State Bliss Blog

6 Things You Must Expect When Moving to Northern California

When moving to a place, we are always expecting that there are several different rules that are being followed on the place. Every place is different and gives a different level importance on several aspects. There are countries that values cleanliness so much that even spitting will make you pay a fine. There are some that does not consider it as an illegal activity. Well, there are lots of things that we should be aware of if we are into travelling, migrating or just staying in for some time. But let’s admit that since every state is different, there are events, traditions and/or activities that we still do not expect to happen.

So, if you’re planning to move to any place in Northern California we have prepared a list of things and/or events that you must be aware of. The items on the list might be familiar to others and some might be not. We hope that the list below will make it easier for you to adjust to this part of the state.

1. Avocados are everywhere.

You might be amazed on the quantity of avocados that you might see around the place. This fruit might be a rare to be found in other countries or state but in NorCal, it is really abundant. Well, the fact that they have plenty supply of it, makes this fruit cost cheaper. You might also be able to find several houses that has an avocado tree in their backyard. And hey! When we say everywhere, it is really everywhere. We do not just mean that they are sold anywhere but we mean that you may be able to find it even in your meal. Yes, you might see it in your burrito, tacos, nachos, dessert, salad, and a lot more! It is really anywhere and everywhere.

2. Brunch is the most important meal of the day.

Studies might say that the most important meal of the day is breakfast but in California, it’s brunch! Hey, it’s still breakfast but just a little bit late and the meal might be a bit heavy as well because it will also cover your lunch meal. Most food business in California is aware of these fact so they have a separate list of brunch meals on their menu. Brunch meals are often heavy, meaning it contains a lot of energy giving foods to help you throughout the day but will still make you enjoy your breakfast favorites like egg and sausage.

3. No Plastic bags allowed anywhere

California is the first state to ban any usage of plastic bag. This state is really strict when it comes to protecting the environment. So, you must always be ready and bring your own shopping bag with you. This way, you won’t need to buy one on the spot. You did not just help in protecting the environment you were also able to save up your money by reusing your shopping bags.

4. Uber and Lyft are essential

This is applicable especially in big cities in the state. Driving your own vehicle might be costly, why, because in this cities, traffic are everywhere. Some says that you have not experience heavy traffic if you haven’t been to Los Angeles. Aside from the expense, it will also be more comfortable for you because you just have to sit and let he driver bring you to your destination. A plus with this transport network vehicles is the fact that it helps protect the environment by reducing air pollution. How? Because they are practicing carpooling where there will be several passengers going to different but along the way locations that will just be riding one vehicle rather that one for each.

5. The place is earthquake territory

If you’re from a country that is far away from the ring of fire or from fault lines, you might get easily scared when you feel that the floor is slightly moving. But, most importantly, you might be shocked that the people around you doesn’t care as much as you. Why? Well, earthquakes are common. Anything below 6.0 is still normal for them and they are advised to stay calm. For you to be able to go with along with this event, you must make sure that your home is earthquake proof. There are some videos or articles online that teaches earthquake proofing.

6. The beach will always be near

If you’re a beach lover or you just want to have some dose of Vitamin Sea, you’ll be glad you move to this state! There are beaches anywhere, might not be in all cities but it will just take you a few drives away to reach it. Plus, you won’t regret driving because the beaches here are really beautiful and amazing. So, you must have your beach gears ready at your home just in case you suddenly thought of swimming and surfing.

An Intergalactic Pitstop in Baker, California

Californians are known as good drivers. Why? Maybe because of the fact that the cities on the state are mostly just a drive away. Even if it will take 8-12 hours before they’ll reach the destination, that’s not a problem, they’re ready for it! With this types of long drives, we need to have a break, who doesn’t?! We might just be sitting inside the car but still, it’s tiring, we need to stand up to exercise and keep the blood running in our system! The driver, the person who needs the rest most. It’s not easy to prevent yourself from falling asleep while seeing everyone sleeping right?! Well, where is the best place for everyone to have a chance to take a time-out? For super long drives, there are motorist hotel where you can stop at and have some goodnight sleep and take a bath if you want. For drives that are not that long or if you just want to eat or buy items that you need along the road, you may see several pit stops where you may buy some foods, drinks and other necessities.

