Hi. I'm Carmen, a San Diego blogger & a social media manager/consultant for small businesses, brands, & even influencers. I blog for fun & I do social media optimization services for work. Learn more about me here. I've lived here most of my days, making the San Diego lifestyle the only one I really know. San Diego County is huge; there's an ever-changing flow. There's always a new craft brewery or trendy dinner spot to check out. Oh, but those were the good old days before the quarantine. 

As with many people in the county (& world), we're quarantined. Even though we're used to sunny days, San Diego bloggers don't let the rain get them down. So what do San Diego lifestyle bloggers do when under quarantine? Is it business as usual or have things changed?

Well, things have changed. That's safe to say. 

Losing clients & work

I am a San Diego blogger, yes, but I also work remotely full-time as a social media manager for small brands & businesses in San Diego County & beyond. I perform social media optimization services, write blog posts, product descriptions, whatever people need. Two of my clients reduced my hours completely until further notice, leaving me out of the bulk of my work. Find out more about me (Carmen) & my blogging + career background. I even found a new client a few weeks into quarantine & then two weeks later they said they couldn't fit me in their budget.

And I understand, if a business is shut down altogether, they might not have the budget for social media optimization services. Other clients are impacted by closed offices, reduced work, closed restaurants, & probably a lot more! San Diego businesses & San Diego bloggers alike are reeling from the COVID-19, trying to pick up their life, earn some money, move forward. 

But I also found work too! I found a 20 hour per week minimum with a one-woman social media agency. I’m working with wealth management & finance, & often feel out of my league. But I’m l learning every step of the way. It inspires me to create better content, have better procedures when it comes to my own clients, & to take breaks! After all, from Downtown SD to Pacific Beach to Escondido, San Diego has a lot of beauty.

Go to my Contact page to get in touch with me. 

Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!

This impacts the entire community

I've worked from home for just about three years as a San Diego Blogger, social media manager, & travel writer. I talk about my 2-year anniversary in this post - the highs & lows in this post, the changes in blogging to influencer marketing, particularly Instagram influencers. And if you want to go way back, I delve into my one-year anniversary in this blog post. As someone self-employed, I've had my fair share of client losses over the years but this impacts more than just me. It impacts clients, friends, family, the whole community, state, the whole globe is united in how much we're impacted. 

Since we're self-isolating, you're not supposed to go out & about to the beach, having a full-on brand photoshoot. With that in mind, many San Diego bloggers out there can't shoot photos for content, unless it's at their home. San Diego bloggers & lifestyle bloggers might feel strained when it comes to creating content. Use simple backdrops to make your photos more interesting: your countertop, your wood table or floor, any kitchen tiles, a blanket. Get creative! If you're one of the San Diego travel blogs, look through older photos & start using storytelling to share your previous imagery. Shop some of my favorite blogger & influencer essentials on Amazon.

What if you don't have a cute workspace or home for photos? I know the feeling; I live in an apartment so I can't change the brownish-beige carpet or the dark brown countertops, so I have to use props. Sometimes I use a chic faux sheepskin rug to style my photos as a San Diego blogger. If you're filming videos or need a larger backdrop, you can buy a large wallhanging for under $20. Stay home & buy some affordable photo props online. Check out this blog post for the full breakdown.

Need blog help, social media optimization services, content writing, etc?

It just so happens I'm open & looking for some new clients! Hey, if you need social media optimization services, blog help, please take a look at my client testimonials. If you're interested in potentially working together,  fill out this super quick form so I can find out what you need & how I can help & I'll email you within 48 hours.

San Diego bloggers and businesses are suffering, but they're trying to make the most of the situation in whatever way possible. Desperate for some blog post ideas?? Learn how to find blogging inspiration & blog ideas. Some companies have gotten creative on how to make sales & stay afloat during these trying times. I saw a pizza place offering do-it-yourself pizza kits to make at home with the kids. Lost Abbey, a San Marcos, California-based brewery offers free delivery in North County San Diego for orders over $50. Many of your favorite San Diego restaurants offered to go for pick up orders. Get the scoop on How to Get a Brand Collaboration + Instagram Collaboration.

