State Bliss Blog

A Historical Hotel That Made Summer Meet Winter

Christmas season is near, a season full of love and happiness. Well, this is one of the best time to spend time with your loved ones as this is one of the few holidays where school and work are off for some days! Just as what Burton Hills said, “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” So, why don’t we take this bonding moment to the next level? Besides, Christmas only come once a year! Let’s go enjoy and savour the moment!

Now, looking for the best place to spend Christmas vacation is never easy. We have to think of everyone who we’ll be spending this time with. We must remember that the place we will choose is a place where everyone will enjoy. It must be a hassle free vacation for everyone as well! It’s really hard to look for a place where the likes of the different generation- grandparents, parents, children- meets. Well, there are a lot of places out there but Hotel Del Coronado might be the finest fit.

https://downtownrob.com/coronado-island-film-festival/

Hotel Del Coronado, most popularly known as The Del, has been standing since 1888. Hotel del Coronado known as an architectural masterpiece, much-admired for its spectacular seaside setting and world-famous weather. Seaside resorts might not be new in America during the 19th century, but the Del is one of the biggest and has this unique one-of-a-kind sweeping silhouette- which made it recognizable in the whole country and the world. Wouldn’t grandma and grandpa like that?! As this place will give every visitor a glimpse of history and showcase the country’s rich culture and tradition.

https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/san-diego/restaurants/crown-room-at-hotel-del-coronado

Today, The Del is a popular place to spend your holidays at as it offers variety of activities and places for you and your family to enjoy. Are you a type of person who wants to dine on a place that match your mood? Well, The Del had it covered! If you want to have a beach feel dining but still doesn’t want to eat on a sandy ground, 1500 Ocean and Sheerwater are your options. Want to have a classy dine in? Or you just want to have a romantic dinner with your wife? The Crown Room is the best place for you! Craving for an Italian taste or just wanted a snack? Try Eno, an artisan pizzeria and wine bar. Want a taste of Mexican food and a casual outdoor feel? Sun deck will be the best place for you and your friends! Hey, these are just few places for you to dine at, there’s more when you get there! They also have a salon and spa where mom and dad can relax. They also have activities for all ages- painting, yoga, biking, boating, bonfires and a whole lot more!

Aside from all of these, there’s something that The Del offers during Christmas season that you might not be able to resist. Have you ever seen summer with winter? Well, The Del made that possible! Skating by the Sea® will be back for its 13th year on Hotel del Coronado on November 13 to January 1. This ice rink is located at the Windsor Lawn. The place features the ever so wonderful view of the Pacific and Coronado beach. Well, wouldn’t you want to try that? The mix of the cold ice rink and the breeze from the sea in one! But hey, your little ones will also have this fairytale like feel as the Victorian Building surrounded with thousands of lights provides a magical backdrop while skating! So, if you think you missed summer or will be missing winter, this will be the best place for you! Well, there’s more to this. The location of the rink will also allow you to have a wonderful view of one of the most wonderful sunset, surrounded by pleasing holiday music- so much feels.

https://hoteldel.com/activities/skating/

But, it is not for free at is comes in a reasonable price of $30 per person and ice skate rentals are included. Season passes are also available. Skate times may be limited to 90 minutes based on capacity. But remember, it is just for some time and skating reservations must be made prior to your arrival.

To help you plan, here’s skating by the sea schedule:
SKATING BY THE SEA® SCHEDULE
Thanksgiving Holidays
Thanksgiving (Nov. 23): 11am – 9pm
Day After Thanksgiving (Nov 24): 10am – 10pm

Nov 25– Dec 17*
Weekdays: 4pm – 10pm
Saturdays: 10am – 10pm
Sundays: 11am – 8pm

*Tuesday December 5 the rink is reserved for Make a Wish Family Skate Night.

Dec 18 – 31
Mondays to Fridays: 10am – 10pm
Saturdays: 10am –9pm
Sundays: 11am-8pm (includes Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)

Christmas Day (Dec 25): 11am -9pm

New Year’s Day (Jan 1): 11am – 9pm

As per The Del, this holiday season they will transform into the ultimate winter wonderland – SoCal style. So, what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy your holiday at The Del!

