The Magic of Maui

Learning to do the Hula at the Old Lahaina Luau with the kids

 Maui is well-known for its beautiful climate, sandy beaches and warm water. But as any parent will admit, visiting with children means planning in advance, and being prepared to do more than just lie around in the sand.

The good news is that Maui has several new and unique places to visit that will make it memorable for both parents and children alike.

Restaurants
One of the best new child-friendly restaurants on the island this year is Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. This fun and funky restaurant boasts some of the most creative and delectable comfort food I’ve ever come across. It’s located along the Honoapi’ilani Highway, and easily accessible for a quick bite or stop off with the kids.
Our lunch included hot dogs with pineapple, ahi tuna sandwiches, and deep fried macaroni bites with a secret dipping sauce (which brought the kids back twice during our stay). My favourite was the deep fried brussels sprout leaves with vinaigrette (even the kids loved it!). Hint: Do not leave without trying one of their incredible home-made pies (they come bite-sized too). Moderately priced, your kids and your wallet will thank you.

MonkeyPod Kitchen was a great find for us in the heart of Wailea (on Wailea Gateway Place), as it offers a diverse menu for children and a relaxing atmosphere for adults. If you’re up for an early dinner (or late lunch) the best time to go is between 2:30 and 5:30 because appetizers are half price.
My children loved the pizzas, which they were able to watch being made in the wood burning oven, while my husband enjoyed making a selection from the 36 craft brews on tap. I couldn’t get enough of their truffle oil parmesan cheese fries and calamari. We opted to sit outside for dinner, and were able to watch one of Maui’s famous sunsets from the deck.

Activities

My daughter & son (with friends) horseback riding on the Haleakala Crater

If you want to have a truly memorable experience with your children, then the Piiholo Ranch is the best place to visit. Located on the Haleakala Crater, the ranch provides horse back riding with the gorgeous back drop of Maui and its crystal blue Pacific ocean 2,000 feet below.

The horses are unbelievably patient and gentle with novice riders (Note: The ranch is one of the very few that caters to children under the age of 10).

Our guide, nicknamed "Frenchy", was both knowledgeable and entertaining. We were joined by another family which allowed the children to engage in fun banter along the ride. A wild boar was seen, as was a stampede of cattle (behind the safety of gates).

The ride was spectacular from the high vantage point, and made for a great afternoon experience. The horse rides can be tailor-fit to accommodate any budget and duration (recommended time is one hour). And if your children are a bit older and up for more adventure, the ranch also offers zip lining and canopy tours.

Feeding the goats at Surfing Goat Dairy

For a truly unique experience, the Surfing Goat Dairy is a must-see. It’s located at the bottom of the Haleakala Crater. Although it’s been around for over nine years, it’s a place that may not be on the typical tourist’s radar.

As a real working goat dairy farm, visitors can choose from a variety of different tours ranging in price from $10 for a casual tour, to $25 for a grand dairy tour.

We opted for the "Evening Chores and Milking Tour", which allowed our children to get up close and personal with the goats. They were able to learn about what goats eat by hand feeding them sweet hay and even tried their hand at milking them (which they loved).

We were able to try a selection of goat-milk cheeses which are sold at the farm and took home some delicious goat-milk chocolates and hand-made goat-milk soap for souvenirs.

Resorts

Gorgeous view from our room at Napili Kai

The Napili Kai Resort, located in Napili, has undergone some tremendous upgrades. The condo-style lodging allows families all the comforts of home including a kitchenette and dining area. Set along the Napili Bay, guests can engage in some of the complimentary activities such as Mai Tai parties, hula lessons, lei-making and horticultural tours. The resort also features a free mini-golf green, which will keep kids occupied for hours.

They also provide a kids eat-free program, which is always good news for parents.

The snorkeling in this area is spectacular and the children had an amazing time swimming alongside some large, resident sea turtles and brightly coloured fish. Snorkel masks and gear are free if available, or can be rented up the road at Snorkel Bob’s for the week.

The resort also hosts a weekly evening slack-key concert with various music legends that play the well-known music of the islands.

Makena Beach Resort's Atrium

Makena Beach and Golf Resort makes you feel welcome right from the start, with welcome lei in the lobby, and sand pails in the room for kids. The resort is conveniently located in Wailea, on Maui’s south side.

The atrium of the hotel is completely outdoors, containing an elaborate koi pond in the middle. During the winter season whales can be seen breaching; which the kids enjoyed watching from the comfort of their room each morning.

The hotel provides many programs and activities for families including complimentary bicycles, evening star-gazing with a guide (including s’mores around a fire), and snorkel lessons.

The hotel also offers packages such as movie night which consists of chocolate bars, gummies, popcorn and drinks, with an in-room movie. It’s a perfect end for a family who is looking to unwind from a full-day of activities.

Special Note: The Sunday brunch in the Molokini Bar and Grille in the Resort is not to be missed, as it was voted best buffet on the island for a reason. Trust me when I say it’s a dining experience that will be enjoyed and lovingly remembered by every member of the family — even the picky ones. ;)

Best of the Best in Las Vegas

Ok - I admit it. I LOVE Las Vegas.

