Nina Capuani

Sunflower Seeds: A Soon to be Farewell

Nina Capuani

As I soon say farewell as an undergraduate student, I would like to thank San Diego State University for the best four years of my life. As I am currently applying to full time opportunities for post graduation, I am reminiscing on the time I had throughout the years.

My freshman year was the biggest learning year for me.

It was my least favorite year, but I was still figuring out who I was as a person. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally unhealthy. The Freshman 15 was more like the Freshman 30, and I did not take school seriously. I did not pass a class that year and I never felt good about myself. However, the summer following my freshman year I got myself back in shape! I put my well-being first, and that was the best thing I could have done. 

Sophomore year was a bit interesting at first because I felt like I was starting over again.

I had cleansed myself from the negativity that I brought upon my freshman year, so I almost felt like I was starting as a newbie again. However, this was a great year for my growth. I made new friends that happen to be some of my best friends today! I joined new clubs like KCR College Radio, I and explored more of what San Diego had to offer. The books came first and I raised my GPA so I could stay in the business school. I felt more like myself and I am so thankful that I pushed my limits to get out of my comfort zone to do those new things.

Junior year was by far my favorite year. It was a year of doing what I wanted and it payed off.

I went to New York with KCR, Stagecoach Festival (if you know me you know that I used to hate country), and on a fun road trip in Arizona. I pushed myself to try new things every day. This was the year that I really got back into playing beach volleyball, so I was happy I could connect with something that I had always loved. Junior year was the first time that I was able to start taking my major classes too. I am so happy that I stuck with marketing after taking countless accounting and calculus classes. I felt well established and I was thriving in whatever I did.

As a senior I am thankful for my time.

I would have said this is my favorite year, but I do find it quite stressful applying for jobs. This is the first time in my life that I don’t know what I am doing after the school year. I find it very scary but also extremely thrilling. The opportunities are endless and I am here for the adventure.

I wish everyone that I have met over these four years the best of luck in the future. Also, I’d like to give a huge shout out to my parents for supporting me though out the years and especially college — I couldn’t have done it without them and their love. Lastly, I would like to thank myself for following my dreams and believing in me.

Written by: Nina Capuani
Me live on Sunflower Hour 🙂

Sunflower Seeds: A European Escape

Nina Capuani

As a senior graduating in May, I decided to take advantage of my last winter break ever. One of my good friends was studying abroad for the Fall 2019 semester in England. Our winter breaks lined up, so I decided I would give myself an early graduation gift and escape to Europe! 

I was in a class when I bought my plane ticket for the trip. I would briefly talk to her from time to time to figure out the logistics of it. It turned out that we would be doing a European tour with a group of 6 other girls she knew from study abroad.

London

I arrived in London on December 30 to meet up with my friend. I was there just in time for New Years! We went to almost every touristy spot that you could imagine possible. I was most in awe that they drive on the opposite side of the road there since I thought it was a bit similar to America. We spent New Year’s at a club in the city and then we were off to Spain.

Spain

The start of our travels was off to a rocky start. We missed our flight to Madrid that was at 7am, and we couldn’t take another flight until 4pm. Needless to say, we wasted our first day in an airport. When we arrived, I was in awe since Madrid is absolutely beautiful. It was colorful, the food was incredible, and the sangria was very cheap there! After the two nights in Madrid, we headed to another city in Spain.

We ventured off to Valencia. Valencia was even more beautiful than Madrid in my opinion. Valencia was very warm and full of life. The food there was just as good as Madrid’s. We fueled ourselves up with paella, empanadas, and Valencia Water (Gin, Champagne, Vodka, & OJ). As you could image, we had a great time in Spain.

France

Our next stop was Paris, France. As a little girl I had always dreamed of going to Paris, so I was beyond excited to be heading there. When we arrived it felt just as cold as Chicago. We were all bundled up but determined to see the city since we only had two nights there. We spent a majority of our time wandering the city. Paris was so beautiful and romantic. The architecture and sounds of the city made you feel like you were the main character in a romance movie. My favorite part was seeing the Eiffel Tower. I will never forget that feeling of excitement that came over me when I saw it. Paris is a place everyone should visit.

Italy

Our last country for the trip was Italy. I couldn’t wait to see my roots since I’m 75% Italian. The first city we went to was Rome. Rome was exciting because we saw the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. The best food I have ever had in my life was here. I ordered a pasta dish called Cacio e Pepe. It consists of cheese and pepper, but it was delicious. After our day in Rome we headed to Florence.

Florence was magnificent. The city was colorful and energetic. A few of us went to the top of the Duomo and the views were breathtaking because you could see the entire city from there. Florence felt a bit touristy since a majority of the people we met were form America. We went to a bar and all of the shots were named after university’s in America. I was able to get a “San Diego State Shot” which consisted of tequila, ginger, and lime. Florence was fun, but it was time to head to our last destination, Venice.

Venice was so peaceful. The water was clean, and the city moved slow. People lived to relax and that was just what we were doing. We took a gondola ride and ate a ton of gelato. Venice was the most relaxing city, and it was a great way to end our trip. 

