When Straits first opened, my friends and I tried to stop by for drinks but the new restaurant was packed so we were politely turned away. I could instantly tell from the dark lighting and the loud music that Straits at night was fun and had a great vibe, but not for me. Straits during the day, however, is definitely more to my liking.  The restaurant is spacious and quite pretty with beautiful natural daylight and the menu is kept simpler with lunch plates and specialty offerings. It's the perfect place to have lunch with the girls, but also suitable for a business lunch. Straits featu ..read more

Braum's is an ice cream shop / fast food restaurant based in Oklahoma, with numerous locations throughout the state (and in other surrounding states too!).   It was our first meal and ice cream stop while in Tulsa.   Chicken Strips I had Chicken Strips.  Paired with Braum's Dipping Sauce - it was a quick and tasty meal!   Chicken Strips Dinner The Chicken Strips Dinner came with fries, country gravy, Braum's Dipping sauce, a roll, and a cookie!   Deluxe Bacon Cheeseburger Frozen Yogurt ..read more

Walmart originated in Bentonville, Arkansas, so naturally, we decided to visit the Walmart Museum. Walmart Museum being renovated Unfortunately, the museum is closed for renovations, but thankfully, they have The Walmart Museum Heritage Lab where you can learn about the history of Walmart.   Although small, they had several interesting displays, and it was neat to see a lot of vintage products and uniforms.   There was even a hologram of founder Sam Walton, who shared about the history of Walmart, and how important its employees and the communit ..read more

Our family recently ordered from Uproll Cafe for the first time!  They have a variety of items that could be made into a bowl or a roll! Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Avocado California Snow Crab Bowl Korean Chicken Bowl Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Aburi Miso Salmon Bowl Spicy Ahi Roll I had the Korean Chicken Bowl, which I thought had a great flavor.  It was full of crispy garlic, green onions, and edamame, but the amount of chicken seemed a lot less than what was in the other bowls we ordered.  Also, there was a lo ..read more

Paradise Monarchs, a company known for their butterfly chrysalis boxes, will now be fluttering to the Moana Surfrider on the second Saturday of every month to make afternoon tea extra special. The special Butterfly Tea Time is for all ages and features a butterfly release during the event. Guests can get up close with the monarchs in a special interactive dome tent.  The Butterfly Keiki Tea Set is $75 and includes a chrysalis box, milkshake, butterfly wings. Upcoming Butterfly Tea Time at the Veranda dates are May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, a ..read more

While in Tulsa, we stopped at the Center of the Universe.   The Center of the Universe is a spot from where you can stand, and when you speak, your voice echoes all around.   However, only if you stand inside the circle can you hear it.  If you're standing outside the circle, you can't hear any of what is being said in the circle. And it really does work!   It was pretty neat! If you find yourself in Tulsa, give it a try! Center of the Universe 1 S Boston Ave Tulsa, OK 74103 ..read more

While staying at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, I went to check out the Kapalua Coastal Trail.   I went early in the morning, and even though it started to rain, it looked like the showers were passing, so I decided to keep walking. I'm so glad I did, because despite some intermittent showers, the walk was just so nice and relaxing, with the most gorgeous views.   I started on a boardwalk path, that soon eventually transitioned to sand, dirt, and lava rock. I came across some runners and walkers, but the trail was not overly crowded.   There w ..read more

We had another early morning layover at Denver International Airport, so we ate breakfast at Smashburger. We've had Smashburger years ago while in Phoenix, but it was the first time we went to a Smashburger for breakfast! Breakfast Smashburger The Breakfast Smashburger was loaded high with bacon, egg, and cheese, and served with tots.   Meat, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich You can also get a breakfast sandwich without the burger.   If non-breakfast foods are what you're craving, they do offer a menu of various burgers, as well as wraps, chicken tenders, and ..read more

We found ourselves having to detour while in Arkansas, and we lucked out that Wright's BBQ was right nearby.  This acclaimed restaurant has gained popularity ever since opening in 2017. We decided to get a Family Meal with Pork, and sides of Mac & Cheese and Smoked Beans.  The Pork was smokey and tender, and the sides were great too.  The portion sizes were huge!  The plates are served with rolls, so the kids made sandwiches with the pork.   We also decided to get Nachos, because Nachos are always a great idea!  The brisket was nice and t ..read more

Thank you to our sponsor for the complimentary products! Choco leʻa is one of my favorite small local businesses on Oahu. Not only do they make high quality and unique chocolate products, but every time I've visited the shop, it's been such a pleasant experience.  The shop is located in Manoa, a block from Manoa Marketplace.  Inside you'll find all of their chocolate offering neatly displayed. In March 2024, they debuted soft cream.... Japanese soft cream, to be exact, made with Hokkaido milk powder! Choose between Choco leʻa C ..read more