weekend looking and ticket booking

We filled our weekend with sunshine, sand, and salt water. If you had told me it was midsummer, I would have believed you. I also fit in a much needed trip to the salon which was terribly relaxing. Am I the only one that feels like they could fall asleep at any moment when someone is doing their hair? ahhhh... bliss. And right before the weekend started, I booked a ticket out to Florida for a trip to visit my dear friend! Just a few more weeks! A good weekend indeed!

on the trolley

We started off in a hurry, forgot my pepper spray (just in case of any weirdies) and realized I didn't have any cash (found out they take card too). But we made it down to the station ready to ride the red trolley somewhere. This was the moment Krew had been anticipating! His weeks of trolley sightings were finally paying off. You see, every time he sees a trolley he yells in the loudest of his little man voice, "Taaah-yeeeee!" with so much excitement and raised eyebrows! We talked about it as it flashed by our car and I asked him if he wanted to take a ride. "Yaaaaaaaa!" Well of course! I wondered if he would actually understand that we were on the trolley during our ride and yes he did!

He held his ticket proudly and waited there by the tracks. I didnt expect to see so many people when we came inside-- not the friendliest bunch either. These were the folks that took it as their daily commute minding their own business. Here comes Krew and I excited as can be for our big ride, hauling a large carseat and a purse through a narrow walkway as Krew is flailing all limbs and waves around his ticket yelling, "Tah-yee! Tah-yee!" I don't think our fellow riders were amused. We found our window seats after a few stops and Krew was the happiest boy on the tracks. He wanted to stare out of his window on his own chair (we're becoming very independent now).

To grandmother's house we go! Yes, near grandma's house is where we aimed. Krew's favorite part was when we passed other trolleys. We made it to our destination, grabbed a quick drink of refreshment after our travels, and grandma picked us up as planned. I must say, I didn't mind our friends on the trolley and I liked the fact that we didn't really have to wait for red lights! And at a few bucks a ride, I'm thinking an occasional trolley ride in the future looks real good.

Krew agrees.

to see/do/eat in Oahu, Hawaii

pictures: 1. & 2. Crouching Lion hike, 3. Waimea Valley/ Waimea Falls, 4. Secret Beach on Chinaman's hat

I have had quite a few emails asking for my recommendations for my favorite places to go and do in Hawaii. After 3 years on the island and a handful of visits before, I have compiled quite a list. I'm not sure what your goal is on your visit to the islands but remember that we are beach loving folks and our favorites might not fit your ideal visit or fit your location. I'm in the midst of compiling questions for a future f.a.q.'s page so I plan to throw a link to this on there.

But here is what we consider as our must do/see/eat in Oahu:

where to stay: (I have stayed at all of these places, and yes, I am partial to the North Shore)
$: beach houses or camping at Malekahana (north shore). They have campsites, yurts, tiny straw huts, and beach duplex houses (more info)
$$: the condos at Kuilima Estates. These are great for families or bigger groups and the price is right. Usually you get kitchens as well if you're trying to dine on a dime. (google "Kuilima Estate Rentals" for more info)
$$$: There are some amazing house rentals on the north shore OR Turtle Bay Resort. Prices vary.

to do/see:
-If you're visiting from October-March, check the surf report and go watch the north shore waves. Absolutely amazing. Pipeline, Waimea, and Sunset specifically.

-Hike Chinaman's hat: you must do at low tide to walk/swim out to the island. Ask lifeguard on beach. And don't forget to wear water shoes or flip flops to walk on the reef! ouch! Start on the north side (left side if you're looking towards the ocean) of the cement barricade and head towards the right side of the island when swimming/walking across. (more info)

-Polynesian Cultural Center: best luau on the island by far! You must go to the luau dinner and night show ( you HAVE to do this at least once in your lifetime) and it is worth every cent. You'll thank me. (more info)

-Maunawili Falls hike: not paved and may not be for all ages but a beautiful waterfall at the end! (more info)

-Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail: (paved road) (more info)

-Crouching lion hike: (not recommended for inexperienced hikers!!! Go at your own risk. Incredible views. Took us 3 hours up and 2 hours down and is a VERY intense hike with very steep cliffs. Probably one of the craziest/scariest things I have done in my life) (more info)

-Gorgeous snorkeling at Hanauma bay: avoid Saturdays or Holidays because this place gets busy but if you swim out past the shallow reef, it is unreal. (more info)

