tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79222206144979054662024-03-13T19:47:56.733-07:00Temecula: Food. Family. Fun. Sun.dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-28511092538078753992010-01-24T17:21:00.001-08:002010-01-24T17:28:58.157-08:00A Bit of a Moisture SituationIt doesn't rain very often 'round these parts, so things like "drainage" and "proper sloping" don't really occur to people much. As a result, this is what happened after a couple of days of not-even-Texas-style storms. I mean, if you can still walk upright and the umbrella still keeps you basically dry, it is just not that big of a deal. <br /><br />Try telling that to our yard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zyk_CS9SI/AAAAAAAAARk/Pb73zrRqnSc/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zyk_CS9SI/AAAAAAAAARk/Pb73zrRqnSc/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430481967912252706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zykny7l3I/AAAAAAAAARc/3HzM5exhPpg/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zykny7l3I/AAAAAAAAARc/3HzM5exhPpg/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430481961673791346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zykJ8TnsI/AAAAAAAAARU/fZaP7jQ3opk/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zykJ8TnsI/AAAAAAAAARU/fZaP7jQ3opk/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430481953660051138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zyjUh7wdI/AAAAAAAAARM/OMCU-fyN3XA/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zyjUh7wdI/AAAAAAAAARM/OMCU-fyN3XA/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430481939322356178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zyiy6DvtI/AAAAAAAAARE/cyRPchTV3Mk/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1zyiy6DvtI/AAAAAAAAARE/cyRPchTV3Mk/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430481930296737490" border="0" /></a>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-50499316792224922662010-01-19T08:52:00.000-08:002010-01-19T09:13:36.826-08:00Peony Chinese- the restaurant, not the flower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1Xjyx325pI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/WcYAMN6qjC0/s1600-h/mto-449-chinese-brush-painting-peony-flowers-detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S1Xjyx325pI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/WcYAMN6qjC0/s400/mto-449-chinese-brush-painting-peony-flowers-detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428495387385587346" border="0" /></a>This is a picture of some peonys, because I've never taken any photos at Peony Chinese Restaurant here in Temecula, and I always like a snazzy photo for my posts.<br /><br />Peony's is in the Albertson's shopping center on Rancho California Rd. and combines the speed and ease of a fast food joint with the service and freshness of a sit-down restaurant. You order at the counter and take your number to your table, but then they serve you your drinks and condiments and bring your food to your table, offer refills, and basically take really good care of you. The ingredients are obviously fresh, and everything is made to order....no bins of food under warming lights or anything gross like that.<br /><br />Now, I saw a Yelp! (maybe it was some other review site, but you get the idea) review written by someone who must love MSG and pre-packaged, frozen ingredients (which was, incidentally, filled with spelling errors) who said that the problem with Peony is that it is run by Mexicans, and although "Mexicans are nice people" they "should not go into Chinese food business". That is about the lamest thing I've ever read. You know, because apparently, in their mind, your ethnic heritage dictates how good of a cook you are, and your ability to provide excellent customer service. Well, Nick A. of Murrieta, CA, not only do you have bad taste in Chinese food, you are also a turd. Is it okay to use the word "turd" in a restaurant review?<br /><br />Anyway, it's not traditional Schezuan style. It really is a SoCal type of Chinese food, which most locals will love, including my hubby. If you are used to Texas Chinese food, it will not be what you expect, but it will still be <span style="font-style: italic;">delicious. </span>It's more expensive than the food-in-a-bin joints (a la Panda Express or Mr. You's) and I definitely prefer it over Pick Up Sticks (call me crazy, but I like eating off of a real plate). Their lunch portions are enormous, which I would call their best value. Try the lunch curry chicken. OMG. Yum.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Peony Chinese Cuisine</span><br /><address style="font-weight: bold;" class="adr"> <span class="street-address">30520 Rancho California Rd</span><br /><span class="locality">Temecula</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">92591</span><br /></address> <span style="font-weight: bold;" id="bizPhone" class="tel">(909) 695-1878</span>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-36349467222116308882010-01-11T06:19:00.000-08:002010-01-11T06:44:10.684-08:00Riley's Farm Fall Field TripAs you may be able to tell, we're not really sticking with chronological these days. With so much to catch up on and not too much happening in January, I figured no one would mind. Now this is not so much a post about something to do in Temecula, but instead something you could easily go and do were you to, say, be a resident of Temecula. In the fall, our Brownie Girl Scout troop and another big girl Girl Scout troop crammed ourselves into a couple of large vehicles and scooted over to <a href="http://www.rileysfarm.com/">Riley's Farm</a> located in Oak Glen, right near Yucaipa. If you peek at their site now, you won't see much about some of the things mentioned in this blog, because it's the wrong time of year (you can't press fresh apples into cider or choose pumpkins from a pumpkin patch in January....not even in Southern California!), but they've got other fun things scheduled that I'm sure everyone will still enjoy.<br /><br />Our first hands-on learning opportunity was pressing freshly picked apples into cider using a real old timey cider press. It takes 100 apples to make one gallon of cider...didja know that?!?! Or that the difference between apple cider and apple juice is....hmmmm, perhaps I should let you research that one yourself ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0VzKmBRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/lbVRlM4p8HM/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0VzKmBRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/lbVRlM4p8HM/s400/028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425487725214434578" border="0" /></a>Then it was off to a little history lesson about the western migration, covered wagons, log cabins, working hard, and doing without:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0Wbx_11I/AAAAAAAAAP8/cTFydyoCJqI/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0Wbx_11I/AAAAAAAAAP8/cTFydyoCJqI/s400/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425487736117122898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0WpqqXHI/AAAAAAAAAQE/xqFNqtHJv3A/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0WpqqXHI/AAAAAAAAAQE/xqFNqtHJv3A/s400/037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425487739844451442" border="0" /></a><br />Now comes my favorite part: hay ride through the woods!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s3MF7m96I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/kAP24iVFJ6Q/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s3MF7m96I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/kAP24iVFJ6Q/s400/039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425490856988047266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0WxccS9I/AAAAAAAAAQM/IvxZkeFuBSQ/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0WxccS9I/AAAAAAAAAQM/IvxZkeFuBSQ/s400/040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425487741932293074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0Xdy89VI/AAAAAAAAAQU/oC5qSRzxWro/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0Xdy89VI/AAAAAAAAAQU/oC5qSRzxWro/s400/042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425487753837868370" border="0" /></a><br />Followed by making our own candles:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0lG5PgYI/AAAAAAAAAQc/n-IlWgsRN3Q/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0lG5PgYI/AAAAAAAAAQc/n-IlWgsRN3Q/s400/044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425487988208402818" border="0" /></a>(sorry about this lame photo. The gal is passing out long whicks with a tiny starter candle on the end, and the girls proceeded to dip them into the hot wax repeatedly to increase their size. Making a full-sized candle back in the day was a tedious process!)<br /><br />After a much needed lunch break, it was time to select our very own pumpkins from the pumpkin patch. This is in contrast to most "pumpkin patches" in Temecula itself which have piles of pumpkins available, but none of them are in the spot that they actually grew. The Riley's farm pumpkin patch (it was called something else, but I can't remember now. I'm sure if you can them a ring, they could help you out!) was a patch. Of real pumpkins. Growing on their vines. It was so fun. And check out the gorgeous views!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0lpygImI/AAAAAAAAAQk/e5Ln1qhoNvg/s1600-h/048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0lpygImI/AAAAAAAAAQk/e5Ln1qhoNvg/s400/048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425487997575373410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0l2eiggI/AAAAAAAAAQs/RWbpdMwYnn4/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0s0l2eiggI/AAAAAAAAAQs/RWbpdMwYnn4/s400/051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425488000981303810" border="0" /></a>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-19228562949846003182010-01-08T23:47:00.001-08:002010-01-08T23:55:15.048-08:00Old Timey Time In Old Town TemeculaFor Halloween, the bigger little people and one of their sweet friends decided to dress up as their American Girl dolls. Mom of the sweet friend had the fab idea for us to go to Old Town for a mini photo shoot before going trick-or-treating. Yay for wholesome, free fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1SJ3WQAI/AAAAAAAAAPg/4OJY7BfDvZ8/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1SJ3WQAI/AAAAAAAAAPg/4OJY7BfDvZ8/s400/045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424644337169743874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1R9fTWLI/AAAAAAAAAPY/59b6jue2nps/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1R9fTWLI/AAAAAAAAAPY/59b6jue2nps/s400/044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424644333847664818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1FqUD_ZI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/8jUzs5E0JY8/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1FqUD_ZI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/8jUzs5E0JY8/s400/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424644122541817234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1Fept7HI/AAAAAAAAAPI/ghymFq4bm80/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1Fept7HI/AAAAAAAAAPI/ghymFq4bm80/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424644119411420274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1E_9_plI/AAAAAAAAAPA/GGzWKxM3yP8/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1E_9_plI/AAAAAAAAAPA/GGzWKxM3yP8/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424644111174968914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1EcphmuI/AAAAAAAAAO4/XtyzGVZUNfw/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g1EcphmuI/AAAAAAAAAO4/XtyzGVZUNfw/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424644101693872866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g2SHlbhDI/AAAAAAAAAPo/hpmG2oYXDS0/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/S0g2SHlbhDI/AAAAAAAAAPo/hpmG2oYXDS0/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424645436069348402" border="0" /></a>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-16126645162278779142010-01-02T12:18:00.000-08:002010-01-02T13:54:33.917-08:00Professor Pennypickle's Children's museumStop the presses! She's back!<br /><br />Wow, seriously....where does the time go? I'll tell you where it goes- it goes to writing and editing the PTA newsletter. It goes to doing freelance proofreading work. It goes to managing the facebook pages of some former/current employers. And taking care of 3 kids. And managing the hubby's business. And being <span style="font-style: italic;">pregnant </span>(!). And sewing little patches onto 10 little Brownie Girl Scout vests. And every now and then doing a little sleeping. But only just a little. But that's enough of that, because what mom isn't insanely busy? No real mom, I tell ya what.<br /><br />Anyhooooooo, I realized it had been almost a year since the last post on here and I said to myself I said "Self, you cannot let an <span style="font-style: italic;">entire </span>year go by without a post. People are gonna think you've died. Or Temecula has imploded. Or something else weird." So, I'm back to chat about the totally adorable, super-fun Professor Pennypickle's Children's Museum (http://www.pennypickles.org/) in Old Town.<br /><br />First of all, if you don't have a SmartCard ( http://www.shopsmartcard.com/), get one. Among many, many other fab discounts, tickets to P.P.'s are buy-one-get-one-free. You don't even have to be a super-cheap-skate to like that discount!<br /><br />Alright, after parking in the plentiful and <span style="font-style: italic;">FREE </span>parking behind the museum, and entering the totally cute, old-timey building and being advised that you are allowed to...nay, expected to touch everything in the place, you can enter one of many, many fun rooms. This is the library:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-9Anywq0I/AAAAAAAAAOk/ybQi-cGjA7M/s1600-h/library.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-9Anywq0I/AAAAAAAAAOk/ybQi-cGjA7M/s400/library.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422260294756903746" border="0" /></a><br />....with this whacky whirly-gig chair that rotates as you spin some other whacky whirly-gig contraption.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yGO-cA2I/AAAAAAAAANk/OpwuoPUWlMs/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yGO-cA2I/AAAAAAAAANk/OpwuoPUWlMs/s400/040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248296546304866" border="0" /></a>And then you can go into the fireplace of the library (true story) and enter a crazy, dark black-light-lit maze, which even the baby found fun and not scary. Or into this "kitchen":<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yV51YUvI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Cy1t6ePDSdY/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yV51YUvI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Cy1t6ePDSdY/s400/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248565749076722" border="0" /></a>...and do any number of fun, silly experiments.