State Bliss Blog

5 Places To Cut Down Real Christmas Trees

Here comes the cold breeze and longer nights. We are starting to hear cheerful songs that we can’t get enough but sing along to. We can now see beautiful decorations on our favorite malls and even on our neighborhood. When we are starting to experience or see this type of things, we immediately say to ourselves that Christmas season in really coming. Aside from this, we will start thinking of where you can spend your Christmas with your family, or what gift you will buy for them that will surely make them happy. But, before the exact day comes, we would be thinking of decorating your Christmas tree.

Christmas tree’s origin as a symbol of Christmas is unknown but it was said to have been used since thousands of years ago. Before only real trees are used but now there are synthetic or plastic trees that can be bought in the malls. This plastic trees can be used not just for this Christmas but for the nest years as well. Well, if you have a synthetic tree that is ready to be built and decorated, you have no problems anymore. But if you prefer to have a real one, real trees are somehow much more gorgeous to look at, you might be thinking of where is the best place to get one. Not to worry, we’ll help you out! Below, we have listed places and farms where you can get your very own tree.

1. Nancy’s Ranch

https://curious.kcrw.com/2012/12/chopping-down-a-christmas-tree

It is located at 25039 Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91355-4675. This farm houses several types of Firs so you will be able to look for the best tree for your house. They have Grand Firs, Fraser Firs, Silver Firs, Noble Firs, Nordmann Firs • Douglas Firs. If you’re thinking of when to go, they’ll start selling on the day after Thanks giving until December 24. They are open at 10 am during weekdays at 9:00 am on weekends and in any day, they’ll close the yard until 9 am. Prepare $20-$500 before you visit the place so that you won’t be sorry if there is something you like but you’re budget is lesser.

2. Richfield Pines

https://www.yelp.com/biz/richfield-pines-yorba-linda-2

If you’re from Yorba Linda, you don’t have to go far to buy a Christmas tree because there is one near you, Richfield Pines is located at 5392 Richfield Rd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Here, they have 10 acres full of live, fresh, fragrant Monterrey Pines. This comes in all sizes, there are small cute ones that you might like if you think a big one will eat too much space in your house or if you want there is a big one perfect for putting all your gifts under. They’ll start selling weekend before Thanksgiving from 9:00 am – 5:00 am on weekends and holidays and from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on weekdays. Trees here are $8.50 per foot.

3. Sand Haven Pines 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sand-haven-pines-perris

If you’re looking for a farm but also want to go somewhere to relax, you don’t have to go to two separate places! San Haven Pines got it covered. Aside from cutting trees, they also have several activities like camp fire on a cold winter night and get a free candy cane. Kids can also enjoy the bouncy house and other attractions. They also offer a lot of free items such as coffee to warm up your day and prepare you for some tree cutting. If you do not want to cut and carry your own tree, they have several employees to help you out. They do not have a stated price range as all the trees are individually priced already. Aside from that they offer other services so that you’ll go home with a clean and ready to stand tree. The farm is located at 19255 Wood Road, Perris, CA 92570. Reservations starts from November 21st but the activities will start on December 1st and weekends only.

4. Family Christmas Tree Farm

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2014/dec/03/best-fresh-christmas-trees/

The farm will open the day after Thanksgiving for 7 days a week at 9:00 am- 8:30 pm. It is located at 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon, CA 92021. They do not just offer a choose and cut your own tree but they also sell living potted trees and pre-cut ready to be taken home. Aside from trees, they also sell handmade wreaths which is also a perfect décor for the holidays. The wreaths are perfect for your entrance door to welcome the Christmas vibe and guests that will be entering your home. There are a lot of trees to choose from here. Their pre-cut trees are also from the types of trees that are potted. They also have several activities such as Hay Wagon Rides and farms that your kids might enjoy while you’re choosing the best tree for you.

