tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74399059362353993502024-02-06T22:11:46.308-08:00Cardiff-by-the-Sea LodgeTales from a Beach City InnCardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-75561282656187170412010-09-28T10:04:00.000-07:002010-09-28T10:19:25.298-07:00Hot 'Nuff For Ya?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFYqUtk_Q-lpmtu47vcyNgJbloSs4l5BPNTRqelkOyUyru5QNGpCrGkxCfxFvYpxCUtflkq0boWuKXX1qIqwTbeZFc7tqY97pLTneefhQEbiXQPcoIH3F5Wa_3w5GWJvSEzOcFp4y94VT/s1600/IMG_3115+edited_straight1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFYqUtk_Q-lpmtu47vcyNgJbloSs4l5BPNTRqelkOyUyru5QNGpCrGkxCfxFvYpxCUtflkq0boWuKXX1qIqwTbeZFc7tqY97pLTneefhQEbiXQPcoIH3F5Wa_3w5GWJvSEzOcFp4y94VT/s200/IMG_3115+edited_straight1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522015154166424306" border="0" /></a><br />So I spent an awful lot of time living in the midwest (please, don't judge me, I'm happily and deeply entrenched in SoCal now!) and when the dog days of summer rolled around and the heat was unbearable, sweltering, humid, and just plain uncomfortable, the usual greeting was, "Hot 'nuff for ya?" All day long everyone asked everyone else that question - funny, right? And how do you answer that? "Nah....could be hotter!" LOL<br /><br />My point is - it's hot for San Diego! And you should come to the beach and cool off! Just think of dipping your toes in that crisp cool ocean and the immediate sense of relief it would bring....ahhhhhhh......a nice leisurely walk along the water's edge....a little bit of heaven, right?<br /><br />Don't forget, you can rent surfboards right across the street at <a href="http://www.nirvanasurfboards.com/cardiff-reef.php">Nirvana </a> and if you forgot your swim suit you can stop in at <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=5172">Patagonia</a> just on corner 1/2 a block from us. How about taking a picnic lunch from <a href="http://seasidemarket.com/">Seaside Market</a> with you to snack on? And after that awesome afternoon of swimming, surfing and noshing, how about an enjoying a glass of wine while watching the sunset from the patio at<a href="http://www.winestealssd.com/"> Wine Steals?</a><br /><br />Did I just put together a great day for you? I think I did! LOL Now call us and make it happen!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com/">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-26957408681403779712010-09-09T12:01:00.000-07:002010-09-09T12:09:02.939-07:00Smooth.....This Saturday is the <a href="http://obmusicfest.org/">Jazz88 Ocean Beach Music & Art Festival</a>! And guess what? That's right...I'll be displaying my artwork for all to enjoy : ) Stop by and see me at Booth F3 if you're in the neighborhood...what could be smoother than excellent jazz music and beautiful art?<br /><br /><a href="http://obmusicfest.org/about/directions-and-parking/">Directions</a><br />And <a href="http://obmusicfest.org/craft-beer/">Beer!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com/">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-43442947141289452942010-08-26T09:40:00.000-07:002010-08-26T09:59:39.186-07:00Another day in paradise...Don't you just love SoCal? The weather has been amazing and should be into the weekend - go to the beach!! Go to Cardiff State Beach! Believe me....you'll love it : )<br /><br />If the beach is not for you, here are some other options for your weekend enjoyment:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What:</span> <a href="http://www.leucadia101.com/ArtWalk.htm">LeucadiART Walk</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When:</span> Sunday, Aug 29<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Between Marcheta and W. Glaucus Streets (Right on the 101!), Leucadia<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style=""></span><i>LeucadiART Walk </i> <strong style="font-weight: normal;">features “one mile of talent on Hwy 101,” with a</strong></span><strong style="font-weight: normal;">rtists displaying their art on the west side of Hwy 101 between Marcheta and W. Glaucus Streets</strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><strong>.</strong><span style=""><strong> </strong> </span></span><strong style="font-weight: normal;">The Event Features: Art Demonstrations ~ Live Music ~ Children's Art Activities ~ A Wine & Beer Garden (fees apply)~ Free Double-Decker Shuttle Bus Service ~ Free Parking at the Encinitas Civic Center and Coaster Station, both located on Vulcan Ave. at D. Street.</strong><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I will be displaying my art on Sunday! Stop by my booth in the parking lot of The Corner Frame Shop at 1038 S. Coast Hwy 101 - I hope to see you there!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What: <a href="http://eventful.com/sandiego/events/survey-select-narrative-/E0-001-032171080-1@2010082800">Survey Select - Narrative Art Exhibition and Associated Events</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span> Saturday, Aug 28<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Wonder Bread Building, San Diego<br /><br />Contemporary art exhibition featuring 65 world-class artists, 12 authors, 10 films, 20 events and unlimited inspiration in a museum setting at the Wonder Bread Factory in Downtown San Diego, CA Eclectic by nature and selective by choice, "Survey Select" examines a new tradition of storytelling. Go to surveyselect.org and check out calendar listings.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://eventful.com/sandiego/events/san-diego-lantern-festival-/E0-001-033037262-1@2010082800">San Diego Lantern Festival 2010</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span> Saturday, Aug 28<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Eveoke Dance Theater, San Diego<br /><br />3 days of Nonstop Entertainment-Carnival Rides-Martial Arts Competition-Lantern Decorating-Arts & Crafts-6,000 Breathtaking Lanterns-3 Traditional Lantern Parades-3 Nights of Lion Dances-Food Booths-Miss San Diego Lantern 2010 Pageant-FREE outdoor film screening, featuring "Enter the Dragon" for Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com/">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-10499910000166364112010-08-20T11:51:00.000-07:002010-08-20T12:08:46.625-07:00Good Stuff for this Weekend....Looking for something to do? Here are a few ideas for you!<br /><br /><br /><br />A local favorite, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Stone Brewing Co</span>. is well known for it's great beers. This weekend is their 1<a href="http://eventful.com/sanmarcos_ca/events/stone-14th-anniversary-celebration-/E0-001-033055450-8">4th Anniversary Celebration and Invitational Beer Festival.</a> Saturday, Aug 21 - 11 am<br /><br />"Our biggest beer festival and fundraising event is back, and we've really upped the ante this year! Not only are we bringing you even more world-class guest breweries than ever before, we've added a Friday Night Brewers Reception, a Saturday Rare Beer Section, and more ticket options!"<br /><br />***********************************************************************************<br /><br />We love the <a href="http://www.delmarscene.com/">Del Mar Race Track</a>! And Saturday, 8/21 is Donut Day...mmmm...donuts!<br /><br />"Visitors can catch a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Thoroughbred racing while enjoying free coffee, orange juice and donuts. Track announcer Trevor Denman will host a Q&A session with jockey Joel Rosario and trainer John Sadler during their morning workouts. Donuts Day is held from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the Seaside Terrace area at the West end of the Grandstand. For more information, visit http://www.delmarscene.com"<br /><br />***********************************************************************************<br /><h2> <span style="font-size:85%;">Love Struck Inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream at La Jolla Playhouse </span></h2> La Jolla Playhouse and Jon Block Creations present a unique art and fashion event entitled Love Struck celebrating the Playhouse’s production of A Midsummer Night's Dream on Saturday, August 21 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The event is part of the Playhouse’s ongoing “Performance + Cocktails” series.