The Trend on Unbaked Goodies Hits California

Cookies might be one of the best snack that is enjoyed by the kids and kids at heart for decades now. It is not just baked at home for a snack for the entire family, it is now also given as gifts on Christmas, Thanksgiving or when welcoming a new neighbour. Surely, if someone will receive this thin and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside goodies will melt her heart out. Nowadays, there are several flavors of cookies. We have the ever so famous and delicious chocolate chip, by its name you can really say that it is something sweet. If you want something a bit healthier, there’s the oatmeal cookie. If you’re into some nutty goodness, there are peanut butter cookies. If you want something decorative and will serve as a snack on a party or as a giveaway for guests, sugar cookies will be a good choice. Well, there are a lot more and a lot more to come as people try to mix and reinvent.

One of the newest trend on cookies is the cookie dough itself. Yes, it is the dough that is really popular nowadays. We all know that we can now buy ready to bake dough in the market. This dough just need some rolling, cutting and baking then one will be able to enjoy its goodness- and it makes you an instant baker! But wait.. that’s not what’s on trend, but the dough are not being eaten raw! Yes, yes, yes, as in raw. No more baking, no more messy kitchen, and no more burning smell when you forgot you’re baking! Kristen Tomlan, one of the early sellers, began selling raw cookie dough online in 2015. She never taught it will be such a big hit! “I was hoping for a line,” Tomlan says. “But had no idea that it would extend down to the end of the block starting the first weekend.”

But, like any other business, the cookie dough business faced some challenges. People followed the advice against eating raw cookie dough, lest they fall ill from salmonella. They said that the raw eggs might cause salmonella and the untreated flour might bring E. coli. The Food and Drug Administration warnings is not said because they want the business out but just to protect the people. But, the good news is, thanks to pasteurization and heat treatment, the prohibited treat can be safely enjoyed. And since this treat is on trend, do you think people in California would like to be left out? Of course not!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/california-cookie-dough-fountain-valley-2

California Cookie Dough, located in Fountain Valley, CA is the first in the state that specializes in safe, edible, and delicious cookie dough. Wondering how safe it is? Well, this edible cookie dough is made using pasteurized eggs and heat treated flour so rest assured that you’re tummy won’t be crumbling its way out of the store! Since it sure is safe, then go and try it out! There’s no indoor seating in the place and your delicious dough will be served in either a cup or a cone. Yes, just like Ice cream! An Ice cream without the Ice and the cream and the brain freeze.

http://www.eatwithhop.com/2017/06/ca-cookie-dough-grand-opening.html

What makes it more exciting? It comes in dozens of different flavour! They don’t just offer the classic chocolate chip cookie and Snickerdoodle, but they also offer Circus Animal and Unicorn flavors. These flavors are seriously bright in color which makes it more interesting to have a taste. They also have smores and red velvet, yes, your mallow and pastry treat is served as a cookie dough! It’s really worth the try! There’s more on the store, as they offer a lot of different toppings to mix your dough with. If you love mixing up the flavour or would want to stick with a chocochip cookie on your choco chip dough, it’s up to you, the store just got it all covered for you. If you’re fond of dipping your cookie in a class of milk, no worries, they also got that covered as they offer one fresh on the tap!

https://www.yelp.ie/biz/california-cookie-dough-fountain-valley-2?start=100

Aside from the taste, the color, the décor and the bursting flavour, this cookie dough are surely Instagrammable! The play of colors, the handful of toppings and the cup or cone put together really make one photogenic treat! So, before you eat it, make sure you have your cameras ready as these snack is absolutely ready to show off on your Instagram page! So now, Go, Eat, and Enjoy!

