Painting & Vino

I never really considered myself a very artistic person...

But hey, there's this thing called wine,

and it magically makes everything seem... easier? 

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to try out a Painting & Vino class,

and I figured, why not, it would be a fun way to catch up with some girlfriends. 

The concept is pretty straight forward - 

pick a picture of your choice and attend a session that offers it. 

The price of the class includes a step-by-step lesson and all your materials. 

Locations vary, but one thing is constant - wine is plentiful, and typically, there are other great deals on appetizers to keep your strength up while you work on your version of the Sistine Chapel. 

My girlfriends and I opted to paint "Africa at Night" at Caffe Bella Italia, when we went. 

The results were honestly a lot better than I expected!

I painted giraffes you guys! Not one, but two! In the moonlight, no less!

It was such a fun night - laughing, painting and drinking wine with my friends. 

Want to try it?! I've partnered with Painting & Vino to offer you a promotion code!

Use code LOVESD15 for a $20 discount off your next class.

The company also offers private events for a minimum of 15 people,

so keep that in mind next time you go to plan a birthday party, bridal shower or maybe a corporate event. 

Spa Days are the Best Days

Is there anything more relaxing than spending a whole day lounging around in a cabana

in between heavenly rub downs and lavender showers?

Probably not. 

I'm a firm believer in spalidays,

and the spa at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is one of my new favorite spots in San Diego. 

The luxury hotel recently underwent a $12 million renovation,

and I was asked to come check out the spa,

since you know... I'm an expert.

It truly made for a perfect day though. 

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping,

and as soon as I slipped into that robe I felt like I was in paradise. 

The menu of services is impressive,

making the decision nearly impossible.

But alas, I came to my senses and settled for the hot stone massage. 

Holy moly.. can I just tell you,

I feel like I couldn't even walk afterwards?

Why? Because I was THAT relaxed. 

I practically floated out of that room, and on to the patio,

where I had a nice little salad waiting for me in a cabana. 

So shi shi shi, you know what I mean?!

I'm one of those people that can't lay around for too long without getting restless,

so after a little while I decided to go explore around the hotel grounds.

Beautiful.

Reminds me of the Spanish countryside, with a modern twist. 

I already have plans to go back and check out Morada,

the newest restaurant on the property that offers a locally sourced California inspired menu that is constantly evolving. 

You guys need to follow suit.

Bliss!

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

5951 Linea Del Cielo

Rancho Santa Fe, CA 

East Village Tavern and Bowl + Giveaway!

When was the last time you went bowling?

I must admit, 

it's been a while for me, 

mostly because the bowling alley right by my house is very..... vintage. 

Smelly shoes and greasy food is not exactly my idea of a good time,

but fortunately, East Village Tavern and Bowl is a game changer!

A few weeks ago they invited me over for some bowling, dining and drinks,

and I had SUCH a good time. 

This is not your average bowling alley. 

It's super modern, has good music, yummy drinks, and delicious food! 

No more greasy pizza and flat pitchers of beer for you!

And guess what? 

To help spread the fun, I'm hosting an AMAZING giveaway!

Get the party rollin' at Tavern and Bowl with 5 of your closest friends,

cause you can win 1 lane for 2 hours and bowling shoe rentals,

plus 2 flatbread pizzas & 2 soft drink pitchers.

Approximate value of $180!

Redeem at any of the four locations,

Costa Mesa, East Village, East Lake or North County. 

To enter, simply leave your Name and Email in the comments below. 

Giveaway will run from the time this post goes live, until Friday, May 22nd,

and I'll personally contact the winner as soon as it's over. 

Good luck!

Farmer's Market Burrata - burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes, topped with basil puree, with roasted garlic and grilled bread.

East Village Tavern and Bowl

930 Market St.

San Diego, CA

Malahat Spirits Co.

I'm not typically a rum drinker...

I blame it on the captain. 

But hey, I'm all about second chances, 

so when I received an invitation to come check out a new San Diego distillery and tasting room,

I decided to give rum another shot.

So glad I did!

Malahat Spirits, 

established by Tony Grillo, Ken Lee and Tom Bleakley, 

is named after a five masted schooner that sailed down the West Coast during Prohibition. 

 Capable of carrying over 60,000 cases of spirits, 

she delivered more contraband liquor than any other ship in the Pacific. 

Anchoring off the coast of Southern California, 

she delivered her spirits to rum runners who would take the precious cargo to shore to awaiting patrons. She quickly became known as “The Queen of Rum Row”,

so if you drank your liquor in San Diego during Prohibition, 

chances are your booze came from the Malahat.  

 I personally sat down with one of the partners, Ken, 

and had six samples of their signature rum flavors. 

Malahat rums are all small-batch, handcrafted artisan rums. 

The company focuses on a white rum, a spiced rum and a ginger rum,

but they've also been playing with seasonal flavors,

and let me just tell you, 

the candy cane rum is out of this world!

Stop in for a tasting, and for just $15

you'll receive a first-class education about Malahat's distillery process,

six samples, and a glass for you to take home. 

I highly recommend it!

Malahat Spirits Co.

8706 Production Ave.

San Diego, 92121