Things To Do In San Diego

Four years ago, I fell in love with San Diego.  Before I visited, I created my very own San Diego bucket list.  It was a wonderful trip that my husband and I were able to take.  I did not get to cross everything off my list but I told myself, I would be back.  And of course, my wish was to have my children be able to experience this beautiful city as well.  Fast-forward to 2018, my son is stationed in San Diego and living on Coronado island.

Who would have known that this is how life would play out?  I love that I get to visit once again.

Here is my list of Things To Do in San Diego:

1)  Tour a Haunted Hotel-Who knows what you will see at Hotel Del Coronado?  Go for the curiosity, stay for the view.

2)   Hop Aboard the USS Midway-You do not need to bring your own sailor for a private tour.  There is a free audio tour available in several languages that is very interactive.  The volunteers are great too.  Stop and hear their stories, they have many to share.

3)  Hang out with the Seals-You may not be able to hang out with the Navy Seals but the La Jolla seals will even pose for you.

4)  Tour Caves-Do you dare travel down this tunnel?

5)  Experience the San Diego Zoo-It is an adventure.

Don't forget to check out-
-Seaworld San Diego

I could not believe how many things I missed doing the last time I was in San Diego.  I even found new things I wanted to add to my list.  Most of the items on my list I did on the fly, very inexpensive, or even free.  The city is tourist friendly.  You can find discounts online.  If you have time, plan ahead.  If you have active military or veterans, ask for discounts.  Parking was no problem. 

Travel Tuesday-Chicago Navy Pier

We traveled to Chicago to go see my son graduate but he ended up leaving us there.  So what do we do?  I decided to take the family back to another Chicago landmark, Navy Pier.  

My daughter was wishing to see snow.  When we left our hotel in Great Lakes, it was snowing.  She was so upset because we did not let her play in the snow.  I told her there would be snow in Chicago too.  It was in the forecast.  He headed towards the Willis Tower but due to the clouds, there was no visibility.  So we headed to Navy Pier earlier than scheduled.  The windy city sure did test us.  Luckily for us, Navy Pier has an indoor area that has food, shopping, and entertainment.

Here were some of our favorite indoor attractions:

Amazing Chicago - funhouse maze with tunnels, mirrors, and glow in the dark fun.

Crystal Gardens - botanical garden with cool, shooting water fountains.

Chicago Children's Museum - three-floors of fun that we just had to check out.  Do you know the story of the great Chicago fire?

We could not visit the pier without actually seeing the pier.  It was a cold 32 degrees outside.  

And my daughter actually got her wish to see it snow...  

Travel Tuesday-Exploring Past Chicago Millennium Park

I have been to Chicago before.  My first time in this beautiful city, I looked up at all the skyscrapers and wished my family could one day see all of this.  Little did I know that one day, I would revisit with them. 

Of course, our first stop had to be to Millennium Park to check out the Cloud Gate sculpture.  But when you are traveling with a six year old, sculptures are not on their things to do.  This great idea soon turned into a bad idea.  Until we decided to explore Millennium Park a little.  There are many visitors mostly tourist in this park.  It can be overwhelming.  If you walk east towards the Grant Park lawn, over the BP pedestrian bridge, you will find the Maggie Daley Park.

We went to visit the bean and ended up finding the most whimsical park ever with slides, rock climbing, towers, and so much more.  I have learned that sometimes you just got to go with it.  This trip was not about sightseeing in Chicago but I am glad that we were able to actually venture out a little and discover this gem in downtown Chicago.  One pit stop turned into a day of fun. 

Up Up and Away-Kid Travel Tips

Our first family trip this year happened to be my daughter's first flight ever.  What can I say, we are a family that enjoys road trips.  This time would be a different experience for our family.  Planning a trip with a small child is hard.  When you go on road trips, you can over pack as much as you want.  Not when you are flying.  This trip took a little planning ahead.  

But no matter how much planning, don't you always manage to leave something behind.  My daughter left her coat on the couch.  I wanted to have it out so that when we landed, it was ready to be put on.  That did not happen.

Here are some things that I did plan right for traveling with children:

1)  Tablet-We fully charged my daughter's table and did not forget her charger.

2)  Phone-We have an extra phone for my daughter to be able to use apps, watch video, etc while her tablet is charging as back up.

3)  Chargers/Power banks-We had enough power banks and chargers just in case.  Our plane actually had power outlets.

4)  Snacks-Not only because I know food is an arm and a leg a the airport but also because kids.  Moms know that snacks a must.  At the airport, we did have to pull food items out at the security check.  Once these went through, we place them back in my daughter's bag.

5)  Gum-You know you hate when your ears pop.

