Romantic DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Are you bored of chocolates and roses? If you want to give your loved ones a much-needed boost this Valentine’s Day, these DIY gifts are perfect for you. Nothing beats a one-of-a-kind gift you’ve made with your own two hands.

52 Reasons I Love You

The reasons are countless, but an abridged list makes a more manageable gift for Valentine’s Day. Turn a deck of playing cards into the most unique gift your valentine has ever received. See “52 Reasons I Love You” Cards Tutorial.

U Complete Me Pillow

It’s all about the pillow talk this Valentine’s Day. Turn a pair of plain pillowcases into a romantic gift for your sweetie with a DIY iron-on message of love. See

Making Memory Candles

Display your favorite photos in a whole new way. Using see-through contact paper and black and white versions of your favorite photos, turn a set of plain candle holders into a romantic gift that displays your favorite moments forever. See “Making Memory Candles” tutorial.

Be Mine Candy Wrappers

It doesn’t get much better than chocolate. For a sweet DIY treat, remove the labels from your special someone’s favorite nugget chocolates, and create your own in their place. See “Be Mine Candy Wrappers” tutorial.

Bake it in a Cake

You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make these cute and delicious cupcakes, complete with a heart shape inside. They make a sweet and romantic gift for that special someone in your life, whether for a special occasion or for whenever! Click here for the “How to bake a heart into your cupcakes” video tutorial.

SOURCE: http://www.dodoburd.com

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

10 Ways to Rock Your Christmas Present

Christmas is nearly upon us and here are the ways for you to rock your Christmas gift wrapping this year. These beautifully wrapped gifts will not only impress but will really show someone you care.

1. Adorn Your Gifts

Pretty up your presents by attaching bells or ornaments. Use the same color ribbon on all your packages under the Christmas tree to make a cohesive look with different patterned wrapping papers.

2. Match Gift Tags To Your Color Scheme

Pair pre-printed gift tags that reinforce your Christmas decorating scheme with boxes wrapped in chocolate and metallic to add character under the tree.

3. Wrap Gifts To Match Your Decor

Embellish gifts with Christmas ornaments that coordinate with your decor.

4. Make Your Own Gift Tags

Make your own gingerbread man gift tags out of playing cards. Use a cookie cutter to trace the shape onto a deck of cards. Cut out and punch a hole in the tops to string onto Christmas gifts and ribbons. Bright paper finishes the look.

5. Get Creative With Gift Tags

Save money by making your own gift tags. Use a color copier to make copies of tartan fabrics, and cut it into rectangles to create gift tags. Add bells as a finishing touch.

6. Give Goodie Bags

Let your decorations double as goodie bags. These faux cardinals roost on baskets of treats that can be gifts for departing guests or something extra on a Christmas morning.

7. Wrap Gifts in Burlap

Send your guests away with something thoughtful to mark the occasion by wrapping a simple gift in burlap. Display them by the gate or door so that friends can pick them up as they depart.

8. Choose a Gift Wrapping Style

Set the scene with beautifully packaged gifts under the tree. Try a traditional, natural, vintage or glitzy look for picture-perfect packages.

9. Wrap Luxuriously

Layer varying widths of ribbon on top of each other for a pretty presentation. Finish off packages with colored tags embellished with calligraphy.

10. Forget Red & Green

Give your gifts decor-worthy style with patterned papers, white satin ribbons, and clever tie-ons.

SOURCE: www.twizzle.co.uk

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

Holiday Activities at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village

Aside from Choose and Cut Christmas tree in the farm with 6 different kinds of Christmas trees, all growing on Santa’s Tree Farm and Village, there are lots of awesome activities you can do here. Visit Santa’s Village conveniently located on Hwy 92 in Half Moon Bay for a fun array of holiday activities and events for the whole family to enjoy.

Sleigh Bells Gift Shoppe

Sleigh Bells Gift Shoppe in the Dickens Square area inside the Elves Workshop is filled with handmade wreaths, garland, table top trees, Santa hats, tree stands, ornaments, toys, Christmas stockings and much more for your gift giving, Christmas decorating and Christmas tree needs. Open weekends till December 18th, 9:30am-4:30pm.

