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California, Disneyland, Food, Ice Cream Kat Cregg California, Disneyland, Food, Ice Cream Kat Cregg

Disneyland food you can't miss - where to find the best food and sweet treats!

Attention Disneyland Foodies! In this post, we’ll tell you all the places you must go to try Disneyland Resort’s best food and dessert options! Want a Mickey-shaped milkshake or sundae? Check-out where to go! Did someone say ice cream?

See our top Disneyland dessert picks!

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Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour

Two of my favorite things in the world make a perfect combo: Disneyland & ice cream!!! I am such a Disney nerd and have been to Disneyland (literally) hundreds of times since I was little. Josh and I have even ventured to Hong Kong Disneyland and Paris Disneyland. We still have Tokyo and Shanghai to visit!

We averaged going to Disneyland almost once a month for the past few years, checking out the treats the Food and Wine Festival offered in Spring, Summer specials, Halloweentime in the Fall, and Holiday specials during winter. I present to you my findings of delicious treats around the resort that you can find throughout the year and the seasonal specialties offered.

Note: Most seasonal treats come back each year, but not guaranteed.


Mickey’s Cookies and Cream 90 Sprinkle Milkshake

Mickey’s Cookies and Cream 90 Sprinkle Milkshake

Schmoozies!

Location: California Adventure - Hollywood Land

Let’s start with my favorite, the Mickey shakes at Schmoozies in California Adventure’s Hollywood Land are not only super cute to look at, but they taste DELICIOUS too! The shakes change with the seasons and are typically made cookies and cream style.

PRO-TIP: Order on the Disneyland mobile app. We’ve waited over 30 mins on a crowded day!

The Churro Shake (Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Ice Cream, Cinnamon Churro Cereal, Whipped Topping and Churro Toffee) can also be found here for you churro lovers!

If you don’t want a milkshake and want a more “healthy” option, there are also smoothies including our favorites Mango Madness and Strawberry Banana Sensation!

Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies Halloween

Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies Halloween

Sorcerer Mickey Shake at Schmoozies

Sorcerer Mickey Shake at Schmoozies

Santa Mickey Shake at Christmas at Schmoozies

Santa Mickey Shake at Christmas at Schmoozies


Tropical Hideaway - Pineapple Raspberry Swirl

Tropical Hideaway - Pineapple Raspberry Swirl

Tropical Hideaway

Location: Disneyland - Adventureland

Located directly behind the Tiki Room, the NEW Tropical Hideaway is open for ice cream business. Orange, Pineapple, or Raspberry are your options here.

Pro-tip: You can even add bacon bits as a topping, which is part of their Secret Menu!

You can even sit and watch the Jungle Cruisers come back from their journey.


Dole Whip Soft Serve

Dole Whip Soft Serve

Pineapple Dole Whip Soft Serve

Location: Adventureland Entrance - Disneyland Park

 So creamy and fruity, pineapple Dole Whip is the best soft serve around! Lines can be long for this sweet treat, but it is worth it. Makes me want to sing “in the tiki tiki tiki room…”

Pro-Tip: You can order via the Disneyland Mobile app! GENIUS!



Funnel Cake Fries - Award Wieners

Funnel Cake Fries - Award Wieners

AWARD WIENERS

Location: California Adventure - Hollywood Land

Who doesn’t love a hot dog and fries? The key here is Funnel Cake Fries! From flavors like Apple Pie Fries (Coated with Cinnamon-Sugar, topped with Apple Pie Filling, Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream, and Streusel) to standard funnel cake strips, the toppings are the game-changers.

Throughout the different seasons, toppings vary from Oogie Boogie themed with crushed Oreos and gummy worms at Halloween to cereal and condensed milk with whipped cream. No matter when you go, they’re always tasty!


The CrazyShake

Location: Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beers Restaurant - Downtown Disney

Black Tap is known for their amazing hamburgers and their CrazyShake milkshakes! Dine in or hop in their shake window line to grab one to go!

I would enlist help taking these shakes down because yes, that is an ice cream sandwich hanging off the side of the shake in the picture (in case you were wondering)!

Pictured - The Cookie Shake: Vanilla cookie shake on steroids - vanilla frosted rim with cookie crumbles topped with a ‘cookiewich,’ crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, whipped cream & chocolate drizzle

Black Tap CrazyShake - The Cookie Shake Milkshake

Black Tap CrazyShake - The Cookie Shake Milkshake


Blue Milk - Galaxy’s Edge

Blue Milk - Galaxy’s Edge

Blue Milk

Location: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland

Do you remember the scene from Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi when Luke squeezes gross milk from the udder of a female Thala-siren (basically an alien sea cow) and gulps it? Yeah, it was disgusting. Anyhoo, Galaxy’s Edge is now serving a Blue Milk and a Green Milk from a machine… not a creature.

Blue Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics. 

Green Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with zippy citrus and tropical characteristics.

The consistency is strange, it’s like a smoothie, or somewhere between a slushie and a milkshake! We preferred the Blue Milk, which had a sweet, dessert-like taste. The Green Milk tasted almost floral like as if it were lavender ice cream. These drinks are also one of the hottest commodities right now, so make sure you use the mobile order with the Disneyland app. It’s not worth waiting in line!


Batuu-bon found in Galaxy’s Edge

Batuu-bon found in Galaxy’s Edge

Batuu-bon

Location: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

If you’re traveling to a Galaxy Far Far Away… Batuu is the last stop before entering Wild Space. You must try the Batuu-bon, a decadent chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard. The green sponge-like cake tasted fruity and the coin was a piece of chocolate! You’ll need nourishment before your trip into space, light speed ahead!


Ghiradelli - Lands End Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Ghiradelli - Lands End Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

Location: California Adventure - Wharf

The Ghirardelli headquarters can be found in San Francisco, but I'm not opposed to having some chocolatey goodness in California Adventure. This scoop shop is next to cars land, just as you are entering the wharf (where the food court is).

Their menu will have you drooling. With 10+ sundaes to choose from and 10 of shakes or ice cream scoop combos, you can customize to your tastebuds content.

Our faves:

Lands End Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae - Vanilla Ice Cream, a full-size Ghirardelli® Chocolate Brownie, Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt and handmade Hot Fudge topped with Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, Ghirardelli® Chocolate Sauce and a Cherry

Nob Hill Chill - a sundae you can sip (vanilla ice cream, fudge and chocolate chips on top)! 

Clockwise from left: Cookie Bits Sundae, Nob Hill Chill, Ice cream cone

Clockwise from left: Cookie Bits Sundae, Nob Hill Chill, Ice cream cone

Ghirardelli Chocolate, Rocky Road and Cookie Dough cone

Ghirardelli Chocolate, Rocky Road and Cookie Dough cone

This rich, creamy ice cream his the spot! But make sure you eat it quickly! Don't let this happen to you!

This rich, creamy ice cream his the spot! But make sure you eat it quickly! Don't let this happen to you!


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Huge Chocolate Chip Cookies

Location: Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums on Pixar Pier at California Adventure

If you want a chocolate chip as big as your face, this is your place! Jack-Jack’s cookies are as super as he is! Choose from chocolate chip, shortbread and jam-filled, gluten-friendly cookies.

Pro-tip: Grab one of these to share with your friends and family while waiting for the Incredicoaster!

Jack-Jack and Edna on the Incredicoaster

Jack-Jack and Edna on the Incredicoaster


Pink Strawberry Ice cream!

Pink Strawberry Ice cream!

Clarabelle's Ice Cream 

Location: Near Entrance of California Adventure

As you enter the park, Clarabelle's can be found at the end of the Buena Vista Street on your right (next to Starbucks). It isn't homemade but a nice selection of Dreyer's ice cream!

You can always get a chocolate-covered ice cream bar but at Christmastime, you can get a refreshing Peppermint Ice Cream Bar with your ice cream of choice!

Peppermint Ice Cream Bar from Clarabelle’s at Christmastime

Peppermint Ice Cream Bar from Clarabelle’s at Christmastime

At Halloweentime, they serve up a mean raspberry bat sundae, and by mean, I mean YUMMY! See more: Halloween Time at Disneyland



Peppermint Soft Serve - Cozy Cone Motel

Peppermint Soft Serve - Cozy Cone Motel

Cozy Cone Motel Ice Cream

Location: California Adventure - Cars Land

You can always get vanilla or chocolate soft serve at the Ice Cream Cozy Cone (HUGE PORTIONS) but at Christmas time, you can get also get the peppermint soft serve topped with holiday sprinkles and a star! It’s as pretty as a Christmas tree and VERY MINTY.


Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats - Soft Serve

Location: California Adventure Boardwalk (Pixar Pier)

Formally known as the Paradise Pier Ice Cream stand, Pixar Pier took over and Abominable is serving up some sweet treats! Soft serve lemon flavored ice cream is the ticket here. You may have been warned not to eat yellow snow, but here, it’s perfectly acceptable. See the before and after:


Señor Buzz Churros

Location: Pixar Pier and Carts

Buzz whips up some good churros over on Pixar Pier! Churros taste better while at the parks for whatever reason! Pick up some cinnamon sugary goodness with Buzz or any other cart in the parks.

Pro-Tip: Grab a churro while you wait in line for Midway Mania! It’s the BEST ride in the park!

Buzz’s Churros - Pixar Pier

Buzz’s Churros - Pixar Pier


Cookies, Candies, and Sweet Confections

Locations: Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen on Main Street in Disneyland or Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure

AP discounts offered

Fresh cookies and confections treats are made daily at the bakeries! Sink your teeth into a Cheshire Cat marshmallow tail or Mickey shaped candy apple. From cake pops to rice krispies, your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied.

If you go on the right day, maybe you’ll find a cookie that matches your manicure.

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Ice Cream Cones and Sundaes

Location: Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street USA in Disneyland

AP discounts offered

Cones are made fresh daily and seasonal sprinkles along with select flavors of Dreyer's ice cream!

Our favorite is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae with cookie dough ice cream! Comes in a Mickey shape, OF COURSE!


Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches

Location: Ice Cream Carts

Grab a Mickey-shaped ice cream sandwich to cool down at various ice cream carts and restaurants around the park.

A classic that I have loved since I was a kid! The ice cream sandwiches are so frozen at first, it is so hard to be patient to wait for it to soften! 

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Artisan Ice Cream

Location: Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney

I love Salt and Straw and I’m excited one has opened in Downtown Disney. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Salt and Straw has the best handmade ice cream made with local ingredients. Every month they feature a handful of unique original flavors.


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Experience World of Color from premium seats in Paradise Gardens Park!

After a day at the park, take a load off and enjoy some dessert with VIP waterfront views during World of Color! For $84 per guest (make sure you make reservations ahead of time - up to 60 days prior), make it a party and enjoy the following:

  • A sweet and savory selection of desserts and appetizers

  • Beverages

  • Paradise Gardens Park reserved seating in the World of Color preferred viewing area.

