Our third stop on our California Coastal Vacay was San Simeon. While we camped at Hearst San Simeon campground, we were able to visit Cambria and Moonstone Beach. On our way to our next stop in Morro Bay, we visited Harmony & Cayucos on the drive back down. This was the busiest part of our...
BriGeeski's Latest Posts
Visiting Pismo State Beach, Oceana Dunes
Our second stop on our California Coastal Vacay was Pismo State Beach, Oceana Dunes! We stayed at the Oceana campground which is about a mile inland from the beach. There are some beach trails to walk but we drove over to the ocean since you can drive right on the sand at Pismo Beach. The...
BriGeeski Beach Scene Art Series
My love of creativity started with drawing and painting when I was a child. It's been at the center of my heart for a long time. I'm so very excited to announce the BriGeeski Beach Scene Art Series is now available on Etsy! I've treated painting more as a hobby than any sort of career...
Camping at Refugio State Beach
We are home from our 2 week California Coastal Vacay! It was an epic trip and I'm going to tell you all about Camping at Refugio State Beach first! Our first and one of our favorite stops was at Refugio. The Refugio State Beach Campground is an ideal spot for beach campers. The spots are...
A Staycation at the Welk Resort San Diego
One of our new favorite destinations for a family staycation is at the Welk Resort San Diego! This place has it all, including awesome water slides, lots of pools, activities and beautiful rooms. The Welk Resort San Diego is an awesome spot to take the family on a San Diego Staycation. It's located right in...
2021 Summer Fun List, Coastal Edition
Today was the last day of school! We are so absolutely excited to be done with this school year but even more excited that it is summertime! I have your 2021 Summer Fun List, Coastal Edition to kick off summer today! I've included our list filled in with activities that we are planning on doing...
Must Try Italian Coastal Fare in Little Italy, Allegro
It's so nice to see restaurants and people out and about again! Mark and I enjoyed an awesome date night in Little Italy this week. This must try Italian coastal fare in Little Italy is Allegro. From the creators at San Diego Dining Group, their latest restaurant is an experience you'll want to visit time...
Wine & Cheese Paint Party at Venissimo in Del Mar
The Wine & Cheese Paint Party at Venissimo in Del Mar was such a blast! This was our first hybrid event where guests had the choice of joining us live at the Venissimo Del Mar shop "piazza del formaggio" courtyard or via Zoom from the comfort of their home! This Paint Party is in collaboration...
Designing the Future Champions Golf Magazine
The world is yours to create! The last few months, I've been working on a new project. I've been designing the Future Champions Golf Magazine. The May issue is out today and I wanted to share a bit about it with you here. This is our third issue and it’s become one of my favorite projects of...
Batch and Box Cookies in Del Mar
Chocolate Chip Cookies have been my favorite dessert for as long as I can remember. When I heard about Batch and Box Cookies opening up in Del Mar, I knew I had to try them! Let me tell you about these cookies, they are fantastic. I had a sneak peak earlier this week and I’m...
Painting a Ceiling Fan With Wave Designs
Ever since we painted the bathroom, we've been finding more and more things to paint around the house. Mark repainted all of the baseboards, doors and window trim in the house. Then, I noticed the ceiling fan in our bedroom was the only thing left in that room that did not really match. I decided...
Easy Grocery Delivery with Instacart
Receiving groceries at my doorstep is a breeze with easy grocery delivery from Instacart! I love that I can place an order and receive it without having to drop everything to run to the store. Instacart has made everyday cooking even easier! We've been doing some of our shopping at the store and some of...
Greek Pita Bread Sandwiches
I've got the easiest Greek Pita Bread Sandwiches recipe for you to make right at home! The kiddos have been snacking on pita bread lately and it got me thinking about my favorite gyro sandwich from our neighborhood Greek spot. With all the delicious flavors of cucumber, tomato, feta, red onion and ground lamb, you're...
