Hotel Review: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa - Best hotel in Bora Bora!

Why you MUST stay at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa

Address: Motu Piti Aau Bora Bora French Polynesia, 98730, French Polynesia

Website: https://www.ihg.com/

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

Walking to our overwater bungalow

French Polynesia was the last stop on our Honeymoon and after Moorea we thought it couldn’t get any better, Bora Bora took it up a notch! Bora Bora is beautiful and one of the most relaxing places I have ever been to! The InterContinental was the PERFECT place to stay! We loved the spacious overwater bungalows, the food, and the activities the hotel offered!  

Click here to see rates and room availability: InterContinental.com 

Mountain views - overwater bungalows

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Booking and Arrival into Bora Bora

After looking at many travel magazines, Instagram, Pinterest and other publications showing some of the most beautiful places in the world, every time I would see Bora Bora, I added to my bucket list that I had to stay in an overwater bungalow someday. My wonderful husband helped make that happen.  

We started planning more than a year ahead of time. We both opened an IHG credit card to accumulate points and free nights to help fund our dream vacation. We booked our free rooms well in advance (almost a year), knowing we were going in January, which is also their rainy season in Bora Bora. We used our 2 free reward nights and paid for another 2 nights with points and a small fee at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thlasso Spa, all we had to do was wait until January, but it's ok, we were busy planning our destination wedding in Maui.

Finally, January arrived and we were Bora Bora bound! Upon arrival at the airport in Bora Bora, which was one of the smallest airports I’ve ever seen. They did have a gift shop and snacks. There were many hotel check-in desks, and we had to find the InterContinental check-in desk so we could board our boat to the hotel. Everything was by boat there! None of the hotels really connect.

The InterContinental reception staff greeted us with refreshing drinks and a cool towel as it was very hot and humid outside. The lobby was covered but still open air like a giant patio. Our host let us know what our accommodations were and gave us a brief overview of the amenities of the hotel. We were whisked away on a golf cart to our room, our overwater bungalow! Dreams were coming true!

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THE OVERWATER BUNGALOW ROOM

After you walk along the aqua water, the path leads you to your overwater villa. Inside, the room was huge! There was a living room with a glass coffee table the peered into the depths below, allowing you to see the fish swimming underneath your room!  

The bedroom had a king size bed facing a giant floor to ceiling window facing the water with no one in sight. Just the pretty aqua water and some palm trees. There was a large walk-in closet, with shelves made of beautiful wood. I wish I had this closet at home!

The bathroom was long a narrow with a stand alone shower and a huge bath tub. They had large oversized towels that were the softest hotel towels I had ever used in my life. They were so great, we immediately got towels just like them when we returned home! The robes were really nice too!

Off of the living room was a large patio with a table and chairs as well as 2 cushioned lounge chairs, and a ladder that went straight into the water of the lagoon.  

BALCONIES OFF THE OVERWATER BUNGALOWS

Note: rainy season (January) wasn't that bad, in the 4 days during our stay, there were storms everyday that came through but would clear up. These storms involved HEAVY rainfall. We were in our bathing suits most of the time so it didn't matter. The last day it poured all morning and didn't look like it was going to clear. I like to think the island was crying because we were leaving. The sunsets were pretty spectacular!

Sunset in Bora Bora

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THE POOL

Since it was their "off season" they only had one restaurant open for lunch and dinner, but you could also get food at the pool.  

POOL VIEWS

Speaking of, let's talk about the pool. A gorgeous infinity pool overlooked the lagoon and island, with plenty of lounge chairs and some shade to go around. The sun is very intense there and even after reapplying sunscreen a few times, we burned. Shade was our friend.

INFINITY POOL VIEWS

Seemed like everyone else at the pool was also on their honeymoon after we talked to a few others!

ICE CREAM AT THE POOL

There was a wait staff for towels, drinks and food. We of course ordered ice cream while at the pool!  

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THE RESORT

Around the resort were a lot of free things to do, such as feeding tropical fish, feeding stingrays, playing pool at the pool tables, renting kayaks and stand up paddle boards by the pool. If you get bored, there are other things to do.

You can also pay for activities and a resort host would be more than helpful to get you booked and prepped for activities such as: renting jet-skis, scuba diving, sunset cruises, breakfast brought to your balcony by kayak.

Check out some of our favorite things we did during our time in Bora Bora: Top Things to do in BORA BORA

BREAKFAST BROUGHT TO YOUR ROOM BY KAYAK!

BATHROOM SIGNS

FEEDING STINGRAYS

Everyday the Stingrays were fed around noon or so, I’d ask the hotel what time the feeding will take place. The stingrays come up to you like little puppies and want to be pet and fed! It’s AMAZING!

The spa even offers massages with glass floors that let you look into the water below at the fish! How relaxing is that?!

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Don’t forget to pack these essentials (my fave):

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Love this hotel as much as we do? Check InterContinental.com for rates and availability or try Booking.com - we find the best rates there!

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

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Saved By the Max - Saved by the Bell Pop-up

SAVED BY THE MAX

Address: 7100 Santa Monica Blvd #185, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Website: http://www.savedbythemax.com/

Tickets: $40 per person (Come with an Appetizer and Entree!)

Limited Time Left: Hurry and get there soon preppy, the pop-up is only available until April 2019 before it moves to Vegas!

I'm sooo sooo sooo excited to tell you all about our trip to Saved by the Max! I loved and still love Saved by the Bell the series and when I saw the pop-up in Chicago, I wished it would come to LA... and it did! 

OUR BOOTH!

Now, we love us some pop-ups like the Star Wars Scum and Villainy bar in Hollywood which is now a staple (see out Blog post here: Star Wars Pop-up Bar) to Hollywood Boulevard! 

DINING ROOM

Saved by the Max is like stepping onto the Saved by the Bell set of the Max, it looks JUST like it! What really takes these pop-ups to another level are the customers. When everyone dresses like they are from that era or show or movie, it really gives the full effect that you have stepped into another realm. I was just waiting for Zack Morris, Kelly Kapowski, Screech, Slater, Jessie and Lisa to walk through the door!

Saved by the Max - Bar

Reservations are available until April 2019 and I heard they were moving to Las Vegas next! Tickets are $40 and include a reservation date & time with an appetizer and entree. I'll get into the food below. 

Make your reservation here: SavedByTheMax.com

Get ready preppy for some fun pictures! 

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THE VENUE - THE MAX

You can't really just walk into this place, you have to get past the hostess first! We checked in and only waited for a few minutes since we arrived on the early side. 

Immediately after stepping inside you walk along the lockers of all your beloved characters, with everything associated with that personality! 

I was already in awe just by the lockers and then we stepped in the restaurant and I lost it! 

I love all the 90's squiggles and designs that match the shows main title. I especially LOVED the bright colors, I fit right in! 

They say you have 2 hours to stay to enjoy your meal and walk around. We were to anxious to wait until after our meal that we walked around and took a bunch of pictures before our meal! Overall I think we spent about an hour and a half there.

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Mr. Beldings Office

Mr. Beldings office is designed to host larger parties or just regular tables if they don't have a big party. Soooo we went in and sat his desk of course! 

No detention given today!

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THE MENU & FOOD REVIEWS

The menu had more than I thought it would! It was typical diner/cafe kind of food and it wasn't terrible! 

Drinks didn't come with the ticket and were paid for separately. I of course had a Mark Paul 75 because I just can't resist champagne. It was good, but boy was it sweet.

We tried to diversify our food choices to try everything between the four of us, but we doubled up on certain things. I loved the clever food names!

Appetizers

1. AC Sliders - Pork sliders with a mustard sauce. We weren't fans of the mustard

2. Mac and Screech - pretty good for noodles and cheese!

3. Snow White and the Seven Dorks - Wings that were devoured by the husbands... they seemed to be fans!

Entrees

1. Bayside Burger - Diner style with a double patty! YUM!

2. Preppy Pastrami - on rye bread

3. Beat Valley Buttermilk Pancakes - they serve brunch on weekends but why not have breakfast for dinner?

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We had so much fun! Trish and I want to go back any day, any time! 

GOOOOOO BAYSIDE! 

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See more travel tips and fun things to do in Los Angeles:

Things to do Moorea: Buggy Ride Around the Island

Moorea is such a beautiful island! One of our favorite activities when we visited was when we took a drive around the island in a cute little buggy! We rented a little 2 seater buggy, which was like a small go-kart that went faster than you would expect, zooming around the island in about 4 hours. The road was super bumpy at parts but overall it was a blast! 

Related Post: Top 10 Things to do in Moorea

How to Rent a Buggy

We rented our red buggy through Moorea Fun Roadsters. The Sofitel Moorea concierge assisted us in booking the car the night before, and without a problem, they delivered it to our hotel the very next morning!

We went back and forth between renting for 4 or 8 hours, but we decided to do the 4 hour which was the perfect amount to go around the entire island and make all recommended stops. 

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Where to Go in Moorea

A map was provided by the Moorea Fun Roadsters, including the best places to stop (which we did most all of them). They recommended the following:

• Opunohu Bay (black sand), Opunohu Belvedere, archaeological and legendary sites, Agricultural High School (tasting)

• Protestant Papetoai Temple, Churches, Dolphin center & Marine Turtle Clinic (Intercontinental), Tiki village (Polynesian Village)

• Surf Spot, Cascasde in the Afareaitu Valley, Golf, Moorea Juice Factory & Distillery (tasting)

• Cook's Bay

• Tahiti Aromas Factory (Noni, Monoi, Vanilla, Coconut and Tamanu Oil Production Laboratory, Natural Tiare Essences.)

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Driving Around the Island

We were on our way! We drove for 2 minutes and then saw a picture-perfect view of our hotel, so we pulled to the side of the road and stopped for pictures. 4 hours didn't seem like it was going to be enough! 