Sounds like the perfect way to end your magical day doesn’t it?!


I’m dying to get back to Disneyland now and craving sweets! Let me know if you get to try any of these!

Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:


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Best FREE Birthday Treats and Freebies/gifts on your Birthday!

Love freebies? Get free treats on your birthday at these amazing chains! Free stuff is always the best stuff! See where to get free stuff on your birthday.

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Where to get free things on your Birthday or during your Bday Month!

I enjoy getting “FREE BIRTHDAY COUPONS” and special offers in my email or in the mail during my birthday month! I mean, who doesn’t like free things, especially on your birthday! Here are the best free treats you can collect for your birthday deals at some of our favorite chains:

PRO-TIP: Some require prior registration, so pay attention!

Applebee's

Free dessert for when you sign up for the EClub.

Arby's

Sign up for Arby's Extras for a free shake coupon! Also, even if they aren’t free, order a side of curly fries, calories don’t count on your birthday.

Baskin-Robbins

Enjoy a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday as a member of the Birthday Club.

Ben & Jerry's

As a Chunk Spelunker (does it surprise you they have a weird fan club name) you can get free ice cream on your birthday!

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Make sure you sign up for the Premier Rewards Plus to get the coveted PIZOOKIE for free on your birthday! I just love the classic chocolate chip with ice cream… YUM!

Bonefish Grill

Free dessert when you become a Bonefish Grill Insider.

Boston Market

Be fancy and become a VIP at Boston Market for a free dessert with a purchase on your birthday. 

California Pizza Kitchen

Save your birthday dough as a member of the CPK rewards program and collect a free California dessert during your birthday month.

Carvel

Grab a free cone on Carvel as a Fudgie Fanatic. Tell Fudgie the whale The Sweetest Escapes sent you!

Checkers

Claim one free small milkshake on your birthday if you are a member of Checkers "Flavorhood" email club

Cheesecake Factory

Tell your server it's your birthday, and you'll get a free bowl of ice cream! I know, I wanted to say a piece of cheesecake too.

Chili's 

Chili's email club will send a coupon for a free complimentary dessert, good for two weeks.

Cinnabon

Club Cinnabon gives a free coupon for a birthday treat. Word on the street is the treat varies, and who doesn't love birthday surprises?

Cold Stone

What's better than ice cream with a friend on your birthday? A deal for your ice cream and your friend's ice cream on your birthday -- because you joined the My Cold Stone Club and collected your BOGO offer.

Cracker Barrel

A free dessert and a song? I know where my next birthday dinner will be.

Dairy Queen

Get your birthday dessert served upside down! Register your email with the DQ mobile app to get a BOGO Blizzard offer for your special day. 

Del Taco

On my birthday I like to collect a free premium milkshake with my coupon through the Raving Fan eClub. Tacos + Milkshakes = 💗

Dippin' Dots

Members of the Dot Crazy! Email Club can collect free Dippin' Dots on your big day! It is the ice cream of the future, start your new year off right.

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GODIVA

Sign up for the GODIVA rewards program and get a free birthday offer that varies month to month. Surprises are fun!

Hard Rock Cafe:

FREE dessert and a song on your birthday. Maybe even Steven Tyler will make a special appearance. Seriously, let us know if that happens.

Jamba Juice

Maybe it’s not quite ice cream, but become an insider so you can sip a free juice or smoothie on your birthday. Sweet and healthy!

Krispy Kreme

As a friend of Krispy Kreme you get a free donut on your birthday.

Marble Slab Creamery

Download the Slab Happy Rewards app to get a $5 reward 7 days prior to your birthday. Get a $5 reward once you sign up and make your first purchase.

Morton's Steakhouse

If you sign up for Landry's Select Club, you can get a free dessert and $25 reward card on your birthday.

Olive Garden

Unlimited breadsticks and a free dessert as a member of the eClub? SIGN ME UP!

Outback Steakhouse

"Let's go Outback tonight," is what you should say if it's your birthday. Not really, but you might want to since it'll give you a free kids-sized vanilla sundae. Get a blooming onion to start, I mean you just have to!

Pinkberry

Sign up for a Pinkcard to get free frozen yogurt on your birthday.

Pizza Hut

Drop your birthday in your ordering account with Pizza Hut to get delivered free hot and fresh cinnamon sticks on your birthday.

Planet Smoothie

Get a sweet free smoothie as a Birthday Club member.

Quiznos

Q-Club members can pick up a free cookie to go with your sub. They have a pepper barrrrrr…

Red Mango

Join Club Mango for $5 off your birthday purchase.

Rita's Italian Ice

Head over to Rita's for a free scoop of ice cream, Italian ice, or custard. 

Rori’s Wild Berry Chocolate Crisp

Rori’s Wild Berry Chocolate Crisp

Rori’s Ice Cream

Join their Birthday Club for a free scoop on your birthday. May I highly recommend the Wild Berry Chocolate Crisp!

Sonic

My Sonic rewards will get you a free birthday treat, which is chosen at random, so wish hard for ice cream.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles are small symbols of a celebration, so kick off with a free cupcake on your birthday.

Starbucks

Sign up for the Starbucks Rewards program for FREE drink on your birthday. Pro-tip: get a milkshake from a Starbucks Reserve location!

TCBY

Join myTCBY for free frozen yogurt on your birthday. Yum!

Wendy's

Get a free Frosty when you sign up for WendyMail, don’t forget to order fries for the salty-sweet combo!

Yogurtland

When you join Yogurtland's Real Rewards program, you'll get a 3oz frozen yogurt right away, and another one on your birthday. A real double-whammy. But, the good kind.


Feel free to let us know if we’re missing anything. You’re a hero in my book if you can collect all of these freebies for your birthday!

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

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Africa, Animals, Guide, Food, Hotel, Kenya, Safari, Travel Tips Kat Cregg Africa, Animals, Guide, Food, Hotel, Kenya, Safari, Travel Tips Kat Cregg

How to see 40+ lions and the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, Kenya - Africa

When we were in Kenya, we stayed at the Tangulia Lodge in the Maasai Mara and were able to see over 40 lions and the Big Five! See how we did it in our latest post from Africa!

How to find 40+ lions and the Big Five while on safari in the Maasai Mara

Africa was the trip of a lifetime! Seeing all the animals roaming in their natural habitats was so much better than watching animals at a zoo. We found 40+ lions, the Big Five, and more in the Maasai Mara! Here’s how we did it…

Scroll down to watch our video of our trip to the Maasai Mara!

All pictures were taken by us! See our camera gear here: African Safari Packing Essentials

Lion cub found in the Maasai Mara

Lion cub found in the Maasai Mara


Where to stay in the Maasai Mara and find the best guides!

We stayed at the Tangulia Mara Camp where we had the best guides to find all the animals we were dying to see! Benjamin and David greeted us at the airport as soon as we landed on the dirt airstrip and were with us on every game drive after that! They were knowledgable about the animals and their behaviors, knowing where to find them or look for them at any point of the day. I still don’t know how they spotted a leopard from miles away! pun intended.

Leopard in the tree

Leopard in the tree

Our guides were so patient and would go out with us for hours. There was only one other couple staying at the camp while we were there, so we lucked out and had a private car all to ourselves! This is a huge benefit when you find an animal you’re interested in and can sit and watch for hours… like we did with the lions and leopard.

Hyena up close!

Hyena up close!

We’d usually start out early around 6:30a/7a to see the most action from the animals waking up. Breakfast was packed in the car, so we’d make a stop at some point, which one of the other guides called it going to Starbucks! Haha!

Lioness and her cubs

Lioness and her cubs

We’d see lions in prides and sometimes on their own, usually a lioness with the cubs. If we drove around after the sun was fairly high in the sky, we’d find lions together taking a cat nap after their morning breakfast.

A lion we woke up from a nap!

A lion we woke up from a nap!


Animals to find in the Maasai Mara and the Big Five!

We found the Big Five while we were on our safaris, which were originally called this because they were the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot! We weren’t here to hunt, obviously, just observe. The Big Five include the African elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo.

Scroll down to watch our video of our trip to the Maasai Mara!

Leopard in the tree

Leopard in the tree

There were many other animals to see, including:

  • Oryx

  • Spotted hyena

  • Topi antelope

  • Thomson Gazelle

  • Banded mongoose

  • Maasai sheep

  • Maasai giraffe

  • Hippo

  • Cheetahs

  • Wildebeest - THOUSANDS of them!

  • Baboons

  • Crocodiles

  • Zebras

  • Warthogs - they call them Pumbas!

Cheetahs in the Maasai Mara

Cheetahs in the Maasai Mara

Our guides were telling us how there are 5 cheetahs that travel together and are rare to see but are considered celebrities if you see them. About an hour later someone spotted them, and we had to find them! We saw a bunch of other safari vehicles and knew there they were. The cheetahs walked right around our vehicle and would call to one another if one of them were out of sight. We were SO CLOSE to them, it was unbelievable.


Tangulia Mara Camp Accommodations

The camp was beautiful, overlooking a saltwater lake from a saltwater spring. There was a river behind it but they aren’t connected. Animals often came through for drink from the waterhole, so it was nice to sit in our room or up at the lodge just to watch them come and go.

Tangulia Mara Camp

Tangulia Mara Camp

We had room 1 at the very end of the camp, which was closest to the water and a great place to watch for animals.

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They called the area near our room Hippo Highway because the hippos would come up at night to eat the grass! Sometimes they make odd noises that sounded like evil laughs! Kinda creepy at 2am but also very exciting.

Just watching the giraffes from our room in my Lion King socks.

Just watching the giraffes from our room in my Lion King socks.

Meals and Food in the Maasai Mara

Meals were provided in the lodge and the food was wonderful! Dishes would come family style, and they would keep coming even when you thought you had enough! Meals included dishes such as chicken, pork, vegetarian lasagna, avocado salad, green salad, fruit salad, delicious bread with an assortment of spreads, and always ended with dessert!


Sundowner - Doa

Sundowner - Doa

We enjoyed having a sundowner, a drink around happy hour as the sun would set. I tried a Doa which had vodka and lemon juice with a sugar rim, both refreshing and sweet!


Watch our video of our trip to the Maasai Mara:

Overall, we loved our visit to the Maasai Mara! We saw the most animals on our safaris and had amazing guides. I’m glad we spent more time there than our first 2 stops in Saruni.

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Warthog - Locals call them pumbas which means Dumb in Swahili!

Warthog - Locals call them pumbas which means Dumb in Swahili!

To book a trip of a lifetime like this, I highly recommend using the travel agency, Scott Dunn! To speak to a safari expert at Scott Dunn, call 858-523-9000 or visit scottdunn.com/us and tell them Kathleen and Josh Cregg sent you. This is not a sponsored post, all thoughts and considerations are my own.


