3 Long, Ridiculous Months Later

 

As I scramble to paint my nails and pack my suitcase for Bloggers in Sin City(!!!), I am sort of in shock that it's been nearly three months since I last posted in my blog. And in that span of time, I have adopted two adorable rescue puppies, abandoned my camera in favor of my iPhone, and begun making San Diego feel more and more like home.

As relaxing as it was to disconnect for a little while, I admit it - I've missed this blog and it feels good returning to it and writing this very post. Please update your bookmarks to reflect my new blog address, kinseymichaels.com. I'm working on trying to get my former URL back, in the meantime!

Yelp Elite Party

Yelp sure knows how to throw one heck of a party! I stumbled into the affair on Monday, BY ACCIDENT!, and completely oblivious to the fact that a) the sports bar, Bub's, was actually closed to the public for the event, and b) the party was for Elite Yelp members only. I guess showing up 20 minutes early played out in my favor, because I got to be "Elite" for the night and get a taste of what Yelp's exclusive parties are all about!

{photo credit}

I really had no clue what I was in for...but I was impressed. Free U4ik vodka cocktails and TailGate beers, free appetizers, free Yelp swag (I am now the proud owner of Yelpstick and Yelp fingerless gloves), and yes, even flip cup tournaments and a chance to mingle and hang out with other Yelp members.

The party was put on to celebrate the beginning of Yelp Drinks Week in San Diego. The concept is pretty ingenius and a dream for any happy hour lover. 35 bars around the city select up to 3 drinks and offer them at 50% off all week, anytime! 

Ahhh...Monday Funday at it's absolute finest.

*If you live in San Diego, Yelp Drinks Week runs through March 4th. Click here for a full list of participating bars and their drink offerings!

And I Officially Love the Desert

If only every weekend consisted of lazy afternoons by the pool, 82 degree temperatures, and patio-side margaritas... one can dream, right?

I escaped to the quaint desert town of La Quinta {about 30 minutes southeast of Palm Springs} for a 1 night getaway where I pretty much lived in my maxi dress and flip flops the entire time. Despite the time crunch, it was utterly relaxing and indulgent. My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary, had a yummy happy hour dinner at The Grill on Main, and noshed on waffles and yam hash at Cheeky's, a popular brunch spot. I didn't want to leave!

Paddleboarding

Last weekend, I went to Glorietta Bay in Coronado and tried paddleboarding for the first time! Truthfully, I was a bit nervous. Okay, I was really, really nervous. I've never been particularly skilled at anything involving balance - skateboarding, rollerblading, snowboarding, the list goes on. Coupled with an inexplicable fear of falling off the board...but I really wanted to give this a fair attempt - it looks so fun, relaxing, and seemingly effortless, not to mention it snagged the #9 spot on my California bucket list!

After kayaking over to a small beach, my friend Kerrie gave me a few pointers, and before I knew it, I was on my knees in the center of the board. Standing up was the hardest part! Once I was on my feet, I immediately felt vulnerable and my legs were wobbling like crazy! When I eventually steadied my balance, it was smooth sailing as I paddled around the bay and quickly got the feel for it.

Sticking to shallow waters near the coastline was the best way to get easily acquainted with it and learn how to manuever the board. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to go again sometime and venture further out! It's definitely a unique and different kind of watersport and was an absolute blast to try. Have you ever gone paddleboarding?

If you're in the San Diego area, we used Seaforth Boat Rentals. They rent paddleboards for $25/1 hour, or $45/2 hours.

Farewell Hermosa

Life works out in funny ways sometimes. It always seems to steer you towards the path you're truly meant to be on. Hermosa Beach has been home for over four months now, and it's difficult to say anything bad about it. I love it here. I've gotten to that comfortable stage where I know the ins and outs of the area, where to go for a Thursday night cocktail, and how to avoid a parking ticket. But at nearly the same time - my boyfriend and I had an unexpected epiphany. What started as a fleeting thought led to action, and that action was the decision to leave the LA area and head south, to a place that's always felt like home.

I never saw this coming (seriously!), but all it took was a kayaking excursion in Coronado and the sheer sight of that beautiful skyline to make me realize how much I love it there compared to anywhere else, and that I actually could make living there again a reality {yup, if you haven't guessed, it's San Diego!} I am certainly going to miss living steps from the sand, riding my bike all the time, and the M-F happy hours at Sharkeez, but on so many levels, this just feels right. I can't wait for this next chapter to begin!