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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Wow! I’m excited for you. I’ve never been to Hawaii, but I’ve heard such amazing things. I’m sure your recap will be filled with awesome news n’ pics.
thank you! i’ll do my best to capture the vacation in all its glory! 🙂
I totally recommend hiking the Koko Head trail! Its a huge stairway up old railroad tracks but from the top theres a gorgeous view of the island, plus its free 🙂 which is always good when your on vacation! And its a good, fun workout while your there, super challenging but so worth it when you get to the top! 🙂
Oh man I am so jealous! My boyfriend and I studied abroad in Europe so we flew to a new country every weekend. Those were the days! I’ve never been to Hawaii but have always wanted to go, as does everyone!
I’m from the Finger Lakes area! I love when I hear people talk about it because most of the time no one has a clue what I’m talking about…
My boyfriend and I took a week-long cruise to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel two years ago, and a long weekend in the New York Finger Lakes last winter. Both trips were *so* much fun–incredibly different, from the weather to the activities (lots of sunbathing vs. wine tasting and waterfall-gazing), but equally relaxing. 🙂
And I have been to Hawaii, but only Maui–I’m sure Oahu and Waikiki are out of this world, too!
Whoops.. I posted this on the wrong one earlier.
I’m from the Finger Lakes area! I love when I hear people talk about it because most of the time no one has a clue what I’m talking about…
Ah, yay! I didn’t know anything about it before we went, but I haven’t stopped talking it up since we took the trip (I even did a huge blog post about it that they posted on their tourism website). It’s such a great option and so underrated–it was incredibly affordable for us, and everyone was *so* nice. 🙂
Go to the north shore. Worth the car rental. Eat Dole Whip.
my father-in-law’s girlfriend is from hawaii and RAVES about the north shore.
I agree. I live on Oahu and I think first time visitors need to make sure they get out of Waikiki. Oahu’s North Shore is amazing. In the summer, I go almost every weekend.
Not sure when you folks will be here but during the summer/early fall the beaches on the North Shore are perfect for standup paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and just hanging out. Haleiwa Town is very laid back and chill. During the winter months, it’s high surf but the North Shore is packed for various surfing contests and it’s pretty amazing to watch the big waves.
I would also recommend checking out the East side of the island, e.g., Haunama Bay, Lanikai, Kailua. There’s also a lot of great hiking trails on Oahu if you folks have time.
Have a great trip!
I agree about the North Shore, it is gorgeous! Check out the Beet Box Cafe on the North Shore if you happens to pass it.
I concur! North Shore / Haleiwa Historic District is lots of fun! Definitely check out the East side of the island as well – two of me and my husband’s favorite hikes are: Maunawili in Kailua and the Lanikai Pillbox hike.
Some of our favorite haunts to eat are Siam Garden Cafe (in Waikiki), BLT Steak (in Waikiki), Nico’s Pier 38 (in Waikiki), Kalapawai Cafe (in Kailua – the one in town vs. the beach one has more food vs. snacks), Restaurant Epic (in Chinatown)
I have heard that the Diamondhead hike has spectacular views, though I have to agree with Nalani that the KoKo Head hike (great lunge workout) is amazing, super challenging and the views are stunning!
Have so much fun 🙂
Congrats on your trip to Hawaii, I can’t wait to read about it!
That’s awesome! I want to go to Hawaii soooo badly! My hubby and I did our first trip when we had only been dating for 4 months (we went to Cancun). It was definitely fun, but I think traveling now is way better because we’ve learned a lot more about each other in the 5 years we’ve been together now! haha
ah that is so awesome! I am totally jealous you are going to Hawaii, I am dying for a tropical vacation! However I am headed to your old stomping ground Chicago next week and am so excited, have any restaurant recommendations?
ahhhh! i love chicago! you will have a BLAST! here’s a link to one of my favorite restaurants: http://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/ i haven’t been in YEARS, but i went back in high school with my high school boyfriend and remember absolutely loving it.
You must go to Duke’s on Waikiki. They have some of the best food. Go early because there is always a wait. Try the macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi. Delish!!
Yes! Definitely visit Duke’s! They have the best Mai Tai’s. I think you will also love hiking Diamond Head. The beach Lanikai is awesome. You can rent kayaks over there too. And you have to get an Acai bowl while you are out there!! They are so so good!
sadly i didn’t love the food at dukes, but i did love the frozen drink – the lava flow!! so yummy and less expensive than at other bars in waikiki!!
I used to live in Hawaii (Oahu) for three years as a kid! Definitely go to Waikiki beach! Be sure to go to a Luau–it’s such a great experience! Also, if you get a chance, hike Diamond Head! I’m so excited for you! You’re going to have a great trip!
