Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Disneyland, Here I come!

A Week in L.A.


My little munchkin just turned 4 and what better way to celebrate than a week at Disneyland. Of course, being the devoted parent that I am, I figured that after having a photo op with Cinderella, I could also squeeze in a few fun, grown-up activities.

Since my father and I were traveling with two small kids and would be alone until my hubby and mother's arrival later in the weekend, I knew I had to prep ahead of time.

1. Clothing: I don't know about you, but I'm a horrible packer. When traveling, I always pack too much or too little and nothing works together. I often feel like a hot mess and regret bringing most of my outfits. But I am now a born-again packer. After religiously following Camila Coelho's YouTube channel, I found a packing tutorial with amazing and very helpful packing tips (It's as if she read my mind). Thus, the week before the trip, I planned 8 daytime outfits and 3 nighttime outfits. I placed each outfit and matching accessories in a ziplock back. This may sound crazy, but it was great to wake up, grab a bag, and get dressed in just a few minutes and before my bundles of joy began asking for breakfast. Best of all, I felt comfortable, confident, and cute.

2. Places to Visit: Ideally, I wanted to take a dance class, dive into the ocean, and eat pao de queijo and acai at a quaint but very busy Brazilian cafe. Well, it did not happen this way. Did you know that everything in L.A. is an hour away--Everything!!!!

Though I did not make it to some of the places below
, I hope you can.
  • Brasil Brasil Cultural Center: Great place for dance classes and Brazilian stuff. In 1 hour, you can buy a Brazilian-cut bikini, show off your favorite dance moves, and learn more about the Brazilian community in L.A. They know it all!
My little girl showing off her moves at an Aquarela Carnaval rehearsal. Next time, I will definitely take her to a dance class in L.A.
  • Daily News Los Angeles: This is a great site with upcoming Brazilian-related events in LA. I suggest you look at the site prior to your trip.

  • Fogo de Chao: I am fortunate to have a gaucho (aka South American cowboy) as a dad. Some of my best memories of my father involves a Brazilian-style BBQ steak and potato salad. He is such an amazing cook that I often wonder if hubby married me because of my winning personality or because of my dad's cooking. Being the case, I often don't eat at steakhouses. I actually rarely order red meat or chicken when at a restaurant. It sounds crazy but I know that my dad can make it better, and believe me, he does. However, if you have not been invited to one of my dad's BBQs, you should definitely visit Fogo de Chao. The food is amazing and very authentic. FYI: It is a little pricey.

  • Huntington Beach, California: Next time I visit the LA region, I am staying at Huntington Beach. I loved the city and beach. The sand was scalding hot, the beach goers were friendly, and the lifeguards were cute (If only they wore speedos). Surprisingly, the beach was only 30 minutes and not an hour from Disney and the weather was great.   
This is how I envision future lifeguards of America. 

  Beijos and enjoy your week!

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Friday, July 12, 2013

Samba in Paris

Samba in Paris 
I recently petitioned Father Time for a 5-year extension on my 40th birthday. I figured since my actual bday is in 2 years, I would have 3 years to prepare emotionally for the big day.

My petition, however, did not go through. Either Father Time is ignoring me or he is too busy dealing with the bureaucracy of keeping things running on time (I like to think it's the latter).

You may think I'm crazy, but when I turned 27, I had an emotional breakdown as I walked out of my bday party.  I found myself drinking pink champagne (not the best choice) and crying at the realization that I, in 3 years, would turn 30. 3 YEARS (I do not like to procrastinate. In fact, "why do it later if I can do it now" is my motto).

Micaela           

Perhaps to appease my craziness or because she simply understands me, Micaela, a dear friend, suggested I along with her and Lea, another dear friend, enter my new decade drinking lattes in Paris. Paris!!! Yes, the capital city of all that is beautiful and regal, the current residence of Mona, the origin of croissants and lattes. I must go there!

                                                                                                 
 Why didn't I think of this before? I simply love the idea (Though with the time difference, I will actually celebrate my 40th ahead of schedule and will probably do it while drinking pink champagne). Best of all, Lea, Micaela, and I are all Aquarelinas who love to dance, so I am guaranteed a great time.

                                                                                                                   
Lea (FYI: She is wearing a g-string bikini under her seemingly conservative outfit)            

To prep for my trip, I began searching for samba related activities in Paris. Here are some great sites:
Paris, here I come (in 2 years)!

Beijos and enjoy your day!

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