Free Things to Do on Tuesdays in San Diego

Tuesday is a great day Around The Town!  Tuesday is FREE entry for residents at select museums at Balboa Park and there is FREE entry on the FIRST Tuesday of each month at Oceanside's California Surf Museum.

Open Table Restaurant Reservation System and Rewards Program

Have you heard of Open Table? Many restaurants are now using them for their online reservation systems. But there is so much more to Open Table than reservations! Sign up for newsletters, learn about some great restaurants in our area and see how customers rate them, read their blog, earn points to put towards free meals through using Open Table and more!  I just earned a $20 dining check just for booking 20 reservations for them!

All About Oggi's Vista

Oggi's is a family-run and operated restaurant that has had Southern California roots dating back to 1991.  Oggi's Vista has been open for just under a year on S. Melrose Dr.  They are well known for their high quality pizzas, salads, beers and sports-loving atmosphere.  Their sauces and dressings are made fresh daily.  They have 30 beers on tap including Oggi's own award-winning brews and 19 guest beers including local favorites like Cali Creamin, Firestone 80s, and Sculpin.

Oggi's Vista has something for everyone and some killer daily specials.  In addition to a daily happy hour that runs from 3-6pm and 9pm til closing on Thursdays through Sunday, and includes drink specials and $2 off select appetizers, they also have affordable lunch specials and daily specials:

Monday Madness:  $27.99 for your choice of 2 pastas or a large 2 topping pizza.  It comes with a pitcher of Oggi's beer or one bottle of house wine.  No substitutions and may not be combined with other offers.

Kill The Keg Tuesdays:  $3.50 select beers and $2 off specialty burgers. No substitutions and cannot be combined with other offers.

Wine Down Wednesdays:  1/2 price on select bottles of wine.  $2 off full size desserts.

Thirsty Thursdays:  $3 select Oggi's drafts all night (3pm til close).  $2 off all full salads. 

Weekends:  $5 Svedka raspberry mimosas and $5 Bacon Bloody Marys.

Half Off Wine Tasting at Orfila Vineyards and Winery

If you want gorgeous, scenic backdrops, great tasting wines and a nice relaxing place to spend an afternoon, you will want to check out this Groupon offer which is on limited release right now.  http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4368919-10872943?url=https%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/orfila-vineyards-winery-1-3

Volunteer Perks at San Diego Zoo Global

If you have some free time on your hands, consider volunteering for the San Diego Zoo, or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.  By volunteering, you can play an active role in their organization and help them make a difference for wildlife. Perks include a fun and engaging environment, unlimited entry to both parks, exclusive training, discounts and complimentary passes based on volunteer hours, recognition and rewards programs and continuing education opportunities. Apply online at www.sandiegozoo.org/volunteer and be prepared to submit two letters of recommendation.

Value of AAA Membership

Are you like me and you have so many memberships to so many things, you forget the perks that go with said memberships? Check out AAA, and get much more from your membership than the peace of mind that it brings. Enjoy discounts for shopping, travel, entertainment and restaurants. We even saved 15% on our airport parking recently by showing our card!

My favorite use of the AAA discount is at the outlet malls, my favorite being the Carlsbad outlet mall. Just show your card at the information center (behind GAP) and they will give you a complimentary discount card to most stores/restaraunts in the mall. You must meet certain requirements to get the discount (like spending a certain amount), but they are reasonable.  For those of you that don't have AAA membership, you can still pick up one of these discount cards, but it will cost you $5.00. If you have a lot of shopping to do, this amount will quickly be made up for with your store discounts and is well worth it. The cards are good for months at a time, so if you don't get around to using it the day you get it, you can always bring it back the next time you shop.

My membership definitely pays for itself in perks, so check out the discounts and see if it would be worthwhile for you to join.  www.aaa.com.

Inexpensive or Free Tuesday Fun in San Diego

Tuesday is a great day Around The Town! Regal Cinemas has dollar kid movies at 10am (Weds as well) and this week they will be featuring Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and Penguins of Madagascar. Tuesday is also FREE entry at select museums at Balboa Park for San Diego residents and there is FREE entry at Oceanside's California Surf Museum.

FREE 2-Hour Shopping Session with Personal Shopper at Fashion Valley Available

Here is a great little nugget for you. Recently I did a giveaway with stylist Jennifer from Style Your Life. What you might not know is that she was hired by Fashion Valley mall here in San Diego to be their official Personal Shopper/Stylist this last August. What does this mean for you? You can book a complimentary TWO HOUR hour shopping appointment with her! Simply email ChLane@simon.com and ask for a personal shopping appointment with Jennifer Rosson. It is a great time to update your spring wardrobe or let her help you with any shopping needs you have.  

