Give Yourself a Mental Boost with a TLC-Oriented Getaway

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Give Yourself a Mental Boost with a TLC-Oriented Getaway

Could you use a little pampering? When life is weighing down on you, it can really take a toll, especially after the last year that’s left many of us in a rut. A self-care-focused getaway is a great opportunity to give yourself the boost you’re craving. Our friends at Soulful Travel have put together some great reasons why you need to plan your next getaway!

Why It’s Important and Not Indulgent

You might feel like taking a little getaway for yourself is a bit over the top, especially if your intention is to pamper yourself a bit. However, if you’re feeling stressed by life’s happenings, a trip can be a practical component of a balanced self-care plan.

As PsychCentral explains, self-care is an action you deliberately take that promotes your quality of life. It’s those things you do that keep you physically, emotionally, and mentally well. For instance, daily grooming and exercise count as important aspects of self-care.

You might feel like a getaway is particularly indulgent, but traveling is a great way to promote mental well-being. In fact, it’s a perfect way to refresh your perspective, reduce stress, and give your confidence a shot in the arm.

Health-Focused Road Trip

One of the best ways to travel these days is road tripping, especially when self-care is a priority. As the Sacramento Bee points out, a road trip offers you freedom and flexibility, as you can choose your direction, stops, and side trips on a lark. By using your own vehicle, you have the ease and comfort of familiar surroundings, and you can use apps for navigating and exploring. You might find it best to plan your itinerary loosely, then let your whims fill in the gaps!

Another advantage of road trips is the option of packing your own healthy snacks. For savory goodness, there is single-serve hummus with whole-grain pita, or if a sweet-and-salty combo is your thing, think vanilla-flavored cashews. And if you simply must hit a fast-food spot, there are healthy options there as well, like veggie burgers and tuna salad subs.

Pack for Pampering

 Since your objective is a self-care getaway, another advantage in road tripping is the ability to pack more than you would for air travel. Take advantage of your elbow room, and bring along some extra goodies to enjoy.

For instance, you can plan a DIY spa evening right in your room, complete with a pedicure, deep conditioning treatment, facial, and styling to soothe your soul. Before you hit the road, you might snag some treats like new polish colors and a hair straightener to play with.

Also, consider the activities you have planned and give yourself something new to look forward to. If you’re heading to trails, for instance, invest in an insulated bottle to stay refreshed and some socks to keep your feet comfortable. Think about things that will support your self-care efforts, and invest in a little something that makes the trip all the more special.

What Not to Pack

Do you have a habit of taking work home with you? If you happen to be a manager, there is a good chance you do. There is also a good chance that your work is a serious source of stress. What’s more, while you might try to keep it all bottled up, that stress tends to trickle down to those you lead. Happily, taking a vacation is the most effective way for those in a management position to reduce their stress levels. The key, of course, is to make those days real vacation days. For the sake of your mental health, make sure you leave your laptop, paperwork, and other work paraphernalia behind when you pack your bags for your vacay.  

If it’s time to give yourself a little TLC, consider a getaway. Road trip in a health-focused manner, pack and plan for self-care, and aim for a quiet, cozy retreat into nature. It might sound like an indulgence, but it can be essential to your overall well-being and living a healthier lifestyle overall.

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Exploring Iao Valley and seeing the Iao Needle - Maui, Hawaii

Iao Valley State Monument - Iao Needle

Iao Valley State Park Guide and hiking around the Iao Needle

Iao Valley is a fun place to spend the day exploring! There are walking and hiking trails, streams to swim in, plenty of wildlife to check out, and the iconic Iao Needle. I went to Iao Valley with my family when I was a kid so I was excited when we were able to go back this past trip! We tried to go in October 2020 but the park was still closed.

Note: The mountains tend to keep in moisture and Iao Valley is known as the second wettest spot in Hawaii. It’s not always sunny, which is nice when it keeps it cool. Be prepared for a little mud if you’re hiking.

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How to Get to Iao Valley and Where to Park

Address: 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793

Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Parking Prices: 

Non-Commercial Vehicles

• Residents = No Charge w/ID or DL

• Non-Residents = $10

Commercial PUC vehicles:

• 1-7 passenger vehicles: $25

• 8-25 passenger vehicles: $50

• 26 + passenger vehicles: $90

Entrance Fee:

As of April 19th, 2021, all non-Hawaii resident visitors to ʻĪao Valley State Monument will be required to purchase an entrance pass as well.

Individuals – Walk-In

• Residents = Free w/Hawaii DL or ID

• Non-Residents = $5

• Children 3 and Under = Free

Iao Valley State Park is located in Wailuku which is on the north side of Maui. Coming from Kaanapali, you can drive around to the valley from the North or South. The drive coming North is scenic but comes down to one lane in certain spots, let’s face it, the south drive is pretty too and a bit faster taking the highways. If you’re heading there from Wailea, just head towards the airport and keep going a bit!

There’s a parking lot that tends to fill up around 10/11am. There is a fee to park on the lot, but if you can find a free spot on the street just before you enter the parking lot. The best time to go is around 8am to get a clear view of the Needle, clouds can form around it in the afternoon obstructing the monument.

There are public restrooms just off the parking lot, although when we went in February they were closed and port-a-potties were set up in the parking lot.

Kahalawai is an old extinct volcano, eroded over the last million years into the West Maui Mountains. Its highest remaining point is Mount Kukui at 5,788 feet above sea level. The head of ‘Iao Valley stands at what remains of the summit crater of Kahalawai in the West Maui Mountains. Over time, wind and water worked at Kahalawai, digging deep into areas of softer rock, eventually collecting into streams and forming deep valleys. Today four major streams, the Nakalaloa, the Poohoahoa, the Kinihipai, and the Ae, make their way down the West Maui Mountains to converge into Iao stream. The ‘Iao stream then travels to the ocean through the valley we see today. The 1200 foot tall Iao Needle, known to Hawaiians as Kuka’emoku, is what remains of a ridge that used to run down the length of Kahalawei.

What to Bring:

Bring some water if you’re hiking and make sure you wear sneakers. If you’re planning on going for a swim bring your suit and towel! There isn’t a place to get food on premises unless you eat the fallen fruit from the trees, so you might want to pack snacks.

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Exploring Iao Valley

There are a few things to do in the park:

1. Go for a hike! Hike along stream or up in the mountains, there’s a trail for everyone!

2. Take in the Iao Needle! There is a short paved trail with a small incline with a few steps to see the famous 2250-foot-tall Needle.

3. Catch up on some Hawaiian History. Did you know one of the biggest battles in Hawaiian History was fought in this valley?

4. Explore the Botanical Garden.

5. Go for a swim! After our hike, we were a bit muddy and warm. The stream water is cool and soothing!

Warning: Maui is known to have flash floods, especially in the West Maui Mountains. Just beware of the weather, sometimes it’s raining high in the mountains but not in the valley. Be cautious when swimming, and if you notice any change at all in the color or level of the water, seek higher ground immediately.

Should we bring kids? Sure! Kids would enjoy the stream and climbing on rocks!

Iao Valley Stream

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Hiking obstacles along the hiking trail!

Hiking Iao Valley

Whether you are an advanced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail for you!

Off the parking lot, there is a paved trail to the Iao Needle viewpoint. As a kid, I thought we did a long hike up to see the needle but now there seems to be a lookout with a gazebo to hike to that has some benches with views of the needle. It was an easy hike, only .6 miles, 200 ft in elevation, and a quick 10-minute walk from the parking lot. What’s so special about the Needle? It’s an interesting rock formation that is really the vertical edge of an eroded ridge.

There is a trail behind the gazebo, but there are signs to not pass the barriers. This trail is dangerous and should be avoided. However, if you head down to the stream and hike up the mountains you’ll end up on the same trail just past the steep dangerous part.

I did this hike at 6 weeks pregnant! We took it a little slower so it took us an hour and 45 mins to get to the top of the lookout which was about 2 miles and an elevation gain of 1061 feet. It was a little muddy at times so be careful! The trail doesn’t have any markers, but the path is pretty well-traveled so just stay on that which will take you to the top. Here is the trail we took starting along the stream:

Hiking Stats for Iao Valley

2 mile hike path to lookout - Iao Valley

Iao Valley Fern - Vegetation and Plant life

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A Landmark of Hawaiian History

Iao Valley was the location of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history! Per our friends at MauiGuide.com:

In 1790, King Kamehameha I of the island of Hawai’i (the Big Island) battled army leader Kalanikupule of Maui. The armies were evenly matched, and the battle raged for days. Kamehameha was only able to overcome Kalanikupule when he obtained access to a cannon. Many people from both sides died in the battle, their bodies clogging the waters of ‘Iao stream, and giving the battle the name Kepaniwai, “Battle of the Damned Waters of ‘Iao.”

People of Maui considered ‘Iao stream to be of great importance. They built homes along its edges and used the water for drinking and agriculture, particularly growing taro. Certain areas in the valley were revered as sacred burial sites for chiefs of Maui.

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Visiting the Iao Needle is a fun place to explore and great way to spend the day! Hope this guide helps you enjoy the park!

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

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

Exploring Iao Valley and seeing the Iao Needle

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Planning and Packing for Travel in 2021

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Planning and Packing for Pandemic Travel

The virus canceled countless travel plans over the course of 2020, but progress has made it possible for plans to start being made again. That said, it’s important to plan responsibly so that your travel during the pandemic is as problem-free as possible. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.

Choosing a Destination

Consider potential destinations in terms of how they have handled the coronavirus crisis. For instance, Everyday Health suggests looking for places that have an established trend of cases decreasing, allow free movement into and out of the area, and have easy access to treatment.

Whenever possible, always plan different outdoor activities. The virus is highly unlikely to transmit when people are outside, so choose fun activities like going to the beach or hiking that allow you to keep a comfortable and safe distance in the open air. It’s a wonderful time to visit any natural wonders you've been dreaming of visiting, as they are the perfect excuse to stay in the sunshine and under the stars.

International Travel

With vaccination efforts fully underway in many places and infections on the decline, countries are beginning to open back up their borders to international guests. While many aspects of transcontinental travel remain the same, some countries are requiring international travelers to provide proof of vaccination before they can enter, while others have changed their stances on dual citizenship passports. Always do research before planning your trip.