Storytime with Mrs. Claus

A 20-minute storytime with Mrs. Claus suitable for 3 to 7 year olds. Older children will enjoy being a part of the event as well. Stories take place in Mrs. Claus’s own special cottage. Books may include animal favorites such as “Grumpy Badgers Christmas”, “Santa Mouse Where Are You?”, and “The Christmas Hat” with little owl. Others may include “The First Christmas” and the Scholastic Preschool series “Froggy’s Christmas”. Books may also include educational stories about Christmas trees for young children.

Weekends till December 18th, $8 per child. Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (Parent or guardian admission is free.)

Train Rides

Choo Choo!! Take a ride on the Santa Express. We load in Dickens Square and take a slow ride around the farm enoying the views of the trees and Pilarcitos Creek and, of course, passing through Gumdrop Pass Covered Bridge before returning to Dickens Square.
Sing Christmas carols to the holiday music that plays in each train car, whether you choose the open air car, the first car behind the engine or the caboose. Stay seated for the duration of the ride and all aboard!

Santa Express runs weekends from 9am-4pm till December 18th.

Letters from Santa

Personalized letter from Santa Claus mailed to your child detailing things about their visit with Santa that only Santa and your child would know, such as what your child was wearing on the day of their visit with Santa Claus and a mention of special friends and other family members….proving that, yes, Santa is real!

Elves Workshop

No visit to Santa’s Tree Farm would be complete without a visit to the Elves Workshop. Our workshop is sure to bring a smile to kids’ faces, young and old alike! While here, enjoy the following activites and features:

Christmas Stocking Decorating Station

Help your children create a lasting memory with their own hand-decorated Christmas stocking. All the materials your children will need are provided. Just bring your Christmas spirit!

Source: www.santastreefarm.com

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

Night of Lights to Sparkle in Half Moon Bay

If you are looking for a holiday event for the whole family, Night of Lights Celebration is perfect for you. The 2016 Night of Lights in Half Moon Bay is on Friday, December 2 starting 6pm to 9pm.

The event features a tree lighting ceremony in Mac Dutra Plaza, a Parade of Lights down Main Street, carolers, musical entertainment, roasted chestnuts and activities for the kids. The heart of the parade will be the hundreds of local children decked with holiday lights, marching down main Street in the parade.

Photo originally published in www.evensi.us

Photo originally published in www.hmbreview.com

Photo originally published in www.hmbreview.com

The Night of Lights will continue as local shops open wide their doors for holiday shoppers. Some shops will serve light refreshments. Local restaurants along Main Street will also be open late.

Stop by the shop for some beautiful Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers and wines for your holiday festivities! Half Moon Bay’s annual Night of Lights is a holiday event not to be missed this season!

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

8 Thanksgiving Apps That Will Save Your Sanity

Thanksgiving is here again. You may consider it the most hectic days especially if you are expecting a lot of people celebrating with you. Taking care of the food and organizing your Thanksgiving party can be a tad bit challenging. Good thing there are Thanksgiving apps to help make the day go by a little bit more smoothly. Check these out.

Timer+
If you’re juggling the turkey, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie, and green bean casserole, keeping track of cooking times can be a royal pain. This sleek app allows you to create different alarms, and you can easily add minutes to a running timer if your brussels sprouts aren’t quite done.

To buy: Free, itunes.com. For iOS devices.

No Time to Cook

Test out Real Simple’s very own cooking app. You can browse recipes by selecting a specific main ingredient, use interactive shopping lists, delegate grocery store runs to your family members, and save recipes and notes.

To buy: $1 for a one-month subscription, itunes.com. For iOS devices.

Delectable

Turkey isn’t always the main event. For some families, it’s all about the wine—and if you’re hosting, you definitely want to impress. Delectable offers up expert pairing recommendations and community reviews to help you pick just the right vintage for your holiday soiree.

To buy: Free, delectable.com. For iOS and Android devices.

Lush

If your family is more interested in expertly crafted cocktails, you can impress them with the help of Lush. The app has hundreds of recipes and curated lists to help you decide what to serve. Browse by ingredients, drink names, and even glass type, and then save your favorites.

To buy: $2, itunes.com. For iOS devices.

Paprika Recipe Manager

Store your favorite meals in Paprika, which is a combined grocery list, meal and pantry planner, and recipe box. The app comes in both mobile and desktop formats, so you can easily swap between meal planning on your computer and shopping for groceries at the store with your phone.

