State Bliss Blog

Things You’ll Find In Most Homes In SoCal

In every home, you’ll find something that may show who they are or where they are from. Why? Because our home is where we keep the things that are truly important to us, may it be an essential part of our daily life or a remembrance from a trip or a gift from a friend. There are times that where we live will require us to have something in our home that will be needed in the type of community where living at. There are things that must not be forgotten to be stocked because you really wouldn’t know when you’ll need them.

Well, having that known, we have listed things that you’ll find in almost every home in Southern California. It may or may not be in all but you’ll find some of it in your friend’s home in SoCal.

1. Disneyland Passes

Yes, Disneyland is a place not just for locals as well. We all know that Disneyland always has something new in store for its guest so why will they miss it out, besides, they are just a drive away to the place! Some may have Annual Disneyland passes but some don’t tend to keep those passes but you’ll still find something from Disneyland in their home.

2. Avocados

This fruit may not be the official fruit of the state but since a great percent of avocado production is in California, it is really hard to resist to have one! Knowing that you’ll be able to have it freshly ripped from the tree in a low price will surely want you to get one and make a guacamole or mix it with your salad. This is one thing that California is really lucky for having so almost everyone is treasuring it by having some supply of it in their houses.

3. Beach Gears

From beach towels, umbrella, chairs, toys for sand castle making, and several more things that one may need on a beach trip, you’ll be able to find it in a lot of houses in SoCal. Why? Well, that’s not something unusual because SoCal is so blessed with beautiful beaches so why won’t its people enjoy it right? So if you’re planning to drive to SoCal and forgot to bring your beach umbrella, don’t worry, your friend on the place will be able to lend you one!

4. Sunscreen

Well, aside from gears, this is one essential thing to have not just going to the beach but also when going around SoCal. The place is known to be rich in sunny and warm days so protecting your skin is really needed. So if ever you’ll see several types of sunscreen on a home in SoCal, don’t be shocked, it’s better safe than sorry.

5. Sunglasses

Yes, a local in the place really needs to have a pair or pairs of sunglasses at home! Since most days are sunny, it wouldn’t be that nice to be squinting your eyes every time you need to go out. Also, it is a way of protecting your eyes from the ray of sunlight that may cause blurredness if you won’t be protecting it.

6. Hiking Boots

Aside from beaches, the place is also reach on hiking spots and beautiful trails. There are hikes that will be good for every member of the family so there’s lesser reason to miss this exciting outdoor activity.

7. Emergency Kit

This is one essential thing that every houses must have, may you be from SoCal or not. But if you’re from SoCal, this will really be needed, as the place is really prone to earthquake and we know how damaging earthquakes may be plus we know that earthquakes are often times accompanied by tsunamis so there’s no reason not to be ready. A plus to that is the houses in SoCal mostly have tall furniture and wall hangings earthquake proofed.

8. Craft Beer

Being the craft beer capital of America, having it in a home in SoCal is not something new. Whether there may be an occasion or not, you’ll be able to see a craft beer chilling on the refrigerator. Southern Californians especially love Stone Brewing, so it’s most likely that the beer on your refrigerator has a Stone label on it.

9. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Well, Southern Californians are really blessed with fresh foods. The items are plentiful on the nearest local farmers market or may be straightly from your backyard. Since the weather in SoCal is good for planting, it wouldn’t be too hard to grow fruits and vegetable on the garden if you have enough space.

10. Flip flops

Having a pair is common in every household but in SoCal, you’ll find several pairs in different colors and style. A pair of slippers won’t be enough for Southern Californians as flip flops works as their shoes that goes with any outfit they are wearing. We can’t blame them because with such weather as their place have, it is really better to walk around wearing a slipper.

Los Angeles has A Unique Burger That’s Worth Trying

If you’re a native in California, you would know how much the people love avocados. Yes, avocado in the state’s unofficial fruit that they put on anywhere it could possibly go. Its taste is not too sweet nor too sour like other fruits so pairing it with dishes is really not a hard thing to do. But, why do they really love avocados? Maybe because California covers 95% of avocado production in the United States. Well, if that’s really the reason, it’s really one thing that the state should be proud of since the other states might not get to taste this delicious fruit if they won’t plant and harvest them. Also, since the production is high, avocado’s price in their market is not that high compared to other countries. With this, it makes it easier for its people to get a hold of it while in their favorite supermarket. Having it produced in California also makes it possible for people to but it fresh and ripped directly from the tree which actually makes any fruit ripe with a better taste.

