Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from 2015

I'm Going to ShiftCon 2015 #Shiftcon #ShiftHappens

I'm shifting! I am passionate about learning all that I can about food, wellness, environmentalism & natural living. I am taking a step towards educating myself so that I can create a better, healthier life. I am behind the pack but excited to learn as much as I can and make some changes. I decided to involve myself with the Eco-Wellness Social Media conference, ShiftCon, because I simply want to know more. I need to know more. I know that once I do I will be armed to make much better decisions for the health and well being of my growing family. I will be the first to admit that my household needs some work! Not everything that we buy and use is the "good" stuff.  We don't always buy organic, we do buy processed foods, and we have some chemical cleaners! Eek! Right?! On the upside: I've been shifting slowly over the years. I am making better choices. Not the BEST ones, but I am getting there!  Baby steps. Little by little. I have a feeling that

SHAPE Magazine 2015 Blogger Meet and Tweet Los Angeles #ShapeMeetTweet

I am going to Los Angeles in October for the SHAPE Magazine Blogger Meet and Tweet! I couldn't ask for a better opportunity to find fitness motivation. I'll spend the day surrounded by fitness bloggers, SHAPE magazine editors, industry experts, and amazing sponsors! I'm certain that attendees will have a blast checking our the latest trends and new products! Even though I am not at the top of my fitness game, I've learned that the Fit Community is a supportive and welcoming one! I think mostly because everyone remembers their starting point to get fit (or get back to being fit)! All levels, body types, and age groups will surely be represented! I can hardly wait!!! Meet & Tweet 2013 I LOVE receiving inbox surprises when I check my email! Don't you?! Today's tidbit that has led to such a giddy feeling that has lasted ALL day: An exclusive invitation to the Blogger Meet & Tweet with SHAPE magazine! My RSVP was sent immediately and it's offic

Chick-fil-A Mom Panel 2015-2016 #ChickfilAMoms

The 3rd Annual Chick-fil-A Mom Panel launched this month and will continue through August 2016. Chick-fil-A has been partnering with engaged and influential moms to be a part of their exclusive Mom Panel. Moms will be sharing their opinions on things like new menu items and services to Kid’s Meal toys.  ALL aspects of the Chick-fil-A experience are valued by the Chick-fil-A group and we will get a chance to voice those opinions. I was selected to participate this time around and am excited to share my personal insight. As a first year panelist for the 2015-2016 year, I will respond to inquiries, participate in discussions, and provide my thoughts and feedback with my fellow panelists and with Chick-fil-A. I will also have the opportunity to share the latest Chick-fil-A scoop with you my friends! Let me be your link to Chick-fil-A! Follow along with me here on the blog for more! Look out for the hashtag #ChickfilAMoms on social media as well to stay in the know! I'll be represen

Bloggy Blessings For A Bad Blogger

My son and I have matching dimples. Oh HELLO Friend! Here I am! I wanted to pop in just to test the waters and share a bit about what is going on with me as well as what you may be seeing on the blog in the very near future. I know that my posts have been sporadic. This is by design. I am unapologetic that my blog is at the back of a very long line on my list of priorities. My home life with my loved ones will always come before my blogging pursuits. I don't post as regularly as I  should.  I know that it makes me a bad blogger . I've said it before and I am still not ashamed to admit that my blog sucks, but my life doesn't!   I am OK with that. Long ago I gave up on trying to juggle family life, work life, and blogging. I've been a much happier blogger for it. I take care of work and home first so that I may happily blog when I CAN and when I WANT to.  It makes blogging more rewarding for me knowing that everything at home and work is in order. I'd rather mak

Lemonade's Grand Opening Celebration at Westfield UTC in San Diego #lemonadela

Lemonade brings seasonal California comfort food to San Diego! Lemonade, the Los Angeles based fast-casual eatery now has two locations in San Diego. We attended Lemonade's Grand Opening Celebration at Westfield UTC to sample a variety of food in the signature Lemonade cafeteria-style setting.  At the end of our dining adventure we had the opportunity to chat with Executive Chef and Founder Alan Jackson. Since the launch of its flagship location in West Hollywood in 2008, Jackson and COO Ian Olsen have opened 15 locations throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas, as well as two locations in Dubai. In addition to the Westfield UTC in La Jolla and Hillcrest outposts in San Diego, current locations include Venice, Brentwood, Larchmont, MOCA, Downtown LA, USC, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Terminal 5 LAX, Pasadena, Westlake Village, Fashion Island Newport Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Sawtelle Blvd. Please take a moment to watch our video to view our visit to Lemonade! As firs