Be sure to take advantage of this incredible offer for a complimentary two hours ASAP to ensure you get scheduled. P.S.- yes, this is for real.  http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/11/personal-stylists-not-just-for-the-rich/#article-copy

Morning Lap Swimming at The Wave Waterpark (Vista)

For you lap swimmers, The Wave Waterpark is open for heated morning lap swimming (Mon/Weds/Fri 6am-8am).  Single sessions are $3 or you can buy a 30 visit punch pass for $60.  Passes can be purchased at the gate check-in area on any lap swim morning.

San Diego County Libraries That Offer FREE Yoga Classes

Check the link to see what libraries in San Diego County offer FREE yoga classes.
http://www.yogavista.net/library.html

Getting a Free European Vacation Experience When You Order Your New Volvo

I have asked Around The Towner Denise J. to share with us information on how to vacation on Volvo's dime when you order your new car.  I marveled when she told me about this amazing opportunity years ago, and their family is preparing to take advantage of the program again.  Thank you Denise for sharing your experience with us and doing this writeup! 

You’ve gone on vacation and brought back souvenirs, right?  Did you know you can fly to Europe for free and bring back a Volvo?   Volvo has an Overseas Delivery Program that includes two round-trip airline tickets to/from Scandinavia or London, on British Airways or SAS, transport from the Gothenburg, Sweden airport to your hotel, 1 night hotel stay in Gothenburg, breakfast on the first morning, transport from the hotel to the Volvo Factory, a tour of the Volvo Factory, lunch at the Volvo factory, 15 days of European car insurance, Swedish car registration, and home shipment of your Volvo to your home dealer.  

If you’re interested on traveling to Europe on Volvo’s dime, the first step is ordering a car from your local Volvo dealer.  The car will be made specifically for you with the colors and options you choose.  Ordering occurs 5-6 months prior to your trip by giving a $2000 deposit and choosing your M-F pick up and drop off dates.  Pick up and drop off in Gothenburg is free.  There is a minimum $950 charge for picking up at one of their other 12 locations; dropping off at one of their other 18 shipment locations will cost you a minimum of 50 euros.
   
A week or so after ordering, a package will arrive from Volvo Travel.  This department will book your free flights, any additional flights if needed, and help with any other optional travel packages you may be interested in.  If flying during the more expensive summer months, Volvo will collect a $300 surcharge per ticket.  You get to choose the flight times and US airport that is best for you even if it may be the more expensive option.

Thirty days prior to your Volvo’s pick up date, the car’s final payment is due in full.  This can be paid via financing (Volvo or your own means), cash, check, credit card, etc.  Once your vacation is over, it’ll take 8-12 weeks (usually fewer) for your car to arrive at your local dealer via ship.  
My husband and I picked up our first Volvo, a S40, in April 2007.  We were gone for one week and drove the car from Gothenburg to Copenhagen to Hamburg to Amsterdam and dropped off the car in Amsterdam.  This November, we will take our two teenagers with us to pick up a S60.  Our itinerary includes driving the car from Gothenburg to Copenhagen to Hamburg to Amsterdam to Brussels to Paris, drop off the car in Paris, take a train to London and depart.  We will be traveling for ten days during the kids’ Thanksgiving vacation week.   http://www.volvocars.com/us/buy/sales/overseas-delivery  

New Estate Sale Business to Follow- Lori's Treasures of Time

I have a friend, Lori Risch, and she has just started her own Estate Sale business called Lori's Treasures of Time after working in the industry for many years. Please check out her website when you have a moment and consider her if you should have any need for such services in the future. Also, please "like" her Facebook page.  Lori is very talented as well as someone with a big and warm heart and she is going to do great things in her new efforts. I will be sure to keep you treasure hunters informed of upcoming sales in North County.  Please check Lori's Treasures of Time Facebook page for address.  http://www.loristreasuresoftime.com/

 

Visit Twice Upscale Resale in Vista

Twice Upscale Resale is located in historic downtown Vista. Owner Natalie is choosy with what items she places in her store, so you will only find things with a trendy, upscale, boutique feel to them. All items are in top condition, and prices are great. Super new jewelry and accessory collection.  As you can tell from the photos, the store has a very cool and welcoming vibe. Stop by when you are in town.  You can find the store at 248 Main Street, across from The Avo and Curbside Cafe.  https://www.facebook.com/twiceonmainst.

