VIrtual travel is a new past-time for us.
Pandemic has halted everything for us. Health has taken priority and travel has gone backseat. But thanks to many apps and travel shows, this experience is not to be missed. Every day morning, I and my husband do virtual jogging in a different landscape, have lunch by a country screen showing a Mexico beach resort, enjoy a cup of tea and scones by the Brooklyn besiege view, and end our day with a dinner view of the Parian Effel. This Youtube channel 'rise or shine' is my favorite go-to channel for a quick city tour while I jog or sip my coffee. It takes my mind off stressful things, I enjoy the clarity of the video, and I learn a lot about the new place.
Read full storyVirtual craft activities for children is the best way now.
Keeping children busy as they used to be while physically going to school has been a challenge for us too. But thanks to many YouTube channels, this has become easier. We follow this Particular art channel 'Craft for Kids' where we can allow our children to do various art forms. All the necessary things can be bought from Amazon, and the children are occupied . So what I do is, go to their youtube page, check out one particular link or check for a particular type of work, check if the supplies are available at home, and then send Chromecast it on the TV. This time my kid learned how to make a heart-shaped greeting card with red chart paper. It will take him 2-3 attempts to perfect it, but he had lots of fun.
Read full storyHowlin Ray's has the best sandwiches ever
I love the sandwiches and I especially come here for them. The portion size is too huge and the spice level can go up as well. I took the mild Sandos. The best part is the chicken is cooked well, and not dry. Do try their special chicken wings as well.
Read full storyHead to the Neon Museum for a fun exciting day.
This museum is not as big as how I expected it to be, but still, it was decent enough to spend some time in the city. I entered the museum paying $8, and it will be a self-guided experience. So there are 20 art pieces in different rooms, where they have used neon, xenon, and argon lights. The best part was the neon cruise, which I found pretty interesting. This is basically a guided tour walks where they show the neon displays and signage around the LA city.
Read full storyBeautiful museum situated up a mountain.
Such a unique museum. It is located in the mountains and the view from there is beautiful. They only charge $20 for the parking, while the admission is free. Thanks to covid, there are a few people only allowed inside at a time. There is a cafe too, but the food items are quite expensive there.
Read full storyUrth cafe for some healthy meals
Urth cafe has some really interesting healthy options. I tried the oatmeal with bananas. It was pretty good, filling, and very nutritious. And then we ordered the Matcha Tiramisu and the fruit tart. This place has so many Matcha flavours, and this one was ok. I suppose you need to develop a taste for Matcha. Fruits are fresh, and the tart was a healthier alternative to other desserts. It was good too.
Read full storyFood is good, but staff service is not at The Lazy Daisy
The Lazy Daisy has always been my favorite brunch/breakfast place to go to. The seating area is so spacious and beautiful. Their waffle is the best I have ever had. But recently, my experience was a little different. The food tasted good, but the service was not as how I had expected. The staff was not aware of the specials, and their service quality lacked timing. I so want to come back again and try their eggs benedict. I just hope their staff service improves. If you come to this place, then do follow up with your order on a timely basis.
Read full storyCarney's is more than just a fast food joint
If you pass by Carney's, you will most likely pass by. But, do stop and try their burgers or even their fast foods. The restaurant is set inside an old train. Seems to be an odd setting, but their food is just amazing. They have the quickest service possible, and the tastiest hot dogs ever. Their spicy version, that is the NY spicy dog is too good. I loved the Trainwreck Fries. And the double cheeseburger is wonderful too. They are fresh, juicy, and well, nothing to complain about here. The only downside of this place is that it can get very crowded, and the seating isn't that far spaced away. So I did a takeaway and it worked perfectly for me.
Read full storyHuntington Beach is good, but at a $15 entry charge
I visited this beach along with my family for a day trip. It is a good beach, lots of walking area and clean as well. We went to the Pier as well. It is such a great spot to experience rushing waves, and get lost in the ocean. The sunset view from this spot is amazing as well. You can spot kayak riders, surfers, and joggers at this beach. There are quite some good restaurants as well. However, the $15 entry fee is what disturbs me. Had it been free, I would have come regularly.
Read full storyBurger joint - Shake Shack is the best
My favorite place to get a good burger would be Shake Shack, I like the fact that their food tastes fresh and that they use fresh ingredients. However, I don’t quite like their frozen custard. Perhaps that is just my personal preference. The burgers are too good. The Smokehouse Burger is amazing. I also like the dips that they give along with it. And the crinkle fries are so good, that they are my staple order. This is my go-to place for a treat meal, and surprisingly I don’t feel that lazy lethargic feeling that I get eating at other fast food joints.
