First Trimester Road Trips - DC & Nashville

It's official.  I'm pregnant!  We're ecstatic!  Of course, constantly having the baby on my mind doesn't bode well for travel blog writing or traveling in general.  Nonetheless, we've braved some road trips, lived to tell about them, and even have a couple more planned for this summer!

If you've ever been with child, or traveled with a woman who was, you know it can sometimes be tricky depending on morning sickness and her oversion to odors.  We road-tripped to Washington, DC to visit family for the Easter holiday when I was only 8 weeks in.  I was just getting used to the idea of this living, peanut-sized person swimming around in my belly, let alone constant nausea and waxing fatigue.  "What's happening to my body!?" "Can people tell?" "Should I tell people yet? or wait it out a little longer?"  My usual I-can't-wait-to-get-there giddiness was replaced with "will I have time for a nap?" 

Some Tips for travel during your first trimester:

1. Bring plenty of bland snacks -- saltines, pretzels, granola bars, etc.  We've been told that you're better off with something in your belly, and it turns out it's true. 
2. Lots of water!  -- which results in a pit stop about every hour or so.  It's good for you though, so drink it.
3. Pack your prenatal vitamins -- You don't want to forget those, especially since we all tend to veer off course (as far as diet and nutrition is concerned) while traveling.
4. A fluffy pillow and room to stretch your legs. -- Try to share the driving with a pal so you can stretch out in the back seat.  Keeping your feet elevated will also help decrease ankle swelling and back soreness.
5. Get out and stretch your legs, walk around and get the blood flowing every chance you get.

Once you arrive, eat mini meals like you do at home, rest when you can, plan on hitting the sack early and rising frequently to use the restroom.  Bring super comfy shoes and loose-fitting clothes for walking around, and drink plenty of water during the day too!  If you're comfortable telling your news to those you're traveling with, they might be more understanding when you need to stop and rest more often than usual.  I chose to tell the family members we were with and chatting about it made it even more fun!

Next, we headed to Nashville, TN for the Rock 'n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon.  We went with a large group of friends, mostly from OU so it was difficult to hide my non-alcoholic ways in the bars.  I ended up spilling the secret to the group to make things a little easier. 

Lucky for me, after running a half marathon, the rest of the group was just as tired as I was, often leading to early bedtimes and afternoon naps. I fit right in! 

Nashville was pretty cool, but I can't help but think it's a million times better when you're able to party sans nausea and fatigue.  Maybe we'll go back someday. 

Just remember, you're still yourself while traveling pregnant, you just need to be patient, give yourself plenty of extra time for pit stops, frequent meals and naptime.  The advice people keep giving me is "get out and do stuff while you can before the baby comes."  So, that's what I intend to do!

Trips on deck :: a relaxing trip to East Hampton, NY to play on the beach; and a long weekend on a houseboat on Lake Cumberland, KY.  Stay tuned for second trimester trips!

SniqueAway, yes please!

I love me a great deal, don't you? Here's a *Hot* new site to check out if you're planning a spontaneous getaway.  SniqueAway :: http://www.sniqueaway.com/ 

A sister site of TripAdvisor, if you sign up for a free membership, you'll be sent updates for stunning escapes at a fraction of the price -- up to 50% off!  If you act quickly (you have to since the deals only last up to a week unless they sell out quicker!), you can find some pretty wicked deals at some pretty awesome places. 

Destinations like the British Virgin Islands, NYC, Playa Mujeres, Arizona, Chicago and England to name a few, top the list this week.

These resorts are breathtaking! 
Check it out!

While you're exploring, follow me on Twitter too!

If You Could Turn Back Time

Promoted trending Twitter topics are usually pretty lame; however, a phrase this week was #IfIHadSuperPowers  ... well, now that's interesting.  I'm sure I'd choose flight, time travel, world peace, super strength, go-go gadget arms or something just like everyone else, but in my allotted Tweet space today, I went with:

@StacieKimberly :: "I'd teleport myself all over the world, #travel through time & live lavishly like a local at every location #IfIHadSuperPowers"

The destination options are endless!  If you could turn back time, Where/When would you go?