Discounted Wine Tasting Packages at North County Wine Company in San Marcos

North County Wine Company is a neat little place in San Marcos and they are offering wine tasting packages through Groupon.  I say snatch this one up and go enjoy their nice little patio area in the back with your sweetheart or friends.  Click me

Carlsbad High Big Winners in Vans Custom Culture Shoe Design Contest

Thank you to everyone responded to my plea for help on Around The Town's Facebook page and who shared and voted because Carlsbad High made it to the Vans Custom Culture finals!!! They also won the skate deck competition and get $10,000 just for that!!! Now that they won CA, 23 students and 6 adults get to go to NYC and celebrate and have a chance at winning a total of up to $75,000 for ART!!! At the very least as of now they walk away with a trip and $14,000! This could not have been done without everyone that pitched in and took a moment to vote. You are awesome.smile emoticon If you haven't had a chance to look at their awesome artwork that got them there, please see the link.
http://sites.vans.com/customculture/

4 Fabulous Friends Lunch and Garden Tour Package at The Veranda and Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens

Don't miss out!!!  This package from Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens at their on-site restaurant, The Veranda is fabulous and worth taking advantage of. It was supposed to run just for a month and was so popular they have made it into a permanent feature!  Four Fabulous Friends Day is a great excuse to grab your friends and enjoy a lovely day on the property!  For $15 each you and your 3 friends will enjoy 4 Sparkling Mimosas, 4 Lunches on The Veranda and 4 Admissions to The Gardens.  This offer is available for groups of 4-10 people, but not for less than 4 as it was in the past. Don't miss out and don't forget to make your reservation as seating on the veranda is limited. Tell them Around The Town sent you!

Interactive Personal Styling and Wardrobe Group Sessions with Local Stylist Available

 Local stylist Jennifer Rosson from Style Your Life is available to teach highly interactive group styling sessions for you and your friends, group, etc.   Attendees walk away feeling more knowledgeable, motivated, and excited about style!  *Note from Barb- I have taken a class from Jennifer and had a 1-on-1 consultation and it was super educating and inspiring for me. It really helped and encouraged me in many areas related to personal style and closet organization. I also recently hired her to come to my house and put on a style seminar for a group of ladies- it was a lot of fin and so informative.  If you have questions, please email Jennifer at jennifer@styleyourlifeblog.com.

"When Jennifer Rosson speaks to our Mom’s club it is one of the most favorite and widely attended meetings of the year.  Jennifer offers reasonable and affordable styling tips that both stay-at-home moms and working moms alike can benefit from.  In the years that I’ve been in the club, Jennifer’s name will always come up when we notice someone wearing something that she suggested.  Her advice really works and we not only look better, but we feel better too.  I personally feel more confident in my style at work and I am already starting to see a great transformation in my closet.  Jennifer is a natural and very talented stylist.  We look forward to having her come again!"

Only $10 A Month for Box of High-End Beauty Products with Birchbox (Includes Shipping)

Well you all know by now that I love Birchbox. I have been so excited about the company that they invited me to become an affiliate on their team, and I gladly accepted. So if you need anything through Birchbox, or would like to look into opening a subscription for yourself or a friend (these make GREAT presents), then please use my link.

What is Birchbox you ask? Birchbox is a company where you can shop for high end beauty products, but they also provide subscriptions for only $10 a month (includes shipping) that gets you 4-6 sample and sometimes full size high end beauty products. You can purchase a month-to-month subscription, or for gifts you can order a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription. There are also men's subscriptions available for $20 per month (they include more full-size products and novelties). You can customize your subscription to your needs and tastes and they will select items that most closely match what you are looking for. A box comes in the mail each month and you never know what you will be surprised with, but it's always a whole lotta fun! I have received some wonderful products I never would have gotten the chance to try if not for Birchbox. You will likely have many friends that have a subscription as well. Trade and share with friends...it's all part of the fun! The boxes come beautifully presented in a trademark Birchbox box with tissue, and some individually wrapped items. It feels like Christmas every time you open your monthly delivery. To check out Birchbox further, please use my link  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=pngfr 

Weekend Guided Tours of Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad Available

On Saturdays at 11am and 1pm and Sundays at noon and 2pm, you can get a free 90-minute guided tour of Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, located at 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane in Carlsbad. The 27-acre historical park has irregular earthen and paved surfaces, trails and stairs, so it is recommended that you wear appropriate shoes for the terrain and walk. This park is owned and operated by the City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation. http://www.leocarrilloranch.org/ or call 760-476-1042.

Shop, Play, Eat Local!

Year-Round Swim Lessons in Escondido at Ice-Plex

Did you know that swim lessons are available year-round in Escondido at Ice-Plex Swim School?  Lessons are available for all ages and skill levels, in a heated pool.  Classes are taught by the standards and objectives of The American Red Cross Learn To Swim Program.  Boasting the best prices in North County, you can get 8 group lessons for $65.  Check the link out for more details and registration forms.

Double Peak Park in San Marcos for Breathtaking Views

Check out this park in San Marcos with amazing views that is sure to please.  Enjoy hiking trails just down the street as well. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch.  http://www.ci.san-marcos.ca.us/index.aspx?page=488