https://www.yelp.ca/biz/alien-fresh-jerky-baker-2?start=20

In California, there is a very unique pit stop that is really worth stopping at. Can you imagine, while on your way to one beautiful place where you’ll spend your vacation at, you’ll be able to see a one of kind pit stop?! California is really one place that’s full of amazing attractions. You might even decide to spend some hours on the place just to enjoy and discover the things and sights that this certain pit stop has to offer. What are we talking about? It’s the Alien Fresh Jerky. We know that know you are having an idea on what you may see on the place. The place is will really take you to the other dimension! The store was founded by Luis Ramallo, his wife and his eldest son in 2000. It’s safe to say that this is a family owned and managed business. Originally, it was located in Crystal Spring, Nevada, but in 2002, it moved to Baker, California where it is still today. The state is really blessed to have wonderful businesses such as this as it does not only adds income to the state but it also make it a more interesting place to visit and discover.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g32036-d951390-i111928467-Alien_Fresh_Jerky-Baker_California.html

Alien Fresh Jerky was established to give a healthier snack alternative for people that are always on the road. Well, this is not just a pit stop because they carry their own brand on their snacks. These snacks are beef jerky, nuts, trail mixes, dried fruits, stuffed olives, and honey. Today, they are still continuously developing new snacks and souvenirs that they want their customers to be able to take home. Beside from the snacks and souvenirs, you might even want to take home beautiful pictures of the store. The store’s theme is like no other.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/alien-fresh-jerky-baker-2

https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g32036-d951390-i232031726-Alien_Fresh_Jerky-Baker_California.html

When driving along the road of Baker, you’ll easily be attracted to this store. Well, if you’re a tourist, you might not be aware of the snacks they are selling but we bet you’ll still be stopping by the place. Why? Because their towering sign will be pulling you over! Aside from the statement on the sign that they have the best jerky in the universe, where the sign is placed is also quite interesting. It is like a robot with an alien’s face, so out of this world right?! That’s not all, right at the parking, you’ll see a gigantic alien, don’t worry, this one is not going to abduct you, rather his welcoming you to the store and having his fingers do the peace sign like saying that you’ll be meeting more aliens inside that won’t harm you. Well, there are really several more aliens that will welcome you. There are two at the entrance and two inside the car on the parking. Inside, you’ll be able to take a picture with one of them. He is just sitting there waiting for you to sit down at take a picture.

https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2011/aug/03/flying-saucer-invades-boulder-city/

The store also has a lot in store for you for your trip, aside from the snacks stated above, they also sell shirts, tumblers, toys and a lot more. Of course, expect most of it to have alien forms or unique designs. We are sure that everyone will enjoy the place, even the young ones. Who would have thought that going to another dimension is just on the same way to your tourist destination. Whether you believe in aliens or not, this will still be worth your stop.

5 Common Stereotypes for People in Northern California

Nowadays, people tend to judge an entire nation or group of people base on an act of one or two of its member. This type of judgment is also known as stereotyping. These may be or may not be correct from time to time. Others stand to the fact that everyone is different from one another but some agrees that at some point they act or believe on something the same way as the people around them do. Stereotype is from the Greek word stereos meaning “firm solid” and typos which means “impression” so the word stereotype means “solid impression.” May it be for a certain nation, city, group of students or a group of friends, it will never be avoided that a certain member’s act may create an impression to others that may make them think that the entire group is the same.

Most people hate being stereotype because, like what we send earlier, people will always be different from one another. Some think that being stereotype limits the chance for people in a certain group to show that they are not like the others. But, we still couldn’t deny the fact that there are really things that we do and believe in that is similar with most, if not all, the members of the group or community we are in. It might be because this was already the culture we grew up following or maybe because this is the most appropriate thing to do with the type of environment you are in.

Below, we listed the most common stereotypes for people in Northern California that may be true to most of its people.

1. Tree Huggers

https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g240329-i24519337-Big_Sur_California.html

We all know that Californians are really into protecting the environment. We know that when it comes to recycling and waste segregation they are the most obedient and have strict rules about it as well. This love for protecting the environment goes beyond waste segregation as they tend to value every single gift of nature that they can find. They’ll protect even the smallest living creature in the best way they could possibly do. Of all of the items that is on this list, we are hoping that this will be the most applicable for all as valuing the environment is really an important thing so the next generations will be able to appreciate the beautiful sights we enjoyed.

2. Not fond of the Rain

The weather in the area is mostly sunny. It might be hard for people from other countries to deal with the sun’s rays and the temperature that goes with it but Californians are used to it. They are geared up, or better yet geared less, for this type of weather. So imagine the fact that because you are used to the sun, you’re wearing you’re shorts and sleeveless daily then suddenly it will rain and will be so cold?! Isn’t that annoying?! Well, the rain is not hated that much specially during drought but its sudden fall is the one that might truly be frustrating.

