Blog Overhaul

It's been a while since I've posted anything at all and for good reason as this blog started as a school assignment ('writing' assignment' to be exact). But I've decided that since I have it...I might as well use it right?!

So it's time for some major blog overhaul and hopefully I'll be able to show you guys more of my lifestyle along with some San Diego fun :)

Join me on this adventure?

<3 Laura

Also I leave you with this song to 'kick-start' this new adventure:

Hot Spot: Iron Sights

Something I've always wanted to try was shooting a gun. It might sound morbid right now, but let me explain. When I would watch exciting action/adventure movies, I'd always try to picture myself as one of the characters. This would help me get really into the movie. So in accordance with the action I've seen in movies, I wanted to try out something exciting myself. That's where shooting comes in.

Iron Sights is a public indoor shooting range in Oceanside. It's quite a drive from where I live, but I completely believe that it was worth it. I went with three other friends and it was a blast. The staff workers are extremely nice and helpful, though it is overwhelming when going for the first time. A tip for first timers: ask lots of questions! And I'll give you another tip: go to the counter and get a registration card first.

After deciding what type of gun you want to shoot (we chose 9mm since it was our first time), the workers give you all the necessary protective gear you need and send you on your way. We toted our targets, guns, ammunition, and protective gear into the actual shooting range. Even through the ear plugs we got, we could still hear the loud bangs coming from every stall.

Overall it was a great place for a starting shooter. The adrenaline rush you get from doing your first shot is just how I assume you would feel if you were in an action movie. It was a lovely environment and I would definitely go again.

Sorry for the super bright picture! It was a sunny day! :)

Feeling ready for the Zombie Apocalypse...

 Interested? For more information go to http://iron-sights.com

Food Adventures: Phil's BBQ

One of the must-go places here in San Diego is Phil's Barbecue. I was first introduced to Phil's my freshman year at UCSD and it's been love ever since. MOST AMAZING BBQ I'VE EVER HAD. And yes, I had to put that all in caps to emphasize how absolutely awesome it is.

Phil's BBQ has two locations though I've only ever been to the Point Loma location. Incidentally, this location is right next to the San Diego Sports Arena mentioned in my last post. It's across from a Men's Warehouse and right before a Red Lobster. You can't miss it! Parking is a little difficult, but always remember that there is parking around back also.

The line is almost always ridiculously long so I recommend getting there early and going there on a weekday is even better. But the wait is absolutely worth it. The line moves by quickly if you're with a bunch of friends and you keep each other occupied at all times. They have a giant menu hanging outside so you can decide what you want and be ready to order when you get inside.

Once inside, here's how it works: Somebody will point you to a register. You order at the counter and you'll get a pager. All customers have to find their own table unless you have a large party of six or more. So scramble around and find a table and patiently wait for your pager to ring. When it does you know deliciousness is seconds from coming. You take your pager back to another section of the counter where you can finally pick up your food. SUCCESS!

I always get the baby back ribs when I come here. It's a classic and filling meal with meat that melts right off the bone. But if you don't eat pork then you can always get the beefy ribs. There's something on the menu for everyone. They even have salads for those who don't like meat! This place is perfect for everyone!

So in conclusion, if you don't know where to go for dinner one day...just go to Phil's BBQ! Boom! Decision reached.

For more information go to www.philsbbq.net

Hot Spot: Kobey's Swap Meet at the Sports Arena

If you love vintage finds, thrifting, and want to be a hipster...the Swap Meet is the place for you! But in all seriousness, Kobey's Swap Meet at the Sports Arena is a great place to find anything and everything. The Swap Meet is open every Friday - Sunday from 7am - 3pm. And I definitely recommend getting there early! 

All the cars trying to get in...

Traffic was horrendous getting off the 5-S and getting on to Sports Arena Blvd. Obviously this is a huge event for locals and a prime place for visitors. Unfortunately this was my first time at the Swap Meet and as such, we came late; and I mean late as in 10am. After seeing all the awful traffic we veered off and went down the road a little bit and parked in a grocery store parking lot. Not recommended but we did what we had to do. I emphasize again, GET THERE EARLY. Really though, the walk wasn't all that bad.

Once getting there my friend and I had to pay a small fee ($1; we went on a Saturday but it's 50 cents on Fridays and FREE for children under 11 on all days) to get in. Our hands got stamped and we walked right in. Be prepared for a lot of booths! For our first time there, it was pretty overwhelming; the area was huge and there was no way we could cover everything, where should we start?! We just decided to snake through all the aisles starting with the left side. 

Beanie babies! Anybody else collect these when they were younger?

All of these dream catchers were so gorgeous!

There was clothes, dishes, jewelry, lamps, records, posters, and even a washer/dryer for sale. That's just the start of it! We saw so many amazing finds (I picked myself up a sweet little dream catcher). Though be prepared for the heat in the hotter months; there is pretty much no shade in the entire area unless you have no qualms against ducking into a booth with no intention of buying anything. Also, it takes a little work to find what you're looking for in this large swap meet, but don't be discouraged and just enjoy the journey!

Most of the people are friendly and just seeing all the different trinkets was spectacular. Stop by if your in the area! You may just find a hidden treasure that you've been searching for.

Lucha libre masks FTW!

Friendship bracelets :)

For more information visit www.kobeyswap.com

Food Adventures: Extraordinary Desserts

There's no better way to kick off a new project than with sweets.

Extraordinary Desserts is an amazing place to satisfy your sweet tooth. This swanky little sweet shop has something for everyone, whether it's cakes or tarts or even the basic chocolate-dipped strawberries, this place has got you covered. The ambience is classy and the desserts are laid out so each delicious morsel is perfectly within view.

Though this place is better known for its desserts, you can also sit down at the Little Italy location and enjoy a peaceful lunch followed by a slice of cake or a bite of fruit tart.

Extraordinary Desserts has two locations in San Diego, both in downtown: one location is in Little Italy and the other is in Balboa Park. Parking is hard to find (since there is only street parking in downtown) so keep a look out when you're nearing the destination. Both locations provide a cafe-like feel and have areas to sit and enjoy your dessert of choice immediately. You definitely don't want to pass up the opportunity to visit this place if you're in the San Diego area.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Extraordinary Desserts does wonderful birthday cakes! :) This one is the chocolate macadamia.

Mouth watering yet? Check www.extraordinarydesserts.com for menu and locations.