Consider this list of questions before deciding on a destination:

●      Do I need to be vaccinated?

●      What kind of proof is required?

●      Will my passport still work?

●      If not, can I get a new one in time for travel?

●      Do they have a mandatory quarantine period upon entrance?

●      What are the country’s restrictions for moving about within and outside of its borders?

If you do travel outside the United States, make sure to bring a universal plug adapter and smart suitcase to make your trip as seamless as possible.

Domestic Travel

If you’d prefer to travel closer to home, state and national parks are excellent options for outdoor activities, the features of which can have a powerful impact on those who visit. Ask anyone who has hiked the Grand Canyon about it, and they will reply with an almost mystical look in their eyes, remembering the breadth and beauty of it. The same could be said for many of the stunningly gorgeous sites of the natural world these parks host. National parks have made a move toward integrating Wi-Fi and establishing cell towers nearby, so it is easier than ever to stay connected even when in the wild.

What to Pack

Pandemic traveling calls for a few extras in your travel bags. Sanitizing wipes, face masks and a digital thermometer are all good investments. Packing food and drinks can help keep you from having to enter too many places, and bringing your own toilet paper and wipes can save you if travel stops along the way have their bathrooms closed to the public due to the pandemic.

Selfie sticks are a great way to get the photos you want of you and your travel companions without having to ask strangers to touch your camera or phone. Solar chargers are perfect for time spent in the great outdoors, and with a mobile hotspot, you can get service wherever you may be. Also, if you plan to use your smartphone for navigation during your road trips, purchase a reliable mount for your car that will allow you to use your device hands-free.

The virus doesn't have to keep you from making memories of exploring new places. Choose your destination wisely, research extensively to make smart plans, and pack with safety and connectivity in mind. Your sweet escape is waiting for you.

Maui Restaurant Review: Star Noodle - Don't miss this spot!

Star Noodle Restaurant Views - Front Street

Star Noodle

Location: 1285 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761

When we got married in Maui (or when we got Maui’d) in 2014, our friends were all telling us how great Star Noodle was! We didn’t have time on that trip but wanted to try it if we ever came back. We came back every year since 2014 , but finally made it to Star Noodle in 2019 because we remembered to make a reservation in advance! We learned why everyone was raving about this place… the garlic noodles had us coming back the next day!

RELATED POST: See more like this in our post, BEST RESTAURANTS IN MAUI

Pork Buns at Star Noodle

Location

In 2020, Star Noodle moved locations to occupy the old Aloha Mix Plate spot right on Front Street. We dined three times during the month we were there and tried many items on the menu.

We even had the perfect table right by the water at sunset! How lucky! Since Star Noodle is located next to the Old Lahaina Luau, we could hear and kind of see the show!

Safety Protocols

As of March 2021, you MUST have a reservation to dine in the open-air restaurant. Reservations can be made on YELP, I suggest making them 1-2 weeks in advance and check what time sunset is! Once you arrive, the host will take your temperature, then take you to your table. Masks must be worn at all times, except while at your own table.

Menu

Most dishes are fairly large portions and perfect for sharing so you can try more things!

Star Noodle Menu

Appetizers

We ALWAYS start with an order of pork buns (see photo above)! They come with 3 or 4 and the pork belly in that sweet bun is pure perfection.

We also are huge fans of the Nuoc Cham Wings! The sweet glaze with a slight crisp makes a delicious chicken wing!

Nuoc Cham Wings - Chicken Wings at Star Noodle

Entrees

Always ask if there are any specials!

Our new favorite ramen dish is the Star Udon - Roast pork in a rich pork broth served with thick udon noodles! The pork is perfect and melts in your mouth and the broth will have you sipping your bowl by the end!

We LOVE the garlic noodles and HAVE to order them EVERY TIME we go. Our waiter taught us a neat trick, ask for the thicker udon noodles for the garlic noodle dish - game changer!

The Rib Eye was delicious and savory, smothered in delicious grilled onions. The market price changes based on how the chef is preparing the meat that day.

The Adobo Ribs are good, but we prefer the chicken wings. The meat falls right off the bone!

Clockwise from top: Star Udon, Garlic Noodles, Adobo Ribs

Dessert

Don’t forget dessert (I never do)! One of the nights we went, their ice cream choices included Ube Oreo, Mint mango, and Pineapple lichee. The consistency was interesting on these, but the flavors were outstanding.

Ice Cream at Star Noodle - Ube Oreo, Mint mango, Pineapple liChee 

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Star Noodle has us coming back again and again! Let us know in the comments below if you’ve tried it!

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

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

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Traveling to Maui in 2021: How to prepare, have fun, or even WFH (Work From Hawaii)

Updated Dec 26th, 2020

WFH - Work from Hawaii

How to Travel to Maui after October 2020, what it’s like, and WFH - Work from Hawaii!

We go to Hawaii every year and not even 2020 can stop us. We had booked our trip back in February before the shutdown and even in March, we figured we’d have no problem taking our annual trip in October. Boy were we wrong! Luckily our timing was perfect, the 2-week quarantine requirement was lifted (as long as you come with a negative test) for Hawaii on Oct 15, 2020, and our trip was booked for the following week.

RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2021? - Itinerary, budget, and more!

The vibe was different, as it was less crowded than usual and we were on high alert taking all precautions. It was still relaxing and fun as we tried new adventures, a new place to stay, and a couple of different restaurants. Less worrisome than running around Los Angeles.

Here is everything you need to know about getting to Maui and what it’s like there during the pandemic…

PLEASE check the Hawaiian Government Health site for the latest protocols and procedures.

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What you need to do to get into Hawaii

The hardest (and most stressful) part of our trip was getting tested to go to Maui.

Per the Hawaiian government site:

The pre-travel testing program for COVID-19 began Oct. 15, 2020. Pre-travel testing enables travelers to avoid a mandatory 10-day quarantine if they are tested within 72 hours before their flight to Hawaii departs with an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).

Passengers must receive and have proof of their negative test result prior to the flight’s departure. The State of Hawaii will ONLY accept test results from TRUSTED TESTING AND TRAVEL PARTNERS. Please see the list of partners at https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/ Upon arrival in Hawaii travelers will have their temperature checked as the exit their aircraft. Passengers unable to provide proof of an approved negative test from a trusted testing and travel partner will be required to quarantine for 10 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. For more information and an FAQ please visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/

Passengers must receive and have proof of their negative test result prior to the flight’s departure. The State of Hawaii will ONLY accept test results from TRUSTED TESTING AND TRAVEL PARTNERS. We looked at all the options and were nervous about the self-administered test as we hadn’t had any COVID tests at all, this was not the time to botch a test. We had 72 hours to get tested and get our results. None of the tests were covered by insurance and were all in the $140 range.

We went with CVS since there was a location close to us in Santa Monica. We booked at midnight 3 days prior to get the designated time and day we wanted. It’s tricky since you need need to be within 72 hours prior to departure and most places say they’ll have results between 2-5 days. We tested on a Monday at 10a at CVS and got our negative results on Weds around 8pm, which was less than 12 hours until we had to be at the airport.

Again, PLEASE check the Hawaiian Government Health site for the latest protocols and procedures.

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Stopped and had lunch

Air Travel October 2020

LAX was a breeze! We’ve never seen it so empty, except for the line at the Hudson News for bottled water.

We had extra legroom seats booked so we thought we’d board first. Nope. United was boarding back to front to eliminate less exposure to people walking by. I guess that makes sense. We were worried about overhead bin space since we had 2 carry-ons and the snorkel gear in a mesh bag but flight attendants were keeping them clear.

As soon as we stepped on the plane, the United flight attendant handed us a sanitizing wipe for your tray, seat, armrest, seatbelt, window, etc. After takeoff, the flight attendants came through handing out a baggie with another sanitizing wipe, water bottle, and snacks. Don’t worry there was still a beverage service.

During the flight, masks were required unless you were eating or drinking. May I suggest getting a comfortable adjustable mask like the Travleisure Adjustable Reusable Mask.

Once we landed in Maui, we were required to show our QR code from the mandatory State of Hawaii Travel and Health form. Make sure you fill everything out ahead of time and take the questionnaire. Our status said “manual approval was required,” but that was because we didn’t complete all the steps! We answered the questions, and voila, QR code appeared. After we showed we had the QR code we had to hop in a line to check-in with an agent who needed our ID and the QR code. After a few questions, they handed us a piece of paper and said ALOHA!

We picked up our Jeep from Alamo (where there was NO line) and proceeded on our merry way. Also, Alamo has a fleet of BRAND NEW Jeeps! Pro tip: We got a padlock to attach to the door handle (or undercarriage) for the electronic car key so if we both got in the water the key wouldn’t break or get stolen if unattended.

RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2021? - Itinerary, budget, and more!

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Sunset views from our Airbnb condo at the Papakea Resort

Where to Airbnb Stay in Maui

We typically stay at the Sheraton Maui, but it wasn’t opening until November and they canceled our reservation! We booked the Hyatt Regency Maui (that’s where the penguins and flamingos are), but thought we’d try something different and stay in an Airbnb condo in Kaanapali.

The condo at the Papakea Resort had EVERYTHING we needed - from boogie boards to any pot or pan or kitchen utensil you can think of to laundry, this place was like being at home. We loved spending time on the patio with the gorgeous waterfront views!  We had a few questions and the host responded right away. The bed is a little firm, but definitely not a deal-breaker. There is a grocery store, food trucks, and a few restaurants are within walking distance. Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina are just a quick drive down the road. There's a little bit of beach to hop in the ocean and wasn't too crowded during the day.

The wifi was great, good enough for us both to work, so we decided to extend our stay a week and WFH - Worked From Hawaii!

Hawaii is even offering a remote work program called Movers and Shakas which includes free flights and discounted hotels or lodging, as well as restaurant discounts. This is a great way to stimulate the economy in Hawaii and help their community! Currently, it looks like Oahu is the only option for this offer.

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Things to Do in Maui Right Now

With fewer people on the island, take advantage of the following:

• Snorkel Black Rock - there were more fish than usual and fewer people than any trip. Some of the hotels are still closed or at a lower capacity so the beach is pretty empty!