Recent "The player who left" mumbo jumbo has triggered a multitude of letters to the editor, bloggeriffic bursts of positive & mostly negative feedback, news coverage galore and trips down memory lane -- back to times when Cleveland wasn't just a "shell of a city" outsiders see -- back to a time when our teams were winning teams and our economy was booming.

My first stop?  I'd go to there.

Let's make it a simple trip to Cleveland in the 1940s during the Big Band era, when the Browns were title-winners and before the Cuyahoga River caught on fire.  You might say this was one of the town's most intriguing periods in history ... booming arts, theater, employment, invention and nightlife.  I'd trip myself there, donning a luxurious gown, flirty curls and a curvy silhouette.  I'd roam The Flats in kitten heels, draping a faux fur shawl over my shoulders in the evening, perhaps even see a show at PlayhouseSquare.

Next would be France in the 1950s circa Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina.  An apartment overlooking a courtyard, glowing fountain and 4-piece ensemble playing La Vie en Rose would be absolute heaven.  I'd prop open the French doors to the terrace, lean way back in a wooden rocker and dream up plot lines for my novel.  I'd take an evening stroll in my skinny black pants and ballerina flats, just as the street lamps would start to flicker, take a cooking class, and maybe even chop my hair to a pixie, just cuz.  What a life ... maybe I'd never leave!

Since I'm already on the continent, I might as well trip my superself to England to hang with the Boleyn sisters and Queen Katherine's court in the 1510s.  What a sight it would be to gaze at the countryside in all its untouched glory, don the yards upon yards of luxurious fabrics and rub elbows with royalty.  I'd live through the flirting, hunting, conniving plots, scheming and corruption, then simply blink my way back home to modern conveniences.

Next, a New York City speakeasy during 1920s prohibition era in the summertime.  Why?  Because I can.  21 Club  on West 52nd Street was raided often by police, but the system levers to sweep the bottles and series of underground wine cellars, helped these bootleggers to never get caught.  The owners were legends at the time, often changing the bar name and rewarding regulars with souvenir scarves.  I'd go to there with a short bob, feather boa, embroidered dress and costume jewelry.  Why not?

After exploring opposing fashion trends, ways of life and blacks and whites, I'll need a vacation.  With my superpowers, I'd do a few super workouts until my body was in perfect beach shape. I know what resort beaches are like today, so I'd trip myself somewhere slightly different but still familiar enough to know what's what -- a California party beach circa 1988.  Sand volleyball, high-cut one-pieces, surfing and sunshine.  I'd be an extra in an episode of Baywatch, go to a Beach Boys concert and host a beach party at Malibu Sands Beach Club.  Could crazy big hair and fluorescent swimwear be so terrible? Nah.  I'd check out the sunrise, then magically appear at my next location.

The travel options are endless!  Where/When would you go?  What time period has always intrigued you?

  

The Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii

Where else in the world can you cliff dive into a waterfall, swim in a sacred pool, dig your toes into a black sandy beach, drive over dozens of one-lane bridges, walk through a lava tube or gaze at the natural and virtually untouched landscapes of the Pacific Ocean off the islands?

If you ever have the chance to go to Maui, one thing is certain -- you simply must drive the road to Hana.  Take the entire day to explore some of the newest beaches on Earth, created by volcanos and carved by the thrashing of waves over the course of thousands of years. 

They offer tours, but I've heard some horror stories of broken AC, bad translators and bumpy-car-sickness-buses.  You're better off renting a vehicle that you feel comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads for 6+ hours, so you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like at each stopping point.  (Note:  Make sure to add multiple drivers to your rental insurance if you plan to share the drive).  We opted for a Jeep Rubicon with the top off, and it worked out perfectly. 

