Fresh Salmon Review – Kvaroy Arctic and Fulton Fish Market

If you have been following along for a while, then you know how much I like to host giveaways and make someone’s day. I suppose I earned enough giveaway karma that I was recently a winner! Kvaroy Arctic and Fulton Fish Market recently picked me on Instagram to receive a 4-5 pound filet of fresh salmon, salmon burgers and salmon hotdogs.

Papa Bird has never been the most enthusiastic of food blogger husbands. He would MUCH rather dig in versus wait for our food to be photographed. But he is also the more talented photographer in the family. (Let’s be honest, he’s a professional photographer and I don’t even know how to use a “real camera.”) Another of his (many) talents: he has the most amazing salmon smoking process. You can see the step by step recipe here. Wait a sec… I suppose rather than say “I won” this fish, really he did… the contest was to share a salmon recipe, and I entered his smoked salmon. So, when he took this beauty (that he won) off of our PK grill [affiliate link to the smoker/grill but it’s legit worth it] and asked, “Do you have to blog about this fish?” I said, “I don’t have to, but what a great idea!”

smoked salmon - fresh salmon from kvaroy arctic via Fulton fish market

So, for what it’s worth, I was not obligated in any way to review the fish and do not receive any kind of kick back for you buying or clicking through the seafood links, but I thought it was very much worth sharing. True, I did not pay for this shipment, but I will give my honest reactions.

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[Giveaway] Nebulizing Diffuser for Essential Oils

Raise your hand if you have been trying to make your home as pleasant and comforting as possible this year. 2020, am I right? We have long been fans of essential oils and diffusers, so when Organic Aromas reached out to me to try one of their nebulizing diffusers, I was intrigued. A nebulizing diffuser uses no heat and no water. Plus, the glass and wood make it look like cool science laboratory equipment.

Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser and Explorer Kit Giveaway

I’m kind of picky with sponsored posts and partners, and I let them know I would try out the diffuser and only recommend it if I liked it. They sent me the Magnificent Nebulizing Diffuser (that’s an Amazon affiliate link) along with a set of six organic essential oils. After playing around with it and seeing it in person, I do recommend it!

Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser Giveaway

I like that there is no noise, no water vapor, and that it uses very little energy. There is an optional light, which is nice, as I prefer no light when sleeping. I especially like that it is made from glass and solid wood and has no plastic.

When I chatted a bit with Gayle from Organic Aromas, and she gave me this tip:

Do note one thing, that to get the wonderful, natural and powerful aromas from pure essential oils in a Nebulizing Diffuser does require you to give the glass reservoir regular rinses/cleanings with isopropyl alcohol. If you do not ever clean your glass reservoir, over time, the residual essential oil left inside will dry and harden potentially clogging the little tubes. So this is the only tiny bit of maintenance you will need to do. Just about once a week or so give the glass a quick rinse with isopropyl alcohol to keep it in top shape always… make sure you check out this important blog article with a very useful video inside instructing you regarding the best methods to maintain your beautiful purchase: 

organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/18151495-how-to-clean-your-organic-aromas-essential-oil-diffuser
Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser Giveaway

Guess what? You could win this diffuser and oil kit, too!

Would you like to win this same Explorer Aromatherapy Diffuser Kit? It retails for $125, and includes the “Magnificent Diffuser”, plus a box set of six essential oils. Enter below! (Due to shipping restrictions, giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.)

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Organic Aromas nebulizing diffuser giveaway with six organic essential oils

Strong Girls – Supportive Women

Hello Baby Birds Farm friends!

It has been a minute. For most of 2019, I have been focusing on launching an online course for new and expecting parents, designed to prevent postpartum depression. That is, when I’m not laughing with the Little Birds.

babes support babes, babe with a dream

In addition to blogging regularly at burdtherapy.com, and continuing to be a fourth trimester expert and guest contributor for Ergobaby, I have started posting on preventppd.com.

I thought this latest post, featuring a collaboration with a sisterhood of supportive women I’ve met on Instagram, might interest some of you. Curious about how the Little Birds are growing and making me laugh? Head over to the Prevent PPD blog to see our feature of a small, Southern-California, woman owned business, Babe with a Dream.