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that there is ALWAYS something new to see and do when you visit. (I should know, I've been there five times).

So for those who may be "First Timers" or looking for something different, I thought it would be useful to create a list of  the BEST of the BEST in Las Vegas for food and drink (plus one must-try activity!)

Best New Activity to Try:

A visit to the Guns and Ammo Garage is a MUST. As a Canadian, I've never even seen a gun up close - let alone shot one.

After being debriefed on safety issues with the safety officer, Nick Sherrot, I was instructed to take aim with each gun and shoot one or two times at a shadowed target, to get used to their kick.....

I was then encouraged to just to "go for it." I shot an AK47, an UZI and a Glock 9mm.

Yes, I was nervous at first, but was thrilled once I got the hang of each gun. By the end, my arms were shaking but my confidence and adrenaline was at an all-time high. http://gunsandammogarage.com/





Best Bang for Your Buck:

You can eat yourself silly at the Carnival World Buffet inside the Rio Hotel. Here, you can try diverse food from around the globe. The stations are organized by cuisine type including Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Asian-and for those less adventurous -American. There are vegetarian and vegan-friendly options along with made-to-order items such as the delectable soups and noodles at the Asian station. A rookie mistake is filling up your plate before walking through the entire restaurant.

The dinner buffet is $30 (all prices in U.S. dollars) and includes non-alcoholic drinks. I was a bit deterred when I arrived due to the incredibly long line up to get in, however, there is a VIP section along the side I discovered for those who purchase the buffet with their show ticket at the hotel. http://www.riolasvegas.com/restaurants/carnival-world-buffet.html#.UVYVaDez3gU

Best Place to Celebrate

One restaurant with the most imaginative cuisine I've ever eaten is TAO at the Venetian. It's definitely a place for celebrating and a dining experience that won't soon be forgotten. My favourite dishes were the braised short ribs and the yellowtail sashimi with jalapenos.

The giant fortune cookie dessert is a must-try, which is partially dipped in chocolate, filled with white and dark chocolate mousse, and decorated with fruit. The surroundings are dark and luxurious with a giant Buddha fountain in the centre, and rose-petal filled baths adorning the entrance. A booth is ideal if you can snag one to take in the surroundings. The prices are higher (main dishes $30 to $45 range), but definitely worth it. http://taorestaurantlv.com/

Best Place to People Watch

Fat Bar overlooks the busiest street in the world-the Las Vegas strip. And if you've never heard of Fat Bar, think Fat Burger - with a twist. It's the flagship location of Fat Burger and the first to have a full bar. You can eat a burger right out on the strip along with your favourite beverage. The experience is enhanced by the misty water overhead to keep you cool in the Vegas sun. The 200-seat retro-style circular bar with big screen TVs can be accessed from the street and is open 24 hours a day.

Most days, there is a girl out front handing out coupons for the bar. The price is right and will satisfy any appetite, starting at $3.29 for the small burger all the way up to the XXXL burger at $9.69. http://www.examiner.com/article/vegas-strip-fatburger-renovates-opens-fat-bar

Best Place to be Entertained

The Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Hilton) features a unique restaurant called Benihana, where Japanese food is served at the teppan-yaki table (several guests are seated around a steel grill) to enjoy a meal cooked right before them by a chef who is also an entertainer.

From the vegetable fried rice shaped into a heart to the onions lit on fire (on purpose), it makes for a spectacular dining show.

It's also a great way to meet people. I opted for sake (my first time) with my meal. It wasn't my favourite, but I learned later Japanese beer is ideally served with it to make it more palatable.

The pricing is middle of the road (main dishes $30 and under). http://www.thelvh.com/Hotel/dining/finedining/benihana





Best Concept-Dining Experience

The Pampas Brazilian Grille, located inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, is for meat-lovers. The concept is simple: 11 different types of meats are served on a long skewer and brought to your table to be carved tableside.

And trust me when I say, by the time you are done, you are truly done. The pricing is fair ($39.95 for the meat extravaganza) and a tasty way to try Brazilian food. http://www.pampasusa.com/

Best Exotic Drink to Try

The Hyde Bellagio wins hands-down when it comes to a unique drink experience. The lounge (which also serves up tasty appetizers) boasts several beautiful women in short, gold dresses who provide tableside mixology carts to guests (bringing the full bar experience right to the table). 

I was able to try their newest “Liquid Nitrogen Cocktail,” where the mixologist uses a bowl of fresh fruit, juice and liquors, and adds liquid nitrogen to freeze the whole thing together, and serves it with a spoon. Think sorbet with a kick. It was absolutely incredible.  It is a bit pricey at $20.00 per drink, but is a must-try at least once, and a great way to enjoy the spectacular Bellagio fountains right outside the window. http://www.bellagio.com/nightlife-diversions/hyde.aspx

Me, Joe and my mom in Excalibur

Best Vegas Value Deal

And if you are really down on your luck by the end of your stay in Las Vegas, or for those who simply want a cheap deal – visit the Excalibur’s “Sherwood Sports Bar”. 

They feature a hot dog and a beer for $5.00.  It’s a simple hot dog and beer; however, it’s the bartenders who make it fun.  

