tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52669594957541707262024-03-17T20:02:52.936-07:00it's not her, it's me. - Los Angeles Fashion Lifestyle Travel BlogLos Angeles Fashion Lifestyle Travel BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455862013941254154noreply@blogger.comBlogger916125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-71134074449683408252021-10-05T08:00:00.005-07:002021-10-05T08:00:00.383-07:00House Plant Tour<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="03-homedecor-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51552345389_42574c91a5_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="02-homedecor-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51552345559_e9dd0441fe_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<p><br /></p><p>The long awaited house plant tour is here! It even comes with a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14vI-XE5dyE">YouTube video</a>! Thanks to my friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fashionbyally/">Ally</a> who pushed me and helped me film this, otherwise it would have never been done. I always put home related content off because I feel like it's never truly complete or that I am always changing things up, or maybe these are just excuses... Anyways, I am keeping this blog post short and sweet (watch the video below for all my plant secrets) but I wanted to share a few photos of the plants that didn't make it onto the video, along with links to items you might be interested in from the video. At the end of this blog post, I also linked my humidifier, the different kind of grow lights I use, and my favorite soil mix. Enjoy!</p><br />
<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/14vI-XE5dyE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="15-homedecor-houseplants-planttour-ceramics-planters" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51552343534_9cc395fe2e_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plants and planters from left to right:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Philodendron Micans / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+cu1MvCReF12XiSLpqKRfoA">YumYumCeramics</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Begonia Fanny Moser / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+NfrLJyxaTyzG7yPgx-6ynA">H&M Home</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Reverted Pink Princess / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+ainup3dnNEn2ZWj_KbqHYw">Amazon</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Begonia Pink Mummy / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+EUZPtWrFTOgJLdPX1ONVlg">ThreeFeet Mudworks</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Calathea Orbifolia / <a href="https://www.covetandginger.com/">Covet & Ginger</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Maranta Leuconeura (Variegated) / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+H2mO0Qs9XXaftzW7rA1lJQ">Berg's Potter</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Staghorn Fern / <a href="https://www.jungalow.com/collections/planters/products/kaya-ceramic-planter-by-justina-blakeney?variant=29101111902285">Jungalow</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Begonia Frosty / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Q3NDZWavTLPAWzQFF-jS1A">Terra Vida Clayworks</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stromanthe Triostar / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+PqGIV9pGEGM3Mbdfy3AC6Q">Capra Designs</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dieffenbachia Memoria Corsii / <a href="https://happyhourceramics.com/">Happy Hour Ceramics</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
</div>
<img alt="04-ricraccactus-fishbonecactus-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51552345304_310e25ff83_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="05-stephaniaerecta-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550830107_73d109189c_h.jpg" width="400" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Left: <i>Ric Rac Cactus / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+ainup3dnNEn2ZWj_KbqHYw">Amazon</a></i> Right: <i>Stephania Erecta</i></div>
<img alt="06-alocasia-frydek-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550830022_b6d5afd22a_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="07-peperomia-pilea-marble-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551863388_34d1b3ad3c_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Left: <i>Alocasia Frydek / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+awiXtnYoPrhb8Yd3MxWSTw">Urban Outfitters</a></i> Right: <i>Pilea Peperomia / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+TpsodS4viNC4p31ltzDouw">West Elm</a>, Marble Peperomia / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+NeU-xT2hJwYsOI-gQePj_A">Minimum Design</a></i></div>
<img alt="10-calathea-orbifolia-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551628581_94fcd47583_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="09-philodendron-littlehope-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551628651_a4ce5126a1_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Left: <i>Calathea Orbifolia</i> Right: <i>Philodendron Little Hope / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+ZAIF6XVCNvsiS_Cl33AeIA">Urban Outfitters</a></i></div>
<img alt="12-fuzzytradescantia-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51552344024_9643d4c780_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="11-dumbcane-rubber-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551862903_43e70ffea6_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Left: <i>Fuzzy Tradescantia / <a href="https://rstyle.me/+NfrLJyxaTyzG7yPgx-6ynA">H&M Home</a></i> Right: <i>Dumb Cane, Elastica Burgundy (Rubber Plant)</i></div>
<img alt="14-alocasia-silverdragon-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551862348_8fccf87fb1_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="13-decursiva-sparklingsarah-burlemarx-houseplants-planttour" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51551627841_fe4849eadd_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Left: <i>Alocasia Silver Dragon</i> Right: <i>Rhaphidophora Decursiva, Sparkling Sarah, Burle Marx</i></div>
<img alt="01-homedecor-houseplants-planttour" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550830997_628e1f6070_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here are my humidifier, different kinds of grow lights I use, and my favorite soil mix:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4589089"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/23d3dcdc3064b991129d2c826a9fc6482a6899d6/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-90034881905425609602021-07-15T14:09:00.002-07:002021-07-15T14:14:06.097-07:00My Art / Pottery Studio: Part 1<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="01-home-art-pottery-studio-decor-diy-plants" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51313753096_29edef227b_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div><br /><div>
This project has been a LOOONG time coming! So long that you might have forgotten that I first mentioned it over a year ago (if you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/itsnotheritsme" target="_blank">Instagram</a>). In February 2020, I started taking pottery classes at <a href="https://still-life-studio.com/" target="_blank">Still Life Studios</a> in their new Santa Monica location and after 6 classes... BOOM! The pandemic hit. It was the end of March, I looked forward to going to the studio every week, I had finally gotten the hang of wheel throwing, I had just made my first planter completed with a saucer, I fell in love with ceramics, and then... all classes were cancelled. Not to sound dramatic but I felt like my dreams were being crushed.
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Fast forward to June, my landlord told me he and his family were moving in July (they live in the backhouse, we live in the front/main house) and when they leave, I can have their garage. I was stoked because I immediately thought "I can do pottery in the garage!!!" Suddenly, I felt a huge sense of hope! The garage isn't your typical garage. It has floor to ceiling windows and french doors that open up to our backyard, a full bath, as well as a side door that opens up to the side of the house. Immediately, I started researching and planning how to set up my own home studio and what kind of equipment and tools I need.
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July arrived and Covid cases were on the rise, so my landlord and his family have decided to hold off on moving until further notice. I also decided to hold off on planning because at that point, everything was up in the air and I had no idea when they would actually move or when I would have the garage. Long story short, they finally moved in November but they hadn't completely cleared out all their things in the garage but I began planning again and now an entire year later, I can finally say I have my studio 75% set up!!!
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I debated a long time when to post about the studio because like many other home projects, it can never be truly complete. There will always be things you want to work on, change, and improve. So, I've decided to split it into two parts and share with you first the space and the decor side of things...</div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="02-home-art-pottery-studio-decor-diy-plants" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51313953953_812a544823_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="03-home-art-pottery-studio-decor-diy-plants" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51314480754_f4d5a50845_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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The garage space (or should I just call it my studio now?) is very spacious and gets great natural light so besides my work area, I wanted to create a lounging corner that is bright and inviting so when I am not throwing at the wheel or painting, I have a place to just hang out and relax. The first major piece of furniture I got for this space is this <a href="https://floydhome.com/products/the-floyd-sofa#the-floyd-sofa___Configuration_Three-Seater__Color_Saffron__Base_Birch" target="_blank">Floyd Sofa</a>. I tend to gravitate toward neutral palette and with everything in the art studio being mostly white and wood, I wanted a pop of color and the 'Saffron' mustard yellow is perfect for the cheerful vibe I was going for. I also wanted to play a bit with texture so that's where the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+E5cXl3Jt1DcJxgdJlM_ARQ" target="_blank">rug</a> and the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+KZ6cwyt1QvrctQ9Zo4YE0Q" target="_blank">chair</a> come in. The <a href="https://rstyle.me/+E5cXl3Jt1DcJxgdJlM_ARQ" target="_blank">chunky braided wool rug</a> is from <a href="https://rstyle.me/+zaTcOnp94jp4J2hvNtA7nA" target="_blank">Parachute Home</a> and it feels as if you are walking on clouds. The mid century and modern Danish inspired <a href="https://rstyle.me/+KZ6cwyt1QvrctQ9Zo4YE0Q" target="_blank">chair</a> is from <a href="https://rstyle.me/+zlXB3pqg7J5r2DgXKTIUcw" target="_blank">Eternity Modern</a> and I just love the woven details with the walnut finish. Not to mention, it's incredibly comfy! I also have few plants around the studio and this cute <a href="https://rstyle.me/+DxlOMRqX_lw48XKwgX1drw" target="_blank">A-shaped/triangle shelf</a> (also stacked with plants) to help separate the lounging area from the rest of the space. I won't write about every single items here but they are all listed and linked at the end of this post if you are interested.</div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="04-home-art-pottery-studio-decor-diy-plants" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51313953773_c8a9c87280_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<img alt="05-home-art-ceramics-pottery-studio-decor-diy" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51314757415_0fb1507ebf_h.jpg" width="1500" /><br />
<img alt="06-home-art-ceramics-pottery-studio-decor-diy" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51314757285_ddb50b7f96_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="07-home-art-ceramics-pottery-studio-decor-diy" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51314480294_b1ce5962db_h.jpg" width="400" />
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So, there you have it... the decor portion of my pottery studio! Part 2 will be a bit more technical as I dive into all the equipment and tools to set up my home studio. I will share with you the whole process from researching, planning, buying my own wheel, finding the best clays, etc. So stay tuned!</div><div>
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<img alt="09-home-art-pottery-studio-decor-diy" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51314480074_69028339a1_h.jpg" width="1500" />
<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://floydhome.com/products/the-floyd-sofa#the-floyd-sofa___Configuration_Three-Seater__Color_Saffron__Base_Birch" target="_blank">The Sofa (Three-seater in Saffron and Birch)</a> c/o <a href="https://floydhome.com/" target="_blank">Floyd Home</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://rstyle.me/+1IRRNfcsBTstfHdapd0A-Q" target="_blank">Ch25 Easy Chair (Walnut)</a> c/o <a href="https://rstyle.me/+zlXB3pqg7J5r2DgXKTIUcw" target="_blank">Eternity Modern</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://rstyle.me/+fQgScBsguhSc9KP-eu6ZIg" target="_blank">Braided Wool Rug (8x10 in Ivory)</a> c/o <a href="https://rstyle.me/+zaTcOnp94jp4J2hvNtA7nA" target="_blank">Parachute Home</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://rstyle.me/+b-JSHCxYQlWOWGePiV_gZQ" target="_blank">Oversized Rib Knit Throw (Flax)</a> c/o <a href="https://rstyle.me/+zaTcOnp94jp4J2hvNtA7nA" target="_blank">Parachute Home</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://rstyle.me/+e2vYd8WIGZGKjc9Y53cR0Q">Christie Triangle Storage Shelf</a> from <a href="https://rstyle.me/+s9PPWoxv5cyiPNuQjZWl8g" target="_blank">Urban Outfitters</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.newmadela.com/collections/planters/products/standinggeometric" target="_blank">Standing Geometric Planter (White)</a> c/o <a href="https://www.newmadela.com/">NewMade LA</a>.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shop this post:</div><div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4522055"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/d5efde1edf3bd2c954f8815b5cd550175039de4c/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* Special shoutout to all my partners for being so patient with me during this process.<br /></div>it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-7996584484899476132021-07-09T14:37:00.001-07:002021-07-17T14:38:15.014-07:00Recipe: Cherry Clafoutis<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="01-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51300968936_3c0c480e87_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<p><br /></p><p>If flan and custard had a baby, it would be a clafoutis. Clafoutis is a baked French dessert, traditionally with black cherries, covered with a thick flan-like batter. It is usually served warm or at room temperature dusted with powdered sugar. When I first came across this dish, my immediate thought was, "Wow that looks amazing but it looks complicated to make." I sure was wrong! Clafoutis is super easy to make with simple ingredients and the baking time is only 35 minutes. If anything, the only time consuming part of this recipe is removing the pits from the cherries...</p>
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Ingredients:<br />
- 1 and 1/2 cup cherries (halved and pits removed)<div>- 2 tbsp butter (melted)<br />
- 4 eggs <br />