5. Hidden Springs Tree Farm

https://lcslo.org/project/hidden-springs-tree-farm/

Located at 3202 Monterey Road, Atascadero, California, 93422, this family owned farm started its operations since 1962. This is a 10 acre farms filled with Christmas trees. They have a lot of trees to choose from. They have Redwood, Monterey Pine, Blue Spruce, Douglas Firs and a lot more! You’ll surely be thrilled as the variety of trees also have different shades of color. Their trees already have price tags as well. But, you have to note that they’ll be providing the saw, you don’t have to bring your own and using of chainsaw is not allowed as well. If you’re on a tight budget, this farm might still be able give you a good tree as they have discounted trees that ranges from $10-$40. The farm will open on November 24th at 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. They have different operating hours, Wednesday – Thursday is at 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Friday is 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Saturday- Sunday is 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

What are you waiting for? Prepare your decorations as opening days for this farms is near! If you’re far from the farms on the list, no worries as this are just some of the farms around California. Gear up and enjoy looking for the best Christmas tree for you!

Things you will miss if you leave California

From time to time we need to move to places, may it be permanently or not. Some needs to do it for work or for a better way of living. Some just want to tour a place for some time or to visit a relative or a friend. Whatever the reason may be, will it be a long stay or not, our mind and body still needs to be able to adjust to the place. Why? Because the surrounding of the new place might either be too cool or too hot for us, or maybe it has a different time zone that will make it hard for us to get some sleep. It’s not just that, every culture is different as well. There might be some things that are legal on your origin that is prohibited on the new place. Sometimes, people on the place might be too or not too hospitable compared from where you came from.

If you are from California and you would want to visit or move to another countries, we have listed the things that you got used to in California that will make it hard for you to adjust in another place.

1. There are fresh fruits and vegetable anywhere in California

The state is rich when it comes to agricultural products. You’ll be able to buy fresh fruits in the market or you may even harvest them on your own. Since the weather condition in this state is really good when it comes to farming, some tend to even plant fruits and vegetable on their backyard. In other state or country, it might be hard for you to find fresh and newly harvested fruits and vegetable either due to their weather conditions or due to lack of agricultural spaces. You might go looking for the taste of freshness in your avocados, well, you might find one but not as good as what you used to have.

2. It’s sunny in California almost all year long

This might be one of the hardest adjustment you have to make. The fact that you’re used to a fine weather condition made it a habit for you to wear the simplest and most comfy clothes on your closet. Walking around in shorts and flip flops is a usual thing for you. But once you moved, you might have to change it because there are places that has a lot colder weather than California. You might feel too cold even if the sun is still out on that new location due to the cold breeze. Well, you may use a sweater or jacket if you want to warm yourself up. Be prepared because this time you will be all covered up.

3. There are a lot of hiking sites and waterfalls

If you’re into hiking or climbing activities, you might miss this activity. The state is rich in many mountains and forest that they really try to protect and preserve. This is one best thing about California, they care for the environment in the best way they could and almost all of its people are doing so as well. You might miss these types of environmental trips and activities once you transfer, though there are some places that has good hiking sights but it might not be as many or as beautiful as California’s.

4. California is a very diverse state

This state is known to be open to all types of races, gender, tradition and all types of things that may make one different to the other. There are other communities that are also welcome to this types of things but there are some that are not either due to their beliefs or religion or it might affect their tradition. Well, gay communities might be usual nowadays but the level of acceptance differs from one place to another. In some, they might be accepted but not recognize by the government but in some, they play a big part of the community and the constitution.

5. Gorgeous beaches

This might be one of the sights that you’ll miss most! We all know that California is surrounded by a lot of different beautiful beaches that surfers and beach lovers enjoys so much. In this state your beach get away is just a few minutes or hours away, but in some the nearest water adventure that you might find is a man-made water park. Also, since the weather in California is so fine, it makes almost everyday a beach day unlike in other places where you have to wait for summer to come before you may enjoy it.

6. Mexican Food

It's no secret California has the best mexican food. And it's pretty much understood that no other state offers the variety, authenticity, or even quality of mexican food that California has. So if you live and die by street tacos, prepare to cry your heart out. 

This might be just a short list but we are sure that you’ll be missing this things so much aside from the friends that you’ll be leaving behind as well.

Glass Beach: A Treasure From Trash

Beach is such a popular destination. A place suited not just for surfers, but for the entire family. It is safe to say that going to the beach is one of the most popular bonding activity for the whole family- in all most al countries. Why? Maybe because it provides a feeling of relaxation by the moment you see the beautiful water and clear sky. The breeze in the beach might be a reason as well as it make the statement that, ”Hey, you’re not on the city. You’re far from the stress and pollution, so enjoy it!” But, the fact that the beach is enjoyed by almost everyone no matter what their age is, might be the greatest reason for it. It’s like, no one will be left out if it will be on a beach trip.

