Showing posts with label Hawaii. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawaii. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Maui 2017

Hubby and I go to Hawaii with our friends, Mark and Karen once every three years.
This year it was Maui.  We go to the beach. Everyday, it is a beach day.
We visit different beaches to change it up.

 We find good food.  We are always looking for the best Mai Tai, the best coconut dessert and the best food truck.  Oh, and the best music.  We found the best food trucks, music and beer at the Maui Brewing Company.  Kimos, in Lahaina is a tradition too.
 At the beach, every day, all day. Like a job!
The best Mai Tai was at Monkey Pod, a Peter Merriman restaurant. 
The coconut cream pie at the Monkey Pod was disappointing.  Sorry Chef Merriman, my coconut cream pie is heaps better.
I don't have a picture of the pina colanda cake at Tommy Bahama's restaurant but I can vouch for it.  It was full of favor, moist and creamy.
 Surprise! Another beach day.  We do go for walks and we spend a lot of time in the ocean bobbing and body surfing.
 While on the beach, we read and always go through a pile of books.
 Some days we sit by the pool and read after we come up from the beach.  This was our last afternoon before our red eye flight.
 If you see a theme of beach, delicious cocktails and food and  relaxing, you'd be correct.
 I usually take a lot of pictures of the flowers in Hawaii but I was *sick this trip and I didn't take as many pictures.  A flower garnishing a cocktail was an easy shot.
We had a wonderful vacation and we are counting down the days until we can go back.

Aloha!

*I had a disgusting cold that ended with all sorts of complications.
I slept most of yesterday and have antibiotics so this can only get better.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Random Monday

 I've got some random today.  

Pie Pals Update
The Pie Pals are eating some glum pie because Miss Becky moved to North  South Carolina. We plan to eat pie without Becky but it won't the same.
 We went to Holly's house and had a test before we ate pie.
 We all passed and received our Snowpocalypse  2017 Badge.
Everything is cute and fun at Holly's house. It made me want to collect badges like a Girl Scout.
Her pecan pie was delish!
We had one last pie before Miss Becky left us.  I made coconut cream pie and hosted at my house.
Remember Pie Fixes Everything so while we were sad about Becky leaving we enjoyed the pie and since it was a sorrowful occasion everyone had seconds. That and a champagne cocktail helps.  
All better.
3, 2, 1... MAUI
I've been gathering dollar paperbacks to take to the beach and have a fairly decent stack.
Last trip to Maui I ran out of reading material and had to go to the free pile and take whatever was left. I'm not Harlequin Romance reader but I did it. Ugh. This year I'm ready!
 I have a new swim suit and cover up.  The shoes were in my closet and just in case I want to wear heels to the pool I can.  Every eventuality.  I'll keep you posted on the shoes and the amount of luggage.  #thestruggleisreal
 Karen and I made dinner reservations for the week. Oh my! We are going to have some fun.
It'll pretty much be our Hawaii routine but this old lady is buying a chair.  I plan to set it at the surf's edge and soak it all up.
Pretty much a beach day every day.  We've done the educational, touristy things in Hawaii.

Back in the Classroom
I am substitute teaching!  It is going well and it's fun to be back in school.  I can work without having to ask off for vacations, Hubby's days off and summertime.  I have met some great students and teachers and always come home with fun stories to share with Hubby.
I love saying the Pledge of Allegiance with a classroom of kiddos.  It gives me good chills.
I am amazed how many times a first grader falls out of their chair.
I love aha moments.
I love second grader jokes.
I now know the thumb between two fingers means that someone needs a bathroom pass.
If one little person says they need to see the nurse, there will soon be an epidemic. Because when they hear that word they all think of something that hurts and needs attention.  It's a fine line, folks.

I am having a good time.

A teacher asked if I had any jobs for this week. I teach on Tuesday and then I said I had a cut and color on Wednesday.  She thought that's what I was calling a kindergarten assignment.  Nooo, I'm getting my hair done before leaving for Maui.  Haha I am going to laugh about that for a long time.

Aloha!

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Tami's Travel Tips

We have some vacations this Spring.  I have a few traveling tips to share.  
Getting my vacation game on!

Concealer and foundation in a contact case. I mark the top with a C and an F using a sharpie. Less glass, less stuff, makes me happy.
 I always put in a fresh pair of contacts on the morning that we leave.  Even though I have more than one pair of glasses I only take one.
 I leave eye shadow and blush at home and take a Clinique sampler.  One item instead of three, works for me.
 I choose one lipstick, that way I take one lip pencil.  And I usually take a Clinique sample so my good MAC lipstick doesn't melt or get lost.
 How many times do I have to tell you to take Meclizine for motion sickness?  I use it for flights, cars, amusement parks, boats, ferries, buses or swimming in the ocean.  I take one every day I'm on a trip, in the morning.  It does not cause drowsiness. 
 If I am going to be poolside or at the beach I only bring water proof mascara.  I use the white tube for everyday but if I'm on a trip I use up the little samples.
 Nordstrom is great about including samples in my order and I use them on trips.  Because they are tiny.
 I love it when they send me a perfume sample that is a spray.  Happy dance!
My hairdresser, Glenda, who I LOVE, gave me this tip. Use shampoo and conditioner samples on trips.  I don't if I am gone longer than a weekend, I have refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles for those trips.  When camping is where these little samples are brilliant! No more leaving your shampoo in the campground bathroom.  Grab your towel and samples and head to the camp shower.  Brilliant!
No matter where I am going I take two black tee shirts.  I wear them with jeans, shorts, white jeans, and my black skirt.
I have a robe and pjs that I only use for travel.  It's lightweight.
I only pack jewelry that is costume and that can be worn more than once.