We hopped back in and made our way to our first stop, Belvedere lookout. The road to the top was bumpy and unpaved most of the way, but it was totally worth it!

To our surprise, there were many wild chickens around the island (and bugs)! 

This was our favorite site, we were able to experience Belvedere and all its beauty.

On the way back down from Belvedere, we stopped at the Moorea Juice Factory & Distillery for a quick refresher. The pineapple drink was delicious, it tasted like ice cream! 

We continued on, with many unpaved roads and quick turns, but overall we were enjoying our buggy ride. We kept stopping to enjoy the sights, including the gorgeous aqua water. 

We figured it would be a good idea to stop at the only grocery store on the island on the way back since we had a way to get there! We picked up a few things such as cheese and crackers to snack on in the room and needed a mixer to go with our duty-free liquor pickup. Unfortunately, we picked up concentrate instead of juice but had plenty of Mango/Orange drinks for days!

Returning the Buggy

Before you return the vehicle, just like renting a regular car, you have to fill it up but it doesn't use much gas and it cost about $8 to fill it back up!

This was a great way to see the island and get out of the resort for a little bit. We would highly recommend it to anyone who visits Moorea!

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11 Things You Must See in Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Main Entrance

First off, I LOVE DISNEY (and I’m not just saying that because I work for the company)! I've been to the Disneyland in California hundreds of times. Literally. Josh and I have been to Disneyland (California), Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris, so when we were on our way to Thailand and had to make a stop in Hong Kong, we just HAD to check out Hong Kong Disneyland, even if we didn't stay the whole day.

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After having been to the other parks, here are the top 11 things you can't miss at Hong Kong Disneyland:

1. Main Street 

There were many comparisons to the California Disneyland. Main Street looked fairly similar with a few different buildings here and there but we didn't find a Hall of Presidents here! Ha! They also served fish balls and watermelon juice at the food vendors. Not your typical Disneyland food!

The character, Duffy, is big in Hong Kong! Duffy was a lovable teddy bear that was handmade as a gift from Minnie to Mickey Mouse. Story has it, Duffy and Mickey would travel the world sharing exciting adventures and making lifelong friends, including ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou and Cookie. Cookie is Duffy’s newest friend, and she is only available in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. You can watch their adventures together at the theater on Main Street!

Hong Kong Disneyland Main Street

It was so weird to see the Disneyland castle I grew up seeing with mountain behind it that wasn’t the Matterhorn! 

Hong Kong Disneyland Castle

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2. Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Entrance - Hong Kong Disneyland

Tomorrowland had some of the best rides: Hyperspace Mountain and the Iron Man Experience (more on that in reason #3). 

Hyperspace Mountain was just like the Space Mountain in Disneyland, traveling through space with Star Wars music. 

X-wing parked at Space Mountain

There was even a parked X-Wing in the line queue. Pew Pew Pew!

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3. The Iron Man Experience

The Iron Man Experience was basically Star Tours 3D Motion simulator with Iron Man instead. Initially Jarvis is taking you on a tour of Hong Kong however evil strikes where its up to you and Iron Man to save the city against the extraterrestrials! 

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4. Mystic Manor

Walking in I was expecting a classic Haunted Mansion ride - Haunted rooms stretching, doom buggies, Madame Leota, grim grinning ghosts coming out to socialize. This was NOT a Haunted Mansion ride. Due to differences in the Chinese culture they did not have references to ghosts or an afterlife situation. Instead we entered Lord Henry Mystic's manor to which he introduces himself and his pet monkey, Albert. His manor hosts a great collection treasures from around the world which all come to life after Albert opens a magical music box. 

This ride was charming and fun, complete with music composed by Danny Elfman. There were a few nods to the Haunted Mansion including a Medusa changing portrait, a conservatory, and busts that follow visitors as they move. There was even a tribal arts room that looked like the Tiki Room but they shot wind darts like Indiana Jones. I can't say enough how much I loved this ride! 

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5. Toy Story Land

Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World both have Toy Story Land, but the rides in Hong Kong Disneyland were so much better! I loved how everything made you feel like you were a toy yourself and your surroundings are much bigger. The rides were cute kiddie/carnival type rides, but we did go on the RC Race Car ride which was similar to a swinging ship-pendulum-type ride.

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6. It's A Small World

It’s a Small World - Hong Kong Disneyland

It's a Small World after all! Can you find your favorite characters on this classic ride? 

The Hong Kong skyline was even included in our adventure around the world which was the same view from our hotel!

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7. Fantasyland

This Fantasyland seemed like a combination of Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World. Classics included Winnie the Pooh, Carousel, Tea Cups and Dumbo. There was even the Festival of Foods restaurants which is a take on Hunchback of Notre Dame's Festival of Fools. 

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8. Fantasia Garden

I loved the Sorcerer Mickey fountain and the cute Fantasia themed topiaries. 

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9. Frontierland

Even Frontierland had a unique ride! The Lucky Nugget Mine Car was a great combination of Big Thunder at Disneyland, Mount Everest at Animal Kingdom and the Seven Dwarves Mine Train at WDW. It went forwards AND backwards! There were even cute bears throughout it!

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All of the parks have a Lucky Nugget Saloon. The one in Hong Kong is just a restaurant, there isn't a show. 

10. Adventureland

There was some construction going on, so I hope they are adding more rides. All they had was Tarzan's Treehouse and The Jungle Cruise. The Jungle Cruise was pretty much the same as the other parks. It does get a little fiery at the end and a baby elephant wishes you farewell instead of Trader Sam looking to trade one of his heads for yours. 

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11. Mickey Train

One of the MTR lines goes straight to the Disneyland Resort stop where you have to take the cutest train to get to the park! This train was spangled with Mickey as well as other statues of Disney characters. Even the handle rings where Mickey shaped!

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Don’t forget these on your magical day:

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We loved our trip to Hong Kong Disneyland! Only 2 more parks to go! 

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Hotel Review: InterContinental Hong Kong - China

InterContinental Hong Kong on Harbour’s Edge

Address: 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Find the best rate here: Booking.com - We use booking.com to find the CHEAPEST rates! By clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks! 

For New Years 2018, we went to Hong Kong and toured around Thailand. We love InterContinental hotels and the InterContinental Hong Kong did not disappoint. With spectacular views of the harbor and a prime location to transportation, shopping, and delicious restaurants, we couldn't have asked for a better hotel.  

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HOTEL ROOM

We used our free nights with our IHG card and were upgraded to a deluxe room. There was plenty of room for the 2 of us! The bed was comfortable and warm, perfect combo of soft and firm. Although it did get a little warm with only a comforter provided. After 16 hours on a plane, I slept like a baby!

The first thing I️ noticed was a spacious walk-in closet which I thought was a bathroom at first! Across from it was a nook that had coffee and tea as well as a fridge in the cabinet. 

On the desk they provided a cell phone that we could take around the city and use it as a hotspot for wi-fi or to make local calls. There was a USB outlet next to the TV that had 4 USB plugs to cover all of our electronic needs! 

The bathroom was fairly large as well decorated with a beautiful marble and included a tub and stand alone shower.

The amenities were nice including everything from toothbrushes to shower gel. I loved their towels and robes! The towels were large and soft, lacking that hotel starchy feeling. The robes were similar, long and soft, feeling like a warm hug. 

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Restaurants

There was a great selection of restaurants at the hotel. Most of them are (or have been) Michelin star rated! 

Harbourside

For breakfast, we went to the restaurant just below the lobby called Harbourside. We enjoyed their decadent buffet spread filled with anything you could have ever wanted. Egg station, waffles, 5 different kinds of cereal, donuts, croissants, fresh fruit, all sorts of juices, cured meats and cheeses, pot stickers, curry, Chinese dishes, EVERYTHING! They also had a menu that you could order dishes such as omelets and eggs benedict. The best part of the meal was the view of the harbor!

Steak House: Wine Bar & Grill

Steak house Restaurant Harbor views of Hong Kong

For dinner, we went to the Steak House Wine Bar and Grill. This restaurant has been Michelin star rated and I can see why! To start they had an excellent selection of cocktails as well as a savvy wine list. The cheapest wine by the glass here was over $30 but it was delicious. 

The restaurant was dimly lit for mood lighting, luckily they provided light up menus to help find the best steak on the list! Our table was set prior to us being seated, which included a salt bar with 8 different rock salts to choose from! We put salt on everything! I like putting salt on the butter for our bread and on our delicious steaks, we ended up trying all 8 kinds! 

We ordered the ribeye cap and Japanese wagyu, which is rare to find at home in Los Angeles. Every bite melted in my mouth. Both steaks were perfectly cooked, although if I had to pick one, I'd lean towards the Japanese Wagyu! For sides, I highly recommend the sous vied mashed potatoes and fabulous potatoes au gratin. 

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LOBBY

Hong Kong Intercontinental Hotel Views - Harbor

The lobby was large and welcoming with tons of seating. The check-in desk was circular and in the middle of the lobby with the Concierge along the wall on the side. The bar off the lobby had a spectacular view of the harbor! 

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How to Get To and From the Hong Kong Airport

Metro

Paid $100 HKD ($12.80 US dollars) at the station for train tickets took to Tsing Yi to change rails. 

The station was right in front of InterContinental Hong Kong! Walking up to our home for the next few days I caught a glimpse of the skyline and Christmas was still being celebrated in the lobby with a gorgeous tree and giant nutcrackers. 

Taxi

Our hotel got us a cab which was $270 HK dollars (about $35 US dollars) and at 5am it only took 30 minutes to get to the airport. 

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To see pricing and book your stay, click here: Booking.com

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HOTEL REVIEW: Las Vegas Park MGM

Park MGM Hotel

Address: 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Find the best rate for the Park MGM Hotel on Booking.com! By clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks! 