I'm a  San Diego foodie lover & enjoy dining on whatever the city has to offer. There are so many great locations & destinations to check out in SoCal. Sometimes small businesses aren't looking for any type of paid work, they aren't looking to hire me for social media work, but that's right come in as a San Diego blogger & influencer. I have a blog, social media channels, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TripAdvisor, you name it. If you're a small business, restaurant, or even a PR company, feel free to contact me for upcoming events, openings, product launches.

San Diego brands and Businesses I Work With: 

I'm a freelance writer for Locale Magazine, check out my online article about the Best Places to Watch the Superbowl in San Diego. Locale Magazine is a lifestyle magazine with markets in Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles. I rode to feature articles that will be coming out in the June San Diego Locale Magazine issue. I haven't received word on if it will be in print or how the formatting will be because of the whole quarantine scenario. Head over to my Contact page if you want to email me.

I do social media consulting & management for clients such as Body by Drea. Drea is a Carlsbad-based trainer ready to teach you proper form & Interesting workouts to keep you motivated. She hired me for social media optimization services. With Drea, I worked on optimizing her YouTube: creating video titles, writing video descriptions, video tags, creating video cards and end screens. We worked on the growing following, her website traffic, her Instagram. I have quite a lot of experience working with local businesses as a San Diego blogger & social media manager.

And of course, there is Integrity Counseling Group, a therapy practice with offices in Carlsbad, San Marcos, & the Mission Valley, San Diego. They focus on working with people, teens, & couples in need of therapy. That includes therapy for depression, trauma, sexual addiction, drug addiction, etc. I've worked with them since 2018 on a social media consulting & management level, social media optimization services such as going over their newsletter to make improvements.

Here's a testimonial from my client!

"I have so much more clarity about the direction we are headed in--and we are already seeing results! I implemented her SEO strategy a few weeks ago and in the past week we have started to see more referrals through Google. Most importantly, these are quality referrals that have booked with us right away and been eager to pay our full fee. Carmen keeps me accountable to my goals and also provides feedback on my marketing. I send her 90% of our content before it goes out, and she always thinks of ways to make it better."

- Cory Anderson, Integrity Counseling Group.

Are you a San Diego blogger who needs help?

If you're a San Diego blogger that needs some general help (content creation, blog writing, captions, Pinterest, etc.) feel free to reach out & fill out this brief form. Tell me your goals, questions, fears, & your budget. Your budget is important. Depending on your finances, I'm available for either a 30-minute or 60-minute call (smaller budgets) to offer overall suggestions, tips, guidance. If you have a more steady budget, I'm available for management services where I execute the work myself, whether that's creating fully optimized Pinterest pins or posting Instagram Stories or writing blog posts or other content. Read my blog post about time management tips for freelancers, remote workers, & bloggers.

Hire me - San Diego locals & nonlocals

If you're interested in my services as a San Diego Blogger or for my social media optimization services, fill out my quickie questionnaire or shoot me an email with your answers. I work with local business & nonlocal businesses. Fun fact, I've never met Body by Drea even though we've worked together for almost a year. That's the nature of being a freelancer. I work with businesses in San Diego County, Southern California, & pretty much anywhere, One client was located in Michigan. Whether you're looking for more Facebook followers, influencers for a food event, or captions for a luxury jewelry company, I can assist you.

Visit my Contact page to get in touch with me.

How are you doing? How have you been staying positive or creative during such a stressful time? Leave a comment!

Are you curious about things to do/what to do in Lompoc? Wondering where is Lompoc, CA? A few people asked me about this! Or perhaps you're trying to find cheap hotels in the Lompoc area? Scroll through this guide to answer your biggest questions, & probably answer some questions you never had at all.