<br /><br />And although the entire place was fun for my littlest dude, there was a special room just for the under-4 crowd, which the under-4 crowd found to be very entertaining:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yVWyhhhI/AAAAAAAAAOU/IkXlAotyjds/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yVWyhhhI/AAAAAAAAAOU/IkXlAotyjds/s400/057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248556341855762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And don't forget driving the potty! What little boy <span style="font-style: italic;">doesn't<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>want to drive a potty? I mean it combines "driving" with "potty". A veritable dream come true, I say.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yVJLs8uI/AAAAAAAAAOM/LwaI9w0U_W8/s1600-h/056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yVJLs8uI/AAAAAAAAAOM/LwaI9w0U_W8/s400/056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248552689365730" border="0" /></a><br />And the not-so-spooky cellar of recycling:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yGXWz9uI/AAAAAAAAANs/bUmhjycBcCI/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yGXWz9uI/AAAAAAAAANs/bUmhjycBcCI/s400/043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248298796021474" border="0" /></a>followed by the crazy musical-instrument room of crazy musical instruments:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yHWu0oaI/AAAAAAAAAOE/7MRMR3KyQ1Y/s1600-h/053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yHWu0oaI/AAAAAAAAAOE/7MRMR3KyQ1Y/s400/053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248315808162210" border="0" /></a><br />and this guy, who wasn't that educational or fun for the kids, but who made this mama laugh:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yHHmoFZI/AAAAAAAAAN8/43689NyLGZc/s1600-h/049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yHHmoFZI/AAAAAAAAAN8/43689NyLGZc/s400/049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248311747253650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and some kind of gear thing? That's educational? Probably?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yGwqTELI/AAAAAAAAAN0/zgT5CaWnlRI/s1600-h/048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/Sz-yGwqTELI/AAAAAAAAAN0/zgT5CaWnlRI/s400/048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422248305588637874" border="0" /></a>In all, we had a crazily super fun time. Everyone, from 2 to 92, will find something to love here, even if it's just the cheap tickets. Which it won't be, but could, I guess, if you don't love fun, but are a cheap-skate. <br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Main/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Main/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.png" alt="" />dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-76479610394513786642009-01-12T12:59:00.000-08:002009-01-12T13:43:34.438-08:00Restaurant Review: Essence of ThaiSo this restaurant review will be sadly photo-less, because I got Essence of Thai soup as carry-out last week when I was too sick to do much more than phone ahead (also, I lack Dwija's preoccupation with--er, <em>interest</em> <em>in, </em>kitschy ethnic-restaurant decor). But the fact that I was even willing to do that should be testimony enough that Essence of Thai soups are worth the trip.<br /><br />Essence of Thai is a little Thai restaurant tucked into the back of a plaza on 79 South (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Temecula</span> Parkway). I believe it's the plaza with the "El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pollo</span> Loco" as its flagship. The restaurant in inconspicuous, and that's a shame, because it has some truly excellent food, and I am not easily impressed (just ask <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dwija</span>).<br /><br />The menu offerings are fairly typical--if you've eaten in a Thai restaurant before, you'll see the familiar categories of appetizers, soups, salads, rice dishes, curry dishes, and noodle dishes. My husband has sampled various curries, including the red, green, and yellow. They're all good. If you're looking for a tasty safe bet, follow his lead and order a yellow chicken curry. They will make it as hot as you like.<br /><br />The fresh spring rolls are light, the fried ones are crispy, the dipping sauces work well. If you're a noodle person (and I am), the Pad Thai is a safe bet, but I put my money on the Pad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Siew</span>. I love pad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">siew</span> in general--big chewy rice noodles with a dark sweet soy sauce, egg, and broccoli--and I love theirs, too. Order it with extra vegetables if you want to temper the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">carbed</span>-out feeling after eating a plate full of noodles--the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. Or branch out and go for the Rad Nah (then tell me how it is) or the Pad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kee</span> Mao (yummy).<br /><br />I could go to Essence of Thai and eat only these things and be perfectly happy, and I would keep going back. But the real draw is...the soup.<br /><br />My favorite soup in maybe all the world is the Thai soup called "Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kha</span>"--It's a spicy broth with coconut milk, loads of flavor, and full of vegetables and (typically) chicken or shrimp. Th<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">e best</span> incarnation of this soup I ever had was at a little restaurant called "Star of Siam" in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Soquel</span>, California (if you're ever in Santa Cruz, be sure to stop by). Theirs was loaded with chunks of lemongrass, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">galangal</span> (a relative of ginger) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">kaffir</span> lime leaves, and came in a heavenly vegetarian version with fresh tomatoes, two kinds of mushrooms, onions, and other veggies. I have spent the intervening ten years looking for a Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kha</span> that compares. Essence of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Thai's</span> does.<br /><br />It has the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">galangal</span>, the lemongrass, and the lime leaves (be aware, when you're eating it, that these things are not edible per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">se</span>--they are like bay leaves, simmered in the soup and then fished out, but not eaten). It has gently cooked chicken breast (I wouldn't mind seeing a vegetarian version), fresh straw mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. It is delicious. Order it as spicy as you like, though you may want to use lots of adjectives in describing how spicy that is. I have had a "medium" that was incendiary and another that left me cold.<br /><br />If you don't like coconut milk (inconceivable), go for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">the</span> Tom Yum--a similar soup, but no coconut milk. My daughters adore the Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kha</span> if I get it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">mild</span>, but they also love the glass noodle and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">wonton</span> soups.<br /><br />If you've ever had mediocre <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">wonton</span> soup in a mediocre Chinese restaurant, just pretend this is called something else because it is an entirely different dish. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">wontons</span> are delicate little dumplings, and they come in a garlicky broth filled with slices of roast pork and baby bok <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">choy</span>. My girls fight over it (well, they fight over a lot of things, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">c'mon</span>, this is <em>soup</em>). The glass noodle soup is filled with tiny translucent glass noodles--great texture--ground chicken, scallions, and straw mushrooms in a very delicate chicken broth. Even the least adventurous eater will like it.<br /><br />Essence of Thai will cure what ails you. They offer free delivery within a three mile radius, or dine in and enjoy the pleasant service. Prices are reasonable, and the soups are meal-sized.<br /><br />Essence of Thai<br />Authentic Thai Cuisine<br />32475 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Temecula</span> Parkway (79 S), Suite G103-B<br />Phone: 951-506-7741<br />Fax: 951-506-7704<br />Open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesdays, call ahead to verify hours.Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11374287711815234025noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-43170348367914930502008-12-30T20:28:00.000-08:002008-12-30T21:06:45.218-08:00The Nutcracker: not what I imagined, but better than I expected<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2TN0XoII/AAAAAAAAANM/McCUynzgwZs/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2TN0XoII/AAAAAAAAANM/McCUynzgwZs/s400/027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285807922659958914" /></a>On a blessedly cool December evening, blogger mama took her 2 girls to meet their Brownie Girl Scout troop at the oh-so-adorable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Temecula</span></span> Community Theater to see their production of our holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2S9BKY9I/AAAAAAAAANE/2p38lOGwOo4/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2S9BKY9I/AAAAAAAAANE/2p38lOGwOo4/s400/014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285807918150214610" /></a>What little girl doesn't love to dress up and meet her friends and stay up late on a school night? No little girl I've ever met, I tell ya what! Brownie troop 1520 was as adorable and well-behaved as ever, and they were especially excited because we got to sit in the very front two rows. How's that for good luck?</div><div><br /></div><div>The production was beautifully done, with ornate costumes, perfect timing on all the sound and light cues (from my time spent on stage during all my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">schoolin</span></span>' years, I've come to appreciate the difficulty in making this sort of thing happen), and the dancers could actually <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">dance. </span>It was downright lovely. Now I must warn any purists out there that there has been some "finagling" with the story line....it really makes more sense in this format, but it isn't the NYC-Ballet-and-all-other-major-company-in-the-whole-wide-world way to do it, so I can see how some might object. The music is all there and all right and all the characters and the basic premise are the same, but the order was moved around a bit. I can't explain it right, so you'll just have to go next year if you'd like to know what the heck I'm talking about. Oh, and, um, during the party scene in the beginning when the guests are dancing with each other....they....um...(how do I say this without freaking you out?)....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">sing. </span>Yeah. Okay, shake it off.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2Sz0vreI/AAAAAAAAAM8/DPrP4uy4-zE/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2Sz0vreI/AAAAAAAAAM8/DPrP4uy4-zE/s400/015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285807915682213346" /></a>The music and dancing were so spectacular and the production so tight, that everyone in the audience, our crew included, was disappointed when intermission rolled around. We were able to placate them by suggesting they practice their own dance moves in the courtyard outside the main auditorium, which they happily did and passed the 20 minutes with lots of hums and even more giggling.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2SbarOII/AAAAAAAAAM0/3DOY94yyrDU/s1600-h/033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2SbarOII/AAAAAAAAAM0/3DOY94yyrDU/s400/033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285807909130418306" /></a>After the show was over, I enjoyed our walk back to the car through festively-lit Old Town <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Temecula</span>. Every lamppost, every building, every sign was covered in lights and greenery and cheer. I took a bunch of photos and not one of them turned out, so you'll have to enjoy this one of a car.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2R_5fxLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/zTYFi80btLs/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SVr2R_5fxLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/zTYFi80btLs/s400/038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285807901743498418" /></a>When our evening came to a close, we were tired but happy. No traffic, no icy roads- just good fun with good people in a great town.</div><div><br /></div><div>For more info on this and other productions at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Temecula</span> Community Theater:</div><div><br /></div><div>www.temeculatheater.org</div><div><br /></div><div>42051 Main St.</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Temecula</span>, CA 92590</div><div> 1-(866)-OLD-TOWN</div>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-43603266557135314502008-12-28T17:03:00.000-08:002008-12-28T17:06:20.294-08:00Don't give up on me yet!Dear readers (if there are any of you left), I promise to post more soon. My new laptop makes posting photos a bit of a challenge, but mostly I've been busy with the holiday frenzy. Coming up soon: The Nutcracker/the Temecula Community Theater and a review of the new Indian restaurant The Blue Peacock (in the Target center at the corner of Rancho California and Ynez). Seriously. I promise!dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-6175913731461379302008-10-24T14:07:00.000-07:002008-10-24T14:44:14.258-07:00Only One Week Left! Peltzer Pumpkin Patch = cheap fun<div style="text-align: left;">It's that time of year again- the leaves changing colors, the days getting cooler...oh wait, just kidding! The palm trees are still green, and it's 95 degrees today, but a couple of weeks ago, we had a chilly snap so we loaded up the kiddos and scurried over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Peltzer</span> Farms off of <br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rancho</span> California Rd. for some cheap and easy fall-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ish</span> fun. </div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7TH5B-lI/AAAAAAAAAMA/D3BBaDqSuVw/s400/033.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260832514443967058" />The pumpkin area itself was smallish, but for us that was okay, because really the pumpkins are not the most interesting part of a pumpkin patch adventure anyway. An awesome tortoise that you can really touch, on the other hand? Now we're <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">talkin</span>'!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7UEkvYLI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Re-MAg6A4ag/s1600-h/062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7UEkvYLI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Re-MAg6A4ag/s400/062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260832530733424818" /></a><div>And don't forget the adorable oh-so-fat little goats. You can buy food if you want them to eat out of your hands (maybe snacking all day isn't the best way to manage weight after all!), but we opted out of that portion of the excursion. They didn't seem to mind.