Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa - The "Happiest Place on Oahu"

Located approximately 40 minutes away from Waikiki, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is in an enchanting world of its own.  Our family was fortunate to finally get a chance to experience why this four-year-old resort, with 351 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club Villas, is a favorite for both kama`aina and visiting guests of all ages.

As soon as our family stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped by the beautiful art and architecture.  

Maka`ala Lobby

Kanaloa and Kane - two Hawaiian gods thought to be responsible for discovering fresh water sources throughout Oahu.

Although our check-in time for our villa was not until 4pm (3pm for standard rooms and suites), the resort allows you to check-in at any time, so we arrived at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa early enough so we could enjoy the pools when they opened at 8am.

After a very pleasant and informative check-in, during which time everyone in my family was issued key cards (the adult cards could also be used to bill charges to your room), my husband and I received lei, and the kids were given Menehune necklaces, we dropped off our luggage with Bell Services and headed straight for the pools (we were already dressed in our swimwear, but if you need to change, you can get a key card to the Luana Lounge, which has restrooms and showers).

Menehune Necklace - Menehune are mischievous little people in Hawaii's legends

The pools at Aulani are incredible (you can read more about the fantastic pools here), and we spent hours on the slides, the lazy river, and in the different pools.

Guests can also swim in the beautiful Aulani Beach at Ko Olina lagoon (guests can rent complimentary beach toys, umbrellas, and even boogie boards!), but my kids were having so much fun at the pools - the only time I stepped on the beach was to take pictures of the stunning sunset.

Aulani Beach at Ko Olina Lagoon

While at the pool, I received a text a little after 1pm advising that our room was ready, so we bribed the kids away from the pool with the promise of shave ice after we settled into the room.

We had a beautiful poolside 1-Bedroom Villa with a king bed, a queen sofa-sleeper, and a pull-down bed.

Pull-down bed (notice the Taro leaves in the carpet)

The villa has a huge bathroom with two vanities, a rain shower, and a whirlpool tub.

Rain shower

The beautiful room, decorated in tropical furnishings (complete with a few hidden Mickeys), was spacious, and evoked a sense of ancient Hawaii through various details, such as the Taro design in the carpet, and the butterfly joints throughout the room, which are reflective of a method used in ancient Hawaii in repairing calabash bowls.

A Mickey welcome!

The large living space provided ample room for our family to relax and watch TV (another large screen TV is in the bedroom).

The Villa included a variety of amenities to make a stay convenient and comfortable - a washer and dryer, Blu-ray player (Blu-rays could be rented from the Pau Hana Room), and even a step stool so little ones could reach the sink to wash their hands or brush their teeth (we always bring our own step stool to hotels, so we were pleased that the room already had one).  Those with toddlers or infants will be happy to know that Pack 'n Plays and High Chairs are also in the room, and diaper pails, bottle warmers, and bed rails are available upon request.

Complimentary Blu-ray rentals available from the Pau Hana Room

I loved that our room was poolside - just a short jaunt over to the Menehune Bridge.

Poolside access

We could sit on the lanai and watch our kids come and go, and it made access to our room quick and easy.

Even though the room was equipped with a fabulous full kitchen, including a rice cooker, we decided to experience the dining options on property - `Ama `ama, Makahiki, and several quick-service eateries.

If our family had a longer stay, I would definitely take advantage of the kitchen to whip up some meals and save money.

Full kitchen and dining area!

Even though the resort was full of people (good luck finding a pool chair mid-morning), it was astonishingly quiet at night while we were winding down to go to sleep, and both my husband and I agreed that it was the best sleep we've experienced of all the hotels we've staycationed at on Oahu.

Because our stay was for just a night, and check-out is at 11am, we didn't want to depart Aulani so early, so at check-out time I dropped off our luggage with Bell Services once again, got a Luana Lounge access key, and headed back to the pool.

The pools are where we spent a majority of our time, but there are so many other things to do at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (be sure to pick up the Daily `Iwa for the calendar of events) -  Aunty's Beach House, a kids club offering all sorts of activities; Mo`olelo Fire Pit Storytelling, where Uncle shares Hawaiian legends; Menehune Adventure trail - a cell-phone-assisted scavenger hunt throughout the property; and so much more!