Las Vegas has always felt like a second home. Ever since I can remember, we’ve take multiple trips a year to Vegas and have seen it evolve over the years. Theme parks took over the strip at one point, and where the Statue of Liberty stands in front of New York New York, used to be a gas station! I even remember when the Monte Carlo first opened summer of 1996. There was a huge fountain in front and the interior seemed to have a similar vibe to the real Monte Carlo with fancy chandeliers and marble flooring and pillars. Even the rooms had a European look and feel to them. 

Fast forward 15 years later, the fountain in front is now gone, a restaurant called Diablos has opened and decorated the front with the devil himself. Not as inviting as it used to be, but the margaritas were delicious. 

Park MGM Lobby

Now, we can forget all of this and move forward with renovation and rebrand to experience the Park MGM. As of March 2018, the Monte Carlo no longer exists and the Park MGM has taken over. The lobby has transformed from marble pillars to mirrored pillars with tons of plants and branches. 

The new hallways to the guest rooms are much darker and dimly lit, lined with a simple wallpaper pattern.

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HOTEL ROOM

We stayed in a king preview room with a pool view. These rooms have been setup different than the Monte Carlo’s setup, with the bed built into a little nook, facing the window. I loved the gallery wall!

The seating area is pretty spacious with a bench and large chair with a table big enough for 4 people to eat. 

We were on the 8th floor with a non-strip view, but we could check out the pool, which seemed smaller than the one they had previously. Looks like the old wave pool has set sail. You know what they say, out with the old, in with the new. 

Below the TV was a little shelf and some USB outlets, perfect for charging our phones and apple watches. 

The closet was a decent size as long as you don't plan on packing your poofy prom dress. PS I love the TravelPro carry-on! Everything compacts so I can pack for weeks with it!

Park MGM Closet Design

The bathroom was thought out much better than the wasted space most of the Monte Carlo had before. The door to the bathroom was also the door to the closet, an interesting way to save space. And of course a bathroom selfie!

The shower was nice and large, with options of different water flow from the shower head. 

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NEW RESTAURANTS

Bavette's Steakhouse and Bar

Menu: Dinner

Their old fancy restaurant that would be sectioned off to a club late a night flipped into a lovely french themed steakhouse and bar.

When entering the restaurant, you go through a door into a seating area, feeling completely disconnected from the loud buzzing casino. Service lacked a little, but the steaks and duck fat fries made up for this fabulous dinner.

We ended our dining experience with a slice of the meringue pie and of course, ICE CREAM! This sundae comes with all the fixings! Almost any candy bar you can think of atop of chocolate, vanilla and pistachio ice cream. It went rather quickly, I was lucky to get pictures when I did. 

Primrose Cafe

Menu: Breakfast

Without the cafe, we were planning on going to another hotel until we found Primrose. The brunch menu was perfect, and the decor had so much charm. It was almost like walking into someone's living room at first. There was an area with couches and small tables which seemed like they were made for those looking to enjoy a cup of coffee and read a book. Not sure why you would do this in Vegas, so you would probably drink coffee and sip some hair of the dog while looking through pictures you don't remember taking at the club the night before.

The food was delicious. I ordered the croque monsieur and for the table we ordered the french toast. Josh went with the buttermilk pancakes. No one was disappointed by their choices. 

Looking for more restaurants?! Check out our friend’s (On the Strip) guide to the Best Restaurants on the Strip!

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Overall, I'm excited for the rebrand. I think the Monte Carlo needed a major facelift and this is definitely a step in the right direction. I can’t wait to stay at the Park MGM again!

Find the best rate for the Park MGM Hotel on Booking.com!

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Winery Review: Chappellet Winery - Great views and even better wine!

Updated January 24, 2026

Photo Courtesy of Chappellet - Chappellet's vineyard on Pritchard Hill from the midst of Molly Chappellet's garden

Chappellet Winery

Address: 1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St Helena, CA 94574

Website: https://www.chappellet.com

With thousands of wineries to choose from to taste wine in Napa and Sonoma up in Northern California, it extremely hard to pick which one(s) to visit. Although the big distributers such as Kendall Jackson or Mumm are some of my favorite, I also like to look for wineries that aren’t as mainstream, that might have a nice view, and great wine. My research this year found Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! I loved the history of the land and learning about the Chappellet family, owners of this breathtaking winery. We had such an amazing experience, I can’t wait to go back! Now to the details…

Book your wine tasting tour here: Chappellet.com

Related Posts: see our Napa Winter Itinerary post

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FAMILY OWNED: The Chappellet Family

Chappellet - Close Up of Vineyard and Lake - Bob McClenahan photography

The Chappellet Family has owned the land on Pritchard Hill for 50 years and have pioneered their way to grow crops at a higher elevation and produce a luscious red wine. Dated back 4 million years, the area was once occupied by a 14,000 foot volcano! Over time and much erosion, the area has sculpted into what it is today with dramtic slopes and rocky volcanic soils. Rising between 800 to 1,800 feet with a variety of different exposures and soil types, the Chappellets along with the help fo David Pirio (vineyard manager) have worked hard to perfect farming techniques as well as practicing environmentally conscious farming methods. In 2012, Chappellet Vineyard was awarded organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers.

Donn and Molly moved their family to Pritchard Hill in 1967 after discovering the beautiful vista views and an opportunity to make a living off of the land. The tasting room and production end are in a triangular shaped building that looks like it was built into a hill. The structure inside was upholstered and decorated with the most beautiful wood.

Chappellet main room - Holiday event

Today, their children Cyril, Carissa and Dominic Chappellet, now oversee the day-to-day operations. Cyril and Dominic deal with the management and logistics of business, where as Carissa is a lawyer as well as an artist, overseeing all legal affairs of the company as well as applying some of her artistic talents. She loved to draw dragons as a child, and wanted them to be put on wine labels. Donn told her that dragons didn’t have anything to do with the winery, so Carissa wrote her own book about the Dragons of Pritchard Hill.

Every year wine club members look forward to a new dragon design with a story to go with it on the back of the label!

Related post: See our Napa packing lists - Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer

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RED, RED WINE

If you like red wine, THIS IS YOUR PLACE! The Chappellets were inspired to create a world-class wine such as a Bordeaux. Of the vineyard’s 102 planted acres, approximately 65 are Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder consisting of small blocks of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chenin Blanc.

Wine Tasting and Tour

Chappellet's extensive 90-minute Vineyard Tour and Tasting includes a walk through the organic vineyards and a seated tasting of new releases. As I mentioned, it was POURING down rain so we got a quick tour of the facility and had a lovely tasting. Theo was our guide and she was unbelievable! So knowledgeable about the process and the Chappellet family, she really made the tour fun and interesting.

Book your wine tasting tour here: Chappellet.com Ask for THEO! :)

Wine tasting in the Rain = cover your glass!

We started with their 2014 Signature Chardonnay which had a creamy texture instead of the buttery oak taste I was expecting. Aromas of citrus and apricot went well with the notes of sweet oak and spice.

Then we proceeded through the bottle processing area to where the wine is stored and aged!

wine waiting for me to drink at Chappellet

Here Theo thoroughly explained how they cultivate and store wine, sprinkling in details of the land and environmentally conscious farming methods, as I had previous mentioned. We would have taken a tour of the vineyards but it was too wet and muddy so we moved into the tasting room.

Chappellet Wine Tour Seating

We tried a few amazing wines in here including:

• 2013 Chappellet Napa Valley Zinfandel - aromas of ripe berry, fig & plum, and layered black pepper, sage, cedar & briary spice. Very nice and smooth for a Zin! I loved the pepper taste to it, leaving a very earthy flavor to it.

• 2014 Chappellet Napa Vallet Malbec - aromas of cherry, creme de cassis and anise, with French oak-inspired hints of clove and nutmeg. On the palate wild berry, grenadine, chocolate and coffee.

• 2015 Chappellet Napa Valley Las Piedras - aromas of black cherry and cassis with a palate of dark berry, plum, and cedar. This was my favorite of them all! As a blend of 55% Cabernet, 20% Malbec, and a mix of Petit Verdof, Cab Franc, and Merlot, IT WAS PERFECT! Definitely ordering more bottles.

The art around the winery was so unique and beautiful. Most of the art was painted by the family or hand picked by the family.

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VIEWS

Chappellet Garden View - photo by Molly Chappellet

Of course the day we went it was pouring down rain so we didn’t venture out too far but the grounds were still beautiful! We got some great moody rainy pictures:

Chappellet Winery - best vineyard with views

Chappellet Winery - best vineyard with views, dramatic winter

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I would go back to Chappellet in a heartbeat for the wine, views and company! Thanks so much to the Chappellet team for hosting us!

Book your wine tasting tour here: Chappellet.com Ask for THEO! :)

Looking for great suggestions as to where’s to stay in Napa?

Andaz Napa Review

Hyatt Regency Sonoma Review

Cabernet House - Bed and Breakfast in Napa Review

Alila St Helena

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Need another glass? Try these spots in California:

Ice Cream Review: Café Kantary, Cape Kudu Hotel in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Café Kantary in the Cape Kudu Hotel on Koh Yao Noi

Address: Tambon Ko Yao Noi, Chang Wat, Phang Nga, Thailand

Website: Cape Kudu Hotel - Café Kantary

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Scoops

Beach day and ice cream? I think that's all you need in life. Or maybe that's love and ice cream... Anyhoo, when we went to Koh Yao Noi in Thailand and stayed at one of my favorite hotels ever (Cape Kudu Hotel – new blog post coming soon), there was an amazing cafe called Café Kantary that served pizza, pancakes, desserts and ice cream! After all the other food that wasn’t agreeing with me in Thailand, familiar food was super comforting! Make sure you pack your Pepto even if you don’t think you’ll get sick!

Inside this place was adorable! Much like the Cape Kudu hotel that it is connected to, it had an upscale cafe vibe with a splash of seaside decor. A full coffee bar, to die for pastries on the right and 12 ice cream options on the left, the sensory overload made it very difficult to choose my snack! 