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7TxQdlYI/AAAAAAAAAMY/wMjvuO-2UGU/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7TxQdlYI/AAAAAAAAAMY/wMjvuO-2UGU/s400/057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260832525548098946" /></a>Then it's off to peruse the collection of authentic, restored John Deere tractors! Even city kids who've never run across acres of open land have an innate appreciation for the fun that is a big '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ol</span> tractor, no matte what their age.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7TmBPIyI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/6l4Zqalx7cc/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7TmBPIyI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/6l4Zqalx7cc/s400/051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260832522531447586" /></a>And last, but most certainly not least, what little girl would object to a totally safe, uneventful, sweet little pony ride? No real little girl, I tell ya what! Both of my mini-mes, who adored this part of the day, asked if there was a way that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Roney</span> and The-other-one-whose-name-escapes-me could pretty please come and live with us. Ah, memories of my own youth!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7TatQkBI/AAAAAAAAAMI/QlnIu1wxJTc/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SQI7TatQkBI/AAAAAAAAAMI/QlnIu1wxJTc/s400/037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260832519494864914" /></a>This irresponsible blogger apologizes for not having photos of the other fun activities at the farm, including a corn maze (my hair looked totally awful in the photo. True story. I won't post awful-hair pics- I just can't do it) that was actually a bit circuitous and exciting, pig racing (which we missed because we just had to do the corn maze again), and the picnic area (which I neglected to photograph because I was too busy enjoying my insanely decadent homemade-chili covered sausage with freshly chopped onion and cheese purchased there for the reasonable price of I-can't-remember). And there are other things too, which I encourage you to discover for yourself by going to www.pelzterfarms.com and perusing their lovely website. Or, if you're in the neighborhood stop by yourself. Your kids will thank you, and you'll love it too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Peltzer Farms</div><div>39925 Calle Contento</div><div>Temecula, CA 92591</div><div>(951) 695-1115</div><div><br /></div><div>Open daily 9am-8pm</div>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-48636483454607815022008-10-12T10:54:00.000-07:002008-10-24T14:45:08.753-07:00Tex-mex meets Cali-mex...and they get along!There's this thing that happens when a Texan moves to California, and it's not something you're ready for because you figure, well, it just makes sense that you'd be able to find mexican food here. I know, I know- there are mexican joints everywhere. The difference is that Cali-mex is a little crunchier, a little fruitier, a little more with the limes and a little less with the cheese. Tex-mex has sour cream and shredded cheese, and portions so big you can share them with two of your kids and still be full. For most Texans in SoCal, this is just something you're gonna have to get used to. Not so if you live in Temecula, though! Welcome to Rosas Cafe and Tortilla Factory, founded 25 years ago in San Angelo, TX, making fresh Tex-mex so fast you'll barely have time visit the salsa bar before they call your number.<div><div><br /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SPI7hq93beI/AAAAAAAAALA/BG0dv30d_OM/s400/IMG_4053.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256329164750286306" />Typical pseudo-mission style on the outside meets roomy loft on the inside, taking you by surprise, but in a good way. The way that makes you glad you decided to give it a shot instead of going to In 'n Out....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">again</span>. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SPI8JP8R3EI/AAAAAAAAALo/QEkItL2p7Gs/s400/IMG_4045.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256329844690639938" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SPI7hy-VsSI/AAAAAAAAALQ/KdrtHTbg6mA/s400/IMG_4044.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256329166899753250" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The decor is downright fun, with collections of all manner of spanishy-inspired and not-really-spanishy-at-all items hanging on and from every surface in the place. From plates to vases to wooden parratos, your kids will get a kick out of this place even before they start eating.<br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SPI7hiPoYZI/AAAAAAAAALI/vWNnaO-44Fc/s400/IMG_4043.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256329162408878482" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SPI7h5sHlFI/AAAAAAAAALY/0aVfXstULHw/s400/IMG_4046.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256329168702379090" /><br /><br /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SPI7hySaiRI/AAAAAAAAALg/Esu5Yec1m00/s400/IMG_4050.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256329166715521298" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, but then the food will arrive (approximately 18 seconds after you order it), and I'm sure every member of the family will be pleased. From freshly made tortillas, to healthy portions of both rice and beans, even the pickiest family members will have something to cheer about.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SPJAn5I7taI/AAAAAAAAAL4/mAvLsJKMF3Q/s400/IMG_4048.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256334769192154530" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We orderd the chicken fajita platter that, apparently, is supposed to feed 2-3 people. If you can only feed two people with this combo, then those people had better have just run a marathon. We had no trouble filling our whole family to the gills with this plate, which included the rice and beans, sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, as much salsa/limes/cilantro/onions as our little hearts desired from the salsa bar, and an enormous stack of those freshly made tortillas. Oh, and of course, the actual chicken. We loved it, all three of the kids loved it, and our budget was a fan, too. Feeding five people for $23 and not needing to drink water in order to do it? Now that's my kind of lunch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rosas Cafe and Tortilla Factory</div><div style="text-align: left;">28134 Jefferson Ave.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Temecula</div><div style="text-align: left;">(951) 506-5800</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">p.s. They have a drive-thru, too. Sweet!</div></div>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-50070240089930256072008-09-09T13:47:00.000-07:002008-09-09T14:28:34.528-07:00Give me a Sign!Even bloggers who get paid to do it go on vacation every now and then....right? I hope so. Now that Labor Day has come and gone, school is in full swing, gymnastics night is switched and set, I'll be more on top of things. At least I can promise to try! Okay, back to work....<br /><br />Hopefully you, dear reader, aren't tired of hearing about the Temecula Public Library, because today's post was again made possible by their fantastic programs for kids of all ages. Once a week, for the very reasonable price of free, moms and their kids under the age of 2 can enjoy a fun-filled half hour at Baby Sign Storytime, led by a professional and fellow mom, in the incredibly cute, totally amazing secret story room in the back corner of the kid's section at the library on Pauba Rd. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244128649053225570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SMbjOMNEQmI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Mw055n3vOfM/s400/IMG_3996.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>For good reason, there are a limited number of babies allowed in the class, but the good people who organized this fun diversion realize that free is a very appealing price so they had the good sense to schedule two sessions in a row- 10 am and 11 am. Viola! If you're running late, just spend some time choosing books for your little cutie, and go to the second session instead.</p><p>I was afraid it would be too quiet or too advanced or too much of a zoo or too anything-you-can-imagine-with-small-kids, but it was totally fun. My little guy, just barely 1, had a fabulous time! From the songs to the signs to the dancing and the parachute time, it was a total blast. But despite all that fun stuff, I think crawling around the room after everyone left was his favorite part:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244128647648167106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SMbjOG-ExMI/AAAAAAAAAK4/d06QoH0QdLw/s400/IMG_3995.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>For free fun that brings you and your baby closer and can help you meet other moms who are interested in doing the same, I definitely recommend penciling this fun activity into your calendar. I know you're busy and stuff, but heck, it's only half an hour!</p><p><strong>Baby Sign Storytime</strong></p><p>Babies to 23 months</p><p>Tuesdays at 10:00 & 11:00 a.m.</p><p>September 9-November 4</p><p>Temecula Public Library</p><p>30600 Pauba Rd.</p><p>Temecula, CA 92592</p><p>(951) 693-8900</p>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-47414019823801691702008-08-25T12:58:00.000-07:002008-08-25T23:46:51.414-07:00Little Tokyo: Big on TasteThere are two sweet, wonderful words that, when uttered at the appropriate time, can turn a woman's whole evening around. Feelings of dread and confusion transform into feelings of anticipation and clarity. Exhausted? Not anymore! Irritated? Not at all! No. No sadness or negativity can overshadow the joy that comes with these two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">delicious </span>words: <em>Free Delivery</em>. <br /><br />Oh yes, it's true. For those of you with no school-aged children or who aren't in charge of preparing the evening meal, it might be hard to believe. Those of you who know me might be tempted to chalk this one up to hyperbole (which I am certainly prone to). But I assure you that there are evenings when the prospect of preparing dinner is like knowing you are about to have to, I don't know, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">voluntarily</span></span> shave your own head. But then get no kudos or sympathy for it the next day, because, I mean, doesn't <em>everyone </em>have to shave their heads every evening? And you could call something in, but then you and all your kids have to get back in the car and go to the restaurant, and then get out of the car and go into the restaurant, and pay for the food while they "explore" and then carry the food in one hand and the baby in the other and pile them back into the van and insist that they can in fact switch places every now and then and that they do not personally own any portion of the backseat, and then.....you get the point.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238548686533114818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SLMQRn9lO8I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/bF-lqHh_XkI/s400/IMG_3946.JPG" border="0" />So when this mom saw a sign outside of this little restaurant that said "Free Delivery", she just couldn't help herself. Like any good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SoCal</span></span> family, we are fans of the sushi and because it is one of the few things we can't make better ourselves at home it's definitely our go-to special dinner treat. Little Tokyo sits in a tiny little shopping center on the south-west corner of Margarita and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pauba</span></span>, the kind of center that makes you hope that they don't go out of business because you're so very happy that they have free delivery and you hope everyone else realizes this and orders from them so that they make lots of money and buy lots more yummy fish.<br /><br /><p>For an intimate dinner for two, there are more romantic choices in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Temecula</span></span>, because although the decor is more traditional (therefore less fun) than <a href="http://ihearttemecula.blogspot.com/2008/08/oh-me-pho-mai-vietnamese-food-thats.html">other places I've <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">reviewed</span></span> </a>in this here blog,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238548691936840082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SLMQR8F7iZI/AAAAAAAAAKE/1WRHjALD6xA/s400/IMG_3947.JPG" border="0" />they have a T.V. mounted in one of the corners, on which one can always find reruns of either The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Simpsons</span></span> or King of the Hill. Great if you're waiting for your to-go order. Not so great if you're planning to propose. </p><p>Now to the actual food. Let me just say that unlike some of the people who I am married to or write this blog with, I'm not all that picky when it comes to what I eat. It's not that I don't enjoy yummy stuff, I'm just not very good at distinguishing subtle taste and texture differences between things, therefore something that is "better" won't necessarily taste different to me than something that is "not as good". That being said, even I, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dwija</span></span> of the insensitive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">palate</span>, could tell that the sushi we got from this lovely little joint was <em>delicious</em>. This determination was quickly corroborated by my good husband, Tommy of the extremely sensitive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">palate</span>. Even the California rolls, which are usually cheap for a reason and which we only get as filler so as not to leave the table still starving, were a joy to eat. The rice was moist and fluffy, the avocado was flavorful, the cucumber was crunchy, and the ratio of crab-to-everything else was just perfect. And because everything was so amazingly delicious (try the Dynamite Roll, #105), it was all gone before I had the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">wherewithal</span> to get out my camera to take photos. So, this pic of their Rainbow Roll (#89, also great) taken with my camera from the front cover of their menu, will have to do.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238548679930599842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SLMQRPXa2aI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/HC4Uuw2YnQs/s400/IMG_397514.jpg" border="0" />And for the non-raw-fish-eating set, there are all sorts of rice, noodle, and meat dishes to choose from, as well as some things I'd like to order just to see if I can say them without cracking a smile (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bibimbap</span></span> anyone?). You'll all love it- I promise.