To buy: $5, paprikaapp.com. For iOS and Android devices.

Paperless Post

Let this be the year you finally do Thanksgiving right and proper—with invitations, place settings, and all. Invite friends and family to your fancy holiday feast using Paperless Post, which lets you design invitations, track RSVPs, and send private messages to guests (“Aunt Diane, can you bring your amazing homemade biscuits?”).

To buy: Free, paperlesspost.com/mobile. For iOS devices.

Instacart

Thanksgiving can be overwhelming enough—adding grocery shopping on top of mixing, planning, cooking, and baking? No thanks. Hire a trustworthy stranger to do it for you through Instacart, which delivers directly from local grocery stores. Select what items you’d like and they’ll show up at your door in under an hour. Magic!

To buy: Free, instacart.com/mobile. For iOS and Android devices.

Spotify

Curate the ultimate Thanksgiving playlist to set the scene for the whole meal. If your guests fall in love with your DJ-ing skills, you can share the track list with them through email, text, or on their own Spotify accounts. The app also has ready-made playlists—choose by mood or genre and prepare to be surprised.

To buy: Free, spotify.com. For iOS and Android devices.

SOURCE: www.realsimple.com — Photo Credit: itunes.apple.com

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

8 Pro Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin

Halloween is such a wonderful and a full-of-treats holiday. Carving the cutest pumpkin is part of the tradition. No matter how you cut it, these steps will make easy work of carving a pumpkin this Halloween.

1. Good carving starts with the right pumpkin.

Choose one that is fresh, with a sturdy stem and no bruises, and that has a flat bottom so it won’t roll.

2. Cut out the lid on an angle, not straight up and down.

This way the lid won’t drop inside the pumpkin when you replace it. A boning knife works best for this.

3. Scoop out all the pulp — and then some.

You can buy a special “claw” for this, but an ice cream scoop will do just fine. Thin the inner wall of the “face” area to 1 1/4-inch thick, so it will be easier to pierce the shell.

4. Hold the pumpkin in your lap when it’s time to carve the features.

It’s easier to carve when the face is gazing up at you. And don’t cut on a slant; clean up-and-down slices look best. To make intricate designs, try using a small saw. Pumpkin Masters makes a pumpkin-carving kit with a 4-in-1 tool, a scraper tool, a saw, a drill, a pounce wheel, and 14 patterns ($4.99; amazon.com).

5. Use your scraps creatively.

Make a tongue out of a discarded piece of pumpkin shell, for example.

6. Keep your pumpkin fresh.

Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture. If your pumpkin still shrivels a few days later, you can revive it with a facedown soak in cold water for up to eight hours.

7. If you like to leave the lid on while the candle is lit, create a chimney.

First, leave the lid on for a few minutes while the candle burns, then make a small hole where the lid has blackened.

8. Sprinkle a little cinnamon inside the lid.

When you light the candle, your jack-o’-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie.

SOURCE: www.goodhousekeeping.com

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

Last Breathtaking Summer Road Trips From San Francisco

Getting away from the city is the best when a journey is involved. Wether you are looking to relax on the beach, whale watching or wine tasting, there is a plenty to choose from near San Francisco. Here are some ideas on how you can spend you last days of summer through breathtaking road trips.

Less Than 30 Minutes Away: The Sutro Baths

History buffs will love venturing to this not-so-distant spot. Travelers can look forward to exploring the modern ruins of the saltwater swimming complex built in the late 1800s. Situated on the coast, the complex has been praised for its incredible view, especially at sunset. On your way out of San Francisco, take a quick detour in Golden Gate Park to catch a glimpse of the beautiful gardens in bloom. (Photo originally published in en.wikipedia.org)

30 Minutes Away: Montara State Beach

This short jaunt is perfect for those craving fresh air. To reach Montara Beach you’ll drive along the coast, so roll down your windows and take in the calming smell of the shore. You’ll also likely drive through the edges of McNee Ranch State Park, a gorgeous hilly region nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Don’t forget your camera! (Photo originally published in www.tripadvisor.com)

