened to fall on a Saturday,

so we decided to cover the city by bicycle,

trusting ABC Bike Tours to show us a swell time. 

We were joined by a Swedish couple, a friendly German, and a... reserved man from Morocco,

as we cycled miles upon miles that day, stopping as desired to snap photos, grab snacks, or simply catch our breath. 

It was the perfect way to get started with our vacation!

Like I mentioned earlier, 

we happened to be in the city during the weekend,

which means all the markets were in full swing. 

We pedaled our way through some of the busiest vendors,

seeing all sorts of things being sold. 

Exotic fruit, fresh seafood.. and a whole variety of meats. 

It was definitely an experience. 

 

The heat in Southeast Asia is unforgiving. Poor Erik was drenched after the first five minutes on his bike. 

Rambutan! So cheap, and so refreshing on a hot day. 

After a few hours of biking through the city,

we took a ferry out to a much calmer part of town. 

There, we pedaled through the lush green forests,

discovering an old floating market, grabbing lunch, and running from lizards that, I swear, were as big as dinosaurs. 

Umm... curry, anyone?

Color in Motion 5k Run

Heyooo San Diego!

Today I have some VERY exciting news for you.

There's a rainbow storm coming our way,

and we all have a chance to play storm chasers.

Whaaaa?

No, I didn't have magic mushrooms in my lucky charms this morning.

I'm talking about the Color in Motion run,

a 5k course through beautiful San Diego,

that will transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow.

Sounds awesome right?

How exactly does it work?

Just show up to the starting line decked out in white,

and then proceed to sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely stroll along for a little more than 3 miles while getting splattered with bombs of colored paint.

Don't worry, the color is not even actual paint, so it's 100% safe and easy to clean,

(but who wants to be clean when you can be colorful?).

Interested?

I thought so.

Here are the deets:

the run is scheduled for August 24, 2013 @ 9:00 a.m.

Sign up for the race individually,

or get a whole slew of your friends together as a team.

And finally for the best news -

I have partnered with this wonderful organization to promote fun & fitness in San Diego, 

and we're offering all my lovely readers a discount!!

Just use the promo code LoveSanDiego to receive 15% off your registration at checkout.

So what are you waiting for?

It's going to be an epic day in America's Finest City,

so grab your white tee and meet me at the starting line!

See you there!