All The Shows You Should Be Watching Right Now

Quarantine has made the art of binge-watching a little more….well, we do it a little more often than we used to. We now can all share the judgment when Netflix asks, “Are you still watching?” Yes Netflix, I am!!! We are quickly running through all the ‘new” binge-worthing shows like Tiger King, and catching up on old favorites from the beginning, like Friends. But now its time to dig deep in the streaming lists and find some new and long-forgotten shows to add spice and variety to our ‘Quarantine and Chill’ time. I’ve also included some of my favorite True Crime and Documentaries.

As a self-proclaimed expert in pop-culture, I’ve put together some lists with a lot of names you might not recognize at all; and maybe a few you vaguely remember. I hope to surprise some of you and spark some memories for the rest.

Hulu Binge 1                                                        

This list should help you make it through….like next week right?

What shows are on your Binge List?

 

Binge Watching Shows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Visit San Diego Like A Tourist: Part 1

Whenever I travel I have some goals and usually a plan or a list. Its my thing and most people think I’m crazy, but I like to go and see and do all of the things. Over the past year I’ve learned a lot about myself as I’ve gotten to do some traveling solo. You can read my article on Red Tricycle about why I feel EVERY mom should get the opportunity to solo travel. So, when I got the chance to visit San Diego solo I hit some of the best tourist spots, and a couple cool local spots and I wanted to share them with you.I’ll be sharing them in my Visit San Diego Like A Tourist series with some fun ideas for your days in San Diego!

Stop in the cute little North Park area of SD and visit the “Greetings from San Diego” mural, which strangely enough is in a gas station parking lot facing an alley. North Park is full of murals so have fun! After visiting the “Greetings” mural I learned a few really neat things about it. The mural is part of the Greetings Tour, started by artist Victor Ving and Photographer Lisa Beggs. They have been traveling since 2015 across the country painting vintage postcard-style murals, helping to revitalize communities and bring bright colors and happiness to cities across the country! They have completed 41 murals in 20 different states. The one in San Diego was the very first. There’s a few on this side of the country that I hope to track down soon.

There are some really cute neighborhoods all around San Diego. We chose to visit North Park, which you know is San Diego’s pre-imminent hipster town because there’s a restaurant called Son of a Toast, specializing in all things avocado toast. I mean, need I say more. Check out Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, home of quality beans that are roasted on site, Nitro on tap and homemade syrups, like vanilla bean. Perhaps my favorite thing in North Park was this book store. Stop for breakfast on the edge of North Park, at The Misson (you can see the North Park sign from the front porch seating). Their breakfast burrito and mexican mocha is yum! North Park embraces this very vintage California vibe, and everything about this books store says that. Finding a good used book store and local coffee is always on the top of my list when traveling anywhere, and North Park nailed it. I wish I had had more time to really walk the streets and eat all the food.

 

Head over to Coronado to get the classic San Diego Beach experience. The Hotel Del has been in music videos and was the place were EVERYONE who was anyone in vintage Hollywood went. Presidents Harrison, McKinley, Taft and Wilson were hosted by the hotel, and by the 1930s the Prohibition era really was its first hayday with Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Mae West, Bette Davis and more making it their beach playground. Even up to present day it has been a spot for celebrities and politicians to visit including every President since John F. Kennedy. You can also find it in the movie Some Like It Hot.

Then end your night at when Goose and Maverick sang their heart outs and lost that lovin’ feeling, at Kansas City BBQ of course! Some of the best pulled pork and bbq sauce I’ve had! You’ll have fun taking in the movie memorabilia, and military challenge coins, patches and photos.

 

Then close out your day with a treat at the famous Yogurt Mill. Bring your cash (because that’s all they take) and your yogurt know how, because you want to order your yogurt “Child Size Dropped”. Don’t ask questions just do it!  Tip your scooper well – each window has a designated scooper with their own tip jar. It’s yum yum guys!

San Diego has so much to see, touristy and local favs! Everyone has places they love and want to recommend. I’m excited to share a few places with you in this little series.

 

 

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Ten Places to Eat and Drink in Sacramento, CA

Its my hometown, its where I lived the first twenty-one years of my life. Its not exactly a tourist destination, especially when you have Lake Tahoe and San Francisco so close. Growing up, and especially in High school and college I wouldn’t say there was a lot of places to hang out. Going downtown wasn’t the easiest thing to do and the nightlife in the burbs wasn’t great. There’s a lot of cool stuff downtown and it wasn’t as bad to go downtown as I remember.  So, on the off change you get to make the trek through the State Capital I put together a list of some of my favorite places to eat, drink and be merry in Sacramento {a little bit of the burbs and a little bit of the city!}. You just might learn to love this little slice of the Sunshine State, where the weather is mild almost 365 days a year, there’s not a ton of fog, you never really feel the earthquakes and you are two hours to the mountains or the beach!