<br /><br />The evening begins at 5:00 pm with a music-infused cocktail mixer and art exhibition on the Playhouse’s Weiss Lawn, followed by a vintage apparel showing, featuring the SDWHM collection, at 6:00 pm. At 7:15 pm will be a high fashion runway show with a special introduction from Playhouse Artistic Director and Midsummer director Christopher Ashley. The evening caps off with a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 8:00 pm. Admission to Love Struck is free; there Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to Midsummer for $40.00.<br /><br />More Information:<br /><a href="http://lajollaplayhouse.org/">http://lajollaplayhouse.org/</a><br /><br />***********************************************************************************<br /><h2> <span style="font-size:85%;">La Jolla Concerts by the Sea at La Jolla, California, United States </span></h2> <div id="event-price" class="cost"> <strong>Cost:</strong> Free - </div> These family-friendly FREE summer concerts are fun for people of all ages, offering a wide range of musical styles for everyone's enjoyment in an ideal setting overlooking La Jolla Cove. Fantastic prizes including gift certificates for local activities and restaurants are raffled off each week. Gather your family and friends and join us for summer sun, fun, and live music!<br /><br />For more information:<br /><a href="http://www.ljconcertsbythesea.org/index.html" rel="nofollow">La Jolla Concerts by the Sea</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com/">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-8411835969493057502010-08-18T13:32:00.000-07:002010-08-18T13:44:02.241-07:00Did you hear that?Was that the sound of the summer flying by?! Here we are in mid August already - I can't believe it. But if you think about it, July didn't really count since it felt like we were living in Seattle, right? What crazy weather this summer! But it looks like Mother Nature has straightened herself out and August is turning out to be spectacular!<br /><br />And since we have some great weather, here are a few things to do to enjoy it:<br /><a href="http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/csite/cms/245.htm"><br />Solana Beach Farmer's Market</a><br />The corner of Cedros Ave and Rosa Street in Solana Beach<br />Sundays from 1pm - 5pm<br /><br /><a href="http://www.miramarairshow.com/">Miramar Air Show</a><br />Miramar Marine Corp Base<br />Oct 1, 2, & 3rd<br />9am - 4pm<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sandiegocoastlife.com/events/san-diego-coast/events-oceanside-harbor-days.html">Oceanside Harbor Days</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Includes the illustrious Nail & Sail Competition</span><br />North Oceanside, Oct 2-3, 9am - 6pm<br /><br /><br />These are but a few of the gems I'll find and post for you!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com/">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-39695255315850654472010-04-27T13:33:00.000-07:002010-04-27T14:13:23.907-07:00Summer is almost here!I don't know about you, but one of the things I love best about summer is outdoor concerts. Live music, amazing weather....it's a great mix! I've gathered up some of my favorite venues (outside and inside!) to share with you and a line up artists to see...<br /><br />I'll start with the venues closest to us and work my way out:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bellyup.com/calendar/view/2010/4#27">The Belly Up Tavern</a><br />Solana Beach<br />(only 2 1/2 miles from the lodge!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Del Mar Fairgrounds</span><br />Del Mar<br /><a href="http://www.sdfair.com/fair/index.php?fuseaction=concerts.grandstand">San Diego County Fair Line Up</a><br /><a href="http://www.delmarscene.com/">Del Mar Fairgrounds Summer Concert Series</a><br />(only 5 miles from the lodge!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.artcenter.org/performances/">California Center for the Arts Escondido</a><br />Escondido<br /><br />One of my favorite outdoor venues:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.humphreysconcerts.com/schedule_long.cfm">Humphrey's By the Bay</a><br />San Diego<br /><br />These are also excellent outdoor venues:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.livenation.com/venue/cricket-wireless-amphitheatre-tickets">Cricket Wireless Amphitheater</a><br />Chula Vista<br /><a href="http://www.sandiegosymphony.org/summerpops/calendar.php"><br />San Diego Summer Pops</a><br />San Diego<br /><br />And what could be better than a free show?! Here's a great link to find free concerts all summer long in San Diego County:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nbcsandiego.com/around-town/archive/Free-Summer-Concerts-Yes-Free-.html">Free Music!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com/">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-29716217441000788912010-01-21T12:52:00.000-08:002010-01-21T13:23:43.645-08:00Romance is in the air!<p><br />I know it's a bit early, but have you been thinking about doing something special for that 'special' someone in your life on Valentine's Day? No? Well you should! What a great opportunity to focus on the romantic part of your life, right? Absolutely!<br /><p><br />We thought we'd entice you to come stay with us - we love romance, too : ) We're putting a dozen roses and a box of chocolates in each room as well as offering a champagne breakfast when you stay with us for Valentine's weekend! It can't get more romantic than that can it? Well it can....but the rest is up to you!<br /><br />Pssst....we were voted "Best Place to Kiss"...now isn't that romantic?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJinL6476M8kdTpdnIMjOe5nLC0-JVy66MjvOrYIsTTdOAqo4zBpMYn2Ivjo6pYzlQfnGf5LJlH6qOEmrVMGopnvtdJH99d9Uu9ERB5Xhd7Mm0f9nDvpz7S2MvnK0gWINuc_22lekFfbm/s1600-h/kiss_lips.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJinL6476M8kdTpdnIMjOe5nLC0-JVy66MjvOrYIsTTdOAqo4zBpMYn2Ivjo6pYzlQfnGf5LJlH6qOEmrVMGopnvtdJH99d9Uu9ERB5Xhd7Mm0f9nDvpz7S2MvnK0gWINuc_22lekFfbm/s200/kiss_lips.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429306540578144306" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-26775897118002640962009-12-16T12:12:00.000-08:002009-12-16T12:26:42.355-08:00Have you been Naughty or Nice?Blogging?! Who has time for Blogging? There are only 8 days left until Christmas and I've been out shopping! And what a whirlwind it is out there this season...I thought I'd share some of my favorite shopping spots with you, you know, just in case you are still in need of the perfect gift!<br /><a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=66"><br />Carlsbad Premium Outlets</a><br />5620 Paseo del Norte, Suite 100<br />Carlsbad, CA 92008<br />(760) 804-9000<br /><br />And the best part? It's only <span style="font-weight:bold;">10 minutes </span>away from us!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cedrosdesigndistrict.net/">Cedros Avenue Design District</a><br />Located in the beautiful town of Solana Beach, just 2 miles south of Cardiff.<br />(pssst....my favorite store is Solo....you <span style="font-weight:bold;">have </span>to check it out!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lajollabythesea.com/members/index.php?cid=4">La Jolla</a><br />Located just 20 minutes south of Cardiff (via the beautiful Coast Hwy)...amazing art galleries and boutiques - you're going to need an entire day for this one, believe me!<br /><a href="http://www.family-vacation-getaways-at-los-angeles-theme-parks.com/Forum-at-Carlsbad.html"><br />The Forum at Carlsbad</a><br />Another great place to shop that is only 10 minutes from us...a beautiful shopping center that is somewhat of a hidden gem! My favorite - The Paper Source - a great store for cards and gift supplies...go there now!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-69374146299475432932009-11-25T09:54:00.000-08:002009-11-25T10:01:20.412-08:00Perfect for the Holidays!