Things You'll Need:

• Maui Revealed guidebook (or another book that lists each attraction by mile marker), or CD
• Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Hand sanitizer
• Old hiking shoes if you plan on walking the paths to more hidden waterfalls
• Bathing suit under your clothes
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Beach towel if you plan on swimming
• Camera

Road to Hana Tips:

• Depending on where you're driving from, make sure to leave early in the morning.  Most tours start around 8-9AM, so it's a good idea to start ahead of the pack at 6-7AM.  At any given stop, there is only enough room in the pullout for 1-2 cars to park.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.  The town of Paia is the last stop with a gas station before you get to Hana.
• If the weather calls for a chance of rain, make sure to bring waterproof clothes/bag for valuables.
• Keep the windows and top down and take in the flowery aromas and breathe in the muggy air.
• Read the legends and history in the guidebook along the way so you know what you're seeing.  Hawaii is full of stories, and reading them made the trip memorable.
• Don't rush.  Take your time on the road.  The road is the attraction.  Once you get to Hana there isn't much to see -- just a sleepy, laid back town.  It's about the trip there, and it's extraordinary for sure!
• Pull off to the side if you're being followed closely.  Locals zoom around the tight curves with ease.  Pulling over is what the locals call "driving aloha".
• Don't drink the water.  It's not safe.  Drink your bottled water.

There are dozens of waterfalls to see along the way.  The guidebook will lead you by mile marker to the easiest ones to see, but there are countless others if you're brave enough to hike for a couple hours in the jungle.  We chose to stick close to the road.  Here are some of my favorite waterfall shots!

Make sure drive with the windows open and top down.  The roads were breathtaking!

I've been to plenty of beaches in my days of travel, but truly had never seen a more vivid contrast of colors, natural beauty and inspiring views until we reached the black sand and black pebble beaches.  They're definitely worth the stop.  You've never seen anything like it!

There a lots of caves, paths and lava tubes to explore in this wonderland.  You have to crouch down low to get through some of them, but then they open up unto a world of bright blue crashing waves on a black sand beach overgrown with vivid green.  This is planet Earth at its finest. 

Toward the end of your journey, you'll come to place the guidebooks call the Seven Sacred Pools, however, after much reseach, we've discovered that there's actually nothing "sacred" about them and there are many more than seven!  The area was originally referred to as O'heo Gulch.  Since the owner of the land wished to share his beloved natural oasis with locals and travelers, he decided to change it to its current name to attract more visitors.  Whichever way you choose to refer to it, these pools are amazing. 

This gulch is where the fresh rain water from the top of the mountain drains into waterfalls, each with their own pool, until the fresh water reaches the sea at the very bottom.  Gradually, each pool gets a more salty as the water combines with the ocean.  Needless to say, this water is not drinkable and even carries bacteria, but it's the perfect place for a quick dip before continuing your journey to Hana.  Highly recommended.

The photos just simply don't do it justice.  The road to Hana is the adventure of a lifetime.  Truly.  You won't be disappointed if you take some chances, get dirty and explore the world around you! 

Coastal Ohio :: Cedar Point

Sounds exotic doesn't it?  The truth is, it's fabulous.  Plain and simple, Cedar Point is the best amusement park on the planet.  That's right, I said it. 

You pull into the parking lot, step out of the car and can already hear the screams of excitement, smell the wafting aroma of carnival foods and feel the warmth and moisture of coastal Lake Erie.  Now it officially feels like summer.

Ever since I can remember, my family and I would make the hour-long car trip to Sandusky every summer at least once.  It was a day we anxiously anticipated -- planning the perfect outfits, packing roadtrip games, stuffing our fanny-packs and breaking in our shoes in preparation of the miles we'd walk around the park.

As a kid, Cedar Point is an experience filled with "firsts" -- your first big kid ride; your first real roller coaster; your first box of authentic salt water taffy; your first live show, and the list goes on.  Before I was tall enough to ride the big rides, I distinctly remember riding the Jr. Gemini 12 times in a row -- the last time, with my hands up like a big kid.  From there, I never looked back. I'd be tall enough for the big coasters by the next summer. 

Cedar Point is a park filled with history.  I just wish I could have seen it at its earliest!