Neiman Marcus Fall 2015 Fashion Trend Report

It's that time for the Neiman Marcus Fall Trend Event! The Fall 2015 Trend Event preview in San Diego was held on August 12 at Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley . While enjoying a nice lunch, bloggers had the opportunity to preview Fall Fashion as presented by Style Advisor Alex Yanez. Food and fashion with friends (old and new) is a great way to spend an afternoon!  The Fall 15 Trend Event runs from August 12-19 at Neiman Marcus, don't miss out on the GWP. Several bloggers and I arrived fashionably early . We all took advantage of a quick photo op prior to the start of the show. To be honest, I love fashion and style - but since becoming a Mommy, I don't really dress the part that much anymore! I wasn't sure WHAT to wear but will post very soon on what I decided on! Meanwhile, please take a peek at some of the pictures that I was able to snap from my vantage point and my thoughts on Fall 2015. All of my pictures were taken with my smartphone, I guess I don't

My Jord Wood Watch Fits My Mom Style #jordwatch

Watch Gift Ideas Hello JORD Wood Watch !  I received this gorgeous watch to style and review. It has fast become my favorite accessory. I love the look and feel of this timepiece. I gladly put down my electronic devices that normally remind me of the time. I had been relying on my smart phone or my fitness tracker to help me keep time. Honestly though those little devices can cause stress and anxiety! A distraction when I am trying to unwind! The alarms that I set go off reminding me of the next thing to do.  Isn't there ALWAYS something to do? When I am with my family I unplug as much as I can!  I want to be present and in the moment. I still need to be mindful of the time. I can do that with my pretty little watch! It looks better on my wrist than my phone would anyway. EVEN though my phone is GORGEOUS too. The gift of time is something that want to share with my family. Since becoming a parent, time just seems to go by WAY too fast. I love my  JORD , it's my pr

Ocean Pacific Grille Now Open in San Diego

A New Seafood Restaurant & Bar located in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is now open! Ocean Pacific Grille is located at 531 F. St. San Diego, CA 92101. A few members of the newly formed San Diego Filipino Blogger Network got a sneak peek during a private tasting event. I was one of the lucky attendees! We were graciously welcomed by Brian Norris, Managing Partner and Charles Andres, Executive Chef|Partner.  #SDFBN Pictured with Brian and Chef Charles: Lora, Lysabeth, Raquel, and me - Cynthia You MUST visit our new friends and try their amazing Filipino inspired menu! Call ahead for reservations (619) 578-2828 and let them know that we sent you! The whole OPG family made us feel at home and will welcome you as well! Adobo style baby back ribs. French fries with   house made banana ketchup.   Crispy pork belly and ginger coconut risotto. Crispy skin sea bass and tamarind tomato broth  As described on their website: "Ocean Pacific Grille feature

Make Mom's Day with Tech-Savvy Deals from #ATTSanDiego + Martian Notifier Smartwatch GIVEAWAY

We have partnered with our friends at AT&T San Diego  to host a giveaway for one lucky reader to WIN a  Martian Notifier Smartwatch ! I know that all of my tech-savvy mom friends are listening! I received one and have been testing it out for a few days now. I must say that I really like that I don't have to have my phone in hand constantly! I get my notifications right on my wrist while my phone is tucked away nicely in my purse! Now that I have a smartwatch, I can imagine being without one! For Mother’s Day, AT&T is offering a promotion of $20 off the Martian Notifier Smartwatch (regularly priced at $129). If you're shopping for a gift for a special lady- don't miss this! I've also included a lineup (listed below) on other great Mother's Day gift ideas from AT&T! The best part? Discounts! Deals on popular products such as Beats Music accessories, Rebecca Minkoff phone cases, and Fitbit Fitness trackers (just to name a few) are available through 5/11/1

Athleta Yoga and Shopping Event #AthletaUTC #PowerToTheShe #FuelingAmazing

On Saturday April 18 at 8 AM, +Athleta  UTC hosted a private yoga and shopping event for bloggers. I loved the diversity of our group which consisted of mom, lifestyle, and running/fitness bloggers. I love meeting fellow bloggers IRL! I was long overdue for some "me" time so the timing of the Athleta blogger meet up was PERFECT! It has been ages since I've had any retail therapy so that was a plus too! The Athleta store is located at +Westfield UTC  (4505 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122). By the time I got home I felt properly pampered. I was energized after our yoga practice and came home with some new gear that has me motivated to make more time for working out! It might be time for me to renew my membership at my neighborhood yoga studio! +Carlee Padot McClurg  , +Melissa Kirkham ,  +Smitha Arons  ,  +Nicole Kempka , +Laura Lohr ,   +Cynthia Labrador , +Veronica Stetter    +Margo Porras    