Aside from that, since some cities in the state shares border with Mexico, and almost 30% of California's population has Mexican ancestry. How will that connect to avocados? Mexican food are known to have avocados that’s why. They put avocados in their salad, tacos, bread, and a lot more. Isn’t that amazing that these two locations where able to play avocados with their food which really made it extra special?! Who would have thought that a fruit can go well with your meal, not as a dessert but on the dish itself?! It’s also good to know that since there are plenty of avocados, there will also be a greater chance to make different recipes that makes avocado on of its primary ingredient.

Well, a restaurant in Los Angeles knew how much the people love avocados so they infused it with their burger. La Tostaderia, located in 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California, is a restaurant that serves seafood dishes and snacks. Aside from seafood, their main focus is on Mexican food. So you now know what to expect here, a Mexican food with seafood as its primary ingredient and not your typical beef or pork. Hey, it’s really something good and delightful! If you are looking for tostadas and wanted something different but still have that towering taste, this restaurant is the best place for you to go!

 https://citymaps.com/v/us/ca/los-angeles/la-tostaderia/062665bc-e36f-48d9-9c37-0c36c2166b42

This restaurant is being noticed by some foodies due to its creation of a unique burger. How unique? You’ll know. This is made of your typical burger bun but what’s in the middle of those buns are really special. The meat on this burger is not your regular beef patty but its Mexican shrimp! Another thing is, this patty is not ground, so there is no extender which makes it healthier. You’ll get the real taste of shrimp in every bite. The shrimp is then topped with avocados! Yum! Avocados with shrimp? Well they managed to make it one delicious pair! The avocados are cut into cubes and mixed with tomato and some herbs which enhanced the taste of the avocado. The then it also has Oaxaca cheese which give it some saltiness, not too much but just enough for customers to love it more. Aside from these special cheese, the burger also has crispy potatoes. Yes, you won’t need to order a French fries together with this burger because the potatoes are in it already! The potatoes helps gives some crunch in every bit. This makes it more exciting to eat! Isn’t that one unique burger? The fusion of different flavour in one delicious burger that will give you an excellent dining experience. That exploding flavors from the unexpected mix of ingredients is truly amazing!

http://lafoodie.com/post/163117299396/with-shredded-potatoes-and-oaxaca-cheese-this

Well, there are other dish in this restaurant that we are sure you’ll love as well. The have other meals with avocados, their seafood cocktail that is a mixture of several seafood mixed with avocados, tomato, cilantro and sea salt! In one of their tostadas, you can also find an avocado, it is in Fish Ceviche. Their tacos won’t be left out when it comes to avocados as their Fried Fish Tacos has avocados on it as well! But the restaurant is not just about the avocados, you’ll also find several more seafood Mexican dishes one you visit the place! Be ready to experience a fresh taste of seafood when you visit them.

Irresistible Rolled Dessert Around California

Craving for something cold and sweet? Well, we know what you’re looking for! It’s everyone’s favorite, Ice Cream! Isn’t that right? Eating ice cream gives us that coldness during the warm weather. But hey, even when the temperature is low, we are still craving for ice cream! Why? We’re not really sure about it but maybe because it gives us that feeling of satisfaction as its flavor burst out in every scoop.

Ice cream is really a treat that almost everyone can’t resist! But, did you know that it was enjoyed by everyone for centuries now? Origins of ice cream are known to reach back as early as the second century B.C., but there were no known specific date nor person who were credited for this delicious invention. Over a thousand years later, Marco Polo returned to Italy from the Far East with a recipe that closely resembled what is now called sherbet. This recipe was said to be evolved to today’s ice cream recipe sometime in 16th century. England seems to have discovered ice cream at the same time, or perhaps even earlier than the Italians. "Cream Ice," as it was called, appeared regularly at the table of Charles I during the 17th century.

The first official foundation of ice cream in the New World is from a letter written in 1744 by a guest of Maryland Governor William Bladen. One of the first advertisement of ice cream was dated May 12, 1777 that appeared in New York Gazette. It is when confectioner Philip Lenzi announced that ice cream was available “almost every day.” During the 1800, ice cream was considered as a rare and exotic dessert. But during this time as well, insulated ice houses were invented. Manufacturing ice cream soon became an industry in America, it started in 1851 by a Baltimore milk dealer named Jacob Fussell.

