Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Wanderlust Wednesday // Hawaii: That's a wrap!


Recapping my trip to Oahu has been so much fun! For the last post in this Hawaii series (for now, anyway) I thought I would name a few of my favorite spots and highlight a few things. Enjoy!

From Kailua to Honolulu there is a ton to see on this island, even a few things that might make you forget you are only miles away from the city center:

Na'uanu Pali Hwy
This is probably the prettiest commute in the states. With gorgeous views and tree lined roads, it is never a dull drive. You may have heard of the Na'uanu Pali Lookout, which, in Hawaiian history, is where one of the most important and bloodiest battles took place.


Maunawili Falls Hike
This is a great beginners trail...if you know where you are going. The first time I did this hike we went with a few locals who knew the trail, but this time around we did it by memory and we got a little lost. The trail is clearly marked up to a certain point, but toward the end you are pretty much walk up the river to a nice swimming hole and waterfalls at the end.

It is refreshing and rewarding after about a 1 to 1 1/2 hour hike. The views when coming out into a few clearings are amazing and great places to take a break, get some water and snap a photo. The one downside to this hike? The mosquitoes. Wear repellant, even if you usually don't get bitten, because you are in the think of a rain forest environment.




If, like us, food is your thing, then here are two spots that happen to be only a few blocks away from each other in town:

Leonard's Bakery
Malasadas. Need I say more? Probably some of the best ones you can find throughout all the islands are found at Leonard's. Just up the road from Waikiki near the H1, if you are heading that direction this is a great place to stop on your way (or on your way out).



Bogart's Cafe
Arguably the best breakfast in town. Right around the corner from the Honolulu Zoo, this place is easy enough to walk to if you are staying in Waikiki and well worth the drive if you are not.


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Wanderlust Wednesday // Hawaii: North Shore

Destination: Haleiwa, Hawaii
www.haleiwatown.com

The Drive
If you want to take the scenic route from Kailua to the North Shore, I suggest taking the 83 all the way. The coastline is gorgeous, rural, and you can make a few stops along the way before heading into Haleiwa for some shopping.

Pit Stops
Laie
A cute little town on the east side of the island.

Turtle Bay Resort
A gorgeous resort sitting on the north-east tip of the island.

Ted's Bakery
www.tedsbakery.com
Just off of Sunset Beach and best known for their Haupia Pie, it is a must stop for breakfast or lunch. Plus, a little pie for dessert. Yes, it is completely acceptable to have pie for breakfast.

Haupia Pie

Dad out in front of the Ted's Bakery mural


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Wanderlust Wednesday // Hawaii: Dole Plantation

What is not to love about a farm, pineapples and a Dole Whip?

The Dole Plantation is a must stop on your way out to the North Shore of Oahu to get your quick pineapple fix and learn some history on pineapples in Hawaii.

The Dole Whip - You can get these at Disneyland, specialty ice cream parlors or at the plantation. It is a favorited treat - basically a delicious pineapple soft serve.

Yum!


The Plantation -Take a walk around while enjoying your Dole Whip, or hop on The Pineapple Express for a scenic tour of the plantation. We did not do this, but I have heard it is a must do, something for our next trip!




View of the plantation.

Who wants a Dole whip now? ...cause I do!

xo,

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Hawaii: Kailua

In August, I was off to Hawaii for a whole 10 days! We stayed on Oahu and explored the whole island, which is something we rarely have much time to do. Here is the thing, we usually go to Hawaii to paddle and it is usually a short trip. I have been to Oahu only one other time where I had a decent amount of time to really get to see it all and I had been missing it, it was so great to be back! This time around we stayed on the windward side of the island in Kailua.

Kailua
A great little town with tons to do, the most beautiful beaches and it is away from the city. Kailua is the perfect spot to walk along the beach for miles...

Beach
Kailua Beach
Great park for families that are looking to spend the day at the beach. Rentals and food are right around the corner, with beautiful grassy picnic areas and that clear, blue water. With miles of white sand and warm, clear water, it is perfect for a beach run or an afternoon swim.

Sunrise
View of the Moks

View of Kaneohe Peninsula at sunset



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Wanderlust Wednesday // Summer 2013

If you missed Part I, catch up here! Part I was all about my Spring trips, now it is all about my Summer trips! Paddling up and down the California coast, Palm Springs and what's next!

Palm Springs
A fun weekend away in a pretty house with a pool.
I have been lucky enough to stay in this house twice and it is a dream. Read more on the house here. We basically just hung out and chilled. Here are a few photos from around the house, but mostly just a lot of my dog, Ozzie in the pool.

Our room
The Cantina
Pup in the pool!

My Family


The Paddling Season
Here are a few photos of my paddling season thus far....

Catalina Island

Marina Del Rey
Santa Barbara
Dana Point, Photo Credit: Chris Silvester
Santa Barbara, Photo Credit: Chris Silvester

San Diego, Photo Credit: Chris Silvester




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Birthday Throwback Thursday!

It is Thursday, so it is traditionally time for a throwback photo on Instagram!

But today is also my birthday, so this throwback will be extra special.

Here are a few of me on past birthdays to celebrate turning another year older.

Little Maddie with Night Night

2008

Last year's birthday paddle!


A few fun birthday facts...

I love birthdays, but am horrible at remembering them (even my own). I will remember all the way up till the day before and then poof it goes out of my head the whole day of.

But more importantly I love to share my birthday! I share it with someone at work...same day, same year...just hours apart on different coasts! It is kinda cool. I also end up sharing my birthday with a good friend, Bruce, who's birthday lands on the day after mine. We like joint celebrations like our El Matador dinner last night...thanks to everyone who came!!!

Celebrity Birthdays: I have the same birthday as Ben Afflek, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Child and Princess Anne.

I get to go to Hawaii for my birthday...I think that is pretty awesome...I may not come home.

Aloha!



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Heart Art // Mad Dream Design Summer Line: Wild Hearts

Happy August! (my favorite month of the year...)

Summer....


I am thinking salty curls, natural beauty, the beach and backyard barbeques.

Our Summer line is an extension of our Spring 2013 line: Tribe Vibes. Tribes Vibes was nature inspired with clean lines, and a cultural outlook on minimal design. I love that, and I still wanted that to ring true in my designs, with a twist.

Mad Dream Design Falcon drop earrings (Spring 2013)




In addition to the earrings from our Spring line we have added all new necklaces and dangle earrings + a few new designs. The one thing you will see throughout Wild Hearts are shells! For me Summer is lived at the beach and I am constantly inspired by the ocean, so shells fit the bill just right. Plus, they look amazing against the copper.

Mad Dream Design Falcon Necklace with Puka Shell (Summer 2013)

Our Summer 2013 line, Wild Hearts is all about getting outside, in nature and living as wild and free as your heart will let you. As they say, wild hearts can't be broken.




All of our new designs will in the shop by the end of day today, and I couldn't be more excited to share them with you!

Shop now, if you'd like!

Here is the look I was going for while creating Wild Hearts...


I am super excited to be celebrating a few milestones along with the release of our Summer line, so I am having a giveaway on the blog tomorrow! I will be giving away a pair of copper earrings. Want to participate? Make sure to LIKE us on Facebook.

Enjoy! xo,

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