Music to my ears!

Today was so diversely interesting. I started out my morning watching the Apple Keynote Live stream where they announced two new iPhones and an iWatch. Big and exciting news to me. Then later in the evening I went to the local farmers market. I explored local shops, took in the invigorating aromas of the food, and saw so many different cultures come together in a small radius of fun. From culture, to products, to food, and people alike...it was fun!

While walking through each food stand and lot of products, I felt so inspired! I guess you can say I have a very creative mind and soul. I have a profound love for the arts. (The arts usually correlate to the sub categories of culinary, art, music, and creative hobbies/professions.) So I was pretty much in the middle of all its glory. They had a jazz band playing incredible music, foods of all kind--too much delicious diversity to choose a favorite food--and of course the people. I'm a people watcher and I love to interact with like minded people. Seeing the kids playing in the local water area was so fun to watch. Adults indulging on guilty pleasures and old folks enjoying themselves. 

Music to my ears as my grandpa says. As it was to mine. Exploring the different, fresh vegetables and fruits in wooden crates. The vendors smiling at you as you walked by offering you a taste. To the local product peddlers trying to make a buck on their homemade merchandise. Kids on their dad's shoulders and moms running after their wide eyed children--who were seemingly engaged with the cotton candy stand--as they explored the market as a family. 

To me this is what it's all about. A farmers market is more personal and original. The reason why they are called farmers market is because back in the day local farmers would bring their freshly grown food to sell to the locals. This was before grocery stores. Its sad to see the slow demise of farmers markets. Although we have one in almost every city of San Diego, every time I go to one, it's as if there are less and less people. I'm glad they still put them on though. I hope these local, outdoor markets continue to thrive and stay around each summer. And as summer comes to an end, I'm going to miss going to these farmers markets. I'll miss the people, the kind vendors who like to strike up good conversation with you, the delicious variety of food and those sweet lemonades they make with fresh fruit. One Watermelon Splash please! (It's a concoction of watermelon and strawberry lemonade with fresh mint, bits of watermelon, strawberries and lemon. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!) 

This is what makes summer in San Diego so delightful. Among many other fun local events and places of course. Now that Fall is officially here--though summer temperatures are in full effect--I can't wait till the weather cools down to 55 degrees so I can put on my boots and scarves and explore the fun in places like Seaport Village & Balboa Park.

Xoxo,

Summer Date ideas

Whether you're getting to know someone or in a relationship, summer is the time to move things outdoors. From beautiful hikes to rooftops pools, this is the season to go outdoors and have fun, all the while mixing in some romance. Some of my favorite dates have been in the summer. We're free to explore the beauty if our city and explore other cities as well. So be sure to get these dates in before summer ends!

Movies in the park at sunset
Cuddling up with your special someone, with a blanket and an outdoor screening of Casablanca. Watching that sunset go down as the movie starts is even more romantic. Most major cities have movies in the park with a backdrop of your city skyline. So it's sure to be a beautiful night.

Hiking
Taking a hike around sunset or sunrise can be both romantic and establish a great connection. Also a great way to get to know someone if you're dating.

Picnic
A picnic in the park on a beautiful summer day or a picnic by the beach. That's a good way to soak in the sun and the romance in the air. Ooh-la la

Backyard dinner 
If you have a decent looking or great backyard, it's easy to snazz it up yourself and set up a dinner table on a warm summer night. All it takes is some flowers, a few candles, some great food and a little music if you please.

Wine tasting
Switch it up by going to a nearby wine tasting or an outdoor vineyard (if you have one near you). Sipping on some fine wine with your significant other can really up the romance. There's nothing like  wine and wine country.
Note: If you don't like wine, go beer tasting instead. Everyone has different tastes and different styles.

Beach/Pier walk
Taking a leisurely stroll on your local pier can be lots of fun. Spending the day on the beach, having a couple cocktails and munching on some good sliders. When sunset comes, being on the pier is the perfect location for you and your main squeeze.

Visiting the local Farmers Market
If you're a guy, taking your date to the farmers market can be a great way to romance her. Buying her a beautiful fresh bouquet of flowers and trying delicious food of all cultures. You get to know each other that way. It may lead to fun food and cultural discussions and memories to come. "Do you remember that Indian food we tried and the cool story the nice man was telling us about how his cooking lead to finding his love? Remember that was on our first date?"

Rooftop fun

Head to a rooftop bar for some drinks and dancing. Nothing says summer fun like a night out, literally.

Boat/Bike ride
From mini sunset cruises to renting beach cruisers on the boardwalk, most cities offer some great scenic fun. Take your date on a boat cruise around the Bay or even take your own two bikes out for a scenic ride. If you're lucky to live in a city that boasts both the city life and the country life, then take those bikes out to the country for a romantic bike ride and maybe even a picnic.

Take it to another City

Nothing tops a date idea like getting away for the weekend with your significant other. I once went on a little getaway weekend to Newport Beach, which is less than a two hour drive from where I live. My then boyfriend and I spent the whole weekend, at the beach, sightseeing, relaxing, romantic dinners, and taking in the sunsets. Taking the date to a whole other city, is a fun way to enjoy the summer, while taking a little mini vacation. Also if you're newly dating someone, it's a great way to get to know them. 

What's great about all these ideas is that the majority of them are not expensive ideas and some are even free. Most cities offer movies in the park for free. Hiking is absolutely free and that backyard dinner is practically free as well. So this summer, take your dates outdoors, have some fun, and soak up the romance in the warm summer air.