In the 1870s, you could pay local businessman, Louis Zistel, a measly 25 cents for a ride on his boat to the Sandusky peninsula, where he owned and operated a beer garden, bathhouse on the beach and dance floor.  According to old newspapers, Cedar Point "sailing and bathing parties" were all the rage back in the day.   The first coaster was built in 1892, towering at an amazing 25 feet high and reaching speeds up to 10 mph -- What a thrill!  To them, it was one of the first of its kind.  A true rarity.  From there, the park was transformed little by little into the park we know and love today.  It now boasts an incredible 17 roller coasters, and tons of other thrill rides!

We just made the trip to Cedar Point with 2 other couples and had a blast!  As adults, the park is where you'll experience a few more of life's "firsts" -- your first beer in a saloon; your first backache from a wooden coaster; your first case of whip lash -- not quite as glamourous, but still milestones nonetheless. 

You can't call yourself a thrill seeker or roller coaster lover without making the trip to Cedar Point at some time in your life.  Go now before you're too old to ride the coasters ... lest be doomed to the role of "mom or dad" who holds everyone's fanny packs, waiting for the youngsters by the ride photo stand.

If you do decide to test your thrillseeker-ness at Cedar Point, be sure that you can stay past sunset.  Some of the best views from the top of the coasters are at night.  The twinkling lights and laser show make for some awesome landscapes.  I promise you'll love it.

My personal Top 5 coasters:

1)  Millenium Force -- The line is usually long at any time of day, but I promise that the ride is worth it.  It's over 2 minutes of hills, curves, twists and speed. 

2)  Magnum -- Another steel coaster, this one is a classic.  In its day, it was the tallest/fastest coaster in the world.  Now, it's the one you can ride over and over taking silly pictures in the tunnels, since the wait is usually pretty short.

3)  Raptor -- You've gotta ride this one at night.  Your feet dangle, so take off your shoes and air out your feet!  Lots of twists, turns and upside-downs on this one.  Great!

4)  Gemini -- I'm a Gemini, so I might be biased, but this one is fun because it's differnet.  It's wooden, and runs side-by-side with another car, so you race!  The multiple quick hills will surprise you!

5)  Mean Streak -- If you asked me 5 years ago, I'd tell you I hate this ride.  It's bumpy, I'm not gonna lie, and with over 2-minutes of belly drops, it will make you wish you didn't just eat those cheese fries.  I can't stop smiling on this coaster for some reason.  Others hate it and I understand why.

There's always a new ride to try out each year, and the newest, the Maverick, does not disappoint.

Other great rides you should try:

1)  SkyHawk -- This is basically a gigantic swingset for 40 people.  It's a fan favorite, especially for kids.  Lots of belly-dropping good laughs.  Short lines. 

2)  Power Tower -- Both Up and Down are great, but Down is my personal favorite. 

Happy Coastering!

Beach Reads

At the pool last weekend my friend said something that got me thinking.  I warned her that water was creeping up on the paperback she was reading, and she said, "That's okay, I actually love when my books get wet ... seriously."  I realized right then that she was right.  There's nothing better than a good pool or beach read novel with crinkled edges and water spots.  Others love the old library book smell.  They're the signals of a good book -- people have read it.  A lot!

I have a couple of favorite vacation reads that have been through hell and back, and still manage to survive the re-reading, borrowing and torture they've been through. If you're looking for a couple of no-nonsense romantic novels that don't claim to be anything more than the read-for-fun books they are, try out these two:

The Fling by Elda Minger is my all-time favorite book of this genre.  Based in Hawaii, it's a book that will wisk you away to a tropical place filled with emotion, romance, exotic destinations and plot twists.  It keeps you on your toes, but doesn't make you think too much.  I've read this one a few times -- it's kinda like rewatching your favorite movie.  It's a fantasy that never gets old.  Buy it for a penny used on Amazon.  It's worth the $0.01 + shipping! :)

Heartbreak Hotel by Jill Marie Landis is another book to read in a bikini and flip flops on the beach.  Actually, I might prefer reading this one on a balcony under the stars with a glass of wine.  It's a romance, but not really.  There's murder, a widow's walk, mystery, strangers-turned-lovers-turned-strangers again and a character map that's just detailed enough to keep you guessing.  Get it used on Amazon for under a dollar.  Apparently it's part of a trilogy of which I was not aware.  I'll check em out!

