It's A Smorgasburg (smorgasbord) in LA!

If you are EVER in Southern California and you're lookin' for somethin' fun to do, you NEED to go to Smorgasburg LA! It's an outdoor market for food (and LOTS of it), shopping and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that's open only for a few hours on Sundays in downtown LA. We had never been, so when my cousins were in town from Hawaii and wanted us to meet them there, we made that one-hour drive from the Inland Empire to go hang out and enjoy some good food.

First off, I recommend going when the weather is NICE. Like 70 degree NICE. With the sun out and not a cloud in the sky. The day we went, it was super freakin' cold. I believe it was in the 50s with a cold chill in the air. Us Southern Californians aren't used to that kinda cold but we have been getting ridiculous amounts of rain this Winter. Luckily for us, it did not rain that day. But that didn't stop us from dressing up like Eskimos going out into the snow.

Also, plan to go on an empty stomach. This place is not called Smorgasburg for nothin'. There's ALL kinds of different foods from different cultures. The prices aren't too bad and the portion sizes are perfect. I think it's pretty obvious I went there for the food. I had a Musubi from Mama Musubi and then had a craving for some tacos. Found a vendor named Tacos 1986 and ordered a carne asada taco and 2 adobada (pork) tacos. Oh my gosh were they delish! My cousins tried foods from Lobsterdamus, Goa Taco, and got some dessert from Ensaymada Project. Daniel had some vegan sandwich but I can't remember where from. By the way, there were many vegetarian/vegan options too!

And even if you're not much of a foodie, I say just go for the ambiance and experience. There's plenty of outdoor seating, some major people watching opportunities, and if you're an Instagrammer like me, there are a ton of photo opportunities - walls, architecture, you name it!

So who wants to go to Smorgasburg LA? I'm totally planning my next trip out there!

Tags: #smorgasburgLA #thingstodoinlosangeles #losangeles #downtownla #socal #southerncalifornia #foodvendors #outdoormarket #sundaymarkets #mamamusubi #lobsterdamus #california

Valentine's Day Gifts For The Babes

Yes... I am totally that mom that uses every single fun holiday to celebrate with the kiddos. And I'm not ashamed to admit it!

Before kids, I was never a fan of Valentine's Day because:

a) I think stuffed animals take up too much space in the house

b) I don't like to wait too long for my food when we go out to dinner (I think we waited at a restaurant for over 2 hours once AND we had a reservation)

c) I didn't need a holiday to celebrate love when duh, love is supposed to be celebrated everyday. Yes, I was one of those people.

But now, I look forward to it because it gives me another reason to shower my babies with love and presents. Call me a hypocrite, I don't care. I'm totally owning up to it.

So this year, I decided to make them gift baskets. Got the idea from a fellow mom blogger Brittany of itsyourgirlbrittanny.com who wrote a post about giving a V-Day gift basket to your significant other. I think it's the perfect gift idea for the babes, too! And you don't have to break the bank to make them either!

Everything in these baskets were $5 or less. And they are all things that Ella and Everly will love (and maybe even fight over) once they see it.

Each basket includes:

1. A coloring book ($1.88 each) - I got Minnie Mouse for Ella and Paw Patrol for Everly. Because let's face it, Ella will most likely claim it anyway since Everly is barely learning to hold up a pen/crayon, so I got ones that Ella would like.

2. Brand new crayons ($2-3/each).

3. Stickers ($1 for a whole lot of messy goodness) - I might regret buying these later, but they love the stuff and it keeps them busy for bit so hey, I'll take it!

4. Fuzzy eared headbands ($4 each) - because what girl doesn't like hair accessories? Ella's totally into wearing headbands these days and Everly just likes to copy her Big Sis with whatever she does.

5. A new hard board book to add to their ever-growing collection of books ($5 each) - always a great investment.

6. And lastly, a box of chocolates in a Disney Princess themed heart-shaped tin ($5)- the chocolates are more for me but they can have a piece each.

Overall, I spent less than $16 for each basket (including the basket/bucket which was $1). Not bad, right? I can't wait to see their faces light up when they see these!

So, tell me.... are you a V-Day person? How do you like to celebrate the holiday? (Or not celebrate the holiday?) Tell me in the comments below!

---

Tags: #valentinesday #valentinesdaygiftideas #love #february #giftbaskets #giftsforthebabies #giftideas #happyvalentinesday #celebratelove

Wooden Watches: A Must Have For All Seasons

Ok seriously though, how GORGEOUS is this watch? I've never owned, let alone seen, a wooden watch before in real life. And after seeing this one in person, I have to say... I'm kind of obsessed.

This beautiful wooden watch is from JORD and it's actually not mine. I got this for my hubby as a last minute gift for Christmas. I say 'last minute' because I'm starting to struggle with finding the perfect gift for him. We've been together for so long it just gets harder and harder every year! I mean, I've gifted him clothes, shoes, sports-related stuff... I've even given him kitchen appliances!

Anyway, after doing some major online searching, I stumbled upon JORD's selection of watches and it was like love at first sight.

I'm not even kidding.

My husband kinda has a thing for watches and has been collecting them for years. And the styles he owns range from sleek & flashy to sporty & bulky. But he doesn't own one single wooden watch. Total no-brainer! I just couldn't resist adding this unique timepiece to his collection.

And I'm so glad I did! Hubby LOVES his new watch. He could not wait to wear it.

The Hyde Kosso & Gray is so stylish and can literally be worn with anything and for every occasion.

My husband likes that he can wear it to work - it looks stunning with a suit!

He can wear it when he's out playing with the girls - not having to worry about the band getting all scuffed up is a major plus!

It's even perfect to wear for a night of dinner and dancing or just going out for a casual lunch date.

It's super comfortable and fits him perfectly! I was able to order it to size so that he wouldn't have to mess with trying to adjust it. They even have the option to engrave it with a little somethin' sentimental if you want.

These JORD watches make great gifts for any occasion - hint hint Valentine's Day is just around the corner! You can check out all other men's watches here. Did I mention they also have a pretty good selection for women, too? You can check out those JORD watches here. And if you like the one I got for the hubs? Click here. There's just so many to choose from!

And if you're really into these and want one of your own (or for that special someone), JORD is offering you the chance to win $100 towards your purchase. All you have to do is enter here.

Disclosure: This is sponsored by JORD, Inc. I have been compensated to create this post, however all opinions are my own. I only recommend products I’ve personally used and love! This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. 

TAGS: #uniquewatches #menswatches #woodenwatches #womenswatches #minimalistwatches #musthaves #accessories #timepiece #jordwatches #watches #valentinesdaygiftidea #giftideas