- 1 cup milk</div><div>- 1/2 cup granulated sugar</div><div>- 2 tsp almond extract</div><div>- 3/4 cup flour</div><div>- 1/2 tsp salt</div><div>- Powdered sugar<br /><div><br />Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350F </div><div>2. Cut cherries in halves and remove the pits. Set aside.</div></div><div>3. Grease a 9" round baking dish with the melted butter and spread the cherries evenly in the dish.</div><div>4. Blend the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, almond extract, flour and salt in a blender until smooth. No need to worry about over-mixing the gluten here, you want the batter to be really well incorporated.</div><div>5. Pour batter over the cherries.</div><div>6. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes.</div><div>7. Let cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.</div><div>8. Serve warm or at room temperature.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="02-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51300968891_805a9ea4ae_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="03-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51300221847_f2a6542ea4_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="04-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301679184_431c4a230d_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<img alt="05-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301152758_17b10c8d80_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="06-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301152683_1446713eed_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="07-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301679039_7bea39cc5c_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="08-cherry-clafoutis-dessert-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301679014_8216adc54f_h.jpg" width="400" />it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-64484026234731144032021-07-01T09:21:00.000-07:002021-07-01T09:21:46.129-07:00Recipe: Nasturtium Pesto<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="01-nasturtium-pesto-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51282590170_6d522b2c3d_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<p><br /></p><p>What is Nasturtium? I, too, was unfamiliar with this name until just a few months ago. As soon as I discovered it though, I immediately went and got some for my backyard! Nasturtium is a very easily grown plant in which all the leaves, stems, and flowers are edible. Honestly, before I knew this, I just thought it looks super cute... with its perfectly rounded leaves resembling mini lily pads, beautiful vibrant flowers in shades of marigold, orange and red, and some varieties even have variegated leaves! Not only is Nasturtium visually stunning, it is highly nutritious too. The leaves are high in vitamin C, iron and other minerals and the flowers are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C and also contain manganese, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Taste wise, it's peppery (kinda like arugula) and a little mustardy, perfect for salads and pesto. Speaking of pesto, that is what I'll be showing you how to make today on this recipe post!</p><p><br />
Ingredients:<br />
- 2 cups Nasturtium leaves and flowers<br />
- 1 cup pine nuts<br />
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese<br />
- 4 cloves of garlic<br />
- 1 cup olive oil<br />
- Pinch of salt<br /><br />
Directions:<br />
1. Soak leaves and flowers in a bowl of cold water and wash them thoroughly.<br />
2. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.<br /><br /></p><p>* Drizzle more olive oil if the mixture is too thick. Add more pine nuts or cheese if it's too thin.<br />* Serve pesto over pasta, sandwiches, or omelettes!<br />* Pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to a week!<br /></p><p><br /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="02-nasturtium-pesto-pasta-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51280827997_37bcd5a4f9_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="03-nasturtium-pesto-pasta-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51281566711_cc9e30d370_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<img alt="04-nasturtium-vegetables-garden-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51281743388_151b50f945_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="05-nasturtium-vegetables-garden-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51281743298_d93f04fd5b_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="06-nasturtium-vegetables-garden-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51282589810_d2cb318ee8_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="07-nasturtium-pesto-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51280827652_f8e081e1ce_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="08-nasturtium-pesto-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51280827567_22e1f5bd37_h.jpg" width="1500" /><br />
<img alt="09-nasturtium-pesto-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51281742958_d83cce4e2f_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="10-nasturtium-pesto-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51282589570_23ff10d1e2_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="11-nasturtium-pesto-pasta-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51282296809_f48f8d3b54_h.jpg" width="1500" /><br />
<img alt="12-nasturtium-pesto-pasta-homegrown-farmtotable-recipe-food" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51282296664_8071be3247_h.jpg" width="1500" />it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-9351671786849296672021-05-03T16:14:00.000-07:002021-05-03T16:15:00.064-07:00Valley of Fire, Nevada<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="01valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155951383_4d0831beaa_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div><div><br /></div>
Valley of Fire. One word. Wow. I can't believe this state park is less than an hour outside of Las Vegas, I've been to Vegas a couple of times and I had no idea! Not only is Valley of Fire completely underrated, it is also one of the most beautiful places I've been to in the US. One of the most significant features of this park is the red rock formation. On this trip, we also visited Red Rock Canyon but ironically there really aren't that many red rocks there (despite what the name says), unlike Valley of Fire. In this blog post, I want to share with you some hiking tips as well as photography tips because Valley of Fire is VERY PICTURESQUE. I planned my day there around photography, when to go where, in order to in order to capture all the magic on my camera. So here goes...<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="00valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155952378_d5638a002d_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
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The park is essentially grouped into two different areas (I highlighted them in different colors on the map below). For photography purposes, I highly recommend exploring the "orange" area first when the sun is high up while the lightings and shadows can a bit harsh, and then head into the "pink area" toward sunset. There are plenty to see in both areas but the different places within the "pink" are where most of the infamous photo spots are located, and the later you go, the softer the light would be, hence better photos!<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="02valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-map" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155050082_834d4fcd15_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div>If you are entering through the west entrance (coming from Vegas), you will first approach Arch Rock, Atlatl Rock, the Beehives, and the Fire Cave.*Disclaimer: Do not climb onto/under the Arch Rock. Unfortunately, we didn't see the Arch Rock from the road and hiked into the land behind it and then on the way out we spotted it and scrambled up from the back. Because of that, we didn't see the do not climb sign until we came back down in the front! Oops! So please pay attention to where you should and should not go. There are also some super cool petrified logs around there so be sure to check those out! Continue down the road, pass the visitor center, and explore Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, and more arches.</div><div><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="04valleyoffire-archrock-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155718361_ab93fa1194_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="05valleyoffire-archrock-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156823695_dc209e1caf_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<img alt="06valleyoffire-sevensisters-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155049952_ca6d35cc2b_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="07valleyoffire-beehives-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155049927_980d49dc82_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Depending on what time you arrive at the park (and what time of year you are going, we went in late March and the sun didn't set til 7pm), be sure to start heading into the "pink" area sooner rather than later because you are going to want to spend as much time as possible! First thing first, if you want an epic view and photo of the entire valley behind you, I've got you covered. This specific spot is a little tricky to find if you don't know what you are looking for. Drive down Mouse Tank Road (the main road), and right before the Rainbow Vista parking lot (if you can see this parking lot, you've gone too far), pull over on the side, right before the road begins to curve. The spot is an easy climb up on the opposite side of the road to the left. Again, this is right where the road begins to curve to the right.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="11valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156503374_81aed1b284_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="12valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155050942_f0766d765c_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p>After taking some photos at this spot, proceed to Rainbow Vista parking lot and hike around there. Both the Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon/Silica Dome are all pretty cool! Here, not only will you see the red rocks, you will also see lots of white, yellow and green too!</p><p><br /></p><p><img alt="03valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155719416_b198f5d3f3_h.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="1500" /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="13valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155719221_e8f5462b97_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="14valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155952198_a4f1a79fdc_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><p><br /></p><p>We continued down Mouse Tank Road and went all the way to White Domes. We got to this trailhead at around 4pm to give ourselves enough time to explore before heading to see Fire Wave and Pink Canyon at the very end. The White Domes trail is gorgeous and it gets more and more beautiful as you go in. Think open spaces but also tall narrow canyons! We even saw a family of big horn sheep (Nevada's state animal) just hanging out, so cute!</p><p><br /></p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="16valleyoffire-vegas-nevada-bighornsheep-wildanimal-travel-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156503194_6825ebab2e_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="17valleyoffire-whitedomes-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155050727_080a067cad_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<img alt="18valleyoffire-whitedomes-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155951963_e8d318e10f_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="19valleyoffire-whitedomes-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155718946_92cd9cd888_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="20valleyoffire-whitedomes-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156824365_58c483e27f_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="21valleyoffire-whitedomes-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156824330_9a21592e08_h.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><p></p><p>From there, we headed over to Fire Wave trail and began our way to the most sought after sight in the entire Valley of Fire! We walked through a sandy path next to some giant slabs of red rocks and out of nowhere the ground began to turn into all shades of red, pink, white and orange. The colors, the patterns, the textures... I was so intrigued even before getting to the actual Fire Wave! And when I finally got to the Fire Wave, my jaw just dropped. I thought to myself, "How is this real?" The sun was quickly setting and it was just perfect. I had planned to be there at that exact time during golden hour and it did not disappoint. This is the best time to photograph this spot as the "wave" faces west, any other time, the sun would be hitting it too harshly and it is simply not the same. You know, there is some truth to the saying "Save the best for last"! We spent a decent amount of time there just taking it all in, I definitely didn't want to leave but alas we had to make our way to our final stop, the Pink Canyon.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="22valleyoffire-firewave-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155718821_051a690d8b_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="23valleyoffire-firewave-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155718776_22e449adec_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<img alt="24valleyoffire-firewave-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156824245_ec3a38b44e_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="25valleyoffire-firewave-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156502834_0f715a52a2_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="26valleyoffire-firewave-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51155718656_ccb0fb943a_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="27valleyoffire-firewave-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156824075_c7f54c66e2_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="28valleyoffire-firewave-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156824025_3a05eb1d64_h.jpg" width="1500" /><br /><br /><p></p><p>If Pink Canyon was a movie, it is definitely a "chick flick" because while I was like oohs and ahhs, my boyfriend just wanted to take my photos and get out of there! This spot is not marked or even mentioned in any official Valley of Fire guide which is very surprising to me because it is easily one of the most beautiful spots! It is very close to the Fire Wave, you can even hike to it from there but if you drive, the hike is just 5 minutes from the road. Parking can be tricky though since there is no designated parking lot nearby. We put the coordinates (36.4795° N, 114.5264° W) in the GPS and just quickly pulled over where it seemed safe and stopped by very quickly. I also recommend coming here at the very end because at sunset/golden hour, the pink in this canyon is soft and very thing looks pastel and simply magical!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="29valleyoffire-pinkcanyon-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156823930_b74a35ea99_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="30valleyoffire-pinkcanyon-vegas-nevada-travel-landscape-photography" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51156502644_a1ce1d42ee_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<p><br /></p><p>If Valley of Fire has been on your mind, don't think, just go! Pictures don't do it justice, whatever you imagine it to be, it's 100x better! Do keep it mind that it can get very hot, it was perfect when I went in late March with the temperature being in the mid 70s for the most part. So, plan accordingly and bring lots of water with you! If you have any other questions regarding Valley of Fire, feel free to leave a comment below or as always, you can send me a DM on <a href="http://instagram.com/itsnotheritsme">Instagram</a>! There is also a VofF story highlight with many more photos as well as video clips! Have fun exploring!</p><p></p></div>it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-30694386189804064202020-12-21T11:41:00.004-08:002021-05-03T14:21:49.005-07:00New Cuyama, California<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="01newcuyama-california-roadtrip-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744760576_2e2fc21748_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div><br /><div>
Oh New Cuyama, I wish I knew about you sooner. Or maybe not, because then you wouldn’t have been so special.
A couple of months ago (sorry it took me so long to get this post up and running) we spent a weekend in New Cuyama. Our day started later than planned but silver lining was that we saw the most epic sunset. On the way there, we stopped at <a href="http://thered.kitchen/">The Red Dot</a> in Frazier Park for a delicious vegetarian dinner. Up in the mountain in the middle of nowhere, sitting on a patio while three peacocks casually walked by, while tasting one of the most flavorful vegetarian meals I’ve ever had. We drove through Pine Mountain Club at sunset and it was unlike any other sunsets I’ve ever seen in California! We were so high up I felt like I was closer to the sky, so high that the sunset was 360°. We could also see layers of mountain ranges. It was simply epic and my words just don’t it justice. We arrived at <a href="https://www.cuyamabuckhorn.com/">Cuyama Buckhorn</a> in the evening, settled into our spacious and inviting room, and called it a night.<div><br /></div><div>We woke up early the next day to explore <a href="https://www.cuyamabuckhorn.com/">Cuyama Buckhorn</a>. This property is lovely, and I am not only saying that just because I love mid century architecture, but the fact that it simply is. Bright and modern, but also vintage and rustic at the same time. You can tell this place has a story and you will leave with stories. I love the openness. I love the starry sky. I love that one giant tree in the middle with lanterns hanging on it. I even love the very hipster coffee shop.