Hook and Ladder ~ 1630 S St, Sacramento, CA 95811

The name Hook and Ladder pays homage to Sacramento’s history and the Hook and Ladder brigade that worked hard to same Sacramento during the 1850s, and a series of fires that almost destroyed the city. Combine that with Sac Town’s rough start when it came to flooding, she’s a tough city. H&L embraces the city with his historic building, and its menu full of local breweries, winery’s, ranches and farms. The outdoor patio is so nice to sit on, or you can opt for the twinkle lights and soft pinks inside. Ether one is a fantastic vibe. If you go you have to get the Chicken AND the drink for two, The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Pineapple. Yummy! But H&L is more than a place to eat! They have a cocktail academy which a friend of mine says is pretty cool. So check that out on their website as well. Visiting Hook & Ladder is a wonderful window into the direction that Sacramento has taken with their dining options, focusing on a very local and farm to table vibe. You’ll find that, and more, here!

 

The Shady Lady Saloon ~1409 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811

Be advised that the tables are for those eating only, and it can get quite busy! But its a place to you should hit when visiting Sacramento. There’s a reason Esquire Magazine named it one of the top 25 bars in America. Its got a really cool vibe, full speakeasy feeling, but no need for special knocks or secret passwords. The ceiling was my favorite part of the decor, but I’m a sucker for a good tin ceiling. Also, the cocktail list is pretty cool. A plethora of uniquely titled drinks like the Galaxy’s Edge and The Flying Dutchman, with fresh ingredients that one has to try “for science”. Your dapperly dressed, or Victorian-inspired, bartenders can also whip up anything you want if you describe what you like (like my adorable mom who almost never drinks). It is in a great part of town, with cool murals and other bars to choose from, a perfect addition to a your night out list. You can also get brunch here, although with lunch and dinner, plus they have evenings with live music! It’s a unique little place.

 

Rick’s Dessert Diner ~ 2401 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816

Another on the list of “Must See Sacramento” is Rick’s Dessert Diner. Serving the best desserts in Sacramento since 1986, Rick’s Is THE place to go! All of the dessert are made fresh daily, and my mom and I fought over the last piece of lemon meringue. There WILL be a line and what you think you might want might be gone when you get up to the front, but you’ll have plenty of time to check out the case as you wait. My advice to you is ride the wave and please be kind to those behind the counter. I couldn’t believe how much grief and sassiness they were given. I thanked them and they were really appreciative. What do people expect with a place to busy? But think Seinfeld Soup Nazi. Don’t hold the line up with your indecisiveness…however at Rick’s they’ll serve it to you even if you can’t decide. Rick’s has indoor and outdoor seating and a great cup of diner coffee! I had one of the best Key Lime Pie slices I’ve ever had. You will definitely enjoy your visit.

If you love Rick’s that much and you happen to live locally, Rick’s also does specialty cakes and Wedding cakes!!

The Original Mel’s Diner {Home of American Graffiti}

From its origins in San Francisco in 1947, Mel’s is an American Classic. Mel’s is also a bit famous for having appeared in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? and the tv show Alice, but most familiar is its feature in American Graffiti! You can now visit Mel’s in 22 locations in Northern California and Nevada.

While Mel’s isn’t something super fancy, it has its nostalgic and old Hollywood feel, a really good Cherry coke with the syrup in it and not flavoring, and a yummy loaded french fry. Their breakfast all day is top notch and Mel’s has been feeding me and my friends since high school. Many an after prom/dance was had at Mel’s and there are so many good memories. Bring the quarters for the juke box and enjoy the memorabilia and fun neon.

Carmelita’s ~ 4071 Howard St, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Nestled on the outskirts of Old Town Fair Oaks is Carmelita’s, a Sacramento area staple since 1962. The second location, the one in Old Fair Oaks, was opened in the late 1980s and they are still serving Mexican food right from Grandma Carmelita’s recipes. It’s yummy, authentic and with something for everyone. They have a great enchilada, and tostada, which is my favorite. And the bar makes a super yummy margarita. It’s always busy, and you may have to wait, but trust me its worth it! After you eat, or before, spend some time walking the streets of sweet old town Fair Oaks, my true hometown, that has a sweet place in my heart. Keep your eyes out for the chickens and roosters because there will be plenty. They’ve been living there for my whole life AND my dad’s! Yes, second generation Old Fair Oaks!!! Its in my blood.