Koh Yao Noi is a pretty small island! It was hard to research where to go and what to eat. This place was everything I needed! From fruit sorbets to green tea ice cream, there was something for everyone here. 

Again, as we saw at Ice Love You Cafe in Chiang Mai, Café Kantary also had a blue mint chip ice cream! 

All cones were homemade! Strawberry, chocolate, or plain waffle cones were all superb options. Of course, I simply couldn't turn down a PINK cone! Like geometry, that was a given. As for the ice cream, I tried a few of the local flavors including the green tea ice cream, which tasted like iced tea. I tried a few of their sorbets which were fine, but I was in a chocolate mood so I got a Double Chocolate Chip with a blue Mint Chocolate Chip on top! 

It was a perfect sunset snack after our buggy ride around the island! So good that we took it to the pool side and enjoyed the island views (and those comfy lounge chairs)! 

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Hotel Review: Cape Kudu - Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Cape Kudu Hotel

Address: Tambon Ko Yao Noi, Chang Wat, Phang Nga, Thailand

Website: CapeKuduHotel.com

After Chiang Mai and quick trip for a dive in Khao Lak we were ready for some relaxation and headed for the islands! We heard how Phuket was overcrowded and that the islands nearby are just as nice! Friends recommended Koh Yao Noi and after some research we decided it would be the perfect spot! The Cape Kudu Hotel sounded nice, had raving reviews on almost all travel websites and was listed at a great price. Everything in Thailand is so cheap!

See the best rate at Booking.com - by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks! 

I fell in love with the Cape Kudu hotel from our first step into the lobby. Not only are they located on the beach but also the entire hotel is basically my coastal home design dream! *See how to get to and from the hotel at the bottom of the post

Lots of seashells and starfish everywhere - my kind of place! We stayed here the first few days of January and the Christmas tree was still up - just for a little bit! 

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OUR Cape Kudu HOTEL ROOM

Our host at the front desk guided us to our room and showed us all the fancy features our room had to offer: free waters, tea & coffee, fresh fruit, a refrigerator, room bug repellent, laundry bag, room service book, etc.

Since we had been traveling non-stop for a few days, we were really looking forward to crashing and not having to wake up early. The bed was soft, yet firm, the perfect balance for a restful sleep.

We had a corner room, so we had a nice window behind the seating area! It made the room that much brighter during the day.

The best and cutest Do Not Disturb sign ever! How clever! I was extra excited because we had JUST seen an octopus while diving in Khao Lak that day!

We needed a late night snack so we ordered a brownie with ICE CREAM, of course. YUM!

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THE PORCH

The porch to our room was definitely my favorite spot in the mornings! With a swing and ocean views, what more do you need?! Well, could have done with less bugs...

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BATHROOM

The bathroom was spacious and gorgeous. The tub and shower were separate, and I liked that the shower had a removable nozzle so I could wash my feet easily at the end of the day. 

Also, in the closet Cape Kudu provided lightweight robes, flip-flops, a beach bag and slippers for you to use during your stay. The bathroom amenities were nice, the shampoo reminded me of my shampoo at home! It had a lemongrass sage smell to it.

This laundry bag made me laugh out loud! "Laundry today or naked tomorrow!" Yup, sounds about right! 

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POOL

The infinity pool was phenomenal! The lounge chairs were bean bag-ish but firmer so that you wiggle your way into your comfy spot.

The water temperature was on the cool side, which was perfect after some sun bathing! With a view like this, there was no motivation to leave!

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BEACH AND ACTIVITIES

Across the road from the hotel was a private beach were the hotel sets up lounge chairs and umbrellas to enjoy some sunshine in the sand.

I even found a swing! 

The front desk was so helpful in booking activities. We booked a private longtail boat to take us out to the islands and it was worth every penny. With a guide, a driver and just us, we could take our time on the islands and they knew where to take us before it got too crowded. 

We also rented a scooter and toured around the Island for a few hours. We also used it to get to dinner one night.

There was room that was like a rec room complete with pool table but also a business office with computers setup.

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RESTAURANTS

Hornbill Restaurant 

We mainly had breakfast and linner here. That's right I said linner. For breakfast, the most amazing buffet spread you've ever seen is available including an omelette/pancake/waffle bar, where chef will make them any way you'd like! 

Thai Roti is a specialty in Thailand and is a wheat flour pan-fried bread with Muslim origins. It is most popularly served as a snack topped with sweetened condensed milk, white sugar and banana or even chocolate. It tasted like a fried pancake!

We'd fill up around 10a or so and definitely not be hungry for lunch. We'd roll over and lounge by the pool after, digesting the eggs, sweets, and bacon! 

In the afternoon, we had the most AMAZING hamburger! After thai food not settling with my stomach so great, this was the perfect comfort food! Pro tip: Bring Pepto, no matter how tough you think your stomach is! 

Café Kantary

Around the corner from the Hornbill Restaurant was the Café Kantary which served everything including coffee, pizza, pastries, and ice cream! 

See more in our Cafe Kantary blog post!

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GETTING TO AND FROM CAPE KUDU / KOH YAO NOI

It wasn't easy to get to Cape Kudu, but the hotel made it simple! A large car picked us up from our hotel in Khao Lak and took us to the dock where a speedboat took you to a from the Bang Rong pier to Koh Yao Noi. However, we went diving that day at Richileau Rock and missed the last boat. We paid extra and ended up getting a private longtail boat to the Koh Yao Noi dock. 

By the time we left the dock the sun was going down and during our ride it was so dark out, you could see the bioluminescent plankton glowing green in our waves as we were coming in! SO MAGICAL!  It took us about an hour to get to the dock on Koh Yao Noi where a car was waiting for us to take us to Cape Kudu.

On the way back to the mainland, we booked it in advance and took the speedboat back to the Bang Rang pier (30-40 mins) where another driver took us to the airport (20 min drive).

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Top 10 Best Things To Do in Moorea - French Polynesia

During our 3 week Honeymoon, another stop was Moorea in French Polynesia. This was our first break after going nonstop for almost 2 weeks and boy were we ready for relaxation.

We booked our Moorea portion through Tahiti Legends, who booked everything including our transfers from airports and hotels. We stayed at the Sofitel Moorea, in an overwater bungalow, which is something everyone must do in their lifetime! 

Here's our list of the best things to do in Moorea:

1. Nothing 

We made some drinks in our room from the alcohol that we bought at the duty free shop in the airport, then sat on the patio of our overwater bungalow and played cards. When we got too hot, we jumped into the water for a few minutes, then hopped back up on the patio and continued to play cards. Talk about fun and relaxing!

2. Snorkel

There was plenty to see right off of our bungalow balcony (or right through the floor), including tons of coral, fish, seas slugs, etc. We bought rash guard T-shirts with UPF 50+ protection and definitely needed them. The sun is very intense and we burned quite easily even with 50 sunblock. Plunge right in!

3. Wake up and Swim

First of all, sunrises in Moorea are gorgeous, try and wake up early for one! Here is a video on how to wake up in Moorea for a perfect start to your day:

 

4. Take a Buggy Ride around the Island

We rented a buggy through Moorea Fun Roadsters. We had booked a buggy the night before, and without a problem they delivered it to our hotel the very next morning! A map was provided, including the best places to stop (which we did almost all of them), and we were on our way. We went back and forth between renting for 4 or 8 hours, but we decided to do the 4 hour which was the perfect amount to go around the entire island and make stops. 

Before you return you have to fill it up but it doesn't use much gas and it cost about $8 to fill it back up! The road was bumpy at parts but overall it was a blast! It was like riding in a fast go kart around the island!

See our full review here: Buggy Around Moorea

 

5. Feed the Fish Under your Bungalow

In our Bungalow, there is a spot with glass flooring which you could watch the fish swim around under your feet! We had some bread and decided to have some fun:

6. Massages

We booked a couples massage and it was perfect. After traveling for 2 weeks, we were ready for relaxation and getting those knots out of our backs from lugging around bags. We had a private room for the two of us and after the massage, there was a shower in the massage room to rinse off all oils before putting our clothes back on. 

7. Lounge by the Pool

Even though we could jump in the ocean off of our balcony, the pool had warm calm waters without worrying about coral or fish below you (and they had some fancy tropical drinks). 

8. Go on a Hike

There are a few trails around or you can walk around the top of Belvedere. We rented the buggy to get to the top for great views! Watch out for the wild chickens!

 

9. Star Gaze at Night

Living in Los Angeles, you definitely don't see enough stars, but in Moorea, there are millions of stars to see right off your hotel balcony! Don't forget the bug spray!

10. Polynesian Dance

Experience the culture of the Tahitian Polynesian dance! This occurred nightly at the Sofitel Moorea's main restaurant.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali - Maui, Hawaii

Updated January 2026

Monkeypod Kitchen

• Location: Whaler’s VIllage - L/1, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Website: Monkeypodkitchen.com

• Menu: Monkeypod Kaanapali Menu

Whether you’ve been to Maui or if it’s your first visit, this is a restaurant you cannot miss! On our mini moon after getting married in Maui, we stayed a few nights in Wailea and discovered this amazing restaurant called Monkeypod Kitchen. With a variety of GREAT choices, we really enjoy the Mai Tai’s, Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes (they’re GREEN - see below) and the Rosemary Roasted chicken wings with garlic and chili flakes! I know it sounds so simple, but they are so good. Some recipes for these below as well!

Monkeypod Wailea

Quick Verdict: Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali is famous for its Mai Tais and laid-back open-air vibe, but reviews are mixed on food quality, service, and price. It’s great for drinks and atmosphere — decent for a casual dinner.