I am not a flight attendant but I do wear a uniform when on flight.  I have a black knit skirt.  It's cute, it has little layers and so when I get to my destination I can pair it with a black tee, heels, and some jewelry and it almost equals a little black dress.  Back to my uniform... black skirt, black tee, black leggings and a jean jacket or black cardigan.  When I fly to a warm tropical location I lose the leggings before I leave the airport.  I usually wear flats or sneakers.  I keep flip flops in my purse and put those on before I leave the plane.
Basically I am in something as comfy as pjs yet the black makes it look dressy.  I can go from climate to climate with ease.  If I have a night flight I pack a small blankie or a wrap.  If it's a short flight I sometimes just wear jeans. I need a pair of jeans while I am on the trip but I don't want to take the room in my luggage I wear them.

If we fly Allegiant we check our bags because you have to pay for carry on any way.  I know it's nice to not have to wait for luggage but there is a very cranky Allegiant employee in Bellingham that no matter how hard you try to follow the rules of carry on luggage she will find something and shame you.  "Whose bag is THIS?"  
It's not worth it.  If you are going to battle with her take your tape measure and be ready.

I try to pack light in every way until I have to make decisions about shoes.  If always ends badly.  I aspire to pack as light as Marjean and to look as cute as her.  Mad skills!

Hubby and I are fortunate as his Mom shares her Worldmark timeshare with us. They have a washer and dryer in each unit. I don't like to do laundry on vacation but it's nice to know I have that option.

I buy inexpensive used books to take along, then read'em and leave'em.
If we are flying to Hawaii I put a swimsuit in my carry on bag or purse so if my luggage is lost or delayed I can wait poolside.
An empty water bottle and snack in my purse. Leslie gave me a water bottle that filters the water.  It removes that icky, I'm not at home, hotel water taste.
A clean pair of footie socks for long flights, I am more likely to sleep if my feet are cozy.
This brings up night flights. We have one in April. I wear my comfy uniform, take my blankie, my travel pillow and earplugs. I take a Tylenol PM prior to boarding, magnesium to keep my legs from getting restless and I hydrate.  I brush my teeth, take out my contacts and wash my face prior to boarding.  Just as though I am going to bed.  Because I want to sleep!

On my last flight two teen age guys sat next to me, They got on with smoothies and coffees from Starbucks.  The guy next to me took the lid off his coffee and the lid went skidding across my lap, foam side down.  He was mortified and I was glad I wore black. I carry wipes in my bag and I was happy I had them. Just a little pack in your purse for spills and boys.

Hubby likes the window seat, I like the aisle.  If it's two seats in the rows we are happy.  If not, we sit across the aisle from each other.  I'm not a fan of bathrooms on planes but it's good to stand up and stretch.  You may ask Karen, I attract crazy on airplanes like a moth to a flame. So, I need to be able to get up, if only for a few minutes.

We had to replace our luggage a few years ago because it was too heavy.  Our wheels go both ways and that is great.  One of those things that you don't realize you need until you have it.

Please share your tips. Flying isn't fun any more but at the end of the day it's vacation and poolside or the beach for me.  I know you will have some good tips for me.

If you would say a lil prayer for me, Hubby and I are sharing a suitcase and he is going to see how many pairs of shoes I am taking to Las Vegas...

Bon Voyage!

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Good, Beautiful, Bad and Best

THE GOOD:
In a very official drawing on the dining room table I chose a cook book winner.
Adie S. is the winner!  I'll get it to you, Adie.  Congratulations!
I wish I could give everyone a copy but that's not possible.
THE BEAUTIFUL:
 On Saturday I got to go wedding dress shopping with Kassie.  She intended to just look and get an idea of what was available.  So many choices.
 In between shops we had brunch and a mimosa.
 Kassie's Mom, Grandma and sisters came with her too.  Her Grandma Catalina was so cute.  She kept whispering to me, I can get her a sweater.  The Spanish word for a crinoline is very pretty, I wish I could pronounce it like Catalina.  She told me that she always tells Max that he is so tall and handsome.
I told her, well stop it.  We don't need that guy getting all full of himself.