</p><p></p><p>Little Tokyo </p><p>43053 Margarita Rd. B105</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Temecula</span></span>, CA 92592</p><p>(951) 693-5959</p><p>Mon-Sat: 11am - 9pm</p><p>Sunday: closed</p>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-17759377729323685402008-08-22T10:21:00.000-07:002008-08-22T13:18:48.585-07:00Farmers Market = FoodWe moved to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Temecula</span> from rural Connecticut a year and a half ago in the middle of winter. Despite the promise of sun, I was not happy about the move.<br /><br />We've moved a lot (How much, you ask? Since graduating from college in 1989 I've lived in 10 states, averaging one move every two years for nearly the past two decades. My older daughter had lived in five separate states from conception to her 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> birthday.) So I've developed some strategies to adjust more rapidly (if not more gracefully) to being frequently uprooted and transplanted.<br /><br />The first thing I go is hunt down the local farmers market. It's full of food, generally friendly people, and--often--links to other community activities. And nothing gives you thumbnail insight into a community faster than its farmers market: is it full of farmers? or craft vendors? how many food vendors are there? how many <em>ethnic</em> food vendors? how big? how small? how expensive or reasonable? how many small dogs being carried in small fancy purses carefully selected to coordinate with their owner's wardrobe?<br /><br />Two of these indices told me volumes about my new home when I moved here to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Temecula</span>. At my old, <a href="http://nectfarmersmarket.org/">New England farmers market</a>, there was one "food vendor," and it was the United Methodist Women selling baked goods. In <a href="http://thefarmersmarket247.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Temecula</span></a>, I could get gyros, tamales, crepes, tacos, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">empanadas</span>, kabobs, nut brittle, kettle corn... I haven't even scratched the surface.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BRLwlsYI/AAAAAAAAAFw/cTnYstUcPPA/s1600-h/DSC02638.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237406286381166978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BRLwlsYI/AAAAAAAAAFw/cTnYstUcPPA/s320/DSC02638.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the stand for RED, an East African restaurant in San Diego. They sell <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sambusas</span></em>--little three-cornered deep-fried pastries filled with your choice of beef, chicken, potato, spinach, lentil, or coconut and cream cheese. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sambusas</span> are my favorite dirty little secret on Saturday morning. They also sell a delicious herbal tea, and plates of curry and whatnot. Which are probably delicious, but I've never made it past the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sambusas</span> and a tea.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CrwL6-AI/AAAAAAAAAGA/p0AJ6bUfpE4/s1600-h/DSC02641_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237407842347710466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CrwL6-AI/AAAAAAAAAGA/p0AJ6bUfpE4/s320/DSC02641_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the Turkish Grill, wicked siren--the smell will draw you in, but you must not let the line scare you off. The food is good, good, good. You can get chicken or beef, on a plate or in a pita sandwich. Get the sandwich, and get it with everything, but watch out--those onions are scorching. Do not, under any circumstances, forget the baklava, which is made with pistachios, butter, and sugar--<em>not</em>, the proprietor emphatically informed me, <em>honey</em>, which is how the <em>Greeks</em> do it. I love honey, but it's hard to argue with this baklava.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8FSE8QBWI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Re6i8zU0ipk/s1600-h/DSC02647.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237410699777410402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8FSE8QBWI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Re6i8zU0ipk/s320/DSC02647.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Really hard. Impossible. In fact, I no longer even try.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BRrBfK_I/AAAAAAAAAF4/9LE74aqeqPU/s1600-h/DSC02639_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237406294773541874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BRrBfK_I/AAAAAAAAAF4/9LE74aqeqPU/s320/DSC02639_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> I used to work in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ciudad</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Juarez</span>, Mexico, and I ate my way through that city--it's teeming with excellent street food. So I am skeptical when I see an establishment which does not appear to be a hepatitis outbreak waiting to happen and yet still promises "street food." Well. Check out this place--get the fish tacos. With everything. Definitely the Park Place/Boardwalk of street food, but you won't resent the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">frou</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">frou</span> aspect. They have excellent service, a creative menu, and the food is noteworthy.<br /><br /><br /><br />So the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Temecula</span> Farmers Market wins big on the variety and quality of food vendors. On the other hand, my old farmers market had approximately ZERO small dogs in purses/strollers/designer jogging suits. Let's just say the difference was striking.<br /><br />I shop at the farmers market every single week. It is literally where I "shop"--I buy nearly all of my produce there. There are many websites dedicated to eating and buying locally, and I can't get into all the reasons why it's a good idea right here, but as an overview:<br /><br /><br /><ol><br /><li>The stuff you get is really, really fresh. Strawberries were picked that day, not earlier that week. Food retains greater nutritional value--and tastes better--when it's fresh.</li><br /><br /><li>You become attuned to the seasons. You no longer <em>really </em>want Guatemalan watermelons in January when you can eat your fill of the truly sweet, fresh, juicy ones all summer long. You will find New Zealand apples sort of, well, <em>silly</em> once you taste <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Anza</span>-grown Fuji's. Trust me on this.</li><br /><br /><li>Way more resounding than the vote we cast on November's ballot--though by all means, do vote--are the dozens of votes we cast on a daily basis with our dollars. If you want change, start by spending your money as if it mattered, because it does. When you buy locally--from a farmer or a local restaurant owner or a local store--your money stays local. Those people live in your community, their kids attend your schools, they pay property and sales taxes and <em>live</em> here. Just to hazard a guess, the owner of Hooters does not. </li><br /><br /><li>Worried about homeland security? Or the economy? I am. Security rests on three things: air, water, and food. Even shelter takes a backseat. Locally-based, decentralized food systems are much harder to tamper with, and much more resilient in the face of contamination. Remember the recent salmonella outbreak? I continued to buy tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro from my local farmers, confident that none of them were the source of the outbreak. </li><br /><br /><li>You, too, could be eating this for lunch:</li></ol><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CtB-8RrI/AAAAAAAAAGg/0H7T6PGqcnc/s1600-h/DSC02666_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237407864304977586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CtB-8RrI/AAAAAAAAAGg/0H7T6PGqcnc/s320/DSC02666_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CtB-8RrI/AAAAAAAAAGg/0H7T6PGqcnc/s1600-h/DSC02666_edited.JPG"></a></p><p>Fresh figs, local honey (Grapefruit and Wildflower, from Chrystal's Pure Honey, see below), brie (I confess, it's Saint Andre triple-cream brie from France--but we do have the <a href="http://www.winchestercheese.com/">Winchester Cheese Company</a>, which makes exquisite aged <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">goudas</span>), and herbs (lavender and rosemary).</p><p>An <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">underripe</span> fig tastes like spongy grass. A perfectly ripe fig is one of the more revelatory experiences in the fruit world. But ripe figs are so fragile, they will never make it to the commercial market. So to eat this, you have to go to the farmers market.</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><p>Now, all that gustatory bliss is lovely, but what about the actual produce--what about the <em>groceries</em>? (Remember, all offerings are seasonal.)</p><p>Meet Adam:<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BP3PgomI/AAAAAAAAAFY/EhtFloJv74g/s1600-h/DSC02634_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237406263693845090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BP3PgomI/AAAAAAAAAFY/EhtFloJv74g/s320/DSC02634_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p>Adam farms in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bonsall</span> and is one of the most amicable people you'll meet. He sells all manner of greens, herbs, super-sweet carrots, summer squash, tomatoes, cut flowers... real garden variety.</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8eIRbjDQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/l9WgxzfCT_A/s1600-h/DSC02637.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237438019121908994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8eIRbjDQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/l9WgxzfCT_A/s320/DSC02637.JPG" border="0" /></a>Chrystal and Mac are the honey pushers. They'll get you hooked, like they hooked me. They sell varietal honey, including a regional desert wildflower (this year's harvest was particularly delicious, and different from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">last's</span>... You'll be surprised how much variation you'll be able to discern from locally grown foods). You'll also find cherry, avocado, several citrus varieties, black button sage ("The honey for tea," Mac assured me, and he's right.)... The list is long and my memory <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">inadequate</span>. My personal favorite is grapefruit--you can't beat it on fresh cornbread.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BQ2yBi5I/AAAAAAAAAFo/e4NSS8WAkjo/s1600-h/DSC02636_edited.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BQ2yBi5I/AAAAAAAAAFo/e4NSS8WAkjo/s1600-h/DSC02636_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237406280750042002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8BQ2yBi5I/AAAAAAAAAFo/e4NSS8WAkjo/s320/DSC02636_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> Buy the honey in the quart jars for the best price. Bring the jar back and you'll get $1 off your next purchase, and there will be a next purchase, because once you get started on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Chrystal's</span> Pure Honey, you're pretty much doomed.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8Csb4ILvI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Em1kmqljmMQ/s1600-h/DSC02644.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237407854075850482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8Csb4ILvI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Em1kmqljmMQ/s320/DSC02644.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>This is Gilberto (right) and his cousin (I believe) Edward. Gilberto's father, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Joaquin</span>, mans their stand at the Wednesday market, and it was Joaquin who was the first person in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Temecula</span> to be really, really nice to me. He offered my daughter a <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">galleta</span> </em>and saved me a basket of<em> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">flores</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">calabacitas</span>, </em>and we've been regulars ever since. Gilberto mans the Saturday stand, and look out, because despite his youth he is a formidable entrepreneur and can sell anything to anyone. This time of year, stop by for the melons and enormous bell peppers. In the spring, don't miss their strawberries ("sweet as the first kiss," the sign claims) and asparagus. Kisses aside, their carrots might even be sweeter.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CsNxqm3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/7wV5zfsWgwE/s1600-h/DSC02643.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237407850290649970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CsNxqm3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/7wV5zfsWgwE/s320/DSC02643.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>The <a href="http://thefarmersmarket247.com/Contact%20Us.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Cunninghams</span></a> are the market managers, and they sell the passion fruit that <a href="http://www.rodanandfields.com/sholm">Suzanne</a> (my mostly market companion) uses for her famous passion fruit cosmopolitans. They also sell the only kumquats worth eating (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Meiwa</span>, I think), an enormous array of citrus, avocados, fresh juices, winter squash, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">cherimoya</span> (one of my favorite local fruits--too fragile to ship), figs, potatoes, honey, macadamia nuts... The list goes on.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CstrW9vI/AAAAAAAAAGY/S4Bfo8-i84I/s1600-h/DSC02645.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237407858854131442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SK8CstrW9vI/AAAAAAAAAGY/S4Bfo8-i84I/s320/DSC02645.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>And if you'd like to grow your own herbs, don't miss him. As soon as I find his business card, I'll tell you who he is. But I've bought his herbs--some gorgeous sages and scented geraniums in particular--and his seedlings do beautifully.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>There's so much more to see at the market--These are a few of my favorite vendors, but not even all of them (there's a guy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">right</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">now</span> who sells <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">fresh</span> sugar cane! and prickly pears! and a woman who introduced me to <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">limas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">dulces</span></em>--sweet lime, who sells <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><em>nopales</em></span>... and the plant guy! and the woman with the best nut brittle you've e<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">ver</span> tasted!) For every vendor I've mentioned here, there are literally dozens more. Plus there are all the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">people</span> who sell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">things</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">don't</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">necessarily</span> buy, bu<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">t you</span> might--funky clothes, carved wooden bowls, jewelry, hand-turned pens, yard art, paintings, soaps...