6)  Pillow/blanket-Airplanes can be very uncomfortable.  Familiars things can help your kids with comfort in an uncomfortable, tight situation.

7)  Head phones-Do not forget the head phones. Our plane had a free movies playing but none of us could hear the movie, except my daughter who enjoyed watching one of her favorites, Coco. 

8)  Coloring Book/colors-The dollar store has small activity books.  And for the crayons, I actually had gotten an extra box at a restaurant that I packed in her bag. 

Now, packing her luggage was even harder.  My daughter is always hot and remember the whole thing about her forgetting her coat.  Luckily this mami planned ahead, here is how:

1)  Undershirts-Since our trip was to Chicago, long sleeve was our choice.  I even brought some turtlenecks.

2)  Leggings/jogging pants-Jeans can be restricting, thick, and sometimes hot.  Elastic bands or non-restricting waist can be more comfortable.

It is always good to wear your most comfortable pair of shoes.  So remember that when you pack your kids luggage too.  This may not be the best time to break in new shoes.

All in all we had a great experience.  My daughter was like a seasoned pro.  She had many questions a long the way and I was happy to answer all of them.  I was an adult when I took my first flight anywhere.  I am glad that my kids get to travel from a small age.  My daughter is already asking when are we going back to Chicago.  And Paris is on her wish list, too.

Travel Tuesday-Bucket Brigade #LoveGalveston #BeachesFam

I am a water baby and so are the members of my family.  We love to head South to Galveston, TX, where it is always island time!

There is always so much to do.  Every time we go to Galveston we discover something new that we have not seen or done before.  At the beach we get to disconnect.  I always find things to learn in every adventure we take and the beach is always a place of discovery for us.  You can use all your senses when you dig your feet in the sand.  Find a shell; touch it, feel it, collect it.  There is beauty everywhere.

On this adventure, we took a tour with the Galveston Bucket Brigade. 

Bucket Brigade offers free interpretive tours to beach-goers on Galveston Island.  Their objective is to increase the public's understanding of the positive role of sargassum and turbid water in our marine and coastal ecosystems.

Tours are available from March to October 2016. They last approximately one hour.  It is a unique hands-on activity that the entire family can partake in.  Bucket Brigade highlights the impact we can all have on coastal ecosystems through marine debris and pollution. 

We learned that Galveston's beaches are not "dirty" beaches.  Galveston water is actually very clean but full of sand.  Our water is sandy brown, the same color as our sand.   

Check out some of the cool items found in Galveston:

 Lighting Whelk Seashell

 Moon Snail

Mermaid's Purse (shark egg)

Do you go on beach walks?  We love to go on walks on the beach.  We are always finding cool things, not this cool.  Or maybe we didn't know what it was? 

The Galveston Bucket Brigade has 6 free tours that are held at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  They are offered at a variety of locations along Galveston beaches including Stewart Beach, 21st Street, 37th Street, 53rd Street, 61st Street, 63rd Street, and Dellanera Dunes RV Park.  If you want to participate, you can sign up for a tour at the lifeguard station at each tour location.

For more information, go to galveston.com/bucketbrigade

Hotel Sorella City Centre-Visit Houston

Sometimes all we need is a little getaway with the family to bring you back to center.  No having to worry about cleaning or cooking, just having fun!

Thanks to New Creative Media and Hotel Sorella for inviting my family for a staycation.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

We left the beds unmade, the towels on the floor, and just walked out.  You read that right!  I did! 

Everyday we live with rules, schedules, and routines.  It is good to break the routine.  It is Summer and what better way to get out of the norm than to leave it all behind. 

Hotel Sorella is located at City Centre.  City Centre has so many shops, restaurants, live music, and so much more.  In the heart of City Centre is Hotel Sorella.  It is more than just a fancy room, a cool pool, and good service. 

It is a full service, top of the line, they have thought of it all:

1)  Food

 Poptails-Monnalisa

food and drinks-Radio Milano and Milano Bar

And even complimentary continental breakfast!

2)  Fitness

fitness center and complimentary bikes available

3)  Fun

pool and cabanas available

My daughter loves the pool.  She is a water baby.  She could live in the pool all day long and never have to eat. 

Hotel Sorella really went over and beyond.  We spent 4th of July at Hotel Sorella.  I had heard of the amazing experience to be had at Hotel Sorella.  We actually got to experience it.  We enjoyed ourselves poolside and the little did not want to leave the pool when it was time to get out.  I really liked that the staff kept bringing towels to the pool.  I have been to hotels before that you have to go fetch your towels and that is not good when you are dragging wet kids out.  The pool was very well attended.  The kids got to play and swim.  Mom got to relax. 

