Weekends: Fair Game for Vacation!!

Welcome to Europe! Okay, I think I am officially over my few months of culture shock. I'm finally getting used to living in Italy! It is so easy to travel here, many places are a short day trip drive for us. Switzerland took us 2 hours, Milan is an hour and Venice is less than 2 hours. So my new self appointed job has become, "official family event planner." Yes, I made that up. It doesn't usually go over too well with the hubby at first, (we're spending too much money, you're high maintence...blah blah blah) but then we all have fun and really enjoy the experience. SO.....I have planned out our events for the rest of the year...

This really amazing Beach resort in Jeselo, Italy is our next trip. It's a 2 hour drive, and a 20 minute ferry ride from Venice. We actually got a friend of mine that agreed to watch the girls for the weekend, while we enjoy our anniversary trip (gasp!)...Its over 10 miles of beach with Europe's largest water park right there on the beach. Our hotel serves us breakfast on the our own private beach and there's an annual sand sculpture competetion. I'm really excited. We've been enjoying traveling so far and our "been there" list is getting longer!...Belgium is planned for September. Germany in October then New Years eve in Paris, France! Welcome to Europe, where every weekend CAN really be a vacation!

Places You Should Know//Rumor Boutique: Las Vegas

So I FINALLY was able to get my vacay on last week. It was a great trip and I went with a few blog friends to the one and only VEGAS!!!! Being that this was my first trip as a legal adult to Sin City, I wanted to make sure I induldged in everything the city had to offer! The thing that most stuck out on the trip was our lodging location. If you've never heard of the Rumor Boutique Hotel located off the strip, get yourself acquainted!!

The swank hotel is located across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel, making it easy to find yet not caught up in the hustle and bustle of a bigger hotel. Our staff was very attentive AND our bartender Brian, made the most delicious & nutritious beverages known to man!

Once through the lobby, a lush pool & cabana area await. Also an abundance of lounge areas, hammocks and tables are arranged and available for small or large parties.

And suga the rooms... HEARTED EM!!! The have a range of suites and junior suites to cater to any budget! And I loves me some purple!

The best part of the hotel were the flexible accommodations. Since I went with an organized party of military folks, we were able to get a good deal on a block of rooms simply by providing a code. SCORE! So if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path stay that is still loads of luxury, please check out this hotel! CS approved!!!

 

Out & About // Paradise Cove

Last weekend, I had the absolute pleasure to attend the Paradise Cove luau, located in Ko'Olina with my good friend AC. When I tell you it was a great show, great set up and good food, please bah-leeve it! The drive from Hickam Air Force was about 25 min, and it was set in a beautiful location.Get into the following pics and book your flight on over to attend!

Click HERE to check out the site and what packages they offer (Gold sticker bish right here! LOL)

Welcoming us into the Cove... so pretty and lush!

Such beeeeutiful landscape! Paradise!

He got high!

My "Ready to eat pig" face!

Gorgeous sunset *sighs*

Gimmie that swine!!!!!

Hoola girls!

Great dancers! (And I got a lil peek LOL)

Out & About // Kailua Beach

This weekend me and the kiddies went out to our favorite town Kailua and just had a day of kickin it together. *sigh* I love spending time with those guys! The town is about 30 min. away from the air force base and boasts an array of eateries & beach themed fun.Towards the end of the day, I took us to the Kailua beach just to take a lil stroll along the shoreline. I LOVE the powdery sand here, it just melts in your toes! Total BLISS! 

Dig our views of the afternoon sun and sand!

 

Out & About // Hanauma Bay

This go 'round, me and the kiddies decided to hit up a serious tourist spot: Hanauma Bay!!!

This place is famous for is beautiful coral reef, tropical fish and if you get lucky, you can also get a glimpse of sea turtles! (aka Dude Crush from Nemo, as I was corrected by my son. LOL!) We didn't get to see any sea turtles *insert sad face* but we DID enjoy the beautiful views and snorkeling!! That was defiantly a first for the fam, so we had a great time! And I ended up getting a tan. No really, arms look like charcoal and chest looks like flour. LOL!

It was a great time and we will be coming back. I needs to see my turtles!!!

