{Family Travel} Exploring Oahu With Kids

August 5, 2013 By Cori

Both of my kids have been traveling since they were 6 months old. They have grown to love everything about it– even the flying– which I personally loath. So with the new baby coming this fall, we wanted to be sure we got in one more “big” vacation, as it may be quite a while before we get to visit anywhere that requires a long flight.

After much thought, we ultimately decided to head back to Hawaii– this time, to the island of Oahu.

When we told people about our trip, they mostly had the same reaction “WOW! Hawaii – AGAIN??” But, believe it or not- when we worked the math (and by math I mean various reward point clubs we belong to) traveling to Oahu as a family was incredibly less expensive than going to Disney World (which, in a brief moment of insanity- I did throw into the running)… and well, who wouldn’t want to see more of Hawaii?

{Side note: James is the Wizard of reward points. He amazes me every time. I am trying to get him to write a post about it, because I think it would help so many families cut travel costs and see some amazing places.}

I have an entire post dedicated to Disney’s Aulani Resort, which is where were spent the bulk of our stay and is the epitome of kid-friendly Hawaii.

But beyond the tons of resort activities– just as we did in Maui– we wanted to really explore the island as a family. So we began our family adventure by staying 2 nights at the Hyatt Regency on Waikiki Beach and ventured out every day through out our trip to get to know the island better.

Exploring Oahu With Kids

Picture taken at sunrise on Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach

While staying at Waikiki Beach, we quickly realized that Oahu is a very different island than Maui.

On the plus side, the ocean was incredibly more vibrant and blue. On the flip side, because most of the business’ in Hawaii are on Oahu, much of the island was built up and city like– especially, the famous Waikiki Beach area, which reminded me a lot of the beach strip in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It’s not that we didn’t appreciate Waikiki beach’s beauty– we definitely did. Even with the tall buildings and city hustle and bustle, there were plenty of absolutely breathtaking places to visit all over Oahu!

The Kuhio Beach Torch Lighting and Luau Show is a fun and free activity for the whole fam that takes place on Waikiki Beach Tues-Thurs-Fri-Sat, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Unfortunately, we were not there on a performance day but we heard rave reviews of this authentic Hawaiian dance show from the helpful staff in the Hyatt Regency Club. (* It’s good to note if you are planning to attend this show- it takes place at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, near Duke Kahanamoku statue, beachside at Uluniu & Kalakaua Ave.)

Lanikai Beach Sunrise

While we were still jet-lagged and waking up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 4am, we took a ride to a ride to Lanikai Beach to watch the sunrise.

We had learned about this “secret” Oahu beach through Instagram (oh, social media- how I love thee). It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.

The kids loved swimming in the calmness of the warm water. There was virtually no one else on the beach except for one or two passers by walking their dogs. They felt like this ocean was all theirs, and for a moment… it was.

Sunflower fields in Haleiwa

Another sight we found through Instagram, the Sunflower field located in the surf town of Haleiwa. This hidden gem is pure happiness.

We’ve never seen so many bright, beautiful sunflowers standing so tall. Just look at these flowers and TRY to have to be in a bad mood… I dare you.

Matsumoto Shaved Ices– North Shore

We had heard a lot about the famous Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice in Haleiwa, so while we were in town we made it point to stop in. When we drove up, there was no question where Matsumoto’s was. There was a line around the building. The good news is that this long line moved fast! They make and take shaved ice orders like a well oiled machine. I was impressed.

The ices are HUGE- even the “small” ones, but they were just as delicious as we had heard. My tip? Go for the sweetened condensed milk on top- it. is. amazing!!

Go Oahu!

While explore things that are “off the beaten path” and allow you to explore on on your own time is always our favorite thing to do when traveling, there were a few popular tourist sights on the island that we wanted to check out. For those attractions, we used our Go Oahu Card.

The Go Oahu Card allows you to visit up to 36 Oahu attractions and activities for one low price. The card can be purchased daily and is is best utilized when you plan multiple tourist attractions in one day.

Sea Life Park

Hawaii’s Sea Life Park was one attraction we wanted to visit for the kids. They love touching, feeding and getting to know animals better and Sea Life park offers these experiences, as well as fun shows.

The dolphin show at Dolphin Cove was my personal favorite part of Sea Life Park.

Dolphin Cove is the parks open-air arena that is right off the the ocean! Twice a day there is a dolphin show and it just gorgeous!

The Dolphin and Penguin show at the park’s Hawaiian Ocean Theater, was another favorite for my kids because it allowed them to sit in the front and be splashed.

The Kualoa Ranch

The home of many famous movie and TV sets, the Kualoa Ranch offers a variety of activities including, ATV Tours, Movie Tours, and horse back riding.

During our visit, we chose to use our GO Oahu card to experience the Movie Tour which allowed us to see remnants of scenes from Jurassic Park, LOST, Big Foot and more via a tour bus.

While I do wish the tour stopped for more photo opps along the way, this Jurassic Park moment made James and Ryan more excited than I can possibly tell you.

Dole Plantation

We heard so much about the Dole Plantation, it didn’t feel right going home without visiting. Our kids weren’t thrilled with the train ride through the plantation, that was narrated by a pre-recorded guide, however they did enjoy the maze and the ridiculously delicious Pineapple ice cream!