5 Most Exciting Places to Pick the Best Halloween Pumpkins

Hey! It’s October! We know you know what it means… Halloween! Can you feel the season yet? Are you starting have the Halloween vibe? If yes, we know you’re all set and ready for it. What’s with Halloween? Trick or Treat! Well, that’s not all, it’s time to see scary pumpkin lanterns! For those who are in to decorating their houses during this season, having some scary pumpkin lanterns outside your door is one important thing. Aside from giving some light on Halloween’s dark nights, it also adds some creepy feeling to it as the terrifying carvings on the pumpkin glows and will make you think that they will haunt you in your dreams. If you’ll be carving your own pumpkin, we know that you want to have it in different forms and sizes. Looking at your everyday supermarket stand might be able to give you some but the best place to search for one is on a pumpkin patch.

Well, if you’re from California, you’re lucky because the state really has lots of pumpkin patch. If not, well, California is the best place to look for one. Here, we’ll give you a list of the best pumpkin patches in the state.

1. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm

 https://www.groupon.com/deals/pumpkin-city-s-pumpkin-farm-2

This place is such a fun place to pick and get a pumpkin. In 1978, they started with pick-up load of pumpkin and now it has grown to California’s largest leading Harvest Festival. Pumpkin City is one of the oldest pumpkin patches in California. Aside from pumpkins, they also have a Petting Zoo where you can interact with animals, Pony Coral where you can ride on a pony, and a puppet show. So, now you know that you’re kids will really enjoy visiting the place as they will go home not just with a pumpkin but with a great farm experience. This patch is located at Laguna Hills, CA.

2. Riley’s Farm U-Pick

 http://independentfilmnewsandmedia.com/website-week-rileys-farm/

This farm located at Oak Glen, California will make you travel back it time as it gives you the 19th century colonial life feeling. Well, aside from that blast of the past they will also be able to provide you with all types of pumpkin, from round ones to oval to small and large ones and more! But take note that they have a limit of five pumpkin per family and it is sold per pound. You can take a hike and pick out whatever pumpkins are perfect for you.

3. Bones Pumpkin Patch

 http://www.laweekly.com/event/mr-bones-pumpkin-patch-7277317

The farm is a family-owned and operated business that was founded in 1987. The patch is located in Culver City, CA and has become a holiday mainstay in the area. Aside from pumpkin picking, the farm will also allow you to enjoy the place with several other activities it has in stored. They have straw maze, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo and a lot more. You’re whole family will surely enjoy the place! What makes pumpkin patch stand out among others is the Mr. Bones’ Super Slide and Straw Maze to get lost in. The price of the pumpkin will depend on its size so prepare your money if you want to buy big ones.

4. Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch

 https://patch.com/california/culvercity/calendar/event/20161022/47708/free-pumpkins-at-shawns-pumpkin-patch-in-los-angeles-thanks-to-the-helpful-honda-guys

Located in Los Angeles, CA, this patch will give the best pumpkins you’re looking for! They have that that perfect, long stem, “chubby face” pumpkin. Well, aside from choosing the best pumpkin, this place will also make it hard for you to choose what activity you want to do first because they really have a lot to offer. They have straw maze to get lost in, bungee jumping, pumpkin carving, train rides, sand art, giant slide, petting zoo, arcade games, and a lot more! The kids and kids at heart will not get bored in this place due to its fun packed activities.

5. Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

 https://ocmomblog.com/irvine-park-railroads-12th-annual-pumpkin-patch-giveaway/

This patch is located at 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA. The patch is open 7 days a week so if you want to avoid the weekend crowd, you may visit them during weekdays. Aside from offering pumpkins, the place also host tons of events and gathering. Well, with that, it is safe to say that the farm is one exciting place to visit! Activities here include picking your own pumpkins, riding their famous Irvine Park train, tractor races, a bounce house, taking a tractor ride around the park, entering a haunted house, and enjoy delicious food. Aside from these, they also have a corn maze, cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting and a lot more activity that the whole family will surely love!

Who would have thought that pumpkin picking could be this fun? These farms will really make sure that you’ll enjoy your entire picking day when you visit their place! But hey, those are just five pumpkin patch that the state has, there’s more! So why not check out the one near you or go and explore for more!

Is She or Is She Not from California? 15 Things For You To Know!