That day we did a 5ish-mile hike at <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=10977">Aliso Canyon</a>. What a great hike but please note it’s not very shaded at all. The trail starts off with trees but just about 5 minutes in it is mostly exposed. So, I wouldn’t recommend it on a hot day. After the hike, we took a long drive through <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/carrizo-plain-national-monument">Carrizo Plain National Monument</a>. Where am I? This is in California? How big is this place? Wow, I felt like I was somewhere else far away. I don’t even know how to describe it to you, it’s one of those places where you have to go to see it for yourself. I can’t wait to go back in the springtime to see all the wildflowers!</div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned above that we drove through Pine Mountain Club heading into New Cuyama so we decided to take a different route heading out. We took Hwy 33 and went through Los Padres National Forest to get to Ojai (thought we would swing by to check out this cute town on the way home). It was equally scenic but different! I look forward to exploring more of California!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>PS. Special shoutout to <a href="https://www.cuyamabuckhorn.com/">Cuyama Buckhorn</a> for hosting us and for their hospitality and exceptional service!</div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="02newcuyama-cuyamabuckhorn-california-roadtrip-travel-midcentury" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744026473_3dda11b160_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="03newcuyama-cuyamabuckhorn-california-roadtrip-travel-midcentury" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744026348_5e491f75c6_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="19carrizoplain-nationalmonument-california-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744867957_1eac3af6e7_h.jpg" width="1500" /><br />
<img alt="20carrizoplain-nationalmonument-california-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744024328_50716a2c0a_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="23carrizoplain-nationalmonument-california-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744867532_d683a10c3a_h.jpg" width="400" /><br /><img alt="23lospadres-nationalforest-california-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744867432_a393e77adc_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="22carrizoplain-nationalmonument-california-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744867652_cf9e354a59_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="24pinemountainclub-lospadres-nationalforest-california-sunset-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50744867322_c8abec6b10_h.jpg" width="1500" />it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-83119442294470009112020-11-13T10:52:00.004-08:002021-05-03T14:22:12.901-07:00Solvang, California<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="01solvang-california-roadtrip-travel-architecture" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597940546_0c30887ad6_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div><br /><div>
A lot has changed since I last wrote a blog post... We are now over 9 months into our pandemic with Covid and we have since elected a new President (thank goodness). Simply put, 2020 has not been easy, and I sincerely wish you and your loved ones have been well. When I started this blog over 10 years ago, it was very heavily fashion focused (I have even archived many of my old posts) but over time, it became my travel diary. I can't believe my last post was from my Japan trip back in November of 2019. I had no idea at that time that it would be my last oversea travel for a while. The silver lining is... my boyfriend and I have been going on road trips and discovering so many wonderful places all within 2-3 hours outside of LA. We are so lucky to live in California and I can't wait to keep exploring and to share with you these hidden gems.</div><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="04solvang-california-roadtrip-travel-danish-architecture" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50598059177_5d63dba7f9_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="05solvang-california-roadtrip-travel-danish-architecture" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50598059107_550c9e01a7_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div><br /></div><div><div>A few weeks ago, we drove past Santa Barbara out to Solvang. Hold on, wait, am I dreaming? Did I just suddenly go from rolling hills and vineyards to Storybook Land? Streets lined with Scandinavian architecture, Danish motifs, and a handful of windmills! Every corner was so picturesque, I couldn't walk a block without stopping for photos, and I am pretty sure I said the word "cute" a million times that weekend. We stayed at <a href="https://thelandsby.com/">The Landsby</a> which kindly hosted us in their lovely junior suite overlooking the courtyard. All the staff and guests were required to wear a mask in any public area and we felt relatively safe during our stay.</div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="06solvang-california-roadtrip-travel-architecture-windmill" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597940181_d3052726e7_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
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<img alt="11solvang-thelandsby-california-roadtrip-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597939746_c6f6636606_h.jpg" width="266" /><img alt="12solvang-thelandsby-california-roadtrip-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50598058537_4368d322cd_h.jpg" width="266" /><img alt="13solvang-thelandsby-madandvin-roadtrip-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50598058462_7ae126cca3_h.jpg" width="266" /><br />
<img alt="14solvang-thelandsby-california-roadtrip-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597194013_1a0ddb8e82_h.jpg" width="266" /><img alt="15solvang-thelandsby-california-roadtrip-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597939521_b5a0808899_h.jpg" width="266" /><img alt="16solvang-thelandsby-california-roadtrip-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50598058272_3b358bfb4c_h.jpg" width="266" /><br />
</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's talk food! Here are the few places we ate that weekend and I highly recommend all of them!</div><div>- Coffee at <a href="https://goodseedcoffeeboutique.com/">Good Seed</a> (The turmeric latte was sooo good!)</div><div>- Breakfast / Brunch at <a href="https://thelandsby.com/dining/">Mad & Vin</a> (The eggs Benedict is a must!)</div><div>- Late Lunch / Happy Hour at <a href="http://www.succulentcafe.com/">Succulent Cafe</a> (Wow that brussel sprouts!!!)</div><div>- Dinner at <a href="https://ramenkotori.com/">Ramen Kotori</a> (Ramen in Solvang? Really? Yes, really. It's legit.)</div><div>- Pastries at <a href="https://mortensensbakery.com/">Mortensen's Danish Bakery</a> (Get the pistachio marzipan bar! My mouth is watering just thinking about it...)</div></div><div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="09solvang-california-roadtrip-travel-danish-bakery" height="533" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50598058777_95edfbca48_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="10solvang-california-roadtrip-travel-danish-bakery" height="533" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597194303_8e0d973b71_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Often times when we travel to somewhere new, we check to see if there are any climbing spots. With gyms being closed for the majority of this year, outdoor climbing has been especially precious. We woke up early on a Monday morning, grabbed a coffee and breakfast bowl at Good Seed and headed off to Los Padres National Forest. After half an hour or so, we made a turn onto West Camino Cielo and was literally above the clouds. The approach to The Playgrounds (one of the many climbing areas in the forest) was long but fairly easy and since it was a Monday, we had the entire place to ourselves! We spent a good few hours climbing The Little Lebowski Urban Achievers Crag and overall just enjoyed being outside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="17solvang-lospadresnationalforest-california-roadtrip-travel-rockclimbing" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597193828_776870d0cd_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="18solvang-lospadresnationalforest-california-roadtrip-travel-rockclimbing" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50598058112_e0b96e1258_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="19solvang-lospadresnationalforest-california-roadtrip-travel-rockclimbing" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597939311_4b101caf6d_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="20solvang-lospadresnationalforest-california-roadtrip-travel-rockclimbing" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597193623_7c1eab5c48_h.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, we stopped at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/solvangfarmerpumpkinpatch/?hl=en">Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch</a> to pick up a couple of pumpkins before heading home. If you happen to visit Solvang in the Fall, be sure to stop by. It is a decent sized pumpkin patch with a massive corn maze!</div><div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="21solvang-pumpkinpatch-california-roadtrip-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597193558_d02ffddd43_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="22solvang-pumpkinpatch-california-roadtrip-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597939071_0ffe6a9e10_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<img alt="23solvang-pumpkinpatch-california-roadtrip-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50597939021_becbdfd543_h.jpg" width="1500" /><br /><br /><div>
Solvang is most definitely cute. Oops I used the word "cute" again! It really is quaint but I do want to say that it is packed with tourists on the weekends. We were there Sunday through Tuesday and Sunday was so different than Monday. If you want to get a photo in front of the windmill on the weekend, forget about it! I actually woke up at 7am on a weekday to retake a few photos. It really is the only time when no one is around! So if you go, go on weekdays!</div>it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-39399685638842322612020-03-29T08:00:00.000-07:002020-03-29T08:00:06.055-07:00Japan Day 6-7: Kyoto<img alt="01kyoto-higashiyama-japan-architecture-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706485222_4e827e22a7_h.jpg" width="1500" /><br />
<br />
I wish I had spent more time in Kyoto because two days were certainly not enough! I could easily stay for 5 or 6 or an entire week! We took the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto and checked into <a href="https://nodehotel.com/">Node Hotel</a>. Let me just say... this hotel checks every box! The aesthetic is spot on and reminds me of The Line hotels with the gray concrete details. <a href="https://nodehotel.com/">Node Hotel</a> kindly hosted us for two days and gave us the most beautiful suite. It felt like a penthouse apartment and we enjoyed every second of it.<br />
<br />
Arashiyama was our first stop. Upon arriving at the Arashiyama station (which by the way is the last stop of that line), we noticed how hustling and bustling it was! Lots of shops and tons of food, we couldn't resist so we grabbed some jumbo shumai and fishcake to snack on! Yum! We began our walk toward Arashiyama and stopped again for strawberry mochi. But wow, I've never seen anything like it! So many bamboos and such beautiful landscape, there were cats too! I love it! We went around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and it was completely packed so I highly going there first thing in the morning if you have the option to do so. Next, we squeezed in Tenryu-ji and explored its garden before it got dark. Going to Kyoto in the Fall was such a treat, bursts of red and orange and yellow everywhere and the Tenryu-ji Garden is no difference!<br />
<br />
The next and final day, we woke up bright and early and headed up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple which is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan found in 780. The ground around the temple was lovely as well, garden, other shrines, pagoda, not to mention you can get a great view of Kyoto on a clear day! We headed down the hill and walked around Higashiyama District and stumbled upon Ryozen Kannon (a war memorial commemorating the War dead of the Pacific War with a giant statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara). We also checked out Kōdai-ji real quick before heading to AWOMB for lunch nearby (I wrote a separate blog post on AWOMB <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2020/03/awomb-kyoto-japan.html">here</a>). After lunch, we went to the infamous Fushimi Inari-Taisha and hiked all the way up to Mt. Inari Summit.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few things I learned from Fushimi Inari:</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>When you first see all the torii gates, you're gonna want to try to take pics. DON'T! There will be a sea of people and everyone is trying to do the same. Keep moving, there are SO MANY MORE spots just like this, if not better, for you to take pics with no one around!</li>
<li>Definitely do the full hike up Mt. Inari! The further you go, the less people you'll see. Set aside enough time for this though!</li>
<li>If you love cats, you're in luck! There are so many cats there and they are all super friendly!</li>
<li>When you're done and heading back down the hill. Do stop at the cafe (sadly I forgot the name of it but you shall see it, it's the only one there) and get a hojicha latte. It's the best I've ever had!</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Where to stay:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://nodehotel.com/">Node Hotel</a><br />
<i>New, modern, luxurious</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="04kyoto-nodehotel-luxuryhotel-japan-decor-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706483502_728987039a_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="05kyoto-nodehotel-luxuryhotel-japan-decor-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706164256_fce8775234_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="06kyoto-nodehotel-luxuryhotel-japan-decor-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706163906_978f4a16dc_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="07kyoto-nodehotel-luxuryhotel-japan-decor-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706163611_2b563e55bb_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Where to go:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.insidekyoto.com/arashiyama-bamboo-grove">Arashiyama Bamboo Forest</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tenryuji.com/en/">Tenryu-ji</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/">Kiyomizu-dera Temple</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ryozen-kwannon.jp/indexE.html">Ryozen Kannon</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html">Kōdai-ji</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://inari.jp/en/">Fushimi Inari-Taisha</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.insidekyoto.com/fushimi-inari-hike-kyoto">Mt. Inari Summit</a><br />