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCef5J0fjvgevOp77OqBWeZHLFeUUBDEtjdAfKCWu9rxup7Bf5P4F42FQ7LxIuECJKKV4g2fnBoLsfVcxHCWw_bVhxCaSBNA6QUG-G56N7c4ZK5Tozf6TmPYdInlJj422lG6YrJEvJ4RE/s1600/Ice-Rink_beach_day_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCef5J0fjvgevOp77OqBWeZHLFeUUBDEtjdAfKCWu9rxup7Bf5P4F42FQ7LxIuECJKKV4g2fnBoLsfVcxHCWw_bVhxCaSBNA6QUG-G56N7c4ZK5Tozf6TmPYdInlJj422lG6YrJEvJ4RE/s400/Ice-Rink_beach_day_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408102301548985138" /></a><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"> Skating by the Sea<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />The Hotel del Coronado is pleased to present in its fifth year a unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Del’s 10,000-square-foot Windsor Lawn, located just steps from the sand, will be transformed into a picturesque ice rink for guests and visitors this holiday season. Holiday music will fill the air and guests can purchase hot chocolate and libations.<br /><br />~ November 25 - December 18 ~<br />daily: 2pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9pm<br />weekend & holiday matinee: 11am - 1pm<br /><br />~ December 19 - January 3 ~<br />daily: 2pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9pm<br />daily matinee: 11am - 1pm<br /><br />Three-hour sessions cost $20* for adults and $15* for kids (ages 10 years and under); two-hour matinee sessions cost $15* for adults and $10* for kids (ages 10 years and under). Skate rental is $5 per person.<br /><br />A portion of the 2009 skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego.<br /><br /> *The matinee session in the only 2-hour session. Must pay for entire session regardless of time spent skating.<br /><br />Directions to the Hotel del Coronado can be found <a href="http://www.hoteldel.com/directions.aspx">here.</a>..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-36062907688490336942009-11-16T11:25:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:45:13.113-08:00Of Local Importance....<a href="http://www.californiasurffestival.com/">California Surf Festival</a><br />Oceanside, CA<br />Nov 19-22<br /><br />The California Surf Festival celebrates awareness and support for surf history preservation through the California Surf Museum. It is an international event destination bringing people from all over the world to Oceanside, California, to experience surf culture through films, music, art, photography and<br />interaction with those who embody the culture as well as highlight the surf community of California.<br />The California Surf Film Festival, produced as a benefit by the California Surf Museum (CSM) in Oceanside, will include exciting and groundbreaking new surf films with many of the filmmakers in attendance.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sdfair.com/index.php?fuseaction=calendar.home&op=detail&pkid=1089">Del Mar Antique Show</a><br />Del Mar Fairgrounds<br />Fri - Sun, Nov 20-22<br /><br />More than 250 antique dealers from throughout the Western United States will be selling antiques and collectibles during the three-day run of the show, which marks its 50th year this fall. This year's show is subtitled the "Century of Style Design Show," with a focus on antiques from the 20th century, including Arts & Crafts, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and Art Nouveau pieces. There will be booths specializing in crystal, glass, pottery, art, jewelry, silver, Americana, primitives, furniture and paper ephemera. There will also be antique and restoration artists on hand for consultations on wicker, damaged glass, crystal, porcelain, pottery, rugs and jewelry.<br /><br />Read the full article <a href="http://www.nctimes.com/entertainment/attractions/article_be64671c-2cda-55f5-ba4f-200a60094b09.html">here</a>....<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.worldofwineevents.com/index.html">San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival</a><br />Embarcadero Park North<br />San Diego<br />Nov 18-22<br /><br />The much anticipated 2009 San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is quickly approaching! Come join more than 8,000 tastemakers including legendary winemakers, celebrity chefs and others with great taste (just like you!) on November 18-22, 2009. You won't want to miss the five-day wine and food extravaganza featuring 170 world-class wineries and spirit producers, 70 of San Diego’s award-winning fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, live and silent auctions, personalities, wine tastings, and unlimited food samples!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-36069257971713897902009-11-16T11:12:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:23:04.036-08:00Well, Hello......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf3SmEs_VeDekNsOX6_jREjU3wbmskxWJl-0wI_E2mVpOaam3_QEKNC4GyDvfS7RPtmrAaNF_bpE8frHuNwOjuwVsKylTACvQVNlF-i1chvft8SK694J2U2b4poDEhaSg7peNe_HxE-s2/s1600/cardiff_16.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf3SmEs_VeDekNsOX6_jREjU3wbmskxWJl-0wI_E2mVpOaam3_QEKNC4GyDvfS7RPtmrAaNF_bpE8frHuNwOjuwVsKylTACvQVNlF-i1chvft8SK694J2U2b4poDEhaSg7peNe_HxE-s2/s320/cardiff_16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404783252714801490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8HCSEjfhxdkws5z2zHJjxELeOP2z2MENukZWLKEnwSRpXwuECNdRTbnOmDYghzdauEYQLtEQkPwhnG5Lbx9-dTQa0AcnolWvv7bjZ8cu4iwSnIlTEVWJKWSCaa7jj_AWCDU3Sf69pvwE/s1600/cardiff_14.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8HCSEjfhxdkws5z2zHJjxELeOP2z2MENukZWLKEnwSRpXwuECNdRTbnOmDYghzdauEYQLtEQkPwhnG5Lbx9-dTQa0AcnolWvv7bjZ8cu4iwSnIlTEVWJKWSCaa7jj_AWCDU3Sf69pvwE/s200/cardiff_14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404783187879921250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_OHFy_hebpzvozqwx-6fX12Wm0xU8_pCiMaEwAoYUY4SAY3aeo3SvB_IJeAhDETkytSLI5V0SP7VujNQ4obj1kDUpFe9sa3G5sUsFOMXvphAZ5e_ltQWth8M7bpTF4vLeO93GBzNXGWp/s1600/cardiff_11.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_OHFy_hebpzvozqwx-6fX12Wm0xU8_pCiMaEwAoYUY4SAY3aeo3SvB_IJeAhDETkytSLI5V0SP7VujNQ4obj1kDUpFe9sa3G5sUsFOMXvphAZ5e_ltQWth8M7bpTF4vLeO93GBzNXGWp/s200/cardiff_11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404783133060128946" /></a><br /><br />So we've been a bit busy here with weddings as of late. In fact, I have some great pics I'd like to share with you....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Please check out the rest of the pics (scroll down Fritz's <a href="http://fritzharmon.wordpress.com/">blog</a> to the second wedding!) and Fritz's great work at <a href="http://www.fritzharmon.com/">fritzharmon.com<br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-57054941177707500382009-10-28T10:59:00.000-07:002009-10-28T11:08:44.270-07:00Spooktacular....It's Halloween this weekend! Here are a couple of things to do this weekend that just might be 'spooktacular'!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Dia de los Muertos</span><br />Sunday, Nov 1, 10am - 4pm<br />Mission San Luis Rey<br />Oceanside, CA<br /><br />More details <a href="http://events.orangecounty.com/oceanside-ca/events/show/88953284-dia-de-los-muertos">here</a>...<br /><br /><br />Something that runs every Friday, but is especially cool this time of year is...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Rocky Horror Picture Show</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Midnight Showing Every Friday Night</span><br />Special 9m Show on Halloween (Saturday night)<br />La Paloma Theater<br />471 S. Coast Hwy<br />Encinitas, CA<br /><br /><br />And if you like creative, but definitely not spooky then check out...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Carlsbad Village Street Faire</span><br />Sunday, Nov 1, 8am - 4pm<br />(Grand Ave. from Carlsbad Blvd. to Jefferson St.)<br /><br />More details <a href="http://www.carlsbad.org/products/productList.aspx?uid=27-109">here.</a>..