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The Best Christmas Sweets, Ice Cream and Treats at the Disneyland Resort 2019

Merry Christmas Eve! See where to find the best Ice Cream and Sweet Treats at the Disneyland Resort. See the best finds at the Festival of Holidays 2019, only a few more days left, don’t miss out!

Merry Christmas Eve! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year, especially at Disneyland! Although this post is a little late, I imagine there are still many people going to Disneyland the next few weeks! Here’s a rundown of my favorite desserts at Disneyland during Christmas time!


Peppermint Mickey Shake at Schmoozies

Peppermint Mickey Shake at Schmoozies

Peppermint Mickey Shake

Found at Schmoozies in California Adventure

This adorable Peppermint Mickey Shake is made with Peppermint Chocolate Crème Cookie Shake, Whipped Topping, Christmas Accents, Chocolate Crème-filled Cookie Ears for only $7.99 (AP and Cast member discount available).


Peppermint Ice Cream Bar

Peppermint Ice Cream Bar

Chocolate Peppermint Bar

Found in Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shop

Peppermint and chocolate is my favorite combo, I’m glad there are multiple options this year! Find the seasonal chocolate peppermint ice cream bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream shop in California Adventure!

The Chocolate Peppermint Bar includes your choice of Ice Cream Bar dipped in Chocolate, drizzled in Peppermint Icing, topped with Crushed Peppermint $5.69


Peppermint Soft Serve

Peppermint Soft Serve

Peppermint Soft Serve

Found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your sprinkles!!! This Christmasy peppermint soft serve can be found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure! It’s almost too minty (and I LOVE peppermint ice cream) so be prepared. Can be served in a cup or cone for only $5.49!


Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron

Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron

Festive Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron

Festival of Holidays - Making Spirits Bright Booth At California Adventure

We always enjoy the Festival of Holidays booths, this year seems to offer the best treats yet! I double fisted with a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron and a Cran-Blackberry Mimosa from the Making Spirits Bright booth.

  1. Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron (Gluten-Friendly) for $5.50 - The macaron was better than is looks! So soft and chocolatey with a marshmallow fluff to it.

  2. Cran-Blackberry Mimosa for $15 - both festive and delicious! There was a flight option along with Apple and Pomegranate for $17

See the full menu here: Festival of Holidays Menu


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Trolley Treats

Find these wintery sweet treats including themed Cake Pops, Caramel Apples, and Rice Krispie Treats. Something for everyone!


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MERRY CHRISTMAS from us to you and may all your Christmases be sweet!


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Fall Ice Cream Flavors in Los Angeles

In LA it’s hard to find the leaves turning, but you can find the ice cream churning! Check out the fall ice cream flavors in Los Angeles!

It’s often hard to find fall leaves around Los Angeles but if you look in local scoop shops, you’ll find all your favorite autumn flavors: pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato. Sweet potato?! Yes, sweet potato.

If you’re feeling spoopy, check out these scoop shops! Info below is copied straight from their site!


Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows at Jeni’s

Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows at Jeni’s

Jeni’s Ice Creams

Locations: Click HERE for all Locations

PUMPKIN CAKE ROLL PINT - Sweet heirloom pumpkin ice cream swirled with spiced sweet cheese and cake.

Nutty and creamy with lots of warm spices, pumpkin rolls are a fall favorite of Jeni. We’ve infused this ice cream with all the same character as the classic dessert. Part rich, sweet cream cheese ice cream. Part pumpkin ice cream—bursting with the deep roasted flavor of buttercup pumpkins grown just for us by Mike Hirsch in Chillicothe, Ohio. And lots of brown sugar and Jeni’s unique Chinese 5-Spice blend of cinnamon, fennel, star anise, white pepper, and ginger. (No allspice to be found!) It’s said to represent all the elements: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—and it makes a perfect pumpkin spice. The finishing touch? Lots of vanilla-spiced cake pieces.

SWEET POTATO WITH TORCHED MARSHMALLOWS PINT - Roasted sweet potatoes scented with nutmeg and cinnamon. Studded with handmade, hand-torched marshmallows.

When we whip up a batch of this ice cream in our kitchen, we make the marshmallows, cube them, and then spread them on sheet trays and caramelize them with blowtorches. Millions and millions of them (or so it seems). Then we roast cinnamon-scented sweet potatoes, grown for us by our longtime farm partner, Mike Hirsch, on his family farm just an hour from our kitchen. It’s definitely kitschy, but it reminds us of a certain delicious casserole on Midwestern holiday tables, which makes it even better.


Salt and Straw

Locations: Click here for all locations

Salt and Straw’s October flavors in Los Angeles don’t sound too bad!

  1. The Great Candycopia - As darkness falls across the land, the candymaking hour is close at hand. Swarms of housemade trick-or-treat favorites—crisp shortbread and nutty nougat buried in caramel, peanut butter trapped inside walls of chocolate, pecans smothered in BOOrbon vanilla toffee—all get folded into a disgustingly delicious salted butterscotch ice cream, stuck for eternity.

  2. Creepy Crawly Critters - One, two, ten prickles along your skin. Dozens of critters are hiding in the grass by way of this matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets. Don Bugito in Oakland provided the delicious insects, we delivered the creepy.

  3. Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiced Potion (v) - In the middle of our lab, a cauldron boiling. Amber leaves of rooibos flicker, then flakes of pumpkin make the gruel thicker. A fuming broth of caramel sizzles, while a sliver of blackberry shoot fizzles. Three stinging droplets of vanilla smolder. Featuring August Uncommon Tea, this intoxicating, buttery concoction will satiate your deepest, darkest PSL desires.

  4. Dracula’s Blood Pudding - A blood-curdling chocolate-y ice cream. We start with pig’s blood from Portland butcher Nicky USA and cook it with warm spices, like cinnamon and coriander, and brandy. The flavor ultimately is a nod to the Italian dessert sanguinaccio: rich in cocoa with a hint of minerality.

  5. Black Cat Licorice & Lavender - Rounding the corner with a ghastly squeal, a jet-black figure pounces on your shadow. In this ominous, unexpected flavor, we’ve conjured up superstition with a silky, pitch-dark anise and fennel caramel swirled with luminous salted lavender ice cream. We wouldn’t turn our backs if we were you.


Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams

Location: 12550 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Fall Flavors:

  1. Butterscotch Pumpkin Brulee

  2. Ginger Cinnamon

  3. Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

  4. Vegan Pickled Strawberry & Boysenberry Pie

  5. Sweet Corn Blueberry & Thyme


Ample Hills

Sweet as Honey at Ample Hills

Sweet as Honey at Ample Hills

Location: Los Feliz Scoop Shop - 1824 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027

Maple Bourbon Barrel - Maple bourbon ice cream made with Widow Jane bourbon and Crown Maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels and sprinkled with chocolate-coated maple-candied pecans

Sweet as Honey - Sweet cream ice cream with homemade honeycomb


Carmela Ice Cream Co.

Locations: Mid-City and Pasadena

  1. Pumpkin Spice - Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Pumpkin mixed with seasonal spices. Just like pumpkin pie!

  2. Spiced Apple Sorbet - Apple Cider? Say no more! Organic, tart, farmers' market apples with spices and citrus vest.


Milk Shop LA

Locations: Mid-city or Silverlake

  1. PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

  2. BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE


Yogurtland

Locations: Find the closest location HERE

  1. Pecans & Pralines NSA - Let the flavors of sweet southern pralines, with freshly toasted pecans, work their charm on you.

  2. Pumpkin Pie - So much to give thanks for in every spoonful. Dip your spoon into the creamy, spiced comforts of home.


Ben & Jerry’s

Locations: Find the closest location HERE

Pumpkin Cheesecake - Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream with a Graham Cracker Swirl


Disneyland

This might not be Los Angeles, but it is in Southern California!

Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies

Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies

Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies in California Adventure

Dead-Cadent Funnel Cake which is funnel cake topped with a brownie, white chocolate raspberry ice cream, and chocolate pearls! Only $8.99 at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland. AP and employee discount offered.


Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur

Create your own boozy Pumpkin Spice Milkshake!

  • 1 graham cracker

  • 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract

  • 2 shots of Kahlua

  • 2 shots of Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur

  • 3-4 scoops of ice cream

Mozart Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Liqueur - Boozy Milkshake Recipe

Mozart Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Liqueur - Boozy Milkshake Recipe


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Experiencing Saruni Samburu and Seeing the Northern 5 in Kenya - Africa

We saw the Northern Five and tons of other animals while on safari in Northern Kenya! Also, see our amazing accommodations at the best lodge in Northern Kenya, Saruni Samburu, making this the trip of a lifetime to Africa. What to wear and packing tips also included!

Our experience at Saruni Samburu was unbelievable! Yes, I know I say this often but I mean it! From the room to the food to the guides, our stay was absolutely perfect and we were sad to leave. We even got up close and personal with the Northern Five native to Northern Kenya!

See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List

Scroll down later in the post to watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu!

Reticulated Giraffe seen while on safari with Saruni Samburu

Reticulated Giraffe seen while on safari with Saruni Samburu

How to Get to Samburu, Kenya

We stopped in Nairobi and took a smaller plane to Samburu for about an hour's flight. They did weigh our luggage but you give them your bags over a counter so you can kinda hide a camera if you’re worried about the 33 lb weight limit. The coolest part was sitting behind the pilots and landing on a dirt runway!

Flight to Samburu Kenya.jpg
Landing Samburu Kenya.jpg

Our guide met us there and took us to the Saruni Rhino where we spent a few days but the drive from the air strip was about 30-45 minutes from Saruni Samburu.

See more on our trip to Saruni Rhino and how we got up close and personal with a baby rhino here: Rhino Tracking at the Saruni Rhino


Guest Rooms at Saruni Samburu

Guest Room Bed at Saruni Samburu

Guest Room Bed at Saruni Samburu

I wish we had more time to spend in the room! WHO SAYS THAT?! Well, when you have a room with a second floor and a lovely living room overlooking Kenya, why wouldn’t you?!

As we walked into our room, which was not a suite, this is their standard room, we were blown away by the size of the room and the balcony attached to it!

Panorama of our room

Panorama of our room

View from our room

View from our room

We then discovered we had another room upstairs! This room was also large in size set up like a living room, complete with a dining table.

Our living room attached to our bedroom

Our living room attached to our bedroom

The bathroom was huge and had a bidet next to the toilet. Not only was there a shower inside the bathroom, but there was also a shower outside overlooking the conservation. I did take a shower outside one morning while watching elephants at the waterhole.

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Safari Time at Saruni Samburu

How do safaris work?

