Good morning from sopping wet Ocala, Florida!
Rain bands from Tropical Storm Isaac are streaming across Ocala today and it is wet and dreary. To my southeastern friends out there, I hope you’re staying safe!
A Big Week
You better believe I am monitoring Isaac like it’s my job because I have some exciting travel planned in the upcoming two weeks. I am leaving on Friday for my friend Leah’s bachelorette party in New Orleans which will put our little gang right in the area that Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to hit. Yikes.
Assuming it’s safe and that Tropical Storm Isaac doesn’t do too much damage, our weekend in Louisiana is ON!
I cannot wait to be reunited with these girls!
Since we’re spread out all over the country (Chicago, NYC, Boston, Washington, D.C., Orlando) we haven’t had a chance to get everyone together since 2010. We’re way overdue and I cannot wait to party it up!
As if that trip isn’t enough to get excited about, Ryan and I have an incredible vacation planned immediately after my trip to New Orleans.
We’re heading to Hawaii!!!
Sadie will be staying with my sister. She is stoked… even though she is blissfully unaware of our impending separation at the moment. She loves Leslie and likes forcing her cuddle face-to-face.
Back to Hawaii…
I was invited to Oahu on a press trip in January and couldn’t go, but I stayed in touch with the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau and jumped at the chance to attend another press trip next week. I receive a bunch of press releases every day, but this was – by far – the coolest opportunity that has come my way through the blog. I was blown away and am incredibly grateful and excited.
Ryan and I have never flown anywhere on a just-the-two-of-us special vacation. All of our trips together have been within driving distance (Atlanta, Jekyll Island) and lasted about three days. We planned to go to St. Lucia for our honeymoon, but that was canceled at the last minute due to a hurricane so we had 48 hours to plan a honeymoon and ended up going on a “Tour of Florida.” (We had a blast, by the way!)
Anyway, when I was invited to Oahu, I freaked out and pitched the idea to Ryan, saying it would be the perfect opportunity for us to enjoy our first long vacation together since my airfare and hotel costs would be covered and we’d simply have to pay for Ryan’s plane ticket, food and certain activities outside of the press trip. Ryan didn’t need much convincing and we will be spending next week on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii!
This trip is all I’ve been thinking about for a couple of weeks now and the two of us are beyond excited! If any of you have been to Oahu and Waikiki Beach and have any restaurant or activity recommendations, please, please share! We are going to be there three days before the press trip officially begins and want to make sure we hit the hot spots.
Workout
I suppose I should cover today’s workout and breakfast now, huh?
I hit the gym for week two of phase three of Tina’s Best Body Boot Camp. The workout was essentially the same as last Monday’s workout and targeted the whole body with strength exercises with some active recovery cardio and core exercises thrown in the mix. A great workout!
Breakfast
Breakfast this morning was a delicious batch of peanut butter pancakes!
I used whole wheat flour in place of the regular flour in my original recipe and they turned out great.
Anytime you combine peanut butter and pancakes, I’m a happy girl!
Questions of the Morning
- Have you ever gone on a long vacation with your significant other? Where did you go?
- Have you ever been to Hawaii? If yes, please share any recommendations!
P.S. The Fashion page was updated this morning.
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You will LOVE Hawaii. I would recommend this book, especially if you have rental car- you can see the whole island very easily!
http://www.amazon.com/Oahu-Revealed-Ultimate-Honolulu-Waikiki/dp/0981461026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346079411&sr=8-1&keywords=oahu+revealed+2012
What an amazing opportunity! I’ve not been to Hawaii but since meeting my bf in January we’ve flown to NYC for a weekend and New Mexico for a week to meet his family.
I’ve never been to Hawaii, but when I was little I would beg my parents to take me… not sure why, because I didn’t know anything about Hawaii as a little kid, but damn, I reallllyy wanted to go! haha
Please go to Duke’s Waikiki beach… if you love sweets they have the best pie in the WORLD. Its also great atmosphere for hanging out beach side. Also the North Shore is fun and you can get snowcones that do not compare to anything on the mainland.
I would also recommend Pearl Habor- it is such a special place. I would have regretted not going to visit!
we are making our 2nd trip to Hawaii in November and I am supper excited! We went to the Big Island the 1st time and are going to Kauai this time. Check out my travel blog, http://travelmiamor.blogspot.com/.