<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3959.html">Higashiyama District</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3902.html">Gion District</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="08kyoto-arashiyama-bambooforest-japan-landscape-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706482052_0ccf510c1b_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="09kyoto-arashiyama-bambooforest-japan-landscape-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706162576_3f6c86e000_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="11kyoto-arashiyama-bambooforest-cat-japan-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706480972_a65d497cb1_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="10kyoto-arashiyama-bambooforest-japan-landscape-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706481272_12d4d1a3d9_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="12kyoto-tenryuji-japan-landscape-autumn-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706480712_ca8b554c82_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="13kyoto-tenryuji-temple-shrine-japan-architecture-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706480302_c1339ef08b_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="14kyoto-tenryuji-temple-shrine-japan-architecture-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706161181_ad4b281730_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="15kyoto-kiyomizudera-temple-shrine-japan-architecture-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705626738_6a3383df44_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="16kyoto-kiyomizudera-pagoda-autumn-japan-landscape-architecture-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706160676_39b5bdbfc0_h.jpg" width="266" /><img alt="19kyoto-kiyomizudera-autumn-landscape-japan-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706159951_7b34aa6255_h.jpg" width="266" /><img alt="20kyoto-kiyomizudera-autumn-landscape-japan-travel" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706159531_d18fef14b3_h.jpg" width="266" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="18kyoto-kiyomizudera-pagoda-japan-architecture-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706160141_76be045357_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="21kyoto-gion-pagoda-architecture-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706159156_d187d5682f_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="22kyoto-gion-architecture-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705624693_a2b7226c6a_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="24kyoto-gion-architecture-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705623983_5c9baef271_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="23kyoto-gion-architecture-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706477402_798a768f61_h.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="25kyoto-ryozenkannon-memorial-architecture-japan-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706476777_0241e4d361_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="26kyoto-ryozenkannon-memorial-architecture-japan-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706476382_4e9cbcc7af_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="27kyoto-kodaiji-architecture-japan-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706157291_bbddde60af_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="28kyoto-kodaiji-architecture-japan-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706475837_8fb217d593_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="29kyoto-kodaiji-architecture-japan-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705622393_0ad4bf3ab6_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30kyoto-fushimi-inari-torii-shrine-architecture-japan-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706156366_39b0b74667_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="31kyoto-fushimi-inari-torii-shrine-architecture-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706475012_8f6f05b065_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="32kyoto-fushimi-inari-torii-shrine-architecture-landscape-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706155941_a096cc7afc_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="33kyoto-fushimi-inari-torii-shrine-architecture-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706155476_adbfba550e_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="34kyoto-fushimi-inari-torii-shrine-architecture-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706155246_1d5979a4e2_h.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="35kyoto-fushimi-inari-torii-shrine-architecture-japan-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705620908_7e6358fd5a_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36kyoto-fushimi-inari-cat-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706473857_86b31e4f88_h.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705620428_f2e8500c3d_h.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="38kyoto-fushimi-inari-cat-japan-travel" border="0" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705620428_f2e8500c3d_h.jpg" width="200" /></a><img alt="37kyoto-fushimi-inari-cat-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706473732_7507487bb9_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="39kyoto-fushimi-inari-cat-japan-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706473537_3c8e3dcaa7_h.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="40kyoto-mtinari-summit-landscape-japan-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706154291_56d95c1eef_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where to eat:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2020/03/awomb-kyoto-japan.html">AWOMB</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Separate blog post <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2020/03/awomb-kyoto-japan.html">here</a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d3829210-Reviews-Soymilk_Tonshabu_Torataro-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html">Torataro</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shabu shabu with kurobuta pork in soy milk broth</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Reservation recommended but we didn't have one and they seated us right away</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3912.html">Street food at Arashiyama</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.insidekyoto.com/nishiki-market-downtown-kyoto">Nishiki Market</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Everything you need in Japanese cooking and more</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="02AWOMB-kyoto-restaurant-architecture-japan-food-travel" height="558" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692522277_58752fecd9_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="01AWOMB-kyoto-japanesefood-japan-food-travel" height="558" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692522667_da2cc7e034_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="41kyoto-japan-food-snack-shumai-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706154061_a1e72d0b7b_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="42kyoto-japan-food-snack-fishcake-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705619768_0ca7a696ed_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="43kyoto-japan-food-snack-mochi-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706153656_6659375c09_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="44kyoto-japan-food-snack-sakura-softserve-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705619528_7112a85d2a_h.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="45kyoto-japan-nishiki-market-food-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705619408_6632ade455_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="46kyoto-japan-nishiki-market-sake-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705619118_b71b25f053_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="47kyoto-japan-nishiki-market-food-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49705618853_a9ed6f7c8c_h.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="50kyoto-japan-torataro-food-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706471022_798b4ab796_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="49kyoto-japan-torataro-uni-food-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706471257_24e3011714_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="48kyoto-japan-torataro-shabushabu-food-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706471547_8df200b831_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="51kyoto-japan-torataro-matcha-dessert-food-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49706151756_e344b576dc_h.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Places I wish I visited but ran out of time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/kyoto.html">Kyoto Imperial Palace</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3906.html">Tetsugaku No Michi</a> (Philosopher's Path)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/">Kinkaku-ji</a> (Golden Temple)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3919.html">Toji</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://kyoto.travel/en/other_attractions/112.html">Togetsu-kyō Bridge</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.daigoji.or.jp/index_e.html">Daigoji</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tofukuji.jp/english/">Tofukuji Temple</a></div>
it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-65776771900942130022020-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:002020-03-24T08:00:01.265-07:00AWOMB, Kyoto, Japan<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="01AWOMB-kyoto-japanesefood-japan-food-travel" height="1500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692522667_da2cc7e034_h.jpg" width="1075" /></div>
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I've been thinking about <a href="http://www.awomb.com/">AWOMB</a> in Kyoto ever since I visited there back in November. It's a dining experience I've never had before! Most tourists are unaware of this place, hence we were the only foreigners and everyone else was local when we went. Part of me want to keep this a secret... but here I am, sharing with you this hidden gem. Let's see, I am not even sure how to explain what "teae sushi" is. I read all about it before going but I was still a bit lost when I got there even after looking at their cute little illustration/instruction. Basically for each of the little dishes, you mix it with different condiments and you can choose to mix it with matcha shredded eggs and/or rice as well. There's also a tea soup which you can drink alone or pour into the rice. This tea soup!!! I've been dreaming about it since, the broth is just so delicious, so light yet flavorful. Where can I get it? How do I make it? That's all I wanna know! You can tell that everything was thoughtful curated and everything tasted so fresh and incredible. I really enjoyed <a href="http://www.awomb.com/">AWOMB</a> for so many reasons. Obviously I loved the food. I also really appreciate the fact that this restaurant was basically in/structured as a house. We even sat traditionally on tatami. I loved it! I hope that when you go to Kyoto, you'll have a chance to eat at <a href="http://www.awomb.com/">AWOMB</a>. I went to the one in Gion district but I believe there are two other locations in Kyoto as well. Also, please note that it is reservation only.<br />
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-30908970774484258882020-03-22T08:00:00.000-07:002020-03-22T08:00:02.752-07:00Japan Day 5: Osaka<div style="text-align: center;">
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To tell you the truth, Osaka isn't my favorite. It's not as cool as Tokyo and not as unique as Kyoto. If you're making a side trip out of Tokyo and you don't have too much time, don't even bother going to Osaka but Kyoto is a must and I highly recommended Hakone as well. Now don't get me wrong, Osaka is a lovely city but it just doesn't have much going on. You've got the Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Umeda Sky Building, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and that's pretty much it. We were only there for a day and so I didn't even bother going to some of these places.<br />
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Let's talk about the castle... Not gonna lie, I enjoyed Osaka Castle Park and the grounds around it way more than the castle itself. The castle was beautiful on the outside but the inside was underwhelming. It was more like a museum and you don't get to see what it actually looked like back in the days. I wish they had at least preserved a section of it to show. Anyways, the ground of the castle was stunning. We went in the fall and all the trees were all sorts of red and yellow. The moats were cool, the rocks were cool, and we actually explored both during the day and night. I highly recommend heading over at night, no one was around, it was slightly eerie but mostly magical.<br />
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Other than that, it was fun walking around Dotonbori at night. This is the area where there are bridges and waterways with lots of shops and restaurants, as well as the infamous Glico "running man" sign. We tried some takoyaki (did you know takoyaki originated from Osaka?) and melonpan and just enjoyed all the lights from buildings and billboards reflecting on the water.<br />
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As for accommodation, we stayed at <a href="https://www.no-um.jp/en/">Hotel Noum</a> which is a fairly new hotel right on the river. Upon checking in, I knew I would love this hotel. They have a cute little cafe next to the lobby (the breakfast there was so tasty and fresh), a rooftop patio, and even bikes for you to rent out! The room is minimal yet modern and I love the giant floor to ceiling window and view! Thank you <a href="https://www.no-um.jp/en/">Hotel Noum</a> for hosting us!<br />
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Where to go:</div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html">Osaka Castle</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.osakastation.com/dotonbori-area-the-bright-heart-of-osaka/">Dotonbori</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4012.html">Shinsekai</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.osakastation.com/kuromon-ichiba-market/">Kuromon Ichiba Market</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4002.html">Umeda Sky Building</a></div>
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<a href="https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/tempozan-ferris-wheel">Tempozan Ferris Wheel</a></div>
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Where to stay:</div>
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<a href="https://www.no-um.jp/en/">Hotel Noum</a></div>
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-20470486756768480112020-03-16T15:43:00.000-07:002020-03-16T16:13:10.789-07:00Japan Day 4: Hakone<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html">Hakone</a> is a crazy beautiful mountainous town in the Fuji area that reminds me of something out of a Miyazaki film. It was raining for the majority of the time we were there but the fog only made it extra mystical. The only regret I have from this part of the trip was that we only stayed for one night and I wish we had stayed for at least two, perhaps three.<br />
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Where to stay:</div>
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<a href="https://www.hakone-tenyu.com/en-gb">Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU</a></div>
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Where to go:</div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5203.html">Owakudani</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5201.html">Lake Ashi</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/foreign/en/">Hakone Sightseeing Cruise</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5204.html">Hakone Shrine and peace torii</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5205.html">Hakone Tokaido Checkpoint</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/spot/138">Ancient Cedar Avenue</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/en/">Open-Air Museum</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5218.html">Sengokuhara pampas grass field</a></div>
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Where to eat:</div>
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Since Hakone is very mountainous and transportation is limited. There aren't many restaurants around and most places to eat are at hotels. But do get some black onsen eggs at the gift shop in Owakudani!</div>
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<a name='more'></a>We took the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Odawara Station and from there, we took a bus to Hakone. After checking into Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU, we headed out to explore as much as we can. We took the ropeway to Owakudani. This volcanic area was formed some 3000 years ago when Mt Hakone erupted and is now filled with hot springs. No wonder Hakone is known for its onsens! And if you go, don't forget to try the infamous black volcanic eggs! They are actually pretty tasty! We hopped back on the ropeway and continued to Lake Ashi (Ashinoko). On a clear day, you can visibly see Mt. Fuji sitting behind the lake oh so majestically! We took the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (it looks like a pirate ship) from Tōgendai Port to Hakone-Machi Port on opposite ends of the lake and took in all the views! As you approach Hakone-Machi Port, you will also see the infamous Hakone Shrine torii gate on the left. What a sight! It was getting dark rather quickly but we wanted to check out the Ancient Cedar Avenue and the Hakone Tokaido Checkpoint. The Old Tokaido Road used to be the "highway" which linked Tokyo with Kyoto during the feudal Edo Period. Now, this path is lined with tall cedar trees and covered in beautiful moss! At one point during our walk, we saw Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the torii gate all lined up behind one another. It was magical!<br />
