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Destinations

6 of the Most Beautiful Oahu Beaches – And Where to Find Them

by admin September 19, 2019September 15, 2019

Feeling beachy? Oahu is the place to be. With a multitude of beautiful spots along the shore, you could spend an entire trip exploring beach after beach, each with their own landscape and unique qualities.

Even though you could simply drive around and explore, certain beaches are must see’s. These are the ones that you don’t want to miss under any circumstances. Unless – of course – you’re looking for a convenient excuse to come back to Oahu. (Not that you’d need one!)

Anyway, don’t worry – I put together a list of my favorite beaches on the island. This way, you can enjoy vacation without worrying about FOMO. Keep on reading to see my recommendations on the best beaches to visit while in Oahu.

September 19, 2019September 15, 2019 0 comment

An Ode to a Single Penny Abandoned in San Luis Obispo’s Gum Alley

by admin September 15, 2019September 8, 2019

A single penny left behind on the San Luis Obispo Gum Wall

Dear Penny,

Who left you here? It must have been someone who didn’t recognize your value. After all, it’s true what they say: only the wise know that every penny counts.

I know it must not be easy out here on your own. Isolated and alone… the last of your kind, among an endless and sticky landscape of chewed gum.

But hey, at least the weather is nice on the central coast of California. You can take comfort in the fact that you weren’t abandoned at Seattle’s gum wall, where the rain can be frequent and cruel. Here in San Luis Obispo, the sun shines upon you and makes you gleam, as you were meant to.

Where were you before, Penny? Buried at the bottom of someone’s purse? Hiding behind the crook of a bookshelf in a coffee shop? If I lean in close enough, will you tell me your story? Will you tell me how the new location compares?

It’s a tempting thought. Nevertheless, I’ll push aside the temptation to step closer to you. Momma warned me of the germs that chewed gum may carry, and I can’t risk disease just to get close enough to hear your secrets.

It’s been a very weird visit. Till next time, Penny.

September 15, 2019September 8, 2019 0 comment

Just Say Yes to Wine Tasting with Peacocks

by admin September 12, 2019September 12, 2019

Wine tasting in San Luis Obispo with peacocks

Imagine… it’s a picturesque summer day. The sun is shining, with an occasional breeze that makes you sigh and think, Ahh, this weather is perfect. You’re in the mood to sip on fine, fine wine in a beautiful outdoor setting. Suddenly, a thought enters your mind – one that’s inspired by that classic Katy Perry song.

“I wanna see a peacock.”

If you’re in the mood for all that’s listed above, I know where you need to go: Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, where over 150 wild peacocks roam the premises.

A short drive from where we were staying in beautiful Avila Beach, Kelsey Vineyards is open to the public daily for wine tastings. This includes limited hours on major holidays. So, you know what that means… you can get New Year’s off to the best start ever, surrounded by wine and peacocks.

Curious? Don’t blame you. Read below for all you need to know before you go.

September 12, 2019September 12, 2019 0 comment

Don’t Leave Oahu Before You Eat These 9 Dishes

by admin March 12, 2019March 12, 2019

Must-Eat Alert: Don't leave Oahu before you eat these 10 dishes...

As I mentioned in a previous post, eating is one of my biggest motivations to travel. My tastebuds get bored easily, so I’m constantly on the look-out for something new and exciting. There are very few things I wouldn’t try at least once.

It’s funny… I was the exact opposite when I was a child. You see, I would infamously only eat plain hamburgers. We’re talking plain. Not an ounce of cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise… nothing. Just a dry hamburger patty and an untoasted bun.

Oh, how things have changed. Now, I eat my way through every new city I visit. (Trust me, it’s better this way.)

Today I’m talking about the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and all of the best dishes I ate during my visit. Don’t leave Oahu without trying these 9 delicious dishes…

March 12, 2019March 12, 2019 0 comment

Hey There, Seaport Village… A Photo Diary from San Diego

by admin March 5, 2019March 5, 2019

Seaport Village... a walking tour through photos.

The best kinds of trips are spontaneous ones. The kind where you pack your bags and head out on a whim, without any expectation of what to do when you arrive.

On a Thursday night in November, that’s exactly what Matt and I decided to do.

Relaxing on the couch with Matt by my side, I felt the blues kick in. You see, whenever routine settles in, I tend to feel a little out of it. There could be nothing “wrong” in the moment, but I’ll feel a little sad anyway just because there hasn’t been enough novelty or excitement in the day-to-day lately. He knows me well, so all it took was him saying, “I think we should take a weekend trip” for me to perk up.

Within minutes, we were booking a one-night stay at a hotel in downtown San Diego. By Saturday morning, we were packing a small bag into the car, ready to make the drive from Los Angeles. When we arrived, we had no idea what to do! (I guess this is the one downside of spontaneous trips.)

