My very own dream wedding in rustic California wine country.
Hawaii with my Guyii
Rather than buying fancy presents, Colin & I opt to plan experiences for each other’s birthday. For Colin’s 26th birthday, I planned a once in a lifetime trip – 2 nights in Maui and 2 nights on the big island — IN A TREEHOUSE. It was his first time to Hawaii, my 3rd – but both islands were new to me. I somehow managed to keep the destination for 2+ months, which included me hacking his Virgin America account and even sneaking in his closet to pack his sandals and swimtrunks 😉
MAUI
We started our trip in Maui, in a darling AirBnB near Paia. People often ask me how I found my houses and honestly it is hours and hours of research. Paia is a darling part of Maui and one that I’d highly recommend. It is away from all the touristy hotels, and feels like the tree Hawaiian experience.
The outside fence was made of surfboards, so cute!
Maui Recommendations:
- Baked on Maui – About 5 minute walk from our AirBnB, great little coffee spot.
- Twin Falls – Gorgeous short hike up to this beautiful waterfall (pics below)
- Garden of Eden – Amazing stop along the Road To Hana (check out the view below)
- Mama’s Fish House – OMG. This Place! No words, truly incredible. A Paia MUST!
- Flatbread Pizza Company – Don’t let the long lines stop you, this place is great! Be sure to try the goat cheese.
- Paia Bay Coffee – My favorite coffee spot in Maui
- Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – Gotta try it.
- Road To Hana – Be sure to plan a whole day for it.
Twin Falls
Garden of Eden
Along the road to Hana
MAIN ISLAND
We didn’t know what to expect from the main island. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I planned the whole trip around this threehouse. Take a look, there are no words. By far the dreamiest place I’ve ever stayed. You walk up a trap door, have to use a rope to get your luggage up, it’s the whole deal. And inside is a dream!
Waking up to this!
We spent most of our time inside this treehouse, but in the little time we did explore, we’d recommend the following:
- Rainbow Falls Park
- Lava Boat Tours – You get 2 feet away from actual lava, it’s amazing!
#DirtyThirTree 🌵
There is just something about the California desert that awakens my soul, hence why we decided to go to Joshua Tree to celebrate my sister’s 30th birthday! What a trip! I’ve unlocked some of Joshua Tree’s hidden gems and a guidebook to a guaranteed amazing weekend.
AirBnB: The Joshua Tree Casita & The Joshua Tree House
Had the pleasure at staying at both of these amazing AirBnB’s! They are so beautifully decorated. You will love it!
I mean seriously, is this place EVEN real!
Must-Sees:
- Joshua Tree National Park
- There is so much to see throughout the park, I’ve narrowed it down below to a few of my favorites:
- Keys View – Go for the sunset, you won’t regret it!
- Cholla Cactus Garden – Cactus heaven!
- Arch Rock & Skull Rock
Must Eats & Drinks:
- Crossroads Cafe
- Joshua Tree Saloon
- Pappy & Harriet’s
- Pie For The People
- Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Morning mimosas on the porch…
Desert stargazing…
Living in MY own Private Idaho
Here goes nothing… my very first blog post! Exactly one week ago, my sweet boyfriend and I were celebrating our 2 year anniversary in Idaho. I surprised him with the destination and managed to keep it a surprise until we got to the airport. Since we are on an intense house saving budget, we set a $25 limit for gifts. On our anniversary morning, he surprised me with some notebooks that had a personalized message inside saying I could use them for some inspiration and to jot down my ideas for my “blog”. He then whipped out his computer to surprise me with this amazing blog that he designed entirely by himself. Thank you so much, my love. I look forward to a world of adventure with you.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a travel freak and completely consumed by wanderlust. If I’m not planning my next trip, I am adding to my AirBnB wishlist or looking at flights. I’m frequently asked about my travel destinations and recommendations for restaurants, things to do, AirBnB’s/VRBO’s.
Driggs, Idaho. Simply one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. 40 minutes away from Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and has the cutest quaint town with fabulous restaurants.
Recommendations:
- Teton Thai // Driggs Idaho
- Provisions Local Kitchen // Driggs, Idaho
- Tatanka Tavern // Driggs, Idaho
- Grand Teton National Park // Wyoming
- Cafe Genevieve // Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Persephone Bakery // Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Jackson Hole Town Square // Jackson, Wyoming
- National Elk Reserve // Jackson, Wyoming
I received a common response when I told my friends and colleagues that I was going to Idaho, which was “Why Idaho? What is there to do there?” Here’s my response, I think the pictures speak for themselves..
Mormon Row
Sunset with a view (@ our AirBnB)
Snake River
Coffee on our deck over sunrise
Happy Anniversary, Love!
Happy Anniversary, my love.
As we enter our third year of this amazing relationship, I can only say that I grow more and more in love with you as time goes on. You’re everything I could have ever asked for and more. I admire your particularity [as much as it frustrates me!], your attention to detail, your caring and loving soul, your ability to always bring a smile to my face, also my inability to be upset at you for more than 10 minutes, the way you treat and overprotect Knox ;), your wanderlust, our shared vision and dreams, and so much more!
Since we are on a house-saving budget and you have prohibited me from spending, I thought I would channel my energy into something a bit constructive and hopefully crafty by actually creating your blog :).
I love you with all of my heart, and hope to spoil you today and in the rest of our journey together.
Happy anniversary, beautiful.
Love,
Colin