Hope you have an amazing time and take the aloha spirit in!
What an awesome opportunity! I’ve never been to Hawaii but I know several people who have gone in the last year and had an amazing time. Enjoy your trip! 🙂
do you notice a big difference in your body from tinas fitness camps? more thin, toned, etc?
I’ve lived in Hawaii for several years, it was the best! If you want a fancy restaurant, go to Indigos! It’s an Asian fusion restaurant that has wonderful flavors. Polynesian Cultural Center is always fun! Whatever you do, don’t go on the Dole’s plantation pineapple tour- the train ride is long and kind of boring! North Shore is always great! The beaches there aren’t like Waikiki, they’re more local and bit more for surfing. But, renting a surf board for the day is pretty inexpensive, and fun! If you have a chance, go to the Swap Meet. It’s held on Wednesdays and weekends. The entire parking lot of Aloha Stadium is filled up, and it’s a great way to buy souvenirs.If you go, try the Malasadas. They are sold from a van at the Swap Meet and are super yummy- but not so healthy. The best are sold at Lenord’s, but it’s a pretty popular bakery and the lines can get long- especially if you get there early in the morning for the fresh ones! If you don’t have a chance to go to the Swap Meet, Duke’s Lane is a mini swap meet located in down town Honolulu. Don’t be afraid to haggle! Getting the deal is the best part 🙂
Make sure to hit up Longhi’s! It’s a delicious place for breakfast, my favorites are their homemade quiche everyday as well as a cinnamon bun homemade in store everyday (and it’s about the size of your head!). It’s easily the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life! Have a great time!
My husband and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon and it was amazing! We actually got married the day before a snow storm (which NEVER happens in Alabama) so we had to push the trip off for three months.
If you do anything in Oahu, go hike up Diamond Head early in the morning. The view at the top is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Definitely get a rental and drive around the North Shore – it’s absolutely beautiful. We would go back to Hawaii in a heart beat. Hope you have a great time!
OH M GOSH! SO fun!!! I will be checking back on the comments because I am headed to Oahu this week for a week and a half! I’ve only know for a few days and it’s all i think about, so i can’t imagine having known for weeks!!! so exciting! I went to Maui for my senior trip, then again for my honeymoon. This time I am going with my SIL- we are both taking our babies, not hubby’s. They’re staying home to work 🙁 It’ll still be FUN! My SIL used to live there so i’ll have to comment back with all the cool places she recommends 🙂 what dates will you be there?
Ahhhh! I’m dying to go to Hawaii! Hope you have an awesome vacation 😀
My husband and I went on a 2-week honeymoon to Hawaii last year. We spent the least amount of our time on Oahu, but we loved it! I would definitely recommend going to the North Shore. We went swimming with sharks off the shore, and we had a blast! I definitely recommend it!
You guys are going to have a great time in hawaii. I was only in Oahu for a few days. We went to Pearl Harbor. Very educational and interesting. The beaches are beautiful. If you can rent a convertible… do it. I went boogie boarding seriously everyday. We took a limo around the whole island. There are these little trailers with seafood. They seem a little shady, but are so inexpensive and delish! If you have the chance to shop, try to hit any local “flea markets”. They have the best jewelry and it is seriously only a few dollars. I also loved the horseback riding and biking. There are lots of beautiful places to see off the radar.
Hey Julie!
My family and I vacationed in Hawaii several years ago and had an amazing time! Our favorite restaurant was called Merriman’s (http://merrimanshawaii.com/). It is pretty expensive, but you shouldn’t definitely splurge a bit when you’re on vacation! Also, try to go hiking on a volcano!!! It’s great exercise and super exciting! We did it in Kona, but there may be somewhere near Waikiki! Have a great time! So jealous!
I seriously lovelovelove Hawaii. I’d like to make it a goal to retire there! I don’t have too much advice since we only stayed in Waikiki for a couple days but if you are up to it, a surfing lesson and a scuba lesson are fantastic in those waters! Also, eat all the pineapple you can. You seriously will not taste a sweeter pineapple than the ones in Hawaii!
Oh my gosh how EXCITING!! I can’t wait to read about your trip!!