Our trip consisted of laughs, lots of wine, and incredible food. I had a blast wandering around Europe with the six other girls. It was a trip I will never forget, and I hope you can experience that too. 

Ciao!

Written by: Nina Capuani

Sunflower Seeds: Holiday Cheer!

Nina Capuani

It’s time for Holiday Cheer! Christmas is coming up in a few short weeks, so here are some family friendly holiday activities to do in San Diego!

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (November 10 – December 29, 2019)

Balboa Park is decked out in “Whoville” decorations in the plaza outside the Old Globe Theater. They are on display in correlations with the theater’s annual holiday production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Hotel del Coronado: Skating by the Sea (November 26, 2019 – January 5, 2020)

Take your ice skates to this spectacular beachfront ice rink with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego. You can even reserve your own rink side lounge at Frostbite – A Place to Chill; guests will enjoy skating passes and seating around a fire pit with full food and beverage service. 

Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (December 14, 2019)

This free event features boats decorated for the annual holiday season that will take place in Mission Bay. The parade begins at 6:00 PM from Quivira Basin. To end the parade, fireworks ill be displayed and the Sea World Sky Tower Tree of Lights will be lit at 9:00 PM.

The Vet + Pet West Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade (December 15, 2019)

This holiday furry friendly event returns to Downtown San Diego to take over the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. Pet owners and their furry companions are invited to deck their paws with their favorite holiday costumes for this jolly promenade.  

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade  (December 26, 2019)

Watch America’s largest balloon parade during the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade. This event brings marching bands, beautiful floats, drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons to the bayside streets of downtown San Diego.

There are so many more Holiday Events in San Diego, but I just listed a few unique ones that I think you should do during this holiday season! You can find even more holiday events here!

Written by: Nina Capuani

Sunflower Seeds: My Top 5 Places to Eat in San Diego

Nina Capuani

Food holds a very special place in my heart since I’m a Taurus, Italian, and a Chicago Native. These past 3.5 years of school have allowed me to find some of my favorite places to eat in San Diego, and I thought I would share them with you all! Today I would like to honor my top 5 places to eat in San Diego.

My number one absolute favorite place in San Diego is Sushi Diner 2. It is located off of Friars Rd, so it’s extremely close to SDSU. Sushi Diner 1 is the same thing but located a little further from College Area off of Mesa College Dr. The beachy décor makes you feel like your toes are in the sand and the sushi is out of this world. My favorite roll to get is the Shrimp Lovers Roll which includes shrimp tempura and crab in the inside and cooked shrimp, avocado, and fresh salsa on the outside. There are so many options to choose from, so you really can’t go wrong with anything. The fish is always fresh, and the prices are super affordable. If you are a fan of sushi, this is the place for you!

Taken from Instagram.

If the sound of paninis and brick oven pizza excites you, then you need to immediately stop over at Pappalecco. The closest location to SDSU is in Kensington, but they also have locations in Little Italy and Hillcrest. Some of my favorite items are there are the brick oven pizzas, fresh paninis, and creamy gelato. Every time I have visitors in town, I make sure I stop here! The location in Kensington offers a cozy atmosphere that really makes you feel at home. All of the staff members make an effort to get to know your name and they are all super friendly. This is great place to go to is you want fresh Italian food, wine, and a good time! Fun fact: the pizzas are half off on Tuesdays at the Kensington location to my knowledge! 

Taken from Instagram.

TJ Oysterbar is a place in San Diego that everyone needs to try at least once in their life. The authentic Baja seafood taste with turquoise walls will take you far away. Customers are able to experience traditional seafood with a new modern take without having to cross the border. Not only is the seafood flavorful, but the micheladas are to die for! I recommend going with a few friends, so you try as much of the food as possible! TJ Oyster Bar has three locations in Chula Vista, so find the one that’s right for you!

Taken from website.

If you’re anything like me, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Kono’s café in Pacific Beach is a must if you enjoy food with a view. Locals line up every day to come to this oceanfront surf-themed diner. I’m a big fan of breakfast burritos and they offer 5 different egg burritos that are all delicious! If you dine in, you can have a front seat view of Crystal pier and the surfers since they have a dining section overlooking the beach! There is a coffee stand right outside adjacent to the boardwalk, so you don’t have to wait in line to get your latte!

DSC07576.jpg
Taken from website.

Last but not least, Extraordinary Desserts is a must to try. I have a major sweet tooth and I like to indulge from time to time (maybe 4 times a week but whose counting). Extraordinary Desserts isn’t any ordinary dessert shop – hence the name. Every dessert is perfected to be beautiful and taste like heaven. I don’t even have a recommendation on what to get here because everything is that good. Each dessert has its own personality whether it is decorated with chocolate shavings or filled with colorful flowers. There are two locations: Little Italy and Bankers Hill. The line can get a bit long to order, but this is worth the wait!

Taken from website.

I know I put my top 5 places to eat, but there are so many more! I recommend following different San Diego food pages on Instagram so you can get some more inspiration. I’m always looking to try something new and San Diego always has just what I’m looking for.

P.S Don’t forget to keep up with Sunflower Hour!

Written By: Nina Capuani
(Photos taken from the restaurants websites and Instagram’s)