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We caught the bus back to our hotel and had a lovely dinner. Think thoughtfully curated appetizers, fresh sashimi, and hearty seafood broth. So tasty especially after a cold rainy day! After dinner, Mark went to check out the public onsen while I enjoyed my private one in our suite. I specifically booked a room/hotel with a private onsen because I have lots of tattoos and in Japan tattoos are prohibited from onsens! Something to remember!<br />
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The next morning, we woke up bright and early to visit the Hakone Shrine before making our way to Osaka. Although the crowd was small, there was still a line to take a photo with the peace torii. But it's absolutely worth it with the torii gate floating on water. I've never seen anything like it!<br />
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I really wish we had made more time for Hakone because I also wanted to check out the Open-Air Museum which I heard was super cool as well as the pampas grass field. Next time!!!<br />
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-80838439207264272432020-03-13T15:10:00.000-07:002020-03-13T15:10:37.692-07:00Japan Day 1-3: Tokyo<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have put off working on these blog posts on Japan for SO long because of a few reasons. First of all, I did a crazy amount of things during this trip that I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. Second of all, I've been contemplating about the format, whether I should group things by days or by categories. And lastly, I want these posts and guides to be helpful to you and therefore I want them to be perfect. Truth is, they won't be perfect and I have to understand that it's ok. So here we are, let's dive in!<br />
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Japan has always been a familiar yet strange place to me. I grew up in Hong Kong so traveling to Japan is just a little over 3 hours and I've gone countless times during my childhood (especially when my dad was living in Tokyo). This trip last year was truly the first time I went there as an adult. I've been to Tokyo and Osaka before but not Hakone and Kyoto which is why we only spent 3 days in Tokyo so that we can explore other places...<br />
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Where to stay:</div>
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<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tyolc-the-prince-gallery-tokyo-kioicho-a-luxury-collection-hotel/">Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Luxury, sky view, cool bar, lovely room</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.candeohotels.com/en/roppongi/">Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Convenient location, close to (some rooms have view of) Tokyo Tower, nice spa.</span></i></div>
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<img alt="04japan-tokyo-princegallery-kioicho-luxuryhotel-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655952786_a20b093710_h.jpg" width="400" /><img alt="06japan-tokyo-princegallery-kioicho-luxuryhotel-couple-kimono-tea-travel" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655952691_fabfa3d4cd_h.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="02japan-tokyo-princegallery-kioicho-luxuryhotel-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655952921_ab5f480958_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="03japan-tokyo-princegallery-kioicho-luxuryhotel-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655414413_3f856427f1_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="05japan-tokyo-princegallery-kioicho-luxuryhotel-bar-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655414278_c4f6cc8e2a_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="07japan-tokyo-princegallery-kioicho-luxuryhotel-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655414193_a539e33826_h.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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Where to go:<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html">Meiji-Jingu</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html">Harajuku</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html">Senso-ji</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html">Shinjuku</a></div>
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<a href="https://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/quick-guide-golden-gai/">Golden Gai</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3005.html">Ginza</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html">Shibuya</a><br />
<a href="https://tokyocheapo.com/locations/central-tokyo/omotesando/">Omotesando</a></div>
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<img alt="18japan-tokyo-harajuku-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655413038_8f0ef70bdd_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="19japan-tokyo-ginza-travel-ootd" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655951566_722285e857_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="20japan-tokyo-shinjuku-goldengai-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49656232082_85df3d98ec_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="21japan-tokyo-shinjuku-travel-ootd" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49655951381_03205bfaca_h.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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Where to eat:<br />
<a href="https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/shin-udon-tokyo/12998">Shin Udon</a><br />
<a href="http://sushitokyo-ten.com/">Sushi Tokyo Ten</a><br />
<a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2020/03/higashiya-ginza-japan.html">Higashiya</a><br />
<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html">Tsukiji Market</a><br />
<a href="https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/restaurants/best-standing-only-sushi-in-tokyo">Standing Sushi Bar</a><br />
<a href="https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/ebisu-yoroniku/reserve">Yoroniku Ebisu</a><br />
<a href="https://en.ichiran.com/index.php">Ichiran Ramen</a><br />
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I usually hate (and refuse) to wait in line for food, so trust me when I say <a href="https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/shin-udon-tokyo/12998">Shin Udon</a> is absolutely worth the wait and the hype! Apparently it's the best udon in Tokyo! I had the "carbonara" with a tempura bacon and cheese and it was seriously the most delicious udon I've ever had (and I've had a lot)! They don't take reservations so make sure you plan for the wait. We waited about an hour and a half in the rain (the restaurant is very tiny, can seat only 8-10 people) and I would go back in a heartbeat.<br />
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Next up... <a href="http://sushitokyo-ten.com/">Sushi Tokyo Ten</a>. Wow what a meal! <a href="http://sushitokyo-ten.com/">Sushi Tokyo Ten</a> is reservation only, omakase styled meal, and it is on the pricier end. We had 22 courses in 2 hours including items such as abalone and uni. Everything tasted so fresh and I even loved the things I usually don't care for. Make sure you show up on time, we were about 5-10 minutes and everyone was seated and had started.</div>
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I had such a lovely experience at <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2020/03/higashiya-ginza-japan.html">Higashiya</a>, a green tea and wagashi (confectionery) shop and cafe where you can slow down and experience tea drinking in the most respectable level, that I wrote a separate blog post about it <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2020/03/higashiya-ginza-japan.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html">Tsukiji</a> is the infamous fish market (it recently moved to a new location) where lots of restaurants and shops remain. It was so much fun exploring and tasting my way through all the little alleyways in this market. We snacked on a few things before sitting down at <a href="https://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/cheapo-sushi-sushizanmai/">Sushi Zanmai</a> for lunch. It's a popular conveyor belt sushi chain and it's soooooo good AND cheap too!</div>
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Speaking of sushi, I want to share with you another fun sushi spot to try, especially if you're on a budget... <a href="https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/restaurants/best-standing-only-sushi-in-tokyo">Standing Sushi Bar</a>. Yes, there are no seats, but that means less wait time. However, we went here after Shin Udon to have sushi for dessert and there was no wait. I wish I wasn't so full when I came here because the fish were so fresh and the sushi was incredible!<br />
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<a href="https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/ebisu-yoroniku/reserve">Yoroniku Ebisu</a>, where do I even begin? Initially, I wanted to write a blog post dedicated to this restaurant but I became a pescatarian two months ago so I feel that meat isn't as relevant to my lifestyle anymore. Anyways, I am so glad this meal was one of the last beef I've ever tasted! This is a multi-course meal with all A5 wagyu beef. A5 is the highest grade and therefore this meal is rather on the higher end but so so so worth it! Everything is cooked in front of you and your server will tell you which sauce to use and how to eat. It was amazing!!! I've never tasted such buttery soft beef! Please note, this is also reservation-only and you can book it <a href="https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/ebisu-yoroniku/reserve">here</a>.<br />
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Last but not least, let's talk ramen! <a href="https://en.ichiran.com/index.php">Ichiran</a> continues to be one of the more popular spots for ramen. Last time I was in Tokyo back in 2008, I had <a href="https://en.ichiran.com/index.php">Ichiran</a> and it still does not disappoint. I still love the venting machine (when you enter, you order from a vending machine) and those little individual booths where you really focus on eating. Here's a heck for you... Most <a href="https://en.ichiran.com/index.php">Ichiran</a> locations have really long line but the Roppongi one was empty when I went! Shhh!<br />
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I hope you've enjoyed this little write up on Tokyo (mostly where to eat lol). Again, this is just a summary of what I did and I even left a few things out as to not to overwhelm you. If you want a more in depth look at everything I did, you can check out my stories in the Japan highlight on my <a href="http://instagram.com/itsnotheritsme">Instagram</a>. I documented everything over there! Stay tuned for Hakone blog post coming up next!it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-58289614686659901022020-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:002020-03-12T13:56:28.185-07:00Higashiya, Ginza, Japan<div style="text-align: center;">
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Japanese cares a lot about details and that is exactly what you'll get at <a href="https://www.higashiya.com/en/">Higashiya</a>. A hidden gem above the busy street of Ginza, <a href="https://www.higashiya.com/en/">Higashiya</a> is a green tea and wagashi (confectionery) shop and cafe where you can slow down and experience tea drinking in the most respectable level. I am not doing an individual write-up on every place I ate during my Japan trip, but I wanted to highlight <a href="https://www.higashiya.com/en/">Higashiya</a> because it was such a memorable experience and I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Ginza. I opted for the tea and wagashi pairing, but if you're a sake lover, you can do the same pairing but with sake instead of tea instead! What I love most about this experience is that it forces you to slow down and truly enjoy and appreciate your tea and wagashi. Each tea is roasted/prepared and poured right in front of you to ensure its freshness. It was also lovely to watch how the staff carefully handles everything!<br />
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Here are some tips for you if you plan on visiting <a href="https://www.higashiya.com/en/">Higashiya</a>:
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1. Make a reservation. Although this was on my list, I didn't have time to squeeze everything in on my itinerary so when my day opened up, I hopped over to Ginza to see if there was any opening and luckily, they told me to come back in an hour! But I would definitely make a reservation as this place is becoming very popular.<br />
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2. When I say hidden, I mean really hidden. When you get to the address, it looks like an office building or something. Take the elevator on your right to the second level and ta da!</div>
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3. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours, close to 3 here. When I say it makes you slow down, I really mean it. You take your time to drink each tea and eat every dish, in the best possible way of course!</div>
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4. Phone photos are ok but don't make the same mistake as I did and pull out your DSLR with loud shutter sound. I didn't know but as soon as a staff kindly told me to put my camera way, I quickly obliged.</div>
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5. Don't forget to check out the shop and grab some tea and wagashi when you leave! They make perfect souvenirs!</div>
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-38100702779543340692020-01-17T10:57:00.004-08:002020-01-17T10:58:39.870-08:00Gaige House + Ryokan, Sonoma<div style="text-align: center;">
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I miss Japan so much ever since traveling there back in November (those posts are coming up next) that I was so excited to find a piece of Japan in Sonoma over the holidays. <a href="https://www.thegaigehouse.com/">Gaige House + Ryokan</a> is the most perfect getaway hidden in Glen Ellen deep in the Sonoma Valley. Upon arriving, we walked pass a mini bamboo forest that reminded me of Arashiyama to our ryokan suite. Our suite was so incredible! I loved every corner of it, from the vaulted ceiling to the stone bathtub to the zen garden to the river being in our backyard... There were even sake (nigori is my favorite) and cookies waiting for us! We enjoyed wine tasting in the lobby during happy hour each evening as well as the endless amount of homemade cookies available (they were sooo delicious). If you love Japan or Japanese lifestyle, than you'd love <a href="https://www.thegaigehouse.com/">Gaige House + Ryokan</a>. This might be the closest thing to Japan you can find in California! Thank you <a href="https://www.thegaigehouse.com/">Gaige House + Ryokan</a> for hosting us!<br />
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-85227878488476361552020-01-07T08:51:00.000-08:002020-01-07T08:52:40.394-08:00Travel Guide: 5 Days in Hong Kong<div style="text-align: center;">
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Visiting Hong Kong for the first time in nearly 11 years was emotional and I never imagined I would return to a place I once called home in such a state (the aftermath of all the pro-democracy protests). I had booked this trip months ago but things got more heated as it got closer to my departure date, at one point it was so bad that I thought about cancelling the trip. In the end, I went over there as planned and I am so glad I did. I saw a different HK than the one I knew but I got to experience this piece of history first hand.<br />
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HK is unlike anywhere else and I highly recommend visiting. It's bilingual (English remains one of the primary languages even after Britain handed HK back to China in 1997) meaning getting around is a piece of cake, the public transportation system will get you anywhere, shopping is great (no sales tax) and the food is even better! I recommend doing HK in a week but 5 days could work too if you pack everything in. I've shared with you the most time-efficient itinerary below grouping by location...<br />
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<u>Day 1</u></div>
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Lantau Island</div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery.jsp">Tin Tan Buddha</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery.jsp">Po Lin Monastery</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/great-outdoors/outlying-islands/lantau-island/tai-o-stilt-houses.jsp">Tai O Fishing Village</a></div>