In and Out

If you’ve never been to the West Coast – or Texas – then you’ve never had In N Out, but you’ve probably heard of it. You probably have heard the debates – Five Guys, In N Out, WhatAburger. Depending on where you’re from the debate can get pretty heated. I’ve had them all, and currently am living without my beloved In-N-Out, but whenever I go home, or travel anywhere near one you can be sure I’m paying SEVERAL visits. I like my fries extra crispy and my burger plain. You really can’t beat the price, the simplicity of the menu and the fact that you can taste the freshness in their never frozen products. Its good stuff, I love it, and you really can’t convince me otherwise. In 15 days I had it seven times! It’s been two years since I’ve had it and it will likely be a little while since I’ll have it again, but to you In N Out I’ll always be true, no matter what side of the US I’m living on.

Bar 101 – 101 Main St, Roseville, CA 95678

Local bar in the older part of Roseville. It has live music and tons of seating inside and out. We opted for the pool table, which there is only one. Great servers and the live cover band was stellar! Its a chill, everybody knows your name type of feel. And if Bar 101 isn’t your cup of tea don’t worry, you’ve actually arrived in some sort of positive Bermuda triangle, because every awesome bar in Roseville just happense to be on this one corner so have a good night bar hopping!

 

Punch Bowl Social

For a more one stop shop, younger group, check out Punch Bowl Social. We visited the one located in Downtown Sacramento near the newly renovated Capitol One Center, Punch Bowl Social is literally serving up Punch Bowl’s of drinks for you and your friends. Full bar, open seating, full menu. You can also venture off into some more quieter areas for eating that are separate from the louder bar AND you can go bowling on several mini-lanes and rent the pool table for an hour or two. They also have board games, a huge connect four and a scrabble you play with giant magnets on the wall. Its a really fun place for spending the evening relaxing with friends without having to change locations. We had a ton of fun. If you aren’t in Sacramento check out Punch Bowl’s website because they lots of locations in 13 states including several in Texas, California, Ohio and Wisconsin! See if there’s on near you!!

Other favorite bars – Player’s Club – if you love Billards check out player’s club. No frills, good drinks and tons of pool tables. Check the locations, because there two! The smaller one up on Fair Oaks Blvd (9729 Fair Oaks Blvd)has like 10 tables, plus darts and ski ball! Its alot of fun.

Sully’s Bar & Grill – 4451 Pacific St, Rocklin, CA 95677 – Located in an out of the way area of Rocklin is Sully’s. Another no-frills bar with great service, a handful of pool tables, darts, modern day juke box music and indoor/outdoor seating.

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8 Last Minute Super Cool Father’s Day Gifts

Father’s Day is fast approaching, and while some people have probably already narrowed down their gifts for the dads in their life, some of us are still searching. Gift giving is one of my top love languages. If you are a person in my life you have probably received a random gift, card, coffee or even your favorite soda. The challenge of finding a gift that is perfect for the person and succeeding is a driver, but also just seeing that person smile makes me so happy! My favorite thing to do is the anonymous gift, but that is a different post for a different time. Today, the topic at hand is dads! Aside from the standard Tie, sometimes buying for a guy can prove difficult, especially if they don’t have a specific hobby that is easy to buy for. The other issue I often face is that if my husband or dad want something they usually get it for themselves. My husband, in particular, doesn’t really like a lot of “Stuff” so it can pose a problem. So I decided to put together a list of useful, cool and unique items for the Father in your life.

