Hawaii 5.0

I have always thought of Hawaii as a place that I could never afford, a sort of bucket list trip.  Well that was until now. While looking for a family Disneyland trip I got notification of $500 round trip airfare to Honolulu. I freaked out in excitement as I have never seen tickets to Hawaii that low.  We had 2 free tickets waiting to use for our rewards but we had to be under $600, well this justified it!  So Jeremy and I thought about it for a few days (prices slowly creeping up) as we really were not thinking a big vacation since 2012 was so big, but free airline tickets to paradise...yes please!  So we booked them AND we got a SWEET condo, 5th floor, ocean view...and when I mean ocean view...steps away from the beach for $1900 for 10 days! That is like a $190 a night! You seriously can't do any cheaper! Plus the condo has a full kitchen so we can cook.

Here is the bonus, we really wanted to go with family so Irene (my mother) is coming with us. She really hasn't traveled that much and she said this will be her first big flight!  She is retired, what more does she have to do than to travel.  Plus, she is fairly easy travel companion. She drives me a little crazy, but she gets her own room, TV, bathroom and patio area. We are so excited to have her join us.

Some people might think we are crazy traveling with a toddler...but what better place. There is really so much to do! We might miss out on sailing and stuff but really we can do almost everything, we just have to take turns. Our place is so nice that even if Cy got sick...not a bad place to hang out for a few days. Our condo is right next to Disney's new resort too so we get to take advantage of that a little without paying the Disney cost. I was excited as I am really hoping we get in to a character breakfast. We also can walk over and rent their paddle boards (that is really what I want to do the most). We have all the cool places on Oahu written down so that we can keep our options open.  We also found the Costco so we can buy groceries and cook (saving money some more).

Bonus, Jeremy has loved helicopters since he was a little kid. So as we save up money (because that isn't a cheap activity) he is going on a helicopter ride! He is just deciding if he wants open or closed doors. Eeeek! So excited for him!

Hawaii you ask when there are beaches in the US. Well EVERYONE we know and I mean everyone who goes and some are usually not totally sold come back in LOVE! The selling point was a friend of my husband's who stated Hawaii was never on her list of destinations but after coming...she fell in love. That carried a lot of weight. I welcome the history and diversity of the island.  We are actually staying in Kapolei which is about 45 minutes Northwest of Honolulu. I am excited to not be staying in some big high rise building. What is nice about our place is that it is right on beach! So after nap time we are hanging out in the city!

Mahola!

Happy New Year 2013!

This has been the most challenging and amazing year filled with so much love and personal growth! I feel so blessed for having an amazing family, wonderful friends, great job and good health. I told my boss before I left I am not use to having such great things that I feel like I am always waiting for something to happen...and you know what...sometimes life can just be good.

Beginning this year Jeremy and I will start on Sunday, January 6th for out 5 day Clean Cleanse.  What is a Clean Cleanse you ask...well I will tell you! It is a cleanse that lets you eat plenty as long as you forgo processed food, dairy, gluten, refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol. This program is suppose to help you relieve holiday bloat, improve digestion, boost energy and strengthen immune system. 

I started on my Pinterest page a board called Clean Cleanse Recipes. I go by Sarah Nelson or MrsNelly! Find me and follow the yummy recipes!

From our family to yours...I wish you a wonderful, adventurous, safe and healthy 2013 and beyond!