A new spa gal was born after I spent two short days at the new Montevalle Health and Wellness Resort in the middle of the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico.

All the perks of a well crafted space, great food, a caring staff, and commiseration with fellow travel writers!

Thank you to @socaltravelwriters
and @montevalle.health.wellness for hosting. ...

A night to remember. Kinme Omakase just opened in San Diego and it's a transformative experience. Ten seats face the plank bar before panels of dramatic marble. It's a theatrical setting but not stuffy. There are only ten seats.

Chef Nao Ichimura works with a small, fine-tuned team, and they move in a nearly wordless flow. Each serving follows a progression in Kiseki and Edomae style, which was new for me. I noticed how each course complemented the previous in taste and texture.

And there were surprises like the Chef creating a sashimi piece and reaching across to place it in my hand, then a cup of umami - pea soup dotted with wild nettle oil - as a palette cleanser between the seafood and Wagyu beef course. Finishing with a ceremonial matcha was the perfect conclusion. Watching the ritual allowed a few moments to savor all that had transpired. Guess you can tell I loved it all.

The menu will evolve with the seasons and the daily catch. I floated home with a full heart and tummy. I so hope that San Diego and its visitors embrace Kinme.

Thank you, Nao-San, for the extraordinary evening.

#sushifix #omakasesushi #kinmesushisd #kiseki #japangram #sushifan #sandiegoblogger #sandiegofoodies # ...

Sipped an 805 brew while turning pages of the new Properly Chill zine. Full of inspiring stories by 805 ambassadors, like Tabbatha Ricci, Conner Coffin, Vicki Golden, and Ryan Howard, each page set my imagination on fire.

My journey to enjoying Beer has taken time, but living in California means an abundance of well crafted selections are within reach. I've also found that sipping a Beer can soothe my sensitive tummy, and especially when served in a glass at social occasions, makes a fine alternative to distilled spirits. Need I mention how delicious a cold brew is on a hot afternoon? Cheers to more of those as spring slides into summer.

Thank you for the samples, Firestone Walker and 805 Beer. Drink Responsibly.

Music: Audio Hero

#805living #beerofinstagram #craftbeergirls #getinmytummynow #drinkthis #805foodie #properlychilled ...

It's official, spring has arrived when the Flowerfields of Carlsbad open to the public. The 55 acres are planted so the blooms roll across the landscape, peaking row by row. It's something to behold!

There's more going on as well with master and butterfly gardens, poinsettia and orchid houses, a food caboose, and, of course, tractor rides. Everything is open daily through Mother's Day.

And the 'Stay and See' package at the Cassara Hilton, which overlooks the fields, makes it easy. Park the car once and shuttle to the flowers. Stroll and play, then return to dine, swim and soak, under the stars, before going home.

Many thanks to the Cassara Carlsbad Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields for hosting my staycation. ...

Winter getaway - Rode up to Carlsbad for a night at the Cassara Carlsbad, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The spacious property perches just above the Flower Fields and is minutes away from Legoland in north San Diego county.

Love the tiles patterns and color palette throughout and the family size hot tub. The rooms are big enough to spread out a yoga mat, too.

Sometimes, a little staycation is all one needs.

#staycations #weekendescapes #carlsbadcalifornia #sandiegogram #swimminglife #localhotel #tripwellgal #travelgrams ...

Take the Plunge! It's winter outside, but you wouldn't know it inside the Belmont Park historic pool. Opened in 1925, and once the largest fresh water pool in the state, it now hosts lap swimming and a new obstacle course at the same time. Loved watching kids and parents play. Makes me wish I were pint-sized once again.

#belmontpark #theplunge #poolsidefun #obstaclecourserace #indoorswimmingpool #sandiegogram #watercourse #inflatablefun #tripwellgal #sandiegoblogger ...

The myth of El Dorado is long and dusty... but the namesake bar in San Diego polished the legend and reopened downtown.

I can't argue that the classic cocktails are 'made perfect,' especially the Gold Rush - made with a touch of honey.

Congratulations to the team at @pouringwithheart for reopening and their mission to preserve bars while building industry careers with care. Can't wait to return with friends and support the cause. ...