Aside from swimming, sun bathing and sand castle making, what other activity do we enjoy in the beach? Well, almost everyone had been into collecting collar remnants, shells and stones. For kids, it is a kingdom full of treasure waiting for them to find! Who never got disappointed when he got a broken shell? Who never listened to one of the shells he found? Who never lined up all the things he find and look at them like it is the greatest treasure you’ll ever find? Looking for the beach’s treasure is really one of the things that kids and kids at heart look out for. With this, did you know that there’s a beach that is full of wonderful glass? Yes, glass. Not sharp glasses but smooth and soft ones.

Located in Fort Bragg’s MacKerricher State Park is the Glass Beach. The name given is a perfect name for it because the place is really abundant in glass. But, did you know that there are 3 glass beach in California? Aside from that, did you know that this are all former dumpsite? Glass beach #2, the one in MacKerricher State Park, is the city’s second dumpsite used as a landfill from 1943 to 1949. That was before, today, the beach is now one stunning place. There’s really a treasure in trash! We wouldn’t be enjoying this wonderful site if not for its past.

https://www.pandotrip.com/glass-beach-in-california-212/

This wonderful Glass Beaches is worth a visit as it will not be like your ordinary day at a sandy beach but one treasure finding beach activity. No one will be disappointed on whatever he or she will find as almost all the glasses are gorgeous.  But the challenge will be to search for rare ruby reds (from pre-1967 auto tail lights) or sapphire gems from apothecary bottles. But, take note, if you want a remembrance, go and take a photo- make it an Instaworthy shot- but leave the stones behind so that more visitors may enjoy it. Since the stones are not something that can reproduce, it is very important to have it preserved. This law came about last August 12, 2015, if not for this, the next generation might not be able to enjoy this place.

http://www.latimes.com/la-trw-hiddencorners2-htmlstory.html

If ever on the beach and you got hungry but you do not want to leave the beautiful scenery just yet, the cliffs overlooking the glass beach is a great place for you to set up your food and have a picnic. Wouldn’t that be a magnificent meal?! It’s also a wonderful time for you to take more pictures. This location will give you a delightful view that is worth the share in your Instagram page.

https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g32400-d2440505-Reviews-Sea_Glass_Museum-Fort_Bragg_Mendocino_County_California.html

If you want to know more about it, Fort Bragg has two glass history exhibit. The first one is the Guest House Museum. This place is the former house of the Superintendent of the Fort Bragg Lumber Company, Tom Johnson. The exhibit opened in early 2012 by Native Daughters of the Golden West and local historians. This is as a way to preserve an important part of Fort Bragg history and to offer an alternative to removing glass from the beaches. The other exhibit is the Sea Glass Museum. In this place, you will see Sea Glass Marble Display which showcase the best stones that you can find in the beach. Aside from that, they also have genuine sea glass jewelry, hand-picked from the beach and made into beautiful jewelry that is shown and sold at the museum. So if you really want to bring home something to remember, this will be the best place for you to buy one. Aside from jewelry, they are also selling coffee table books that shows the beautiful beach, puzzle, shirts, placemats, posters, mugs and lamps!

A trip to this gorgeous place will be something to remember and treasure. So visit it now and savor the magical moment.

7 Must See Places in San Diego Aside from Beaches

San Diego is the oldest town in California, founded in 1769, may be called “the surf city” as it hold numbers of beautiful beaches with really outstanding waves. Aside from this, it’s known for having such a pleasant climate, mild temperature and plenty of sunshine in almost the whole time of the year! Hence, there’s more to the city than that! Being the eight largest city in United States and the second largest in California, this place is home for tons of wonderful tourist destination. Believe it or not, travelling to this city is a must-do in your bucket list!

If you’re planning to visit the place, your eyes will surely be filled with a lot of amazing thing- but not too much for you to handle and enjoy. Some of the most popular attraction are architectural masterpieces, museum, historical parks, zoo and a whole lot more! To help you out, we have listed must see destination in the city- aside from beaches- that you shouldn’t forget to put on your travel guide.