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-14736041679878801012009-10-20T12:16:00.000-07:002009-10-20T12:34:49.731-07:00Coast to CoastWe had a wonderful couple stay with us this weekend, of course <span style="font-style:italic;">all</span> our couples are wonderful (!), but what made this couple stand out was their modus operandi for the weekend. They started their Sunday morning watching the sunrise in Boston and then hopped on a plane to be here for sunset that night! Isn't that a great way to spend a day...seeing the sunrise on the east coast and seeing the sunset on the west coast? I give them super high marks for being romantic.....<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For those of you that don't have those kinds of plans for the weekend, here are some suggestions!</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Zenbu Sushi Bar</span><br />2003 San Elijo Ave<br />Cardiff<br /><br />They have local lobster specials going on!!<br /><br />Check out the menu <a href="http://www.rimelsrestaurants.com/zenbu/cardiff/">here</a>...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">At the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show</span><br />Fri/Sat/Sun, Oct 23-25<br />10am - 6pm<br /><br /><a href="http://www.harvestfestival.com/Visitors/Shows/DelMar/Index.aspx">Tickets, Hours, Location</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />And for you bookworms....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dean Koontz Book Signing</span><br />Canine Companions for Independence Southwest Regional Center<br />124 Rancho del Oro Drive<br />Oceanside, CA 92057 <br /><br />Bestselling author Dean Koontz will do a special book signing at 124 Rancho del Oro Drive in Oceanside, California on October 24. Dean Koontz will address the crowd at 11AM. Immediately following, he will sign copies of A BIG LITTLE LIFE and I, TRIXIE WHO IS DOG. Both titles will be available for purchase at the event. Early arrival is encouraged to secure a spot in line. All author's proceeds from the books benefit Canine Companions for Independence, which provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities completely free of charge. In addition to the signing, attendees can enjoy assistance dog demonstrations, campus tours and live music. Visit www.cci.org/koontz or call (760)901-4300 for more information.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/media/San-Diego-Magazine/Charitable-Events/Charitable-Events-Calendar/index.php?cpevents=4&sievents=30&view=view_event&itm=9521">here</a> for more details...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-61887742932056743182009-10-13T12:08:00.000-07:002009-10-13T12:44:27.639-07:00'Tis the Season....for Lobster!Yes folks, it's Spiny Lobster Season again! And one of our favorite local restaurants, Las Olas, is doin' it up right! They are about 1/2 a mile south of us on Coast Hwy (101) - check out their specials <a href="http://www.lasolasmex.com/lobster.html">here!</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />A Really Good Cause...</span><br /><br />This weekend is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Fundraiser for the Arts</span> being hosted by our neighbor, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ebb & Flow</span>. This is a benefit for the Cardiff School Arts Program that has been the victim of drastic cutbacks. We are proud to be a donating sponsor! If you 'd like to rally around a great cause and here some really good music this weekend, stop by - Ebb & Flow is just across the street from us...<br />111 Chesterfield Dr, Ste 117.<br /><br />Sat, Oct 17th<br />4pm - 7pm<br />For more info, call 760.634.2300 or go to the website: <a href="http://ebbandflowcardiff.com/Ebb_and_Flow/Home.html">ebbandflowcardiff.com<br /></a><br /><br />And as always, here's the latest in art festivals going on locally this weekend:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Old Town Art Festival</span><br />Old Town, San Diego<br />Sat/Sun 10:00am - 6:00 pm<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Enjoy museum quality art and sculpture as you stroll through Old Town with all of it’s history and charm. The Old Town San Diego Art Festival features over 150 contemporary artists, fine craft, fashion and home décor artisans. This event brings together the essence of Southern California; beautiful San Diego weather, the Flavors of Old Town international foods, a wine tasting pavilion and continuous live entertainment. The festival runs along San Diego Avenue from Conde Street into the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.</span><br /><br />This is their <a href="http://www.oldtownartfestival.com/">link</a>...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />32nd Annual Bernardo Winery Arts & Crafts Fair</span><br />Rancho Bernardo<br />Sat/Sun, 10:00am - 4:00 pm<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Stroll under the olive trees on the grounds of the 120 year old Bernardo Winery at the 32nd Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Fair October 17th and 18th from 10-4 p.m. With over 130 crafters and artisans, a food court, wine and beer garden and live music all weekend, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy! Admission and parking are free. for more information, visit www.bernardowinery.com or call (858)487-1866. Bernardo Winery is located at 13330 Paseo del Verano in Rancho Bernardo, CA.</span><br /><br />Directions and Details are <a href="http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/271327/san-diego-32nd-annual-bernardo-winery-fall-arts-and-crafts-fair">here</a>...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">'Tis Also the Season.....for Screaming!</span><br /><br />Halloween is almost here! I have to admit that Halloween really is my favorite holiday - I mean we get to dress up as anything we want turning into someone (or something!) else completely; what's better than that? LOL If you're looking for a little bit of scary this Halloween, I feel it is my duty to tell you about <a href="http://www.sdfair.com/screamzone/home.html">The Scream Zone</a> happening at the Del Mar Fairgrounds - you have to check out their intro to the website - good stuff! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-83699492222713406932009-10-09T13:07:00.001-07:002009-10-09T13:23:12.339-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16eiswkcMBKC5SUFMTSWNGRSNyGOS-3PA8pt-bBEJPb6Hs60D7XZ1pQHTQ0ttzdOKUjZIxVvTV2_xiP1PozQjJOCGVrSeqYlJiNQOntPUmv4NPDsjHXB4HJ_YD8r64g3_f7WzZ54mFBb7/s1600-h/DSCN0493.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16eiswkcMBKC5SUFMTSWNGRSNyGOS-3PA8pt-bBEJPb6Hs60D7XZ1pQHTQ0ttzdOKUjZIxVvTV2_xiP1PozQjJOCGVrSeqYlJiNQOntPUmv4NPDsjHXB4HJ_YD8r64g3_f7WzZ54mFBb7/s320/DSCN0493.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390694808836520162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK53ogZ8F0_s17qZAY2-Gz3ssnesIA23Ls-O7iFfB_Ngq0RSbRI3soXOjAnB6YYADfe-uVPZsK27QvPrOei2CG1agLRycsVVJkyJikuDFRJyk0jrYqPPM5rynejy4TqgdwmjT5EFjkJhhT/s1600-h/DSCN0494_edited-2.jpg+-+Reduced"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK53ogZ8F0_s17qZAY2-Gz3ssnesIA23Ls-O7iFfB_Ngq0RSbRI3soXOjAnB6YYADfe-uVPZsK27QvPrOei2CG1agLRycsVVJkyJikuDFRJyk0jrYqPPM5rynejy4TqgdwmjT5EFjkJhhT/s320/DSCN0494_edited-2.jpg+-+Reduced" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390694590010818274" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now THIS is what you should do this weekend! This is Cardiff By the Sea Lodge owner Jeanette taking advantage of our beautiful weather and still <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> warm water in Mission Bay. Her husband James took this picture of her last weekend - he said they had an amazing time and would recommend it to anyone who loves water sports. The current water temp here in Cardiff is 66-70 degrees - that's good stuff! The weather has been beautiful; warm and clear during the day and chilly enough in the evenings to need a really great sweatshirt.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-37366901371038164602009-10-05T12:21:00.000-07:002009-10-05T14:38:03.260-07:00Near and dear....So, how was your weekend? Can you believe it's already October! Is it me, or is there always so much more going on during the fall season? As always promised, I've dug up a few nuggets for you to get out and about for the weekend....