"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump
At the Muzeo in Anaheim yesterday - we knew exactly what we were gonna get - a Chocolate Event! I have heard about this event for quite some time now, but the $40 price was a little too steep for me. So when I found a coupon on Travelzoo, I jumped at the chance to go.
I paid $20 for admission to the exhibit regularly $13 and 15 ChocoTix - tasting tickets. It was like going back to the time when people shopped using cacao beans, you bought these tickets in the shape of candy bars and if you wanted to sample treats from the vendors, you exchanged tickets for the samples. The vendors were awesome - we had fondue, wine, meatballs in chocolate bbq sauce, chocolate covered strawberries, caramel apples, cupcakes, and handfuls of kisses. It was very fun and very crowded!
I found the chocolate exhibit very educational and very entertaining. From being the Food for the Gods to the modern candy bar of today, chocolate had a very interesting history - and a very promising future. The exhibit is definitely a fun way to spend a hot summer afternoon. A unique experience that opened my eyes to another side of chocolate - the side that is trying to protect the rainforests, bringing awareness to stopping child labor and why it might be a great investment at the stock market. I also realized how man's indulgence in this delectable treat lead to oppression in the early years of its existence. It's hard to imagine how we can treat other human beings so badly just to have chocolate - an addiction it must be - but that's not an excuse!
Hopefully, with all the technology we have today - we are not subjecting others to cruel work conditions for the love of chocolate. So as you enjoy that sweet treat, make up for all the injustices it has caused by sharing it with someone who really needs to smile today! Indulge with a friend - or pass it on as a random act of kindness today.
Make the world a better place - one small treat at a time!
I am sorry for being an absentee blogger for quite a while. I have been adjusting to my new job and have been taking advantage of the great California weather on the weekends. But I do miss writing and so here is a short countdown of my summer experiences this year with tips on having the best summer ever!
1. My personal summer favorite is the tremendous amount of outdoor summer concerts featuring great artists. Now my husband and I don't usually agree on the definition of great artists, but on U2 we were definitely on the same page. We had to wait a year to see U2 play at the Angels Stadium, but the show was definitely worth the wait! The production was amazing, Lenny Kravitz opened for them and got the crowd dancing, and because we were at field level - we even got to meet Bono himself! They played from 9 PM to past midnight - it was the most socially relevant concert I have ever experienced.
2. Whether you love playing golf or enjoy a great swimming pool, Welks Resort in San Diego is one of our favorite summer getaways. They have amazing pools, jacuzzis and recreational areas with lots of game tables for the family (foosball is my husband and I's personal favorite). They also have well-equipped cardio and weights rooms on Melody Hill - the adults only facility where you can get away from screaming children if you choose, ideal for spending a quiet afternoon basking in the sun with a good book.
3. My husband and I live about 10 minutes away from Disneyland so we get annual passes and enjoy the attractions several times during the year. Although summer is the most crowded season ever to go, they have a few new attractions that are worth braving the crowds for! Definitely go and see the new Star Tours in 3D - you will not get a jarring experience, the ride is smooth, short, but sweet (get a fast pass!). Love dancing to the beat at the Tron attraction? Check out Laser Man - this guy has some amazing moves! I wasn't too impressed with the new Undersea Adventure attraction, but your little princesses might like it. All this construction at the California Adventure Park is very exciting - I think the Cars area will be a big hit next year. I love this video of Darth Vader going to Disneyland!
4. Are you the theater-going type on a budget? Did you know that there is a group of people promoting classical theater for all at Griffith Park with a series of free plays at the old zoo? My husband and I saw the Merry Wives of Windsor on a Saturday night - I thought it was very funny and a very relaxing summer evening (though quite star-less at the time). Don't you think Shakespeare at the park under the stars is romantic? It is! Just be ready with bug spray and you'll be all set.
5. If the night life is more your thing, have an ice-cold margarita and enjoy a show at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Summer usually brings radio station sponsored shows bringing you great artists at a fraction of the price you would pay for regular concerts. Take advantage of this promotions and go out for dinner and drinks at your local hot spot.
6. Have you ever just sat on the grass with a good meal and a great bottle of wine in one of the most beautiful parks you've ever been in and enjoyed relaxing jazz music? The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens has Member's Summer Evenings two Saturdays in July and two more in August. Put on a nice summer dress, a pretty hat and stroll along the themed gardens, you'll feel right at home!
7. Being with these beautiful animals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Have you ever watched an animal long enough to recognize its personality? This inquisitive bird actually poses for photos and watched us just as much as we watched it!
Just in case you're wondering where the other 3 experiences are - the summer isn't even halfway through yet - we intend to make more memories and experience sunny Southern California thoroughly. Personally, I'm trying to convince my husband to go camping - just something we've always wanted to do, but have never done. I think it's a wonderful way to spend a summer weekend, don't you?