• Go Diving! We did a shore dive with Extended Horizons and had our very own guide! Normally we go out on a boat and there are a ton of people but it was so nice to have our own guide and feel safe from exposure. We did a twilight and night dive with Dave at Black Rock and saw a ton of fish, lobsters, turtles, nudibranchs, and even a shark!

• Road to Hana - Not all stops are open, but there are fewer tourists and tour buses! Take advantage of some Hana beach stops!

• Go for a hike! Some trails are closed, but we hiked the Waihee Ridge trail and it wasn’t too bad. The view stays pretty much the same, you just are higher in elevation. It was a nice sunny hike that took us about 2 hours round trip, over 2 miles, and almost 1500 ft in elevation per my Apple Watch. Lots of parking, easy in and out, and porta-potties.

  Waihee Ridge Trail - Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793

Waihee Ridge Trail

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Duke’s Beach House Hula Pie

Where to Eat in Maui

Some of our favorite restaurants weren’t open or tough to get in. A lot of them offered to-go options so we often picked up food and ate it on our balcony with ocean views. See ALL of our favorite restaurants here:

Map provided by Wanderlog, a travel map. See how to embed a map on your blog

Best Food Trucks and Restaurant Take-out Options in Lahaina/Kaanapali

• Lunch at Tin Roof - We ALWAYS stop at Tinroof after we land and pick-up a pork and chicken plate to take to the beach to enjoy! Don’t forget to order the babinga cake for dessert!

  Address: 360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732

• Breakfast at Island Press Coffee - You can’t go wrong with an egg, cheese, and bacon croissant with a Mac nut latte! They also have other croissant variations as well as other pastries (try the crumb cake). We went here twice, taking our breakfast to go to enjoy on the beach!

  Address: 2580 Kekaa Dr STE 104, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Breakfast at Java Jazz - Within walking distance of the Papakea resort, we picked up breakfast to go a few times here. Our favorites were Coconut Mac Nut lattes, Hawaiian Omelette (ham, pineapple, onion, cheese) with potatoes, and pancakes with apple cinnamon topping. Indoor seating also available.

  Address: 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Breakfast or Lunch at TaquerEATa Food Truck - Gina serves up some mean tacos Texan style so they are jam-packed tacos, perfect for any appetite! I had the chicken fajita which was amazing! We also made a few build your own breakfast tacos with a combination of egg, cheese, bacon, and pork! There are lots of salsa options from mild to hot to complete your perfect taco.

  Address: 737 Waine'e St, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Lunch at Aloha Braised Food Truck - We went here two days in a row we liked it so much. It’s a little off the beaten path but also conveniently located next to a grocery store and near our favorite dive shop, Extended Horizons! If you like spicy, you must try the Volcano Chicken (fried chicken with spicy mayo) served with rice and mac salad! Josh liked the pork belly! Get a side of fries to share!

  Address: 58 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Dinner from Sale Pepe - Best pizza in Maui! An Italian and New Yorker teamed up to create the perfect menu of Italian food in Lahaina. We liked the pasta, but we loved the PIZZA! We ordered 2 pizzas and a pasta dish and got 3 meals out of it for the 2 of us. Our favorite pizza was the Tomato, Fior di Latte, Red Onion, Pecorino, Maui Cattle Co. Meatballs Pizza. They cut their slices in 4ths, so if you want smaller pieces I suggest you request it when you order! Indoor seating also available here.

  Address: 878 Front St #7,8, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Lunch or Dinner at Maui Brew Company - We picked up some brews for the condo and took food to go, but you could sit and enjoy a meal at a table or at the bar.

  Address: 4405 HI-30 Ste 217, Lahaina, HI 96761

Sunset at Merriman’s October 2020

Restaurants to eat at with open-air seating

• Dinner at Merriman’s Grill - Merriman’s is offering dinner service on the patio and it is the perfect place to go for a sunset dinner and Mai Tais! The tables are all outdoors and spread apart. Try and get there an hour and a half before sunset if you want a table to see the sun go down! Check their website for their daily specials but I have to say the perfect dinner was the house burger, garlic truffle fries, and homemade Klondike bar!

  Address: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Lunch or Dinner at Duke’s Beach House Maui - The iconic Duke’s is now open and we enjoyed a lovely sunset dinner here complete with Mai Tais and Hula Pie!

  Address: 130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Lunch or Dinner at Kimo’s Maui in Lahaina - After a long WFH day, I needed a Mai Tai! We ended up at Kimo’s and I had a delicious prime rib, while Josh had the fish and chips. We completed the meal with a huge slice of Hula Pie!

  Address: 845 Front St a, Lahaina, HI 96761

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Overall, our trip was fantastic! The test was the hardest part, but once we got there, it was nice to spend 10 days and live like a local!

RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2021? - Itinerary, budget, and more!

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

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

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Malibu Wine Hikes - Best Hike in Los Angeles, California

Malibu Wine Hikes Trail and Saddle Rock Wine!

Malibu Wine Hikes - The best thing to do outside in LA!

Address: 32111 MULHOLLAND HWY. MALIBU, CA 90265

Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!

Malibu Wine Hikes Trail

Our Wine Hike Experience

I went with 7 of my girlfriends, who I hadn’t seen since the beginning of the year! We wore masks (took them off for pictures) and kept our distance, it was so nice to see them in person and not on a screen!

We checked in and waited in the shade for our guide, Joe! He was nice, entertaining, and knew so much about the vineyard and grounds. Since we’re all concerned about the spread he took photos of us throughout the hike and sent them to us in a dropbox at the end of the day. This was above and beyond our expectations.

Strike a pose in the Santa Monica Mountains

Typically the hike starts with Rosé pops, but ours weren’t frozen enough, so they gave them to us at the end.

We toured around the grounds on a 2-mile loop, the trail wasn’t too steep. It took us about 3 hours, but we weren’t in any rush, just enjoying the sunshine and company. There were water stations at the beginning of the hike and about halfway through. You can bring your own reusable bottle or purchase one of theirs.

Joe would point out the crops that were growing in the gardens, and said we could try the berries (SNACKKKS).

Berries on the hike!

White Sage growing

There are even Chumash Native Cave paintings on the property and if you’re lucky, you might even find one of their spearheads!

Chumash Native Cave Paintings

The Woolsey fire in November 2018 took out the tasting room and a lot of the vegetation on the grounds. Luckily the animals were ok and from our hike, many of the crops came back and a lot of the vineyard survived! 2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone, but their safety protocols and open-air tours make it easier for people to be together and still do fun things! We saw zebras, water buffalo, and other animals!

Malibu Wines Zebras

After we were done touring around, we returned back to the entrance where we had our rosé pops and chose our bottle of wine to take to go. I like their rosé but went with the Merlot, which is a nice red with notes of spice and pepper. These weren’t full bottles but enough for 2 large glasses of wine!

Saddlerock wines

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Booking Your Hike Reservation

The grounds are not open to any to walk around, you must be on a tour or attend an event. Book your ticket and reserve your spot on malibuwinehikes.com. We booked 3 weeks in advance to get our desired date and time.

WINE HIKE - The open hike is a 2 mile loop hike where you get to explore the vineyards of Saddlerock Ranch, organic gardens, Chumash Native American cave paintings, and more! Guests will receive wine to-go when the hike concludes. $49/person

4x4 VINEYARD TOUR - There is also a vineyard tour that you ride in a 4x4 for an adventure tour around the Saddlerock Ranch Vineyards. Guests will explore the vineyards and natural areas on the property. Includes snacks, beverages and wine to-go! $375/Vehicle (each vehicle holds 1-5 people).

Saddle Rock Ranch Sign

Arrival and Parking

There is a huge dirt and gravel parking lot with plenty of parking spots. There are also nice trailer bathrooms in the parking lot too, better than a port-a-potty, but it’s not the Four Seasons or anything.

Don’t drink and drive!

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11 Best Ice Cream Trucks and Catering in Los Angeles

Ice Cream Trucks you need to try in LA!

These aren’t your creepy vans that sell Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pops, these are exceptional artisan ice cream trucks that Angelino’s seek out! Ice cream trucks are fun for parties and work functions, but also nice when they are in your area.

Here are some of my favorite ice cream trucks in LA:

King Kone Ice Cream Soft Serve

King Kone Ice Cream Truck

If you’re looking for soft serve and sprinkles, this truck’s got you covered! Their menu doesn’t end there, try an ice cream sandwich, milkshake, or banana split! No matter what, there is something for everyone!

CVT Soft Serve Truck

CVT’s goal is to make the best soft serve around! Using local California dairy, they have perfected their soft serve and claim it is the best west of the Atlantic. As they say, “is it arrogant if it’s true?” Their comedic and transparent personality makes for a great follow on their Instagram! Whatever you do, don’t ask them for free things in exchange for social media posts, Influencers pay double! #welovemostofourcustomers

Recess Ice Cream Truck

Recess Ice Cream Truck

We ordered this truck a few times for work functions and they didn’t disappoint! Recess offers fun options like french toast sliders, frozen hot chocolate, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and more!

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck

I often see the Van Leeuwen truck on Abbott Kinney, but you can also rent for parties and events! Their artisan ice cream flavors will please any audience and they offer gluten-free and vegan flavors!

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Truck

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream Truck

“Have ice cream, will travel” is this Santa Barbara-based company’s motto! LA locals are familiar with McConnell’s scoop shops around town and their ice cream truck can often be found at street fairs. You can book them for parties, weddings, corporate events, and more!

Blast Ice Cream Truck

Blast Ice Cream Truck

Blast truck serves liquid nitrogen ice cream so it is sure to be in its freshest purest form. They serve organic ice cream, scratch-made, and finish each order off with locally sourced toppings. We first found them at Smorgasburg LA.

Happy Ice Truck

Happy Ice, per their website, is an “ultra-premium Water Ice product, made from a secret recipe from Philadelphia with an artistic LA twist. It has the smooth, rich, creamy texture of ice cream and the light, fruity refreshment of a sorbet, without egg or dairy products of any kind.” You can spot this truck from miles away with the vibrant colors. It is also black-owned business, show some support!

Oat-ly Ice Cream Truck

Oat-ly Ice Cream Truck

Oat-ly is an original oat milk company from Sweden that turns nutritious liquid oat milk into ice cream! It’s plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free! They also are earth-conscious, making their ice cream while reducing their carbon footprint as much as possible.