Read full storyA mall next to the beach- Santa Monica Place
The Santa Monica Place is one of my favorite shopping places to explore in LA. Lots of stores, good deals and discounts, and many options to choose from. And if I am in the mood for window shopping, this place is great too. I complete my walk as well, all unaware of the kilometers or the time is taken. Being very close to the beach, the beach is my hangout place after the shopping experience. The best time to visit will be around sunset time. But, come early if you want to grab a parking spot. Overall it is a wonderful experience for window shoppers and for shoppers.
Read full storyUniversal City Walk has finally opened
I am so happy to know that universal city walk was open. However, they charged me $28 to park my vehicle. This is a great place is do some walking, and some window shopping as well. Not all the shops and restaurants have opened up, though. I came here in the morning times, and by afternoon I could see the crowds. So better to avoid such peak hours. It is a fun place, to hang out, have fun and get a good walk as well. The souvenir shop was a fun place to go to. Lot of things are there, and it was so tempting to buy some of them at least.
Read full storyShort day trip at the Laguna Lake Park
For a short but relaxing day trip, do visit Laguna Lake Park. We were a group of 5 people including 1 child, and it was a wonderful experience here. The lake was beautiful and we had such a relaxing time here. We could stay there all day, watching nature and the other beings in harmony. The walk around the lake is about 3/4th of a mile and perfect for jogging. One mistake that we made was that we came during the morning time. Coming during sunset time is the best part. We heard that there are walking trails as well, but we did not have that much of a time. Overall, this was the best quickest day trip ever.
Read full storySky bar is an expensive place with a good view.
Sky bar is a nice place with a good view. But the experience is quite expensive and the staff is not that friendly. The people who come here dress very well, so if you plan to come here, make sure you dress accordingly, no shorts, please. It has a nice lively atmosphere, and the dishes are ok. Their cocktail menu is quite interesting. I think I had great expectations of this place. Apart from their venue and the view, I did not like anything else. Will not come back unless for a treat.
Read full storyEasy chocolate fudge dessert recipe that you can make in 10 minutes.
I have a sweet tooth, but baking a cake, takes a lot of time. But this recipe that I came across on the internet just took me 10 minutes to prepare. I got it from a Masterchef top 6 contestant’s Instagram page and immediately tried it. She called it the Easy Chocolate Fudge.
Read full storyBiking my way to good health
Biking is a good form of exercise for me. And when I spotted the Pedego Electric Bikes, I was thrilled and decided to purchase them. Even rental options are available at this place. I took the rental option and went for a 2-hour ride. It was the perfect way for a relaxing tour along with some exercise. The owners are superb and they help you choose something really good. The bikes were comfortable to ride on, and a lot easier than going on foot. The batteries are something that you have to keep an eye on. I am considering investing in an electric bike as it saves on petrol, is eco-friendly and is an exercise tool for me as well.
Read full storyMany spots to explore around the Redwood highway scenic drive
If you like to go on a nice drive experience, then Redwood drive is a scenic one not to miss. So we took the Highway 101 drive all the way from Santa Rosa to Eureka. The 4-way lane roads are a beauty to drive on, and the scenery is beautiful. You won't get bored at all. Ocean views and trees lined up on the roads, are beautiful spots as you pass by. We explored the Ferndale town which was such a nice surprise. The weather was perfect while we went for the drive.
Read full storyA wall of frames can brighten your home décor.
I wanted to do my room with a multitude of frames and keep a wall of frames kind of look and came to Picture Frame Gallery. Paul recommended me some amazing ideas and the white frames against my teal wall were the best idea ever. He has some amazing and creative ideas, does his job pretty well, and is very friendly and approachable. You should consider hiring local talent like him. So basically with Paul’s help, I was able to redo a part of my home. Painted that wall in a teal shade. Added white and black frames with pictures and quotes. Having inspirational quotes helps you in so many ways. Try this little trick and see how this low budget makeover transforms your living space.
Read full storyPaatchi chocolates are one the finest ever.
I am super happy to have spotted Paatchi chocolatier in Glendale. I remember tasting it during an airport transfer and they were divine. And now I enter a dedicated store only for this beautiful brand. They have a variety to choose from and even come in different gifting options. The store is well decorated with different display pieces, that it feels like chocolaty heaven in here. This makes a good luxury gifting option for friends, family, and even for corporates occasions. The staff is super sweet and will help you pick up the right chocolates for your taste buds.
Read full storyCome to Yifang Taiwan Fruit tea for a fruity experience
Heard a lot about this place from my friends and finally got a chance to visit it. This place could have been in a better location, honestly. But once you find the place and enter inside, the juices are the best I have had. The fruit teas come in a variety of flavors- There is orange, passion-fruit, apple, and even peach blossom. They also serve Dalgona teas. The staff is well organized and the service is quick. The drinks are expensive though. Their specialty is the Brown Sugar Pearl drink, and it is superb. My colleague who is from Taiwan also loves this place and is as good as the ones that are back home.
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