Today, this delightful treat is served in almost everywhere. We can see several brands on our favorite supermarkets. There are also tons of different flavors to choose from. If ever you can’t go out, there will always be an ice cream truck that will go along your street and don’t be afraid that you won’t hear them because they will always play their attractive theme song. Aside from these, there are also ice cream parlors along the road that may satisfy your cravings for whatever flavor you are looking for.

https://www.iciclescreamroll.com/

Speaking of an ice cream parlor, there’s a shop in California that will surely make you want to go back for more. Icicles gives you the latest trend in serving ice cream- the rolled ice cream. Yes, this ice cream is rolled. Before, it was known as fried ice cream since it is cooled and froze using a cold flat pan that seems like the one used in frying hamburger patties. Though there are several stalls and chains that are serving this rolled ice cream, what makes them unique is that each order is made ready-to-serve and can be customized to everyone's liking. That’s not all, because they offer non-dairy ice creams and unlimited toppings which makes it greater than the others.

https://www.iciclescreamroll.com/

Icicles also made it possible for their customers to see how they make their orders. With this, it makes the experience more fun. But, do not forget to notify them in case you have any allergies as they’ll do their best to adjust. They are also sure that you’ll love their ice creams and if not, you can get your money back guaranteed- that’s indeed one confident shop! Well, that will surely make people want to go and try it up!

https://www.yelp.com.sg/biz/icicles-san-jose-7?hrid=bAD7L1MjswZfYOOZSHXzwg&rh_ident=unlimited_topping&rh_type=phrase

https://www.yelp.com/biz/icicles-san-mateo

Their ice cream flavors goes from the basic to fruity. They have your typical flavoured ice cream, cookies and cream, strawberry, avocado and some irresistible flavors such as Nutella, Peanut Butter and Jelly, the newest favorite Matcha and if you’re into Thai taste, they also have the Mai Thai. Since you have unlimited choice in toppings, you can create your own flavors with it. They have oreos, marshmallows, fruits like banana and strawberry, and some biscuits as well. So if ever you want your cookies and cream to have more crunch, you can top it with additional oreos. Or if you’re onto a contrasting taste, why not try the avocado with some marshmallow. Well, it’s your choice and Icicles will just be there to gove you what you’re craving for! So go and visit them now as they have five locations in California. You may visit them at Willow Glen, Newark, Cupertino, Pleasanton and San Mateo.

Feel the Thrill of Halloween in a City in California

Hey! Its Halloween season! Are you ready for some trick or treat? Prepared to get scared? Are your costumes prepped up? Well, if not, it’s time to get going and ready those Halloween decors hiding on your storage! Halloween was thought to be originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. During the festival it was believed that people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. The World Book Encyclopedia states that  “The Celts believed that the dead could walk among the living at this time. During Samhain, the living could visit with the dead.” Pope Gregory III, during the eight century, declared November 1 as a holiday to honor all saints and martyrs. All Saints day has incorporated some traditions of Samhain.

Where the tradition giving away candies and setting up pumpkin lanterns did came from? It is believed that offering sweets to the spirits will calm them down. The Halloween—From Pagan Ritual to Party Night stated that in medieval Britain, “supplicants moved from door to door asking for food in return for a prayer for the dead,” and they would carry “hollowed-out turnip lanterns, whose candle connoted a soul trapped in purgatory.” Turnips was changes to pumpkin in 1800’s because pumpkins they were plentiful as well as easy to hollow out and carve.

Halloween’s origin might be terrifying but now, it is enjoyed by everyone as it becomes a child-friendly activity. We now see kids on their princess, pumpkin, pirate or ghosts’ costumes walking down the street, knocking on the door and saying “Trick or treat!” with smiled on their face and hopes that they’ll receive a lot more candy every year! Well, California will never be last on the list whenever it comes to celebrating Halloween! There are a lot of cities in the state that makes Halloween season a really fun and exciting one. With that, Auburn City is holding its first ever Pumpkin Nights.

http://www.sactownmag.com/Blog/2017/Pumpkin-Nights/

The first ever Pumpkin Nights is at Gold Country Fairgrounds! This event started last October 13 and will be up to October 29. You still have the chance to celebrate Halloween in the place, try and visit it and enjoy the Halloween vibe. There are eight immersive lands created with over 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins where visitors are invited to walk around and feel the chills. There are also interactive activities to participate in, and the guests may also enjoy seasonal food and beverages among a festive setting.

If you want to visit the place and you’re worrying that it’s close, well here’s something to decrease the hesitation, Pumpkin Nights is a rain, snow, or moonlight event. It will only be close when public safety is at stake. They are open Sundays to Thursdays at 6:30pm - 10:30pm and Fridays & Saturdays at 6:30pm – midnight.

http://www.sactownmag.com/Blog/2017/Pumpkin-Nights/

Well, if you want to go but wanted to know more on what is in stored for you, the place has a lot to offer. Fond at looking at pumpkin lanterns during Halloween?  They have on-site pumpkin carvers that you can watch and you’ll surely be amazed with the skill that they have! If you got inspired or you also want to show off your artistic side, there’s also a carving station for guest and visitors. You can now make your happy, angry or grinning pumpkin. There are be offering a variety of food, beverages, movie screenings- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and The Nightmare Before Christmas. If the young ones wanted some biking activity, they will be able to enjoy the Strider Adventure Zone. Or maybe they’ll love some thrill, they can try the Hay bale maze.