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Monkeypod History

Owned by Merriman’s, another favorite of ours, we hoped for the best and were not disappointed. Everything from the drinks to the main course were well above average, the only downside was the location. We normally stay in Kaanapali and Wailea is pretty far for dinner, but all that changed this year. Whalers village in Kaanapali opened their own Monkeypod location as of October 2017. 

Check out their menu here: Monkeypodkitchen.com It changes often!

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN DINING ROOM - Kaanapali Location

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DRINKS AT MONKEYPOD

We were glad they finally received their liquor license 2 days before we arrived so we could try their cocktails! They have the perfect Monkeypod Mai Tai topped with honey foam, giving a more natural sweetness. 

Mai Tai Recipe found online:

1. Add lime juice, orgeat, orange curaçao, Old Lahaina Light Rum to mixing glass.

2. Shake with 1 cup cubed ice about 30 seconds and pour into highball glass.

3. Float dark rum.

4. Top with honey-liliko'i foam and garnish with pineapple half moon

They also have a nice wine list. ;-)

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Appetizers at Monkeypod Kitchen

• The Rosemary Roasted Chicken Wings are a must, dusted with chili flakes and garlic, these were definitely a favorite. To top it off, they came with an amazing dipping sauce.

• We also ordered the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli, roasted squash, chèvre, spinach, toasted walnut sage pesto, a perfect fall treat.

• Kauai Shrimp & Hamakua Mushroom Potstickers were really good, didn't taste too fishy!

• The Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were phenomenal. 

APPETIZERS AT MONKEYPOD KITCHEN IN MAUI - Chicken Wings and Fries

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MAIN COURSE AT MONKEYPOD

For the main course we tried the New York Strip Steak topped with house-made chimichurri sauce along with greens and jalapeño mashed potatoes. The savory steak melts in your mouth and the mashed potatoes are green from the jalapeño but not spicy (no seeds)!

Monkeypod steak and jalapeno mashed potatoes

Other sides included: 

• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with peppers, onions, parmesan cheese

• Griddle Top Upcountry Cornbread paired perfectly with the steak! 

• and MORE Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, because YUM!

BY THE WAY, if you want to make those delicious green Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, here is the Monkeypod Recipe as found by Chef Chan Blog:

Ingredients (Serving Size: 3-4 People):

• 1 Jalapeno, seeded and cut into small pieces

• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil

• 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

• 3 Cloves of Garlic, peeled

•  8 Small to Medium Idaho Potatoes, peeled and quartered into even sizes

• 4 Tablespoons of Butter

• 1 Cup of Milk (Almond Milk works just as good!)

• A pinch of Salt (Optional)

Recipe:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil until potatoes are soft but not falling apart in the water. This takes about 8-15 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.

2. In a blender, combine the jalapeno, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Blend until it becomes pasty. Place mixture to the side.

3. Once the potatoes are done, place them into a large bowl. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes. Using a fork or mixer, mash the potatoes until the butter melts and no chucks of potatoes are left. [If you like your mashed potatoes extra creamy, add more milk until desired creaminess is reached.]

4. Lastly, combine the jalapeno mixture to the mashed potatoes. Adding salt is optional.

5. Pair with a delicious piece of steak, pork chop, or fish and enjoy!

See full recipe here green Monkeypod Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes: Chef Chan Blog

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Dessert at Monkeypod Kitchen

They have the best PIE! Try the chocolate cream pie, it is so good! 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.

Chocolate Pie at Monkeypod Restaurant

I can't wait to go back next year!

Love Monkeypod? Let us know what you ate in the comments below!

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Flying in 2019: Travel Tips and Tricks for the Airport and Flight

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

As jet setters, we fly often and have gone through many airports and sat on many flights. It’s hard to make the time go by fast when you’re flying, but here are some tips that will get you from airport arrival to landing:

Check-in to your flight in advance and get your mobile boarding pass!

Check-in for your flight 24 hours in advance so you don’t have to wait in those long lines at the airport. This can also be a great way to get your mobile boarding pass and get a good seat assignment if you weren’t able to select your seat when you booked your flight. 

Bring Snacks and Stay Hydrated

Airport prices are usually pretty high, save money by bringing your own snacks with you. Most airports have installed water bottle refill stations, I always bring an empty water bottle with me in my carry-on luggage so I can fill it up once I get through security. If I forget my water bottle, I’ll always buy one at a store after security. Amazon sells a great compact water bottle perfect for traveling with!

Baiji Bottle Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles

Sports Camping Canteen 20 Oz. - Easy To Clean And Store.jpg

on AMAZON

Travel Outfit

I love to wear a long flowy top (shirt or sweater, depending on the weather) and leggings. When you’re cramped in that middle seat for 5 hours, at least you’re comfortable! I always wear socks since most airports make you take your shoes off when going through security. Although I have TSA Pre and I don’t have to take off my shoes, I try to avoid boots or heels so the sensors don’t go off. Sneakers usually work best! Airports and airplanes can either be extremely cold or too hot, so always pack a sweater or hoodie and wear layers to peel on and off. Also, try wearing compression socks to avoid fatigue and bloating.

Compression Socks,(3 Pairs)

Women & Men - Best Running, Athletic Sports, Crossfit, Flight Travel

on AMAZON and so many different colors and designs to choose from!

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 TOP TRAVEL ELECTRONICS

Bring a Portable Charger

Not all airports have convenient outlets or charging stations or sometimes they are all occupied! Make sure you bring a portable charger, my favorite is the Mophie Powerstation that already has a cord built in!

Mophie Powerstation Plus

External Battery with Built in Cables for Smartphones and Tablets (6,000mAh) - Space Grey

on AMAZON.COM

*Cheaper options available on AMAZON as well

Load up your iPad or Laptop with entertainment!

24 hours prior to my flight, I download movies, TV shows from Amazon and Netflix and a few games to my iPad. You must refresh any downloads within 24 hours you plan to view them or the app will require internet. You will have to take your laptop and any other large electronics out of your bag when going through security, so make sure to pack your laptop or any other electronics with easy access to them. If flying international, you’ll have to take out all electronics in most countries.

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Checked Luggage Tips

Secure your luggage!

Whether you’re checking luggage or not, you should get TSA approved locks. In the event your luggage gets into the wrong hands, your belongings will be safe. They are also useful when you check in or out of the hotel and leave your bag with the bell desk. You can never be too careful. Take a picture of your luggage in case your checked luggage gets lost, having a photo of it in addition to your checked luggage tag can make it easier to find.

TSA Luggage Locks (2 Pack)

4 Digit Combination Steel Padlocks - Approved Travel Lock for Suitcases & Baggage

We have at least 4 of these - available in other colors on AMAZON.

Beautiful Bag Tags

Also, if you are checking your luggage, get a bright luggage tag or tie a colorful ribbon on the handle of your suitcase so you can find it in the sea of luggage look a-likes.

7 Pack TravelMore Luggage Tags For Suitcases

Flexible Silicone Travel ID Identification Labels Set For Bags & Baggage - Multi Color Pack

AMAZON.com

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The BEST Carry-on Bag

Looking for a great carry-on? From a weekend in Vegas to 4 days in Hawaii or 2 weeks in Thailand, this Travel-Pro carries it ALL! You can easily compact everything to maximize your space! Even pilots and flight attendants use this bag!

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OTHER HELPFUL PACKING LISTS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP:

ICE CREAM REVIEW: Coconut Glen's Ice Cream - Maui, Hawaii

Coconut Glen's Ice Cream

Maui, Hawaii

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

• Website: http://coconutglens.com/

• Pricing/Value: Good size scoop for the value

• Vegan Options?: All vegan options - Ice cream is made of coconuts from the Maui jungles!

Along the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, there is an amazing little ice cream stop, called Coconut Glen's. Check out our full post on the Road to Hana: Click Here. They serve organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream, using coconuts from the jungles of Maui. At first, I was skeptical... Vegan? That's not real ice CREAM. 

Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii

FLAVORS OF THE DAY - Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream

Since I like coconut, I figured, why not let's see what it's all about. The flavors were all written on a chalkboard and changed regularly. I tried most of them before I made my selection, and all of them tasted like real ice cream. The consistency was nice and not like a sorbet, which I thought it was could to taste like.

I went with the coffee toffee and banana rum raisin, they were delicious! Josh had the vanilla bean and chocolate chocolate. Classics.

“And it is tradition, that the great gong is rung, to announce his ice cream, is the best under the sun.” We hit the gong and it was time to drive back to Lahaina. 

Great place! Don't miss out! Make sure you check the operating hours before heading over!

Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream - Look at the cute dog!

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Don’t forget to pack these for your trip:

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Check out other things to do in Maui:

10 Things You Must Do in Sydney, Australia

We had a BLAST in Sydney, Australia! See what made our Top 10 list of things to do!

This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!

1. Take 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! 

You can even book the tour through Google: CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS

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2. Get up close and personal with the Animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park  

I love animals and this was probably my favorite day in Sydney. 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 in the sanctuary. I even had my Mom paint him from a picture I took because I needed to see him everyday. Also, there are kangaroos that are just hanging out and they'll let you pet them!

Make a day out of it and book the Blue Mountain and Wildlife Tour - More info here - they’ll even pick you up and drop you off!

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3. Take a Beachwalk Along the Australian Coast

We did the 5 mile hike along the coast from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. Along the way, we walked through the Tamarama and Bronte beaches. It was a beautiful walk on a summer day! This wasn't an easy hike, there were steep inclines, stairs and sun. Lots of sun. The sun was more intense than California sun and even after re-applying sunscreen a few times, we burned. It hurt. I recommend hats and something to cover your shoulders if you go in January!

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4. Sydney Harbor Bridge

It's especially stunning at New Years with fireworks shooting off of it, but you can also do a bridge climb during the day. Or, you can get on a ferry and go under it, or even walk across it. The possibilities are just endless. The bridge is located directly across from the Opera House.

You have to check it out on New Years Eve!