We go to Hawaii every year but no Oahu (too busy for us) but the places that stick out to me at Leonard’s Malasadas (people fly in from other islands to get them), Rainbow Drive Inn for plate lunches, there’s a shrimp truck that’s really good too that goes to different beaches. The Polynesian Cultural Center is not to be missed. It’s kind of a multiple hour thing but it would by far be the best thing on your trip. It is AMAZING! Have a great time! Me ke aloha!
Yes to – Leonard’s Malasadas. AMAZING!
our friends told us about the shrimp truck!!
Hawaii… oh how I miss your pina coladas! Seriously, the drinks in Hawaii are amazing. They make tropical drinks everywhere else taste like paper – probably due to the abundance of fresh fruit. Enjoy!
Just went to Oahu and Maui for our honeymoon! It is amazing. We stayed near Waikiki. My top recommendations –
-Visit the North Shore (if you have a car) – great drive, more Hawaii-like and less touristy than Waikiki
-if you guys like Hot Dogs and hole in the wall/local spots – go to Hanks Haute Dogs in Honolulu – AMAZING gourmet hot dogs and fries
-if you want to splurge on a fancy meal – go to Morimotos in the Modern Hotel (which is where we stayed!) – it is expensive, but we just ordered a bunch of appetizers and sushi to keep it reasonable and it was worth EVERY penny. The pork belly is incredible.
-Shimazu Store for Shave Ice in Honolulu – it is the BEST. Long line, but totally worth it. Just get the regular/small size, it is enormous.
-Pearl Harbor – a must see if you are on Oahu. Go first thing in the morning to try and get tickets for the ferry, and if you have to do a later tour – get your tix, leave and come back later. There is a powerful movie to help you remember the history. A must see.
And, I just relived my Honeymoon for you 🙂
this is so great! thank you, lindsay! it sounds like you had an incredible honeymoon. so far we definitely have visiting the north shore and pearl harbor on our list. thanks for the recommendations!!
My family and I went to Honolulu when I was younger, so while I don’t remember specifics, I do remember how friendly the people who lived and worked there were. And of course how unimaginably beautiful it was! My fiance and I are actually considering going back for our honeymoon! I hope you and Ryan have an awesome trip!
Oh!!! I’m so excited for you. I went to Hawaii this January with my husband, not Oahu but Kauai and Maui but how can you go wrong! Have such an amazing time! I can not wait to hear about it. We are already plotting how we can go back because it was hands down the most amazing place I’ve ever been. It is a really expensive trip from the East Coast but worth every penny.
We just got back from Hawaii two weeks ago! We were on our honeymoon. We spent a week in Maui, three days in Oahu, and three days in San Diego.
On Oahu we stayed at the Hawaii Prince Hotel on Waikiki and it was beautiful! Theres a little lagoon on that end of the beach (man made by I think the Hyatt?) which has lots of trees to sit under. You MUST tour Pearl Harbor. It is an incredible memorial, it was one of my favorite things we did on the whole honeymoon. Book the Arizona Memorial Tour online ($3). Go early, we spent the whole day!
I came here through a friend and I love your website, and I’m so happy for you that you can party with your girls and have such a blissful vacation with your sweetheart ahead of you.
This may sounds a little craycray but apparently Hawaii is like the Energy Nirvana according to people who concern themselves with energy flow and whatever: apparently its location is energetically perfect or something. So that must be nice!
My significant other and I have done a sort of Eurotrip of two weeks this summer: Munich, Ljubljana, a week in Croatia and then to Italy (especially Venice), it was wonderful!
Anyway, new reader but instant fan! Cheers!
Lianne
Hike diamond head! And definitely try to make it to pearl harbor. I’m excited for you!
I just went to Oahu in July and had a blast. I would highly recommend going to a luau (we went to Ko’Olina), which was awesome. My favorite activity, however, was surfing at Waikiki!!! I am not a coordinated person at all, but I would totally recommend it to anyone!
I live in New Orleans, and I’m also keeping up with Isaac like it’s my job. But Friday, you should be good to go, as long as the power outages and whatnot are taken care of! Stay safe! And have a good ol’ time!
Going to Waikiki in December for my honeymoon so make sure you recap every.single.detail so I know where to go and what to do! 🙂
Can’t wait to hear your Hawaii recap. My boyfriend has been offered a job in Honolulu and I am in the interview process, but we have both never been!!! We figured that you can’t say no to paradise, but I look forward to hearing about what you have to say!
My husband and I headed to Dubai for our honeymoon last year. It was amazing!! We were there for 7 full days and could have stayed longer!
I went on a cruise of the islands quite a while ago but from what I remember about Oahu, definitely hike diamond head and head to the Sheraton Waikiki on the beach for amazing food and even better views. If you want a surf lesson, Faith Surf School right next to the Sheraton on the beach is where I learned to surf!
Have fun!