</p>So go to the market. If you don't like crowds, get there early.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Saturdays in Old Town <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Temecula</span> (behind Sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Lumpy's</span> BBQ and across from the fire station) from 8:00-12:30</li><li>Wednesdays in the Promenade parking lot by Macy's and Penney's from 9:00-1:00</li><li>Sundays in the Canyon Lake Town Center from 10AM-1PM<br /></li></ul>Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11374287711815234025noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-90716710904209158552008-08-21T13:55:00.000-07:002008-08-21T14:25:59.492-07:00Buns of Steel, Skin of CocoaWe moved to Temecula just over a year ago- five days before my girls started school, and a mere nine (yep, <em>9! </em>) days before my son was born. Yeah, things were a little hectic. But as any mother knows, after the post-partum fog lifts and you stop feeling so much like an all-night diner, you'd better get your butt out there and do something or you'll never feel like you again. Now, as you may have gathered, I am a cheapskate. For some, the monetary commitment of certain <a href="http://www.strollerstrides.com/">mommy-style walking groups</a> might provide the extra motivation necessary for you to actually show up and feel the burn three times a week. I (remember: cheapskate) decided I could walk just fine on my own, thank you very much, and set out with baby in stroller one brisk late-winter morning after dropping the biggers off at school. After only two days of solo strolling (here comes the part where I talk about what I love about Temecula), the group of gals I had passed on both of those days stopped, called me over, and invited me to walk with them. I felt so human! These were grown-ups! With babies! Who knew how to speak!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237078210315345218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SK3W4pLI3UI/AAAAAAAAAJs/M5K8EcoBUFk/s400/IMG_3945.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Fast forward six months, and we're still walking the same route. I took the above photo this morning, and although you (sadly) can't tell, this was a hilarious moment in which everyone decided to do some "extreme kinesthetics" for the benefit of this pic. Being that I am apparently a terrible photographer, that didn't quite come through, and it just looks like we're totally into stretching every time we stop for water. We're not. What we are into is walking 5 days a week, a five mile loop, up and down hills, rain, snow, sleet, or shine. But, um, like, we live in Temecula, so really it's pretty much just shine. But the hills are real, and so are the results: a nice firm booty and skin so toasty brown that your poor friends from the northeast will have to do their very best not to lash out in envy.</p><p>To find a free walking or running group near you, log on to <a href="http://www.seemommyrun.com/">www.SeeMommyRun.com</a> and search for your city. If you'd like to join us, with all our sassy banter and how-to-save-a-dime chatter, look for <a href="http://www.seemommyrun.com/ca/grpsub?=432=site">Temecula Fit Mommies</a> - we'd love to have you!</p>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-41203497812848857112008-08-18T22:17:00.000-07:002008-08-19T14:46:31.698-07:00Wanna Re-Store Your House? Yes You Do.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpbOymWOsI/AAAAAAAAAFI/wQ7ORE6m4B8/s1600-h/new%2520logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236097826430532290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpbOymWOsI/AAAAAAAAAFI/wQ7ORE6m4B8/s320/new%2520logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was visiting a friend in Idaho a few months back and drove past something that caught my eye: A <a href="http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx">Habitat for Humanity <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ReStore</span></a>.<br /><br />It's a store, you see, that sells the sorts of things you need to build or renovate your house. At discount prices. It's like a thrift store version of a big-box <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DIY</span> store with a non-profit agenda.<br /><br />It is pure genius. Why didn't we have one? With all the development going on in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Temecula</span> Valley? With all the foreclosures? It seemed to me that folks on both ends of the housing market number line could benefit.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa6HvJEXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/cIrwpdfFW24/s1600-h/DSC02664_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236097471327310194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa6HvJEXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/cIrwpdfFW24/s320/DSC02664_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Fortunately, I'm not in charge, or the idea never would've gone further than that corner of my brain marked "indignant". But the good folks at <a href="http://www.habitat4inlandvalley.org/">Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity </a>are, not surprisingly, far more proactive than I.<br /><br />"It's a win-win for everyone," said Inland Valley <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">HfH</span> Board President Liz <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bibb</span> (pictured above center). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bibb</span> described the ways a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ReStore</span> benefits the community:<br /><ul><li>Generating revenue for its Habitat for Humanity chapter </li><br /><li>Recycling and reusing resources that would otherwise be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">landfilled</span></li><br /><li>Providing and opportunity for Habitat homeowners to volunteer, thereby earning "<a href="http://www.habitat4inlandvalley.org/FAQs.html">sweat equity</a>"</li><br /><li>Offering quality home improvement products at 40-70% below retail, available for purchase by the general public</li></ul><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Bibb</span> notes, "We're actively seeking donations, but we're not a thrift store; we're not a garage sale." Which means they only accept donations of high quality items. Gently used is fine, trashed is not.</p><p>So when you first visit the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Temecula</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ReStore</span>, ignore the fact that the entry looks suspiciously like...</p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa66xSU-I/AAAAAAAAAEw/jQOI045o7HA/s1600-h/DSC02662.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236097485026513890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa66xSU-I/AAAAAAAAAEw/jQOI045o7HA/s320/DSC02662.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A thrift store. At least the furniture section. You will see the usual assortment of glass-topped tables, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">pressboard</span> furniture, and beat upholstery. But that's OK, for two main reasons:<br /><ol><li>There comes a time in nearly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">everyone's</span> life where they will need something cheap to sit on, eat off of, and/or store things in; and</li><br /><li>If you walk through the furniture, you w<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ill</span> find the meat and potatoes of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ReStore</span>--value, value, value.</li></ol><p>What do they sell? You name it:</p><ul><li>large appliances</li><br /><li>plumbing and electrical fixtures</li><br /><li>flooring & carpeting</li><br /><li>windows & doors</li><br /><li>lumber & hardware</li><br /><li>moulding & baseboards</li><br /><li>cabinets</li><br /><li>tools</li><br /><li>paint & painting supplies</li></ul><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa7w5GScI/AAAAAAAAAFA/u-kCJ6UKHbs/s1600-h/DSC02660.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236097499554793922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa7w5GScI/AAAAAAAAAFA/u-kCJ6UKHbs/s320/DSC02660.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>If you need any sort of home improvement item, it would be foolish not to stop by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ReStore</span> first, to see if they have what you need. And if you have leftovers from a previous project, bring them by to make a tax-deductible donation. They accept nearly any home <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">improvement</span> item in good, ready-to-use condition:</p><ul><li>full sheets of drywall</li><br /><li>large appliances</li><br /><li>unopened paint</li><br /><li>good-quality lumber</li><br /><li>new carpet and padding</li><br /><li>ceiling fans (with all pieces)</li><br /><li>furniture</li><br /><li>unopened <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">batts</span> of insulation</li><br /><li>lighting</li></ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa7VFkapI/AAAAAAAAAE4/RsZY32sFmo4/s1600-h/DSC02661.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236097492090907282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa7VFkapI/AAAAAAAAAE4/RsZY32sFmo4/s320/DSC02661.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>That's not a complete list, by the way. If you have questions, check the website or give them a call. They don't accept automotive items, books, used carpet/paint/shower doors, solvents, bedding, chemicals and cleanings products, trash compactors, toys, electronics, small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">appliances</span>, clothing, and plastic kitchenware.</p>Donations are tax-deductible. Donors include developers, contractors, stores, and individuals, so you can be sure of a steady stream of quality materials available for sale. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ReStore</span> will also be offering a pick-up service, so even if you don't have a strong back and pick-up truck, you can still donate.<br /><br /><p>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">ReStore</span> is also actively soliciting volunteers, for everything from forklift driving to grant writing. So if you've ever wanted to give back to your community, this is a great time to do it.</p>There's one other reason to visit the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">ReStore</span>. It's pleasant. The staff is there <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">becaus</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">e they</span> believe in a cause. There's an air of camaraderie, of teamwork, that you don't necessarily find in your run-of-the-mill when-does-my-shift-end retail establishment.<br /><br /><p>And if that isn't enough, there's this super-cute kids' potting table kit that the staff put together: </p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa6ZOeGjI/AAAAAAAAAEo/jD1WDbX85gU/s1600-h/DSC02663_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236097476022114866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa6ZOeGjI/AAAAAAAAAEo/jD1WDbX85gU/s320/DSC02663_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's a fun family project, a darling gift, and you know you want one--but you can only find it at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">ReStore</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKs9L1KCKOI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/p957fm0zX2k/s1600-h/ReStore%2520Logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236346265205352674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKs9L1KCKOI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/p957fm0zX2k/s320/ReStore%2520Logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />27479 Enterprise Circle West<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Temecula</span>, CA<br />(951) 676-1221<br /><br /><br />Open Tuesday <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">thru</span> Saturday<br />from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SKpa7VFkapI/AAAAAAAAAE4/RsZY32sFmo4/s1600-h/DSC02661.JPG"></a>Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11374287711815234025noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-59065656728785689392008-08-16T19:49:00.000-07:002008-08-17T13:28:23.508-07:00Oh Me, 'Pho Mai'! Vietnamese Food that's Sure to PleaseA lot of people talk about how Temecula is just teeming with "big box" retailers and restaurants, usually in a way that let's you know that they much prefer the hole-in-the-wall / mom-and-pop / living-the-american-dream type place....the kind of place, they imply, you're not gonna find in Temecula. Um, have you ever <em>been </em>to Temecula? I mean, yes, you can go to Chili's or Tony Roma's or Outback if you want, but there is also no shortage of tiny, poorly decorated, </span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#d8d0c8;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235316106312676402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeUQsOl9DI/AAAAAAAAAIY/Geng3QWd4LE/s400/IMG_3921.JPG" border="0" /></span>totally delicious, absolutely wonderful hole-in-the-wall joints. Joints owned and operated by people who grew up cooking and eating that kind of food, who have no experience with tasteful interior design, <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235318689447714290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeWnDJ-nfI/AAAAAAAAAJY/QBw-K6sV_4k/s400/IMG_3935.JPG" border="0" />and who are so thankful to get up every morning in a place that lets them have their own place. Places without a corporate training crew but with food you crave on a lazy Saturday afternoon and a strange obsession with instrumental versions of Tom Jones songs.</span><br /></p><p>Today's delicious excursion was to Pho Mai Vietnamese Restaurant. Located conveniently, and quite unglamorously, in the K-mart shopping center on Ynez Rd, you'll find no pretense or ceremonious service rituals (i.e. writing of the servers name on your paper table cloth; leading you to your table; smiling...). What you will find are the strange nautical-inspired booths (shown above) a mildly disconcerting interest in preserved butterflies,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235318688738122306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeWnAgzGkI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/gknUJ3J-Jz4/s400/IMG_3932.JPG" border="0" /></span><br />and incredible, amazing, delicious, awesome, and cheap Vietnamese food. As the name implies, you'll have your choice of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ph%E1%BB%9F">Phos</a> (yes, with menu descriptions that go something like this: tendon tripe brisket tendon with noodle and tendon tripe. Pictured below is #15. I don't pretend to know what's actually in it. Really, I don't), which is why the hubby and I go,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235316118660473490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeURaOiYpI/AAAAAAAAAIw/v4IqfZuw96Y/s400/IMG_3925.JPG" border="0" />but you'll also get a lot "Mai" (haha! get it? instead of "more"? sorry....). Like these mouth-watering spring rolls (#04) , filled with, in addition to all the usual spring-roll ingredients, barbecue pork and an actual small eggroll. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235316110140121650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeUQ6fIIjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/6iPVaEO_eQk/s400/IMG_3923.JPG" border="0" /> You will absolutely drool when you taste that peanut sauce! And for the kids in your life, because I know you've probably got 'em and I'm guessing their not so into tendon-tripe-jalapeno-brisket-tripe soup, there's a whole bunch of great stuff to choose from, like this Vietnamese version of fried rice (#54)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235316115356989090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeURN67NqI/AAAAAAAAAIo/IiJqP0dqeQY/s400/IMG_3924.JPG" border="0" /> that had generous amounts of shrimp and sausage throughout. Or this plate (#49?) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235316121314372402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeURkHRqzI/AAAAAAAAAI4/5zl7EU1K9Ro/s400/IMG_3926.JPG" border="0" />that came with half a barbecued chicken, rice, and salad. Yum! </p><p>Now this part might not be as important to all of you as it is to me, but I have a child who is especially....um...let's call it 'sensitive', to gross bathrooms. Gross bathrooms and no-name restaurants tend to go hand-in-hand. Not at Pho Mai, my friends!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235318685496617010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeWm0b9qDI/AAAAAAAAAJI/C4VibpLCnuo/s400/IMG_3931.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And although the decor falls squarely on the tacky side of fancy, it was clean, and updated, and as close to SoCal chic as I've ever found in a restaurant of this variety.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235318680109272786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeWmgXhTtI/AAAAAAAAAJA/1iMQ41CR7pA/s400/IMG_3930.JPG" border="0" />I must confess, I'm a little embarassed to end a post with a photo of a toilet...so I'll close with a shot of the generically generic shopping center window of the best not-at-all generic Pho restaurant this side of the international date line.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235318699163873922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKeWnnWfcoI/AAAAAAAAAJg/hs9bPtEMtD4/s400/IMG_3936.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Pho Mai Vietnamese Gourmet</p><p>26487 Ynez Rd</p><p>Temecula, CA 92591</p><p>(951) 296-1880</p><p>Monday thru Saturday: 10 am - 8:30 pm</p><p>Sunday: CLOSED</p>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-66775343094640098922008-08-13T15:21:00.000-07:002008-08-13T22:16:00.964-07:00Splurge Alert! Sharkey's Cuts for KidsThe thing that makes living on a budget bearable is knowing that every now and then, we're going to go out and do something totally fun and frivilous and costs too much, but, in terms of memories-made and bragging -rights-among-friends, is totally worth it. Today we did one of those somethings, and I'm happy to report that it was money well spent. The thing we did was to get uber-cute back-to-school haircuts at <a href="http://www.sharkeyscutsforkids.com/">Sharkey's Cuts for Kids </a>off of Overland Ave. Because it's a franchise, you get totally amazing decor and colors one would imagine would be way too much, but which turn out to be just enough to amaze the pants off girls who love it when things are way too much: <div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234230653061302258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKO5C_wuB_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Nz0uL6z-GRs/s400/IMG_3862.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234133063584204706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKNgSioQR6I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/B1bkPp3ozzQ/s400/IMG_3870.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>And because it's a franchise, you also get to support a local business owner who has always wanted to have her own place, but could never make it happen, and has finally made it happen, and you just can't wait to support her. Yeah, the whole franchise thing is a good deal. </div><div> </div><div>A haircut at Sharkey's turned out to be way more than just a haircut (and we did get very good haircuts!), starting with our first surprise of the day: manicures!</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234133051101643650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKNgR0ILg4I/AAAAAAAAAHA/sebWbcnfq1k/s400/IMG_3864.JPG" border="0" />Okay, well, they weren't full manicures, but that's probably a good thing, as the full deal requires one to sit still for an extended period of time. Not good if you're a kid receiving said service, and especially not good if you're the baby brother who's waiting for his sisters to engage in yet another girly-girl activity. Anyway, they picked their paint colors, sat on zebra striped seats in a hot pink room filled with the illustrious sounds of Hannah Montana surrounded by all manner of princess costume....and were in heaven. Then it was on to the main event, which naturally started with a full shampoo (notice the placement of the hand to insure the previously mentioned manicure remained in full view):<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234225609932638082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKO0dcpJh4I/AAAAAAAAAHo/O4lfCfQJ0pg/s400/IMG_3871.JPG" border="0" />Ooooh, before I forget....the sweet owner, whose name starts with a D, was insanely kind and, true story!, <em>brewed a pot of coffee and served me a steaming cup </em>as soon as this whole adventure started. Coffee! Freshly brewed! And served to me! A girl after my own heart.</div></div></div><br /><p>Now onto the cut, speedy and precise. Flat screen T.V. anyone? Hannah Montana? Yes please, I'll take two.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234225611206793106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKO0dhY7l5I/AAAAAAAAAHw/ccpaMxMi_lI/s400/IMG_3868.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>Or if you have littler ones, let 'em choose their truck and enjoy some Noggin...they'll forget they're even getting a haircut at all! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234133061026424802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKNgSZGbp-I/AAAAAAAAAHI/bX4eTW5E1og/s400/IMG_3869.JPG" border="0" />Of course, no haircut is really complete until you get your blowout (and glitter!), preferrably with the mostest funnest, cutest, stripiest blow-dryer <em>ever</em>!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234225623099302642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKO0eNsU4vI/AAAAAAAAAIA/_KhiaYj59eo/s400/IMG_3876.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Oh, oh, oh! And what does one do while one's sister is receiving her haircut? Why, one plays games on the American Girl website on a fabulous flat-screen Apple in the play room, that's what one does!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234225615244020370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKO0dwbeypI/AAAAAAAAAH4/7qtcHdQlkwM/s400/IMG_3874.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And finally, when you think it just can't get any better, you are ushered back into the amazingly pink room of manicure fame and instructed to choose your favorite feather boa (yes! A collection of different feather boas!). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234133070923345026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKNgS9-CrII/AAAAAAAAAHY/cinoVGjg6k4/s400/IMG_3880.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234133078596581602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKNgTaje-OI/AAAAAAAAAHg/rrsiVYwgACU/s400/IMG_3887.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Once you are suitably fanci-fied, D will take your picture in front of the mirrors-of-awesomeness, while you sit in the pink-director's-chair-of-coolness, wrapped, of course, in your favorite feather boa. And then she will print your photos and you can take them home with you so you can immediately show your friends, and then your friends can hound their mom to take them to the newly-found Most Fabulous Place on Earth: Sharkey's</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234225620618981074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKO0eEc-LtI/AAAAAAAAAII/3_n2bnpzjTc/s400/IMG_3892.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p>Sharkey's Cuts for Kids</p><p>41785 Nicole Lane </p><p>Temecula, California 92591 </p><p>Phone: 951-699-0218</p>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-85631705621411943582008-08-11T20:18:00.000-07:002008-08-12T10:19:20.706-07:00Even though she's a girl, she modeled the duds anywayAt the risk of scaring everyone off with all our history-museum chatter (see Erica's previous museum posts, below) I want to say that we went to ye olde (not really called that) Temecula Valley History Museum, and it was just as good, maybe better than we had hoped, especially since it took us approximately 4 minutes to get there, cost me next to nothing, and was even loads of fun for the baby, who was totally entertained despite (because of?) the fact that he had no idea what was going on.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233467796466470770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKEDO5fUj3I/AAAAAAAAAGg/6qUCGXINhl4/s400/IMG_3821.JPG" border="0" /><br />The real reason I'm bothering to post more about the TVHM is that my older daughter, a recently self-proclaimed tomboy, was all too eager to try on the boy duds, as shown in the following:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233467791083420930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKEDOlb5vQI/AAAAAAAAAGY/KvzCZEEN_fo/s400/IMG_3822.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>(She hoped her disguise would fool even her own father. I'm happy to report that it did not.)</p><p>And really because he has no choice, the baby was a good sport and agreed to wear some 'costumes' as well:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233467804046279282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKEDPVufQnI/AAAAAAAAAGw/VSTpDPzQuLA/s400/IMG_3837.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233467802072565250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKEDPOX6xgI/AAAAAAAAAGo/KwkxJvVG4A8/s400/IMG_3841.JPG" border="0" />But most importantly for all you moms out there, </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233467810645473138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SKEDPuT293I/AAAAAAAAAG4/feTFVHaexS4/s400/IMG_3840.JPG" border="0" />for 56 glorious minutes, all three children engaged in the same activity with nary a hint of the bickering, eye-rolling, and general unrest that seems an inextricable part of almost every outing. A success by any standards!</p>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-10810296001086248962008-08-09T11:41:00.000-07:002008-08-13T22:22:43.350-07:00The Upstairs Secret at the Temecula History MuseumSo I've mentioned the <a href="http://ihearttemecula.blogspot.com/2008/08/sleeper-hit-temecula-valley-history.html">many reasons </a>why you should sign your children up for the <a href="http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Residents/Museum"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TVHM</span></a>'s summer camps. And I've mentioned the many reasons why you should visit the museum. But I had to defer until a later post the best reason of all... The reason your children will have to revise their opinions of you (or at least of your decision to take them to a history museum instead of the beach) in an upward direction.<br /><br /><br />I give you...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oCSu0QpI/AAAAAAAAADU/LfUGxvq1p-s/s1600-h/DSC02607.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232593468159967890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oCSu0QpI/AAAAAAAAADU/LfUGxvq1p-s/s320/DSC02607.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The "Touch History" exhibit. Now at first, this seems a little misleading, because there are lots of things you'd want to touch--the general store, a dressmaker's shop, antique cameras. But can't. Such lovelies are tucked away behind protective glass enclosures:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oCw40OOI/AAAAAAAAADc/hQmQ7gpDf1c/s1600-h/DSC02608_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232593476254972130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oCw40OOI/AAAAAAAAADc/hQmQ7gpDf1c/s320/DSC02608_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oDZqo_MI/AAAAAAAAADk/lxwHR_3hI3E/s1600-h/DSC02609_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232593487201369282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oDZqo_MI/AAAAAAAAADk/lxwHR_3hI3E/s320/DSC02609_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p>Or railings...</p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3uiiUjI4I/AAAAAAAAAEE/Z-ThfnAeHoM/s1600-h/DSC02612.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232600619170341762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3uiiUjI4I/AAAAAAAAAEE/Z-ThfnAeHoM/s320/DSC02612.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But if you press on, you will find...words fail me...the Giant Box of Semi-Historically Accurate Dress-up Clothes. And when you do, you better have brought along some reading material, because your children will quite happily spend the next several hours there.<br /><br />There is, of course, a full-length mirror:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oD2oSPQI/AAAAAAAAADs/-28Z0oJ-PK8/s1600-h/DSC02617_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232593494976118018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oD2oSPQI/AAAAAAAAADs/-28Z0oJ-PK8/s320/DSC02617_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And all manner of twirly dresses, reminiscent of the Ballet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Folklorico</span> dancers who entertained the children at camp during session three:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oEAETzLI/AAAAAAAAAD0/tAlnAd-A604/s1600-h/DSC02618_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232593497509579954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3oEAETzLI/AAAAAAAAAD0/tAlnAd-A604/s320/DSC02618_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There are even bonnets which look equally fetching worn either traditionally or backwards:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3uiea07yI/AAAAAAAAAD8/keqnIbsvQ_E/s1600-h/DSC02620_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232600618122932002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3uiea07yI/AAAAAAAAAD8/keqnIbsvQ_E/s320/DSC02620_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(And there are boy clothes too. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sheriff</span> clothes, cowboy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">accoutrement</span>... denim and rawhide and straw everywhere. And <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bandannas</span>. But I didn't have any boys to model such duds.)