<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This one is near and dear to my heart as I will be exhibiting artwork this weekend!</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Valley View Casino Art, Music and Wine Festival</span><br />16300 Nyemii Pass Road<br />Valley Center, CA 92082 <br /><br />Sunday, Oct 11, 12-6pm<br />More details <a href="http://www.valleyviewcasino.com/Promotions/default.aspx#events">here.</a>..<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Another Art & Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday for you...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">La Jolla Art & Wine Festival<br /></span>Upper Girard Ave<br />La Jolla, CA 92093<br /><br />Sat & Sun from 9am to 5pm<br />Festival webpage <a href="http://www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com/">here</a>....<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">How about this? With a name like this, you've gotta check it out!</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />The 8th Annual Grape Stomp & Crush Party</span><br />Saturday, Oct 10, 1pm-6pm<br />Fifty Barrels Winery Group<br />3800 Oceanic Drive<br />Oceanside, CA 92056<br />ph. 619-871-7643 <br /><br />More info<a href="http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/272665/oceanside-8th-annual-grape-stomp-and-crush-party"> here</a>....<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A little music anyone?<br /></span><br />Croce's Restaurant & Jazz Bar<br /> Location: Corner of Fifth & F, downtown San Diego<br />Priority Seating: (619)233-4355<br />Hours: 5:30 pm to midnight Monday-Friday; <br />10:00 am to 2:30pm for Breakfast & Lunch<br />and 5:30pm to midnight on weekends.<br />Cuisine: Contemporary American<br />Music: Live Music Nightly<br /><br />Here's their amazing <a href="http://www.croces.com/music.shtml">music schedule</a>...<br /><br />If you decide to stop out at Valley View on Sunday - make sure you stop by my booth and say Hi!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-15317992532527590222009-09-29T09:17:00.000-07:002009-09-29T09:42:01.862-07:00It's a Small Town after all....How about some nice local flavor? Here's some close to home events to tickle your fancy:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />The Oceanside Museum of Art</span><br />704 Pier View Way<br />Oceanside, CA 92054<br />(Just 10 minutes north on the 5 freeway)<br /><br />This Sunday is their Free Family Art Day...Check out their calendar of events <a href="http://www.oma-online.org/calendar.html">here</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />Taste & Art Stroll in Del Mar</span><br />Saturday, Oct 3rd<br />Del Mar Village (Just 5 miles south of us on Coast Hwy!)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The Taste and Art Stroll in Del Mar is an annual event held in the heart of the charming village of Del Mar. The event includes a free art stroll and a ticketed restaurant and wine/brewery tastes. <br /><br />Tease your palate with samples of delicious culinary creations offered by some of Del Mar and North County’s finest food purveyors and sip selections from California wineries and local breweries while strolling among artists' tents featuring juried original artwork by over 80 talented, local and regional artists.<br /><br />This spectacular celebration of art, cuisine, wine and brews also includes live music, a children’s interactive art area and a pet stroll.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />All the event details an be found <a href="http://www.delmarmainstreet.com/taste_and_art_stroll_2009.php">here</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fall Festival - Keep it Local</span><br />Saturday, Oct 3rd<br />Wild Animal Park<br />Escondido, CA<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Pick your own produce, or savor fresh Drumlin Farm food. Enjoy crafts from local artisans. Listen to autumn stories and meet the wildlife Feel the beat with live music by the Ancient Mariners on Saturday, and Mollies Misfits on Sunday. Buy fresh and festive fall pumpkins, wool, and more at our Country Store. Enjoy a hayride around the farm, a fall Drumlin Farm tradition.<br /></span><br />Details <a href="http://eventful.com/escondido/events/fall-festival-keep-local-/E0-001-024225821-1">Here</a><br /><br />And for those of you looking for a little adventure, give this a try!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">La Jolla Scuba Dive Tour – Guided Day Tour</span><br />@ The La Jolla Cove Ecological Underwater Park<br />Dive in to the details <a href="http://eventful.com/lajolla/events/la-jolla-scuba-dive-tour-/E0-001-013353570-4@2009100300">here</a>...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-69712265595829737402009-09-21T14:24:00.001-07:002009-09-21T14:37:46.892-07:00Remember that I swore to inundate you with art? Well then, here's some more!<br /><br />This weekend is Carlsbad's Annual ArtSplash Festival:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">ArtSplash ... is a FREE, two-day, non-profit, family event that promotes and benefits arts within the community. ArtSplash is a community-wide partnership of organizations and businesses working together to establish an Annual Family Event showcasing North County.<br /><br /> * Unbelievable Chalk Art Street Paintings<br /> * Exciting Live Art - At ArtSplash we will have dozens of talented artists from southern California creating, showcasing, and selling their art<br /> * Extraordinary Stage and Meandering Performers: Look for Musicians, Street entertainers, and Performing Artists<br /> * Delectable Food: A variety of food to entice your palette - Taste at ArtSplash, September 26, 2009<br /> * Spectacular Venue: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean</span><br /><br />For more information, click <a href="http://www.carlsbadartsplash.org/">here</a><br /><br />Are you a theater fan? <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sammy</span> is currently playing at the Old Globe Theater:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">One of the greatest entertainers of all time, Sammy Davis Jr. defined an era. The ultimate triple-threat – singer, actor and dancer, Sammy could do it all. With a cast of sixteen of Broadway’s best singers and dancers, this world premiere musical, written by two-time Academy Award® and Grammy Award®-winner Leslie Bricusse, takes us from Sammy’s days as a child working in vaudeville through his time with Dean and Frank as a member of the Rat Pack. Featuring the unmistakable classics that helped to make Sammy an icon — from hits like “The Candy Man,” “Mr. Bojangles” and “What Kind of Fool Am I” to new songs written just for this musical — Sammy shows us the struggles and triumphs of the man who was adored by millions. </span><br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.theoldglobe.org/tickets/production.aspx?PID=7193">here</a> for ticket info...<br /><br />And for all you music buffs, this is a great local festival:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Carlsbad Music Festival</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">is an annual alternative classical music festival featuring master artists and the next generation of cutting-edge, world-class musicians premiering new works and performing fresh and compelling music in concert and in the community. This year’s sixth annual festival brings together some of the country’s most talented young performers and composers, all with a keen sense of musical adventure, for our most exciting season yet.</span><br /><br />Click here for festival <a href="http://www.carlsbadmusicfestival.org/">schedule</a> of events...<br /><br />So which one of these will I be running into you at? See you there!