We weren’t sure exactly what to expect for our safaris, but we were very happy with our experience. Everyday you’ll head out in the morning or afternoon for a safari. Depending on what you see and how great your guide is, you’ll drive around for 5-8 hours which sounds crazy but goes by real quick! Our car was completely open and had panels that came down in case it rained.

Elephant Crossing

Elephant Crossing

What should you wear on a safari?

I read a ton of blogs telling me what to pack and that I needed to purchase $100 safari shirts… Let me tell you, I was just fine in my Gap t-shirt and leggings. We did treat our clothes with permethrin, a bug repellent for your clothes. In the morning and late afternoon, I made sure to have a sweatshirt but there were also blankets in the car. Unless you are getting out of the vehicle, which you aren’t supposed to, there’s no reason not to where something comfortable that you can sit in for long periods of time.

Traffic in the conservancy

Traffic in the conservancy

Our Safari Experience

Joseph was our guide for the time we were at Saruni Samburu as well as Saruni Rhino. Since he is from the local village, he knew the area (and animals) very well and was phenomenal at finding animals far away. Joseph understood various animal behaviors and explained their actions, teaching us fun facts about each animal.

Scroll down later in the post to watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu!

Reticulated Giraffe having Breakfast

Reticulated Giraffe having Breakfast

Here are some of the animals we saw over the course of 3 days:

  1. Impalas - we even saw a newborn, birthed seconds before we arrived

  2. Batiat foxes 🦊 

  3. Beisa Oryx (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)

  4. Leopards - mama and cubs

  5. Egyptian geese 🦆 

  6. Lions 🦁 

  7. Elephants

  8. Dik-diks - little antelopes about a foot tall

  9. Rock hyraxes 

  10. Wilds dogs - very rare

  11. Somali ostrich (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)

  12. Dwarf mongoose

  13. Fotery guinea fowl

  14. Gerenuk

  15. Grant’s Gazelles

  16. Grevy’s Zebras 🦓 (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)

  17. Nile crocodile 🐊 

  18. Cheetah 

  19. Reticulated Giraffes (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)

  20. Warthogs - Even our guide called them pumbaas (which means dumb in Swahili)! Since they have such a short term memory, they are known to walk by a lion and walk back to the same spot 5 minutes later, forgetting they had passed it.

  21. Eastern yellow-billed hornbill - AKA the flying banana or Zazu from the Lion King

  22. Baboons

  23. Monkeys

Cheetah stalking antelope

Cheetah stalking antelope

We went out in the early morning and late afternoon covering all basis to see as many animals as possible. Every day we saw something different and right when one day couldn’t possibly top the day before, it did! Depending on how long we were going out, we either ate before or after the safari, or they packed us breakfast or lunch.

Can you spot the leopard? pun intended

Can you spot the leopard? pun intended

The topography was very dry and looked like the elephant graveyard in the Lion King. There is a river about an hour away and the closer you get, the more animals you see! Keep your eyes peeled and be patient. Sometimes just sitting and watching the animals for a while is fun to observe their behaviors. You never know what they might do!

Baby baboon by the river

Baby baboon by the river

Elephant at the water hole at night

Elephant at the water hole at night

One of our nights, we even went out for a night drive. I was nervous going into the dark at night at first and wondered what animals we’d see but there were so many we came across:

  1. Porcupine

  2. Owl 🦉 

  3. Hawk

  4. Hare

  5. Jackal

  6. Male and female Ostriches

  7. Striped hyena - very shy, very rare

  8. Family of Elephants


The Northern Five in Kenya

We were lucky to find the Kenyan Northern Five including the Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, and the Reticulated Giraffe!

Here we go…

1. Somali Ostrich

The Somlai Ostrich differs from most ostriches with a bluish color on their neck and legs, instead of a pink color. The males were beautiful with black and white feathers, while the females had grayish brown feathers.

Somali_Ostrich_Northern_Five_Kenya.jpg

2. Gerenuk

As part of the antelope family, Gerenuks are also known as giraffe gazelles, appropriately named with their long necks and slender limbs. They’ll even stand erect on their hind legs to reach higher branches. I loved the pattern in their ears!

Gerenuk - Kenyan Northern Five

Gerenuk - Kenyan Northern Five

3. Grevy’s Zebra

In comparison to other zebras, Grevy’s unique characteristics include their taller height, large ears, narrower stripes, and white bellies with no stripes. with their stripes being closer together and thinner, it is easier for them to make a good escape and to hide from predators. Foals are born with brown and white striping which darken as they grow older.

Family of Grevy’s Zebras

Family of Grevy’s Zebras

4. Beisa Oryx

Also known as the East African Oryx, they are recognized by their long horns and striped markings. Yeah, even though they eat grass, I wouldn’t mess with those horns!

Beisa Oryx

Beisa Oryx

5. Reticulated Giraffe

Also known as the Somali Giraffe and most commonly seen in zoos. Their beautiful coats consists of large, polygonal, liver-colored spots outlined by bright-white lines.

Reticulated Giraffe

Reticulated Giraffe

Our camera gear used to grab these gorgeous photos:

Watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu:


Food at Saruni Samburu

The owner of the Saruni franchise is Italian and all food was also Italian with a Kenyan flair. There were always 3 courses for every meal and we never left feeling hungry! Dessert was always a must! Alcohol was included which we typically had wine and beer. There was a beverage menu with more options that you could pay for.


The Grounds at Saruni Samburu

There were 2 gorgeous infinity pools within a short walking distance fo our room. Although they weren’t heated, it was nice to take a dip then sit and enjoy the view.

Africa_Saruni_Samburu_Kenya-pool.jpg

The main lodge was a nice place to hang out as well. Sometimes before or after a meal we’d hang out and have a drink by the bonfire, or just lounge on the big couches and enjoy the view.

Africa_Saruni_Samburu_Kenya-Main_lodge.jpg

Wifi was only available near the main lodge and it wasn’t very good. Don’t count on working from there, but a few social media posts will go through… eventually.


Activities to do while at Saruni Samburu

Massages

Our room came with a complimentary massage for 30 mins for one person. After lugging around our heavy bags through airports, I was ready for a back and neck massage!

Africa_Saruni_Samburu_Kenya-massage.jpg

Bush Walk

We walked around the outskirts of our lodge with our guide and a ranger, and came across a pack of wild dogs! Apparently they are very rare to see. I thought they were hyenas at first, I just loved their big ears!

Wild Dogs - Rare sight!

Wild Dogs - Rare sight!

Star Gazing

At night there was practically no light pollution leaving a sky full of stars! We were able to see the Milky Way and on Josh’s Sony A7, he was able to capture the Milky Way!

Milky Way seen from the balcony of our room

Milky Way seen from the balcony of our room

We had a wonderful stay at Saruni Samburu and highly recommend it to anyone booking a future trip to Africa. We booked through Scott Dunn to get the best service and bang for our buck! Please tell them we sent you!

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.


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Saruni Samburu and the Northern Five in Kenya
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How to Spend 5 AMAZING Days in Sydney, Australia

How to spend 5 days in Sydney - Australia - Full itinerary! See all the things to do and where to stay in Sydney! See our tips in this great Travel Guide! This was our honeymoon and it was perfect!

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

What to do for 5 Days in Sydney, Australia

While we were on our 3-week honeymoon, we spent a large chunk of it in Sydney! We had spent New Years in Sydney but left to let the crowds die down a bit and came back on the 3rd of January. Overall, we enjoyed our visit and would definitely go back. Making the long trek from California, we wanted to see all Sydney had to offer and spent about 5 days there.


Where to Stay in Sydney

We used our Hyatt reward nights, a perk from our Hyatt Credit Card, along with some points, and stayed at the beautiful 5-star Park Hyatt Sydney. It was the perfect location - across from the Opera House, near Circular Quay (where you can jump on a train or ferry and get anywhere in a matter of minutes), and under the Harbor Bridge. 

Park Hyatt Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney


Here was our 5-day itinerary for Sydney:

Day 1

Pancakes on the Rocks

Pancakes on the Rocks

MORNING

We started with breakfast at Pancakes on the Rocks. We love pancakes, figured it couldn't be bad with so many great Yelp reviews. The service was a little slow but the food made up for it. I had chocolate chips pancakes, of course, because everything is better with chocolate!

We went down to Circular Quay (pronounced "key") and took the ferry across the harbor to the Taronga Zoo.

There were Koalas, giraffes, kangaroos, everything that can kill you, and my favorite, the penguin exhibit that had Fairy Penguins! 

Top of Taronga Zoo

Top of Taronga Zoo

The zoo is located on a hill with spectacular views of Sydney from all over, so we recommend you start at the top and work your way down.

Penguins in the Taronga Zoo

Penguins in the Taronga Zoo

We took a few animal selfies too! We liked the zoo, but the Featherdale Wild Park was even better (see day 2 below).

AFTERNOON - Olympic Park

In the afternoon we took the ferry back to Circular Quay and boarded a train taking us out to the Sydney Olympic Park. Josh loves to visit Olympic Parks and this one had a lot to see and it was all outdoors!

The park was built to host the Summer Olympics in 2000. They had the torch, the Olympic Cauldron that looks like a spaceship which was where the flame was lit the duration of the games, markers that noted how high someone jumped, who won each sport, and name of everyone who participated.


Day 2

Morning - Blue Mountains

We booked a tour with Blue Diamond Tours, which conveniently picked us up from the hotel, and took us to the Blue Mountains National Park. The mountains look blue because the eucalyptus forest disperses droplets of Eucalypt oil into the atmosphere which combines with dust particles and water vapor, scattering refracted rays of light which are largely blue in color. #funfacts

Australia_Sydney-blue_mountains_3_sisters.jpg

The rock formation located in the Blue Mountains is known as the 3 Sisters, which aboriginals legend told, the 3 daughters from the Katoomba tribe fell in love with 3 brothers from a neighboring tribe, but they were forbidden to get married by tribal laws. The brothers didn't agree with this law and captured the 3 sisters, causing a war outbreak between the tribes and the sisters were turned into stone by a witch doctor to protect them. Unfortunately, the witch doctor died in the war and no one was able to turn them back. 

From Scenic World’s Website

From Scenic World’s Website

We took the Scenic World Skyway cable car suspended across the Jamison Valley to a park called Scenic World where they had attractions and the best views. You could look through the floor of the car and see the rain forest below.

looking through the floor of the skyway cable car

looking through the floor of the skyway cable car

We also road the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest incline railway, which travels down a cliffside through tunnel and ancient rain forest at a gradient of 62 degrees. At the bottom, you can walk around the rainforest and check out the site of the old coal mine.

Afternoon - Featherdale Wildlife Park

ARCHER, THE KOALA, at Featherdale Wildlife Park

ARCHER, THE KOALA, at Featherdale Wildlife Park

My favorite part of the day was when we went to see Australia's native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park. I love animals and this was probably my favorite thing to do in Sydney.