Have fun! I love Hawaii. Oahu is a bit touristy but rent a car for the day and drive up to the North Shore. It is beautiful up there. Best day ever!
I’ve never been on a “just us” trip but I think it would be REALLY nice <3
My husband and I just went to NOLA this past weekend for my bday! Had a blast! I know ya’ll may have everything planned, and that you asked for suggestions a while back but for what it’s worth….we really enjoyed Pat O’Brians (or Pat O’s) ..There are different area’s to hang out there but their Piano Bar was definitely the best! I know ya’ll will have a blast!!
Hope your vacay goes amazing as well!!
The Hawaii trip sounds AMAZING!!!! I am sure the two of you will have a balst.
My husband and I have been to San Francisco, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nassau, Bahamas together but they have all been 3-4 day trips. With two kiddos, I wouldn’t be willing to stay away any longer than that!!
I lived in Hawaii for six years, and all these recommendations are GREAT! I totally sugest getting “Hawaii Revealed” to my friends and family who ask me for advice. I also recommend renting a car to allow you to get out of Waikiki more easily and not be reliant on tour busses or public transit (which is SLOW and not often very reliant!)
A few more that are a little off the beaten path:
–Lanikai Beach on the Windward Side: Voted most beautiful beach in world by the Travel Channel. Go on a weekday and it will likely be almost empty!
–Kayak to the two offshore islands “the Mokes” right off of Lanikai beach. You can rent Kayaks in Kailua or go as part of a tour.
–Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe. It is like a little piece of Japan nestled in the the Hawaiian Mountains.
–My favorite luau is Paradise Cove. If you don’t want to spend the $$ and time to go to the PCC all day (also there is no alcohol at PCC) definitely check out Paradise Cove!!
–Spitting Caves in Hawaii Kai is a sideways blow-hole. It is a little tricky to find, but it is in Hawaii Revealed or just google it for directions.
–Cafe Kaila in the Market City Shopping Center just up the road from Waikiki. BEST. BLUEBERRY WAFFLES. EVER (and if there is a line they give you samples of waffles to munch on.)
–Maunawili Falls in Kailua. It is a pretty quick waterfall hike. It can get crowded and little less scenic during the weekends, but on weekdays you can sometimes have the waterfall and swimming hole to your self! You can jump off the rocks into the pool below or get a little more adventurous and climb to the right side (if you were looking at the waterfall from the end of the trail) to a little rock outcropping and jump from about 25 feet!
–Andy’s Sandwiches in Manoa Valley. If you feel like you need a little kick of more healthful food after malasadas and local plate lunches, Andy’s is the place to go!
–Manoa Falls. A short drive from Andy’s. Very quick waterfall hike.
You and Ryan are going to have a BLAST!!! I can’t wait to see your recaps and pictures!
this was so helpful! THANK YOU!!
If you get a chance go to the Polynesian Cultural Center and stay for the show at the end of the night, it is pretty awesome!
My favorite restaurant we ate at was Duke’s right on Waikiki beach! Have fun!
I was just in Waikiki and Oahu last summer! so much fun! Definitely check out Pearl Harbor with USS Arizona and USS Missouri, the history is amazing and you get to go on the ship and check out everything. We did an all day eco tour which was really neat because it took you to like 8-12 different stops: waimea falls (and you get to swim in it!), Hanauma bay, Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples), Secret Island, Nu’uanu Pali lookout, Sandy beach, Halona Blowhole, and a couple other places I can’t remember. But all around it was so much fun to see all these different places in one day.
the eco tour sounds RIGHT up our alley! SO cool.
hands down, best blogging perk ever right there.
have fun!
It’ll be Southern Decadence while you’ll be in New Orleans (its best described as gay Mardi Gras). You’ll def want to Google the event to see which bars your group should avoid or seek out… Have a blast vacationing!
My husband and I love Hawaii!! Definitely rent a car and drive down to the North Shore for the day (beautiful beaches and much less touristy than Wakiki). You must go to Dukes and sit on the patio and sip a yummy cocktail. And I def recommend hiking Diamond Head.
Hello Julie!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I really love it! You’re very genuine and positive 🙂
I’ve never commented, but today I thought I should because I live on Oahu with my husband! We live in Kailua which is on the eastern part of the island (also called the windward side). How long are you going to be in Hawaii? I definitely have some “must do” and “don’t” recommendations:
-don’t go to Dukes in Waikiki. It’s over priced and not that great!