-Snorkel at Sharks Cove (more info)

-Waimea bay: go play, layout, and jump off the rock into the ocean at Waimea Bay. Be careful, if the waves are big, the shore break might not be suitable for swimming and you'll learn the hard way. Parking is a pain. (more info)

-Go for a beautiful walk/hike up Waimea Valley up to the Waimea falls. I did this at 8 months pregnant so it is suitable for all ages. Does cost $ per person. Don't forget your camera!! It is absolutely GORGEOUS! Pay the $ and go see. (more info)

-Hang out at the hidden Kawela bay (watch for turtles in the water) (more info)

-Pearl Harbor Memorial (go early!)

-Look for resting turtles on the sand or go snorkeling at Lanaikea beach (more info)

My favorite beaches to beach at:
Pipeline (more info)
Sunset Beach
Waimea Bay
pretty much anywhere on the north shore...

fun things to do downtown:
-paddle boarding or long board surfing at Waikiki: we always rented a 12 foot board to do tandem surfing. We enjoyed paddle boarding down there as well. Rentals are on the beach or for cheaper options, just go a few blocks back from the beach and I'm sure you'll find one.
-Get a rental scooter and scooter around Waikiki

to eat (with included areas):
Kahuku Grill $ Ah-mazing cheeseburgers burgers. (Kuhuku/ north east side)

Kua 'Aina Burger $ I recommend the avocado burger. (Haleiwa/ North Shore)

Storto's $ Mouth-watering sub sandwiches. My recommendation is a turkey sub (on their sub white bread, don't try to go healthy here) with everything on it plus avocado and papaya seed dressing. (Haleiwa/ North Shore)

Waialua Bakery $ Everything tastes homemade. Sandwiches are unreal. Loved the cranberry and turkey. (Haleiwa/ North Shore)

Shave ice: $ Everyone likes to go to the famous Matsumotos (the line can be horribly long) but Cameron and I always liked the General Store (more info) where we get Da'works or the Pineapple Bowl. (Haleiwa/ North Shore)

Haliewa Joe's $$ The perfect place for fresh seafood and a lovely lunch or dinner. Highly suggest! Their seared ahi or coconut shrimp is particularly good. (Haleiwa/ North Shore)

Haleiwa Thai $$ Don't forget to order coconut rice with your curry. Salty plus sweet! (panang or yellow are our fav curries) I love the ambiance and the food! Major fav! (Haleiwa/ North Shore)

Leonard's bakery malasadas $ You'll find Leonard's downtown or on the east side. Try the malasadas with filling!

Ted's bakery $ Yuuuummmmmy cheeseburgers with homemade buns. My vote for the best burger! For dessert, love their Haupia and chocolate pie or chocolate eclair! (North Shore)

Nico's or Uncle's $-$$ Both are local spots rather than touristy, really fresh fish right off the boat. (Honolulu)

Doraku Sushi $$ Cameron loved the tempura brownie but I thought all the rolls were heaven. (Honolulu/Waikiki)

Mariposa @ Neiman Marcus $$ This is one of my favorite places if you're looking for a fancier lunch. (Honolulu)

La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel $$$ French food with an amazing view of the ocean. (Honolulu/Waikiki)

*Let me know if you want a more detailed food preference. I worked as a hired companion/ assistant and have tried practically every decent and some not so decent place on the island.

To shop:
-Aloha Stadium: for all the souvenirs your heart could ever desire at inexpensive prices but this can also get really old really fast. Beware. (google for more info)
-Ala Moana mall
-Waikiki strip (the main drag in Waikiki). I love the selection of swimsuits at the Macy's here!

Feel free to send over any other questions!

overcast

On Saturday, we decided to go to the beach as a family even though it was completely overcast and not super warm. Although I do love sunny days more than anything, I can't help but like a little overcast and a warm sweatshirt.

