Grand Canyon

During spring break, I decided to fulfill another 40 Under 40 goal, and visit the Grand Canyon. I have never been to Arizona, but thought it would be a great time to take the kids and do some exploring.

Despite what people think about Arizona being hot during the winter months, the climate actually changes quite dramatically depending on what area you are in.  For instance, if you are in Mesa, Arizona, the temperature is around 85 - 90 degrees.  However, when you make your way towards Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon (approximately a five hour drive), it dips down to a cool 6 degrees.  The Grand Canyon actually had snow in various areas. 

However, nothing took away from the sheer beauty and awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon.  We even went back at sunset to take in the glorious colours that blanket the Canyon at twilight.

Whether we were horseback riding through the desert, hanging out at the Galaxy Diner on the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff or experiencing the wild west in Goldfield's Ghost town - there was so much to see and do on our way to seeing the Grand Canyon!

Galaxy Diner on Route 66

Goldfield Ghost Town

Loved being able to fulfill this 40 Under 40 goal (and so did the kids!)

Snoweshoeing Under the Stars

Me enjoying the snowshoeing trek up Cypress

It's a dark Friday night, and it's pouring rain, but I can't wait to be out in it. The reason is clear, as I pull my car in front of the ticket office on Cypress Mountain. I watch as a few dozen brave souls anxiously wait for their snowshoeing experience to begin.

It's a goal I've had in the back of my mind for many years, mainly because it's a sport that is low-risk in injuries and has a high return for burning calories (approximately 600 per hour).

Snowshoeing appeals to me because it seems like a great way to see the sights on the mountain - and walk on some awesome powder.

Our guide, Mark Waldbillig, helps ease us into our trek with some fun games like "Simon Says" in the snow (where the winner getting to put their wet clothing next to the fire after our trek).

It was evident from the start, as Waldbillig led the group up the mountain, that snowshoeing and his appreciation for the mountain is in his blood. As we walked, he pointed out several different plants and trees to us, as well as a quick education on preparedness when hiking on the mountain.

We followed Waldbillig up the mountain using the top part of our snowshoe to dig into the incline. Gone are the days where long, wooden snowshoes are used. Instead, it has been replaced with lightweight aluminum snowshoes that are nimble and easy to trek along the trail.

Many snowshoe enthusiasts can hike the trails on their own during the day. However, at night, it is imperative that a trained professional accompanies you (to ensure you don't get lost).

One of the highlights of the snowshoeing trek was when we had to slide down a part of the mountain to reach another trail. It brought out the kid in us all.

Many people in our group (myself included) were having so much fun, we were oblivious to the slushy rain pelting us during our hike.

What I discovered about snowshoeing is that it's a sport easy to learn, and fun to do in a group. The average age in our group of 12 ranged from early 20s all the way up to a couple in their 60s, proving it's a great activity for any age.

After approximately 45 minutes, we reached our destination: Hollyburn Lodge, which was built in 1926. Waiting for our group inside was hot apple cider, hot chocolate and a chocolate fondue. It was a great way to cap off our snowshoeing experience and relax for a bit, before making our descent down the mountain.
Our bellies still warm from beverages and fondue, I was a dismayed it was over.

Looking at the stars above and the lights below from the city, I knew I'd be back to do it again, many times.

Bora Bora is Paradise on Earth

Me on my private Motu with other water Villas in the background

Last week I traveled to one of my most anticipated places for my 40 under 40 goals. 

Bora Bora has always been the dream place for me to visit "one day".  Everything they say about Bora Bora is true.  It's like being in a dream that you never want to wake from.  It was a picture on my desktop screensaver many years ago, and was always a place I  yearned to visit.

The time it took to get there was definitely worth it.  I took a plane from LAX (the only airport you can) to Tahiti.  It was an 8 hour plane ride. I then took another hour plane ride the next morning from Tahiti to Bora Bora Airport.  From there, I took a 40 minute boat ride to my resort, the Sophitel, and stayed on my own private motu (island). 

The Mountain on Bora Bora

Although its considered the rainy season in Bora Bora, it was beautiful, sunny and HOT.  As it is very close to the equator, the sun rays are very strong.  I stayed in a villa with a thatched roof over the water.  The water was the colour that resides in our dreams, and that you have to pinch yourself to be reminded that it is REAL. ;)

Black Tipped Sharks waiting for us to swim with them

Life on the island of Bora Bora is laid back, friendly and full of adventure.  While I was there, I was able to swim with the sharks and sting rays (one got exceptionally friendly with my posterior) ;) 

Me with an overly-friendly sting ray

Private Island for Picnic and serenading

I picnicked on another private island where I was serenaded and fed local Tahitian food. 

Stars such as Brad Pitt, Janet Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eddie Murphy, the Kardashians and so many others, have visited the island to have the same experience. So amazing.

I took in a traditional Tahitian dance show and was invited up to join in.  The people are so friendly and warm and very welcoming.

