Holiday Shopping? Yes, It's Time

I know it's a bit early, but I have a New Year's resolution to make right now that might actually do me and my stress level some real benefit: I am going to begin my holiday shopping earlier this year.

Don't laugh.

This year I resolve to stop the cursing at Amazon's "Express" shipping option prices. No more picking through picked-over shelves at Target. No more choosing the ridiculously overpriced item just to "get it over with." I'm making my list, baby, and with any luck, I won't have to check it more than twice.

Why the sudden bout of sensibility? Well, I'm not going to admit to any hidden agendas here, but it didn't hurt that I just got wind of some pretty good shopping/travel packages in San Diego for this fall and winter travel season. Yes, I can combine two of my favorite things: Shopping, and getting the heck out of town! Some offer better deals than others, but there's nothing like a change of scenery to put me in a generous mood.

Check out these cool packages; visit the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau site for more information.

• The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is offering the Macy's Package, which includes one night of accommodations and a $100 Macy's Gift Card. Rates start at $199, plus tax (offer is based on availability, blackout dates apply, and reservations require a nonrefundable prepayment; through Dec. 31). Use promotional code CMY.


• Downtown San Diego's luxurious US GRANT hotel is offering the Bloomingdale's Holiday Shopping package, which includes two nights of accommodations, daily breakfast for two at the Grant Grill, a $100 Bloomingdale's gift card plus 10% shopping discount at Bloomingdale's in San Diego's Fashion Valley shopping center, a consultation with a Bloomingdale's 'At Your Service Personal Stylist' and after-shopping specialty cocktail and appetizer at the Grant Grill. Rates start at $500, plus tax (blackout dates apply; through Dec. 31).


• The iconic Hotel del Coronado is offering the Holiday Stocking Stuffer package, which includes one night of accommodations, a $75 resort credit valid at resort boutiques and 50% off self-parking. Rates start at $299, plus tax and $25 resort fee (based on availability, blackout dates apply; Nov. 20-Jan. 1).


• The Westin San Diego in downtown San Diego is offering the Holiday Cheer package, which includes one night of accommodations, a $50 gift card to nearby Westfield Horton Plaza shopping mall, complimentary gift wrapping for up to five boxed gifts and seasonal cocktail and appetizer. Package is $179, plus tax (based on availability, blackout dates apply; Nov. 18-Jan. 1). Use promotional code HOLISHOP.

See you at the mall ... soon.

A Ruff Hangout

A day in the life of Olive, the Graham Family dog:

• Wake up at the crack of dawn so I can wake everyone else up at the crack of dawn.


• Thoroughly sniff out wet lawn for wayward squirrels and birds.


• Track muddy footprints collected from wet lawn through house.


• Bark at UPS delivery person.


• Take a nap.


• Dig up musty rawhide and place in Carolyn's bed.


• Take a nap.


• Go get musty rawhide out of yard and return it to rightful place in Carolyn's bed.


• Stare forlornly at Carolyn in order to remind her that dinner should be served promptly at 6 p.m.

Hotel Indigo guests enjoy drinks with their dogs.

That makes for a long dog-day afternoon, so it stands to reason that she – and all other pups out there with similarly demanding agendas – would need to kick back and relax at their local watering hole. That's why you'll find Canine Cocktails at the Hotel Indigo San Diego, which this spring is bringing back its popular happy hour geared for the four-legged.

Hotel doggie ambassador Sandie dives into the reflecting pool with a pal.

Collies, poodles, labs and all manners of mutts are invited onto the hotel's ninth floor Phi Terrace Bar from 6:30-9 p.m. one Tuesday per month to enjoy some complimentary dog bones, snacks and bottled water  as well as the reflecting pool and green rooftop (the next event is March 16). Their people can sample the tapas from Phi Bar and Bistro and then feel good about ordering up one of the specialty cocktails – such as the signature Blue Indigo "Phi" martini – since a dollar of every drink sold is donated to the San Diego Humane Society. There's no cover charge for the Canine Cocktails, but dogs must be on a leash and keep their paws off tables and chairs (and no growling – remember, this is "happy" hour).

While you're there, be sure to introduce your pooch to Sandie (San Diego without the "go"), the hotel's Lab mix who was adopted from the San Diego Humane Society and who now serves as the hotel's mascot and ambassador.

During the summer, the Canine Cocktails will commence to every Tuesday. And dog-loving Angelenos don't have to worry about making the long drive just for the day – the 210-room property located in the Gaslamp District (and appropriately just one block from PETCO Park) welcomes pooches to stay overnight (nightly rates start at $199, with no extra charge or deposit for pets).

Spring Travel Fever

I don't know about you, but the recent rains put a damper on my usual Valentine's Day/Presidents Day travel lust. But now that the sun is back and bringing up my core temperature, it's also making my feet itch.

But where to go and what to do? My budget's not any bigger, that's for sure. So I was pleased to see what looks like a pretty good deal at the luxurious Omni San Diego. Starting at $219 for one night, the "On the Road Again" package has some pretty fun perks for a traveling family (and includes free valet parking, to boot).

At check-in, kids receive a backpack full of games and toys as part of the hotel's Sensational Kids program. Cookies and milk are delivered in the evening, just in time to settle in after a day of exploring Sea World, the zoo or any number of great attractions the city has to offer.

In fact, art lovers can check out the new Bernar Venet exhibit, a series of 12 outdoor sculptures placed at key locations along San Diego’s waterfront district and throughout the city (including an installment outside the Omni).

The 32-story, 511-room hotel is also situated next to PETCO Park (there's a skywalk connecting the two) at the entrance to the city's Gaslamp Quarter, a fun place to meander and explore.

Upon check out, kids receive games for the ride home as well as some heathly snacks.