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Causeway Bay</div>
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Wan Chai</div>
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<a href="https://wooloo-mooloo.com/single_venue/wooloomooloo-steakhouse-wan-chai/">Wooloomooloo Rooftop Lounge</a></div>
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If your flight arrives in HK earlier in the day, I suggest heading to the <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery.jsp">Tin Tan Buddha</a> straight from the airport. The airport, <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery.jsp">Tin Tan Buddha</a>, <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery.jsp">Po Lin Monastery</a> and <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/great-outdoors/outlying-islands/lantau-island/tai-o-stilt-houses.jsp">Tai O Fishing Village</a> are all on Lantau Island and it is outside of the city so why not get those things out of the way! And don't you worry about your luggages, there will be lockers for you store them once you get to Ngong Ping. Ngong Ping is where the <a href="https://www.np360.com.hk/en/">360 cable cars</a> are and going over the mountains to the Buddha is quite beautiful. Climb up to see the Buddha up close, enjoy a vegetarian meal at <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery.jsp">Po Lin Monastery</a> and then catch a bus over to <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/great-outdoors/outlying-islands/lantau-island/tai-o-stilt-houses.jsp">Tai O</a>. Known as the Venice of Hong Kong, <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/great-outdoors/outlying-islands/lantau-island/tai-o-stilt-houses.jsp">Tai O</a> is a fishing village with the infamous stilt houses built on water. While you are there, make sure you try out all the yummy seafood snacks like curry fishballs, pet plenty of cats, and enjoy the nature before surrounding yourself with high rises in the city. Grab dinner and shop around Causeway Bay and then end the night with some drinks at <a href="https://wooloo-mooloo.com/single_venue/wooloomooloo-steakhouse-wan-chai/">Wooloomooloo Rooftop Lounge</a> in Wan Chai. This secret gem is low key and has a beautiful view!<br />
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<u>Day 2</u></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/stanley.jsp">Stanley</a></div>
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Central<br />
<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/man-mo-temple.jsp">Man Mo Temple</a><br />
Mid-Levels escalator<br />
<a href="https://ifc.com.hk/en/mall/">IFC</a><br />
Ferris Wheel</div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/great-outdoors/city-parks/hong-kong-park.jsp">Hong Kong Park</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.thepeak.com.hk/en">Victoria Peak</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/dine-drink/where-to-eat/lan-kwai-fong.jsp">Lan Kwai Fong</a></div>
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Hopefully you're not too jet lagged... perhaps start the day slow with a stroll in <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/stanley.jsp">Stanley</a>. Hop on a double decker bus and on the way there, you'd drive along the seaside through a couple of beaches including the infamous Repulse Bay. Grab a snack at a sidewalk cafe and check out the Stanley Marketplace. Head back to Central and have lunch at <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/hk/en/hong-kong-region/hong-kong/restaurant/yat-lok">Yat Lok Roast Goose</a>, explore <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/man-mo-temple.jsp">Man Mo Temple</a>, then take the Mid-Levels escalator down toward <a href="https://ifc.com.hk/en/mall/">IFC</a> (remember these spots in The Dark Knight?). Do a little shopping there and ride the ferris wheel nearby. When I was there, the ferris wheel was free and totally awesome so definitely worth a ride! Quickly stroll through <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/great-outdoors/city-parks/hong-kong-park.jsp">Hong Kong Park</a> before taking the tram up to <a href="https://www.thepeak.com.hk/en">Victoria Peak</a> where the entire HK is under your feet! End the day by spending the evening at a few bars in <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/dine-drink/where-to-eat/lan-kwai-fong.jsp">Lan Kwai Fong</a>.<br />
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<u>Day 3</u></div>
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Tsim Sha Tsui</div>
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<a href="http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/">Star Ferry</a><br />
<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/highlight-attractions/themed-attractions/avenue-of-stars.jsp">Avenue of Stars</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/historical-sites/colonial/clock-tower.jsp">Clock Tower</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/e_index.htm">Space Museum</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/">Harbour City</a></div>
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Rise and shine! Go enjoy some breakfast and some delicious HK style milk tea at a "cha chaan teng" (literally means tea cafe). Think a mix of Chinese and British dishes like beef noodle soup with a side of scrambled eggs and french toast. There are plenty of "cha chaan teng" but my favorite on the HK Island side is Capital Cafe (Wah Sing) in Wan Chai and on the Kowloon side, HK Cafe China Cafe in Mongkok. After breakfast, catch the <a href="http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/">Star Ferry</a> across the harbor to Tsim Sha Tsui (if you are on the HK Island side). There are so many things to do over there... <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/highlight-attractions/themed-attractions/avenue-of-stars.jsp">Avenue of Stars</a>, <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/historical-sites/colonial/clock-tower.jsp">clock tower</a>, <a href="https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/e_index.htm">Space Museum</a>, etc. Do me a favor and get a slice of layered cake at <a href="https://www.ladymhk.com/">Lady M</a> in <a href="http://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/">Harbour City</a> shopping center. Sooo delicious! For dinner, you should try some authentic Chinese hot pot!<br />
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<u>Day 4</u></div>
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Mongkok</div>
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<a href="https://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/flower-market.jsp">Flower Mart</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/bird-garden.jsp">Yuen Po St Bird Garden</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/sneakers-street.jsp">Fa Yuen St</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/ladies-market.jsp">Ladies Market</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/temple-street-night-market.jsp">Temple St Night Market</a></div>
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Ok, if at this point you haven't had dim sum yet, you definitely should! Honestly, you haven't had real dim sum until you've had it in HK. And don't forget to get some deep fried or steamed custard buns! Mongkok is awesome, I grew up just 10 minutes away from there and loved heading over there to shop and eat! Check out the <a href="https://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/flower-market.jsp">Flower Mart</a> and <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/bird-garden.jsp">Yuen Po St Bird Garden</a> and admire all the plants and birds you wish you could bring home. Then spend some time shopping at <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/sneakers-street.jsp">Fa Yuen St</a> (clothing and fruits), <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/ladies-market.jsp">Ladies Market</a> and <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/shop/where-to-shop/street-markets-and-shopping-streets/temple-street-night-market.jsp">Temple St Night Market</a> (souvenirs). While you're in Mongkok, look for some Yunnan style hot and sour noodles, at either Wan Lam Noodles or Tam Chai.<br />
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<u>Day 5</u></div>
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Sham Shui Po</div>
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<a href="https://phvlohatch.com/">Phvlo Hatch coffee shop</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/historical-sites/chinese/kowloon-walled-city-park.jsp">Kowloon Walled City Park</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/wong-tai-sin-temple.jsp">Wong Tai Sin</a></div>
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Choi Hung</div>
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<a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/dine-drink/where-to-eat/lei-yue-mun.jsp">Lei Yue Mun</a></div>
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If you're familiar with HK, then you'd know there isn't much happening over in Sham Shui Po but a cool coffee shop called <a href="https://phvlohatch.com/">Phvlo Hatch</a> recently opened up there and it's definitely worth a track over! Really awesome architecture and decor plus the coffee is great too! I had an iced honey ginger latte and it was delicious! After you've had your morning fix, head over to Kowloon City and explore the ground that was once the <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/historical-sites/chinese/kowloon-walled-city-park.jsp">Walled City</a>. Then take the MTR a few stops over to <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/wong-tai-sin-temple.jsp">Wong Tai Sin</a>. Home to three religions (Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism), <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/wong-tai-sin-temple.jsp">Wong Tai Sin Temple</a>'s natural setting and beautifully ornamented buildings make it a popular spot for tourists and locals. Usually this place is PACKED, when I was little I was scared I would get poked by all these old ladies carrying around all the incense! But when I was there in November, it was nearly empty (again, due to all the protests) and magical! A couple of stops from <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/wong-tai-sin-temple.jsp">Wong Tai Sin</a> is Choi Hung, where that infamous rainbow basketball court on Instagram is located. Take the MTR to the end of the line to Yau Tong and then hop on a minibus to <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/dine-drink/where-to-eat/lei-yue-mun.jsp">Lei Yue Mun</a>. <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/dine-drink/where-to-eat/lei-yue-mun.jsp">Lei Yue Mun</a> is a small fishing village and where you will have the best seafood of your life. The unique part of this is that you would go to a seafood vendor to pick out your live seafood and then they will bring them to a restaurant to cook for you. Talk about farm to table! I mean, sea to table! There are also some cool rocks behind the Tin Hau Temple if you walk through the village all the way in!<br />
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Wow! If you've made it through this entire blog post, thank you! Truly, I appreciate it! Obviously I couldn't share with you all the photos I snapped during this trip so if you'd like to see more, feel free to check out my HK story highlight over on my <a href="http://instagram.com/itsnotheritsme">Instagram</a>! Hope you've enjoyed this post and that you'll have a chance to visit Hong Kong some day!</div>
it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-41419692488993196212019-12-24T14:51:00.000-08:002019-12-29T12:58:32.179-08:00Holiday Recipe: Shortbread Crusted Lemon Bars<div style="text-align: center;">
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December is in full force, have you done any holiday baking yet? If not, I've got a delicious recipe for you to try! Forget the typical holiday baked goods like gingerbread cookies and peppermint barks, make lemon bars instead! I cook quiet often but I'm not much of a baker, however I can't stop baking lately. Perhaps the cooler weather makes me want to use the oven more. I really love the lemon bars from Viktor Benes Bakery (buttery shortbread crust and lemon zests) and the lemon bites from Trader Joe's (chewy and tart) so I decided to make my own! I researched and read through several recipes, combined and tweaked them, to give you the best lemon bars ever!<br />
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Shortbread crust ingredients:<br />
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)<br />
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
- 2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
- 1/2 tsp salt<br />
- 2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
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Lemon filling ingredients:<br />
- 5 lemons (juiced)<br />
- 1 tbsp lemon zest<br />
- 6 eggs<br />
- 2 cup granulated sugar<br />
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour<br />
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Additional ingredient:<br />
- Powder sugar<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.<br />
2. Line a 9"x13" baking dish/pan with parchment paper and set aside.<br />
3. First, let's make the crust!<br />
4. Mix the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl.<br />
5. Add the flour and stir to completely combine.<br />
6. Press firmly into the dish/pan with parchment paper, making sure the layer of crust is even.<br />
7. Bake for 20 minutes.<br />
8. While the crust is in the oven, prepare the filling!<br />
9. Juice and zest the lemons and set aside.<br />
10. Sift (sifting is important to avoid clumps) the sugar and flour in a bowl.<br />
11. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until combined.<br />
12. Once the crust is done, pour the filling over the warm crust.<br />
13. Bake for 25 minutes (until the center is set and not jiggly).<br />
14. Cool at room temperature for 2 hours.<br />
15. Once cool, lift the parchment paper out of the dish/pan.<br />
16. Sift and dust powder sugar on top.<br />
17. Cut into squares and serve!<br />
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-41684720092778143942019-12-23T16:42:00.000-08:002019-12-23T16:42:37.086-08:00Stay Smooth with Philips SatinShave Advanced<div style="text-align: center;">
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Back in August, I started using a new shaving tool by Philips called <a href="https://philips.to/2P3N1js">SatinShave Advanced</a>. It is a few months later now and I am still loving it! Not only do I use it regularly, I have also taken it on several trips and would love to share with you how incredible and convenient the <a href="https://philips.to/2P3N1js">SatinShave Advanced</a> is.</div>
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When I first tested out this product, the one thing that stood out to me was its rechargeable battery. As someone who travels often and takes a lot of outfits, I am limited to what I can pack. It's so nice that I don't have to pack the charger with me because once charged, the <a href="https://philips.to/2P3N1js">SatinShave Advanced</a> can last up to an hour! On top of that, the tool itself is light and compact and doesn't take up any room. How convenient!</div>
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As for its functionality, I've definitely noticed the difference between shaving with the <span class="il">Philips</span> <a href="https://philips.to/2P3N1js">SatinShave Advanced</a> vs typical razor blades. When shaving my legs, bikini area and underarms, I've experienced less cuts and irritations and overall my skin is a lot smoother! The <a href="https://philips.to/2P3N1js">SatinShave Advanced</a> has a round pearl-tip trimmer in front of as well as behind the shaving foil which helps to prevent irritation while the floating foil glides seamlessly close to the skin for an even shave. Oh, did I also mention this shaver can be used wet or dry?<br />
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Did I convince you yet? You can get a SatinShave Advanced right <a href="https://philips.to/2P3N1js">here</a>!</div>
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-88308617599669770492019-12-15T14:07:00.000-08:002019-12-15T14:07:42.468-08:00Travel Guide: 3 Days in Copenhagen, Denmark<div style="text-align: center;">