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/northern-california/pumpkin-nights-norcal/

If you really want to go, tickets are sold for specific dates and times. Children three and under are free, kids (4-12) and seniors (60+) are $16, and adults are $20. Family Packs, includes two adult and two kid tickets, are available for $64. You may enter anytime within your 30-minute time window. If you think you need a lot of time on the site, don’t worry, once you entered, your tour time is unlimited! On site tickets are only limited so everyone is encourage to buy it in advance. There are also tickets that are up to 30% off, check out their Wicked Awesome Specials.

What are you waiting for? Prepare yourself, your costumes and bring a lot of strength and courage. Be scared, thrilled and amazed.

A Restaurant that has Mac and Cheese as its Foundation

Mac and cheese, yes, the pasta mixed with that cheesy sauce, is one of America’s most favorite dish and may be the best comfort food. The salty yet creamy sauce that gives that well-cooked elbow pasta some flavor and may it just be the plain cheese sauce, the dish still seemed to be bursting out with different taste! May your mac and cheese be topped with bacon, extra cheese or may it have some herbs, chicken or anything else, as long as it will give the mac and cheese taste some adventure and thrill, it’s really worth a try.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2013/08/09/homeroom-owners-pen-the-ultimate-mac-and-cheese-cookbook/

Well a restaurant in Oakland, California understood very well how America love mac and cheese and hey, California is just so lucky as these restaurant is serving in one of its city! Homeroom is focused on serving mac and cheese in variety of ways possible. You’ll get to see several mouthwatering flavors of mac and cheese right at their menu.

http://www.berkeleyside.com/2014/06/30/oakland-mac-n-cheese-mecca-homeroom-expands/

Erin and Allison are co-founders of the restaurant and you know what, they we’re not even friends but complete strangers at first. The first time they meet, while sharing a table at a café, they were able to share about their love for food, cooking and eating and there is all of these all started. The two decided to leave their jobs and fulfill their dream of opening a restaurant. This was not an easy venture for the two, they started at underground markets and festivals, testing different home recipe for mac and cheese and spent long nights in figuring out how will they be able to finance the business of their dreams. The restaurant was a real team effort as their family and friends contributed on building it, was the first restaurant to be successfully funded through a Kickstarter campaign, raising $7,600 in 36 days. After more than a year of long nights and negotiations, the restaurant opened last Valentine’s day 2011. And since the business grew, they opened Homeroom To-Go to accommodate the Bay Area’s ever-growing hunger for mac and cheese last December 2014.

http://www.cpsradar.com/2013/11/04/homeroom-mac-and-cheese-gets-a-makeover/

It is really amazing how a restaurant that started with a staff of twelve now have 100 and is serving 5,000 mac and cheese weekly! Well, the choice of mac and cheese as a business venture really became a hit in California. Now, they have thirteen variety of mac available.. that’s really a lot when it comes to macaroni. For their mac and cheese, they have the classic flavor that everyone grew up eating. Since California is known for its love for Mexican food, they also manage to create a Mexican Mac which is made out of Niman Ranch chorizo, jack cheese, chipotle adobo which is served with cilantro and lime wedge. This Mexican Mac can also be turned to a vegetarian mac. Hey will also allow you to customize your meal as they offer several add on that you may ask them to include in your choice of mac and cheese- with these your mac will be extra special! The restaurant also serves beers, wines and homemade desserts that all perfectly match the prime dish that this place is serving.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/homeroom-to-go-oakland-4

Aside for offering food that will satisfy your tummy and for allowing you to have their food to go, the owner was so kind as they are also selling a cookbook, their very own “The Mac+Cheese Cookbook.” They are just too generous to share the recipe that their restaurant is also serving. Now, with this cookbook, everyone can enjoy Homeroom’s delicious mac and cheese at the comfort of our own home.. but, if you’re still feeling lazy to cook, let’s not forget that Homeroom also allows its customer to order online. Online orders can be delivered or picked up so now there’s no reason for you to miss this out!

https://teachergoesbacktoschool.org/2013/10/15/teacher-cooks-edition-homeroom-vegan-mac-and-cheese/

The owners, together with its staff has a goal of becoming the best in the world when it comes to mac and cheese. With this, they will strive to improve the quality of their dish and service together with their partners. They also wanted each Homeroom branches to have a unique dish that won’t be found in other branches. Isn’t that an amazing thing that each branch will have something different to offer and be proud of.