Telling the world (or even just your friends) your favorite books is risky business.  Reading a book, especially multiple times, takes true committment.  It's like peering into one's soul!  I hope you like these if you give them a chance.  Like I said, they're nothing groundbreakingly new that we haven't seen before.  They are fun.  Let me know what you think, and do share your favorite beachworthy novels.  I love me a good pageturner!

Packing for a Roadtrip to the Beach!

Can't wait to kick back & soak up the sun!

Only a few more days until we hit the Pennsylvania Turnpike (aka my nemisis) for sunshiney East Hampton, NY.  It'll be a week of family fun on the beach!  In case you're revving up for a roadtrip yourself, here are some tips from a seasoned roadtripper:

Have Cash on Hand:

Pulling up to a tollbooth when you have no cash (or easypass card) feels like the worst thing ever.  Plan ahead to have small bills on hand.  Bring a couple 20s, a few 10s, some 5s, 1s and a roll of quarters.  Quarters may come in handy for street parking later on, depending on your destination.

Road Snacks:

You're going to the beach, so who really wants to stop for body-bloating fast food on the way?  Not me.  Instead, pack healthy, car-friendly road snacks.  Some of our favorites are granola bars (with fiber so they fill you up), string cheese, apples, bananas, lean beef jerky, combos and something sweet like mentos or starburst.  Don't forget gum, energy drinks (coffee!) and lots and lots of water.  Make sure to bring some napkins in case of spills and a bottle of travel purell (antibacterial hand liquid) to use before eating. 

We've found that bringing your own callapsible cooler on wheels is a great way to tote these snacks, and then again to use on the beach!  Bring a re-freezable ice pack to keep your drinks chilled.

Music / Books on Tape
No one likes to drive in silence for 10+ hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.  If you and your driving partner/possy like the same music, you're in good shape.  Bring your iPods with auxilary hookup and shuffle through your mixes, or grab your old CDs for some great throwback favorites.  If you have enough time, create a mix made special with this trip in mind.  Every good roadtrip deserves a themesong!  If music gets old, take a break and pop in a book on tape or comedy CD.  Be careful though, just because you're into the plotline, doesn't mean the rest of your group is anxiously awaiting the next 8 discs. 

A good comedy CD makes an hour on the road fly by, but the reverse is true for terrible comedy.  If you forget to pack any of these things, don't worry!  As long as you have a good positive attitude for the road ahead, just turn on a local radio station.  You'd be surprised at some of the gems you might find.  When was the last time you heard Lisa Loeb's "Stay"?  Yeah ... me neither, until roadtripping on Maui.  It must have come on 4 times in one day!  ... an extremely unexpected theme song of the trip. 

Beach Things

I've already mentioned the collapsible cooler, which I highly recommend double-dutying for the beach, but other than that, some other beach necessities include:  beach sheet/blanket, umbrella, sunglasses, small iPod speakers with water/sandproof casing, towels, beach chair, drink coozie, playing cards, sunscreen, snacks, cornhole boards and bags, a frizbee, a ball of some sort, and a big beach bag to bring it all in.  If you're riding a bike to the beach, remember your helmet, and be sure your beach bag is some sort of backpack. 

One of the awesome things about taking a roadtrip to the beach is the fact that you can personalize your beach fun.  If your family has a game you love to play in grass, chances are you can play it on sand too.  Our favorites are cornhole and bocci ball.  You'd be surprised how much a little bit of sand can change the game completely!  Since you don't need to worry about checking bags or packing limitations, you can bring whatever you want.  A major beachday plus!

The most important thing to remember when roadtripping is to keep an open mind and have a positive attitude.  Driving in the car for an extended period of time is not comfortable, but you can make it great with some creativity and positivity (creatisivity?!).  If you get lost, make a memory in an unexpected place, then turn around.  It's all about how you look at it.  You're not lost if you love who you're with!