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5. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

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 were the underground glass tunnels where fish and sharks swim around you on all sides and it feels like you're underwater with them.

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 6. Visit the Blue Mountains and Scenic World

Check out what makes the blue mountains blue and hear the tale of the sisters trapped in the rock formation in this Aboriginal legend. My favorite part was visiting Sceneic World and taking a gondola over the beautiful Eucalyptus forest! We had a blast with our tour that picked us up from the hotel and took us to the mountains, Scenic World and the Wildlife Park to visit the animals up close and personal!

Book your tickets here for the BEST tour on Viator: Blue Mountain and Wildlife Day Tour

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7. Visit the Taronga Zoo and Take in the Views!

The zoo is built into a hill, leaving you with breath taking views of Sydney and lots of fun animals to visit!

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8. Visit Olympic Park

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.

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9. Find the Speakeasy, 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! 

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10. Play in Luna Park

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 fun house. Josh and I raced for at least 30 minutes. We were definitely the biggest kids there!

Buy tickets ahead of time here through Google Maps: Luna Park Tickets

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I think it goes without saying, HAVE SOME ICE CREAM!

Messina Ice Cream is my favorite!

Gelato from Gelatissimo is sooo good!

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More Australia Posts:

Little Fairy Penguins Parade in Melbourne, Australia

Penguin Parade

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Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia

Booked through Viator: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Evening Tour

One of my favorite days in Australia, we observed the Little Fairy Penguins return from fish hunting all day and returning to their burrows to feed their families. These little penguins are the cutest penguins I had EVER seen! They are smaller than most penguins, standing just about a foot tall with beautiful slate-blue coloring. The Australians call them Fairy Penguins, but New Zealand calls them Little Penguins, therefore I am calling them Little Fairy Penguins!

Sunset over Philllip Island, Melbourne, Australia

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BOOKING THE TOUR

We booked our Penguin Parade tour through Viator: Phillip Island Little Penguin Parade Evening Tour to see the fairy penguins (it was about $100 per person)! Although we booked it the night before, we should have booked further in advance!

A bus picked us up near Finders Street Station in Melbourne (just down the street from our hotel) and the drive was just about 2 hours through the countryside outback! Our driver/guide was informative and kept us entertained for the duration of the ride, I just couldn't wait to see these little penguins! 

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FIRST STOP: PHILLIP ISLAND

We stopped at the Phillip Island visitor Center where they had a cafeteria and a gift shop. We grabbed a bite and walked around the grounds where there was a large rock in the water that looked like a little island that was full of barking sea lion.

We boarded the bus again and were on our way to the Penguin Parade. As we were driving our guide spotted wildlife and we saw our first wallaby in the wild!

FIRST WALLABY SIGHTING IN THE WILD!

HAD TO TAKE A WALLABY SELFIE!

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PENGUIN PARADE ARRIVAL

We arrived in the parking lot and saw these cute signs warning to look under your car. Apparently, some of the penguins lose their way, ending up in the parking lot, hiding under cars. When you go, be careful, and triple check under your car before you leave!

We walked into their visitors center where they had another cafeteria and a gift shop. The tour came with a coupon for a free drink so we redeemed our coupon - the cafeteria had sodas and light snacks. I ran into the gift shop and had to get a magnet for our collection on our fridge!

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SEATING FOR THE PENGUIN PARADE

Finally, it was time to get our spot for the parade! There were little pathways built to lead to the bleachers and among the path were some of the burrows of the penguins as well as more wild Wallaby!

The viewing section was set up almost like a football stadium where bleachers were set up facing the ocean, with paths for the penguins to come between. 

WAITING FOR THE PENGUINS TO ARRIVE FROM OUR PENGUIN PLUS VIEWING SECTION

We opted for their upgrade option, the Penguin Plus Viewing Platform. Here, we had a closer observation point, accompanied by a wildlife ranger who helped provide information as the penguins were approaching. The area is limited to 150 people and the penguins come so close.
We got a spot early on to make sure we were a close a possible.

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THE PENGUIN PARADE

THE FIRST FEW START THE PARADE, MAKING THEIR WAY BACK HOME TO THEIR BURROW

After we waited a little while, we started to hear them before we could even see them! As they started to emerge out of the water, you could hear them to call to their families and the baby penguins came out of their burrows to meet their parent (and EAT).

Interestingly enough, the penguins would start to run for the shore in groups. Some would head to shore and make their way home, while others played it safe and would head back into the water in fear a larger bird such as a hawk, would swoop down and grab them. 

What you're hearing is the sound of thousands of fairy penguins coming in from hunting all day, returning to their nests nearby.

We were told not to take pictures, but I had to document the moment. Too many people don't understand how to turn off their flash, therefore ruining the experience for everyone. There were some other tourists in front of us that kept taking pictures and they kept getting yelled at. They ask not to take pictures because the flash can hurt the penguins eyes, leaving them almost blind, unable to find their burrow.

HUNDREDS OF PENGUINS COME BACK LOOKING FOR THEIR FAMILIES

Before we knew it, hundreds of penguins started to flood in, waddling around! 

As we started to walk back along the path the penguins were directly below on the trail next to us. Here, we saw them up closely admiring their cuteness! 

It was hard to leave, but finally got on the bus to head back (we did check to make sure there weren't any little penguins under the bus first). We loved these penguins and were so glad we experienced their nightly parade! 

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Christmas in Los Angeles - Lights in the Venice Canals 2022 Update

California Christmas - Celebrate the holidays at the beach!

Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade (December 3, 2022)

Another great way to enjoy Venice Canals Christmas lights is to attend its long-running and popular boat parade. It usually runs on the first Saturday of December. The Annual Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade has been held since 1983. It starts at 3:30 pm at the intersection of Eastern and Carroll Canals. Watch the brightly decorated boats from one of the bridges or bring your own festive vessel and join the parade!

KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS AT THE 11TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHTING OF THE VENICE SIGN ON DEC. 3RD  This year’s sign lighting is presented by Fat Sal’s!

• Saturday, Dec 3, 2022

• 6:15 – 10:00 p.m.

• For all Dec. 3rd event details: VeniceChamber.net

Related: Marina del Rey, CA - Marina Lights Boat Parade December 10, 2022

On the second Saturday of December, join the Marina del Rey community for their most festive celebration of the year. The fun begins at noon with the family-friendly Burton Chace Park. At 5:55, fireworks precede the parade, which begins at 6 PM and runs until 8 PM. More info here.

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We discovered a new area filled with Christmas cheer, the Venice Canals! I start my hour long commute most mornings through the Venice Canals and love watching the ducks and boats float in the water as I drive by. I noticed last year that a few houses looked decorated during the day, but never really saw them in all their glory lit up at night. After dinner one night, we decided to walk through the canals to check out the Christmas spirit and we were pleasantly surprised to find there is a light competition among the houses for the best in show!

Venice Canals CHristmas Lights

History of the Venice Canals (per Wikipedia)

The Venice Canal Historic District is a district in the Venice section of Los Angeles, California. The district is noteworthy for its man-made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his Venice of America plan. Kinney sought to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy, in Southern California.

The canals are roughly bounded by Eastern Court on the east, Court A on the south, Strongs Drive on the west, and Court E on the north. There are four east-west canals (Carroll Canal, Linnie Canal, Howland Canal, and Sherman Canal) and two north-south canals (Eastern Canal and Grand Canal). The lit canals with gondoliers and arched bridges drew widespread publicity and helped sell lots in the development.

Celebrities such as Lenny Kravitz have lived in the Venice Canals.

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Location & Parking for the Venice Canals

There is a parking lot located at the end of Venice Blvd (just before Pacific Ave). If you walk southwest you can enter on the walking paths on the sides of the canals off of Canal Street.

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Venice Canals Association - Best Dressed Homes Contest

Apparently there is an annual contest among the homes in the neighborhood for “Best Dressed.” All the homes are very different in design, color and shape, and so are their holiday decorations. This house was the first place winner of 2018, second year in a row!

Venice Canals Christmas Lights

Yup, that was all on one house! My personal favorite was the house with the flags that matched the bridge with the Eiffel Tower:

Venice Canals Holiday Lights

Venice Canals Paris Eiffel Tower

We found the third place winner around the corner with a lovely bright display!

Venice Canals Christmas Lights

We fell in love with so many of these charming homes!

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Bridges in the Venice Canals

Most of the bridges had a specific theme to them, Peace, Wish, Flags, all relating to the overall theme of “It’s a Small World” and “Peace on Earth.”

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Boats with Christmas Decorations

There were a couple of the paddle boats decorated but I like the big boats in Marina Del Rey better!

Even the ducks decorated the boat! How cute! I’ve see the neighborhood library book exchanges where you take a book/leave a book but I’ve never seen it on a boat with a bench to enjoy your book on:

Venice Canals Book Exchange

There is also an annual Venice Canals Boat Parade, which had a theme this year of “It’s a Small World” see more here.

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Other great places to go see Christmas displays in Los Angeles:

Descanso Garden’s Enchanted Forest of Light

We first went to this beautiful display 2 years ago and it has definitely become more popular! Waltz through the one-mile garden and enjoy the fabulous lights! 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Tickets $30. See more in our post: 5 Reasons to Visit Descanso Gardens: Forest of Light

El Segundo Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane lights up on the second Saturday in December and has been known to have the flashiest neighborhood displays in SoCal. El Segundo police have been known to block off the street during prime times to create a safe, pedestrian-only viewing experience, and you may even spot Santa posing for photos with kids. East Acacia Avenue and California Street, El Segundo 

Woodland Hills Candy Cane Lane

Going strong since 1952, the home-owners of this Woodland Hills neighborhood are known for going crazy with Christmas decor! I used to go every night during the holidays as a kid. Nowadays there can be tons of traffic as visitors are encouraged to drive slowly and safely through the area. Lubao Street and Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills

Or there is ALWAYS Disneyland! :)

Disneyland Christmas Castle Lights

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Here are some more posts about Los Angeles:

Christmas in Los Angeles - Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light

5 Things You Must See at Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light

Descanso Gardens: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

I LOVE Christmas! I mean LOVVEEEEEEE Christmas! We went to Descanso Gardens to see their holiday lights, although it wasn't quite Disneyland spectacular, it was an enchanting evening and a perfect night out with friends! We went December 2016 so there may be some slightly newer enhancements this year!

