Sprinkles Ice Cream
Did you know that Sprinkles cupcakes also has Sprinkles ice cream? I cannot drive by without stopping for a scoop. I especially love their guilt free mini cones and cupcakes. They're open until 11pm at 952 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
Juxtaposition
When I'm traveling in the area, Juxtaposition is one of my favorite stores to get home decor inspiration from - serious eye candy. They have the best selection of designer pillows, so you can expect the price tag to match, but it's always fun to look. Check them out at: http://www.juxtaposition.com Crystal Cove Shopping Center, 7976 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most iconic landmark in San Francisco. One of the highlights of our trip was biking across the bridge to the little town of Sausalito where we enjoyed great shopping and dining. Bikes can be rented hourly from Blazing Saddles. Make sure to bring a jacket, it is usually cold and windy.
Biking in Tulum
There's just something about riding bikes that makes you feel like a kid again. I loved cruising on our bikes from our hotel La Zebra to different restaurants and to go shopping. Pure kid freedom! Bikes rentals between $5-$10 usd a day.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Grand Cenote
Grand Cenote is a perfect stop on your way home from the Coba ruins to cool off and relax. However, the later in the day you go the more crowded it will be and crowds can be frustrating. We were there during the off season, so crowds weren't a problem. The fresh water in the Cenote is crystal clear and you can see little fish swimming around and turtles basking in the sun. Bring your snorkel mask or goggles or you can rent for $80 pesos. In the caves above there are birds and bats flying around. (But it's not scary). It's so beautiful and worth stopping by. Entrance fee $120 pesos. Open 8am-6pm
Seaweed in Tulum
The seaweed problem in the Cancun, playa Del Carman, Tulum and Rivera Maya areas has been super annoying and in 2015 it was at its worst. That brown seaweed called Sargassum washed up in huge piles on the beaches. The problem is definitely getting better. You will see some seaweed washed up on shore, but in front of most hotels they rake it up and bury it every day, so you can enjoy the white sandy beaches the area is known for.
Paulina Plunge
The Paulina Plunge in Oregon was a total blast! It's a downhill waterfall mountain bike tour. It's was adventurous but not too hard. If your child can ride a bike well then they can do it. They do have bike hitches that can attach for younger riders. The water is really cold and I'm a total baby about cold water so I wore a rash guard top so I could enjoy sliding down the natural waterfalls. The kids feel no pain so they plunged right in. It's worth the money, and we will remember doing it forever. Check out http://www.paulinaplunge.com for more details and reservations.
Tacos in Cabo
Tacos shells made out of melted cheese?!? Sà Señor! If you're in Cabo and need a good place for tacos, be sure to hit up La Lupita. So yummy! Located at Calle Jose Maria Morelos s/n 23400 San Jose del Cabo, BCS, Mexico.
Cabo Surf Hotel
This a darling boutique hotel called the Cabo Surf and if you like surfing there is the perfect break that rolls right in front of the hotel all day. Or if you don't surf you can relax on the beach or in the pool. Great location and affordable. Check them out at https://cabosurf.com
Bee & Tea
Bee & Tea is a great little place to stop for a refresher in Kailua, HI. They have all sorts of teas and boba drinks. I opted for the frozen strawberry lemonade. Delicious! Located at 131 Hekili St. Kailua, HI 96734
Malasadas
Malasadas are basically the donut of Hawaii. Pipeline bakeshop malasadas are some of the best. You choose your sugar flavor, I picked chocolate and li hing (it's a salty and sweet flavor) and then they make them fresh on the spot. So yummy!! Located at 3632 Waianae Ave. Honolulu, HI 96816.
Dough
Donut worry, I've got just the place for you to satisfy that sweet tooth. If you love a good donut like I do, make sure to stop by Dough the next time you're in NYC. The hibiscus, passion fruit and blood orange did not disappoint. check out their website for the different locations http://www.doughdoughnuts.com
Tulum Ruins
The Mayan ruins in Tulum are a must see. They're different because they are set right on the beach cliffs. If I were an ancient Mayan this is where I would have lived. It can get crowded just like any tourist location so go early. After you tour the ruins you can go to the beach down below. Costs about $35-40 pesos.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Why yes, to Waikiki
Waikiki sometimes gets a bad rap, but if you like the city and the beach you'll love Waikiki, it's the perfect mix of both. I like staying in Waikiki and renting a car and taking day trips to the different sides of the island. The Ritz Carlton Waikiki is so nice, as you would expect. We scored a deal, because the hotel is under construction but we didn't even notice. The hotel isn't located on the beach, but it's not that far to walk to it. It's also walking distance to lots of shops and restaurants. When you arrive they greet you with leis and seriously have the best service of anywhere I've stayed.
Skip the restaurant and head straight to Dean & Deluca downstairs. We went there everyday, so good. Some hotel highlights: super comfortable beds, washer and dryer in the room, every toiletry you forgot to bring, beautiful colors chosen for room and hotel design, great exercise facility, infinity pool overlooking the city, heated toilet seats for the middle of the night trips and the best complimentary room snacks. At various times of the year they have free night promotions, so look for those on their website. Hotel located at 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Bakery Nouveau
When in Seattle, you must stop at Bakery Nouveau. Located at 4737 California Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116. All of their pastries are made from scratch! I highly recommend their chocolate cake, French macaroons and cheesecake. Their fresh baked bread and hearty sandwiches are also a must. We visited this bakery every day on our trip and tried just about every item on their menu. I'm currently dreaming about their twice baked almond croissant.
Raw Love Tulum
Is there anything not to love about Raw Love cafe in Tulum? Their acai bowls and smoothies are as good as they look. Note: all of the ingredients are fresh, not frozen, so they are a little thinner than you might be used to with a traditional bowl. Pay in pesos. Located at AhauTulu, they have signs pointing the way, it's on the beach side of the street. So yummy!
It's shave ice
If you want the best shave ice in Oahu, skip Matsumotos and head straight to Island Snow. Located at Kailua Beach Center, 130 Kailua Rd #115, Kailua, HI 96734. They offer macadamia nut ice cream to put on the bottom of your cup and the best flavors on top. To clear up any confusion... even though it is made with SHAVED ICE, it is called SHAVE ICE in Hawaii.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai Pillboxes are located on the east side of Oahu at 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734. It's a popular hike and is for sure worth doing. The hike will take about 30 minutes to get to the first old military bunker. Once you're at the top, you get a 360 view of the entire area, it's breathtaking. You can park in the neighborhoods below the entrance, which is marked by this sign.
1 - It is not a paved trail. The path is loose gravel and dirt. Some parts are very steep and you will need to use your hands to climb.
2 - Kids can do the hike. It is rough, but they can do hard things.
3 - Wear tennis shoes.
4 - It is hot and there is no shade at the top, bring water. Sunscreen and hats as well.
5 - Go before 10 am on three day weekends. There is a new law that closes down street parking in the surrounding areas.
6 - The sign says 'slippery when wet' and it will be a mess if it is raining. Check the weather for rain before you go. Also make sure it's not too windy if you plan on spending time at Lanikai beach after.