Luckily, the hotel employee who checked us in had a recommendation ready: Seaport Village. Within short walking distance of our hotel in San Diego, it’s a perfect stop for a long afternoon walk. Continuing the spirit of spontaneity, we immediately took the recommendation. Here are my favorite photos from our walking tour of Seaport Village…

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 0 comment

The 10 Kinds of People You’ll See on the LA Metro

by admin February 26, 2019March 9, 2019

The different kinds of people you see while commuting on public transport in LA

If you think that Los Angeles is the city of cars then… well, you are correct. Thankfully, it’s not the only method of getting around. If you like walking really long distances, you can strap on your sneakers and pound the pavement.

Want to annoy everyone around you? Hop on a scooter, and ride it on the sidewalk! Or if you want to feel the pumping adrenaline rush of almost getting run over by inconsiderate drivers, bicycling might be for you.

For everyone else? The LA Metro is there for you.

After having spent large amounts of time on the LA Metro, I’ve concluded that you run into the same kind of characters over & over again. Daily commuters will recognize these 10 People You’ll See on the LA Metro…

February 26, 2019March 9, 2019 0 comment

How to Spend a Day on Oahu’s North Shore

by admin February 19, 2019February 19, 2019

How to spend a day on the North Shore of Oahu - The Dole Pineapple Plantation

When in Oahu, live with aloha as the locals do…

Although Oahu isn’t Hawaii’s largest island, it is the most visited – and for good reason. In Honolulu alone, there are a multitude of attractions to explore: Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and beaches with incredible views, just to name a few.

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to have an entire week in Oahu. With a week’s amount of time on my hands, I wanted to dedicate an entire day to exploring another side of the island: The North Shore.

An easy drive from the Honolulu area, the North Shore of Oahu has a couple of the island’s most famous eateries, iconic beaches, and even a particularly fruity tourist attraction. Keep reading to explore my one-day itinerary of Oahu’s North Shore.

February 19, 2019February 19, 2019 0 comment

An Easy Hike in LA (With the Biggest Pay-Off)

by admin February 15, 2019February 19, 2019

The easiest hike in LA with the best views of the Pacific Ocean

This might surprise you, but I’m not a fan of hikes. Generally speaking, I love the outdoors, but the outdoors does not love me back.

You see, I’m pale (see the side-bar for proof), and I need SPF 10,000 to have a moderate chance at warding off sunburns. Even when I take precautionary measures, my face starts to look somewhere in-between “purple heirloom tomato” and “boiled lobster” after five minutes in the sun.

… I’ll let that visual soak in. Lemme tell ya, it’s very attractive.

To top it all off, I’m not in shape. At all. The amount of huffing and complaining I do during an easy jog is downright embarrassing.

What am I a fan of, you might ask? Beautiful views. And unfortunately, to get a glimpse of those beautiful views, you have to embark on a hike every now and then.

As someone who’s a cross between a lazy sloth and an adventurer, I’ve made it my life’s mission to find the easiest hikes in Los Angeles with the biggest pay-offs. Whenever I’m in need of Pacific Ocean views, this easy hike is my go-to…

February 15, 2019February 19, 2019 0 comment

What to Know Before You Go: La Jolla Coves

by admin February 7, 2019February 19, 2019

Here's what you need to know before visiting La Jolla, and the La Jolla Coves

Oh, La Jolla, you’re such a treat. Even in the middle of winter, you’re not too cold and not too hot, with a gentle ocean breeze made for leisurely walks along the coves. It’s no wonder La Jolla is such a popular tourist destination.

Here’s what you need to go before you go: The La Jolla Edition.

February 7, 2019February 19, 2019 2 comments

What to Eat in New Orleans: The 5 Must-Have Dishes

by admin February 6, 2019February 19, 2019

Anyone who has been to New Orleans will know that while visiting, you eat until your stomach hurts. Then, you have a drink (might I suggest a Hurricane?) and then you eat some more.

Why is New Orleans called the crescent city, anyway? I don’t see what this has to do with pre-packaged ready to bake dinner rolls. (I’m kidding. And I’m really sorry for the corny joke.) In any case, I’d like to make a proposal for it to be re-dubbed the city of food.

Fearful of feeling like a beached whale? Too bad. It’s gonna happen, and you’re going to love every minute of it. Despite that growing feeling of fullness in your stomach, you won’t be able to resist having “just one more bite.”

Having grown up in New Orleans, I’m very familiar with this feeling. Spoonful after spoonful, I just keep eating until my plate is clean. I moved out over a decade ago, but whenever I go back, I rarely leave a plate unfinished.

If you’re uninitiated to the classic dishes of New Orleans, or just wondering what to eat on your visit, you’re in for a treat. I’ve compiled this list of my top five things to eat in New Orleans, along with some food photography for good measure. Please try not to lick your screen. (It’s unsanitary.)

February 6, 2019February 19, 2019 4 comments