Australia_Sydney-featherdale_park.jpg

You can get up close and personal with the animals - touch them, hold them, feed them. The ever so adorable Archer, the koala, is best-loved as he is the popular koala. I even had my Mom paint him from a picture I took because I needed to see him every day.

There are many other animals throughout the park such as kangaroos that are literally hanging out and let you pet them! We also saw more fairy penguins, wombats, wallabies, a Cassowary, and a Tasmanian Devil, OH MY!

Evening in Sydney

We came back to the hotel, freshened up and walked around the harbor over to the Opera Bar for dinner. The Opera Bar is located directly under the Opera House. They had a great food selection, we loved their burgers. The restaurant is set up with open seating and you order by the kitchen, get a number and they deliver to your table.

Australia_Sydney-Harbor_bridge_dinner.jpg

We also enjoyed their dessert (of course) having a crepe with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. I was a perfect ending to our perfect day with a gorgeous pink sunset.


 

Day 3

Morning in Manly Beach

We started our day going to Manly Beach! For food, we found this spot called Hemingway's which looked like a library but served food and alcohol. It was early, so we had coffee and breakfast with a slight breeze and gorgeous view of the crystal blue ocean. 

We walked around and did a little shopping, buying souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.

Australia_Sydney-Manly_Beach.jpg

Afternoon - Sea life Sydney Aquarium

PLATYPUS at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

PLATYPUS at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

We took the bus back and decided it was time for more animals so we paid a visit to the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and found Nemo, Dory, and lots of sharks. 

We walked through the aquarium and after scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, it felt like we had seen a lot of these fish before. However, they do have unique creatures that are hard to find in the deep blue and were glad to see them here (love the platypus). If you have kids (or act like a big kid like me) there are interactive pools where you can touch sea cucumbers and starfish.

Also, the high point was the underground glass tunnels where fish and sharks swim around you on all sides and it feels like you're underwater with them.

Australia_Sydney-aquarium.jpg

Happy Hour in Sydney at a Secret Whiskey bar!

BAXTER INN - WHISKEY BAR

It was happy hour and we found a hidden gem! We went to a whiskey speak-easy called the Baxter Inn. It was a little challenging to find but worth it when we got there. You have to head down a nondescript alley on Clarence Street and walk through an unmarked door on your right, down a dark staircase to the basement level. The dim lighting and waiters outfits felt like we had walked into another dimension. They had 360 different whiskeys from around the globe and make their own apple juice for their fine crafted cocktail! 

Baxter Inn Speakeasy Bar - Sydney

Baxter Inn Speakeasy Bar - Sydney

Afterward, we went to a casino in The Star hotel. Walking in, there was signage in front explaining the signs which show you might have a gambling problem because of Australia's gambling issue. It was kind of sad, but kind of funny. We played roulette and won! No gambling problem here. 


Day 4

MORNING - Beach Walk

Australia_Sydney-Beach Walk.jpg

We took the bus over to Bondi Beach. We then did a 5 mile hike along the coast from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. Along the way, we walked through the Tamarama and Bronte beaches. This wasn't an easy hike, there were steep inclines, stairs and sun. Lots of sun. The sun was intense and even after re-applying sunscreen a few times, we burned. It hurt.

AFTERNOON - Luna Park

Luna Park Entrance

Luna Park Entrance

We came back cleaned up and took the ferry over to Luna Park, a carnival-like amusement park with a scary entrance. and did a couple of rides, but the highlight was playing on the slides in the funhouse. Josh and I raced for at least 30 minutes. This was definitely made for kids. 

Luna Park Slides

Luna Park Slides

EVENING

Afterward, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant right next to Luna Park, called Ripples Milsons Point. It was right on the water overlooking the harbor and I had the most amazing pumpkin ravioli. 

We came back to the hotel and wanted to grab a few pictures on our last night:

Harbor Bridge at Night

Harbor Bridge at Night

Opera House at Night

Opera House at Night


Day 5 

MORNING - Opera House Tour

Our last day in Australia started with breakfast at the Park Hyatt Sydney. We overlooked the harbor directly at the Opera House and started to feel a little sad we were leaving. 

Opera House Tiles Close-up - Chevron Design

Opera House Tiles Close-up - Chevron Design

We walked over and took a tour of the Opera House. As an iconic staple to the city, We were excited to see this gorgeous building and learn the history behind it. Up close you can see the shaped tiles that are shell-like making a chevron type pattern across the roof. The inside is just as stunning, as there are several venues within the house. The 2 largest concert hall is the largest and has the largest organ with over 10,000 pipes! 

THIS IS KNOWN AS THE OPERA HOUSE CLEAVAGE

THIS IS KNOWN AS THE OPERA HOUSE CLEAVAGE

AFTERNOON

Since we were leaving that night, we had some time to kill but couldn't go too far. We decided to explore "The Rocks" which was the area right above our hotel. It's great for shopping and restaurants.

We went to Fortune of War (claims it is Sydney's oldest pub, which a lot of bars do) which wasn't anything special but nice to stop for a good cold brew.

Fortune of War - Sydney’s Oldest Pub

Fortune of War - Sydney’s Oldest Pub

It was time to hop in a cab and head to the airport. We were sad to leave Sydney, but we weren't done with our Honeymoon yet, New Zealand and French Polynesia were next!

 

We would love to go back to Sydney and check off anything we missed! Let us know in the comments below if there is something you recommend! 


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Before Summer Ends, You MUST Visit Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA

Giving you the who, what, when, where details of Smorgasburg LA’s Ice Cream Alley and why you must visit this summer! Best thing to do in LA on a Summer Sunday!

We kicked off the Ice Cream Alley season at Smorgasburg LA on National Ice Cream Day, make sure you stop by for a scoop before Labor Day! Let me give you the who, what, where, and when!

*******THIS SUNDAY, Aug 11, 2019 - APPLE PAY x ICE CREAM ALLEY TAKEOVER THIS SUNDAY********

This Sunday, Apple Pay is taking over Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA to bring you 40% off at select vendors featuring sweets & treats! Stroll on down to find discounts from all sorts of vendors like:

Plus, more TBA! Just like the rest of Smorgasburg LA, Ice Cream Alley is completely free to enter.  Just pay for the sweets and treats once inside. See you in Ice Cream Alley!

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WHO IS AT ICE CREAM ALLEY?

Ice Cream Alley typically includes the Smorgasburg veterans: Wanderlust Creamery, Sweet Rose Creamery, Buddy Pops (vegan), Donut Friend, Afters Ice Cream, Smoreology and more!

McConnell’s visits often as well!

Smorgasburg LA-4.jpg

We loved trying vendors we haven’t tried before like Blast and Sweet ‘N Hollow. Their chimney cakes are SO GOOD!

Oreo for Real? Chimney cake from Sweet ‘n Hollow

Oreo for Real? Chimney cake from Sweet ‘n Hollow

Total Recall sundae from Blast

Total Recall sundae from Blast


Ice Cream Alley entrance

Ice Cream Alley entrance

WHEN IS ICE CREAM ALLEY OPEN?

Ice Cream Alley typically opens starting on National Ice Cream Day and runs through Labor Day.

Smorgasburg is open every Sunday year round from 10AM-4PM and some of the ice cream vendors are regulars!

It’s ALWAYS free to get in, you just have to pay the vendors for your items!

What a typical Sunday looks like at Smorgasburg LA

What a typical Sunday looks like at Smorgasburg LA


Smorgasburg LA DTLA.jpg

WHERE IS ICE CREAM ALLEY (AND WHERE CAN YOU PARK)?

Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Located in Downtown LA, you can park at ROW DTLA and free parking for an hour! Yes, it’s true, easy and parking in Downtown Los Angeles! There is a giant structure if you enter off of S Alameda and Center St, I recommend going to a higher floor so you don’t run into those waiting for someone to pull out.

Don’t forget your ice cream purse!








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WHAT IS SMORGASBURG LA?

Smorgasburg LA is a great place to eat, really! SO MANY vendors selling anything you could think of: BBQ, burgers, fish, french fry station, grilled cheese, pizza, tacos, Indian food, Korean food, falafels, churros, donuts, ice cream, popsicles… literally everything!

Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in New York and Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors.

See which vendors are attending next weeks Smorgasburg here: Vendors


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More things to do in LA here:

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Ice Cream Review: Ginger's Divine Ice Creams

I discovered the best-kept secret on the Westside called Ginger's Divine Ice Creams! So many unique, fresh flavors, it’s hard to choose and you’ll want to return again and again! Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles | Favorite Ice Cream in LA #icecream #LA #LAicecream

Ginger's Divine Ice Creams

Gingers divine ice cream made here sign.jpg

This sign should say AMAZING ICE CREAM MADE HERE! I discovered the best-kept secret on the Westside called Ginger's Divine Ice Creams. 

Ginger’s Ice Cream Front - love the yellow umbrellas

Ginger’s Ice Cream Front - love the yellow umbrellas

I had driven by a few times and those bright yellow umbrellas caught my eye. I was surprised to see an ice cream shop I hadn't heard of! 

Gingers divine ice cream-3.jpg
Bird scooter

Bird scooter

ALSO, we traveled by Bird scooter for the first time! SO FUN! It was so easy, all we did was download the app, scan the QR code and boom we were good to go. Get your first ride free with the code: AQYZOQ. Careful, they go pretty fast! 

Ginger’s Ice Cream Counter of Goodies

Ginger’s Ice Cream Counter of Goodies

I did a little research and found out that Ginger goes to local farmer's markets to find the freshest fruits, nuts and spices for her ice creams and baked goods. Apparently she lives local too! Hope to meet her someday! She even has options for our vegan friends! 

Gingers divine ice cream-Menu.jpg

There were tons of options - cones, sundaes, popsicles, cookies, ice cream sandwiches... I figured since it was my first time, I'd go with a classic ice cream cone.

Gingers divine ice cream flavors.jpg

With so many unique flavors to choose from, I tried a couple of course, and was beyond satisfied with the strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange. AND they were both PINK! 

Strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange

Strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange

Josh went with cookies and cream and salted caramel tuxedo (it has chocolate chunks)! 

Cookies and cream and salted caramel tuxedo

Cookies and cream and salted caramel tuxedo

Run over to Ginger's Divine (savory, enticing, delightful, wonderful) ice creams as soon as you can! 

Ice cream cone - strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange

Ice cream cone - strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange

In a hurry? Get a quart, pint, or pop to go! 

Pints to go

Pints to go


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Want some more ice cream? Me too! Check these places out:

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Ice Cream Review: Afters Ice Cream - Colorful and Witty!