About Carmen

Hi, I'm Carmen. I'm a travel influencer & blogging coach who shares my experiences with my readers & anyone browsing for trip ideas (hey, that's you!). I visited the city of Lompoc, California on a press trip with a handful of journalists, magazine editors, & writers to experience a piece of what Explore Lompoc has to offer. "What is a press trip/familiarization tour?" you ask. I explain it in this post.

How Do You Pronounce Lompoc?

Make sure you pronounce Lompoc properly or you might get corrected by a long-time resident. Say it with me now: LOM-poke. "Poke" as in "Did you just poke me?" Lom-poke. Lom-poke. Lom-poke. Say it 10 times without looking at the word & it helps.

Woodfired pizza from Valle Eatery + Bar

Where is Lompoc, CA?

Several people sent me messages & comments asking where is Lompoc, California? I pondered that too until I drove my butt there. The city of Lompoc is located in Santa Barbara County. It's 60 miles south of San Luis Obispo, 55 miles north of Santa Barbara, & 155 miles north of Los Angeles. Lompoc is fresh & fun but not ridiculously out of the way. There are local events in town as well.

What to Do in Lompoc? There are a plethora of things to do in Lompoc, California, especially if you're traveling as a couple, with friends, family, children, or solo. 

T-Rex Mural in Lompoc

Top Attractions and Things to Do in Lompoc

Spend time trying local wine, exploring the Lompoc Flower Fields, and enjoying the most popular things to do in Lompoc. Bring the kids for the weekend to explore Lompoc. There are plenty of spots to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take the day off at Jalama Beach County Park. You can even reserve a cabin to stay in. 

Walking Mural Tour in Downtown Lompoc

The Lompoc Mural Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing art to the walls of Lompoc in order to share Lompoc's history, tell the story of ethnic & cultural groups, & bring tourism to the city. They have a mural map with the exact location & details of 36 murals. Print it out or look it up on your phone as you do a walking mural tour. There are many beautiful pieces of art throughout the streets of Downtown Lompoc.

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Founded in 1787, the beautifully restored La Purisima Mission shares a glimpse into the past. You can choose guided tours of the buildings & grounds or venture off on your own. Walk through the tranquil mission gardens. Hike La Purisima Mission State Historic Park's 25 miles of trails. Grab a souvenir or hand-crafted item from the Gift Shop. I bought a stunning pink & green shell necklace. La Purisima Mission in the city of Lompoc, CA even has living history events such as a grape harvest, tortilla making, candle making, rope making, basket weaving, & other cool things to do with the family.

My Skydiving Experience at Skydive Santa Barbara Check out the Skydiver's Handbook

Go Skydiving at Skydive Santa Barbara

It felt frigid in the tiny airplane on the ride up. I start to shiver. The engine buzzed louder than my thoughts. The first tandem skydivers open the airplane door, scoot to the edge of the plane, lean out, & then vanish like a puff of air. Now it's our turn - my badass female tandem skydiver who has done 8,000+ jumps -  we inch our butts to the edge of the airplane & into the abyss. I brace myself, tilt forward, & oh shittttt we’re outtttttttt of the planeeeeeeeee. Magical. Positively magical. As far as exciting things to do in Lompoc, California, I highly recommend skydiving at Skydive Santa Barbara!

Where to Eat in Lompoc, CA

Lots of local eats in town! Sissy's Uptown Cafe, a family-owned business, is the hot-spot in town for pie. The coconut cream pie came so highly recommended but alas, it was sold out by the time we arrived. In fact, they were sold out of almost all their pies. Sissy's pie notoriety might literally leave you wanting more. Hangry & need a quick & casual food in Lompoc? Burrito, pizza, sushi, oh my.  Plenty of options to order, grab, & go. If you want to sit down to eat, try one of Lompoc's full-service restaurants. I ate pad Thai at Herb Home Thai Restaurant, sampled desserts & woodfired pizza from Valle Eatery + Bar inside the Hilton Garden Inn. Search online ahead of time to find something to suit your taste buds.