LuLus for breakfast. It is on Waikiki Beach. We ate there multiple times for breakfast because it was cheaper than many of the other places ($25-$35). Stuffed french toast, Banana Macadamia Nute Waffles, and awesome Eggs Benedict. Plus there is bar seating that looks out at the ocean.
BEST DAY EVER: Twogood Kayaks Day Trip with Kevin Wong. Best tour guide ever. You get to go to Queen’s Bath, surf in a kayak, snorkle, and visit Lanikai Beach!
Also, rent a car and drive to the North Shore. Rent a Jeep Wrangler and make sure Ryan is well versed on putting on the Wranger top because it will rain.
You will see 10 rainbows a day!
HAWAII!?!? I’m so jealous!! I’ve gone on cruises to the Bahamas, but other than that I’ve stayed mainly on the east coast for my vacations! You’re going to have an absolute BLAST! Maybe you can bring Sadie back a Hawaiin dog treat to cheer her up 🙂 I know when I go out of town, my dog Cole would actually get depressed the moment he saw a suitcase. He would mope around and give us the cold shoulder!
Hope you have a great time in New Orleans! I’d love to go there one day, it looks like it would be a pretty fun place to go.
I swam in college and every year we trained in Hawaii for 3 weeks after Christmas. Here are my recommendations:
– North Shore is a must and should include a trip to the Dole Plantation and shave ice at Aioki’s
– Snorkle at Hunama Bay
– Learn to surf at Sandy Beach
– Eat at Duke’s
– Hike or bike Diamond Head
– Go to Pearl Harbor
Try to drive up to north shore and stop at a roadside coconut stand (they cut it with a big machete right in front of you!). Shave ice from Shimazu is a must–try it with azuki beans on the bottom 🙂 I also really loved Genki sushi. Its like a little “fast food” sushi place and you sit around a giant conveyor belt filled with plates of different rolls. You just grab what you want and make a stack of your empty plates (each color is a different price). Foster Botanical garden is gorgeous! I loved Hawaii and I’m sure you two will have a wonderful time 🙂
I’ve done a couple joint trips with my fiance! Last year we went on a cruise with my best friend and her husband and a few months ago we went to Africa to visit my best friend now in the Peace Corps… We spent the first week alone and the second week with them!! great trip!
Hi Julie ! I read your blog every morning while I’m eating my breakfast, and while reading today I had to laugh because I just went to Hawaii lol Waikiki in fact! There are a lot of awesome things to do in Waikiki but they have some REALLY great restaurants too. Eggs and Things is a great breakfast places, Dukes is good for dinner! They are really good streaks 🙂
If your looking for some fun go to the Dole Plantation, they have the best pineapple ice cream in the world. And defiantly hike Manoa Falls Trail. Its a great hike with an awesome waterfall at the top!
How exciting!! I love Hawaii (of course!). I’ve been to Oahu, and my favorite part was the north shore where there weren’t quite as many tourists. It’s all very beautiful though! The commenter Ellen above has all great ideas!
Jim Cantore got to New Orleans last nite. Not a good sign. Survived katrina. And gustav.
Got call from RedCross last nite. Not looking good for us rightnow. Prayers would be appreciated.
i am definitely sending lots of prayers your way and hope everyone is able to stay safe!
Sounds like such an exciting week ahead! I already can’t wait to see your post-vacation recaps! 😉 this past year I traveled with my Ryan to Gatlinburg with his family, but we haven’t done a special one-on-one vacation together. Can’t wait to plan a trip with him one day! You might get a lot of rain this weekend, but I pray your trip is still on! I’ve heard the dams have really improved since Katrina and the city will be more prepared for Isaac. You can have fun in NO regardless of the rain – I’ve had weekends in NO with pouring rain and still had a blast! Gosh, I love New Orleans!!! I’m super jealous of your girls’ weekend!
I’m so jealous! Oahu is great. Rent a car just for the day and drive to the north shore. Stop at a shrimp truck on the way up and then get a Dole Whip on your way back. Hike Diamond Head. The view is incredible. We loved the breakfast buffet at Duke’s. I’m sure you will see Pearl Harbor too. We went first thing in the morning and spent about half the day there.
I am so excited for you! I spent a semester of college on Oahu doing my internship for college and I had a blast. Definitely venture out to get some local foods!
-Big City Diner – The “Loco Moco” is a local dish. Very bad for you, but if you want to venture for local cuisine, this would be it.
-Leonard’s – Malasadas (Portuguese donut, make sure its warm!)
-Waiola Shaved Ice – Best on the island in my opinion
Activities:
-Pearl Harbor
-Dole Plantation
-Diamond Head (I lived across the street from here and it was my morning hike often. Amazing view! Go early.)
Koko Head – Another great and much more difficult hike.