General Admission is $30 or save $5 if you are already a member. Buy tickets here.

Parking was free and there were plenty of spots. Don't forget your coat though, it was pretty chilly for Los Angeles! 

Here are the 5 gardens you CANNOT miss this Holiday season!

1. Color Changing Tulip Garden

There were little food stands and bars throughout so you could sit and have cocoa or wine or wine cocoa! There is also a restaurant called Maple but all reservations were booked up the week we were going, so plan ahead! 

It was about a mile walk all the way around. It was a few more steps if you were circling around trees and jumping on lights! :)

2. Hanging Lights on Trees

The colors of the reflected lights added extra enchantment here. This was my favorite part! 

Sing it with me... "IIIIIIIIII wannnna swingggg from the chandelierrrrrr"

It’s hard to see, but these beautiful shimmery lights looked like millions of colored stars! 

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3. Lights you can step or JUMP on

Ok, sometimes the lights were too bright, but these did make fun sounds when you stepped on them!

These lights were even better! The lights lit up as you stepped (or jumped) on them!

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4. Japanese Garden

Next up was the Japanese garden filled with glowing red lanterns.

5. Enchanted Forest of Light Garden

My favorite part was the Enchanted Forest with the pretty trees lit to look like fairies or some kind of majestic creature lived there! 

Don’t miss out, buy your tickets today! General Admission is $30 or save $5 if you are already a member. Buy tickets here.

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Stumped what to get that special someone? See our holiday gift giving guide here!

See other LA related Posts here:

5 Reasons to Visit Fa La Land Christmas Pop-up in Los Angeles, CA

My sister and I went to the MOST WONDERFUL place of the year! We went to Fa La Land, a Christmas Pop-up in Downtown LA! This place was overboard festive filled with everything Christmas from elves on shelves to ball pits to SANTA! It was like the Museum of Ice Cream but filled with CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS instead!

GET TICKETS HERE: https://www.falaland.com/

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Here are 5 reasons why you must visit FA LA LAND ASAP:

1. VISIT MRS. CLAUS

As you enter and pass the colorful swirly twirly gumdrops you enter Santa Land and meet Mrs. Claus! She helps you write a letter to Santa and put it in the mailbox. If you ask nicely, she’ll even take a selfie with you!

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You must choose your fate… Naughty… or Nice…

Once you enter the room, you are greeted by a very friendly elf and have a golden ticket stamped with 1, 2 or 3… we’ll get to what that means in the end. Then you spin the Naughty or Nice wheel which definitely says everything about your behavior. Trish and I both got “Nice.” Wahoo!

2. SPIN THE NAUGHTY OR NICE WHEEL

Other items in the room included a countdown to Christmas, oversized Nutcrackers and a wall of Elves on Shelves!

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Next you enter the forest of bright colors filled with creatures!

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After we hopped on through the Christmas tree room, we entered Candyfornia which reminded me of Candyland and jumped into the gum drop ball pit!

3. JUMP IN A CANDY BALL PIT

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Next, we had a dance party at Fa La Fest… it was better than Coachella!

4. DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING

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Last but not least, we met the big man himself! SANTA! I KNOW HIM! Side note, ELF is the best Christmas movie EVER! I could quote it all day.

5. MEET SANTA CLAUS

He asked what we wanted for Christmas and took pictures and selfies with us then gave us gifts! Santa is the best! The ticket we received from the first room indicated which box our present would come out of!

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We left smiling and our cheeks hurting from smiling so much! You MUST visit Fa La Land before it leaves LA!

GET TICKETS HERE: https://www.falaland.com/

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Latest on the blog from LA:

Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma Weekend Itinerary with map!

Where to go Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma - map included

For my 31st birthday, I couldn't decide what I wanted to do. Gathering all my friends at a loud bar doesn't have the same ring as it did when I was 21. People told me I would slow down at some point, but I think I've just figured out better use of my time. ;-) So Josh and I decided to explore wine country! Now we go back every year for my birthday!

Here’s my map that I made to see which vineyards/wineries (Instagrammable for sure) I wanted to go to:

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Getting to NorCal Wine Country from Los Angeles

We just did a weekend getaway leaving Los Angeles late Friday night and coming back late Sunday afternoon.  Since it was a such a quick trip, we decided to stay in Santa Rosa and Napa instead of San Francisco because the commute to San Francisco is about an hour each way.

Oakland had cheaper and more desirable flights times on Southwest, so of course we used points and our companion pass that we earned with points. We got a decent rate on a rental car from Alamo and by 9:30p on Friday night, we were on a crazy rainy road to Santa Rosa. 

There was a toll bridge for $5 which was well worth not driving the extra hour or so that google maps suggested to avoid toll roads. It took us about an hour to get to Santa Rosa from Oakland (not bad)!

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RESTAURANT & BREWERY: Third Street Ale Works

Address: 610 3rd St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

We drove straight to the Third Street Aleworks before it closed for a bite to eat (and maybe a beer or two). It reminded me of a grungier BJ's Brewery, with a bigger selection of their own brews made in-house. For a little over $20 they brought out their taster collection of 18 beers in 4-ounce glasses. I, of course, liked the IPA's and made Josh drink everything else, especially the sours. 

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Where to Stay in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County

HOTEL: Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country

Address: 170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, California, USA, 95401

We checked into our hotel for the night, the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country which had been renovated recently. The lobby had a lodge feel with a beautiful Christmas tree in the center of the room. They even had warm apple cider for guests! The hotel rooms were very modern and beds were pretty comfortable. Had a perfect night sleep for a full day of drinking. 

See our full review here: HOTEL REVIEW: Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country

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RESTAURANT & BREWERY: Russian River Brewery

Address: 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

The next day, we were contemplating on going to breakfast or getting in line for the Russian River Brewery. We went RRB! Business opens at 11a and there was already a line for people to run in and get their Pliny the Elder supply for the weekend. We couldn't decide what beers to get so we decided to taste them all (it was cheapest that way, at least that's how we looked at it). It's 5 o'clock somewhere.

We consumed Pliny the Elder, Belgian Sours, IPAs, all before noon! After some tasters, some pizza bites (they were so good), and a purchase of 12 bottles or so, we left satisfied and happy.

PRO TIP: we brought bubble wrap and a wine travel case to bring back on the flight, which meant we had to check our carry-on but it was worth it!

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Best Wine Tasting at Santa Rosa Wineries

See our full post of our favorite Sonoma County Wineries here: Best Wineries to Visit in Sonoma

WINERY: Korbel Champagne Cellars

Address: 13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446

• Reservations Required?: Nope, but click here for their free tour hours!

• Cost?: $ FREE! That's right, free tastings! No purchase required! 

• Food?: There is a little cafe that has snacks and sandwiches.

Champagne is my favorite type of wine and you can always find a bottle of Korbel in my fridge! For over 135 years, Korbel has mastered making the perfect bottle of champagne. Free tours are offered throughout the day and FREE wine tasting are provided in their tasting room. 

Afterwards, we went to my favorite place in the land of a trillion bubbles, Korbel Champagne Cellars. Apparently, their Natural champagne has been served at the celebratory presidential inaugurations since 1981 and the actual winery has been in existence for over 132 years.

Korbel offers 4 complimentary champagne tastings. Beware of their red Rouge champagne. It's different. They even have an organic champagne! 

They also offer tours but we didn't really care to walk around the grounds for hours (it was cold), we had other places to explore and it was getting dark fast. 

WINERY: Kendall-Jackson Winery

Address: 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, CA 95439

TASTING COUPON: Click here to print a Two for One Tasting Coupon for our Estate Tasting. Offer available for up to 4 guests.

• Reservations Required?: Nope

• Cost?: $$ Wine flights range from $15-25 - try their Stature! 

• Food?: Wine and Food pairing available by Appt or there is always a chocolate or cheese pairing available.

Our next stop was the Kendall-Jackson Winery. We almost skipped it but it's one of my Dad's favorite wines, so we had to get him a bottle or something for Christmas. We stepped up to start tasting and looked at all their different options. We explained to our host how we'd like to get a special bottle and he recommended the Stature Chardonnay which was $100 a bottle and probably the best Chardonnay I've ever had. Compared to their everyday Chardonnay, the Stature was smooth, fruity and had a rich taste. We ended up buying a bottle for my Dad and signed him up for their wine club for the year!

KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY

Josh and I are a bigger fan of red wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, so we asked what was the best of the 8 or so that they offered. Of course their Stature version was the best, but we were looking for a more affordable price point. We ended up loving the Hawkeye Cabernet which had a deep cherry taste with some Earth taste to give it full body. We ended up liking it so much and because we signed up for the wine club, we bought 6 bottles and 2 of the Stature! 

It was getting dark and late, so we drove to our hotel in Napa to take a nap-a. Haha ;-)

NIGHT APPROACHING KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY

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Where to Stay in Downtown Napa Valley

BED AND BREAKFAST: Cabernet House - Old World Inn $$

Cabernet House, Old World Inn is the best place to stay in Napa, California. Not only is it affordable, but their prime location gives you access to everything - restaurants, shops, and of course wine tasting rooms! Their rooms have different themes, my favorite was the Starlight Room which had a skylight above the bed!