Aloha! ... Hawaii part 1

Aloha friends!  We've been back in the continental U.S. for less than a week, and I'm seriously reconsidering our decision to buy round trip tickets.  Beach withdrawl has officially set in, and my Hawaiian suntan is peeling and fading away little by little ...

It was the vacation of a lifetime ... truly a week I will remember fondly for the rest of my days.  Brimming with natural beauty, exciting adventures, awe-inspiring views and life-changing experiences, Maui is a magical place.



It's really something when you can return from a vacation full of adventure and activities and say you are "refreshed".  It's not that my body felt rested and relaxed after a week on the islands ... no, no, no, that's not what I mean.  I'm talkin' "refreshed" in the sense that my will to live, explore and appreciate the world has been completely rejuvenated.  It's as though Hawaii gradually unplugged my old life over the course of a week and jump-started a new one ... another beginning ... a reawakened version of my former self.

I'm not sure if it's the fruit, the sea, the flowers or a combination of all three that make the air literally smell sweet on Maui.  I know they have less pollution, but sweetness!?  Plumeria were blooming right outside our condo and birds of paradise greet you on the walk toward Kama'ole Beach III ... the gentle waves crash in the distance as you stroll past lawn loungers in the beach park, just laying, belly-up, engulfing themselves in the sea breeze and sunshine.  You wonder how long they've been lying there ... a couple minutes, an hour, four days ... and suddenly it doesn't matter.  They become a part of the landscape ... the truly unique landscape that encompasses the natural spirit of aloha. 

Trip Details:

Duration: 1 week in May 2010

Location: Kihei, Maui, HI

Airline: American Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines

Condo: Maui Kama'ole - Hawaiian Condo Rentals via Expedia

Car: Jeep Rubicon via Dollar Car Rentals

I could probably write an entire book about everything we did in our Hawaiian paradise, so this trip will most definitely be a poly-part extravaganza. Stay tuned for more posts about Sunrises & Sunsets, the Road to Hana, Maui Winery & Brewery, Beaches, Upcountry, Resort vs. Condo, How to plan/pack, etc.

Until then, aloha & mahalo!

Bikini Found .. x2!

I thought it was hopeless.  Would I never find a bikini I love as much as my little black bandeau?  Was I doomed to roam the beach forever in a morbid shade of noir?  OK ... a little dramatic, but still!  My time left before taking to the skies for Maui were dwindling, along with my motivation and optimistic shopping attitude, when I found myself in the sale racks at none-other than my bff, Target.

There they were -- bright, bold colors and funky bikini styles calling out my name.  "Try me! Try me!"  I couldn't resist.  Since they actually had all the right sizes, I felt the need to proceed to the dressing room. 

Aloha good fit!  I found myself actually enjoying the image staring back at me.  Green happens to pull just the right hue from my sunkissed skin to make me look even tanner.  I was in luck!  Struggling to choose between a plain aqua blue/green twist bandeau and a slightly dimmer shade of green with gold sparkle designed bandeau, I chose to splurge and get both, for a grand total off ... drumroll please ... $60! 

I'm not kidding.  After months of searching the racks ... Yesssss!  Two perfect new bikinis called out to me and I answered ... "Yes, you may accompany me to Hawaii, thank ya very much!"

Butterflies

I woke up this morning with a crazy little feeling.  Picture your first kiss ... the anticipation ... the build-up ... the anxiety ... the butterflies in your stomach.  It's finally starting to hit me .... I-am-going-to-Hawaii!!!

Ever since my childhood friends vacationed on the islands and returned with my very own authentic grass skirt and shell necklace souvenirs, I've dreamt of going for myself.  That's almost 3/4 of my life spent imagining what it's like to land on Maui.  Flying over the Pacific to the middle of the open sea, you're halfway to Japan out there!  Of course, I've seen pictures, watched movies and specials on TV, but I'm willing to bet that nothing is like quite seeing it in person.