Kona Shaved Ice Truck

Have a luau or tropical island-themed party? Have some authentic shave Ice to go with your tiki decor! They even do fundraisers for functions like schools and sports teams!

Sweet N Hollow Chimney Cake

Sweet N' Hollow

Ok, so this may not be a truck, but a great ice cream catering option! Instead of a waffle cone, ice cream is served in Chimney Cakes! What are those? Well, “Ever been to PRAGUE or BUDAPEST? Then maybe you’ve tried this Eastern European sweet pastry! A warm bread made with fresh yeast dough rolled on a wooden cylinder and baked in a rotisserie grill. ‘Kürtőskalács’ or ‘Trdelnik’ is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. A cinnamon-sugar topping makes this a classic European delight!”

You can often find them at Smorgasburg DTLA!

SuperCool Creamery

SuperCool Creamery

Supercool combines ice cream and magic with a little liquid nitrogen! Fantastic flavors and a variety of toppings (including booze), they’ll add pizaazz to any party! They used to have a shop in Silver Lake but are currently only offering their catering service. See our full post: SuperCool Creamery Review

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A Day with Elephants at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Elephant Nature Park

Everything you need to know before heading to Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand

ELEPHANT NATURE PARK - 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

My favorite day in Thailand was New Year’s Eve because not only did we see the sky light up with lanterns at midnight, but we also spent the day with elephants! I had only waited about a year for this day! When we booked our trip to Thailand, the elephant sanctuary was high on my list. I did a ton of research trying to find the best one and an ethical one; all roads lead to Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai! Let me breakdown things you should know…

What is a day at Elephant Nature Park like?

The day goes by so fast and you can expect to feed, pet, and bathe elephants! Elephants have prickly little hairs when you pet them! There was a lot of walking so wear comfy shoes. We’d walk to different areas and meet all the elephants. Our guide knew each elephant’s name, age, and story (Meet the herd). They had elephants ranging from 2 to 100 years old!

Here’s a video commemorating our day (don’t forget to follow us on YouTube):

How much is it and how do you get to the Elephant Nature Park?

There are quite a few options to spend the day with the elephants, but we opted for the single-day ticket which was 2,500฿ per adult (children prices are half off at the moment - Sept 2020). We paid a deposit of 2,000฿ and had a balance of 3,000฿ upon arrival. That said, it was about $80 per person - which included transfers, lunch, and an amazing day with the elephants! Book far in advance to make sure you get a spot! You can even volunteer or spend the night at a great rate.

Pick-up and drop-off were included with the price of our ticket. They have a very nice vehicle complete with leather seats and air conditioning! Definitely better than sitting in the back of a tuk-tuk or truck! They picked us up promptly at 8:30a from our hotel in Chiang Mai (see our review Hotel De Chai The Colonial) and it’s about an hour's drive from there. We made a stop at 7-Eleven for coffee, some breakfast items, and a bathroom then proceeded to the park!

What to wear to an elephant sanctuary

What should you wear and pack for the Elephant Nature Park?

We wore loose workout clothes to keep cool since it was pretty humid and there’s a lot of walking around. We brought a backpack and only packed things we needed for the day. There aren’t lockers or anything, so I wouldn’t bring anything too valuable.

Here’s what you should bring to the elephant park:

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Bug repellant

• Comfortable shoes and socks

• Sunglasses

• Water and snacks - the sanctuary had water and lunch but we packed them to keep hydrated

• Camera(s) - we took our Sony A7, GoPro, and iPhones (there was wifi but it wasn’t great)

• Tip money for guide(s) - our guide took tons of pictures and videos of us. Tipping is important in Thai society and they will be grateful whether it is 20 baht or 200! We gave 500 baht from each of us.

• Admission fee - check your email for the balance you owe

• Money (Thai baht) for souvenirs

If you’re going to bathe the elephants (water is about knee height) bring the following:

• Towel

• Flipflops

• Wear anything you don’t mind getting a little wet (see the video above on how I got splashed!)

• Back-up clothes - Just in case!

Elephant roaming in the jungle

Are there real ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand?

Many ask if is it ethical to go to elephant parks or sanctuaries in Thailand? Here’s the thing, the elephants at Elephant Nature Park have either been injured or were orphans that didn’t have a chance in the wild. This is a rescue and sanctuary to keep them safe.

It is unethical to ride an elephant and that is not offered at Elephant Nature Park. Most of the elephants roam free on the grounds and there is a TON of room for them to feel like they aren’t in a small zoo pen. However, some are in closer quarters if they are dangerous to other elephants or people as they acclimate to the sanctuary.

Elephants treated well at ethical elephant sanctuary

Are the elephants treated well in Thailand?

Yes, the elephants are treated VERY well at Elephant Nature Park. They roam free all day across acres of land, have access to a stream, are well fed, and are safe from predators.

You can also find plenty of cats, dogs, buffalo, and many other rescued species at the park!

Is it worth seeing the elephants?

OF COURSE IT’S WORTH VISITING THE ELEPHANTS IN THAILAND! Elephants are so important to Thai culture, you have to visit these majestic creatures!

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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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Best Travel Gifts for Mom (or maybe even yourself)

Lake Tahoe with my Mom!

Great Travel Gifts for Moms of ALL Ages (or almost any woman!)

Looking for a great gift for mom for that special occasion, Mother’s Day, Birthday, or even Christmas? Check out some great travel gifts that every mom will love with great prices and a great selection. Shop online with Amazon and get Prime delivery in 2 days if you’re in a pinch looking for that last-minute gift! Here are some inspiring gifts for traveling Moms, women, and ladies of all ages!

Check out my favorite gift idea - a roller hairbrush that stores jewelry or other valuables!

I made an Amazon shop that has everything below listed in one place! Check out Travel Gift Ideas for Mom

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Comfy, Light, Travel Dresses - WITH POCKETS

No matter where she’s going, Mom will probably need a dress for a nice dinner or just to explore! Pockets are ALWAYS a plus to any woman - Mom or not!

Travel Jewelry and Box

Let Mom travel worry-free with some beautiful cubic zirconia jewelry so she can still look fancy, but not worry about losing Grandma’s coveted earrings. Pack a jewelry box to prevent necklaces tangling. I like the one below so can pack a bangle bracelet. Make sure she packs it in her carry on!

Carry-on Luggage, Travel Bags and Purses

Make it a breeze for Mom to travel and get around. I like bags that neatly tuck on one another so I don’t have to lug too many things on my shoulder. A small crossbody purse is great to keep your wallet phone and passport secure at all times. Last, I don’t know if this is completely necessary, but a cupholder and USB charger on your bag can come in handy while waiting around for the plane at the airport!

Flight Comfort Necessities

Airports and flights can be taxing and exhausting, make sure Mom has everything she needs to get comfy and have a smooth flight. Style her in a cozy sweater and get a neck pillow for a snooze on the plane. Keep her hydrated with a collapsible/reusable water bottle and get a flex flap so she can watch her shows on a phone or tablet.

Nifty Travel Security Gadgets

If there isn’t a safe in the hotel, here are some great hidden security compartments to stash your things! Who would have thought that a roller brush could have something inside?! Also, the master lock safe is good to lock onto a pool chair so Mom can hop in the pool and leave her phone, camera, keys safe and secure!

Toiletry Travel Essentials and Bags

It’s so hard to travel without your daily essentials! Moms tend to acquire more toiletries as they get older with more eye creams, hair products, etc. Make sure Mom is covered with a 17 piece set to suit any toiletry need along with a bag that can unfold and hang on a hook in the hotel bathroom which is great when there is little counter space available. Dry shampoo saves me from looking haggard after a long flight (or a bad hair day)! I tried so many different products but if I leave Living Proof Dry Shampoo in for 3-5 mins, my greasy dirty hair looks full and clean!

Travel Friendly Electronics

Whether Mom is tech savvy or not, she’ll probably need some electronics for her trip! I love the Mophie external recharchable battery. I can typically recharge my iPhone or iPad twice on one full charge from the Mophie. A Kindle or iPad would be helpful to read her favorite book or she can save her favorite TV show! Also, here are some headphone suggestions that won’t mess up her hair.

Fun in the Sun

Mom deserves some beach or pool time! Have her lounge in style with a fun sun hat or cute flowy coverup!

Travel Essentials for New Moms

New Moms aren’t used to traveling with an extra little person! Give them some help with multipurpose items like a stroller that folds into a carrier, or a bag with lots of compartments and pockets. Some even have changing stations and bassinets built-in! GENIUS!

I made an Amazon shop that has everything above listed in one place! Check out Travel Gift Ideas for Mom

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Ice Cream Review: Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Great Ice Cream in Los Angeles, CA

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Century City

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Fantastic Los Angeles Local Ice Cream

• Locations: Santa Monica, Century City, Long Beach (and up the coast)

• Website: rorisartisanalcreamery.com

• Pricing: Get a split scoop in a bowl for your best value. The cones are really good too.

• Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available

• Take-out: Pints are available and you can find them in select grocery stores. See their website for more!

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Rori’s Artisanal Creamery Ice Cream Cone

LA Ice Cream Natives

Rori’s originates here in California, freshly scooped from Carpinteria! Owner, Rori Trovato, makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes, and try some of her great flavors like Biscoff, Black Pepper Pistachio, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, Nutella, Peanut Butter Candy Swirl - mix a unique flavor with a classic flavor for the best combo!

Rori’s Ice Cream Menu

Rori’s Ice Cream Menu

Get shakes, floats, homemade cookies, brownies, What the Fudge bars and pints to go here too! They even cater parties, but you have to invite me if you hire them! ;-)

Rori Trovato makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes! She finely crafted each flavor to organic perfection. Rori used to supply the lavender and lemon from her garden but has since sourced it from local organic farms.

Straus Family Creamery Organic cream, milk and eggs create a delightfully creamy texture to their unique flavors including Honey Almond Crunch, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.

"The best cream for your coffee is ice cream!!" I'm adopting this as my new motto. Need a pick me up? Try an affogoto (coffee/espresso with ice cream)! Also, love that they have candy and cookies - SO MANY SWEETS!

Rori has even made ice cream for your dog to enjoy! Organic yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter will leave your four-legged friend happy too!