-don’t go to dole plantation in the north shore… It’s a tourist trap!
– do go to the north shore and snorkel at sharks cove (BEST SNORKELING!)
-do go to the food trucks in the north shore, they are generally very good and cheap!
– you must must go to Kaulia (on the east side) and eat macadamia nut pancakes from boots and kimos (absolute best)
-also in Kailua: a restaurant called Cinnamons… Best omlets and cinnamon rolls!
– for dinner and drinks, please please go to Kalapawai cafe in Kailua one night!
-the best shave ice is hands down at matsumotos in haliewa on the north shore (also be sure to get an acai bowl from the tiki stand across the street from the shave ice— you won’t regret it!)
-for beaches, stick to the north shore (haleiwa or waimea bay- make sure to jump off the rock!) or the beaches of Lanikai- again near Kaulia on the windward side! Waikiki is nice, but always crowded with tourists.
-for hiking, make sure to do the pillbox hike in lanikai… Easy hike but has the best views!
-make sure to try spam at least once 🙂
I put a lot on here, but honestly there is SO much more to do. Enjoy the island!!! Feel free to email with any questions as well!!
I definitely recommend the Polynesian Cultural Center, it’s SO cool!!!
Great post Karen!
this is such a helpful comment!!! thank you, thank you! you rock, karen!
My husband and I went to Oahu last September for our 1st anniversary. We absolutely loved it! I would go back every year if I could. The North Shore is definitely worth the trip if you have access to a car, and Pearl Harbor is a must. We went on a dinner cruise one night with Navatek cruises (you can google it), and it was one of our favorite experiences. We also did the sunrise hike up Diamond Head, and I know you two would love this. Also if you have a car, the Dole Pineapple Plantation is super fun, especially if you love pineapple. If you go, you must get the pineapple ice cream & of course the fresh juice! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
A good book to read to give you background on history/culture is Moloka’i by Alan Brennert.
So exciting! Def drive to the north shore and go to Cholo’s for margaritas! Dukes, Lulu’s for the pancakes and you sit upstairs facing the ocean. It’s across from the zoo on Waikiki Beach. Take a surfing lesson while you’re there. Also, GO TO A LUAU!
How exciting! I would definitely suggest going to a luau. We went to one called Germaine’s and it was a really fun time! I also would recommend Pearl Harbor, as someone above said. I found it really interesting, and got to meet a few Pearl Harbor vets (who were adorable BTW). If you do go to Pearl Harbor, make sure to be there early in the day or have it planned in advance. Also, drink a giant fish bowl cocktail while you’re there! 🙂
Just you wait- you are going to be in complete awe of God’s creation and beauty! Never been to Oahu, but have been to Maui and Kauai twice each. Hawaii is my happy place. :). Some general recommendations: the Oahu Revealed book (blue cover) will be the best bet for finding the coolest stuff to do, and it’s written by a local, so most of the things are off the beaten path. And my biggest tip- if there is a Lappert’s Ice Cream anywhere on the island, go find it! The best ice cream on the planet!!!! Caramel Coconut Macadamia Nut will be your newest obsession.
Have fun!
Oh man, I really hope Isaac doesn’t mess up your bachelorette party plans! It’d be such a bummer to have the opportunity to reunite with friends that spread out over the country ruined by a storm 🙁
So jealous of your upcoming Hawaii trip! I had a similar situation with Club Med awhile back, but I had to turn down the opportunity 🙁 Ah well. Have so much fun!!
Omigosh you have so many fun things coming up– how awesome! I love looking forward to fun events! You will have such a great time with your girlfriends and how nice that you and Ryan get such a great vacay- can’t wait to hear all about it!
My bf and I have never taken a formal vacation together (we’ve been together almost 6 years). We were talking about it a few weeks ago and thought Hawaii would be an awesome place to go.
Oh, you have to try Duke’s!! They are right on the beach and the food is incredible!!
http://www.dukeswaikiki.com/
I’ve been to Cuba with my family, and LOVED it soooo much. I’m really sad that most of them will be returning this year, but I’ll be stuck at work.
I hope all works out for the best and everyone makes it to New Orleans safely! It’s always the biggest bummer when weather gets in the way of fabulous plans!! Keeping my fingers crossed!