A view from the top. Yikes!

The steepest dayum hill EVER! I almost lost my life!

My fat, porky leg in the shot, and my sister is the spot by the shore. LOL!

Marquise and I in the shallow end. He gave me strict rules about staying there!

On our way back home. Up the dangerous slope. Bye Hanauma!!!

Out & About // Pali Lookout

On Monday, we decided to go to Kailua to eat, just to shake up the routine Mondays here. And on our way, we always awe at the sights on Pali highway. There are so many diverse looks that on that day, I just had to stop and take it all in. Literally right off the highway, this lookout point is perfect! Not straight overlooking a cliff (my heart skips just thinking about that!) this valley area was just great. I stood in the same exact place and went to snappin, all I did was rotate. And this is what happened...
Enjoy our view!

Told you it was right off the highway!

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Photo op!

Out & About // Quest for Vintage Finds

Today, I went out to do some Vintage/Thrift shopping! I know, I know... you may not be into the world of "hand me downs" but, just in case you're thinking of trying your hand at an occasional vintage/thrift shopping trip, I found you some simple do's and dont's of shopping. I found some pretty cool things too.. pics will be up soon(er or later)!

Yes, of course, I ran across these tips on my favorite site, O.M.O. Writes! I told you I love her site, fellow "Blogger-I-Love," Samantha Smikle has some excellent advise for you newbies to thrift!

1. Pack light and appropriately. Don't bring a big, hunky bag with you. Instead, opt for an across the shoulder bag that allows you to sift through racks among racks effortlessly.
2. Pass up the costumey pieces. You'll never wear them!
3. Stick to colors and patterns that you like. If you find a cool shirt in that vintage burgundy-from- Three's-Company color, your look may come off too vintage for your virgin vintage taste.
4. Focus on what your style is and use vintage as the source for better constructed, one-of-a-kind version!

And, here are a few of my tips, I'd like to add when shopping:

1. Dress comfortably. That's a given.

2. Go alone. You won't have to to worry about being rushed or the kids whining.
3. Make sure you have nothing but time!! There are alot of items and you'll want to examine your clothing before you purchase.

4. Try on clothes. You don't want to buy something to small because then you'll just be throwing away money. You can always shower and wash clothes when you get home (I do)!

Have fun and enjoy!!

Out & About//Destination: Dole Plantation

This weekend, we needed to get out of the house. And I racked my brain on doing something a little different than the typical beach weekend. (I know, so hard to deal with. Ha!) But around my office, I heard a few folks speak about the Dole Plantation (I detest saying that word! LOL!) so I went online to their website HERE and got my peek on.

Based on everything I saw and it only being a 30 min drive, I went on ahead and decided to take us on out there! 

Yummy!!!!

The Dole *mumbles* Plantation boasts the largest maze on Earth. I'm just glad we didn't get lost in that mutha! Inside, there are "hidden" stations you have to find to complete the maze, so that was pretty fun, for a hot second. We went in the heat of day, which was a bad idea. The kids got tired of the maze after 10 min. LOL!

The entrance to the maze. Ahh!

One of the "hidden stations" to fill out your card

Also we took the train ride which was very educational, plus at the same time you get to see some amazing sights. It took us around the fields and told us how the process for collecting the fruit was done.

Pineapples in the volcanic dirt

The plantation (ARGH) fields

The kids were just stoked to ride the big red train!

 

And you know we couldn't leave without sampling the good ole fruits of their labor! MMMmmmm!

Pineapple ice cream!!!!!!

All in all, I think the kids had a good time and it'll prolly be a place on the itinerary for when we have visitors from off island. But check it out if you're ever on Oahu!

Viva Mexico!

Mexican culture has had a huge impact on San Antonio. The culture could not be more apparent than downtown in Market Square! If you're just visiting, you may practically think you were in Mexico!

I loved all the bright colors and the handbags: funky, I must buy one on my next visit! I did buy one of the windchimes below.. just couldn't pass it up! Mostly, the family and I just took in the surroundings and enjoyed each other.

However, I couldn't forget about you CS, so here are a few pics I snapped while we enjoyed a, very hot, San Antonio afternoon! Enjoy!











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