<br /><br /><br />And then, when they're all dressed up and almost but not quite ready to start bickering, lead them around the corner to the... oh my... the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Life-Size</span> Fiberglass Horse. Fully tacked. Because the folks at the museum understand kids, there is a little set of carpeted steps next to the horse, inviting the children to climb up. My younger daughter noted, "I have a prefect view of the entire museum from up here!"<br /><br /><br />And because they understand parents, the horse is bolted safely to the floor at each hoof. And because they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">understand</span> litigation, there is a discreet sign reminding you that you--bolted hooves or no--are responsible for your child's safety.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3ui6yEZZI/AAAAAAAAAEM/wakrrQcMoiA/s1600-h/DSC02622_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232600625736607122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3ui6yEZZI/AAAAAAAAAEM/wakrrQcMoiA/s320/DSC02622_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You can even ride side-saddle.<br /><br /><br />And then, when even the entertainment potential of the horse has faded, you can walk outside and act hesitant about (but then ultimately acquiesce, thus conferring a sense of hard won-value which must be fully exploited by playing hard and long) turning them loose on<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3yi7EEoqI/AAAAAAAAAEU/GvO3xl1tbCs/s1600-h/DSC02627.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232605023858631330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJ3yi7EEoqI/AAAAAAAAAEU/GvO3xl1tbCs/s320/DSC02627.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The playground at Sam Hicks Park. Small, but also nearly always empty, with a great view of the foothills and some shaded picnic tables and benches for your sitting pleasure.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Did I mention admission is a suggested donation of $2? You can't beat that with a stick.<br /><br /><strong>General info:</strong><br /><br />28314 Mercedes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Street Temecula</span>, CA 92592<br />(951) 694-6450 front desk<br />(951) 694-6452 or (951) 694-6453 admin. offices<br /><br />Hours<br />Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.<br />Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.<br />Closed Mondays<br /><br />Admission<br />Suggested donation $2.00Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11374287711815234025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-54272082135529557122008-08-07T10:44:00.000-07:002008-08-07T12:10:08.135-07:00You'll Flip for DC Gymnastics and TumblingIf you have kids, and I imagine you do if you've found your way to this blog or to Temecula in general, you know that skipping is better than walking, rolling is better than sitting, and that if you are gonna get on a couch, you might as flip over the back in order to get there. At least that's how it is in my house. Enter gymnastics, the sport that requires no equipment (for mom to buy, at least) and no sweating out in the hot summer sun. What you will get is a fun workout for your kids that builds muscle, endurance, and flexibility, all while providing a healthy boost to their self-esteem. There are some cities that don't have gymnastics academies. Temecula has two. After some tours and some trial classes, my girls decided to go with <a href="http://www.tumblejungle.com/">DC Gymnastics and Tumbling</a>, also called Tumble Jungle. They loved the easy-going, fun, family atmosphere. They loved the openness of the gym itself. Mom loved that they didn't have to buy uniforms.<br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231834828628685874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs2DqPt9DI/AAAAAAAAAFo/XtiwKaaPrWw/s400/IMG_3648.JPG" border="0" /></p>Started in 1990 by Dan and Carrie O'Neil, parents of three, the gym encourages each child to work at his or her own pace while also challenging them with hard work and discipline. And don't forget FUN! My girls always have so much fun at their classes, and the fact that Dan and Carrie have kids of their own is very apparent. They are always there, always pleasant, and when an instructor is out, Dan is quick to jump in and teach the class himself (my younger daughter had him for a couple of weeks. He is a hoot!). In addition to all the fun-ness though, this is also a serious gym. Once inside, you'll find:<br /><p>4 sets of bars<br />40' tumble track<br />40 x 40 spring floor<br />60' rod floor<br />2 overhead spotting rigs<br />2- trampolines<br />foam pit<br />2- Zip lines<br />4- Trapezes<br />2-pommel horses<br />3 mushrooms<br />3 sets of rings<br />2 sets paralell bars<br />Jungle Island w/ a secret tunnel<br />Preschool gym with equipment ment for younger children </p>To a mom, that means you're not just paying for a glorified day at the park. To the kids, that means being at gymnastics is waaaaaay cooler than being at home. And don't forget Parent's Night Out twice a month and Play Gym once a week- alone time for mom and dad should never be underestimated ;-)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231834819691889714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs2DI9BRDI/AAAAAAAAAFY/G6dZRtf10-E/s400/IMG_3646.JPG" border="0" /><br />This summer, they held a totally optional but totally fun Summer Olympics Show. We didn't have to buy matching uniforms or come to evening rehearsals or hold a bake sale to raise funds. We just put on something that was red white and blue ( I bought their leotards on Ebay. Sweet!) and showed up for a good time. After a few hours of classic Americana music, totally adorable floor-routines, and some pretty impressive demonstrations by the performance team, all the kids were called up individually to receive their medals. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs-wIDGO1I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Y5W-qOXudUQ/s1600-h/IMG_3655.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231844388636080978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs-wIDGO1I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Y5W-qOXudUQ/s400/IMG_3655.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs-wWRc7VI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HTaEl_Uq8CY/s1600-h/IMG_3657.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231844392454384978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs-wWRc7VI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HTaEl_Uq8CY/s400/IMG_3657.JPG" border="0" /></a>From the-little-gymnast-that-already-is to the-gymnast-who-wishes-she-could-be, there's something for everyone at Tumble Jungle...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs2DrmgvRI/AAAAAAAAAFw/Axac6uWyGM4/s1600-h/IMG_3653.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs2D5iHyyI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Rp7HuqBy9y0/s1600-h/IMG_3654.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231834832732408610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJs2D5iHyyI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Rp7HuqBy9y0/s400/IMG_3654.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />....especially if that something is a really good time.<br /><br />DC Gymnastics and Tumbling<br />Tumble Jungle<br />41735 Winchester Rd. Suite D<br />Temecula, CA 92590<br />Phone: (951) 296-0064<br />Fax: (951) 296-0066<br /><a class="Link" href="mailto:info@tumblejungle.com">info@tumblejungle.com</a>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-51011304502891421452008-08-05T19:18:00.000-07:002008-08-12T10:15:31.874-07:00Sleeper Hit: Temecula Valley History Museum<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231237664445377058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkW8ITpKiI/AAAAAAAAACc/Us71-V8hqhE/s320/DSC02604_edited.JPG" border="0" />Today's sleeper entertainment hit is the <a href="http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Residents/Museum/">Temecula Valley History Museum </a>in Old Town Temecula. Tucked away on Mercedes Street, next to the Fire Department, it's easy to miss--and I have missed it, despite the fact that I am in Old Town every Saturday for the <a href="http://thefarmersmarket247.com/">Temecula Farmers Market.<br /></a><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Yet the Museum is a surprisingly vibrant force in Temecula's cultural life, offering tours of historic Old Town, workshops, gallery-style installations, and--most importantly for the purposes of this family-centric discussion--a Summer Explorers Camp for kids. (For a list of activities, see pages 26-27 of the <a href="http://www.cityoftemecula.org/NR/rdonlyres/F3C3A443-F0B6-49D9-85DC-991F976D5D99/0/RecGuideFinal.pdf">activities brochure</a>.)</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>The Summer Explorers Camp runs every Summer for four consecutive weeks. Each week (you can attend any one or all of them) features a different theme. This year's themes were Natural History, Native American History, New World Influences, and Exploring Pioneer Life.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>My older daughter (the one complaint I have about the camps is that the age range only accommodates 8-10 year olds) attended sessions three and four this summer. Each day she got to participate in a different activity--weaving, dyeing yarn with onion skins, making adobe bricks, spinning on a drop-spindle, panning for fool's gold--and one day each week was a field trip.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The first field trip was to <a href="http://www.sanluisrey.org/">Mission San Luis Rey </a>in Oceanside. The TVHM docents were organized, efficient, and inspired confidence--impossible to overestimate the importance of these traits in parents' minds. One caveat: if your child is unaccustomed to old-school Catholic iconography, well, they will be afterwards.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkVfvnVgPI/AAAAAAAAACM/kNZFpaWwIos/s1600-h/DSC02598.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231236077269123314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px" height="276" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkVfvnVgPI/AAAAAAAAACM/kNZFpaWwIos/s320/DSC02598.JPG" width="562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>"Mom!" My distraught 8-year-old informed me, "They had a big statue of Jesus and he was bleeding and had a crown of thorns on his head! And we had to walk through this cemetery where they had buried all these dead people!"</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkVf6CVlFI/AAAAAAAAACU/mTfTdu6f4pA/s1600-h/DSC02599.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231236080066729042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkVf6CVlFI/AAAAAAAAACU/mTfTdu6f4pA/s320/DSC02599.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness she didn't ask why Our Lady of Sorrow is so sorrowful. Next up: Vail Ranch and a walking tour of Old Town, Temecula. Let's hope they score a little lower on the creep-out scale.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nightmares and sleeplessness aside, my favorite thing about the camp is that it is so <em>wholesome</em>. The activities are wholesome, the museum itself it wholesome, the field trips are mostly wholesome. There is no franchise here, no weird sporty-type inter-parental politics, no subtextual merchandising. There are no expensive dance costumes to be purchased, no junk-food-filled outings. It's just a bunch of good kids being adeptly managed by folks who genuinely care about passing on knowledge about the area's considerable history. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The camps run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day and--given the load of hands-on activities and the overall quality-per-dollar ratio--are a <strong>screaming deal</strong> at $45 per week.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Even if you've missed the camps, you should still check out the Temecula Valley History Museum. There are some genuinely fascinating displays documenting the various historical influences on Temecula. </div><div></div><div>Old World artifacts:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfgThjZxI/AAAAAAAAACk/UZWj52i_hQI/s1600-h/DSC02601.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231247082024822546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfgThjZxI/AAAAAAAAACk/UZWj52i_hQI/s320/DSC02601.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Original maps:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfhAEVM2I/AAAAAAAAADE/ilvkyp46UZE/s1600-h/DSC02606.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231247093981852514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfhAEVM2I/AAAAAAAAADE/ilvkyp46UZE/s320/DSC02606.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Replicas of Old Town:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfgtOpsXI/AAAAAAAAAC0/5RXwcYHVSF0/s1600-h/DSC02603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231247088924864882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfgtOpsXI/AAAAAAAAAC0/5RXwcYHVSF0/s320/DSC02603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Reminders of a more recently bygone era:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfgcW13bI/AAAAAAAAACs/EdrND0ZMjUw/s1600-h/DSC02602.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231247084395814322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GU1PWwunASw/SJkfgcW13bI/AAAAAAAAACs/EdrND0ZMjUw/s320/DSC02602.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But the number one reason why you must not miss the Temecula Valley History Museum if you have children?<br /><br />Stay tuned. That will have to wait until tomorrow.Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11374287711815234025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-69071561386680095832008-08-04T14:50:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:22:50.467-08:00How Living in Temecula Saves You Money : Part 2<u><strong>WinCo Foods</strong><br /></u><br /><div>Temecula is the land of a lot of things- wine, low humidity, beautiful views, wine (what? I like wine...), but what you'll also find is that it's the land of choices. Now I know it's hard to get excited about a post glorifying a grocery store, but when you're a mom on a budget, or just a girl who'd rather spend her hard earned cash on Juicy Couture than Juicy Juice, and the grocery store is where you're going to spend a big chunk of change, it's nice to know that you have some choices, and that one of them will save you oodles of dinero. If you want, go to Albertsons or Vons or Stater Brothers or Ralphs or Costco or Trader Joe's or Henry's....Temecula's got 'em all. But if you want amazing bargains every day, a fantastic selection of ethnic foods, and a vibe that says no-blowout-or-stilletos-required, all <em>without </em>needing membership, then hop on over to WinCo foods on the northwest corner of Margarita and Winchester. </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230790012845018306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJd_zYJJzMI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/tcnKMi8vg7Q/s400/winco.jpg" border="0" />Some of what you find will be your standard fare, albeit at crazy low prices, but you'll also find a super-duper bulk foods area, in-house deli meats and cheeses, a bakery, and a pizzaria. You'll also want to stock up on the boring-but-necessary things like toilet paper and goldfish crackers, because you'll find them there in ginormous packages, all at a bargain. My last trip set me back $105.64, but that included: wine, cat food, produce, pasta, breads, two gallons of milk, meats, dairy, an extra large pizza from the pizzaria, spices, baking ingredients....enough food to feed a family of 5 plus a cat for an entire week! I must warn you- there is no full-service going on here. If you want to knock 100 bucks off your monthly grocery bill, you're gonna have to work that ol' elbow. As in, bag your own groceries. Take them to your car yourself. Load them up yourself. Oh, and <em>no credit cards! </em>Debit is fine, and checks are a-okay, but your Delta Airlines Platinum Mastercard? Leave it home, darlin'. We're savin' money today!