Cameron met up with my dad and brothers and surfed for a few hours what little waves were left of the day. That left Krew and I on the beach where we like to be. Krew and I played on the beach finding treasures and pretending to be bears in caves (Krew especially loves that). A little ladybug came our way and Krew watched its every move and enjoyed it crawling around all over him. We chased seagulls and visited with dogs, there was so much to be seen. It is the cutest thing to see Krew take so much interest in little creatures around him. I love that he loves the world and I'm glad we're having fun exploring it together. After a bit of surf, Cameron came in and we finished the night with family and some delicious pizza from Pizza on Pearl.

spunky sis

Happy Friday! Leaving you with some pictures I took of my little sis! Isn't she a doll? She is an awesome gymnast, very mature, spunky, and she's someone I honestly love to hang out with! And I hear she's best dressed in her class ;)
Have a great weekend!

the park and glitter nails

We are getting really good at discovering all kinds of parks! Krew tries out every slide and every hard thing that is way too advanced and big for his little self. He has to try it alll out. And I'm there to lift him up to whatever his heart desires.
Before we left, I painted my nails a rather horrible nail combo. It looks like something I might have done in 6th grade along with covering my face with a glitter gel roller. And the one person at the park that compliments me on my nail polish, the sweet lady with rainbow extensions who tells me she was probably a clown in another life. Awesome. We ran down hills and chased bubbles (thank you Rainbow Bright for providing those with your bubble machine you brought) and had an awesome time as we usually do. And I sure do hope these nails chip quickly.

what caught my eye in the last five minutes.

Something about Pinterest is terribly therapeutic. These are a few items that caught my eye today:

1. I'm a sucker for clean white + eclectic rooms

2. this bathing suit. Pinterest has only increased my obsession with bathing suits.

3. traditional friendship bracelets gone glitz. I have got to figure out how to replicate this one. I was seriously close to buying these more affordable ones( 1, 2, 3 )from forever21.

4. putting a line of gold above liner. Simple yet edgy (pun intended)

all via my pinterest

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We had such a good weekend. So many friends and family around, it was perfection. We've got a beautiful week that lies ahead of us and tomorrow Krew and I start mommy and me swim class! I hope the pool is warm and the sun stays out so me and my little fish can swim away!

random facts

Today's 3 random facts about me, you ready?

1. 80% of the time, my makeup gets finished on the go. Rarely does it get done at home. Or I just throw on a pair of sunnies.

2. Pah-leeeeease American Idol, you are so so so stupid and so ten years ago. <--This is what I thought until... I started watching this season and now I am pathetically hooked. WHO AM I?!!! (last night was so crazy!)

3. If I had to pick between having a maid, butler, chef, or chauffeur for a year free of charge, I think I would choose a chef. But I guess then I would become rather large due to his fine cuisine and then I might have to clean up his mess so maybe I'll stick with the maid.

Okay, your turn: clue me in on today's random facts about you, my friend...

we needed a little snow

Last week Cameron and I headed to the mountains and did some snowboarding! Let me tell you how nice it was to do it again! Four years has been waaaaay too long. Cameron and I went together last for part of our honeymoon (the other half was on a cruise) and we haven't been back since (obviously, no snow in Hawaii!). It was a wonderful feeling to get back on the slopes and spend the entire day with just Cameron and I. The snow wasn't the worst for April and luckily we didn't take any big falls so we were happy. We both regretted not going earlier in the season?!! So now we're forced to put away our boards and wait until next year! Such a fun day.

bathroom redecorated

Could you believe I forgot to take a before shot?! One with creamy yellowish walls and an outdated shower curtain... I could have left all my mess out to really give it the full "before" effect. Well do me a favor, close your eyes and imagine a not so nice before shot and then open them to these! Voila! A fresh coat of paint, some old and new stuff arranged and you get our bathroom. It feels fresh and we like it. And we're glad the little bath fish approves.

paint: Frazee "Seattle Grey" and "White Shadow", ikat shower curtain :World Market, plant pot: ikea, plant: stole from grandpa, frog and trinkets: old/ collected

easter eve and easter

On Saturday, on Easter eve shall we say, we hosted a family Easter party at our house. Since I was the host, I forgot to take pictures, do my hair/makeup, make salad and everything else but at least I snapped a few during the egg hunt. It was great to have a family event at our house-- can we call ourselves grownups now? Lots of delicious food was eaten and so many eggs were found! Krew was an egg nut!! He realized candy was inside and boy was that amazing! He did so good at collecting them until his basket was full. Way to go Krew!

On Easter day, Krew was thrilled to find an Easter bunny basket containing a small library! He was thrilled with all the animal books and the word books too as he chomped on his fruit snacks. Later we went to my Aunt and Uncle's for more food and family. This is a blurry end-of-the-day shot but you get the picture. Hope you had a fun Easter! Krew had enough candy for the next year!