Not near a scoop shop? That’s okay! Local supermarkets like Erewhon are selling Rori’s ice cream by the pint!

You MUST try the Wildberry Chocolate Crisp and Malted Milk ball

GET FREE ICE CREAM ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

Join their birthday club! CLICK HERE - see the bottom of the page for email signup. They also make ice cream cakes to make your special occasion even more special! AND they have Taco Tuesday... ICE CREAM TACOS! WHAT! Anyone wanna try these with me?! Also, they sell ice cream by the pint if a scoop isn't enough! ;-)

Rori’s Ice Cream Locations

Rori's has more locations along the California coastline, including Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica. Visit the factory near Santa Barbara next time you’re in town!

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How to Spend a Weekend Wine Tasting in Temecula, California (with map)

Temecula Wine Tasting is the best!

Best wineries and where to go in Temecula, California - with map!

My sister and I had a wedding to attend in Temecula and decided to make the most of it. Since it is only a few hours away from Los Angeles, we decided to drive up on a Saturday morning and come back on Sunday. We went to 4 wineries across the 2 days and here's how it went down..

My sweet sister kindly picked up some Starbucks and swooped me up along the way, leaving LA with enough time to drive to Temecula (approx 2 hours without traffic) to make it to our wine tour!

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

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

ENTRANCE TO OLD TOWN TEMECULA

A little after 9a, we arrived at our hotel, the Extended Stay America (see review below), checked-in and called for our Uber to take us to the Stampede where we were to meet our tour, Grapeline Wine Tours Temecula, and get our taste on. 

Temecula Antique Shop

We entered through the Old Town, which the downtown area, that looked like an old miners town with wood-planked sidewalks and old tanks of all sorts, with antique shops galore! Super charming!

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Grapeline Wine Tours - Best Wine Tour in Temecula!

OUR WINE TOUR ITINERARY FOR THE DAY.

We booked a half-day wine tour for $95 which included tasting flights at 3 wineries, vineyard tour, cheese pairing, and a driver for the day. We reserved our spots about a month prior and emailed them directly, requesting the vineyards we were interested in.

The tour picked around 10a and was scheduled to drop us off at 2p just in time to get ready for the wedding we were attending at 5p. We were greeted by Robert, our guide, and he told us that we would be visiting all the wineries we requested and we had a great selection. He handed us a detailed itinerary and a discount card that basically gave 10-20% off all bottle purchases! He also told us the cheesiest, most amazing jokes to keep us entertained.

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South Coast Winery

STROLLING THROUGH SOUTH COAST WINERY, TEMECULA

We traveled about 10 minutes to our first stop, South Coast Winery.

The grounds were so beautiful, full of flowers and Instagrammable photo ops. The inside was different with animals everywhere. We went in for our tasting and we were the first and only ones there, but it was also 10:30am. Pamela helped us out, and she was very generous with her pours. She even volunteered to take a picture of us... and we got a selfie of her as well! Didn't even know she was taking it!

The most notable wines we enjoyed were:

1. Extra Dry Sparkling - Yummy Champagne taste

2. Boulder Red 2.0 - Closest to a petite Sirah

3. Wild Horse Peak Temporale - Earthy with a pepper taste

South Coast Wine Tasting Room

Robert kept us on schedule (even though we wandered off to take pictures) and got us back on the bus to take us to our next stop, Falkner Winery.

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Falkner Winery

Gorgeous Temecula Views from Falkner

Falkner had beautiful views from the top of the hill of Temecula Valley. We really wanted to come here because of the name to say things like Falk you and Falk off. Robert said no one had ever made those jokes before. We didn't believe him!

We went down into the cellar where we had the wine tasting along with a cheese and fruit pairing. Our fave was the Amante Super Tuscan which was similar to Sangiovese. I wasn't sure if I liked the Risque Riesling, or if I just liked the bottle and name... either way it wasn't bad! 

We were kinda disappointed we were in this dark room and the day was so beautiful. I was just excited that they let us keep the glass! FREE SOUVENIRS! 

Falkner Winery Free Glasses

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Europa Village Winery

THIS WAY TO EUROPA VILLAGE WINERY!

Our last stop was Europa Village Winery which was under construction but you couldn't really tell at first glance (especially after 2 other tastings). 

EUROPA VILLAGE WINERY - OUTSIDE TASTING BAR AND SEATING

EUROPA VILLAGE WINE TASTING PASSPORT AND COUPON

We were handed a tasting passport that they would stamp after each tasting (sometimes they forgot) and had a large selection of wines. Our favorite Europa wine was the Vendetta, which was a fruity yet rich red. We decided to buy a couple bottles and upon purchasing, we decided to become a member! 

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We were dropped back off at the Stampede in the old town area and picked up a pizza to eat at our hotel to get ready and go to our friend's wedding. We proceeded to eat our Shakey's pepperoni pizza and popped a bottle of Vendetta.

Old Town Temecula Restaurants

The next day we got ready (slowly) and sought out a good brunch spot. Our options seemed limited via Yelp so we decided we would drive through Old Town until we found a place we liked. 1909 was the happening spot, we put our name down for a 40-minute wait while we looked around for another restaurant before we ate each other out of starvation. Luckily it didn't come to that and right next door was Public House, which had a shaded patio and no wait! I had the eggs benedict with bacon (pork belly) and a coffee since we weren't ready for mimosas yet.

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Briar Rose Winery

Briar Rose Winery House - Straight out of a Disney movie

Before heading back to LA, there was one more spot we HAD to check out, Briar Rose Winery. It was like a Disneyland vineyard, with a cottage and princess statues. 

The gardens were filled with statues that were very Disney like. We were convinced that Snow White or Cinderella were going to come out and break into song at any moment! It didn’t happen, probably for the best!

We didn't make a reservation so our only option was to buy a bottle or glass of wine to walk around. I got a glass of the White Zin which I hadn't seen white zin at any other vineyard (or ever) - it was refreshing and pink! 

Briar Rose Wine Tasting Room

Finally, it was time to head home to beat traffic. I took one last look at the rolling hills covered in grapevines. BUT, before we left, we needed ice cream! So we stopped at Creamistry for some Liquid Nitrogen ice cream and then got on the freeway.

VINES AND KATE SPADE ICE CREAM UMBRELLAS

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Where we stayed: Extended Stay America - Temecula Hotels - Wine Country

27622 Jefferson Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590

I would never stay here again. We booked through Expedia which apparently means you are automatically signed up for a smoking room. The lady at the front desk said it doesn't smell THAT bad. She at least let us check it out before we took it. The hallway smelled terrible but the room wasn't too bad. It had new hardwood floors and was relatively clean. The view was of the parking lot and the freeway, which you could hear the cars rushing down the 15. The clientele was interesting as people hung out and smoked blunts in the parking lot. We were worried our car wasn't going to be there the next day. Luckily, we spent just one night and had enough wine to make it bearable. I’d recommend staying at an Airbnb or some of the vineyards have fancy rooms available!

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If you have ever been to Temecula, let us know about your favorite places! We'll be back soon - I have to pick up wine at Europa Village for my wine club! A hot air balloon ride over Temecula is on my list, which my friend highly recommended! Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

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Wine Tasting in Temecula

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HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS ON YOUR MAUI VACATION - COMPLETE ITINERARY WITH MAP

Kaanapali Beach - Black Rock

What to do for 4 days in Maui, Hawaii - FULL ITINERARY AND MAP

Maui is our absolute favorite place in the world! We got engaged, then married there a year later. Now, we return EVERY year to celebrate our anniversary and relive our favorite memories.

RELATED POST: Maui Travel in 2021 - How to prepare, have fun and WFH (Work From Hawaii)

Hawaii is calling and I must go sign in our apt!

Do as our sign in our apartment says, "Hawaii is calling and I must go!" We got this sign at Sand People in Maui, my favorite shop!

There are so many different things to do in Maui, but here is our favorite itinerary! Whether this is your first trip to Maui, or tenth, we hope you love our suggestions.

This post may contain affiliate links of services that we love! If you book anything through these links, we get a commission at no cost to you! Help support the blog by saving and using these links.

Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii - includes a helpful list of items you can buy straight from Amazon!

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

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

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DAY 1

FLIGHT & CAR RENTAL

Front Street - Lahaina

We take the 8:30a American flight from LAX and the airport to fly into Maui is known as OGG. It's about 5 hours to get there and with the time difference, we arrive at the hotel around noon and have almost a whole day to do something fun on the island.

It's hard to get around the island without a car. We always rent a Jeep through Costco Travel to save money and get the best car to tour the island. We love the ones with the removable roof!

Don't have a Costco membership? That's ok, Booking.com also has great deals on car rentals or you can get a fairly decent rate on an airport transfer (if you don’t want to drive)!

What does Maui mean? Fun fact: This name belongs to a trickster god in Polynesian mythology!

RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2021? - Itinerary, budget, and more!

Maui Rainbows are everywhere!

BEST MAUI RESORT HOTELS

We like to stick the Kaanapali stretch of hotels mainly because there is a lot to do and you can walk (or swim) everywhere. We love the Sheraton Maui Resort, which is located at the end of the Ka’anapali hotel stretch, against the black rock. We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! If you are looking for a place to stay with more people, they even have offers for apartments and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO!

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

Sheraton Maui Resort Pool - Lagoon

Check out our entry for more on the Sheraton:  Hotel Review: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa

Check-in is normally 3p, so we try and check-in to see if our room is ready early, and if not we head to get lunch at one the pool bars (Cliff Dive Bar or Mai Tai Bar) and a Mai Tai! YUM!

Usually, our room is ready right after lunch, giving us time to move in and get ready for our first adventure. 

AFTERNOON: SNORKELING

The best part about the end of the Kaanapali beach is the Black Rock, in front of the Sheraton Resort. Where it might seem like a hideous black lava rock, under the sea you can find gorgeous coral, tons of fish, and usually see a turtle or two. We’ve even seen a few octopuses but you have to look hard for them! Also, try a different spin on snorkeling and take sailing and snorkel trip to Honolua! Their catamaran is a BEAUTY!