3. Love for their sports team is undeniable

Who wouldn’t support the team that is representing your state right?! They are doing their best to bring home the trophy so cheering for them is the only thing we can do to boost their energy and confidence. Well, when it comes to crowd support, people in NorCal knows how to do it best! No matter how busy they are they still try to do their best to go to the stadium and cheer for their team. If you’re going to watch the game with them, you’d better love the Warriors, Sharks, Giants and several more.

4. Having different language or slang

We know that people in California has created several slang terms and phrases that makes them unique. How they call a male tourist or acquaintance it not by saying “Mister” but they call them “Bro” or “Dude.” They also give their location on a different manner, they say it by telling how long it will take them to get to their destination rather than their exact location. There are more other words that really makes them different and uniquely cool.

5. Welcoming to other races and tradition

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/07/gay-pride-around-the-world_n_7513434.html

This might be the best reason why you’ll see different races around California. People in this state are so welcoming, they welcome every tourist or even migrants with open arms. It’s not just the people whom they welcome but also their tradition. When in California, you’ll experience several festivals that are celebrated in different countries like Chinese New year. It’s not only the culture and tradition of different races but of different groups as well, like the gay parade and even rejoicing during the Day of the Dead.

These items on the list are only the most common stereotypes for people living in NorCal, you may agree or not but we hope you do in most items of the list as these are the best qualities of a state may have as well- nature and environment protectors, hospitability, friendliness, supportiveness and uniqueness.

This Store Will Bring You Back to Your Childhood Years

Toys has always been a part of everyone’s lives. Who never got to have a chance to have one? Some might say that they don’t because they can’t afford it when they’re young, but what they do not know is that even the most little piece of wood they used to play with can be considered as toys. No matter what form, size, color or where it is made of, as long as it’s something that makes you happy when playing with it, you may consider it as your toy.

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/folk-art/toys/vintage-english-folk-art-childs-toy-riding-horse-great-display/id-f_986830/

The earliest-known written historical mention of a toy comes from about 500 BC in a Greek reference to yo-yos made from wood, metal, or painted terra-cotta. Yes, the yo-yo of today had been existing in these world longer than all of us! Well, in fact, it is believed that yo-yo originated in China on a much earlier date. Aside from yo-yo there are several toys that we are still enjoying today that originated several years ago. The kite had been flying around in the skies of China since the 1000 BC, it is now played by everyone around the world during the fine weather. Animal figured toys as well had been existing since the 2500 BC. It is one of the most common plaything in India during those times. Before, these figures are made of clay but now we can see variety of animal figures, there are plastic, rubber and some foamy ones as well.

https://www.brit.co/raspberry-pi-projects/

Before mobile applications, toys are the ones used not just for entertainment but for learning as well. There are toys with music that teaches kids the alphabet, numbers or colors. There are toys which you need to match the holes to the blocks of different shape in it. There other toys that helps kids in learning and solving math problems as well. Nowadays, these toys are not just for basic learning because we may now see toys that teaches us with human anatomy. These playthings also helps children know or start thinking of what they want to be when they grow up. Mobile applications might be more reachable these days but having a toy that a kid can really hold, move, and play with will always be a better option as it helps them become more physically active and less prone to radiation.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/g-willikers-toy-emporium-sacramento

Well, a store in California really valued the importance of each toy. G. Willikers! Toy Emporium is located in Old Sacramento. This shop do not just have the latest toys but will also bring you back in time. With these, not just the young ones will adore this place, but also the kids at heart. This place will bring out memories of your childhood, the games you played with, the moments treasured and the people whom you played it with. This shop was established last 2005 and was considered as Old Sacramento’s premiere retail shops. Well, it was created not so long time ago but a trip to this store will make you feel that you’re playing with your parent’s favorite toys back when they were younger. Wouldn’t that be a great bonding experience? They may teach you how to play the toys they used to love and you can teach them the toys that you also played with.

https://www.stagenine.com/gwillikers/

The concept of the store is to introduce its customers to simpler toys that does not include microchips or batteries- a lot less high-tech. Also, they do not just sell toys that went on trend or famous but also toys that maybe hard to find. If you’ll be having a reunion with friends and you want to have the things that will remind you of those times that you spent with your friends and/or family, this shop will help you find the best tool to do it. You might find some old board games here that you might have played before.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/g-willikers-toy-emporium-sacramento

Aside from good toys, the place is also visually attractive! G. Willikers! has many traditional build wonders such as the LGB Train Mountain, with several other automated train sets running all day to the Route 66-themed area with an amazing assortment of toys most people probably haven’t seen since the 70’s or 80’s. The LGB Train Mountain will really add to the old-fashioned feel that the store provide. No worries if you think that the new generation of kids will not enjoy this because we are sure that they’ll do. It might also be a good way for them to start minimizing using their gadgets to play games and start becoming more physically active.
http://fox40.com/2012/11/27/photos-g-willikers-toy-emporiums-12-toys-of-christmas/

When will be the best time for you to visit the place? As soon as you possibly can for you not to miss out on all the hard to find toys and the chance for you to create a bond with the young ones in your family!