1 Hour Away: Alviso Marina County Park

Looking for an eyeful of nature? You will love Alviso Marina County Park, known for its fantastic bird-watching. Once you’ve got your fill, take a hike, go for a bike ride or swim in the bay. Don’t forget to snap a few pictures of the long, peaceful boardwalks that extend from the land to the water. When planning your route, choose to drive through Palo Alto. Stop for a bike ride through the Stanford University campus. (Photo originally published in www.tripadvisor.com)

1 Hour Away: Cornerstone Sonoma

For an afternoon of shopping, dining and sipping wine, head to Cornerstone Sonoma, a marketplace in the heart of wine country. From live music to museum-like flower gardens, this is the perfect destination for the cultural connoisseur. TheSan Pablo Bay Wildlife Refuge, on the way to Cornerstone, is worth a detour: Animal-lovers and nature photographers alike will appreciate the presence of diverse wildlife, while outdoor adventurers can go hiking, boating and even fish. (Photo originally published in inhabitat.com)

1 1/2 Hours Away: Scribe Winery

If you’re after something more intimate, look no further than Scribe Winery. The hip destination offers a wine and dining experience great for a group or romantic couple. Take a walk through the vineyard and feel the stresses from work just fade away. While you’re en route, travel over the Golden Gate Bridge to visit the Marin Headlands. There, explore the Tennessee Valley and walk among the wildflowers or go for a brisk hike to clear your mind. (Photo originally published in www.travelandleisure.com)

SOURCE: THE HUFFINGTON POST via snip.ly

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

Fall Fashion: Summer Wardrobe to Fall

Don’t worry if the changing window displays at your favorite stores remind you that you are not yet ready for fall. Always think that you have the chance to have a great autumn wardrobe in your closet already. Here are some of the simplest ways to stretch your wardrobe and make all your old favorites work until winter.

Keep Your Maxi Dresses

Equally at home on the beach as it is weekend shopping, maxis are easy and cool for those hot summer nights. But before you relegate them to the back of your closet, refashion them by wearing them with long sleeves. Whether it’s a belted blazer, a chunky-knit sweater, or even a knotted chambray shirt, the trick to wearing a maxi dress in the fall is to layer up and then define your waist to offer added structure. The end result is a beautiful fall casual outfit.

Photo originally published in confettistyle.com

Add Tights

Adding tights to your outfit can be a fun way to play with pattern, color, and texture for the fall. A pair of gray textured tights worn with your favorite khaki skirt and boots is about as autumnal as a pumpkin patch. If you’re not into tights, try leggings. Some styles look a lot like pants, but have tons of stretch. They’re perfect to wear under your summery tunics for more coverage, while still staying fashion-forward.

Photo originally published in www.moneycrashers.com

Layer Up

Layered looks aren’t only fashion-forward – they’re also completely functional. As you layer up your summer clothes, you create new looks that will actually keep you warm in a brisk breeze.Try this rule: Layer long over lean. This means matching up longer-length tops (think tunics or boyfriend cardigans) over leaner bottoms, such as tights or skinny jeans. This can help you extend some of your summer favorites, such as a long tank top.

The “long over lean” rule helps to avoid the bulkiness that can sometimes be a result of overenthusiastic layering. Then, just add a sweater or jacket, a light scarf, and a pair of boots to finish your perfect fall outfit.

Photo originally published in www.stayingonpace.com

Add Deeper Colors

The pastels and neons of the spring and summer give way to rich jewel and earth tones. But don’t worry if your closet isn’t already stocked with turquoise, plum, and ocher. You can add a couple of pieces to extend the life of your lighter summer clothes.

Stay on the lookout for low-cost pieces in jewel tones that can pull a summer wardrobe into fall. A pair of rust-colored skinnies, a turquoise statement necklace, or a mustard scarf can all add a pop of fall-appropriate color on the cheap.

Invest in a Statement-Making Jacket

Consider any one of the following:

-A military-style cargo jacket with a waist that cinches, perfect for skinny jeans and flat booties.
-A leather jacket with moto styling, which you can wear with summer dresses and boots.
-A well-cut blazer (I love ones with military styling). Toss it over your light summer tops for a night on the town.
-A classic trench coat in a darker neutral, such as gray, navy, or camel. This is a wardrobe workhorse that goes with everything while fending off inclement fall weather.

Photo originally published in www.alux.com

SOURCE: www.moneycrashers.com

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

For online reservations, click here. You may also call us at (800) 886-6997.

