Tequila Sunrise.

IMG_1955Last weekend I spent four sun and fun filled days in Cabo with a large group of girlfriends celebrating a great friend, Lacey’s, bachelorette.  We laughed, we explored, we had a few drinks or more, and saw the land and water that makes up Cabo San Lucas.  It’s amazing how this town has forged through the massive hurricane that hit over the summer and continues to host tourists day after day.  My taxi driver from the airport to the hotel was telling me some unbelievable stories about the storm and what he himself and the community endured.  He huddled over his wife and kids as the roof was ripped right off of his home.  Luckily, the walls were made of concrete and were able to withstand the winds.  Even the airport was highly damaged but the community didn’t let tourism get affected and continued to let people come from afar after the storm while they were mending their homeland.  He said the community called themselves the “unstoppables” because of the strength it took for these people to rebuild their lives and homes.  So often we go on vacation unaware of the history or hardships that have hit these foreign places not realizing even further how incredible the people are to have gone through such an event and still be so happy.  I had such gratitude for Cabo while there and it’s definitely a place that should be on your vacation list if you like the beach!

 IMG_1958
Around every corner was a picturesque sight.

IMG_1968
I love morning light.  It’s so peaceful and slowly illuminates life as it rises.

IMG_1976
Dipping my toes in.

IMG_1979
A cruise ship had sailed in one morning.  It looked so stoic out on the water.

IMG_1967
Coffees and surprise waves 🙂

IMG_1966
The coastal rocks looked perfect for rock climbing!

IMG_1960

IMG_1949
The view from our balcony as the day got going.

We ended up spending a lot of time on the water doing various activities that I will share in some future posts!

Twin Falls, Keanae, and Surf.

IMG_1569
I have been going to Hawaii every since I was a little girl with my family.  We go once a year to see friends and family and of course just relax.  One of the things I’ve heard about from time to time, but have never really experienced, is the Road to Hana.  When my step-dad, Darrin, and friend, Amanda, were up for the adventure we decided we would check out a few sites on the Road to Hana.  I wanted to see a waterfall and a special beach and I’d say we got both!

IMG_1576
Our first stop was Twin Falls which is a few waterfalls a short walking distance from the parking area.  At the opening of the path is this cute little farm-stand.

IMG_1560
The path ways are very easy and also very lush.

IMG_1563
There were a few wet areas but that’s part of what makes it so beautiful!

IMG_1553
We also ran into some bamboo!

IMG_1572

IMG_1577
So green!

IMG_1578
Views for days!

IMG_1582
Love these vine covered trees.

IMG_1585

IMG_1588
After Twin Falls, we drove on to Keanae Beach which was stunning.

IMG_1595

IMG_1612
Those ocean blues never get old.

IMG_1627
The Road to Hana is very pretty, don’t get me wrong, but I wouldn’t spend the entire day driving it.  The roads are squeezed and you can see just as beautiful sites on other parts of the island.  These two stops were definitely note worthy and would make for a great trip.

IMG_1630
A few last snaps from my trip!

IMG_1635
My favorites 🙂

IMG_1684
I even attempted some waves.  I like to give it a whirl whenever I’m on the islands because the water is so warm!

image
Family!

image
The best coconut/banana shaved ice in the world with mochi on top… SO GOOD!

image
Amanda and I watched the sunset every day on the beach with an ice cold beer, it was the perfect combo!

IMG_1640
It was a great trip with my mom, step dad, and friend Amanda.  I can’t wait for next year!

Hawaiian Skies 2014.

IMG_1663

One of my favorite parts of the time I spend in Hawaii each year are the incredibly vibrant sunsets.  I love to sit on the beach and watch the colors change until they disappear.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of sunrises as well but the sunsets from this last week were just out of this world beautiful.

IMG_1500

IMG_1669
Sunset cruises drifting through the islands.

IMG_1497
Pink clouds.

IMG_1642
Through the palm trees.

IMG_1489

I have tons and tons of Maui sunset photos but didn’t want to overload you.  If you find yourself in Hawaii ever, make sure to watch the sun set.

Maui in November.

image
(Keanae)

For Thanksgiving, my family takes off to Hawaii each year to spend the holidays in an un-traditional way.  It’s a nice time to rest up and re-charge the batteries before we head into winter time.  Each year we try to see friends and family on the islands and also spend as much time as possible outdoors.  So far this week, with Amanda visiting from Oahu, we’ve spent lots of time in the ocean.  Amanda, Darrin, and I also spent a day cruising the road to Hana.  We didn’t go the entire way but we made some great stops.

image
Twin Falls.

image
Hawaii sunsets are the best.

image
Amanda and I were reunited after a year apart!

image
We made sure to do lots of ocean swimming.

image
Amanda in her tube.  We bought inter tubes and swam out to get rolled over by the waves.  It was hilarious!  Probably because the waves were very small 🙂

image

image
We decked ourselves out in Flash Tats.

image
Went on tons of long walks.

image

image
My attempt at tree pose for the first time all week.

image

The ocean blues, it doesn’t get any better.  I’m still on the island for the rest of the week with my family but I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving week.  It’s a time to be thankful for all the blessings in your life and to remind yourself to not take anything or anyone for granted.  Pay it forward this week at random times and be kind.  It’s not everyday we stop and really focus on things we are thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Hawaiian Skies.

IMG_6140

Last week I got to spend time in Hawaii with family just soaking in the good weather and relaxing.  I love nothing more than a good sunset or sunrise and I made sure to park it right near the beach whenever the sun was on the horizon.

IMG_6166

IMG_6171

IMG_6177

IMG_6187
(Do you spy my mom in this one?  Very tiny up next to these palm tree giants)

IMG_6195

IMG_6209

IMG_6357

IMG_7411

IMG_7412

IMG_7425

Each day brought unique skies and tranquil days.  I can’t wait to share the rest of the photos this week!

I can’t help it, I like pretty things

I know the premise of our blog is typically humorous (at least we think) but sometimes I can’t help it.  I just love pretty things.  A lot of those pretty things tend to be in nature so I wanted to share some of the prettiest things I’ve seen recently.  Most things can’t be done justice in a photo but I do love to try.  Hawaii is heavenly and last week while I was there, I never fell short of inspiration.  I truly felt thankful to be spending time with my family in such a beautiful place.

(I loved the walking/running paths along the ocean.  You just can’t beat the views)

(The water is always warm)

(Sunsets that paint the entire sky)

(Unreal lighting)

(Vibrant colors)

(The baked goods are amazing)

(Unbelievable Sunsets)

The Hawaiian islands are magical for many reasons.  If you like pretty things the way I do, you will be in pure bliss.