  1. A Super Cool Activity! – Maybe getting an actual thing doesn’t work for you this year. He’s maxed out on ties, doesn’t want a book and you have absolutely no idea what else to get him. Think about a unique and fun activity in your city. Whiskey or beer tasting for those that like to imbibe. Take the kids, or family, out for a nice lunch and then grab a babysitter to surprise him with an activity. Is there a City scavenger hunt, ghost tour or museum that they like. Here in DC many of the museums have really cool activities, check those out and maybe one of those might fit the bill. If they like music, look for a concert. Think outside the box and take a pass on adding something else to your home that might end up collecting dust and get out and do something instead!
  2. City Maps Gifts from WellTold – these are my newest obsession! I love things that tell a story of your life, whether that be wall art, my new favorite Candles from Homesick or these amazing city map bar and beer glasses. They are such a unique and interesting gift that becomes a conversation starter in your home or a reminder of a special event or time in your life.  They have cities to choose from and state flasks as well.
  3. Rite in the Rain – I’ve included these on a gift list before, and I’m including them again because not only are they practical but they are pretty cool. If you have a spouse that works in the military, police, construction or even a spouse that loves the outdoors these are a must-have! From notebooks, paper pads to pocket calendars you can find something that your Dad or Husband will love! Mine has been using these products for at least fifteen years and swears by them.
  4. Sword & Plough – I’ve been lucky enough in my life to meet some pretty awesome people, and the ladies behind Sword & Plough are high up there on the list. Founding a company that reuses military products to make something new is pretty awesome. Giving back to Veterans and military families makes it even better. Founded by sisters, one of which is a Veteran herself, Sword & Plough offers all sorts of gifts for just about anyone! So keep this link for Mother’s Day, birthdays and Christmas! Awesome gifts for dudes include military cufflinks, toiletries bag, messenger and backpacks, card holders, mini wallets and belts. This is a purchase they will not only hopefully love, but you can also love the fact that you are purchasing something that will then help S&P (a certified B Corp) give back to those that serve our country. How can you not love that!
  5. DIFF Sunglasses – Speaking of giving back, I’m including DIFF on this list not necessarily because giving sunglasses is that unique, but because DIFF is a really amazing company that gives back to the community! Any way to combine gift giving with making a difference is high on my list. I love the DIFF company, what they stand for and their sunglasses and blue-light blocking glasses as well. Knowing that their gift is also giving back is just another gift for the person receiving them.
  6. Fisher Space Pen – This has been a go-to gift for many of the men in my life. This is the perfect gift because there are so many options in colors, styles, and you can even get them engraved. One of the gifts I gave my husband for a military accomplishment was a multi-purpose pen that had blue and red ink, a pencil and a laser pointer. I engraved it with his name and the accomplishment. If you have never heard of the Space Pen the basic gist of it is that it can work in the freezing cold, upside down and even in space! I love using mine to do my crosswords in bed like a real nerd!
  7. Fancy Shaving Stuff – Fancy shaving items are definitely a thing. Curated collections of beard oils and balms, as well as throwback shaving kits with brushes and one-blade razors. Some of my favorites include Beard Oil or Balm from Sugar + Spruce and shaving kit from Manready Mercantile in Houston, Texas. Manready also has a HUGE assortment of unique men’s gifts like whiskey flavored toothpicks and handmade leather products. The Art of Shaving has different scents and kits for not just shaving, but skin care as well. Just because they are men doesn’t mean they shouldn’t spend some time taking care of that skin.
  8. A Subscription Box – Subscriptions boxes are just for girls, although I will say I’m a sucker for a good subscription box. Having items delivered right to my door makes me so happy! There are several subscription box ideas for dads including Bump Box: The Dad Box, Stitch Fix, and Trunk Club. Boxes like Sprezza, deliver men’s accessories like tie tacks, watches, handkerchiefs, and socks – curated especially for them – delivered each month. For more ideas check out this list on Esquire!

Do you have a unique gift idea for the man in your life?

Leave a comment or join in the conversation on social media

 

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Favorite Beauty and Body Products

2019 has been the year of trying new products for my face and body, but also still majorly loving some staples! I’ve tried so many products and I’m so excited to try some of my very favorites with you today. Click on the images to be linked directly to the products and get more details. Thank you for reading!

Favorite Beauty and Body Products

 

Joyome

I’ve been using this product for about four months, and like the terrible blogger I am I have no before and after to show you! I mean I had fully intended on being very organized but life has gotten in the way. Like most things in life, I tend to be very skeptical. I’m not sure why considering I’ve been using Plexus products for several years now and have been impressed. My skin hardly gets any breakouts anymore, and I have noticed that skin under my eyes had greatly improved even though the amount of sleep I get hasn’t increased significantly. Two products, a day and night serum, and that’s all you need! I used three pumps of each day and it lasts about sixty days, maybe a little more. It is going to address some of top signs of aging like fine lines, puffiness, redness, dryness, and loss of elasticity. {You can purchase through my link, where I technically sell. If you have other Plexus questions feel free to email me}

Navy Hair Care ~ Hair Mask

This is a new product find for me. Shout out to Merrick from Merrick’s Art for this amazing product. I’ve only used it twice but I know I’m going to continue to love it. I have never had my scalp and hair feel so clean. I struggle with dry skin, all over, including my scalp and after two uses I have noticed an improvement in this, as well as the need to use conditioner. If you want to grow strong healthy hair you have to take care of not only your hair but your scalp! This hair mask uses black clay and charcoal to gently exfoliate your hair, while also conditioning and cleansing. It really does ALL OF THAT! I’m also for supporting other bloggers so I know that if you purchase this product you can use code {MERRICK} for 30% off and it supports another amazing blogger.