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-13467306287638755502009-09-17T09:00:00.000-07:002009-09-17T09:07:17.461-07:00Local Celebrity!Who doesn't love great food? We run a special off and on that includes dinner with your stay...at Cicciotti's! They have amazing Italian cuisine and great entertainment on the weekends. So, you can imagine how proud we are of our local "celebrity" putting out his first cookbook! Here's the article on Gaetano's new cookbook"....and check out his website at <a href="http://">www.cicciottis.com</a>.<br /><br />(Read the full article <a href="http://www.nctimes.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/article_0b4c8a4c-590c-5022-88ac-46b9cc257a94.html">here</a>)<br /><br /><br />The North County Times - Californian<br />Cicciotti's cookbook offers taste of Italy, from a true Italian<br /><br />LINDSEY BESECKER - lbesecker@nctimes.com | Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2009 12:00 am<br /><br />Nearly every Wednesday, Gaetano Cicciotti takes a break from his busy schedule and has lunch with a pair of customers who have followed him from restaurant to restaurant, job to job, finally tapping on the glass door of his very own restaurant in 2002 to let him know they had found him.<br /><br />They first got to know Cicciotti as a waiter at several Encinitas Italian eateries (and there are quite a few), and he certainly made an impression on the couple. So now he cooks them something special once a week and shares an off-the-menu meal in his Cardiff-by-the-Sea restaurant. As the couple walked out of the restaurant last week, one of them smiled at a passer-by adn said, "You came to the right place."<br /><br />That place is Cicciotti's Trattoria Italiana & Seafood, which sits on San Elijo Avenue and offers views of the Pacific Ocean to accompany the authentic Italian meals. In July, Cicciotti released a cookbook of his favorite recipes ---- some from his menu, some not. But they all come from his family or from traditional, well-known Italian dishes. And although Cicciotti comes from Naples, the dishes in his cookbook and on his menu hail from all over Italy ---- from the cream- and butter-laden dishes of the north to the garlic- and tomato-based dishes of the south.<br /><br />"Everybody in Italy knows how to cook," Cicciotti said. He said he spent a lot of time growing up in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother in Naples, trying to "steal their secrets."<br /><br />"I liked to be in the kitchen," he said.<br /><br />Now Cicciotti has his own kitchen and a menu that includes more than 25 pasta dishes, a selection of wood-fired pizzas, seafood, and dishes he ate growing up. The Lasagna Napoletana alla Gaetano, for example, is a meatball-filled lasagna much like the one his mother used to make on Sundays.<br /><br />The recipe is included in his cookbook, but the name has been changed to Lasagne alla Napoletana.<br /><br />His first cookbook, a 96-page offering simply called "Cicciotti's Kitchen," includes the owner's 40 favorite recipes, including sauces, appetizers, soups, pastas and specialties, and boasts full-page pictures of each recipe, each made by Cicciotti the day of the photo shoot. Another of his favorite dishes is the Tortino di Melanzane (eggplant cake), which consists of fried eggplant slices piled between sprinklings of mozzarella cheese and smothered in marinara and besciamella sauces.<br /><br />"I was very, very proud (of the cookbook)," Cicciotti said. "It came out great. Everybody loved it."<br /><br /><br />At his restaurant, which he opened in 2002, Cicciotti uses local, organic food a much as possible, but he does import some cheeses, olive oils and sauces from Italy. He's admittedly picky about his wines (there are 250 on his wine list) and has garnered Wine Spectator awards since 2003 to show for it.<br /><br />Cicciotti's offers 50 percent off chicken and pasta dishes on Mondays, and hosts happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. with 30 percent off pizzas, $4.75 wines by the glass and mixed drinks, and $3 beers. But Cicciotti's wouldn't be what it is without its owner.<br /><br />"When I'm not here, people say its like going to Disneyland and not meeting Mickey Mouse," he said.<br /><br />Cicciotti's cookbook,l "Cicciotti's Kitchen" is available at www.cicciottis.com for $25 and includes a $20 gift certificate to the restaurant.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cicciotti's Trattoria Italiana & Seafood<br /><br />Location: 1933 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea<br /><br />Cuisine: Authentic Italian<br /><br />Owner/chef: Gaetano Cicciotti<br /><br />Signature dishes: Lasagna Napoletana alla Gaetano, Pizza Margherita alla Gaetano, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Linguine ai Due Golfi<br /><br />Price range: $9-$25<br /><br />Hours: Noon to 11 p.m. daily (live music Thursday through Sunday, including Italian opera, Frank Sinatra songs and more)<br /><br />Seating: 70 inside, 40 outside<br /><br />Info: 760-634-2335 or www.cicciottis.com<br /><br />Cicciotti's is participating in San Diego Restaurant Week through Friday with a $20 menu; menu options include his favorite Lasagna Napoletana alla Gaetano, Filetto al Gorgonzola (filet mignon topped with Gorgonzola sauce) and Branzino alla Livornese (seabass sauteed with black olive, white wine, garlic and fresh tomato). Go to sandiegorestaurantweek.com.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-6248883155278098152009-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:002009-09-14T13:04:53.686-07:00You know, the fun just never stops in San Diego County! This weekend is the beloved Harbor Days in Oceanside, about 15 minutes north of us...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Two event filled days of sun, sand, and surf provide an outstanding opportunity for residents and neighbors to experience fun activities including the new Beach area stage, Nail 'n' Sail Competition, Military, Police & Fire displays, and more.</span> Click <a href="http://www.oceansidechamber.com/harbordays/">here</a> for more info - make sure to check out the<a href="http://www.vimeo.com/82185"> video </a>from the Nail 'N' Sail competition!<br /><br />How about a cooking class in Balboa Park? Hard to beat that, right? Listen to this...<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Class description:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If you have taken any of Nadias cooking classes then you know she has the soul of Italy; and in this class she is taking you with her to the heart of the region~Tuscany! This will be an aromatic, romatic and savory class with a wine paired menu to compliment each dish. Get ready to feast on: Olive and Cornmeal Focaccia with Rosemary and Sage with Prosciutto and Grilled Peaches; Tuscan Pici Pasta with Spicy Red Bell Peppper Sauce and Baby Braised Tomatoes; Devil Cornish Game Hens with White Beans Tuscan Style (with Fresh Tomatoes and Fresh Sage); Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce on Mozzarella Stuffed Polenta Timbale; finishing with Buccellato (Raisin and Aniseed Cake) with Dark Chocolate Sorbet.<br /></span><br />Click <a href="http://www.balboafoodwine.com/classinfo.php?id=871">here </a>for more info on Nadia's class!<br /><br />If you like indie music, next weekend (9/26 & 9/27) happens to be the Adams Avenue Street Fair - amazing local musicians! My faves are Gregory Page and Carlos Olmeda...here's the <a href="http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/sites/default/files/Performer%20Schedules.pdf">schedule</a> for you to take a look at...<br /><br /><br />I love finding things for you guys to do! If you have any special requests, just send me an email - innkeeper@cardifflodge.com - looking forward to hearing from you!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-71145496215378913312009-09-11T12:47:00.001-07:002009-09-11T13:36:00.471-07:00So I told you there'd be plenty of art to be had! The Artwalk on the Bay is this weekend (Sat & Sun) at the Embarcadero...get more information <a href="http://www.artwalkonthebay.org/">here</a>.<br /><br />We also have Ray at Night, a monthly art event in North Park on Ray Street. Saturday night starting at 6pm. Click <a href="http://www.rayatnight.com/">here</a> for more info.