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Not sure when or how it became this way but whenever I travel now, I plan with great details, perhaps even a bit excessive. Think itinerary on an excel sheet including (but not limited to) things to see in specific order and places to eat. Personally, I enjoy it and doing so allows me to make the most out of my time during my travels. This comes especially handy when I am on a quick trip like my recent visit to Copenhagen where I only stayed for 3 days. It's short but definitely doable! Below is everything you need including what I did each day in the exact order (to save time and travel more efficiently) and what I ate. I am also linking to each day's individual posts so that you can get more details if you want! Hope this will be helpful to anyone planning a trip to Copenhagen (which I think everyone should)!<br />
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<u>Day 1</u></div>
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<u><img alt="09copenhagen-denmark-rundetarn-roundtower-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49179907228_1b058bb685_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="12copenhagen-denmark-rundetarn-roundtower-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49180396756_5c9840cc19_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="14copenhagen-denmark-grabrodretorv-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49179906623_0af8b57706_h.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="17copenhagen-denmark-stroget-square-travel" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49180606627_277f16b2be_h.jpg" width="200" /></u></div>
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<a href="https://torvehallernekbh.dk/">Torvehallerne</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.rundetaarn.dk/en/front-page/">Rundetårn</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "crimson text" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;"> (Round Tower)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "crimson text" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;">Gråbrødretorv</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "crimson text" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;">Strøget</span></div>
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Lunch at <a href="http://www.hijadesanchez.dk/">Hija de Sanchez</a> at <a href="https://torvehallernekbh.dk/">Torvehallerne</a></div>
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Coffee at The Coffee Collective at <a href="https://torvehallernekbh.dk/">Torvehallerne</a><br />
Dinner at <a href="https://www.krogs.dk/">Krogs Fiskerestaurant</a> (oldest restaurant in Copenhagen)</div>
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Read the complete "Copenhagen Day 1" blog post <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-1-torvehallerne.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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<u>Day 2</u><br />
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<a href="https://goboat.dk/en/">GoBoat</a> (self guided boat tour)<br />
Marble Bridge<br />
<a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/christiansborg-palace-gdk420896">Christiansborg Palace</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/nyhavn-gdk474735">Nyhavn</a><br />
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Breakfast at <a href="https://madogkaffe.dk/">Mad & Kaffe</a><br />
Pastries at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meyersbageri/">Meyers Bageri</a><br />
Dinner at <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/noma-copenhagen.html">Noma</a><br />
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Read the complete "Noma" blog post <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/noma-copenhagen.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Read the complete "Copenhagen Day 2" blog post <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-2-goboat-christiansborg.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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<u>Day 3</u><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "crimson text" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;">Kongens Have</span><br />
<a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582">Rosenborg Castle</a><br />
<a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/">Botanical Garden</a><br />
<a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/exhibitions/palmhouse/">Palm House</a><br />
<a href="https://www.smk.dk/en/">National Gallery of Denmark (SMK)</a></div>
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Breakfast at <a href="http://www.cafeatelierseptember.com/">Atelier September</a></div>
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Lunch at <a href="https://sticksnsushi.com/en/restaurants/copenhagen">Sticks'n'Sushi</a><br />
Dinner at <a href="https://www.kiinbao.dk/">Kiin Kiin Bao Bao</a><br />
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Read the complete "Copenhagen Day 3" blog post <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-3-rosenborg-castle.html">HERE</a>.</div>
it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-65538106954494377032019-12-15T13:18:00.001-08:002019-12-15T13:19:08.809-08:00Copenhagen Day 3: Rosenborg Castle, Botanical Garden and SMK (National Gallery of Denmark)<div style="text-align: center;">
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Have you checked out <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-1-torvehallerne.html">Day 1</a> and <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-2-goboat-christiansborg.html">Day 2</a> and been following my Copenhagen journey? Today I am sharing with you what I did on the third day which was also my last day. Luckily, the rain stopped and I finally had a sunny (and dry) day! I had a simple soft-boiled egg with rye bread and butter (don't know why but Scandinavian bread is always so damn good) for breakfast, along with a latte of course, at <a href="http://www.cafeatelierseptember.com/">Atelier September</a>. Grabbed a seat outside and people watched a little before heading over to <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582">Rosenborg Castle</a> which was just up the street.<br />
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We walked through Kongens Have (The King's Garden), also known as Rosenborg Castle Garden, which is the country's oldest royal garden. One of Christian IV's many architectural projects, <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582">Rosenborg Castle</a> was built in 1606 in a Dutch Renaissance style. From the outside, <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582">Rosenborg Castle</a> looked beautiful and otherworldly. The inside, however, was a mix of extraordinarily ornate motifs and eeriness. Don't get me wrong, every room was decorated from ceiling to floor in great details and it was stunning, but something about that place felt slightly eerie. Perhaps because there weren't many windows so it was rather dark and also the excessive amount of portraits throughout the castle seemed as if I was being watched. Regardless, <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582">Rosenborg Castle</a> is still a must-see attraction in Copenhagen!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Next up... <a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/">Botanical Garden</a>! Even though it is across the street from <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582">Rosenborg Castle</a>, make sure you know where to go! Don't make the mistake like I did and walked in the wrong direction all the way around. If you are standing at <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582">Rosenborg Castle</a> and the <a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/">Botanical Garden</a> is north of you, go left to the intersection/street and the entrance is half way up that block. I was really excited about the <a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/">Botanical Garden</a> because 1) I love plants 2) I've heard amazing things about the <a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/exhibitions/palmhouse/">Palm House</a>. The <a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/exhibitions/palmhouse/">Palm House</a> was built in 1874 and it has these beautiful cast iron spiral stairs that lead to the passageway at the top. Honestly, I'm not sure how I manage to get all these shots given the fact that my lens was fogging up literally every two seconds. You see, it was at least 80°F inside the <a href="https://botanik.snm.ku.dk/english/exhibitions/palmhouse/">Palm House</a> while the temperature outside was in the 50s. My camera did not like that drastic change and therefore trying to take any photos was nearly impossible! I was wiping the lens with my dress and shooting as quickly as I can before the lens fogged up again. I was sweating and melting from the humidity and every few seconds a dew would drop on my head or my face from a plant hanging over me. I want to share this because what you see in the content I create often look glamorous and fun but you never truly know the story behind it. Truth be told, being in there was not pleasant but I had to do what I had to do in order to take these photographs...<br />
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We grabbed a quick sushi lunch nearby and then off to our last main attraction of the day which was also nearby - <a href="https://www.smk.dk/en/">The National Gallery of Denmark</a> or Statens Museum for Kunst in Danish. This museum collects, registers, maintains, researches and handles Danish and foreign art dating from the 14th century to the present day. The collections constitute almost 9,000 paintings and sculptures, approximately 240,000 works of art on paper, and more than 2,600 plaster casts of figures from the middle-ages and the Renaissance. My favorite part of the museum is the beautiful space/ courtyard where old meets new. On one side, you've got the original museum building built 1889-1896 in a Historicist Italian Renaissance revival style. On the other side, it's a large modern extension erected in 1998 to house the extensive modern art collection.<br />
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The evening quickly approached and we stumbled upon this very Wes Anderson esque building as we headed to the other side of town for dinner. It was all shades of pink and orange and the sunset made it even more beautiful and coincidentally a pink train just happened pass by as well. What a scene! We had dinner at <a href="https://www.kiinbao.dk/">Kiin Kiin Bao Bao</a> which was essentially Asian fusion tapas. It was so tasty!!! Not to mention the restaurant has the chicest aesthetics too! It was over in the fun Vesterbro neighborhood which has tons of hip bars and restaurants!<br />
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So there you have it, my 3 days in Copenhagen! Again, you can check out <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-1-torvehallerne.html">Day 1</a> and <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-2-goboat-christiansborg.html">Day 2</a> blog posts as well as this comprehensive 3 Days in Copenhagen travel guide! Thank you for following along!it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-40221010475442252222019-12-11T12:36:00.001-08:002019-12-15T13:19:50.776-08:00Copenhagen Day 2: GoBoat, Christiansborg Palace and Nyhavn<div style="text-align: center;">
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Onto day numero dos of Copenhagen! You can check out day numero uno <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-1-torvehallerne.html">here</a>. Looking back now, this ought to be the most eventful day of my trip. It was raining a lot that day, like A LOT. It even hailed while I was on a boat (uncovered)! My jeans and shoes were completely soaked! But I suppose it's not an adventure unless you have to go through some mishaps right?<br />
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I woke up bright and early to have breakfast at <a href="https://madogkaffe.dk/">Mad & Kaffe</a> and it exceeded all my expectations. Simply put, it was breakfast tapas and you create the elements/ingredients by checking off whatever you want. I had a beet salad, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs with mushroom, an oh-so-buttery croissant, and a chia pudding with berries. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious, I highly recommend checking this spot out!<br />
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After breakfast, we strolled over to a pier to meet with <a href="https://goboat.dk/en/">GoBoat</a> for a tour of Copenhagen from the water! <a href="https://goboat.dk/en/">GoBoat</a> is pretty rad. Not only does it sail on sun, wind and water power, you also steer the boat yourself (very straightforward) and do your own tour! However, our host Mads was kind enough to be our guide. When I boarded the boat with coffee in hand, it was sunny. Less than 10 minutes later, it started pouring. Picture this... three people on a boat battling the rain and wind with two umbrellas and occasionally seeking shelter under bridges. Oh man it was so cold! It was rough! It even hailed a few times but absolutely no regrets! There are so many canals in Copenhagen, <a href="https://goboat.dk/en/">GoBoat</a> is such a great and quick way to see the city!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>We walked around to dry off and made our way over to <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/christiansborg-palace-gdk420896">Christiansborg Palace</a> and of course we had to stop at Marble Bridge to snap some photos first. This beautiful and intricate rococo style bridge crosses Frederiksholms Kanal and leads to the vast courtyard of <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/christiansborg-palace-gdk420896">Christiansborg</a>. And if you think the outside is cool, wait til you see the inside! Every corner of the palace is ornate and beautiful but if I have to pick my favorite room, it would be the queen's library. Filled with white, cream and gold, it reminded me a lot of something you would see at Marie Antoinette's estate in Versailles. I lucked out with a quiet palace and had pretty much the entire place to myself to photograph my heart out.<br />
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We skipped lunch and opted for the infamous pastries at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meyersbageri/">Meyers</a> instead since we were about to have a big dinner at <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/noma-copenhagen.html">Noma</a> that night. The "kanelsnurrer" which is basically a cinnamon twist was sooo good and even better with latte. We continued to walk around and quickly approached Nyhavn.<br />
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Oh <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/nyhavn-gdk474735">Nyhavn</a>... I've been anticipating seeing this stunning waterfront as soon as I booked my flights. I even spent hours planning what to wear and how to shoot at this location. Can you blame me though? Look at how picturesque <a href="https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/nyhavn-gdk474735">Nyhavn</a> is! Well, just my luck... As soon as I got there, it started pouring AGAIN! So the only photo I've got is of me wearing my rain jacket, holding my umbrella, and carrying a backpack full of clothes. But hey, at least this is real life!<br />
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The day ended short as we had to make our way over to a different side of town for dinner at <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/noma-copenhagen.html">Noma</a>. I wrote a separate <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/noma-copenhagen.html">blog post</a> on my <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/noma-copenhagen.html">Noma</a> dining experience because if you know, you know. Also, Day 3 is <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-3-rosenborg-castle.html">here</a>.<br />
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-84005964059132051432019-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:002019-12-11T12:37:42.919-08:00Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark<div style="text-align: center;">
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I wasn't going to write a separate blog post about <a href="https://noma.dk/">Noma</a> but the more I think about this meal and experience, the more I feel like it deserves a dedicated post. So, here we are. <a href="https://noma.dk/">Noma</a>, "nordisk" (Nordic) and "mad" (food), is a two Michelin-star restaurant by chef René Redzepi in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was ranked as the #1 Restaurant in the world in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 and is currently ranked 2nd. I had the honor to experience and dine at <a href="https://noma.dk/">Noma</a> during my visit to Copenhagen and let me tell you, it was nothing like I've ever seen (and tasted)!<br />