Snorkeling in Maui - Turtle sighting

Another great spot is Kapalua Bay. Even though the clarity isn't as great as around Black Rock, there are still plenty of fish to see. On one of our swims, we saw 6 turtles! We parked in a free beach parking lot (or there is street parking) next to Merriman's, and walked through the tunnel near the valet for beach access.

RELATED POST: See more in our 5 Best Snorkel Spots in Maui

Kapalua Bay

 Don’t forget to pack a hat!

Hello Sunshine floppy hat

on Amazon.com

EVENING: DINNER AT MAUI BREW CO BREWPUB

Kahana Gateway Shopping Center, 4405 Honoapiilani Hwy #217, Lahaina, HI 96761

This is a perfect place for good brews and bar food especially if you are coming back from a swim in Kapalua! The Maui onion dip and buffalo chicken wings are our favorite items on the menu! They put all of their beers on menu chalkboards in the restaurant and switch them out occasionally. You can also purchase beers there and take them home! We had them package up a few cans of beers we couldn’t buy on the mainland - all beers made it home just fine in our checked bag. There are also TV's throughout the restaurant if you are looking to root for your favorite sports team.

Fun fact: Did you know Maui Brew Co is independently owned? Garrett Marrero is a Poway native and the owner and found of the Maui Brewing Company, with local production on Maui itself! You can even tour the brewery for $20 in Kehei.

RELATED POST: Want more dinner options? Check out our post for our Top 10 Restaurants in Maui, Hawaii

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DAY 2

ROAD TO HANA - FULL DAY TRIP

We’ve done the Road to Hana a few times since there are so many different things to do and see along the way. Some of our favorite stops include:

1. Black Sand Beach 

2. Lava Tubes 

3. Red Sand Beach 

4. Coconut Glen's ice cream

5. Haleakala National Park (2 hours - if you do the long hike)

Don’t want to drive the windy roads? I don’t blame you! Book a seat with this Road to Hana Tour as recommended by a local!

Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide with a map of our favorite stops: Guide to the Road to Hana

Don't forget to stop to try some of Coconut Glen's homemade ice cream! They serve organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream, using coconuts from the jungles of Maui. Don't let "organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream" scare you. TRUST ME, you won’t regret it.

See my full review here: Coconut Glen's Homemade Ice Cream

Mai Tai at Mama’s Fish House

EVENING: MAMA'S FISH HOUSE

799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779

On our way back from the road to Hana adventure, we stopped at Mama's Fish House for dinner. Make sure you make a reservation in advance, we used Opentable. Parking is valet only. 

I'm not a fish person particularly, but I did try some of our friends Mahi Mahi dish and it was the best fish I’ve ever had. I enjoyed their short rib and a couple of Mai Tai's (love that it's served in a tiki glass)!

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DAY 3

MORNING: SCUBA DIVING

Since we are scuba certified, we love to go diving at different locations in Maui. 

We loved the company, Extended Horizons in Lahaina, they go to the best spots and have amazing diving instructors. The dive site, Cathedral II, was one of my favorite dives! We went through a lava tube which was basically a cave with holes in the back, creating a fun place to explore! Check out the weird-looking slipper lobsters we found on the dive in our video! Some other great spots include Molokini Crater, the Carthaginian shipwreck, and Olowalu Reef, also known as turtle reef!

Extended Horizons trips depart from Lahaina, which is very convenient for staying on Kaanapali beach!  Whale season runs from November to May, which you can often see the humpback whales breach above water and you can often hear them while diving underwater.

Want to set sail but not scuba? You can always rent a boat from our friends at Get My Boat, which is like Airbnb for boats!

Related Post: BEST SCUBA DIVE SITES IN MAUI

AFTERNOON: MASSAGES

We book our massages at the hotel typically the day we check-in, and look forward to them every day. 

We love getting our annual couples massage at the resort, especially after a few scuba dives or doing a trip to Hana. We usually get a basic full body massage for 50 mins, but this last time we went for the 80 mins and it was worth every penny. The rooms are patio like with natural sunlight peaking from the top, complete with soothing Hawaiian tunes. Ahhh.. relaxing just thinking about it. 

POOL SIDE

Grab your flip flops! We like to bring a book, a magazine, cards, or scroll through Instagram by the pool. This is where I started my research to start a travel blog! I may have ordered a few drinks to think it was a GREAT idea!

Havianas Slim Flip Flops

Various colors and prints available on Amazon.com

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

EVENING: SHOPPING & DINNER

We walked down to Whaler's Village for some shopping and grab dinner at the Barefoot Bar. 

The Barefoot Bar is more casual ($$) serving burgers, fish and chips, pizza. The fun part about the bar, your feet are in the sand. Usually, they have live music and entertainment. 

I love their Mai Tai's which are served in tiki glasses topped with the umbrella! Presentation is everything to me. You MUST try the Hula pie! It’s vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top! OR try their enormous brownie ice cream sandwich. It’s a hard choice… just get both!

Need more options? There is also the Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant in Whaler's Village that opened from the owners of Merriman's. We’ve literally tried everything on the menu and can’t recommend it enough - don’t skip out on the chicken wings or the mai tai with the honey foam! Check out our full review for more on Monkeypod: Restaurant Review: Monkeypod Restaurant

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DAY 4

MORNING: HALEAKALA SUNRISE

Sunrise at Haleakala

Parking: Haleakala Summit Parking, Kula, HI 96790 - You MUST make a reservation in advance as parking is limited! Reservations can be secured two months in advance and up until 6pm the day before your visit. See more information and tips on visiting Haleakala here: HALEAKALA CRATER

We got up at 2am and hit the road by 3am to drive about 2 hours to the top of Haleakala Summit. Check the sunrise times and try to arrive about an hour beforehand for a spot in the lot.

It gets pretty chilly at almost 10,000 feet. I wore layers including exercise clothes with sweatpants and sweatshirt on top. Bring snacks and water (and coffee) too!

If you don't want to drive (the roads are very windy up and down the mountain at very early hours), take this guided tour with Roberts Hawaii where they will pick up, take you to the top, feed you 2 meals, and bring you back. You can rest easy and even take a nap!

Since the sunrise viewing in atop of a mountain, there are many spots to watch the sunrise from and not a bad view. As the sky starts to change cameras come out, and the sun rises through the clouds. It's one of the best sunrises I've ever seen in my life. Fun Fact: Josh proposed to me here!

Mauimosas at Kula Lodge

BREAKFAST @ KULA LODGE

15200 Haleakala Hwy, Kula, HI 96790

On the way down from Haleakala, we stopped at Kula Lodge for spectacular views, a delicious breakfast (eggs benedict was my fave), and a Maui-mosa - they use pineapple instead of orange juice.

AFTERNOON: NAP AND POOL-TIME

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was time for a nap and relaxation. We took a quick nap, then went to hang out by the pool and snorkel in the ocean.

Black Rock Jumpers

EVENING: DINNER AT MERRIMAN'S KAPALUA

Address: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761

We made a reservation about a month in advance to make sure we could get there for some cocktails and sunset. 

This fine-dining restaurant ($$$$) is the perfect spot in west Maui for sunset drinks and dinner. Located right on the water, you’ll overlook the waters of Kapalua Bay. Their cocktails are superb, made with fresh ingredients. The farm to table menu has a variety of Hawaiian fish and my favorite is the chimichurri savory steak.

Don’t forget about ordering some dessert! I enjoyed their homemade ice cream and cones (of course).  It's about a 15 min drive from the Kaanapali resorts.

Wwoof, what a trip. But how amazing did it look?! :) Let us know what you think or if you have any suggestions in the comments below!

We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!

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Top 9 Reasons why you MUST add Bora Bora to your Bucketlist!

9 Reasons to Visit Bora Bora on your Honeymoon or in your Lifetime!

We went to Bora Bora in French Polynesia to bookend our honeymoon and it was worth every penny and mile it took to get us there! I was surprised our occupied our days were when I was expecting to not do anything! Check out what to expect with our 9 reasons below:

Overwater Bungalows InterContinental Bora Bora

1. Overwater Bungalows 

We stayed at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa and WOW, just being able to walk out into the water from your own porch is a dream. Its location has the best view of the center island, where the sun will set right behind the mountain.

Overwater Bungalow Sunset Bora Bora

In the guest room, there is a glass coffee table that lets you look down at the water below. We loved watching fish swim under our room! The bed faces a floor to ceiling window that makes you feel like you're just floating in the aqua lagoon. It’s literally heaven on Earth!

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2. Infinity Pool with a Perfect View

This infinity pool is just gorgeous and the InterContinental Thalasso has the PERFECT view of the mountain! I don't think I need to add anything else here. Maybe a drink...

Infinity Pool InterContinental Bora Bora

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3. Stingray Feedings

I was apprehensive about feeding stingrays at first but as long as you have their food, they are like little puppies that brush up against you begging for food. 

Feeding Sting Rays in Bora Bora

The man with the bucket came out blowing a shell like a horn, getting the stingrays ready for a feeding!

Warning, watch out for the seagulls. They are food stealers.

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4. Book a relaxing Massage at the Bora Bora InterContinental Thalasso Spa

The Bora Bora InterContinental Thalasso spa is top-notch! They even have a room where you can watch the fish through the hole in the table while getting a massage. How peaceful is that?

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5. Scuba Dive in Bora Bora 

The colors are beautiful deep below the surface, with thousands of fish along the gorgeous colorful coral reef. We even saw a 7 foot lemon shark swim through.

Scuba Dive in Bora Bora

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6. Rent Jet Skis and tour around the Island

The jet ski tour was my favorite activity! We went around the entire island, and our guide showed us how to break open a coconut on the shore with our bare hands! It was delicious!

Jet ski in Bora Bora

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7. Rent Paddle boards, Kayaks, and Other Activities 

Paddleboards and kayaks were provided by the hotel (InterContinental Bora Bora) at no extra cost. Just ask the pool boy for permission and float your cares away in the lagoon. 

For a price, you can also go on a rainforest tour, ATV safari, or even go parasailing!

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8. RELAX, You’re literally in paradise!

There's not a lot of pressure to do anything but hang out in your swimsuit for 24 hours. That's actually what we did for 4 days. 

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9. Fruity Drinks & Ice cream by the pool 

Brownie sundaes are always acceptable, even at the pool. Other food and many drinks can also be indulged poolside. Much like Hawaii or any tropical destination, they have all the fruity poolside drinks you can think of. Delicious and refreshing!