2021 Dream Board & Creative Flow
I've been creating dream boards for years. This year, I'm sharing my 2021 Dream Board & Creative Flow process. 2020 was such an odd year with so many changes and it feels like everyone has gone through a lot. My regular creative process was almost nonexistent for a while there. It's been coming back bit...
Blackberry Smoothie With Spinach, Yogurt & Berries
If you're into smoothies, you've got to try this Blackberry Smoothie With Spinach, Yogurt & Berries recipe! I fell in love with blackberries last year after getting a very sweet batch. I love eating them raw, in a salad or in a smoothie. This smoothie is packed full of tasty ingredients and is super easy...
Clove Orange Pomanders, Christmas Decor
When I was a kid, we stuck cloves into oranges, making these deliciously smelling oranges at Christmas time. This tradition of making clove oranges Christmas decor is called Pomanders. "Medieval herbalists used pomanders—mixtures of fragrant, dried herbs in cloth bags or perforated boxes—to ward off illness or bring strength and good fortune" - The Almanac. We...
Bake This Banana Bread Recipe for Kids
If you're looking to get your kids started in the kitchen, you have to try this banana bread recipe for kids. Banana bread is one of the easiest items to bake as it doesn't require a mixer and it's so fun to make! The kids love mashing the bananas and mixing all the ingredients together....
Italian Blood Orange Vodka Soda
If you've never tried Italian Blood Orange Soda, now is the time! This Italian Blood Orange Vodka Soda is so refreshing, bubbly and fun for a summer cocktail. When I was walking through Trader Joes last week, I saw blood oranges and immediately decided it was time for a new cocktail recipe! They just happen...
Specialty Teas, Smoothies and Boba Favorites at Tastea in Mira Mesa
Guess what?! Specialty teas, smoothies and boba favorites can be found at our new Tastea location in Mira Mesa! If you're new to boba, 'it is a tea-based drink originating in Taichung, Taiwan in the early 1980s that includes chewy tapioca balls ("boba" or "pearls") or a range of other toppings.' (From wiki) Tastea began in 2000 and has...
Trick-or-Treat Station Halloween Party Printables
Halloween may look different this year but that won't stop us from celebrating! We've got Trick-or-Treat Station Halloween Party Printables over in the Etsy shop and I'm so excited to share these with you! We've decided that our quarantine crew will set up stations outside for the kids to Trick-or-Treat at each stop for some...
Enjoy Family Glamping at San Diego Metro KOA
We had our first stay at a KOA (Kampgrounds of America) campground and we absolutely loved it! There are so many fun ways to stay and enjoy the amenities, especially at a resort campground! KOA hosted us to bring you all the details. Enjoy Family Glamping at San Diego Metro KOA which is located in a...
Olive Baking Company & Cafe in Mission Beach
During one of my recent visits to Mission Beach, I stopped in Olive Cafe. I got an Acai Smoothie and headed to the beach to enjoy the waves. It was really hot out and I needed something hearty but refreshing. The smoothie hit the spot. It was super simple, made with Acai, apple juice and...
Brown Butter Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
You guys, you have to try these Brown Butter Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies! They are the absolute best! I've been using my standard chocolate chip cookie recipe for so long but I wanted to try something with a little more salty goodness and I've got the best recipe for you to try! This chocolate chip...
Paddleboarding in Mission Bay
If you've been following along our adventures on Instagram, you've probably seen that I started paddle boarding on my birthday (mid-August) and haven't stopped! I have gone at least every other day for the past 3 weeks and I've been having the best time! I've learned a lot about where to rent a paddleboard in...
Islands Kids Menu
We love the Islands Kids Menu! We like to stop by Islands for a bite to eat and a drink for Happy Hour on occasion and we love that they have good options for the kids too. They have locations all over San Diego and we typically go to the Mira Mesa or Carmel Mountain...
Things To Do in Bishop, CA
We have been going to the High Sierra or The Sierras since I was a kid. This year we made a few extra stops along the way and I want to share a few Things to do in Bishop, CA! We typically drive straight to June Lake but with the ~6+ hour straight drive there,...