See our full review on the Cabernet House here: HOTEL REVIEW: CABERNET HOUSE

HOTEL: River Terrace Inn - A Noble House Hotel $$

Address: 1600 Soscol Ave Napa, California, 94559

The location of the River Terrace Inn was perfect. Located in downtown Napa Valley, walking distance from restaurants and shopping, and also along the river. The only problem was the walls of the room were a little thin, but if you have enough wine, you won't notice. They had a great outdoor area with wine and fire pits! 

Andaz Napa Hotel

HOTEL: Andaz Napa - Hyatt $$$$

Address: 1450 1st St, Napa, CA 94559

The Andaz Napa is designed like a boutique hotel and doesn’t look like your typical Hyatt property. Located in the heart of Downtown Napa, this gorgeous hotel is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day. The rooms are large with a cozy fireplace separating the living room and bedroom.

See our full review on the Andaz Napa here: HOTEL REVIEW: ANDAZ NAPA

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Restaurants in Napa, California 

RESTAURANT: TORC

Address: 140 Main St, Napa, CA 94559

Their wine selection was full of great choices including many from the local wineries and their food was very farm to table from local farmers prepared in an open kitchen that is part of the restaurant. We sat at the bar and enjoyed some cocktails, jamon (cured ham) and cheese. For dinner, we enjoyed an amazing steak, mac n cheese, pork, and some excellent ice cream for dessert (of course).

I made our reservation about a month in advance through Opentable.

 RESTAURANT: COLE'S CHOP HOUSE 

Address: 1122 Main St, Napa, CA 94559

We love a good steakhouse, Cole's Chop House, was our kinda place! I made the reservation about 2 weeks in advance through Opentable. Ribeye steaks topped with sides of a delicious Red Wine Veal Reduction sauce and the Peppercorn Sauce along with a side of Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes, were the ticket here.

Not to mention a very sweet Birthday dessert - brownie sundae with caramel gelato. Mmmmm.

RESTAURANT: JAX DINER

Address: 1122 1st St, Napa, CA 94559

For brunch, we went somewhere to get a big breakfast and we were successful. Jax had amazing beignets covered with powdered sugar as well as free tater tots if you showed the coupon on Yelp. So we got both of course on top of their special of the day on the chalkboard: Bacon Eggs Benedict (which you would think you couldn't have enough bacon, this was a little over the top, delicious but filling).

We also got the French toast bites but they were more of a crouton consistency instead of bread like.

You're probably thinking, how many people came to breakfast? Oh, just the two of us. Smart thing we did was take some of the food to go to eat after wineries. ;-)

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Favorite Wineries for Wine Tasting in Napa

I recommend picking 3 wineries to stop at on your last day. This way you can spend some quality time at each one and enjoy your tastings!

BEAUTIFUL FALL IN NAPA

ME: WHAT IS THAT? JOSH: A BUNNY WITH A LIGHTSABER. DUH!

WINERY: Hall Wines - Wine Tasting Room

Address: 401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574 (St Helena Location)

• Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended 

• Cost?: $$$ Tastings: $40, Tours starting at $40

• Food?: Not really

I was excited for Hall since they specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon, winning many awards for their 100 point cabs! Also, not going to lie, I love bunny foo foo, especially when he is holding a light saber (Star Wars was released in theaters that weekend). Speaking of, they had amazing art throughout the winery, in the gardens, in the tasting room, everywhere!

This vineyard had more of a modern flair with an artistic eye, making it more unique. Their tasting bar was setup on the second floor near floor to ceiling windows with spectacular vineyard views. 

WINERY: Mumm Napa

Address: 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558

• Reservations Required?: Reservations are recommended but not required for fewer than six guests. Call 866.783.5826 to make a reservation. Limited walk-in seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.

• Cost?: $$ Tastings are $25 to $35 on the patio/salon; Tours are $40 

• Food?: Cheese/Crackers and snacks

Mumm Champagne is one of my favorites and couldn't wait to visit. I loved my visit and tasting so much, I even joined their wine club. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is very friendly. I can't wait to come back again and again! 

We walked up around 11a without a reservation and were seated immediately. Since it was December and on the cooler side, we opted to sit in the salon for our tasting.

WINERY: Castello di Amorosa

Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515

• Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended - 707-967-6272

• Cost?: $$$ Starts at $30 just to get into the castle and comes with a tasting. Designated Drivers also need to pay an entrance fee, even if they aren't drinking! There are guided tours and food pairings as well.

• Food?: Yes, see the Royal Pairings Menu

This 13th Century Tuscan inspired castle is picture perfect! You can visit the knight’s hall and their flagship cabernet sauvignon is a must try. Animals from goats to chickens surround the castle, including some gorgeous peacocks! Not something you see everyday in Napa.

The tour seemed worth it if we had more time: Reserve a tour with a guide through the Castello, including the lower levels which feature our Torture Chamber, Armory, and Grand Barrel Room, followed by a tasting flight. Of course the torture chamber and armory semi appealed to us, we will definitely come back to this one.

WINERY: Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery

Address: 1445 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574

• Reservations Required?: Yes, call: (707) 963-2134

• Cost?: $$$ Bar Tasting – $45 or Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting (90 min) $60 per person Mon-Thu, $75 per person Fri-Sun

• Food?: From house-cured salumi and slow braised meats to vegetables from their garden and Grandma Dee’s handmade ravioli, Chef Joshua and the entire culinary team collaborate on a unique menu that embodies the season and pairs perfectly with the wines.

Had to make a reservation for this one, but since it was December and not too crowded I called a coupe of hours before and was able to get a reservation. The tasting was more expensive than other vineyards, it was $45 per person, at least it included cheese, bread and olive oil! I highly recommend venturing into their gorgeous Venetian caves the tour with barrel tasting is $75. Check out that chandelier! The wines were good, but I think they were overpriced. The tasting room is beautiful decked out with venetian paintings, tiling, marble pillars and expensive wines.

Currently, our family produces cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, sangiovese and sauvignon blanc from our Napa Valley vineyards, as well as pinot noir, chardonnay and limited amounts of syrah, sauvignon blanc, sparkling grenache and mourvedre from our Cinghiale (wild boar) Vineyard in the King Ridge region of the Sonoma Coast.

WINERY: Domaine Chandon

Address: 1 California Dr, Yountville, CA 94599

• Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended - call 1-888-242-6366, Opt. 2

• Cost?: $$ Tastings $20 and up 

• Food?: Snacks are available

The grounds here looked like a giant beautiful park. Upon entering the winery there is a wall of upside down wine bottles artistically designed and lit. The tasting room gets pretty busy but just elbow your way up to the bar and you'll get served. The servers also make specialty cocktails if you ask nicely!

This was our last stop of the day and I love my bubbles! I felt like I had tasted most of the champagnes Chandon had to offer, but our bartender had a special drink he makes that tastes like apple cider.

ME IN MY HAPPY PLACE!

The specialty drink, called Spiced Apple Punch, had the following in it:

·       2 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (1 cup water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 small piece nutmeg)

·       2 1/2 cups apple cider (unsweetened)

·       1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

·       2 oz honey

·       750ml (1 bottle) Chandon Brut Classic

After our 3rd winery, the trip was over and it was time to head to Oakland airport for our 7p flight. I was sad that it was over but had a wonderful birthday weekend! Thanks, Josh! :) 

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

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 More Napa Blog Posts:

Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler Under $50

The holidays are coming and so is my birthday! Here are gifts for pretty much anyone on your list because who doesn’t like to travel?! Some of these items are even great for everyday use.

This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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Luggage Under $50

Pretty Personalized Duffels

On Etsy for $45

Perfect for a weekend getaway, galavanting across Europe or great for basketball practice!

AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage - 20-Inch, Carry-On

On Amazon

Carry-ons are important, this model has maximum capacity, is light weight, has four wheels to maneuver around easily AND comes in a variety of colors (blue, green, black, red, orange, etc)!

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Jewelry and Watch Gifts Under $50

I love all kinds of jewelry! Here are some great options for any lady or man in your life!

Airplane Ring

Only $34 on Etsy

Stackable Name Rings

Only $25 on Etsy

Airplane Bracelet

Only $43 on Etsy

Travel Jewelry Box

Only $22 on Etsy

Perfect for organizing all jewelry without getting necklaces and bracelets tangled.

Personalized Men’s Wrist Watch

Only $49.95 on Etsy

Check out that fancy leather and classic face. Sure to look great on any man in your life!

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Electronics and Accessories Under $50

Here are some great options for the techy type.

Portable External Battery Charger

On Amazon

Anker PowerCore 10000 is one of the smallest and lightest external batteries. Ultra-compact, high-speed charging technology power bank works for iPhones, the Samsung Galaxy and more.

Perfect for charging any device on the go!

Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones

On Amazon

Perfect to drown out the screaming baby or chatty neighbor on the plane!

World Map Mac Computer Decal

Under $5 on Etsy

Comes in all colors and the decal can be used almost anywhere such as computers, walls, phones, car windows, etc.

Flamingo Phone Case

Under $20 on Etsy

There are so many phone case options and designs at such a great price.

Leather Apple Watch Bands

Under $50 on Etsy

These bands come in all sizes and colors!

Floral Shop on Casetify

See beautiful designs for all devices on Casetify: Click Here

Macbook Sleeves on Casetify

Holiday designs and more on Casetify.com

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Must Have Travel Items Under $50

Here are some items anyone could use!

Trendy Luggage Tags

Under $15 on Etsy

Check out all of the different colors and designs (and free shipping)!

Collapsible Water Bottle

On Amazon

Great travel accessory - Lightweight Silicone Travel Mug. Even has a filter for coffee or tea! Could be good for the office, too!

Travel Umbrella

On Amazon

EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella w/Windproof Double Canopy Construction - Auto Open/Close Button

Travel Pillow

On Amazon

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support - For Traveling on Airplane, Bus, Train or at Home - Best for Side, Stomach and Back Sleepers - Adjustable, Bendable Roll Pillow by Dot & Dot

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