Kassie found a gorgeous dress and it seemed that everyone in the shop was holding their breath until she said YES.  There was cheering and applause throughout the shop.  I don't think Kassie realized how beautiful she looked and that all eyes were on her.  The mamas cried.
THE BAD:
 I cannot stand this Northeast stinkin' wind any more!  I love cold and I love snow but the wind! Ugh!
I hate those 50 mph gusts!

THE BEST:
So I am counting the days until my sunny trips start.  First Palm Springs and then Maui this Spring.
I know I am spoiled.  Poolside. Poolside. Poolside is my favorite word.
Going to the beach, going to the beach, going to the beach is my favorite sentence.
Aloha, stay warm, my friends!
If your power goes out I do have wood heat so come on over.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Maui Adventures

 On our trip to Maui we had two days off the beach.  Our first was a snorkel cruise on the Trilogy V.  I was hoping to run into Kai (Sam's friend) but he was on a different Trilogy cruise.  We have snorkeled but not ever taken a boat out to snorkel.  I took my trusty Rugby Meclizine HCl 12.5 mg USP Antiemetic Caplets to prevent getting seasick.  I was fine.  I am a bit paranoid about boating.  I generally go on boats that are tied up at the marina, visit with friends and enjoy a cocktail and then get off the boat prior to departure.  When I signed us up for the snorkel cruise I was thinking about the fish I'd see, the fun we'd have and wasn't really thinking about the boating(usually fraught with danger) I'd be doing.  Turns out, I did better than some others in our party.  The seas were rough, my friend.
 It was a wonderful day.  I saw coral gardens and sea life that was so beautiful, I was in awe.  We don't have an underwater camera and I did regret that because it would have been fun to identify the fish we saw under the sea.  The captain and his crew were fun and took good care of us.  They fed us fresh fruit and cinnamon rolls in the morning and a delicious lunch with salad, rolls, chicken, rice and ice cream sundaes.
I kind of have a hankering to watch the Little Mermaid again.  Or Finding Nemo.
 The next day that we spent off the beach was the Road to Hana.  I took my trusty Rugby Meclizine HCl 12.5 mg USP Antiemetic Caplets to prevent getting carsick.  I was fine.  The scenery was beautiful.  So many people had told us that we HAD to take the road to Hana because it was so gorgeous, and we'd see amazing things.  Blahblahblah...  I'll admit I didn't really want to go since I get motion sickness and it meant missing a day on the beach.  But if nothing else I'm a good sport and I jumped in the car with a fairly good attitude.  All those years of preaching to my guys about peer pressure and I totally caved and went on the Road to Hana.
 We stopped at Ho'okipa lookout to watch the surfers and 
 in Paia for coffee.  Everyone was having fun.  At this point it was all good.  
And then we headed up the road.
Beautiful scenery, for sure.
 We saw waterfalls, lush forests and many other tourists.
I gave up the front seat because I felt pretty good.  Someone, who shall remain nameless, started to feel pretty rotten.  His skin tone matched his t-shirt and he was practicing his Lamaze breathing but we drove on BECAUSE everyone that's been to Maui told us we HAD to go on the Road to Hana.
 More water rushing through the forests and many more tourists.  Everyone in the car starting to feel sick.
WHY?  Because we fell for the peer pressure and HAD to take the RoadToHeck!
 Let's get off this crazy train and go to beach?  Hello!  Yes please, let's turn around, get off this road, get off   this mountain and get back to the beach where we belong.  On our way home we slowed down to see the rainbow trees, deferred getting out the car and shot a picture from the car.  Why waste anymore time in the car when we can be on the beach where everyone is happy, the sunshine can reach us and no one feels like they might have to throw up?
Yes, it's pretty, yes, it's a mountain, yes, there are waterfalls, yes, the road is curvy and yes, I can get all that at home.  If you like being tortured take the Road to HanaHeck while in Maui.
 As for me and my toes, we will stay on the beach.  Aloha.
 This is not a paid ad for my trusty Rugby Meclizine HCl 12.5 mg USP Antiemetic Caplets to prevent getting motion sick.  I don't get paid to write this blog and have no sponsors.  BUT I don't leave the house without my trusty Rugby Meclizine HCl 12.5 mg USP Antiemetic Caplets to prevent getting air sick, motion sick or sea sick.  They are sold over the counter and cost about 4 buck.  Worth. Every. Cent.  Mahalo.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Tour of Beaches

Mark, Karen, Hubby and myself agree on where we want to spend our time while in Hawaii. 
It's on the beach for  us!
We started our tour of beaches in the Lahaina Kaanapali area and went from there to DT Fleming, Kapalua beach, Kamole I, II, III, Big Beach, Napili, Waliea and back to Big Beach.  Some we stayed for mere minutes and some we stayed for long days.
The sand was so pretty at Big Beach.
 We found Merriman's after a day on the beach for pupus and mai tais.  We walked right up from the beach and had such a great time on their deck.
From morning to sunset we were on the beach.  Swimming, snorkeling, reading, chatting, making friends with  local dogs, enjoying food truck fare, walking, beach combing for shells.  It's the best!
We spent two days away from the beach, I'll share those days next on the blog.