Packing for Hawaii

I need to get organized and packed for Hawaii. I started tonight, however this seems to be a work in progress.

The main dilemma is having quite the variety of bathing suits. I won't/can't say I have too many. The real problem is narrowing down how many to take. At this point I have about an average of 1.3 suits/day.

Any one else with this problem?

Vinaka Cafe, Carlsbad, CA

Come here for a nice break from the chain coffee shops. I don't care for coffee, but I love the hot cocoa. The chocolate chip cookies are amazing. Get one (or two for a buck). Trust me. They will melt in your mouth. There is also 100% natural ice cream, sandwiches and many other tasty looking treats.

On any given day you can find other customers working, studying, reading or just hanging out.

Be sure to check out the local art, magazines and bulletin board.

There is no restroom here, but ask for a key to the one outside.

Enjoy!

Another look at Sushi Taisho, Carlsbad, CA

Sam and I went to Sushi Taisho a while back, while we liked our food, the smell of the restaurant was not as pleasant.  You can see my post on that trip here.

We went for our second trip to Sushi Taisho earlier this week during happy hour.  Again, the happy hour prices are really great. Most of the happy hour rolls contain shrimp, though some have tuna or eel.

We got the crunchy roll again (which didn't disappoint), the paradise roll and the harajuku roll.  Our favorite was the paradise roll which shrimp, spicy tuna, and avocado with eel sauce on top. We got the three rolls for around $20.

The best part of the trip: the restaurant no longer smelled.  Also, we noticed a few tables outside.  The weather is warming up to enjoy some sushi on the patio.

Boxd, Carlsbad, CA

Boxd is located at Carlsbad Village Drive and State Street. You might call it a permanent food truck.  I like to call it heaven.

On our second trip to Boxd, while we were getting ready to order the cashier said: "You know all our sandwiches are served on waffles."

"Yeah, that's why we're here."

My husband and I have been on three occasions and I keep getting the same thing.  A number 10: whipped cream, butter and chocolate chips. Today, Sam got the chicken with arugala and brie.  He doesn't normally like brie, but loved this waffle sandwich.

All the seating is outside on faux grass.  Sorry, no dogs allowed. First place your order, then find a seat. Your name will be called when your sandwiches are ready. There is a nice bathroom and separate trash cans for trash and recyclables.

Be sure to check this place out if you are in the area.  You won't be disappointed.

It looks like Boxd doesn't currently have a website, but be sure to check back here soon!

Jay Leno Taping

Want to see Jay Leno?

Sign up before your planned trip to get tickets.  If you are selected you will be called or emailed. Just keep in mind that you are not guaranteed entry and you should arrive early.

We received word that we got tickets a few weeks before and barely showed up in time (due to going to In N Out for the first time- it was worth it!).  As a result we didn't know if we would get into the show until right before the taping began.

Our party of four was split up into a party of two and two parties of one. However, we got in, so we didn't mind. 

We all had a great time at the taping and definitely recommend it if you are in the area. Just be sure to arrive early- especially if there is a big celebrity guest and/or musician.  If you have a large group, you can request tickets using a different link/form. 

For more information on how to get tickets to see Jay Leno go HERE!  

Next up on my tv tapings list it to get tickets to see Ellen! I <3 her! 

Las Olas, Carlsbad, CA

There are multiple Las Olas locations in Southern California. The one I have frequented is in Carlsbad. They have a great happy hour, great food and a cool atmosphere.

I normally get the fish tacos. Baja style ie. battered. They have a large menu, but as always the chips and salsa usually fill me up before my dinner arrives. The salsa is fantastic - just be warned that your breath will be kickin' the next day!

There is a large margarita menu as well. You will enjoy them all except the skinny margarita which is little more than soda water, lime and tequila.

Be sure to get there early on the weekends as it can get busy.  You can always sit in the bar area, but be aware that you have to go up to the bar to order (if its slow during the week they will come to you which is nice).

Planning a Trip

I am in the process of planning our first trip to Hawaii.  I started by asking friends where they went, where they stayed, what they ate. I got a lot of good tips and suggestions regarding Maui and Kauai.  I then use a combination of Trip Advisor and deal sites to locate good deals.

In regards to Hawaii, I have heard good things about using Hawaii Revealed as planning tools.

I have also heard good things about Frommer's Travel Guides.

I spent more time than I'd like to mention pouring over books at B&N. In the end I decided on Frommer's Maui Day by Day. I liked that it had several different itineraries based on length of stay or trip type (Think romantic or with kids or adventurous).

 Some of the other books were just too overwhelming with the amount of information. We will only be there for a week, so I wanted to know the best of the best.

 Another book I like was a top 10 by Eyewitness Travel. It lists the top 10 things to do for the destination and then further breaks it down by listing the top 10 for each of those. We got the book on Greece as a present to help in planning for our honeymoon and really enjoyed it.

 As we were eating lunch at Rubio's we noticed a AAA next door with flyers on Hawaii. We spoke to an agent and got some ideas on where to stay and what to do.

 How do you go about trip planning?