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More to do in French Polynesia:

Hobbiton really exists and I want to live there! See the movie set in New Zealand!

Hobbiton really exists and I want to live there! See why you must visit this movie set in New Zealand!

We work in television, so being on set is something we're used to, but the Lord of the Rings HOBBITON movie set was awesome! I read the first Lord of the Rings books in high school and have seen a couple of the movies but I wouldn't call myself an expert or super fan by any means. This place was so picturesque and perfect, I enjoyed it way more than I thought I was going to!

Hobbiton, New Zealand

How to Get to Hobbiton from Auckland

We were staying in Auckland and booked our tour through Viator.

Click here for the Small-Group Tour: The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland

It's around $220 USD but includes:

• Transportation to and from Hobbiton

• Tour of the Shire

• Lunch at the Dragon Inn

•  A cider, ale or ginger beer inside the Green Dragon Inn

• $10 Voucher for the Giftshop

It's an 8-hour tour which starts bright and early with a pickup from your hotel around 7am. We stopped at a coffee shop along the way for a little snack and stretch since it was a 2.5 hour bus ride. Sounds like a long ride, but the sites along the way were picturesque and gorgeous. The ride also allowed us to catch up on a little sleep! 

Welcome to Hobbiton

Arriving at Hobbiton

When searching New Zealand for the perfect location, Jackson sought out for a tall tree near a lake that could live up to the "Party Tree" as described in the books. The perfect location for the Shire was finally found in Matamata on a working sheep farm in the heart of Waikato.

Hobbiton Map - Movie Set Tour

Sheep Farm - Hobbiton

Apparently the location scout for the movie landed his helicopter and went up to the Alexander house to inquire about using the land in an upcoming movie. Mr. Alexander's reaction was the best, he told the scout that the rugby was on, and he should come back later. He did. 

To get to bag end, you must drive through the 1250 acre sheep farm owned by the Alexander family to make it up to the world’s biggest outdoor movie set. 

Fun fact: with over 13,500 sheep on the farm, not one of them was shown in the film. Director, writer and producer, Peter Jackson, preferred the look of Suffolk sheep with dark faces and legs, which were brought in for filming.

Read more about Small-Group Tour: The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland - Auckland | Viator at: Small Group Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

The Shire was built twice since it was torn down after the Lord of the Rings trilogy wrapped, then rebuilt for the Hobbit movies. The set covers 12 acres, featuring 44 hobbit holes.

Hobbit Holes!

Hobbit Holes

We started venturing into the Shire, seeing all the hobbit holes including Bilbo Baggins’s house. Between 30 and 200 plants surround each hobbit hole, employing seven to eight gardeners to maintain the beautiful agricultural grounds.

Bilbo Baggins Hobbit Hole

The holes are based on different sizes to feed to the illusion of their actual size. The holes used by actors playing hobbits were built at a 90 percent scale, while the holes used by Gandalf were built at a 60 percent scale to make him look much larger.  

Most of the scenes filmed inside the holes were on a set, leaving the Hobbit holes as facades but there are some you can walk into. The inside is only about 5 feet, but still, fun to walk in!

Visiting Hobbit Holes at 60% scale

Hobbit holes ay 90% scale and a 5 foot inside

Click here for the Small-Group Tour: The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland

This hobbit hole was my favorite! Just look at how pretty it is! We spent a lot of time here! 

My favorite hobbit hole with pretty flowers!

Hobbiton was allowed to stay in New Zealand as long as they kept the grounds just as it looked in the movie.

Hobbiton Party Tree

The Party Tree

The "Party Tree" can be found on the top of the hill of Hobbiton above Bilbo's house. This 70-80 meter tall oak tree's color is greener than most because it is made of fiberglass and hand painted silk leaves that were individually wired on to each branch. 

The Pond at Hobbiton

The Pond

While shooting the movies, the frogs in the pond were too noisy affecting dialogue among the characters and causing an inability to hear each other. Peter Jackson actually paid someone to move ALL of the frogs relocating them to a different pond on the sheep farm. They were put back after production wrapped.

The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon was a later edition to the farm in 2012. Southfarthing beverages can be found exclusively at the Green Dragon Inn: an apple cider, non-alcoholic ginger beer and two ales, all brewed at the Good George Brewery in Hamilton. They are served at the bar in the Green Dragon Inn. Our tour came with one, but we bought another round.

Totally worth checking out! Click here for the Small-Group Tour: The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland

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Ice Cream Review: Halo Top Scoop Shop in Los Angeles, CA - Best soft serve!

Halo Top Scoop Shop

• LA Location: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036 - all other locations have been permanently closed! :(

• Website: https://www.halotopscoopshop.com/ 

• Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

• Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  (4/5 for their soft-serve but 3/5 for their ice cream)

• Take-out: Take-out only - enjoy on the grass near the fountain!

• Dietary Restrictions: Dairy Free Options Available and Guilt-Free Options!

Hot pink ice cream cone with Halo Top’s Peaches and Cream Soft Serve!

I love ice cream but I hate dieting! I was thrilled when I discovered Halo Top at my local Ralphs, finally, a low-calorie ice cream that is delicious! I love everything about this brand, their marketing, flavors, and was so excited to hear the news that an ice cream scoop shop was opening near me! 

2020 UPDATE: A lot of the scoop shop locations have closed but The Grove is open with the same options as my visit to Century City! The Grove location is right in front of Nordstroms where Haagen Dazs used to be. It’s best to grab a soft serve cone and enjoy it near the fountain!

Don’t forget to check out our complete list of Best Ice Cream Scoop Shops in Los Angeles

Halo Top Scoop Shop - Century City - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu Flavors

If I buy the pint, I’ll want to eat the whole thing! Here you can get not only your favorite pint flavors but also incredible soft serve options! Since I can get a pint anytime at my local Ralphs, I wanted to try something different so I went for the soft serve. I tried all three soft serve options - Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peaches & Cream. All were tasty, but the peaches and cream flavor was perfect for the warm summer day!

There were so many different options from 4 different kinds of cones to ice cream sandwiches and ICE CREAM TACOS! Also, the cones came in the best colors - pink and a bluish turquoise!

Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu

Halo Top Ice Cream Scoop Shop

Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu

It was also chock full of topping options to add to your delectable treats.

Toppings bar at Halo Top

I was debating on what my base should be, and when I heard they had pink ice cream cones, I knew it was a must (and it matched my nails!). 

YUM! If you get the chance, grab a cone or a taco and always add sprinkles on top! 

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Giapo - Best Ice Cream (and fanciest) in Auckland, New Zealand

Ice Cream Review: Giapo Haute Ice Cream

• Location: 12 Gore St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

• Website: Giapo Ice Cream

• Pricing: Generous portion that is hand-crafted with fancy edible embellishments ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars for that

• Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy for gelato)

• Dietary Restrictions: Halal, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free options available

• Take-out/Pickup: Pickup and local delivery service available - Download their app in the Apple app store or Google Play!

Giapo Ice Cream in Auckland, New Zealand

We stopped in Auckland, New Zealand while on our honeymoon and found the best ice cream shop with the fanciest treats I've ever seen.

Giapo is for the people who are ready to see ice cream as a platform for freedom and art. Giapo is for anyone who dares to strive for more.

Gianpaolo Grazioli (Giapo) and his wife Annarosa Petrucci just want to make the best ice cream in the world, from the bottom of the world. Their story is so cute, they met in high school in Southern Italy and are now making big strides in the ice cream industry. Italian culinary tastemaker website, Dissapore, named Giapo one of the top 10 gelaterias in the WORLD.

Giapo looks at ice cream as art and is a great innovator! Even the entrance was gorgeous and inviting. 

Giapo Ice Cream Shop

Our ice cream designer was a hoot! So much personality and helped us figure out if we wanted hokey pokey or chocolate evolution. Everyone was so nice and you could tell that they loved their job!

Sassy Ice Cream Scooper! Loved her!

Giapo Ice Cream Menu

I loved the creative names of the flavors, though it made it hard to order because I had no idea what was in "Kiss Kiss." These one-of-a-kind flavors included the classics, and there's always an Aotearoa Garden seasonal special.

Giapo Ice Cream Menu

Giapo Squid Ice Cream Cone - @giapokitchen Instagram

During these new times, they have posted their menu online and you can order through the app, then easily pick up your order in front of the store!

The colossal squid cone is one of their most famous ice cream cone designs, but they have many other beautiful creations. See their Instagram @giapokitchen for more.

Giapo Ice Cream Menu 2020

All toppings are handcrafted in the shop. Luxuriously appointed cones and chocolate cups that make the Giapo ice cream spectacular for both eyes and taste buds. Just look at the exquisite gold hazelnuts in the first picture!

Ice cream artists scooping and designing away!

If we were staying longer in NZ, I would have loved to take their Ice Cream Masterclass, where you can prep, make, and create your own luxurious concoction. There’s even a kitchen tour, which I would have also loved!

Giapo New Zealand Ice Cream

For bookings see more info here giapo.com or contact them via email giapo@giapo.com or whatsapp us here.

I'm in love with this place! I wish New Zealand wasn't so far from California! Please open a shop here, Giapo! 

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Terrifying Shark Scuba Dive at Stuart's Cove - Nassau, Bahamas | Video Included!

SHARKS?! ARE YOU CRAZY? Yup. It sounded like a good idea when we signed up, well maybe not a GOOD idea, but sounded like fun. Stuart’s Cove is famous for their Shark Dives and they offer a variety of different dives. I had been to the Bahamas before and had admired the sharks in the tanks at the Atlantis resort, but never thought I’d be inches from them!

*SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL VIDEO!*

Reef Shark Dive - Bahamas

SHARK DIVE ADVENTURE IN THE BAHAMAS

We went with the Shark Adventure Two-Tank Dive and there was NO CAGE! Stuart Cove’s Shark Adventure takes you deep down to get up close and personal with the Caribbean Reef sharks. We were staying at the Atlantis Resort, which they arranged for pickup as part of the dive package.

See all Stuart Cove dive packages including shark feeding, shark awareness, shark shooting (video), reef dives, and Snuba! Our scuba dive with the sharks in the Bahamas cost $182 for a 2-tank dive, all equipment, and shuttle to the dive shop and back to the hotel! Not a bad deal!