Boudin SF Launches a NEW Spring Salad Collection #Saladelicious

Boudin SF, the fast-casual restaurant created by Boudin Bakery, creator of The Original San Francisco Sourdough™, has introduced three new limited-time salads. San Diego Bloggers were invited for a media tasting event at the Boudin Balboa Mesa location. We sampled the new Spring lineup that launched today, March 25. The new selections are Chicken Kale Caesar, Lemony Couscous, and Chicken Bahn Mi. We got to try them all! We also sampled the Happy Hour beer and wine offerings uniquely paired with each salad. Bloggers: +Melanie M.  ,  +Cynthia ,  +Danielle ,  +Dariela , +Melissa , +Lora , +Laura , +Leah  

Sharing My Post Natal Weight Loss Story #PostNatalFatBurner #spon

Giveaway has ended. FitTea  invited me to share my post natal weight loss story. Who remembers trying to lose weight after having a baby? To be honest, I didn't give weight loss much thought at first. I was a first time mom and I wasn't in a hurry to regain my pre-baby body. My only concern was taking care of my brand new baby and fitting into my new role as Mommy.  My husband is a very hands on parent so we learned together. He was there every step of the way. Our "baby" is now four years old. I guess that we are all different in deciding when we are ready to lose the pregnancy weight. And it's good to know that there are many options in which to drop those pounds. A photo posted by @lifebycynthia on Mar 17, 2015 at 12:33am PDT During pregnancy I gained 50 pounds. It was my first (and only) pregnancy. I am thankful that I did not develop gestational diabetes. In fact I was on target with my weight gains as determined by my doctor. It wasn&#

Staying Hydrated Using @DripDrop During a San Diego Heat Wave #DrinkDripDrop #spon

This is a sponsored post for +SheSpeaks / +Drip Drop  . Our forecast calls for record-setting heat to last all weekend. It was a HOT one here in San Diego. Just check out the snapshot from our local news station. It is definitely summer weather here in America's Finest City. The National Weather Service advised those planning outdoor activities this weekend to take care to avoid heat-related ailments. With our unseasonable heat wave we need to make sure to keep hydrated. I encourage my loved ones take fluids even BEFORE they begin to feel thirsty. While many folks may be using their DripDrop  Hydration Powder to help them through winter/ cold and flu season , those is our area need it to keep hydrated in the HEAT. Dehydration is caused when the body loses fluids and electrolytes faster than they can be replaced.  Kids and dehydration is a BIG concern. Children’s hydration needs are much different than those of adults. "Every year more than 200,000 children i

Foodie Friday with California Pizza Kitchen #CPKMomSD

Please allow me to share my CPK love. A few months back San Diego Bloggers were invited to get to know California Pizza kitchen with a sampling of their wide array of appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts, and cocktails. My thanks to CPK for hosting us. Food and Friendship are easily two of my favorite things! I had the opportunity to meet with my San Diego Mom Blogger friends and learn more about California Pizza Kitchen at the same time. The Solana Beach CPK crew rocks! We visited the Solana Beach Location of California Pizza Kitchen. They are located at 437 S HWY 101 Solana Beach, CA 92075 Photo Credit: SD Mom's Night Out | Angela Quisumbing My impression of CPK prior to our blogger luncheon was that it is a place to grab pizza and salad. Good pizza and salad. I had no idea that their menu was so expansive. I am thrilled that CPK can cover ANY of my food cravings way BEYOND pizza and salad! Pictured BBQ Chicken Pizza on the left and my FAVORITE

Blog Conference Road Trips With The Family #FebrezeCar

Giveaway has ended. Febreze sent us their Car Vent Clips to eliminate tough car odors and the Road Trip to Freshness board game for a little family fun. Thank you Febreze! As a blogger, I really enjoy going to blogging and social media conferences. I love it when they happen to be within driving distance from where my family and I live. I always bring them along so that we can make a family trip out of it.  Who doesn't love a family road trip?! Our in-car adventures have taken us to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Scottsdale. Relatively lengthy drives from our home is San Diego, especially with a little one. Being cooped up in car for hours is great family bonding time but it could also result in a smelly vehicle. Drive thru food smells are our biggest culprit on our road trips. Oh SURE, the grilled onions on a double cheeseburger sounds yummy and SMELLS delish... But hours later? Blech. Greasy french fries and cheeseburgers are fun road trip treats but you don't