This will be my first true island adventure vacation where I'll comb the beaches, drive the tricky offroads, gaze at waterfalls, climb volcanos, hike the palm forests and breathe in the Hawaiian breezes.  Maybe I'll even eat a pineapple or 2 ... or 7.   Spending a week, living like the locals do.  I simply can't wait!

For now, it's time to do some research and plan out a few specific day trips and activities.  I sense some sunrises, great beaches, historic towns and great wineries in my future.  But the rest will simply be filled with relaxation time on the beach with my man.  Aloha!

Photo double-take

Last fall, we decided to walk through an outdoor art show near our apartment.  The streets were lined with food vendors, local artists trying to sell their prints and creative art and even a guy yelling to promote a Medieval revival "battle" that was going to take place around the corner.  We did not attend the fight ... but we did step into the tent of a local photographer (whose name I never thought to remember at the time).  Looking back, I wish I had. 

Anyway, her work was a myriad of photos taken from trips all over the world -- some near, some far.  They were OK photos, nothing too spectaclar, except for one.  On a canvas about 30 X 40" or so, was a photo of a long rickety pier that was roped off as too dangerous for pedestrians, overlooking a tropical blue ocean, sandy beach and white puffy clouds.  I was blown away.  Not by the beauty, but because I knew I had taken the *exact* same photo from the *exact* same spot not even a month earlier.  I had to ask this woman where this was taken.

It turns out it was true!  She'd stayed at the exact resort we stayed at in Mexico on our honeymoon, only she was there a few years before.  El Dorado Royale.  Talk about a small world.  I stood in nearly the exact same place in the sand to take an identical photo from the same point of view as did the legit photographer.  I (someone who has always dreamed of becoming a photographer someday) was in awe of the situation. 

Her canvas print was for sale for almost $500 that day, and that got me thinking ... why can't I sell my travel photos too?  I personally thought my photo was taken on a nicer day, so the quality was even better than hers ... I had to check out how much it would cost to get a photo blown up to that size canvas.

There is another photo I took in East Hampton on a stormy day at the beach in April.  The beauty of the natural setting on such an ominous day was breathtaking, so I just had to snap a few pictures.  To my surprise they turned out awesome.

My husband chose his favorite, and I had it blown up on and stretched on a canvas to surprise him for Christmas.  Now, my photo is a focal point in our living room -- a conversation piece -- my work!  To think, that photographer in the tent was selling hers for $500, and I had mine blown up and stretched for ... let's just say ... less than that (wink).

The plan for our Hawaii trip is to bring a good camera along to take some great photos.  Maybe some day I'll be able to sell my stuff too.  That'd be a dream come true!  In the meantime, my canvas print is a constant reminder that my dream could be realized some day.  But first I need to travel and actually take the photos ... and that I'm completely fine with!

East Hampton Roadtrip

While I'm thinking about it, I'd like to share a little story with you.  To this day, I believe that part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike must be cursed ... at least when I drive it.  It all started a couple years ago when we took a trip to Connecticut on a snowy December weekend to visit our friend, Dan.  He'd lived in CT for about a year at that point and we had yet to see his new place.  On the drive, I don't think the roads could have been any worse.  Seriously.  The tires barely ever gripped the road at all.  Instead, it was a constant game of slip and slide -- the ice version.  I was scared for my life for 5 hours straight!  Talk about a relief when pulling into a driveway.  We definitely need some beers after that adventure.  We'd escaped the wrath of the PA toll road unscathed that time.  But I swear, it still had it in for us ...

This time it was summer.  September 2008 was an especially long summer for me and my then-fiance, Adam.  He was working at HealthSouth in Las Vegas for a physical therapy clinical all summer and we had already been long distance for nearly 2 years.  Any time together was welcomed and highly anticipated, so you can only imagine how excited we were when our family friends invited us to use their beach house in East Hampton, NY for a week! 

Now, if you've ever been to East Hampton, you know that summer weekends are full of life, celebrity sitings, good shopping, bike-riding and beach fun.  At this point in the summer (after the novelty of heat had warn off), it promised to be less crowded and more relaxing than anything.