Blue nail polish: OPI (similar) // Hair tie ribbons: Kenz Laurenz (similar) Wine from Dierberg Vineyard

Wine Tasting in Lompoc, California

Support local. Choose from 40 wineries and vineyards on Lompoc's wine trail, from Arcadian Winery to Zotovich Vineyards. The rolling hills & sprawling land make for some pretty scrumptious wine & stunning views. Check out the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, a cluster of local wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in Santa Rita Hills, if you want easy access to multiple wineries. Enjoy an afternoon of Lompoc wine tasting. The media crew first met at Dierberg Vineyard for a press trip wine tasting. Visit Lompoc and try a couple different tasting rooms. Browse their websites to see when they open and what their hours are.

Airbnb

There are several cheap hotels in Lompoc, CA & affordable options but you can also search for Airbnbs. You can find something close to or in the center. Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. That could be a free night somewhere. I loved my Airbnb in Oslo, Norway, affordable & chic. I made coffee every morning. Ahh, I'm thankful for Airbnb memories. But I loved my Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc – Central Coast experience too!

The City of Lompoc

If you haven't paid a visit to the city of Lompoc, integrate it into your upcoming travel plans. This buzzing town won't stay unknown for long. Soon people won't ask "where is Lompoc?" they'll say "I had no clue there were so many things to do in Lompoc, California."

San Diego is an enormous county. In fact, it's around 4,500 mi.². I just Googled that. I definitely didn't know that off the top of my head. In North County San Diego alone, there's  Del Mar, Escondido, Oceanside, Solana Beach, & more cities. Looking for best things to do in Encinitas? Drive Coast Highway 101 or head to Swami's Beach, Moonlight State Beach, San Diego Botanic Garden, or Encinitas Historical Society. There's a lot you can do. Keep reading!

What is Encinitas famous for? How much does it cost to live in Encinitas?

Go Downtown

A lot of people tend to feel overwhelmed when it comes to blogging. There are a lot of questions about it. How often should I be writing? How many blog posts should I write per month? Do I need a professional photographer or is my cell phone okay? I already have a full-time job, how do I focus on blogging?

There is never a one size fits all strategy otherwise there would be a blog post online on it and everyone would be successful. It helps to identify your goal(s) so you can specifically work toward that and identify what success means to you. Some blog coaches offer structured lessons, Facebook masterminds and groups, and all that cool stuff. Everyone is different and you get to decide what is a good fit for you. 

When working with me, ultimately, it's your blog & brand. You are free to call all the shots, execute any changes, & implement any strategies. As a professional blogging coach, I give you professional advice & guidance based on over 7 years of agency, corporate, & solo experience. I can give you tips and strategies and marketing advice, but it's up to the individual to implement them.

Take a look at my press & media page for all the brands I've worked with. Whether you're trying to create a better or successful blog strategy, trying to figure out which affiliate networks to use, how to improve your traffic, I provide insight, tips, tricks, & hacks.

My client Nicole came to me asking about blog coaching services. For our coaching sessions, we worked together for a few one-on-one video sessions. Nicole says, "[Carmen] gave me guidance and direction that I never expected! I had to be myself - otherwise, she could not help me the way I needed. She was like an anchor while I was floundering around. She kept me grounded and on track."

Whether you're a hop head who wants to sip their way through the Conejo Valley Beermuda Triangle or whether you're a nature lover who prefers to spend your time on the trail, there are a lot of cool things to do in Conejo Valley, California.

Prefer spending your afternoons sipping wine at a local winery? Want to sleep in, go shopping, & get pampered? Want to take the day to get back to nature? No worries, Conejo Valley has your back. No matter what you love, Conejo Valley has more than enough things to do to keep you occupied.

Whizin Market Square in the morning. Agoura Hills, California

Where is Conejo Valley?

Conejo Valley is that sweet middle spot north of Los Angeles & south of Santa Barbara, located less than 30 minutes from the beaches of Malibu. Conejo Valley consists of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, & Oak Park.

Lavender latte from Longevity Coffee. Thousand Oaks, California

If you need caffeine...