A Big Fluffy Goodness!

Marshmallow is one of the most liked sweets for ages. It may be the fluffiest candy of them all! Its fluffiness plus its sweet taste is really something you don’t want to resist eating. Since it is really one good candy, people was able to discover other uses for it. Nowadays, we can find marshmallow on top of our favorite dessert, or even on our coffee. Well, it is most famous in s’mores. Yummy! Just saying the word s’mores makes everyone thing of that deliciously sandwiched marshmallow with chocolate in between good biscuits! Marshmallow is really one of the most famous sweets indeed!

Did you know that marshmallow had been enjoyed by people back from thousands of years ago? Also, would you believe that it marshmallow was actually a plant? Well, believe it or not, it really was. Althaea officinal is is a plant that grows mostly in western Asia and Europe. It is a member of the mallow family that mostly grows in marshy area, now you know where the name is from. Today, marshmallow is made from different ingredients, items that you can easily find in your local grocery store. This made this sweet treat available for everyone, as you may now be able to buy it in pack and ready to eat or use or make your own with your favorite flavor and/or color.

http://fancyfoodmagazine.blogspot.com/2013/05/editors-choice-plush-puffs-gourmet.html

California will never be left out when it comes to delicious treats, especially on marshmallow. Did you know that there’s a store selling gourmet and giant marshmallow? When we say giant, it really is one big cylinder of fluffy and sweet goodness! Plush Puff Hand Crafted Marshmallow simply started from a child’s desire to taste a new flavour in marshmallow, a pumpkin marshmallow because it was Halloween that day. His mom, together with another chef mom, tried several times before the desired taste and quality of marshmallow was achieved, then, Plush Puff was born. The fact that all the current ingredients for marshmallow are now accessible really helped out in creating this first Plush Puff flavor. Then, the owners never stopped creating new taste for this treat. The even made another variety of the original pumpkin marshmallow. You might think that their creations are too much for your taste buds, no worries, all of these flavors undergone taste test. Well, they can’t even resist having to taste only one of each.

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/plush-puffs-gourmet-marshmallows-burbank

What makes their marshmallow special? Their creators are dedicated artisan of marshmallow product, with this you can assure that this is not just a profitable business for them but it is run with passion to create new, unique and delicious marshmallow. Aside from these, their marshmallow are made of all-natural ingredients. You might thing that all marshmallows are made of natural ingredients, but they’re not and you’ll be able to see that on the packaging. Aside from that, their marshmallows are not just colorful on the outside but you will really be able to taste the different flavors on each different type of marshmallow. They also made sure that this will not be just good to be eaten right from the pack but will be even better when you toast it or melt it in your coffee.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/03/25/love-marshmallows-try-plush-puffs-in-burbank/

Plush Puff is the goal of offering the highest quality, all-natural, and deliciously flavoured marshmallow. They want to make sure that melting or roasting it will give you the most amazing experience in eating this treat. They want to provide a product that delights the senses. We can say that as of now, they are really on the right track. Their shop was featured in Food Network due to their “Big one- Giant Marshmallow.” This is real. They really have a giant marshmallow and it weighs 2lbs. These giant treat is fully edible so no part of it will be put to waste. Some bus this giant marshmallow for giant s’mores! Hmmmmm! That seems to be so tasty! Some also use it for gluten free cake option. This giant comes in different flavors, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Chipetta, and Peppi-Mint.

http://la-explorer.com/spotlight-on-local-brand-plush-puffs/

They also offer a 2lb bag of marshmallow that have different choices of flavor. If you thing 2lbs is too much for you or you want to buy many different flavors in small quantities, that’s not a problem because they have it in 4oz packs. These flavors are so unique that you might want to try them all! Who would have thought that a marshmallow can have a caramel swirl? There’s also a Chocolate Chipetta that has real chocolate chips! They also have s’mores! But it’s not your regular s’mores because the graham is already mixed with the marshmallow! Isn’t these all worth a try? You may buy their marshmallow online or with their several resellers in California! Go and have a taste of this fluffy goodness!