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Upon arriving to <a href="https://noma.dk/">Noma</a>'s newest location on an urban farm, we were led to a beautiful glasshouse where the staff greeted us. Soon after, we walked through the farm and passed by a beautifully curated table full of ingredients which were being used in the meal we were about to eat. It was full of colorful vegetables, plants, and honeycombs! Each season <a href="https://noma.dk/">Noma</a> curates a new menu and for June thru September, it was Vegetable Season.<br />
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The dining hall was rustic yet modern, with mostly wood details and unique architectural elements. I love that it has an open kitchen where one can observe all the culinary actions. The food... honestly, I don't even know where to begin or how to describe to you. It's something you have to experience yourself because words simply can't explain what I tasted. Every dish was prepared in such a way that elevates every one of your senses. First you see, second you smell, and then you taste, and then taste again with your beverage pairing (wine or juice). I had the juice pairing and that on its own was so incredible! Anyways, hope you enjoy the beautiful dishes in photo form...<br />
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Flowers marinated with pollen</div>
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(Left) Barbecued pepper with peas (Right) Candied beets</div>
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Chilled onion bouillon</div>
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(Left) Mold pancake with truffle (Right) Mold pie</div>
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Berry soup</div>
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(Left) Flatbread with medium rare cooked vegetables (Right) Celeriac cannelloni</div>
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Boiled new potato</div>
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Marigold flowers with whisky egg nog</div>
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(Left) Quail egg in salted ramson leaves (Right) Wild mushrooms barbecued with pine</div>
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Vegetable ragout</div>
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(Left) Quince juice (Right) Woodruff and birch kombucha ice cream</div>
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Elderflower mousse and seabuckthorn</div>
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Crispy bees cooked with chocolate</div>
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The entire meal lasted for about 3 hours and I enjoyed every moment of it! I also really appreciate the fact that we received a tour of the facility at the end and got to see all the behind-the-scenes such as the lab! Yes, this is where food scientists would experiment with things such as molds and scents. I hope you've enjoyed this post on <a href="https://noma.dk/">Noma</a> and that one day you will also get a chance to experience this first hand!<br />
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<img alt="29noma-copenhagen-denmark-michelin-restaurant-kitchen-lab-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49195862526_39b39edc90_h.jpg" width="1500" /></div>
<img alt="33noma-copenhagen-denmark-michelin-restaurant-food-travel" height="1000" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49195862146_6e78f92951_h.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="1500" />it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-14487023290869570272019-12-07T13:12:00.000-08:002019-12-11T12:37:55.299-08:00Copenhagen Day 1: Torvehallerne, Rundetårn, Gråbrødretorv and Strøget<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's been 20 years since I first set foot in Copenhagen, Denmark and honestly that didn't really count since I only spent a few hours there while traveling from Germany to Finland. I've been wanting to go back ever since but somehow always ended up in Paris (I've been to Paris four times). Not only was my best friend going to be there, I also had a bunch of Norwegian Air miles I needed to use by the end of the year... so I guess I'm gonna go to Copenhagen!<br />
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I caught my red-eye out of LAX and quickly landed at CPH in the early afternoon. I thought I only slept for 2 hours or so but when I woke up during my flight, 6 hours had passed. That never happens!!! The seat next to me was also empty so this trip was already off to a good start!<br />
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I arrived at my Airbnb at ease after a simple train ride and short walk. To my surprise, it was so much more lovelier than in photos! Spacious, beautiful Danish decor, and a balcony! I snapped a few photos while I waited to meet up with friends.<br />
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First stop, <a href="https://torvehallernekbh.dk/">Torvehallerne</a>. <a href="https://torvehallernekbh.dk/">Torvehallerne</a> is a food market hall in the city center with everything you can imagine! Local produce, gourmet food, dessert, coffee, wine, etc. We hunted down <a href="http://www.hijadesanchez.dk/">Hija de Sanchez</a> because this popular Mexican restaurant recently opened up a stall at <a href="https://torvehallernekbh.dk/">Torvehallerne</a>. After we chowed down on some amazing tacos, we grabbed a coffee from <a href="https://coffeecollective.dk/">The Coffee Collective</a> and began walking toward the <a href="https://www.rundetaarn.dk/en/front-page/">Rundetårn</a> (Round Tower).<br />
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It was fun climbing up the <a href="https://www.rundetaarn.dk/en/front-page/">Rundetårn</a> which was built in the 17th century in central Copenhagen and it is currently the oldest functioning observatory in Europe! The section of stairs leading up to the roof/observatory deck was especially narrow and fun (unless you are claustrophobic) and the view from the top was stunning!</div>
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<a name='more'></a>There were a lot of awesome things to do on my list but I was most anxious to see and capture the beauty of Gråbrødretorv. Located not too far from the Round Tower, Gråbrødretorv is a colorful square what Italians would refer to as piazza. Buildings in the most beautiful warm tones (my favorite palette) all lined up perfectly on a cobble stone street with a fountain in the middle. It was raining so no one was there, hence it was extra magical!<br />
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We meandered our way through different alley ways and reached Strøget, a pedestrian, car-free shopping area in the old city of Copenhagen. Even if you don't want to shop, this is must-see area because of the beautiful architecture and tiles. I also recommend heading up to <a href="https://hay.dk/en">HAY House</a> because it has the most perfect view of the square! We caught the most dramatic sunset and then off to dinner at the oldest restaurant in Copenhagen - <a href="https://www.krogs.dk/">Krogs</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.krogs.dk/">Krogs Fiskerestaurant</a>, located on Gammel Strand just a couple of blocks from Strøget, has been there since 1910. As the name suggests, fish dishes are the centerpiece here and you bet I had some delicious fish (and wine) of course! Scandinavian food is one of my favorite and this meal certainly lived up to its standards!<br />
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Thank you for reading. Continue onto <a href="http://www.itsnotheritsme.com/2019/12/copenhagen-day-2-goboat-christiansborg.html">Day 2</a>...</div>
it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-86677697410681394122019-11-15T15:51:00.000-08:002019-11-15T15:51:45.069-08:00La Casa Del Camino, Laguna Beach<div style="text-align: center;">
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Wait, did I just traveled to Spain? Oh no, it's just <a href="https://www.lacasadelcamino.com/">La Casa Del Camino</a> in Laguna Beach! Oops this place is so charming I forgot where I was!<br />
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If you've been following my blog for awhile, you would know that I love to travel whenever I can. And when I can't, I'll take a staycation any day! Laguna Beach is only an hour and a half away and I can't believe I've never been until now. It's pretty small so honestly there isn't too many things to do besides the beach, the infamous pirate tower, cute shops and restaurants, and some hiking trails. This is why a weekend is the perfect amount of time you'd need.<br />
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Now back to <a href="https://www.lacasadelcamino.com/">La Casa Del Camino</a>, shall we? The staff was so friendly and accommodating upon checking in and bonus point for it being dog-friendly too! We stayed in the Quiksilver room with beautiful wood details, unique light fixtures, and high ceiling, overlooking the courtyard. Speaking of courtyard, hands down the best courtyard I've seen since traveling to Europe and I am totally guilty of taking way too many photos there! Breakfast is included and served in the courtyard every morning, it was such a pleasant start of the day! And after a day of exploring and hiking along the coast, we spent the evening at <a href="https://www.lacasadelcamino.com/dining/rooftop-lounge">The Rooftop Lounge</a> on top of <a href="https://www.lacasadelcamino.com/">La Casa Del Camino</a> and caught the most gorgeous sunset. Mark had a red sangria and I had a white sangria (white sangria is hard to come by), and they were equally delicious! And the food, omg, I was so surprised at how good they were! I never have high expectation for casual bar food but the portions were big and that coconut prawns! Oh man, I wish I can have some right now!<br />
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Thank you <a href="https://www.lacasadelcamino.com/">La Casa Del Camino</a> for hosting us and for such a lovely weekend! We (and the pups) can't wait to be back!<br />
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-77338601714880204272019-10-24T15:08:00.001-07:002019-10-24T15:08:51.051-07:00Big Bear Lake Getaway<div style="text-align: center;">
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I wish I hadn't wait this long to visit <a href="https://www.bigbear.com/">Big Bear</a>! Not only is it just 2-3 hours away (depending on LA's unpredictable traffic), there are also plenty to do if you are an outdoor lover like me. We drove into town, actually a nearby town before <a href="https://www.bigbear.com/">Big Bear</a> closer to <a href="https://lakearrowhead.com/">Lake Arrowhead</a> called Running Springs, and checked into our cute little <a href="https://getaway.house/">Getaway</a> cabin on a late Friday night. We woke up bright and early to the most beautiful (and unobstructed) view of trees and mountains which we had no idea about since it was completely dark when we arrived. What a pleasant surprise! We made coffee and breakfast on our outdoor gas grill before heading out to <a href="https://www.bigbear.com/">Big Bear Lake</a> for a full day of adventure.<br />
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First stop... <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/castle-rock-trail">Castle Rock Trail</a>. Although this trail is a short 2.6 mile out and back trail, it is rather steep. And with the high altitude, it was not an easy climb! Luckily, we brought with us snacks and plenty of water and took lots of breaks. We did have a little picnic up top and the view overlooking the lake was well worth it! I also want to mention that this trail is dog friendly which is a plus when traveling with two pups! We were pretty tired after the hike and needed to fuel up so we went to the infamous Hortencias at the Cliffhanger in Rim of the World (omg at all these cool names) for some Mexican food and of course, margaritas. We were blessed, yet again, with a window seat out on the patio overlooking another stunning view!<br />
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The next morning, we checked out of <a href="https://getaway.house/">Getaway</a> and headed to Keller Peak in the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf/">San Bernardino National Forest</a> to squeeze in some rock climbing (you can see more over in my Big Bear story highlight on my Instagram)! It was a bit of a hike to get there but once we were there, we had the entire place to ourselves! This climbing area reminded me a lot of Joshua Tree with those round jumbo rocks. We climbed on and around Seuss Wall at 8,000 ft elevation. It was our first time climbing at such high altitude and it was tough! Tough but fun though!<br />
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<a href="https://www.bigbear.com/">Big Bear Lake</a> weekend was a success and <a href="https://getaway.house/">Getaway</a> was so kind to host us for two nights. Their modern cabin was wonderful and equipped with everything you need! Comfortable bed, a kitchenette with stove, sink, and fridge, as well as your own private bathroom and shower inside your cabin! We can't wait to do this again! Did I also mention <a href="https://getaway.house/">Getaway</a> has cabins in many different major cities all over the US? As a bonus, you can get $25 off a stay with my code "TOSHIKO25"!it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5266959495754170726.post-45170476853509208392019-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-17T08:00:03.413-07:00Travel Guide: Ann Arbor, Michigan<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ann Arbor... What a quaint little town you are! We flew into Detroit on a Wednesday night (more like super early Thursday morning), picked up our awesome 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R Design <a href="https://www.volvocars.com/us">Volvo</a> kindly let us borrow for the week, and then drove to Ann Arbor which was only a little over half an hour away. We spent a couple of days in Ann Arbor before driving north to Cheboygan to hang out with Mark's family over Labor Day weekend and then we came back down to Ann Arbor for another day before flying back home. Since Mark went to school and lived in Ann Arbor and was working out of his work's Ann Arbor office, I was mostly exploring aimlessly by myself and I feel like I know downtown Ann Arbor like the back of my hand by the second day. I checked out a few different coffee shops, walked around University of Michigan which was sooo beautiful by the way, went to the art museum, and basically just ate A LOT. Oh, I also got another tattoo (I lost count, I think it's my 20th one?) while I was there!<br />
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Where to stay:</div>
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<a href="https://www.graduatehotels.com/ann-arbor/">Graduate Ann Arbor</a> (Great location, cool lobby, awesome view)</div>
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Where to go:</div>
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<a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> (Beautiful campus especially Law Quad)</div>
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Nickel's Arcade</div>
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<a href="https://www.umma.umich.edu/">Museum of Art</a></div>
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Liberty Street (Main strip downtown)</div>
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Michigan Theater (Cool signage and photo spot)</div>
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Where to eat:</div>
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<a href="https://www.zingermansdeli.com/">Zingerman's Deli</a> (You'll never look at another sandwich the same way!)</div>
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<a href="https://www.wilmasannarbor.com/">Wilma's</a> (Avocado toast)</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/labannarbor/">Lab Coffee</a> (Honey lavender latte or any of their special lattes)</div>
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<a href="https://www.thejeffersonmarket.com/">Jefferson</a> Market (Best scone I've ever had!)</div>
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<a href="https://savasannarbor.com/">Sava's</a> (Bang Bang shrimp)</div>
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What to drive:</div>
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<a href="https://www.volvocars.com/us">Volvo</a></div>
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* These photos were taken on Mullett Lake in Cheboygan and not Ann Arbor. It was from when we drove north and caught the sunset right on the lake.</div>
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it's not her, it's me.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14516673763763464312noreply@blogger.com0