Mo`olelo Fire Pit Storytelling

You'll find activities just for kids, teens, adults, or the entire `ohana - hula dancing, ukulele lessons, walking tours, Hawaiian crafts - a one-night-stay is definitely not enough to experience all that Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa has to offer.

The Disney team sure did an incredible job instilling the Disney magic and combining it with the aloha spirit when creating Aulani and all of its features.

Common Disney elements such as hidden Mickeys, character dining, and Photo Pass, along with vast amounts of Hawaiian elements - the architecture, food, and culture, together with cast members who exude the aloha spirit, all came together to create an unforgettable experience.

Stitch was being kolohe (mischievous)!

Our staycation at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, was way too short, but just enough so we could experience some of the magic that makes guests so happy when at any Disney location. My kids were ecstatic at the pools and when encountering the Disney characters. And seeing how happy my kids were was simply an incredible feeling.

If Disneyland is considered the "Happiest Place on Earth," I believe, and I'm sure many other families would agree, that Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is the "Happiest Place on Oahu."

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali'inui Dr

Kapolei, HI 96707
(866) 443-4763

Thank you to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa for hosting our family's room.  Parking, gratuties, and meals were paid on our own.

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Assaggio - Mililani

My husband and I recently had dinner at Assaggio's in Mililani.  We try to go there on most occasions just because we love it. 

My favorite dish is the Alla Marinara Style with Jumbo Shrimp.  It's a lightly floured and pan fried in olive oil, garlic and mushrooms with a red wine tomato sauce. So delicious!

My husband's all time favorite is Osso Buco Alla Romana.  It's a braised veal shank with onions, garlic in a lightly seasoned tomato sauce. 

Assaggio has a wide selection of pastas or if you prefer, they also have Filet Mignon and New York Steak dishes to name a few.  They offer small and large portions and are open for lunch as well.

The best part of dinner is dessert.  My favorite dessert is the Amaretto Gelato Ice Cream. I cannot get enough of it. I would come just to get dessert.

I love my pasta and Assaggio's is one of my favorite places to eat.  They also have locations in Ala Moana, Hawaii Kai, Kahala Bistro, Kailua, and Kapolei.  I'm sure most of you have been there, but for those of you who have not, definitely try it.  You won't be disappointed.

Assaggio 

95-1249 Meheula Pkwy

Mililani, HI 96789

Ph: 808.623.5115

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Visit Washington: Zip's Drive-in

Halfway through the drive from Post Falls, Idaho to Seattle, Washington, we stopped at Zip's Drive-in in Ritzville, Washington to grab some lunch.

Kids Corn Dog

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

I had the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, which was good and just what I needed to fill me up for the rest of the drive back to Seattle.

Little Zipper Fun Meals come with a choice of Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Popcorn Chicken, or Corn Dog, along with Fries, Drink, and a Prize (Lollipop).

I figured the Corn Dog would be easiest for my kids to eat on the road in the car, and they all loved the huge star-shaped Lollipop.

Zip's Drive-In was a convenient stop offering quick, casual eats for our road trip!



Zip's Drive-in
1503 S Smitty's Blvd
Ritzville, WA
509-659-1710

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Baliloca Review

Disclosure: Complimentary product was received for review purposes. Some links are affiliate.

I use a cross-body bag often due to its practicality and safety.

I love having my hands free to hold my kids' hands or hold shopping bags, and using a cross-body bag is usually more secure than holding a purse in your hands by its straps.

However, I've seen on the news how there are some people so evil and desperate they will still try and yank a person's cross-body purse or even cut off its strap.

With that fear in mind, I was eager to try out the Baliloca purse.

About Baliloca
Baliloca is truly a purse with no limits. Quite simply, we design the most comfortable purse you'll ever wear. Our unique leather design and patent pending stabilizing cross-strap allows for a snuggled and lightweight fit. Dance, relax, work out, or just travel the world. Our bag will stay firmly by your side.

I was fortunate to receive a Baliloca purse in Wild Honey Leather.