 Afters is very trendy ice cream scoop shop with relatable quotes. Afters offers many unique flavors including Cookie Butter and Cookie Monster (it’s blue), also home of the Milky bun, which is a warm glazed bun (donut like) stuffed with ice cream! As they say, “Less talk, more ice cream!”

Cookie monster and Frozen Hot Cocoa Ice Cream Cone

Cookie monster and Frozen Hot Cocoa Ice Cream Cone

Afters Ice Cream

Locations: All over Southern California find one near you!

Websitehttps://www.aftersicecream.com/

Menu: Afters Flavors

Value: Ice cream is priced a little higher than most shops (2 scoops for $6.50) however handcrafted ice cream usually is! They also have very pretty colored sprinkles! Worth every penny to me!


Afters Woodland Hills

Afters Woodland Hills

Afters is very trendy, more of a Millennial ice cream spot with relatable quotes. I love the unique flavors offered and their descriptions of each. Also, they have special collaborations like their Rick and Morty flavors.


Afters Flavors and Menu

Afters Ice Cream Flavors

Afters Ice Cream Flavors

I tried most of the flavors and I think the employee serving me was definitely annoyed, but the scoop shop was empty!

Afters Ice Cream Menu

Afters Ice Cream Menu

Also, Afters is home of the Milky bun, which is a warm glazed bun (donut like) stuffed with ice cream and whatever you want in it. See their Instagram for inspiration!

Afters ice cream flavors

Afters ice cream flavors

After trying so many different kinds such as Cookie Butter (tastes like trader Joes), Peanut Butter Smores, Mint Monster (very minty) and Milk and Cereal, I finally made my selection… Cookie Monster (love a good cookies and cream, especially when its BLUE) and Frozen Hot Cocoa (it even had marshmallows in it)!

Cookie monster and Frozen Hot Cocoa Ice Cream Cone

Cookie monster and Frozen Hot Cocoa Ice Cream Cone

I love their mottos and strongly stand by them:

I’d come again since they switch out their flavors now and again! Adding the Milky Bun to my list. As they say, "Less talk, more ice cream!"

Less Talk More Ice Cream

Less Talk More Ice Cream


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Ice Cream Review: The Baked Bear - Dreamy Ice Cream Sandwiches

Love cookies and ice cream? Get the best ice cream sandwiches at The Baked Bear, made fresh to your favorite combination! See my favorite concoction and where to pick up one of these bad boys!

The Baked Bear

  • Locations: California, Arizona, Maryland, Oklahoma - find a Baked Bear near you!

    Location visited for this post: Pacific Beach - 4516 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

  • Website: BakedBear.com

  • Price and Value: Great price for 2 cookies and a LARGE scoop of ice cream!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

  • Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  (4/5 Ice cream and cookie combo is to die for)

  • Dietary Restrictions: Vegan/Gluten-Free option available

  • Take-out: Local delivery service available

Ice Cream Sandwiches with blue cookie monster ice cream

Ice Cream Sandwiches with blue cookie monster ice cream

Cookies, brownies, and blue ice cream are the core elements of this establishment! The Baked Bear has over a dozen original-recipe cookies and ice cream flavors, so you can customize your favorite combo. They’ll even roll the cookie in toppings for the picture perfect Instagram post!

Entrance to The Baked Bear

Entrance to The Baked Bear

The Baked Bear Menu

After a long drive from LA, we were on the hunt for some good ice cream. Baskin Robbins was an option, but we wanted something more unique than that. We came across The Baked Bear seeing that they had homemade ice cream… and cookies!

The Baked Bear Menu

The Baked Bear Menu

How to Order

The cookies are made from scratch daily to make a custom ice cream sandwich! You can even pick two different cookies for your top and bottom. We ended up getting The Baked Bear Combo – M&M cookie (Josh got the peanut butter cookie), brownie, and bear batter ice cream (tastes like cake batter).

Custom Ice Cream Sandwich at the Baked Bear

Custom Ice Cream Sandwich at the Baked Bear

You can also order cookies by the dozen. Another option to try next time is a DONUT ice cream sandwich! That's right, I said it, ice cream in the middle of a donut! 

Cookie Monsters only sign! So cute!

Cookie Monsters only sign! So cute!

I also liked that they had a convenient lot to park in (right in front of Urban Outfitters).

Will come back! 🍩🍩🍩🍩🍦🍦🍦🍦

This sign is so cute! Love the colors!

This sign is so cute! Love the colors!


More ice cream, please!

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Ice Cream Review: Manhattan Beach Creamery

Ice cream and ocean views? What could be better! Check out why Manhattan Beach Creamery is one of the best places for ice cream in Los Angeles! Where to go in LA and things to do in Manhattan Beach! #manhattanbeach #icecream

MANHATTAN BEACH CREAMERY 

  • Location: 1120 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

  • Websitembcreamery.com

  • Pricing: Their Sundae has the best value!

  • Dietary Restrictions: Gluten Free Options Available

Ice cream and ocean views? What could be better!? 

Sunset in Manhattan Beach

Sunset in Manhattan Beach

On the corner of Manhattan Ave and Manhattan Beach Blvd, you fall right into those beach vibes and Manhattan Beach Creamery…

This magical place is like walking into a unicorn’s dream. I love the chandeliers and the pink sky ceiling, they add that fun girlie touch. It also reminds me of the Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops ceiling! Anyone know that reference?

Now, not only do they make and sell ice cream, Manhattan Beach Cream makes cupcakes, cookies, and many other sweet treats! 

With 28 flavors that rotate daily, it was hard to choose! I tried quite a few including Maple Bacon Crunch, Red Velvet, Smores, Taro, Salted Caramel, and even that one that looks like fruit cake in the front (it was French Macaroon)! 

Ice Cream Flavors

Ice Cream Flavors

SO MANY TREATS! Everything looked so delicious! They are also known for the Cream’wich – an artisan ice cream sandwich made with a combination of artisan cookies from their family business, Katella Bakery. 

I wanted to try them all! Fresh-baked cookies, French macarons, chocolate dipped treats, the sweetness was endless. Their most popular treats include Oreos, graham crackers, pretzels, Rice Krispies, s’mores, marshmallows, vanilla wafers, and of course strawberries. 

We’ve gone a few times, my favorite flavors have been Heath Bar Coffee, Maple Bacon Crunch, Mocha Almond Fudge and Super Sonic (sweet cream taste, filled with lots of sprinkles). I think the best value here is a Sundae! If you don’t finish it, take it home and throw it in the freezer! 😃


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Ice Cream Review: Smitten Ice Cream

Smitten Ice Cream has AMAZING ice cream made from scratch with organic milk and cream, blended with liquid nitrogen in their Brrr Machine right in front of you ! The chocolate chip cookie dough with pretzels is to die for! #icecream #losangeles

SMITTEN ICE CREAM

Smitten Ice Cream and Sprinkles

Smitten Ice Cream and Sprinkles

Smitten Ice Cream can be found all over California. I recently visited the El Segundo location after I went shopping and needed a snack! - UPDATE 2020: The El Segundo Location is permanently closed! :(

Smitten Ice Cream

Smitten Ice Cream

SMITTEN ICE CREAM MENU

Smitten ice cream is made with organic milk and cream... so it’s technically good for you! 😋 The cows producing said milk are living the good life in pasture-based family farms along Sonoma and Marin counties. They don't use any preservatives or artificial anything!

Smitten Ice Cream Menu

Smitten Ice Cream Menu

The chocolate chip cookie dough with pretzels is to die for! That perfect salty sweet combo! 🍓There is also a Strawberry buttermilk that is pretty superb, using strawberries from local SoCal farms! 


The BRRR Machine at Smitten Ice Cream

Brrr Machine at Smitten Ice Cream

Brrr Machine at Smitten Ice Cream

Everything is made from scratch and made it right in front of you blending it with liquid nitrogen in their Brrr Machine! The Brrr machine is patented with double helical mixers and mega-smart software for the sweet smooth taste and texture.

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Smitten Ice Cream Nitrogen.jpg

Founder Robyn Sue Fisher

As I research all ice cream places, I'm so impressed by the founders stories and their ice cream passion.

Robyn Sue Fisher is my hero! Her ice cream dream literally started as she sold ice cream on the streets of San Francisco. She was disappointed in the artificial selections of ice cream and longed to create a smooth, creamy, fresh, natural solution. While attending Stanford, she took a 2 quarter Startup Garage class giving student the opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas. After a physics professor made ice cream in class, an idea sparked and to the drawing board she went! After several years, she perfected the Brrr Machine and took it to the streets of San Francisco in a red Radio Flyer wagon. She opened the doors to her first store in 2011 and her ninth store in 2017. 

I have so much respect for Robyn and her efforts of pursuing her ice cream dreams! 


Ice Cream Art at Smitten

Ice Cream Art at Smitten

Cones at Smitten Ice Cream

All cones are made in house too, wafting that irresistible smell around the radius of the shop!

Smitten Ice Cream Cones

Smitten Ice Cream Cones


Smitten Ice Cream

Smitten Ice Cream

They also have the nicest people that work there! What a treat! I'm a fan and will definitely return. Let me know if you're going! I'll join you! :-)


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Need another scoop?

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Ice Cream Review: Creamistry

Creamistry ice cream makes you smarter! Well, you learn a little science lesson about liquid Nitrogen and how to make ice cream with it! Super creamy dense ice cream will fill you up and last a while! They have so many options, everyone will walk away happy!

Creamistry - Temecula, California

  • Location: 26490 Ynez Rd d, Temecula, CA 92591

    There are many locations throughout California, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Find one near you: Creamistry Locations

  • Website/Menu: Creamistry Menu

  • Price/Value: I thought it was a little pricy but you get a pretty good sized serving!

  • Specialty items: Non-dairy and Gluten Free items

Creamistry Ice Cream Temecula.jpg

 

Before leaving Temecula, we thought it would be nice to grab some ice cream! There weren't a lot of options but I saw there was a Creamistry, where they make their ice cream with liquid nitrogen! 


How Creamistry Works with Liquid Nitrogen

The menu up on the board shows you all the different combinations of ice cream you can make. They have some standard creations or make your own. With more than 60 flavor and topping options, including all natural and organic choices, your fresh frozen satisfaction is guaranteed!

Creamistry Ice Cream Menu.jpg

1. Select your size and milk base

2. Choose your flavor - classic, fruity, cereal, cake

3. Add toppings - Candies, nuts, fruits, sauces, etc.

4. Combine ingredients with liquid Nitrogen at -321 degrees. Because the liquid Nitrogen is so cold, it causes the milk particles to stay small giving a creamy smooth texture.

Temecula Ice Cream Creamistry.jpg
Creamistry Nitrogen Ice Cream.jpg

Because science....

My sister had coffee ice cream with almonds, look how creamy it is!

Creamistry Ice Cream.jpg

I went for an affogato which is ice cream with espresso poured over. YUM! 