1. Sip on a lavender latte or nitro cold brew at Longevity Coffee.

Mouthful Eatery after the lunch rush. Thousand Oaks, California

If you're hungry...

5. Get coffee & breakfast at Wildflour Bakery & Cafe.

6. Try the crispy yuca with huancaina sauce from Mouthful Eatery.
7. Eat a taco (or two) at Bad Ass Tacos.
8. Have one of Urbane Cafe's vegetarian-friendly sandwiches.
9. Snack on the mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern, made in-house with beer-infused dough.
10. Share some seasonal California comfort food from Lemonade.
11. Find organic, plant-based, gluten-free food at JOI Cafe.

Cheesecake bite from Carrara Pasteries. Agoura Hills, California

If you have a sweet tooth...

12. Eat a cupcake from Sprinkles Westlake Village.
13. Try the Chevre Goat Cheese Chocolate from TIFA Chocolate & Gelato.
14. Find homemade Italian desserts at Carrara Pastries, an authentic pasticceria.

Random find at Conejo Open Space. Thousand Oaks, California

If you like nature...

15. Tour the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.

16. Hike Tarantula Hill.
17. Find peace in the Gardens of the World.
18. Channel your favorite movies in Western Town, a real-life set at Paramount Ranch.
19. Hike the Paramount Ranch trails.
20. Swing on the swings at Chumash Park.
21. Spend the afternoon hiking Modelo Trail.
22. Take a quick stroll through Chaparral Park in Oak Park or Old Agoura Park.
23. Explore the wonders of the Conejo Open Space.

Trying tasters at 14 Cannons. Westlake Village, California

If you like beer...

24. Go to a European-style brewpub (LadyFace Ale Companie).
25. Sip your way through the Conejo Valley Beermuda Triangle: 5 Threads Brewing, 14 Cannons, & Westlake Brewing & Libation.
26. Find the perfect pour or cocktail at Public School 805 in Thousand Oaks.
27. Take a beer home from Bottle & Pint.

If you like wine...

28. Do a wine tasting Giessinger Winery.
29. Go to the Alma Sol Winery tasting room.
30. Enjoy live music & wine at Aldabella Winery in Westlake Village.

Fabric exhibit at Conejo Valley Art Museum. Thousand Oaks, California

If you like history, art, & culture...

31. Check out the Conejo Valley Art Museum.

32. Make a stop at the California Museum Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO).
33. Learn about 150 years of California history at Reyes Adobe Historical Site.
34. Explore the Stagecoach Inn Museum complex & permanent exhibits.
35. Watch a play at Conejo Players Theatre.
36. Board Air Force One at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
37. Surprise yourself with a $5 mystery read from The Open Book.

Handmade baskets from Bolga Bae at Westlake Promenade Farmers Market. Westlake Village, California

If you like shopping...

38. Discover The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks.
39. Enjoy a boutique experience at Whizin Market Square.
40. Go to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks for shopping, dining, & entertainment.
41. Shop around Janss Marketplace.
42. Stop by The Promenade at Westlake farmers market.

Posing like a badass at Conejo Botanical Garden. Thousand Oaks, California

My Favourites

♥ wandering around Conejo Open Space ♥ lavender latte from Longevity Coffee ♥ browsing local vendors at Promenade at Westlake farmers market ♥ late night movie at Muvico Thousand Oaks 14 ♥ mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern ♥ Conejo Valley Botanic Garden ♥ pretzels with mustard at 14 Cannons ♥ pretending to be a famous actor on set at Paramount Ranch ♥ all the nature options ♥ chai tea from Tranquility Tea Room ♥

Things To Do in Torrance, California

12 PM - Let's eat

Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert. Eating is definitely one of the best things to do in Torrance. Grab a quick lunch. There are a ton of delectable eateries nearby for visitors to choose from. Are you craving seafood, pasta, steak, what'll it be? Torrance has a variety of international food stops like Mitsuwa Marketplace (Japanese), Habana Vieja Cuban Cuisine & Cafe (Cuban), King Mediterrano (Greek), & plenty of ramen too. There are loads of local favorite restaurants in the city of Torrance offering a mouthwatering array of options for date night, all the family, foodies, kids, and adults alike. 