Once we arrived at the dive shop, we suited up and headed for the boat. There were many briefings on how this dive was going to work and that you need to stay calm so the sharks stay calm. The sharks really don’t want to eat you, but if you move your arm real quick they might think it’s a fish. Soooo basically I just didn’t move for 30-40 minutes.

We did a regular free swim dive first to get comfortable seeing sharks but not getting too close. There were a few sunken barges that were cool to check out and could see the sharks from a safe distance.

I don’t see any sharks behind me…

Then it was time for the Shark Dive! The briefing included clear instructions that we would all come down and head to the “Arena” where we would be placed in pairs, creating a semi-circle for the Divemaster to put on his greatest show. We were told to either sit on our knees or lay on your belly. There was a bit of a current, so it was harder to balance on my knees and I ended up slowly moving down to my belly.

The bait box and my new friend

Once you enter the Arena, the Divemaster brings out the bait box and feeds them like pets! Sharks would swim by almost knocking you over with their fins! There were more sharks than I had anticipated but it was pretty cool!

The sharks are so large and scary looking but there was one that looked like he was smiling. Although I think a hook ripped the side of his mouth, so let’s go with smiling. It was terrifying and amazing; I’m so glad we have it on video so we don’t have to do it again (but I highly recommend the experience😉)!

HAPPY SHARK WEEK EVERYONE!

This is my smiling shark friend! Doesn’t he look happy to see me?!

Now for our Shark Dive video!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

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Shark Dive Bahamas

Shark Dive Bahamas

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Do You NEED Travel Insurance?

For the crazy and unprecedented events of 2020, travel insurance might be more important now more than ever for future trips! Make sure you’re protected for delays, illness, lost luggage, and even natural disasters—the best travel insurance can soften the impact of unforeseen events.

How do you get travel insurance? How does travel insurance work? How much does travel insurance cost? ALL great questions that can be answered in this ultimate Travel Insurance Guide from Consumer’s Advocate.

PRO TIP: We typically book travel on our credit cards that offer travel insurance, just make sure you read the fine print!

You never know who’s watching you. Look out for pickpockets! ;-)

5 Interesting Facts About Travel Insurance

1. Buzzkills - Standard in most travel insurance policies is a drug and alcohol exclusion that won’t payout if you’re intoxicated. So… don’t get hurt after that mai tai in the fun tiki glass with the tiny umbrella.

2. How much does travel insurance cost? It depends on what type of coverage you end up getting. Typically costs range about 4-10% of the trip price. However, premium coverage or Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policies can be a bit more expensive. But if you can cancel a $3000 trip for $100, isn’t that worth it?

3. Event Cancellations - Allows for the cancellation of the trip if the specific reason for the trip--an event such as a concert or festival--is canceled.

4. Medical Coverage - If you are injured on your trip, some policies will fly a relative to take care of you or even emergency transport to your hospital of choice around the world. However, if you are being adventurous, check out extreme sports (bull riding, cave diving, and mixed martial arts) in the Explorer Plan vs Standard Plan activities (kite surfing, ice hockey) coverage here.

5. Loopholes--as they’re commonly understood--do not exist in insurance policies. While coverage can be denied for a number of reasons (drug or excessive alcohol use, for instance), those reasons are clearly laid out in the policy contract. 

Zip-lining in Maui, Hawaii

5 Different Types of Travel Insurance Coverage

1. Basic cancellation coverage: Covers you for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses under a fixed set of circumstances outlined in your policy. ​​​​​​ You can make a claim when have to cancel a trip due to:

   • A health emergency or illness, for example. Depending on the policy you choose, you may also be able to make a claim

   • If you’re laid off from work or you’re called for jury duty (depending on the policy chosen).

   • If your travel provider has to cancel your trip due to a natural disaster in the destination city.

2. Trip delay insurance: You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses you incur as a result of your trip being delayed

   • Usually included with cancellation coverage.

   • Meals, hotel charges, and taxi fees are among the expenses covered.

   • Short departure delays are not covered; policies set a minimum number of hours for covered delays.

3. Trip interruption coverage: protects you in the event you have to return home due to an emergency once you’ve already started your trip.

   • It will likely pay for the cost of getting you home and getting you back to your destination once you’re able to travel again. 

4. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR): Offers the fullest coverage but may only make sense for you if your calendar is subject to change at a moment’s notice. 

5. Specialized Event Coverage: covers special events for most cancellations (i.e. outdoor game gets rained out)
   
   Have high-value items (phone, laptop, camera, etc.)? Make sure your items are within the limits of your policy; and if not, consider increasing your policy coverage! 

So do you NEED travel insurance? Probably a good idea if you’re planning in 2020!

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Do You NEED Travel Insurance?

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PACKING SECRETS: What to pack and what to leave at home when wine tasting in Napa!

PACKING ESSENTIALS for wine tasting in Napa Valley in Northern California plus FREE packing checklist!

We go to Napa about once a year, so I’m sharing my packing secrets with you! Layering is very important as mornings and evenings tend to be cooler in Northern California no matter what season it is! Here are year-round suggestions for what to pack for Napa!

Related Post: How to Spend a Weekend in Napa - Complete Itinerary

Download our FREE Napa packing list!

Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Napa does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!

Want a FREE printable/downloadable pretty travel checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!

Click the image to shop Great Dress Options for Napa that Won’t break the bank!

CLOTHING TO PACK FOR A WEEKEND IN NAPA

1. Dresses - I love wearing short dresses around the wineries and to maxi dresses to dinner. During Winter, I pack cute sweaters for the day and maybe a dress for a fancy dinner.

2. Stay Warm - For mornings and cooler nights bring a sweater or three. During Winter, it can get to 50 degrees during the day and even cooler at night; so I’d pack a cute coat!

3. Workout Clothes - If you need to sweat it out! Some great scenery to run around Napa or hit the hotel gym.

4. Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures

5. Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings.

6. Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!

7. Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key

8. Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch

9. Bubble wrap or a travel wine bag - If you think you will be purchasing some wine, bring some bubble wrap or something to put wine in and then pack the wine in the middle of your suitcase on your way home with your clothes protecting the bottles. You’ll have to check the bag if you’re flying with wine. Pro TIp: If you sign up for a wine club at the winery, you can add your favorite wines you sampled that day and have them ship with your first order.

What not to pack: DON’T OVERPACK! Plan your outfits ahead of time and see what you can mix and match or get away with packing just 1 extra pair of shoes! Everything should fit in a carry-on. Don’t pack a wine opener with a small blade for the foil - I speak from experience.

WINE TASTING DAY ESSENTIALS

1. Comfortable Footwear - Summer is warm with a breeze, Fall and Spring can go either way, Winter can be cold and rainy. No matter when you go, cute and comfortable shoes are always a great idea.

2. Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!

3. Camera - Napa Valley is picturesque, take it all in and take a photo!

4. Compact Travel Umbrella - Northern California is often rainy! Check the weather in Napa before you go!

5. Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!

6. Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the car, in the room, or just to enjoy with some wine!

7. Cute tote or purse - You’ll need something to hold the above. If you have a designated driver, bring a small purse, and leave some things in the car!

What not to pack: Don’t bring your make-up bag, tons of lotions, or heavy things in your bag. Your day will typically consist of walking around or standing, don’t put too many things in your purse.

Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!

TOILETRIES FOR NAPA

1. Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)

2. Deodorant - Might be considered a basic, but something you really don’t want to forget!

3. Sunblock - We like to walk the vineyards or sit on a patio, protect your skin!

4. First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case (so much wine)!

5. Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file

6. Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.

7. Hairbrush and Comb

8. Hairspray/Gel

9. Hair ties and Bobby pins - Never know when the wind will pick up and no one likes hair in their wine.

10. Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Get Instagram ready!

11. Feminine Products

ELECTRONICS FOR NAPA

1. GoPro - Get those driving shots with a camera mount on your car!

2. Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot

3. iPad - load it up with shows for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.

4. Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine.

5. Headphones - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices

6. External battery - keep your electronics charged!

7. Cables - don’t forget your charging cables

See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane 

Want a FREE printable/downloadable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION

Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!

Travelpro Crew 11 - Softside Expandable Rollaboard Upright Luggage, Black, Carry-On 22-Inch

Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but 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! 

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Napa Packing List for a Wine Tasing Weekend

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Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials Checklist for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!

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Packing Essentials for Wine Tasting in Napa Valley, California

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Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage and the little black cone | Downtown Los Angeles

Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage

• Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

• Website: littledamage.com

• Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price (one free topping included -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for that)

• Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy soft-serve)

• Dietary Restrictions: Vegan option always available

• Take-out: Local delivery service available

I had been wanting to visit Little Damage for a long time and always saw on social media how the line went out the door and wrapped around the corner. I waited until winter to finally check it out and it was definitely worth the hype!

Little Damage counter and menu with a list of their flavors!

ABOUT LITTLE DAMAGE

Little Damage is known for its devilish, black charcoal waffle cone. It gives a unique look against contrasting colorful soft serve or bright sprinkles. Flavors often rotate as they make their ice cream in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms and zero preservatives.

Little Damage Ice Cream Quote - “I licked it, so it’s mine!”

LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM QUOTES

The shop is small but has cute neon signs with fun sayings like:

“I licked it, so it’s mine”

“Cute but psycho, but cute”

“I like love you”

Are you singing the “Cute but Psycho” song too?

Little Damage neon sign quote - Cute but psycho, but cute

HOW IT TO ORDER AT LITTLE DAMAGE

I mean it’s not complicated but here we go: there are a handful of flavors listed on the wall, pick one of those plus a free topping from the selection of topping jars on the counter!

Kiki n Cream was blue! Tasty with crumbled Oreos on top!

LITTLE DAMAGE IS SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDLY

This place is an Instagram dream! So many great spots for social media pics from neon signs to spots on the side walk out in front! They even have a FREE photo booth in the back to entice you to take pics with your ice cream and post to social media!

Cute outline for Instagram pictures of gothic ice cream in front of Little Damage

In conclusion (because that’s how you end a good blog post, right?) if I’m in DTLA, I’d stop here again for a gothic black ice cream cone!

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

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

Ice Cream Review: Little Damage Ice Cream DTLA

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