</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>WinCo Foods #56</div><div>40435 Winchester Rd.</div><div>Temecula, CA 92591 </div>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-7801396435504569082008-08-03T09:49:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:22:51.561-08:00Wine Tasting Should be Called Wine ChuggingTemecula Valley is the wine country of Southern California. Southern California is one of the few areas outside of the real Mediterrenean to enjoy a Mediterrenean climate. The amount of rainfall we get could land us into the 'desert' category, but precipitation does not a climate make. The fact that almost all of the rainfall is in the very temperate winter makes the winter our growing season- something that makes this a region ideal for grape-growing and wine-making. Which in turn makes it ideal for fantastically fun wine-tasting tours that are both affordable and safe! Some of the wineries also boast hotels, spas, meeting areas, restaurants....all perfect for a weekend getaway that's not too far away. I'll be focusing on wine-tasting tours here, but for more destination info and gorgeous pics of other peoples' weddings, check out two of my favorites: <a href="http://www.pontewinery.com/">Ponte Winery</a> and <a href="http://www.wineresort.com/">South Coast Winery Resort and Spa</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230346669444444626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXslZRiMdI/AAAAAAAAAFA/QSVaSQfE0JU/s400/wine+tasting2.png" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>For our fantastically fun wine-tasting tour, we took <a href="http://www.gogrape.com/">The Grapeline-The Wine Country Shuttle</a> which picked us up and dropped us off at the Embassy Suites on Rancho California Rd.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230346661684030434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXsk8XTq-I/AAAAAAAAAE4/nluLD0h7Njk/s400/wine+tasting1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />If we had thought harder about it, or had this fantastic blog to read when we were planning the excursion, we would have booked a room at the hotel for the evening after the wine tasting. Why do such a thing if you live right around the corner? Well, because "wine tasting" should really be called "wine chugging", and when you are done with your trip you will be in absolutely no condition whatsoever to be operating a motorized vehicle.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230338327795479570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXk_2NcNBI/AAAAAAAAAEo/zsttqZQiwaY/s400/IMG_0389.JPG" border="0" />The shuttle was a great choice- all our tastings were included with our tickets....<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230338321676931570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXk_faqkfI/AAAAAAAAAEY/YTawb4DCINI/s400/IMG_03852.jpg" border="0" />plus a delicious picnic lunch (actually eaten at tables in an adorable gazeebo) at<a href="http://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/"> Wilson Creek Winery</a>, home of the famous almond champagne,<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXk-yQVMbI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/-vidOK1xCg0/s1600-h/IMG_0383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230338309553992114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXk-yQVMbI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/-vidOK1xCg0/s400/IMG_0383.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />not to mention we had a designated driver/tourguide who knew to take us to the <a href="http://www.longshadowranchwinery.com/">Longshadow Ranch Winery </a>for the live band that was playing that day.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXk_pke74I/AAAAAAAAAEg/PDRZ4LPWjrI/s1600-h/IMG_0400.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230338324402466690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJXk_pke74I/AAAAAAAAAEg/PDRZ4LPWjrI/s400/IMG_0400.JPG" border="0" /></a>Incidentally, our insurance guy, a native Temeculan, says he loves to go to this winery with his wife and daughter because it's so laid back and fun, and the kids love the horses.</div><div></div><div>There are about <a href="http://http//www.temeculawines.org/wineries.asp">30 other wineries </a>in Temecula that I didn't mention in this post. Read some reviews, ogle some pics, and make a plan to come visit me in beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Country. You won't be disappointed!</div>dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-70621185056081684362008-07-31T16:05:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:22:52.389-08:00Paradise FoundThis unplanned blog has come to be due to my current obsession with looking at real-estate combined with my decidedly blockheaded opinion of maps- that opinion being that I don't need one. Fortunately for my children, this accidental adventure turned out to be a good one- one that we will go on again, for sure. You see, usually in the world of suburban living one must make choices. You can choose to live in a convenient location or you can choose to live in a beautiful location. You can have a huge-gantical lot OR you can be right around the corner from Ann Taylor Loft. You can't have both....or can you? In addition to my all my other flaws, I am definitely interested in having my cake and also eating it. I mean, who doesn't like cake? So for all you cake lovers out there, I present Via Norte, Temecula, CA a windy, hilly street with gorgeous views:<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHbnbM-cI/AAAAAAAAAEA/dl72cN60KjE/s1600-h/T08079939_17_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229320657095686594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHbnbM-cI/AAAAAAAAAEA/dl72cN60KjE/s400/T08079939_17_0.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHbhsDDmI/AAAAAAAAAEI/dMecVYPNSn4/s1600-h/T08090684_12_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229320655555726946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHbhsDDmI/AAAAAAAAAEI/dMecVYPNSn4/s400/T08090684_12_0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And beautiful homes with enormous yards you can really do something in. And by "something" I mean, like, ride horses. And by "enormous" I mean <em>minimum </em>half an acre....for the po' folk of that neighborhood:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHPfUupAI/AAAAAAAAADg/UQmSBH7DM1Y/s1600-h/T08014240_18_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229320448762618882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHPfUupAI/AAAAAAAAADg/UQmSBH7DM1Y/s400/T08014240_18_0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHPpCv23I/AAAAAAAAADo/o4Nvdr-t1U0/s1600-h/T08014240_19_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229320451371555698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHPpCv23I/AAAAAAAAADo/o4Nvdr-t1U0/s400/T08014240_19_0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHPr257lI/AAAAAAAAADw/XFr4T6SDgIM/s1600-h/T08033198_15_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229320452127190610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHPr257lI/AAAAAAAAADw/XFr4T6SDgIM/s400/T08033198_15_0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHP5NmW1I/AAAAAAAAAD4/3KcTlz7tLSU/s1600-h/T08033198_16_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229320455712037714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2yaKRmTvkMA/SJJHP5NmW1I/AAAAAAAAAD4/3KcTlz7tLSU/s400/T08033198_16_0.jpg" border="0" /></a>On this street (and and any of its little, tiny side streets/driveways) you will find all sorts of houses: traditional, spanish style, adobe, ranch, colonial, a house that looks like it moved here from Plano, TX, a glorified lean-to....the list goes on and on. What you will not find is congestion or zero lot lines. And most importantly for this modified city girl, you can be at Trader Joe's in 8 minutes flat. BOOYAH!dwijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860747932373190158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922220614497905466.post-71525576460878773382008-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:002008-07-30T14:02:15.413-07:00Earthquake ProneSo yesterday's quake was another reminder that we live in a "seismically active" area. In case you didn't know, Temecula sits ON TOP OF the <a href="http://www.data.scec.org/fault_index/elsfault.html">Elsinore Fault</a>. A relatively "quiet" fault, yes, but still estimated to be capable of a magnitude 7.5 quake--8 times bigger than the Northridge quake. Along with wildfires, black widows, and cosmetic surgery, quakes are just one of those things that lends Southern California living it's enviable <em>je ne sais quois</em>.<br /><br />I was sitting on my bed talking to a friend when I felt the rolling begin. I said "Oh my god I have to go," dropped the phone, and ran into the living room where the children were playing. In front of three heavy bookshelves and beneath the swinging ceiling fan.<br /><br />They looked at me quizzically.<br /><br />"Didn't you feel that?" I asked.<br /><br />"What?"<br />"No."<br />"I did."<br /><br />So it was one out of three.<br /><br />I was rattled; the thing with earthquakes--well, one of the many--is that when one starts, you really don't know whether it's going to last mere seconds or stretch on for minutes, whether it's going to be a little let-off-some-steam rumble or a massive seismic "adjustment" on the scale of the current housing market slide. You also don't know whether the quake you just felt was the main attraction or just a "foreshock."<br /><br />I moved the kids to a safer spot on the floor. And then I logged on to one of my favorite SoCal resources, the <a href="http://www.data.scec.org/">Southern California Earthquake Data Center</a>. Within seconds, I knew the magnitude (5.4), epicenter (near Chino Hills) and that the <a href="http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/">USGS</a> (US Geological Survey--which boasts another great earthquake info site) estimated that was the main shock, with aftershocks predicted to follow.<br /><br />Given the results of yesterday's quake--not much damage--it's easy (though I never would have imagined it) to become a little blase about our seismic future here. Here are some things to keep in mind:<br /><br />The perceived "significance" of a given quake has to do with several factors, including<br /><ul><li>magnitude</li><li>hypocentral depth</li><li>epicentral location</li></ul><p>The deadly magnitude 6.7 <a href="http://www.data.scec.org/chrono_index/northreq.html">Northdridge quake </a>of 1994 was only the 7th largest quake in recent California history, but the urban epicenter meant toppled overpasses, collapsed buildings, and 60 fatalities. In contrast, the 7.3 mgnitude <a href="http://www.data.scec.org/chrono_index/landersq.html">Landers quake </a>two years earlier had over 5 times greater shaking amplitude and released approximately 15 times more energy, but was much less destructive--resulting in only 3 fatalities.</p><p>It's also worth remembering that we are the lucky beneficiaries of improved building codes--even yesterday's "moderate" magnitude 5.4 quake would've caused extensive damage to poorly built structures like those in much of the undeveloped world.</p>Last year the USGS released a <a href="http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1437/">special report </a>predicting the likelihood of a large quake (6.5 or greater) throughout California over the next 30 years. In summary: Buckle up.<br /><br />The Earthquake Country Aliance has developed the <a href="http://www.shakeout.org/scenario/">ShakeOut Scenario, </a> which focuses on the eventual "gigantic" (approximately 7.8) quake along the Southern San Andreas, and has planned a week of <a href="http://www.shakeout.org/events.html">Earth Quake Preparedness </a>activities for this November.<br /><br />To understand how significant that quake could be, let's look at the 1857 Fort Tejon magnitude 7.9 quake. The following description of that quake comes from the SCEDC:<br /><br />"As a result of the shaking, the current of the Kern River was turned upstream, and water ran four feet deep over its banks. The waters of <a class="link" href="http://www.kings.k12.ca.us/kcoe/curric/history/places/tularelake/lake2.html">Tulare Lake</a> were thrown upon its shores, stranding fish miles from the original lake bed. The waters of the Mokelumne River were thrown upon its banks, reportedly leaving the bed dry in places. The Los Angeles River was reportedly flung out of its bed, too. Cracks appeared in the ground near San Bernadino and in the San Gabriel Valley. Some of the artesian wells in Santa Clara Valley ceased to flow, and others increased in output. New springs were formed near Santa Barbara and San Fernando. Ridges (moletracks) several meters wide and over a meter high were formed in several places. In Ventura, the mission sustained considerable damage, and part of the church tower collapsed. At Fort Tejon, where shaking was greatest, damage was severe. All around southern and central California, the strong shaking caused by the 1857 shock was reported to have lasted for at least one minute, possibly two or three!"<br /><br />The Earthquake Country Alliance reports,<br /><br />"In an earthquake of this size, the shaking will last for nearly two minutes. The strongest shaking will occur near the fault (in the projected earthquake, the Coachella Valley, Inland Empire and Antelope Valley). Pockets of strong shaking will form away from the fault where sediments trap the waves (in the projected earthquake, it would occur in the San Gabriel Valley and in East Los Angeles). An earthquake of this size will cause unprecedented damage to Southern California—greatly dwarfing the massive damage that occurred in Northridge’s 6.7-magnitude earthquake in 1994."<br /><br />The Fort Tejon earthquake caused a surface rupture between 220 and 250 miles long, and had a maximum displacement of at least 30 feet. The SCEDC Notes, "Were the Fort Tejon shock to happen today, the damage would easily run into billions of dollars, and the loss of life would likely be substantial..."<br /><br />Temeculans, like our neighbors throughout Southern California, can't prevent or avoid or ignore earthquakes. And we also can't afford to be unprepared.<br /><br />Coming soon: Tips on earthquake preparedness and safety.Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11374287711815234025noreply@blogger.com2