<br /><br />Don't forget the great Farmer's Market in the Cedros Design District in Solana Beach - Sunday from 2-5pm, click <a href="http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=202">here </a>for the goods!<br /><br />After suggesting these great ideas for you, don't tell my you can't find anything cool to do this weekend! <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-84869101387500509162009-09-08T13:25:00.000-07:002009-09-08T13:29:29.197-07:00A Swell Time Returns‘It's mostly about the kids,’ Hall of Fame surfer Rob Machado says of revived Cardiff festival<br /><br />By Tanya Mannes<br />Union-Tribune Staff Writer<br /><br /><br />ENCINITAS — Three years ago, the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce stopped organizing a surfing competition and beach fair with renowned surfer Rob Machado because it had grown too big.<br /><br />This year, it's back. A group of volunteers is reviving the event. The weekend festival, with its Cardiff King and Queen of the Reef, will be scaled down with low-key, homegrown entertainment, and no alcohol.<br /><br />“That's how it should be, really,” said Machado, who lives in Cardiff. “It's just about getting the whole community down to the beach and enjoying a good weekend with everybody surfing. It's mostly about the kids.”<br /><br />The Rob Machado Surf Experience and Green Expo is scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27 at Seaside Reef and its parking lot.<br /><br />The centerpiece of the event will continue to be an all-ages surf triathlon with longboard, shortboard and paddling categories. It's an open division, winner-take-all contest with a $500 cash prize for first place. The winners are named Cardiff King and Queen of the Reef. A surf contest for children under 16 also will be held.<br /><br />The green part of the expo will feature environmentally friendly exhibits. Vendors will demonstrate products such as biodegradable surf wax and nontoxic sunscreen. There will be a surfboard-shaping contest using environmentally friendly boards.<br /><br />Residents are eager for the return of the popular festival, which the Cardiff chamber and Machado hosted from 1996 to 2005.<br /><br />Chamber members Betty Steele and Brenda Dizon, along with resident Betsy O'Neill, decided to resurrect the festival because they missed the tradition. They are combining it with the green expo that Steele and Dizon first organized last summer.<br /><br />“We're going back to the roots of it being a community event — about the kids, about the contest, about local lore and history — and bringing people together as a community,” said O'Neill, who formerly used the last name Aceti. “It's a way of maintaining our coastal identity.”<br /><br />Machado is a big name in surfing. He was ranked among the top 10 surfers for 11 years and was inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame in 2000.<br /><br />Now 35, Machado has established The Rob Machado Foundation, which through an annual golf tournament supports environmental charities — including the Cardiff Education Foundation's efforts to green the local school district.<br /><br />Over the years, the King of the Reef contest was run by well-known Encinitas surfers, including “Kahuna Bob” Edwards and Linda Benson. It was held at Seaside, then moved to Cardiff Reef.<br /><br />For years, the event was called the Hansen/Machado Surf Classic & Cardiff Beach Fair, reflecting sponsorship by Hansen's Surf Shop in Encinitas. Hansen is providing financial support for this year's event but is not the major sponsor.<br /><br />In the festival's final year, 2005, it featured a beer garden, Polynesian dancers and a performance by the San Diego rock group Switchfoot, known for its live shows. Former festival organizer Jim Clark estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 people attended over the two days.<br /><br />State officials became alarmed at the number of people, said Ed Vodrazka, a lifeguard supervisor for California State Lifeguards who reviews permit applications for surf competitions in the San Diego area.<br /><br />“The major problem was the contest got too big for a very small venue and they basically had a surf contest, a community fair and a rock concert at the same time,” Vodrazka said. “It became unsafe for the public to have all that activity without adequate law enforcement.”<br /><br />After the 2005 festival, state officials asked Clark to end the beer garden and live music, and said permit fees would be raised to cover security.<br /><br />The Cardiff Chamber of Commerce then announced that it would stop hosting the event because it would be unable to raise enough money to cover the costs, Clark said, adding that it was a tough decision.<br /><br />“Without the revenue from the beer garden and what we generated drawing people to the onstage show, we couldn't put it on,” Clark said. “We very rarely if ever made profit on that event.”<br /><br />After the chamber pulled out, clothing company Roxy took over the time slot at Cardiff Reef. The company sponsored a women's surfing competition, the Linda Benson Women's World Longboard Pro, for three years.<br /><br />Roxy didn't reserve the time slot this year, which made it available for the Cardiff chamber volunteers to bring back the Machado event.<br /><br />Clark said he has provided advice, but isn't involved in planning this year's festival.<br /><br />“I think it's awesome that they're bringing it back,” he said. “The kids loved it.”<br /><br />O'Neill said the group is “on board with the state” and its restrictions.<br /><br />“We don't want a super crowd swell,” she said. “We don't want a Huntington Beach-type event.”<br /><br />This year, the event is expected to draw around 10,000 people, largely from Cardiff, said Dizon, one of the organizers. Local musical groups but no “big-name” acts will perform, she said.<br /><br />To make up for the reduced revenue, the county Board of Supervisors approved a grant of $11,000 proposed by Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, which will cover the state permit fees — around $8,000 for the two-day event — and marketing costs.<br /><br />Clothing company Hurley International is a major sponsor.<br /><br />Other activities will be a photography contest, art projects, hula-hoop contests and yoga.<br /><br />“It's not just for surfers,” O'Neill said. “It's for everyone.” <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-37573952000756386462009-09-07T16:55:00.000-07:002009-09-07T17:13:05.618-07:00Art as Entertainment!So I thought I'd throw a little culture around the blog - are you with me? San Diego County is rich with local artists and art experiences to be had. Over the next few weeks I'm going to dig up some places for you to see, some artists to look up, and some events to attend, all in the name of creativity. We here at the Cardiff by the Sea Lodge are lucky to be so close to so much of this, I just had to share!<br /><br />In no particular order, here are some great places to visit....<br /><br />Lux Art Institute, Encinitas<br /><a href="http://www.luxartinstitute.org/">http://www.luxartinstitute.org/</a><br /><br />The Offtrack Gallery, Encinitas<br /><a href="http://www.offtrackgallery.com/">http://www.offtrackgallery.com/</a><br /><br />The Andrews Gallery, Leucadia<br /><a href="http://www.theandrewsgallery.com/">http://www.theandrewsgallery.com/</a><br /><br /><br />And coming up on Sunday, Sept 13th is the 9th annual Art Affaire presented by the <a href="http://www.ranchosantafeartguild.org/">Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild</a>. In the village parks of Rancho Santa Fe, at the street intersections of Linea Del Cielo, Avenida de Acasias, La Garcia and Paseo Delicias.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy these suggestions for a local art experience...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-79340652388054969582009-09-03T16:08:00.000-07:002009-09-03T16:15:44.119-07:00Dog Days of SummerSo...could it be hotter here in Southern California? I'm sure it could, but we are used to such perfect weather! This heat is sweltering...it got me thinking - Why do we call the hottest days the dog days of summer? This is what I found....