 I ended up here twice during my time in Las Vegas when the black-jack tables weren’t in my favour. When you’re there, ask for Joe. ;) http://www.excalibur.com/

Me pool-side at the Excalibur

And of course, there's always hanging by the pool, sipping on a pina colada and taking in the beautiful desert sunshine!

 

Living to Inspire

When I started writing, I wanted to inspire more women who were mothers to rethink what they deemed possible in their lives.

I wrote a parenting column about being a stay at home mom. It later evolved in to presentations.  I also founded a website www.thestayathomemother.com which provided information, tips and advice for at-home moms.

The website and concept later evolved  in to a company that taught moms how to go in to business for themselves. The name was Enterprising Moms Inc. We had monthly meetings, great speakers and annual events for women to showcase their businesses.

I did that for five years, and later sold the company after it had grown beyond me (15 chapters across Canada and hundreds of members).

I felt that chapter of my life had been about inspiring and empowering women with the right tools and information to utilize in their lives.

Then, I decided I wanted to break another myth about what we deem possible in our lives. And that is, to live and accomplish our dreams. 

So on my 39th birthday, I chose 40 goals to accomplish before my 40th birthday. They ranged from crazy adventures (skydiving, snowboarding) to traveling to incredible places (Bora Bora, Costa Rica) to meeting dynamic people (Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson).

I managed to accomplish them all before my 40th birthday and prove that what limits we have in our lives are self-imposed. Think you can't do something? Start by telling yourself you can, and you are already half-way there.

What was great about my 40 under 40 column that I wrote for the newspaper was the effect it had on other people. I received countless emails from readers who were also inspired to apply it to their own lives.

One particular good friend, has launched her own 40 Before 40 list and is actively working on knocking each one down. Her name is Eva Hamori and she is a very inspiring person, and I do invite you to keep up with her blog to see where she is on her list :

http://www.thatshamori.com/2012/12/14/40-before-40/

To give you an idea of her ability to reach her goals - last year, her and her family sold everything in South Surrey, BC and moved to the South of France to run a bed and breakfast.

Amazing.

Here is their B & B:

http://lepetitplatane1.fatcow.com/

At the end of the day, inspiring others to achieve their own goals and meeting like-minded individuals along the way, is what makes what I do all the more meaningful.  In the past six months, my 40 under 40 column, evolved in to a travel/adventure column. I write for several publications throughout PostMedia Network Inc, Glacier Media and 24 Hours.

I have been able to "marry" two loves in my life - my writing and my desire to travel.

Next week, I'm off to the Grand Cayman Islands. I've never been, but I understand it is glorious - and I can't wait.

Life is an adventure and is meant to be lived to its fullest.

Here's hoping that today, you take one step towards making a goal in your own life a reality.

Discovering San Francisco by Cable Car



Yes, I love San Francisco!

When I visited San Francisco for a quick two day trip with the family, I tried desperately to plan out every minute; trying to make the most out of our trip.

I wanted us to visit the national historic landmark Alcatraz, see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and walk along Fisherman’s Wharf on the waterfront.



Alcatraz from a distance

The children loved learning about Alcatraz and being able to check out the prison cells and the views from the small island.

They marveled over the Golden Gate Bridge and the views from it.

They also enjoyed walking along Fisherman’s Wharf, having some delicious fish and chips from the Fog Harbor Fish House while watching the sea lions in the Bay.



Please don't let me fall off! LOL

However what they think really delighted and surprised us the most, was riding the cable cars on our second day, and discovering interesting places along the way. Visitors can walk down to the turntable at Fisherman’s Wharf to catch one, or can pick it up along the stops by jumping on during its brief stops at various corners. A one-day pass costs $13.00 and children 4 and under are free.

What I liked most was being able to get off when we spotted something of interest and check it out. For instance, we made a stop at one of the crookedest streets in America (Lombard Street) which was also featured in the Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “Vertigo”.

The kids loved seeing the crazy hairpin turns of the road and it has great views from the top.

Our next hop off was at the cable car museum. It’s free to visit and the museum deck overlooks huge engines and the winding wheels that pull the cables. My nine-year-old son was enthralled by it.



Cable Car Adventure

Downstairs is a viewing area of the large sheaves and cable line entering the building through the channel under the street.

There are a few antique cable cars to view and tons of historic pictures line the walls.

A penny machine that costs fifty-one cents, allows children to immortalize their visit by embossing a cable car picture on to their penny.

We later got back on a cable car and took it up a few blocks to China Town, the largest China Town outside of Asia.

 The historic buildings are incredible, as are the bakeries and eateries along the way. The kids were also keen on visiting all the little shops that lined the streets.

 Our last stop of the day was at the Aquarium of the Bay. It's located along the water's edge and has tons of hands-on interactions with the marine life as well as an impressive crystal-clear overhead tunnel, which allows for fish to swim all around you as you walk through. A family rate (2 adults and 2 kids are $50.00).



Although there are many things to see and do in San Francisco that we will have to plan for another visit, the sheer spontaneity of the cable cars made it a fun, inexpensive way to explore and appreciate the city during the short time we had.