Affogato

Affogato

The consistency was really creamy, and it didn't melt very fast even with the hot espresso poured over. I’d come back in a heartbeat!


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Guide to the Best Ice Cream and Dessert in Maui, Hawaii - Ranked with Map

Guide to Best Desserts in Maui, Hawaii, ranked including ice cream, gelato, shave ice, brownies, and pies! There’s even a handy map included! See the best restaurants and scoop shops for that sweet tooth!

I love Maui and I love dessert, especially ice cream. I have ranked my favorite desserts below after much extensive research! 😋Don’t miss these great dessert options around the island see our handy map! You can even save it to your Google map app!

Although I’m not vegan, I’ve also included some options for my vegan friends!


Coconut Glen’s - Road to Hana

Coconut Glen’s - Road to Hana

#1 Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream

  • Address: Mile Marker 27 1/2 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

While on the Road to Hana, make sure you stop for some ice cream! Coconut Glen makes all his ice cream from the coconuts from the Maui jungles!

See our full Ice Cream Review here: Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream


Maui Hula Grill Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich

Maui Hula Grill Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich

#2 Ice Cream Sandwich at Hula Grill

  • Location: Hula Grill/Barefoot Bar in Whaler’s Village - 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

  • Menu: Hula Grill Menu

  • Pricing: $11 for a giant dessert!

A monster ice cream sandwich taller than a salt shaker! Try this on for size - Hawaiian vanilla ice cream, macadamia nut brownies, whipped cream, fudge, and raspberry sauce.

See more restaurants in our 10 Best Restaurants in Maui Post


Island Cream Co - Maui, Hawaii

Island Cream Co - Maui, Hawaii

#3 Island Cream Co

  • Location: 305 Keawe St #511, Lahaina, HI 96761

  • Website Menu/Flavors: Island Cream Co

  • Value: Large scoops for under $10

  • Special Options?: Non-dairy sorbets available

I'm not sure Island Cream Company just tastes better because it's in Hawaii (everything is better in Hawaii) or if it's their original recipe with the perfect mix of gelato and ice cream.

See more in our full ice cream review: ISLAND CREAM CO


Maui Gelato Ice Cream

Maui Gelato Ice Cream

#4 Maui Gelato

Location: 2395 S Kihei Rd #120, Kihei, HI 96753

  • Website: Maui Gelato Facebook

  • Menu: Hard to find an updated menu online. See our full post here: Maui Gelato

  • Pricing: Big helpings for a great price

  • Non-Dairy options available

Located along the water just above Wailea in Kihei, Maui Gelato has everything ice cream you can imagine! Gelato, ice cream, affogatos (espresso poured over ice cream), floats, shakes, mochi ice cream, shave ice, waffles.

See our full review and the life lesson I learned here: Maui Gelato


#5 Hula Pie

You MUST try the Hula pie! It’s vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top!

Hula Pie

Hula Pie


Shave Ice

Shave Ice

#6 Shave Ice

A Hawaii classic! There are plenty of places to get shave ice and even food trucks on the side of the road have them! Make sure you get ice cream in the bottom, I love a good macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom of shaved ice with pineapple and coconut on top!

Favorite:

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice (multiple locations) - 790 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761


CHocolate Cream Pie at Monkeypod Kitchen

CHocolate Cream Pie at Monkeypod Kitchen

#7 Pie at Monkeypod Kitchen

I normally go for ice cream any chance I can get, but the Chocolate Cream Pie at Monkeypod is pretty phenomenal. Want something other than chocolate? Try their Strawberry, Banana, or Coconut Cream pies!

You can also try their Tropical Dreams Gelato & Sorbet for $7.95 with options of Tahitian vanilla, chocolate, island-hop Kona coffee, or featured flavor sorbet.

See our full Restaurant Review here: Monkeypod Kitchen


Maui_Tin_Roof_Brownie.jpg

#8 Tin Roof Chocolate Birthday Bibingka Cake

  • Location: 360 PAPA PLACE STE Y, KAHULUI, HI, 96732

  • Open: Monday - Saturday for lunch only

  • Pricing: Cheap eats!

Chocolate Birthday Bibingka Cake 🌈💗🎂 is filled with chocolate, peanut butter, sprinkles and pop rocks! AND it’s fun to say!

TIN ROOF is a new generation mom & pop shop, owned by Internationally recognized Chef Sheldon Simeon & his wife, Janice. Raised in Hilo, Hawaii rain is a part of everyday life. Farmers markets keep buzzing, errands roll along, and garage kani ka pila never ends.


Don’t forget these dresses!

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Ice Cream Review: Maui Gelato - Maui, Hawaii

Maui Gelato is a great place to stop! With options of gelato, Roselani ice cream, affogato, floats, shakes, mochi ice cream, shave ice, and waffles, you won’t be disappointed. Also, read about the important life lesson I learned.

Maui Gelato

  • Location: 2395 S Kihei Rd #120, Kihei, HI 96753

  • Website: Maui Gelato Facebook

  • Menu: Hard to find an updated menu online. See pictures below for menu options and flavors.

  • Pricing: Big helpings for a great price

  • Non-Dairy options available

Located along the water just above Wailea in Kihei, they have everything ice cream you can imagine! Gelato, ice cream, affogato, floats, shakes, mochi ice cream, shave ice, waffles.

See our full guide to the BEST ICE CREAM ON MAUI

Toasted coconut gelato and Kona Pie ice cream with sprinkles of course

Toasted coconut gelato and Kona Pie ice cream with sprinkles of course

Although they don’t have an official website, be sure to check out their Facebook Page for menu updates. Here was the menu Fall of 2018:

Maui Gelato Shave Ice Menu

Maui Gelato Shave Ice Menu

Pretty good prices for the amount you get! I’d definitely go for the LAVA FLOW combo! Maybe add a shot of rum?

Maui Gelato Menu

Maui Gelato Menu

I was sold when I learned they serve ice cream for breakfast: Belgian waffles with so many ice cream topping combos! I’d like an affogato (espresso shots poured over ice cream) with my waffles please!

Maui Gelato Menu

Maui Gelato Menu

Maui Gelato Flavors

Maui Gelato Flavors

All gelato and ice cream are made on Maui with love!

Roselani Ice cream served at Maui Gelato

Roselani Ice cream served at Maui Gelato

Based on names like Haupia, Kona coffee, Kona Mud Pie, I had to look up Roselani Ice Cream to make sure this was legit Maui ice cream. Here’s what I found on the Roselani website:

In 1932 at the Maui Soda & Ice Works plant in Wailuku, Maui, Manuel Nobriga began making ice cream from scratch for local ice cream parlors. Everyone loved the velvety smooth texture and the richness of his flavors and the business grew to eventually include 1/2-gallon cartons that folks could enjoy at home.

The name Roselani is always of interest, especially to folks outside of Maui. It is the “Americanization” of the Hawaiian word Lokelani, which means “heavenly rose” and is Maui’s official flower. The red blossom is proudly displayed on Roselani® Ice Cream cartons. “It honors my grandfather’s and my father’s identity. A rose is the queen of perfection,” says Cathy (third generation)… just like the ice cream which bears its name.

Check out where to find Roselani ice cream on Maui here: Roselani Locations (available on other islands as well, but only sold in Hawaii).

With that, I was confident the ice cream is also a solid choice.

Maui Gelato Menu options

Maui Gelato Menu options

They were nice enough to let me try try so many flavors since no one else was there! After 10 minutes of looking at all my options, literally, everything sounded so good (gelato, ice cream, cup, cone, waffle bowl…), I ended up ordering Toasted Coconut gelato and Kona Pie ice cream in a cone dipped with sprinkles, of course!

My ice cream melted in the sun so quickly!

My ice cream melted in the sun so quickly!

I had big dreams of taking a picture of ice cream with Maui waves in the background… As soon as we stepped outside, that sucker started melting like a snowman in summer. I ran across the street to get this picture before I wasted too much of my delicious ice cream. Lesson learned here: Life is like ice cream, enjoy it before it melts! Also, always grab extra napkins! 😆


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Ice Cream Review: Island Cream Company - Maui, Hawaii

Island Cream Co has some of the best ice cream flavors in Maui, Hawaii! All flavors are created using local ingredients. Best Ice Cream in Maui | Places to go/eat in Maui, Hawaii #icecream #maui #food

ISLAND CREAM COMPANY

  • Location: 305 Keawe St #511, Lahaina, HI 96761

  • Website Menu/Flavors: Island Cream Co

  • Value: Large scoops for under $10

  • Special Options?: Non-dairy sorbets available

Maui_ice_cream.jpg

I'm not sure Island Cream Company just tastes better because it's in Hawaii (everything is better in Hawaii) or if it's their original recipe with the perfect mix of gelato and ice cream.

Located in the corner of a strip mall, this place exceeded my expectations. 

Maui_island_cream_co.jpg

All ice creams are hand made as well as their cones, fudge and other fun toppings. Most ice creams are natural and products are bought locally.

Maui_island_cream_co.jpg

 Bikini conscious? That's ok, try Island Cream Co's fat free sorbet! No fat and no dairy! 

Maui_island_cream_co_menu.jpg

Also, Hawaii is known for their shaved ice, Island Cream Co has their own Glacier Ice Station where you can make the perfect shave ice treat. 

Maui_island_cream_co.jpg

So many fun flavors such as Maui French Toast, Hilo-Hot Chocolate, Hana Caramel Popcorn, and Chocolate Orange. I LOVE any chocolate and orange combo, I need to try and make this at home!

Maui_island_cream_co_flavors.jpg

My favorite was the Maui-Loco filled with Macadamia nuts, chocolate chips and caramel in a creamery coconut ice cream base. So refreshing and delicious!

Maui-Loco and Chocolate Orange

Maui-Loco and Chocolate Orange

Josh had to try the peanut butter of course! The Peanut Butter Pie is to die for! 

Maui_island_cream_co.jpg

Last, try their new Sposhy treat! “Soft Glaicer Ice filled with a scoop of Island Cream--normally our famous Macadamia Nut--but you can have any flavor you want!  Topped with hand blended strawberry & mango puree---with real chunks of fresh Strawberries & Mango!  Then we give you a couple scoops of Boba Balls--cover it all with a Snow-Cap----all served on our special bamboo type plate!”

Maui_ice_cream-11.jpg

If you're in Maui, be sure to stay cool and visit Island Cream Co! 


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7 Best Restaurants in Lake Tahoe with Stunning Lake Views (with map)

Here is a guide to great restaurants that have amazing food and the BEST views of South Lake Tahoe! Some great fine dining options and have you ever had a Wet Woody? Yup, I just said that, see what it is in the post!

Guide to Amazing Lake Tahoe Restaurants with Lake Views (with map)!