Are you in Storm Isaac’s path or just getting rain?? We have family in both Florida and Louisiana, praying they are safe! And you too!!
I was so stoked for you reading this post! I have been living in Hawaii now for 3 years, here in Manoa, right in town.
Lisa and Karen Mika are the only two whose recommendations are spot on perfect. Duke is a tourist trap and the food is not incredible. Then again, you are going to be a tourist so that’s up to you! Their beach recommendations including HK and Lanikai are also right on. Manoa Falls is good but hard to find and OMG the mosquitos.
Tips on the North Shore, for sure gotta go/see it, but remember that its becoming a tourist trap and the people who live there get a little uptight (rightfully so!) about it. You may run into some unfriendly-ness but don’t take it personal! There is such an underlying dynamic here between the old and the new, the indigenous and the new, and the different races.
Additionally the Polynesian Cultural Center is really cool but know that its origins are not vested in by the Native Hawaiians. Sorry, I get a little protective living here! (Steps off soapbox…hahaha)
Please feel free to email me if you’d like any tips or anything! I love to give the inside track 😉
thanks so much for this comment, coco! we’re so excited. 🙂
You will love Hawaii! Living in Alaska, it’s a shockingly short flight so as soon as the Army sent my husband for a week long course, you better believe I tagged along!
If you have time, the Hawaii Food Tour (http://hawaiifoodtours.com/) was by far the most wonderful travel experience I’ve ever had. Matt and Keira lead a fabulous tour of all the unique foods Hawaii has to offer. Honestly, if you do nothing else, do this tour. It’s worth every penny!
My husband and I also dined at Morimoto Waikiki and had a lovely dinner. The food was divine, and it was such a great experience.
House Without a Key at the Halekulani is a lovely place to listen to Hawaiian music complete with a Hawaiian dancer and watch the sunset. Plan to be there just before the sunset, grab a drink, and soak it up. Just be sure you’re within their dress code. Nothing too fancy, but you don’t want to be turned away!
Beaches: Be sure to take in North Shore to see the sea turtles and visit Matsumoto Shave Ice! Lanakai Beach on the the windward side is the most beautiful beach I think I’ve ever been to.
Can’t wait to hear about you’re trip! We’re headed back for Christmas and I can’t wait!
i second the hawaii food tour! did the hole in the wall tour with matt and keira and it was SO much fun!! and a great way to explore/learn about honolulu.
My hubby had his bach party in New Orleans and had a blast 🙂
Ahhhhh! So excited for you and Ryan. I have been dying to go to Hawaii for quite some time now. I cannot wait to hear all about it! And I’m sure your recaps will just push me even closer to buying a plane ticket there myself. 🙂
I LIVE IN HAWAII ON OAHU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some restaraunts:
Dukes Waikiki for breakfast brunch, Eggs N Things for breakfast, The Coffee Company located by the Moana Surfrider Resort for an Acai Bowl
You have to go snorkel at Haunama Bay where the tropical fish are since it is a preserve!
The North Shore is great! You have to eat at Pupukea Grill right across from Sharks Cove! Also eat at Haleiwa Bowls for an Acai bowl!
Pipeline and Off the Wall are great beaches to go to in the summer since they are not crowded.
Kahala Beach down from Waikiki is nice if Waikiki is too crowded for you.
Let me know any other reccommendations you would want, I LIVE HERE!
so cool! thanks, karli!
Wow, that is incredible Julie! SO happy for you! 🙂
Also, only us locals know about Sweet E’s Cafe on Kapahulu Ave you MUST TRY IT! Blueberries and cream cheese french toast is the BEST!
Congratulations on getting the opportunity – that is amazing! I’m sure you guys will have an amazing trip. Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list of places to go.
That’s so exciting for you! Oahu is one of the stops on my honeymoon – I can’t wait to see what you do and get some ideas! 🙂
I am headed to the same island in 2 weeks! Can’t wait to see all the fun stuff you do, so I can copy you! 🙂 Have a great trip!
Duke’s Waikiki has a great breakfast buffet. The beach right in front of Duke’s is really nice. The shrimp truck near old haliewa, past wahiawa is really good. Pearl Harbor is a must. Have a lot of fun!