-North Shore – The white waves are amazing
-Polynesian Culture Center – They have packaged deals that include the outdoor activities, luau and a Polynesian show (Very fun!)
-Hanauma Bay for Snorkeling (Beware of seagulls, again go early before there is to many people)
Oh my goodness! I could go on forever! Please email if you have any questions. I spent a few months there and would visit again in a heartbeat 🙂
Have fun!!!
I lived on Oahu a few years ago and second this list, especially Koko head and Dole plantation (only bc it is the BEST pineapple ice cream ever). If you do a luau I think Paradise Cove has the best one.
I am beyond jealous! I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. I hope you have a great time, can’t wait to see your trip re-caps!
Go to the Dole Plantation it’s amazing the dole whip its out of this world. Also, at most of the resorts on Wakiki they have lucious whole wheat oat pancakes with macadamia nut butter & coconut syrup! These pancakes are an absolute must try! Have fun be safe take tons of pictures!!
the last trip I took with a S.O. was to New Orleans. Had a blast. Can’t wait to go back. I hope y’all party up there and hopefully the weather cooperates!!! 🙂
and i’m sooo jealous of the Hawaii trip btw.
Hi! I very recently stumbled upon your blog after being directed here from Red-faced Runners to check out your playlists. Good suggestions, by the way! I have only been running on and off for about 2-1/2 years, but just recently started actually liking it and becoming more serious. Music is making it so much more fun, too! Anyway, I noticed your wedding section, and though I’ll be celebrating my 10th anniversary soon, I am still wedding obsessed (I even have a wedding pinboard, lol) and loved all your posts! I also just read that you used to live in Palatine…which is where we live now! Very cool!! Anyway, just wanted to share all that…no advice about Hawaii. Have never been, but everyone I know who has just absolutely loves it so have a blast!
Not jealous at all 🙂
My partner and I went on our first big trip just the two of us this past new years. We flew out to Colorado to go skiing but he hit his head and got a concussion on one of the first days! We ended up taking it easy on the athletic side of things as a result, but it was still a lot of fun staying in and relaxing. You two will have so much fun in Hawaii! I’m very jealous.
Ahhhh I’m freaking out with excitement for you this morning Julie!!! What exciting news! That’s so awesome that you’ll get a chance to be reunited with your girlfriends and, well, Hawaii…. come on, how could it NOT be amazing!!?!?! There’s a green eyed monster over here, but I’m really really happy for you!! 🙂
We went to Oahu and Maui for our honeymoon. We absolutely loved Oahu, but that’s probably because we stayed at an amazing hotel (The Kahala). Anyway here’s my list:
– Hike Diamond Head. My husband and I did it in about 45 mins each way, since we were in a time crunch. Beautiful views.
-Pearl Harbor (and it’s free!)
-Go to the House Without a Key at sunset and get a Mai Tai (it’ll knock your socks off). http://www.halekulani.com/living/dining/house_without_a_key/
-Boots and Kimo’s in Kailua for banana pancakes with macadamia nut sauce. OMG! So light and delicious. http://www.yelp.com/biz/boots-and-kimos-homestyle-kitchen-kailua
If anyone recommends the Polynesian Cultural Center, just be prepared for essentially Disney’s Epcot (including the prices). Also don’t accidentally get suckered into a tour of BYU-Hawaii and a video about being Mormon.
Have fun! We absolutely LOVED Oahu.
Also, if you are so inclined, you can read about our trip on my blog.
http://strawberryjampackedlife.com/category/honeymoon/
perfect!!! thank you!
That sounds SO FUN! I want to go to Hawaii.. I’m checking on Isaac too bc I’ve got a lot of buddies on the panhandle of Florida. Stay safe lady!
that’s so exciting!! i’ve never been to oahu – my family just visited maui this past summer though, and we had a blast!
I’m so excited for you! You will loooovvee Hawaii! I went to Maui on my honeymoon this summer, and it felt surreal the entire time. It’s so much fun.
I’m so jealous! I’ve never been to Hawaii–but I always hear how wonderful it is. Enjoy. Take lots of pictures to share with us!
Have fun in New Orleans! We have plans to visit the second weekend in September, I’m sure ya’ll will be fine with your girl’s trip this weekend! I live 2.5 hours away from New Orleans and no one is all that stressed out about Mr. Isaac.
Alone honey time is the best! My husband and I just got back from Mexico. Enjoy that beautiful beach!
That’s so cool you get to go to Hawaii, I’ve never been!! And I hope the storm is gone by the time you and your friends reach new Orleans!
We take at least one week-long vacation a year. Usually somewhere warm and beachy. Our longest trip was 10 days in London in 2008 and we LOVED it. I would JUMP at the chance to live there for any period of time.
The Kidless Kronicles
ahh! That’s awesome! I went a couple years ago, you will love it!!!