Relaxing in my over-water Villa drinking fresh coconut water

I could sit for hours staring out at the ocean and when you are there, you truly believe anything is possible.   I'm so happy that this 40 Under 40 Goal was a place I made happen. It's a destination that people should not put off for "one day" - as Bora Bora is truly paradise on earth.

View from the Motu on the hill

LA Life

Sunny Los Angeles holds the key to my heart. For people living in L.A., it is an opportunity to fulfill their dreams. You never know who you will meet on the street or happen to sit beside in a restaurant. It's where the most influential people in the movie business reside.

From the hip and trendy nightclubs to the amazing eateries around the city, it is a social hub for those to see, and for those who want to be seen.

One of my favourite places that I stayed at while in L.A. was the JW Marriott. The hotel is located right in the L.A. Live district, where movie premiers happen and where many celebrities hang out on a daily basis. The hotel is luxury in every way, and is close to all the great entertainment venues like Staples Center, Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, Regal Cinemas and many eclectic restaurants.

The kids really liked the hotel because of the movie premier of The Immortals that happened just across from us during our stay. They also liked the Grammy Museum at LA Live, where interactive displays helped them learn about musicians past and present.

One of our favourite places we visited as a family was the farmers' market at Grove Shopping Centre. There were so many amazing eateries and shopping opportunities in the market. A trolley runs down the middle of the market for shoppers whose feet have packed it in. My daughter loved the fact that the market also had an American Girl store. Although my wallet took a hit, it was an opportunity for her to visit one of the largest American Girl stores in the world.

The kids really enjoyed our visit to Knotts Berry Farms. The rides were diverse, and allowed for both kids (age eight and five) to get a thrill. From the Silver Bullet (the park's first ever suspended coaster) to the rides at Camp Snoopy, the kids had a full, fun-filled day with many adventures. One of the highlights was dinner at Mrs. Knotts Chicken Dinner Restaurant. The restaurant, which is legendary, has been serving chicken dinners since 1934. Each dinner consists of warm biscuits, soup, fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables and, of course, its famous boysenberry pie. Although I had to be rolled out of the restaurant after the meal, it was divine in every way. And the best part was the kids ate their entire meal as well.

We also stayed at Sheraton Universal Hotel, known as "Hotel of the Stars." The landmark inn is located on the back lot of Universal Studios. It was interesting to see the many pictures of Hollywood icons adorning its walls.

The hotel offers a free tram to the Universal Studios lot, which made it a breeze for us to get there. Universal Studios had many great rides, although some were not age-appropriate for our clan. For example, The Simpsons ride was thrilling for my son, but a bit too scary for my daughter. We all thoroughly enjoyed the back-lot studio tour, where we were able to experience the new King Kong 360 3D. For me, I was thrilled to visit Wisteria Lane. And for those who don't know where that is, you need to be a fan of the show Desperate Housewives (which I desperately am). There was a fantastic celebrity animal show in the afternoon, which my son volunteered to be part of. He was on stage with some of his favourite celebrity dogs from the movie Hotel for Dogs. It was truly a day he won't soon forget.

The L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens was also great to visit with the kids. The zoo has some incredible mammals like armadillos, massive giraffes, staggering hippos and, of course, the campo gorilla reserve. It was truly humbling to be so close to the gorillas in their habitat.

Last, but certainly not least, was our visit to Santa Monica. There are literally 30 city blocks of retail stores, entertainment and dining. The pier along the beach was spectacular, and boasts an amusement park at the end of it. We stayed the entire day in Santa Monica experiencing all the fun activities, including an actual outdoor skating rink at the beach.

My "40 under 40" goal to visit L.A. and see all it has to offer (beyond Disneyland) did not disappoint. It was everything I had hoped it to be, and so much more.

If you go, here are some other recommended places to eat:

WP24 by Wolfgang Puck. It's located in the Ritz-Carlton, it offers modern Chinese fare with panoramic views of L.A. Prices are higher but the food is amazing.

L.A. Market Restaurant, created by acclaimed "Rock 'n Roll" celebrity chef Kerry Simon. Creative, American cuisine with a California flair. Moderately priced. A must-have is a dessert called the Junk Food Platter, which features childhood favourites like cotton candy and Hostess cupcakes.

El Cholo dishes up Mexican food inexpensively. Try the guacamole, made fresh at your table.

The Immortals Movie Premier

One night my family took in the movie premier of The Immortals.  It was incredible to see the crowds at J.W. Live line up at the theatre across from the hotel to get the chance to be the first to see the movie.

We watched in anticipation many stars walked the red carpet, smiled for pictures and made their way towards the theatre.

Fifty Cent being interviewed

Fifty Cent was there to show his support and said a few words to an interviewer who was standing on the red carpet.  As I am a big fan of his music, it was great to hear him talk about his work and why he was there to support the movie.

As a person who has only ever seen the red carpet movie premiers through the set of a television – getting to see it up close and personal, made it even more impressive.

Me at the Hollywood Walk of Fame