Dating is never knew to everyone’s vocabulary. You might have done it or might currently doing it. But, why do people date? Well, we all have different reasons for doing so. Some reasons are not so good ones but some are. Some date just to sow their “seeds,” you know what that means. Some date just for fun, nothing serious. There are others who date only because they are curious of what happens or what will happen. There are those who just want to meet new people and get to know them. But, there are those who date to look for a companion and for love. No matter what your reason is, what’s important is your happy and not hurting somebody intentionally.

Well, when you date you tend to be curious of from where that person is. Some are brave enough to ask, but some just can’t do so! So, we made a list of criteria for you to know if you’re dating a girl from California.

1. She thinks tacos and burritos major food groups.

May it be chicken, fish, beef or pork, she just love them! She’ll love them for breakfast, lunch, dinner or any time of the day! It won’t matter if it’s spicy or not, as long as its wrapped in a tortilla or between tacos, that will be the best. So if you want her to like you, take her to a good taco or burrito house, time of the day won’t matter.

2. She know how to surf, skateboard, and ski.

She might have taught herself how or had been to a class once or had finish the entire session, whether she did or not, she knows how to do so.

3. She despises LAX in every aspect.
Never tell her that you’ll take her Los Angeles International Airport. Why? She just know that it will be just one stressful trip. Lax may not be the worst in the world but it’s not one of the best. It is known for its unending construction, long queues, traffic, and congested security lines.

4. She worries about jaywalking.
Jaywalking in California is a thing. Even if people were in the crosswalk and the traffic light was green — if you started after the crosswalk clock began ticking down, you’ll get a jaywalking ticket. Here’s more, the fine is $250. So know, you know where she’s getting from.

5. Her guacamole recipe is so amazing.

Avocado, avocado, avocado… they adore it that much. It will be safe to say that their love for it made them create new recipe for guacamole and even match it to any dish which its flavor might fit.

6. She feels cold or hot easily.
If the temperature gets above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, expect her to be sweating, but when it hit below 65, you’ll see her shaking. Weather in California does not really change that much so her body tends to adjust slow with the increase or decrease of temperature.

7. She knows a lot of people in “The Industry,” more than she can admit.
She might not admit, but some stars might have been her friend, classmate, neighbor, parent’s former co-worker, her former colleague, a former waiter on her favorite restaurant or she might have been able to date one. That maybe the perks of living near Hollywood, but she care less.

8. She wears Flip flops in almost all occasion.

Flip flops on everything, anywhere and on any season. Since California has a not so cold and not so hot weather almost every day, dress code is not really essential. Going to the mall, on the beach, in the park, or elsewhere, flip flops and short will do.

9. She won’t dare go out when it’s raining.
They’re just not use to experiencing one so, dealing with it is not easy. Plus, rain brings cold breeze, she knows she’ll shiver.

10. She might drive better than you

It’s common for them to drive, as in, so common. They drive almost to everywhere. You can trust her with your wheels.

11. She is on a juice cleanse or have done it before.
Hey, health is wealth, you know that! Those green juices are just magical for her.

12. She have a basic understanding of Spanish
Since California was first colonized by Spaniards, some culture, tradition and languages had been adapted and has become a part of their lives. So don’t judge if there are terms she use that is different from yours.

13. She loves In-N-Out.. as in So Much!

For her there is no better burger than In-N-Out’s burger plus there fries is also amazing! She might have even memorized each part of the menu!

14. She’s into recycling
She might have been introduces to recycling even before she can walk!

15. Any day is beach day!
She is used to spending any holiday season on the beach, including New Year! So, don’t blame her if she’ll look for one. But take note, the beach for her must have soft, white sand and salty blue waves.

Well, those are few signs but not all apply to every girl from California, besides, everyone is different from one another. Just like what Mark Amend said, “Dating should be less about matching outward circumstances than meeting your inner necessity.

California Food trip: Anaheim Packing House

Are you a foodie? A fan of several dishes? Do you want to explore different taste and flavour without going to different places? Finding a food hall might be the best place for you to go. Since food halls are so trendy the orange county also has one, plus several more to arise. Our first, is the Anaheim Packing House. This culinary walkabout it located at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd in Anaheim, CA. The Packing House is open DAILY at 9am for breakfast with Pandor! Most other establishments open for lunch at 11AM or Noon and stop serving food at 8PM or 9PM. Bars are open until 10PM or 11PM.