Take Me To The Beach Or Bay
If you're wondering what we've been up to, we've been soaking up this summer. 2020 has been the weirdest year of all time, but we are still making the best of the situation (as much as we can). Take me to the beach or bay is all I've been focused on this last few weeks....
Strawberry and Apricot Salad with Goat Cheese
Oh yes! This Strawberry and Apricot Salad with Goat Cheese, Lime and Mint is my new favorite summer fruit salad! I love the simplicity with the vibrant color and flavors this easy side dish has to offer. It can be made in less than 5 minutes and is a beautiful dish for any day! ...
Elote Deviled Eggs
I stopped by Trader Joes this week to pick up some Everything But The Bagel seasoning but they were all out. I saw Everything But The Elote seasoning and had to try it. It's really tasty and has rich notes of chili pepper, chipotle, cotija cheese and cumin! Next came Elote Deviled Eggs! These are...
Strawberry Lime Mezcal Cocktails
I was recently introduced to Izo Mezcal and it is so smooth! I started dreaming of tasty ways to drink this, new to me, beverage, and found these Strawberry Lime Mezcal Cocktails to be my new fav! I mixed up a quick strawberry lime simple syrup for some added flavor. You can enjoy it mixed as...
Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is a family favorite main dish! I love that it's homemade with real ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes. We've had a lot of cheese on hand to make quesadillas, nachos and pizza so I thought we would mix it up this week with Mac and...
Rubio's Family Taco Kit
One of my favorite weekday lunches is a Gourmet Grilled Shrimp Taco plate from Rubio's. I hadn't been since mid-March. I was pretty excited when they reached out to see if we'd like to try out the Rubio's Family Taco Kit. It was a hit for the whole family! We've been cooking most meals at...
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
In these strange times, I've been creating more hearty recipes. It must be a comfort thing. I've made banana bread, pizza and most recently brownies. These are all things I would typically make, but not all within a week. It could have to do with what I've been buying in the latest fear-based grocery shopping...
Easy Orange Chicken with Rice Noodles
People are cooking at home now more than ever. California is under a Stay at Home order due to COVID-19. We are still able to shop at grocery stores for our essentials and pick up take out from our local restaurants that are open. There is a lot going on and I'm finding comfort in cooking...
Mango Coconut Milk Smoothie
Anyone else a big fan of mango and coconut together?! I know I am. I'm also really into very simple recipes lately. There are so many tasty smoothie combos out there and this one is just super easy, delicious and rich in flavor. The Mango Coconut Milk Smoothie only has 3 ingredients and can be...
Orange Chicken Bowls With Cilantro Lime Rice
Do you have those days when you really want something fresh and tasty but you don't have a ton of time on your hands? I've got a fun new recipe that does just that! You've got to try these Orange Chicken Bowls With Cilantro Lime Rice this week! I've been spicing up some everyday staple...
Easy Tuna Toast (10-Minute Healthy Lunch Idea)
I'm loving this delicious Easy Tuna Toast (10-Minute Healthy Lunch Idea) made with capers, dill and red onion! This Bella Portofino Tuna is packed in quality EVOO with sea salt for a smooth, mellow flavor with great texture. I love how the flavors in this recipe came together. The ingredients in this recipe are very simple...
A One Night Trip to Catalina Island
We've been to Catalina Island a few times now and we've dialed in our favorite activities. A one night trip to Catalina Island is a relaxing getaway that's close enough to home but far enough to feel like an adventure. I love the island life vibe and enjoy the small town charm. The island has...
Celebrations With Extraordinary Desserts
In celebration of my daughter's 8th Birthday today, I'm sharing all about our favorite spot for cake, Extraordinary Desserts! I recently visited their latest location in Bankers Hill and had a taste of what's new. Their other location is still open in Little Italy and they offer delivery nationwide for their branded line of gourmet...
Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay
The Bahia Resort Hotel is where it's at for San Diego fun and relaxation! I've stayed at quite a few places around town and this is one of my top spots to stay. I love that this Mission Bay Hotel is casual yet beautiful and it's walking distance from Belmont Park. The Bahia is an...