We were off on our roadtrip from Cleveland, OH to East Hampton by route through New York City via the Long Island Expressway.  But in order to get that far, you have to survive the dreaded Pennsylvania Turnpike -- not an easy feat.

It was midday as sun shone through the puffy white clouds, temperatures hovering right around a perfect 77 degrees as we zoomed our way through PA.  All was going well until we curved around one fateful bend near the DuBois exit, only about 2 hours from where we started.  Before I knew it, my newish black Mazda 3 was skidding across the highway on a thick iron rod scrap piece of some sort.  By the time my brakes screeched to a halt, I could feel that my car was in agony.  With metal scraping on the pavement and sparks in my rearview, I noticed there were several cars, pickup trucks and a semi pulled over on the shoulder.  Apparently, the scrap piece had fallen off the semi and a few other cars hit it as well.  Not a good way to start our roadtrip to paradise.

We ended up in DuBois, and thank goodness for the GPS.  It pointed us in the right direction to town, where we happened to find dozens of autobody shops.  It's almost as if this town only existed to help us that day, which turned out to be a blessing.  We decided that we needed a few expert opinions before we drove any further, so we stopped into a few shops.  Per the mechanics, we knew my poor car would be out of commission for at least a week for repairs.  It needed a completely new bottom!  The gas tank was dented a gallon and a half's worth, the crossbeams between the tires were bent an inch and a half (causing my tires to invert), and all of the heating shields were destroyed.  At this point I'm crying.  Not only because my car is broken and the mechanics are saying we're lucky to be alive, but also because I thought our much-anticipated East Hampton trip would have to be postponed.

After nearly 3 hours stressing over insurance coverage, weighing our options, and ultimately getting the go ahead to keep driving from 3 separate mechanics, we were back enroute toward East Hampton, with a little apprehension, of course.

Thankfully, we made it to the beach house safely and ended up having the time of our lives!

East Hampton has a way of making me relax.  Just being there transports me into a different time.  It's shabby chic beach style is so refreshing that it always inspires me to do something great.  Write a beach readworthy novel, travel to Europe, learn a new language, or take up painting ... it never fails.  I'm inspired, awed, humbled, and refreshed.

The beachscapes are utterly breathtaking, the skies are serene, the history is jam-packed and the food/shopping and bike paths are unbeatable!  You've never seen hedges around houses until you see the hedges around these mansions.  They are literally as tall as a house.  It's definitely a sight worth seeing someday.

If you ever do happen to travel to East Hampton, be sure to shop at the Citarella, stop in for a drink or appetizer at Rowdy Hall (our favorite local rugby bar), and take a bike ride to our favorite beach, Egypt Beach down Old Beach Lane.  There are some beautiful landscapes and mansions to be seen along the way, and exploring by bike is always a must-do.

We hope to travel to the Hamptons again this summer if we can find a few days to spare.  Except this time, I won't be the one driving.  The Pennsylvania Turnpike will always be my nemesis (insert fist shake here).  :)

Maui - Here we come!

After years of dreaming about venturing to our island neighbor, Hawaii, it's finally going to come true! We booked our trip via Expedia over the weekend, planning to travel to Maui in the Spring. I couldn't be more excited!

We talked to friends who've been there and weighed our options : Hotel vs. Condo ; different islands to stay on ; City in Maui to stay in, etc. We decided to book our stay in beautiful Kihei on Maui, where we've heard has great access to several beaches, shops, restaurants and excursions. We're staying at the Maui Kamaole condos -- the photos look beautiful and the user ratings average 4.9 out of 5.0!

A luau is a "must-do" so we hear, as well as hiking up a volcano and zip-lining across the landscape. These are on our "things to do" list.

Have you ever seen 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore? I love the little place they have breakfast every Sunday. I've always thought that if I went to Hawaii, I'd want to live like a local, in a condo-like environment, so I could focus more on the island itself, rather than just stay in the resort to get pampered. I want to explore!

Only a few more months and we'll get to see the island ... finally! ... We can't wait!

Aloha!