<br /><br /> <span style="font-style:italic;">The Dog Days of Summer<br /><br /> Everyone knows that the “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of the season. Webster defines “dog days” as...<br /><br /> 1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere<br /> 2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity<br /><br /> But where does the term come from? Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days?”<br /><br /> In ancient times, when the night sky was unobscured by artificial lights and smog, different groups of peoples in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. The images drawn were dependent upon the culture: The Chinese saw different images than the Native Americans, who saw different pictures than the Europeans. These star pictures are now called constellations, and the constellations that are now mapped out in the sky come from our European ancestors.<br /><br /> They saw images of bears, (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins, (Gemini), a bull, (Taurus), and others, including dogs, (Canis Major and Canis Minor).<br /><br /> The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. Look for it in the southern sky (viewed from northern latitudes) during January.<br /><br /> In the summer, however, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, “dog days” after the dog star.<br /><br /> The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome. Today, dog days occur during the period between July 3 and August 11. Although it is certainly the warmest period of the summer, the heat is not due to the added radiation from a far-away star, regardless of its brightness. No, the heat of summer is a direct result of the earth's tilt. <br /></span><br />So there you have it. Try to stay cool....thank goodness we have that beautiful ocean, right?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439905936235399350.post-82218988524660636342009-08-26T13:25:00.000-07:002009-08-26T13:29:23.325-07:0015 Commandments of Vacation TravelSoooo I stole this from Bedandbreakfast.com, but I thought it was a good article. I should definitely keep some of these tips in mind!<br /><br />Fifteen Commandments of Vacation Travel<br /><br />We all know people who come back from a vacation feeling on top of the world, and others who seem vaguely disappointed. Here's how to put yourself in the first category, not the second.<br /><br /><strong>Know yourself.</strong> A successful vacation is one that works for the person you are, not the person you think you should be. Confirmed couch potatoes who resent having to walk from the far end of the parking lot will not find true fulfillment on a trek through the Himalayas. If privacy is a top priority, a group tour or communal lodge will turn fantasy into frustration. Acknowledge your own comfort levels. Are independence and flexibility top concerns? Or being structured and secure? How essential are the creature comforts when it comes to sleeping, eating, and bathing? Would you rather have one week of luxury travel or two weeks of budget food and accommodation? And remember that while your personality doesn't change, your needs do. The type of vacation you plan for a romantic getaway is totally different from a family reunion.<br /><br /><strong>Know your travel companions.</strong> Adjust your plans to accommodate your travel partners. Whether you are traveling with friends, spouse, children, and/or parents, you'll need to take their age, attention span, agility, and interests into account. If you're traveling with the kids, balance a morning at an art museum with an afternoon at the zoo; if you're spending time with elderly parents, make sure that they can stroll a country lane while you go rock-climbing; if your group includes skiers and non-skiers, pick a resort that has appealing shops and off-slopeactivities.<br /><br /><strong>Plan ahead:</strong> anticipation is half the fun. Enjoy the planning process. The more you know about an area you're going to visit, the more fun you'll have. Check out destination websites; skim a guidebook; read a novel or watch a movie set in the region; talk to friends who have been there recently.<br /><br /><strong>Don't bite off more than you can chew.</strong> Keep your itinerary in line with the amount of time and money available. Focus on seeing a smaller area well, rather than trying to cover too much ground and seeing nothing but interstate highways. Don't over-program; allow yourself the luxury of doing nothing.<br />Avoid one-night stands. Plan to stay a minimum of two nights everywhere you go. A vacation made up of one-nighters is a prescription for exhaustion. You will sleep poorly, spend most of your time packing/unpacking and in transit, and will get only the smallest glimpse of the place you're visiting.<br /><br /><strong>Travel off-season.</strong> Unless your vacation dates are dictated by the school calendar, off-season travel offers many advantages: fewer crowds, greater flexibility, reduced costs, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Learn to pick the best dates for off-season travel; typically these are the weeks just before and after seasonal rates change.<br />Book well ahead for peak season travel. If you must travel during peak periods to popular destinations, make reservations well in advance for the key sites to avoid aggravation, extra phone calls, and additional driving time.<br /><br /><strong>Take the road less traveled.</strong> Get off the beaten path and leave the crowds behind. Instead of booking a room in the heart of the action, find a quiet getaway tucked in the hills or in a neighboring village.<br /><strong><br />Ditch the car.</strong> You’ll need a car to get most destinations, but once you're there, get out and walk. You'll see more, learn more, experience more at every level, while avoiding crowds at even the most popular destinations.<br /><strong><br />Hang loose.</strong> The unexpected is inevitable. When your plans go astray (and they will), relax and let serendipity surprise you. And keep your sense of humor in good working order. If possible, travel without reservations or a set itinerary.<br /><br /><strong>Carpe diem--seize the day.</strong> Don't be afraid to follow your impulses. If a special souvenir catches your eye, buy it; don't wait to see if you'll find it again later. If a hiking trail looks too inviting to pass up, don't; that museum or outlet mall will wait for a rainy day.<br /><br /><strong>Don't suffer in silence.</strong> When things go wrong--an incompetent guide, car troubles, a noisy room--speak up. Politely but firmly express your concern then and there; get your room changed, ask for a refund or discount, whatever. Most people in the travel business would rather have you go away happy than to leave grumbling.<br /><br /><strong>Remember--being there is more than seeing there.</strong> People travel to see the sights--museums and mountains, shops and scenery--but it is making new friends that can make a trip memorable. Leave a door open to the people-to-people experiences that enrich travel immeasurably.<br /><br /><strong>Don't leave home to find home.</strong> The quickest way to take the wind out of the sails of your trip is to compare things to the way they are at home. Enjoy different styles and cultures for what they are and avoid comparisons and snap judgments.<br /><br /><strong>Give yourself permission to disregard all of the above.</strong> Nothing is immutable. If you find a pattern that works for you, enjoy it! <br /><br /><br />Read the article <a href="http://blog.bedandbreakfast.com/post/2009/07/30/15-commandments-of-vacation-travel.aspx">here.</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cardifflodge.com">Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge</a>Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge Bed & Breakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148485852890664638noreply@blogger.com0