1. Balboa Park

This place is really a must! It is, most of the time, on top of the list of most travel blogs about the city. The park was originally named as the “City Park.” But in honor to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition which was held on the park, it was changed and after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa. This 1,400-acre site will give you a lot in one place! Here, nature and culture meets in the most attractive manner it can. The statues and buildings will transport you to the Spanish Era- a real blast from the past. It will also be fun for kids as it has a carousel and miniature train which they can ride on. Plus, for nature lovers- and even if you’re not, San Diego Zoo is a must see place as well, actually it is next on the list!

2. San Diego Zoo

This place is really popular as aside from being one of the largest zoo in the United States, it also houses 3,500 rare and endangered animals! Well, for Panda lovers, you might not be able to resist this place- you might not want to get out! There are other animals, from cuddling to wild ones. There are Koalas, Monkeys, Bears, Porcupine, Flamingo, Boa, Anaconda, Cheetah and a lot more! Aside from the animals, you’ll also enjoy several gardens and plants that will be seen on the place. This zoo showcase almost all of nature’s wonders in its 100-acre site.

3. USS Midway Museum

https://www.groupon.com/biz/san-diego/uss-midway-museum

San Diego is known to be a military town, seeing bases will not be something new. But why did the Midway Museum get to the list? Simple because it will make you see what is normally prohibited to be seen in public’s eyes. Here, you’ll see the engine room, jail, primary control room, and the crew’s sleeping quarters. This will make you feel that you are becoming one of America’s military man!

4. Old Town State Historic Park

https://californiathroughmylens.com/old-town-san-diego-state-historic-park

This place attracts tourist and residents as it shows San Diego’s Mexican and early American history and rich culture. Aside from that, it is also a great place for shopping. If you want to bring something to remember from the trip, this is the best place to buy one. It also has 25 restaurants to choose from. This restaurants offer authentic and cultural cuisine. This site is the most visited park in California.

5. Gaslamp Quarter

https://ph.hotels.com/ho633377/furnished-suites-in-gaslamp-quarter-san-diego-united-states-of-america/

Here you will see Victorian-style buildings that now has shops, galleries, restaurants and some bars and clubs. It's important to know that the Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's premier nightlife destination. If you want some night time action, this is the place for you! For those who are not night goers, no worries, you can still enjoy the place as some restaurants offer patio seating and there are some rooftop bars as well. This will allow you to enjoy the stunning view of the place.

6. SeaWorld

This will be a great place to interact with the marine life creatures. Aside from animal encounters, they also have rides which are all family friendly. For their animal encounters, they have several aquariums, Dolphin Point where you can watch the dolphins play, Explorer’s reef where you can actually interact with the sea life, and there’s a lot more once you visit the place.
They also have rides that will make you spin, go up and down, will make you swing, and we’ll make you wet- so prepare extra clothes and wear comfortable footwear.

7. Point Loma 

https://oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/point-loma-lighthouse

This place will give you an incredible view of San Diego and the Pacific. Even though there’s no real beach in the place, you’ll still be able to enjoy its cool breeze and see wonderful waves as it crashes on the cliffs. This place is where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, an explorer, first landed on the west coast of the United States in 1542. As a tribute to him, you’ll see Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma. Aside from this is Old Point Loma Lighthouse which is another attraction on the place.

Insta-worthy California: The Broad Museum

Fascinated in achieving several Insta-worthy shots in one location without the need to spend much? The Broad Museum might be the right place for you. It is a contemporary museum located in Downtown Los Angeles, California named after the philanthropist Eli Broad.

The structure itself is already Instagrammable. Its unique honeycomb-like structure is already an eye catcher. In the inside is a pure white painted walls which enhances the different art collection in the place that may provide some spice in your photo.

http://dailybruin.com/2016/01/20/the-impact-of-social-media-on-museums-art/

The best thing about this museum is the Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room. The room will give you chills as it may transport you to another dimension. When inside, you will be surrounded with a countless number of star like lights which will always be Instaperfect!

http://www.widewalls.ch/adele-yayoi-kusama-infinity-mirrored-room-broad/

But wait, it’s not just that.. admission to the museum is free! Advance free general admission tickets are often fully booked, but an onsite standby line is available at the museum every day except Mondays, when the museum is closed. Well, waiting in line will really be worth it because you’ll be exiting the place with awesome photos every time!