HeadKandy Knotty Girl Detangling Brush

This recommendation comes straight to you from my ten-year-old who hates brushing her hair more than anything in the world. I think she’d rather do math! I started using this brush simply because it feels like someone is massaging my head and I love that feeling. HeadKandy also provides a military discount EVERY time you purchase. Just verify yourself through their website to get your discount. There is a link at the top so that you can get there easily and quickly. HeadKandy has lots of amazing products. I’ve used their straightening brush, as well as their knockout wand. So if you are looking for either of these products I would give HeadKandy a try. You can see the Knockout Wand in action on my YouTube channel, and you can score $15 off your purchase of $75 or more through my link!

Almay Long-Wear and Waterproof Make-Up Remover

I received this product free at an event and I’ve never looked back! It works so well without me having to scrub on sensitive and delicate eye areas, and takes off my favorite colorstay lipstick like nobody’s business! Plus I love that Almay products in general are great for my sensitive skin. Their products are hypoallergenic and dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. I get this product deliverer through my subscribe and save on Amazon, which give a great discount. You can also just purchase it regularly through my Amazon storefront, where you can also find tons more of my favorite products.

Maskcara Makeup

I’ve only been using Maskcara since January. I’m a hard sell guys, what can I say. My friend has been using and selling for awhile now and is a complete rockstar. Follow Jena on Instagram for all sorts of hair and makeup tutorials Guys, she’s really knocking it out of the park! The idea behind it was to make makeup easy. Its a palette system where you only buy the colors you need and want, and Maskcara artists provide a color-match to your face and it is wonderful. What I love about this makeup is the the ability for it to be full-coverage without looking for feeling like full-coverage. The versatility of the makeup as foundation, cover-up, bronzee, lipstick and blush, and eye shadow! It really is neat and worth checking out. Visit their website, see what you think and reach out to Jena!

Tarte Maneater Mascara

 

I’d previously been using a drug store brand of mascara, which I really do think I love if you don’t want pay over $10 for your mascara. I picked this up in that dreaded Ulta line with all the amazing sample size products! Now I’m in love and willing to pay full price for a full-size version. Thank heavens for Amazon y’all! Tarte mascara has jojoba to hydrate and protect your lashes. This mascara is so easy to put on and doesn’t clump and get all over the place. I put two coats on the top and one on the bottom and I’m ready to go.

Jergens Wet Skin Lotion and Tanning Lotion

I had never tried an in-shower lotion until I was actually looking for tanning lotion and discovered Jergens In-shower tanning lotion (see below). I loved that so much that I decided to try the regular wet skin moisturizer during the summer months. I was so impressed with how well this worked that I started recommending it to everyone! Its super easy and you really can’t mess it up. The tanning lotion is so amazing that people were telling me how amazing my skin looked. I’m telling you, these lotions are the best and super affordable.

NATIVE deodorant

I’ve tried a ton of natural deodorants. Truth be told, I’ve actually made my own before. My sensitive skin has driven me on this quest to find something that actually works and doesn’t kill my skin. But I am here to tell you, so many natural deodorants just plain don’t work or you have to reapply them like ten times a day. Nobody has time for that shenanigans! This one was recommended to me by a friend who was also on the same hunt that I was. Native deodorant is aluminum and paraben free, no dyes and all the other awesome “free” things that one would look for. The coconut one smells like heaven. I know that you will have sticker shock yes, but to me its worth it! I even got it for my daughter who is just starting to use deodorant and who doesn’t need her body flooded with toxins. She’s got a whole lifetime of that ahead of her! You can snag Native products at the happiest place on earth, Target!

Burts Bees Eye Firming Cream

Aside from using my Joyome regularly, I also use Burts Bees eye cream. The eyes are one of the first places you can notice age in my opinion, and I’m arming myself with the tools to keep that at bay as long as possible. I love Burt’s Bees products because I know I can trust that name, and I was thrilled when the day came that they expanded their product line to this “Renewal” product line. 99% natural, ophthalmologist and dermatologist approved (which again, is so important for someone like me with sensitive skin), and made with ingredients like Hibiscus and Apple. If you really love Burt’s Bees products and aren’t interested in trying Joyome, I would also without a doubt recommend their regular face serum.

Here are some of my other favorite products! I’d love to hear yours!

Favorite Beauty Products of 2015  (I still love all of these!!)

Favorite Summer Products

 

 

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