When women support each other, incredible things happen

[Giveaway] “Smallfoot” DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack

The Little Birds are taking over the blog! Today, they are sharing their review of the movie, “Smallfoot,” AND giving away a Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital download combo pack.

In case you don’t follow Baby Birds Farm on Instagram yet, Little Bird has been asking to start her own blog. We let her take a baby step as she staged an Instagram “takeover” to cover the opening of a new movie about Volcanoes at the Fleet Science Center. She did so well that she and the Littler Bird were asked to takeover again to share about “Smallfoot.”

Smallfoot DVD Giveaway

Digital downloads start December 4th in the United States. The DVD and Blu-Ray versions will be out December 11th. And YOU can win a combo pack right now. Enter below and one winner will be sent a combo pack directly to their home (US only please.)

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Brunch in the Garden: El Jardin San Diego

Have you been to El Jardin in Liberty Station? Claudette Zepeda-Wilkin’s new restaurant opened this summer. My mom took the Little Birds and me there for brunch a little while ago. The chef grows much of the produce right on the restaurant’s lot, and the breezy garden patio is comfortable and beautifully decorated.

El Jardin in San Diego is now serving brunch out on their garden patio

Refined Abuela Cooking

Chef Zepeda-Wilkin’s roots are here in San Diego and across the border in Mexico. She brings the comfort and satisfaction of her grandma’s recipes and traditions to current day presentation and surprises.

El Jardin in San Diego is now serving brunch out on their garden patio

The highlight of our brunch was the Chilaquiles Divorciados. Given the choice, I usually pick a green sauce for my chilaquiles or enchiladas. But I was happy to taste both homemade sauces. Divorciados means two different sauces side by side, making me think of a couple that are not quite divorced, but living separately in the same house.

All in the Details

Both the outside patio and the indoor dining room are decorated thoughtfully. I loved the utility of a stand near our table meant to hold bags. As a mom, I totally appreciated that there was a changing table in restroom stocked with Honest diapers and wipes. I mentioned it in my Instagram story, and the chef responded that the men’s room had the same set up!

The best restaurant changing table in San Diego

The Tastes

el jardin restaurant san diego

We started with hot chocolate, which was mixed (batida) table side, and cafe de olla. They mix the coffee with piloncillo sugar. I found it too sweet, especially along side the sweet entrees.

el jardin restaurant san diego

If you have seen my cajeta recipe or caramel torte with cajeta, chocolate and pecans (you have to click through to see the picture!), then you know I am obsessed with CAJETA. The Little Birds liked the pancakes with cajeta. Mom tip: have the kids split the sweet dish and order them each a side of eggs.

Cajeta and strawberry pancakes at El Jardin Restaurant in San Diego

One to Watch

I first met chef Zepeda-Wilkins in 2015. That summer, Specialty Produce held a tasting night a week before Javier Placensio’s Bracero opened. Zepeda-Wilkins, as that restaurant’s chef de cuisine, prepared Yucatan-style cochinita pibil sopes topped with heirloom beans and fermented pineapple. I really enjoyed hearing about the food from her. When her more famous boss came over, I asked to take a picture. She humbly stepped out of frame, and I insisted she get back in the photo. “Me?” she asked. “Yes!” I blurted, “I like you.” Because, sometimes I go with my gut, you know?

Tijuana chef, Javier Plascencia, and Bracero chef de cuisine Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins.

Since then, Zepeda-Wilkins starred in TV projects such as Top Chef in the US and Mexico. And in the time it has taken me to finish this blog post, El Jardin and the chef have been nominated for several restaurant awards. Yet, she still takes the time to bring the food to guests herself!

Chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins of El Jardin Restaurant in San Diego

One More Tip

Top the chilaquiles with short rib, please! You’re welcome.

Chilaquiles Divorciados topped with short rib at El Jardin in San Diego

El Jardin

2885 Perry Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 795-2322
eljardinrestaurantbar.com