As creatures of habit, we go to Lake Tahoe almost every year and hit up some of the same restaurants. Why? Because these restaurants have amazing food and the BEST views of Lake Tahoe! Some of these are a little pricey so I gave a scale of one to four dollar signs ($) to note the level of expense.

Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation (and it’s free)!

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

Lake Tahoe-Riva Grill Wet Woody.jpg

Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

  • Price: $$

  • Lunch Cuisine: American - Salads / Burgers / Pizza / Sandwiches

  • Menu: Riva Menu

  • Reservations: Opentable.com

For lunch and cocktails, you must go to Riva Grill on the Lake and try a Wet Woody. Yes, I just said that. They are famous for these rum drinks and these woody's sure pack a punch! They have great burgers (my fave) and pizzas (believe it or not) and is the perfect place for larger parties. Riva Grill is also open for breakfast on the weekends and I have my eye on the Eggs Benedict!

Lunch options are great, ask for a table on the deck, it’s open all summer long with amazing views of the lake. 

 

Edgewood Lake Tahoe - Hotel, Spa, & Golf Course

Address: 100 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449

Lake Tahoe-Brooks Bar and Deck.jpg

Brooks Bar and Deck

We enjoy burgers, sandwiches and cocktails on the patio at Brooks Bar and Deck for lunch. My Favorite is the Spicy Marinated Chicken Sandwich complete with jack cheese, avocado, chili aioli, and served with tater tots! Josh loves the French Dip with Prime Rib. YUM!

Don’t forget dessert - Warmed Chocolate Brownie served with salted caramel ice cream!

Breakfast is an option here before or after your golf game (or if you just want to watch other people play golf). So many classic options from waffles to omelettes.

Make a reservation ahead of time, they are on OpenTable.com.

Lake Tahoe-Brooks Bar and Grill.jpg

Edgewood Restaurant 

PHOTO PROVIDED FROM THE RESTAURANT’S WEBSITE

PHOTO PROVIDED FROM THE RESTAURANT’S WEBSITE

Located on the Edgewood golf course and right on the lake, its the perfect spot for dinner at sunset. Since it’s only open for dinner, try and get there just before sunset to see the sun disappear across the lake through their gorgeous floor to ceiling windows. The interior looks like a luxurious lodge with views of the lake, mountains and pines! The lounge and bar open an hour before the restaurant opens and stay open an hour after it closes.

We’re never disappointed by the steaks, the filet is a favorite! There are plenty of fish options as well!

 

19 Kitchen & Bar - Harvey's Lake Tahoe

Address: 18 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449

This restaurant is located atop of the Harvey's Hotel on the 19th floor with great steaks and amazing birds eye views of the lake. We usually go right around sunset and have drinks in the bar or if we’re dining, we request a table by the window. I love the Ribeye steak with their fabulous green peppercorn sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes.

Also, don't miss out on their cotton candy for dessert!

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Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill

Address: Harrah's Hotel - 19-29 Lincoln Hwy, Stateline, NV 89449

Located on the top floor of Harrah's, this Lake Tahoe fine dining gem features a dramatic entrance, a 1,000-bottle display wine cellar and magnificent views from every table. Favorite meal: Prime Rib with mashed potatoes. Is your mouth watering too?

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DON’T FORGET DESSERT!!!!

Susie Scoops Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Address: 869 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451

  • Price: $

  • Specialty: Dessert/ Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt

This cute little ice cream store is located in Incline Village and attached to the toy shop, Village Toys! Inside the walls are pink with ice cream lights and decorations everywhere like an old fashioned ice cream shop. I wanted to live there, it reminded me of my childhood bedroom. My phone malfunctioned and I don’t have any of my pictures from this day, except for the one below!

Susie Scoops offers 28 flavors made locally! THEY HAVE ALL THINGS ICE CREAM including hand-dipped waffle cones, specialty sundaes, frozen yogurt, smoothies, shaved ice (18 flavors), shakes & malts (any flavors), floats,  pints to go, & ice cream cakes!

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Exceptional flavors: Peppermint, Mud pie and Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.


Ok, so this one doesn’t have a view of the lake, but they have some of the BEST steaks, I’ve ever had!

Ciera Steak & Chophouse

Address: Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa - 55 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449

I'd put Ciera Steak & Chophouse in the Top 10 best steak dinners I've ever had (and I LOVE steak)! This fabulous 4 Diamond chophouse has an exquisite variety of steaks and chops to go along with their extensive 300 bottle wine list.

Even the sides were amazing, we ordered all potatoes (the White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Gratinée were my fave) and the white truffle mac and cheese. These paired well with my mouth watering Cowboy Ribeye.


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Best Restaurants and Where to Eat in Paris

Some of our favorite places to eat in Paris, France! Check out these great restaurants and where to find our favorite dessert, profiteroles! #Paris #Restaurants

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Best Restaurants in Paris

If you're as starving as a gargoyle (I mean, come on, they HAVE to be hungry), then you've come to the right place. Here is a list of restaurants/bars and the neighborhoods to find them:

Breakfast

French Pastries and breakfast

Get a croissant (chocolate croissants are my favorite) or a crepe wherever it smells good. A few places make crepes near the window leaking that delightful smell of sweetness in the air. It's hard to resist! 


Best Restaurants in Saint-Germain des Prés

It seems we ate near here more than any other area! It's been awhile since I've been to some, but they still deserve recognition.

Le Bon Saint-Pourçain

Address: 10 bis r. Servandoni, 75006 Paris

I still remember this meal like it was yesterday. This was the best meal in Paris. It was off the beaten path and was authentic inside and out. Even our chef looked like a cartoon character with his thick eyebrows and long white apron. For our entrees, I had a chicken with wine sauce served with the softest potatoes.  Even though we were full, we ended the meal with an incredible creme brulee, with the consistency having the perfect amount of sticky and goodness. Apparently, new owners took over in 2015, and it has been re-vamped. I hope the food is still just as good.

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Les Deux Magots

Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France

This was a great bistro in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area. So nice, we went there twice with my family. It once had a reputation as the rendezvous of the literary and intellectual élite of the city. The waiters were very nice and helpful on our first night in Paris. No, they don't serve maggots - don't let the name get to you. They actually had a chicken dish that was delicious. To end your night, make sure you try their sorbets and chocolate mousse! 


Relais de l'Entrecôte

Address: 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, France

Relais de l'Entrecôte has a few locations, but you must go for their steak frites. What's better than steak frites? They have even better desserts! We went to the one on RUE SAINT-BENOÎT. Like most of the Parisian restaurants, the tables were really close and it was pretty loud, but the price wasn't bad for the amount of food you basically inhale. The Chocolate Profiteroles were the highlight of the meal in my book!

CHOCOLATE PROFITEROLES - ONE OF THEIR MOST POPULAR DESSERTS: DELICIOUS DONUT LIKE CAKES WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM, ALL SPRINKLED WITH HOT CHOCOLATE AND TOASTED ALMONDS.

CHOCOLATE PROFITEROLES - ONE OF THEIR MOST POPULAR DESSERTS: DELICIOUS DONUT LIKE CAKES WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM, ALL SPRINKLED WITH HOT CHOCOLATE AND TOASTED ALMONDS.

VACHERIN DU RELAIS - A SUPERB DESSERT WITH MERINGUES, VANILLA ICE CREAM AND PRALINE ICE CREAM, COVERED WITH HOT CHOCOLATE AND WHIPPED CREAM

VACHERIN DU RELAIS - A SUPERB DESSERT WITH MERINGUES, VANILLA ICE CREAM AND PRALINE ICE CREAM, COVERED WITH HOT CHOCOLATE AND WHIPPED CREAM


We found the cutest little Cupcake and Macaron stand. Literally!


Restaurants Near the Eiffel Tower 

Au Pied De Fouet

45 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris, France

The translation means “At the Whiplash,” I don’t quite know what that means but the FOOD WAS AMAZING! As a traditional French meal, many courses came out and the place looked like it had been there for years! It was small and crowded but we enjoyed the authenticity of the restaurant (and the wine).

Alfio

43 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

We were watching the lights twinkle on the Eiffel Tower and felt rumblies in our tumblies. We walked along the cobblestone streets and after walking 10 miles that day (see our How to Spend 24 hours in Paris post), pizza sounded good. We stumbled upon Alfio after watching the Eiffel Tower light up at night. It's a small quaint place but the pizza and pasta were delicious. I ordered spicy pasta and it was pretty spicy! Decor is great too, they melted wine bottles down and hung them around the restaurant. Highly recommend for those looking for a non fancy, great food, decent price kinda place.

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The Brick Bar - Lego Pop-up Bar is coming soon to Los Angeles

The Brick Bar AKA Lego Pop-up Bar is coming in September to Los Angeles! Get your tickets before they sell out AND get 15% discount with my coupon code by clicking the link here! Great things to do in Los Angeles!

I’ve always loved Lego’s, although I think I really liked organizing the pieces mainly (yup, really), and I am SO excited for the Brick Bar to come to LA!

Get your tickets for the Brick Bar in Los Angeles! Get a 15% discount with the coupon code link: BRICK BAR LA

Get a 15% Discount by clicking here!

Get a 15% Discount by clicking here!

Details for the Brick Bar Los Angeles:

When: This unique bar will be sold on a first come first serve basis with limited tickets for 4 nights only - Thurs, Sept 19th - Sun, Sept 22nd

Price: $25 for 90 minutes in the Brick Bar (There is a special price for Sunday, 9/22 8-9p, get them for only $18 with code!) - get a 15% discount using this link

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-brick-bar-los-angeles-tickets-59558416828?discount=PARTNER

What: Brick Bar consists of over 1 million blocks, with an Instagram worthy menu including a Brick burger and beer, or you can dance by the DJ, win a prize for being the best brick builder, and play ping pong table made out of 22,050 legos! You can admire brick sculptures or even create your own, either way, I wouldn’t miss this for the world! I must jump in the ball pit!

Where: Boomtown Brewery - 700 Jackson St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Not in Los Angeles, don’t worry, check-out the other cities they are visiting: Brick Bar Website

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All photos provided by The Brick Bar website or Instagram account!

Per their website:

After amazing events overseas, weeks of planning and building, we are sending the Brick Bar to LA for you to come and play with. The event will only be in LA for FOUR NIGHTS WITH TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Please note: Under 21's must be accompanied by an adult and should attend prior to 6pm.

Ticket prices include entry for 90 minutes in the bar, lots of prizes to be won, ping pong (table made from 22,500 bricks), and most importantly, amazing instagram photos to make your friends have serious FOMO.

See our FacebookWebsite and Instagram for photos and videos of the last event!

Get your tickets now before they sell out and get a 15% discount using this link: 

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-brick-bar-los-angeles-tickets-59558416828?discount=PARTNER



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