GREAT PLACES FOR PIZZA IN HALF MOON BAY

Half Moon Bay is one of the best towns for great pizza. You can find a variety of styles which are influenced directly from Italy. Here are a few places where you can taste it for yourself.

VIA UNO Cucina Italiana & Bar Restaurant

Photo originally published in viaunorestaurant.com

VIA UNO is owned by Francesco D’Agostino and Massimo Sarubbi and opened in March 2014. The place is modern, simply furnished with a nice “patio” for the guests. You can dine it at 2810 Cabrillo Highway One North Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.

Trattoria & Pizzeria 

Photo originally published in www.opentable.com

It’s Italia opened in 1997 as a San Francisco style trattoria and pizzeria serving gourmet pizzas, house pastas, and creative salads, always with a California Italian flavor.Thirteen years later, having moved into the beautiful Half Moon Bay Inn on Main Street Half Moon Bay, their menu has expanded to include seafood and meat selections from our rotisserie and mesquite grill, artful pastas and award winning pizza, creative salads and antipasti, and an array of house desserts. A Tuscan style courtyard patio with fireplaces and a fountain is ideal for large parties and receptions.

Pizzeria West

Photo originally published in Tripadvisor

Their pizza is made from wild yeast leavened dough in small batches made from Caputo flour, organic Bianco DiNapoli Tomatoes Organic seasonal vegetables , Fra’Mani meats, Organic, seasonal, local, naturally raised whenever possible. Located in 20 Stone Pine Rd. Suite D. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

For online reservations, click here. You may also call us at (800) 886-6997.

How To Have The Best Staycation in SF

A great vacation in San Francisco doesn’t really require a pricey airline ticket or hotel stay like some people think. You don’t have to leave the city to get your relaxing on. For those of you with some days off this summer and you desire to stay home, check out these ideas that will keep you entertained and prove  that SF is worthy of your vacation days.

Visit All the Museums

Photo originally published in www.sfexaminer.com

Your friends may be posting pics from the Louvre and the Uffizi, but who needs the Mona Lisa and the Birth of Venus when there are so many amazing museums in SF? Explore the brand new SFMOMA, have your mind blown and your curiosity piqued at the Exploratorium, meet insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals at the California Academy of Sciences, and see some amazing fine art at the de Young and Legion of Honor.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Photo originally published in beachboardwalk.com

Santa Cruz is just a short drive away but has many of the beachside perks of SoCal towns — sunbathing opportunities, surf lessons for beginners, a bustling wharf along with the kid-friendly (admission-free) Beach Boardwalk. If you go on a weekday, you’ll avoid the crazy big crowds, but get over Highway 17 early in the morning just to be on the safe side.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Photo originally published in sf.racked.com

Nothing says “vacation” like a day at a spa. Be sure to allow time to enjoy the sauna and steam room, lunch poolside, and a glass of champagne in the whirlpool. You can check the Spas and Wellness Centres in San Francico via Trip Adviso on this link.

Get Outdoorsy

Photo originally published in www.pinterest.com

If your usual vacation consists of more outdoor adventures than urban exploration, ditch the sidewalk in favor of hiking paths. In San Francisco, check out Sutro Heights Park, Mount Davidson and Lobos Creek Trail. Head out of the city to try one of these East Bay outings or visit the Marin Headlands or Mt. Tam up north.

Hop on a Boat

Photo originally published in seashine.net

There’s nothing that screams vacation more than being on a boat. Sailing San Francisco offers private charters and sailing lessons or you can spend a day fishing the Golden Gate aboard the Argo. Looking for something a bit swankier? Boatbound lets you rent everything from 10-foot sailboats to 90-foot yachts and you can even add a captain if you need one. It’s the perfect way to cruise around and drink champagne, go wakeboarding, or sail the ocean blue.

Source: www.eventbrite.com;  www.blog.sfgate.com

Need a place to stay in Half Moon Bay? Come and stay with us here in Harbor View Inn. Located right across the street from the beautiful California Coast and close to many attractions in Northern California, this is the Half Moon Bay hotel for you! Enjoy the breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean near Pillars Point from every suite, comfortable single king, single queen and double queen rooms, a free continental breakfast each morning before you go out on your adventure, and more!

For online reservations, click here. You may also call us at (800) 886-6997.