Afternoon Stroll at El Prado Park

1 PM - Enjoy nature

Enjoy the exceptional Torrance weather & stay outside. There's no shortage of soothing views and beautiful things to do in Torrance. Check out El Prado Park, Los Arboles/Rocketship Park, Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Wilson Park, Miramar Park, & more. The South Coast Botanic Garden is nearby & worth a trip. We particularly loved the Garden for the Senses section.

Two Taster Flights at The Dudes' Brewing Company

3 PM - Quench your thirst

Torrance has a popping craft beer scene. We visited The Dudes’ Brewing Company & HopSaint Brewing. I recommend getting a flight so you can test out flavors. Get a feel for a range of a brewery's beers without committing to a whole pint. There's also Monkish Brewing, Smog City Brewing, & many, many more!

View of Del Amo Fashion Center

5 PM - Let's go shopping

If you want to get your shop on, visit Del Amo Fashion Center. It's absolutely enormous. Fred & I may or may not have gotten lost. Okay, we totally got lost. It's that big. It's also very pretty. I've never said a mall was pretty before, but it is. I did a mini photoshoot by a full plant wall. 

Dinner & Drinks at Brio Coastal Bar

7 PM - Dinner time

Remember when I said eating is a delightful thing to do in Torrance? It still applies. After you're done shopping, explore more of the restaurants Torrance has to offer. We enjoyed a patio dinner & drinks at Brio Coastal Bar as the sunset. Pure bliss! Or go for Great Maple right next door. Other highly rated options: Ramen Yamadaya, Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, & STACKED.

Residence Inn Los Angeles Torrance/Redondo Beach Lobby

8:30 PM - Play time

The night is yours. After all, you're within driving distance to many popular Southern California hot spots. Want to stay local? Browse the Torrance events to see what's happening. Watch a movie at AMC. Take an evening walk at Torrance Beach. Maybe you're tuckered out & simply want to rest in your hotel room, watching TV in bed. That's cool too!

9 AM - Bake me a cake as fast as you can

Sleep in, then enjoy some freshly baked goods. Stop by Torrance Bakery. Prepare to wait in a line & make sure you get a number! Taste something different & go for the Hawaiian Paradise Three-layer cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery — made of guava, passion, & lime chiffon cake filled with whipped cream & topped with guava, passion & lime fruit glaze. Heavenly.

10 AM - Tea time

Wash down your sweets with a hot cup of tea at Chado Tea Room. We randomly stumbled upon it & thought it was too cute to pass up. We got a pot of Island of Mauritius, a black tea with a pop of vanilla, but they have a thick booklet of teas to choose from.

Bee at South Coast Botanic Garden

11 AM - Learn a lil something new

If you're interested in history, there are museums and exhibits to expand your knowledge.  Got some time to spare before you head out? Spend a couple hours visiting the Chen Art Gallery, Western Museum of Flight, Torrance Art Museum, South Coast Botanic Garden, or maybe lurk around to find the film locations in Torrance. Torrance has been featured in movies like American Beauty, Bruce Almighty, & She's All That.

Hawaiian Paradise Three Layer Cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery

Whether I was munching on fresh pastries, getting lost at the Del Amo Fashion Center, or relishing in the warm temperatures, I truly had a fantastic time discovering Torrance. It has a variety of things to eat, drink, see, & experience. Are you in? Discover Torrance! Other fun things to do in Torrance are the Torrance Farmers Market, Torrance Antique Street Faire, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance Historical Society, Torrance Promenade, and much more. There are art galleries and fine art, delicious desserts, movie theater, outdoor activities. It's the place you can bring your entire family. Go on an exciting adventure in Torrance. No matter what day of the week you visit, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or perhaps sometime in the middle of the week, there is always the opportunity to escape. Other cities to check out are Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Long Beach.

Enjoying Life at South Coast Botanic Garden