The packing house has 20+ artisan eateries and live music on stage every weekend! Isn’t a good place for you family or friends to hangout?! Aside from that, the small restaurants in the place supports the local and sustainable and/or organic ingredients. You’ll see a crepe shop, grilled cheese bar, fish grills, cocktail bars, Juice bars and a lot more in just one place.

http://www.coffeehipoc.com/2016/01/anaheim-packing-district-anaheim.html

Here are few of the stores that can be found Packing House:

1. The Kroft

http://www.thekroft.com/

The Kroft is known for having several locations in Southern California. They food items are most popularly called as “comfort food reinvented.” They are innovating comfort food, mixing the usual dishes with a twist of using fresh, local, organic, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. They are also known for their poutines, and Canadian-French specialty fries. Their poutines are hand-cut potatoes, double fried to perfection, and piled with fresh cheese curds, homemade gravies and signature toppings. Also, all of their dipping sauces, soups and refreshments are made from scratch.

2. Adya

http://adyaoc.com/

If you want a taste of Indian cuisine, Adya is worth the visit. They are recognized for the assembly of bright flavors on their dishes and textures representing the diversity of India itself. Also, as known in the packing house, they also strive to use local, organic, biodynamic ingredients whenever possible. They also have curated wine list and craft beer list to balance the food’s vibrant flavors and casual style.

3. Popbar

https://www.charlotteagenda.com/75376/pop-bar-opening-in-noda/

Craving for something sweet? Go and visit Popbar. They are well-known for introducing handcrafted gelato on a stick made with all natural ingredients. Their gelato are prepared in the most genuine way possible, using only real fruits and a few ingredients. To make some twist in the world of gelato, they put it on a stick. For them, it is not just a fun way of eating gelato but it makes it more customizable and children friendly. Aside from this, Popbar makes sure that all of their products are natural and made fresh daily. They also offer kosher, vegan and gluten-free options.

4. Pandor Bakery

https://kirbiecravings.com/2016/04/pandor-bakery.html

Pandor bakery specializes in authentic French Artisan Breads, Viennoiseries, pastries, tartines, panini and salads. They are not just a simple bakery but a Boulangerie and French Café. Also like other restaurants and food chain in packing house, are using sustainable, local, and seasonal ingredients, and global flavors to add variation to their products. In their store, every bread is unique because their bakers are masters of creating the distinctive shapes, and recognize the slight differences in consistency and ingredients. They also serve coffee which has an artisanal blend. Their coffee menu will be enjoyed by all types of coffee lovers so please don't hesitate to discover their rich blend of coffee beans and mix and match it with their breads, croissants and/or savory products.

5. Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream

http://www.hanshomemade.com/

Here’s another store that will satisfy your sweet tooth, Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream. It has been in California since 1972. All of their ice cream is made fresh and is using only the richest cream from local dairies. In addition to classic ice cream flavors, like Butter Pecan and Cookies & Cream, the Hans’ team continues to create new flavors, like Coffee OREO® and Nutella® Krunch and some combinations like Salted Caramel and Maple Bacon. They serve this sweets as a shake, a sundae or in a cone. Aside from this, they also offer Drumsticks, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Munchies as well as hand-dipped, frozen bananas.

6. Crepe Coop

https://kirbiecravings.com/2016/06/crepe-coop.html

For crepe lovers, don’t miss out Crepe Coop in the packing house! They offer pre-suggested crêpe combinations, or you can make your own flavour by ordering the basic crepe and mixing it with the variety of filling options. This food stall will make you feel that you are in the wonderful city in France. They also serve juices and tea which has either a fruity or herd flavour- Peach Black Tea, Bee Tea, Grapeberry Fizz, Hibiscus Berry Tea and Moro Mint

This are just few of the restaurants and stalls that you’ll see in Packing House. So, if you’re craving but unsure of what you really want, try and visit the place and you might find what you’re looking for!