This very unique Baliloca purse is practical and lightweight, and is ideal for traveling, shopping, dining - any activity where you wish to have your hands free, but do not want to worry about a dangling purse or where to place your purse.

Simply slip in your phone, ID, credit cards, and some cash, and you're good to go!

The bag could easily hold a lot more items, such as hand sanitizer, lip balm, and keys.  I actually was able to fit my small wallet and my phone into the Baliloca bag.

The stabilizing cross-strap was very easy to put on (you can watch a video on how to use the purse on the Baliloca website), and it was sort of like wearing a one-sided vest, or even a backpack, except the pack is on your side.

Wearing the bag and cross-strap took a bit of getting used to, but it's quite comfortable, and accessing the contents of the purse is a breeze.

Because the Baliloca purse is worn against your body, you can easily wear a jacket over it.

I've already used the Baliloca purse on a recent staycation, and during this busy holiday season I'll be wearing it a lot more as I brave the mall crowds to do my shopping.

If you're always on the go and want a purse that is functional, smaller than a backpack, and much more fashionable than a fanny pack, check out the Baliloca purse!

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The Magical Pools at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

There's no denying that the pools at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa are just incredible, and, dare I say, magical!

From the Menehune Bridge, complete with slides and interactive water elements, to the Ka Maka Grotto's Infinity Edge Pool with stunning sunset views, you'll find an enchanting oasis for guests of all ages.

Two slides atop Pu`u Kilo (a mountain in Waikolohe Valley) - the Volcanic Vertical, an enclosed body slide, and the Tubestone Curl, an open-air slide for single or two-person tubes, only add to the excitement.

Pu`u Kilo

And it is at the slides where my kids spent the most time.  The lines were often long to go down both slides, but they patiently waited for their turns down the twisting, fast-moving slides that would drop them down into Waikolohe Pool or Waikolohe Stream.

It was so thrilling, and to see the joy (and the initial fear) on their faces as they splashed down is something I'll never forget.

The end of the Tubestone Curl

The Tubestone Curl led guests into the Waikolohe Stream, where they continued down the lazy river, floating by waterfalls and through caverns (there are several entry/exit points for the lazy river for those who wish to forego the tube slide or do not want to go the entire length of the lazy river).

One of the entryways for the lazy river

Another entryway

The Volcanic Vertical (which elicited screams from guests both young and young-at-heart) led riders down into the Waikolohe Pool.

End of the Volcanic Vertical

My youngest loved Waikolohe Pool, especially since it's a zero-entry pool.

The 8,200 square-foot Waikolohe (mishevious water) Pool was always busy with both kids and adults splashing and swimming around.

And it became quite the scene when Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy came by for the Shake-a-Shaka Pool Party!

Splashing around with Mickey!

My youngest also had a lot of fun at the Keiki Cove Splash Zone, which is designed for kids ages 5 and under. He got a kick out of playing in all the jets of water!

Another hot spot for kids was the Menehune Bridge, where slides, bridges, and gourds full of water kept them engaged and busy.

Child-free guests wishing for a more tranquil experience need not worry, as there are a couple of adult-only areas - Wailana Pool and the `Alohi Point Whirlpools.

`Alohi Point Whirlpools

There are also three other Whirlpool Spas for guests of all ages.

Waikolohe Pool Whirlpool Spa

Waikolohe Stream Whirlpool Spa

Ka Maka Grotto Whirlpool Spa

And yet there are still more pools!

The beautiful Ka Maka Grotto Infinity Edge Pool offers stunning views of the ocean.

The Rainbow Reef, a saltwater lagoon, allows guests to swim with thousands of fish (for a fee).

Guests can also view the fish (for free) from viewing windows nearby.

There is plenty of seating around the various pools, but get there early to secure one of the complimentary lounge chairs fronting the pool and/or under an umbrella.  Even though most of the pools don't open until 8am, by 8am all the prime seats were already spoken for (towels, slippers, or bottles of sunscreens on the lounge chairs).

There are also cabanas and casabellas for rent,

Guests can go to one of several stations to present their key card to get a wristband for pool use and towels.  Complimentary life vests are also available for use.

We spent hours and hours at the pools at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and had a magical time!

Thank you to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, for hosting our hotel room.

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