But our night did not end there.  We had dinner at Radio Milano and afterwards headed to our rooms for the big show.  The crowds were getting bigger and bigger.  Everyone ready to watch the show at City Centre.  The live band plays right in front of the hotel.  The band was playing some good music.  We headed back to our hotel.  We all jump in the shower and got in our pjs.  And then the big show started.....

My daughter likes fireworks but does not like how loud they are.  She has never been able to really enjoy fireworks because the louder they get, the more anxious it gets her.  We had the best seats in the house or should I say, the hotel.  Front row, indoors, in our pjs....she sat and watched.  I sat and watched her little face.  She was so amazed.  Her eyes just got bigger and bigger.  It was the perfect way to end our evening.  I have to tell you this was the best fireworks experience ever.  Hotel Sorella was the place to be.

For more information, go to hotelsorella-citycentre.com.

Newly Renovated Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor #GoHouston

Four years ago was the first time I visited the Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor for my niece's Quinceañera.  The location was perfect and easy for everyone to find.  We had family coming in from out of town and people from all over the Houston area.  Some of the guests stayed at the hotel.  My niece and her family's room was very spacious.  Everyone had all good things to say about their stay.

Thanks to New Creative Media and the Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor for hosting our family for a staycation.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Hospitality from the moment we walked in.  In the reception area, there is cool and refreshing infused water waiting for you.  And in our room, Chef Justin had a tasty surprise waiting for us.  How did he know that I love chocolate? 

Our family got to stay in the Deluxe room that has two double beds perfect for our family.  There is also a reading chair with ottoman that is a perfect place to sit and relax or get pampered at.

Wyndham Wellness for Body, Mind, and Soul where the guests well-being is top priority.

One thing we definitely took advantage of was the indoor pool that was open until 10 pm.  Bar Ten and Lounge is located right next to the pool.  You can grab your drinks and head to the pool or hot tub to relax and unwind. 

The next morning we woke up refreshed and ready for breakfast.  We were invited to the Park Restaurant & Grille which has been named by Zagat as one of the Top Ten Best Hotel Restaurants in Houston. 

There is no need to go wait in line at a breakfast restaurant chain or to only have #1-#10 as your choices for breakfast.  I hope you are not hungry because you will be after looking at the spread available at the Park Restaurant and Grille.  Do you want hot or cold breakfast?

My daughter actually woke up with pancakes on her mind.  I did not see any but all I had to do was ask.  Our order was placed with the kitchen and it came right out.

 Pancakes for the Princess

Omelette for me

But you do not have to leave your room to grab a bite, you can do in-room dining 7 days a week.  The Park Restaurant and Grille also has All-Day Dining.  You can see the entire menu here.

A few more things you may not know:

-pet friendly

-billiards and shuffleboard available

-complimentary shuttle within 5 miles which includes Houston CityCentre

For more information, go to wyndhamhoustonwest.com

No Reservation Needed-Ten Bar & Lounge

It is Friday night and you feel alright (that song just popped into my head? Sorry, back to the post)….it has been a long week.  The weekend is finally here.  You want to go grab some dinner.  You do not want to be bothered with lines and you definitely did not make a reservation.    

Thanks to the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor and Ten Bar & Lounge for hosting my family for dinner.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

If you told me to meet you at a hotel for dinner, I would look at you crazy.  Don’t think I’m crazy just yet.

Ten Bar and Lounge is located inside the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor at 14703 Park Row, Houston, Texas, 77079.  They have table and bar sitting available. 

Monday – Saturday

4 pm to 11 pm

Sunday

4 pm to 10 pm

Happy Hour

4 pm – 6 pm

Justin Strang is the new Executive Chef at Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor.  With this new appointment comes an all-new menu.  Justin is a culinary veteran.  His love for food is found in the flavor of all his dishes.  He plays with different flavors, textures, and what you get it really good food!

The menu had so many options to choose from.  My husband and I had a tough time trying to decide.

Chef Justin came out to talk about the menu and he even made a duck soup that he brought out for us to try.  It was delicious.  So flavorful.  My daughter tried it and liked it as well.

Duck Soup

 Cilantro Crab Cakes

 House Cut Rib Eye

Mojo Grilled Boneless Pork Chops

Caramel Flan

First of all, we were not expecting so much flavor in every dish.  We tried new things that we never tried before.  Chef Justin really did bring lots of new to this menu.  Our taste buds were extremely happy. 

But the best part was the service we received from every person.  I never thought about going to a hotel from dinner.  The menu prices were not ridiculous and over priced.  You get good food, in a relaxed environment, and you leave very satisfied.  We did not have to fight a crowd.  We did not have to make reservations.  This is great for after work meetings or events.  It is also a perfect spot for an Anniversary or Birthday celebration. 

For more information, go to Wyndham.com/Houston.