I am not normally a big ice cream fan, and this was easily the first ice cream cone I’ve finished in over 10 years! This alone, was worth the visit.

credit: Dole Plantation

The “Others” Camp From Lost

Ok. So this last one was really for me and the hubs and may only be impressive to those who followed the show LOST- but we had so much fun I had to include it.

The popular TV show series, LOST was filmed on the island of Oahu. When the show was on, we watched religiously, so we made sure to seek out every possible LOST sight that was left to be seen.

Sadly, we found that most of the props, etc have since been removed from the island. However, the “Others Camp”? Still standing!

It is a YMCA camp and for a nominal donation of $5 a person, you can tour the camp- we were all over that!

The kids were unimpressed, but hey! its only fair that Mom and Dad get to have a little fun too right?

(For the record, their expressions were planned. Promise they were not this miserable- ha!)

Disclosure: Many popular attractions we visited on Oahu, such as Sea Life Park, The Kualoha Ranch and The Dole Plantation were visited using our Go Oahu Card, which was provided to us by the Oahu Visitor Center. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Flatout Healthy Kids Lunch Ideas

July 2, 2013 By Cori

Living in a world of mac & cheese and chicken nuggets, I am always looking for fun new lunch and snack ideas for the kids.

Yesterday was a rather rainy, dreary day so the kids and I took the dreary day as an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen for their lunch.

Thanks to our friends at Flatout, we were in the know and had already stocked up on Flatout wraps from Sam’s Club (You all know how I love my Flatout bread, and being able to buy it in bulk ROCKS.)

So we hopped in the car and headed for the produce isle of our local grocery store.

The mission? To create a fun and fruit filled lunch and post-lunch snack. The kids picked the ingredients all on their own, and I must say I believe this mission was a successful one.

For Lunch

Ingredients:

– Flat out wrap

– Cream Cheese

– Vanilla Instant Pudding

– Granola

-Fruit variety of your choice

Instructions:

– Mix 4 oz of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of vanilla instant pudding

– Spread mixture on Flatout bread

– Sprinkle granola and fruit on top of mixture and cut into pieces

Post- Lunch Healthy Snack

Ingredients:

– Flatout wrap

– Banana (1 banana can easily cover 2 wraps)

– Chocolate chips

– Peanut Butter

Directions:

– Spread peanut butter on wrap

– Cut up banana and sprinkle on top of peanut butter

– Sprinkle chocolate chips on wrap

– Roll up long way and cut into bites

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Giveaway!

Flatout wraps are my favorite. They are high in fiber and great for healthy lunches (and snacks).

Now that they are available in Sam’s Club I’m able to buy them in a bigger quantity for parties … or to freeze! (Yes, they keep well in the freezer!)

To celebrate their new place on the shelves at Sam’s Club I’m teaming up with Flat Out bread to offer one Complicated Mama reader a chance to win a 1 year Sam’s Club membership– Just in time for those summer BBQ’s! 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: To purchase FlatOut bread were provided a Sam’s Club for this post. As always the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Girls Summer Wardrobe TJMaxx Haul {Pics +Video}

May 21, 2013 By Cori

As the weather warms up and we settle into our temporary home for the summer, I quickly began to realize that my darling little Laina has gone through a major growth spurt.

I know that they say most children are a size ahead of their age (ie- 4 yr olds wear size 5)… but that never rang true for our kids. In fact, Ry was always a size behind his age (age 8 wearing a size 7) and up until this point Laina had always been exactly her age/size. Now it appears she has practically skipped over size 5 and is a size 6!!

I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I headed to TJ Maxx to see what I could find… and you guys, I walked out with an entire summer wardrobe!!

The Summer Wardrobe Steal:

9 outfits
3 dresses
2 pajamas sets
2 pairs of sandals

(wait for it…) … all for $220!!

It is my most proud haul to date.

Here are a few pics of outfits I snagged.

The top below is my favorite! It’s high-low, sheer… and that print is just so cute! The shorts with the neon skinny belt? Clearance – $7.50!!!

There were so many cute DKNY tops for kids. This one below is my favorite! Love the fringes– $7.50

TJ Maxx- Summer Haul- 2013 Girls Style Trends copy

A little denim on denim. I’m obsessed with these white denim capris below.

White pants on children are a magnet for dirt… but at $10? Worth the gamble.

Another hi-low, sheer shirt, with leopard print hot pink shorts and adorable rosette flip flops.

Neon is on trend, but not many adults can pull off neon shorts. For kids on the other hand? Love it!

The below Ralph Lauren shorts were on clearance for $12! Love this shade of blue/grey.

TJ Maxx- Summer Haul- 2013 Girls Style Trends

The girl is D-O-N-E!

Molly Brown Jewelry: Tiffany’s For Girls

April 30, 2013 By Cori

If you have a little girl you shop for who loves pretty things, you will want to check out the designer jewelry line that was touted by Vogue as “Tiffany’s For Girls” , Molly Brown London.

When the baby arrives in November, we want to present the kids with special gifts “from the baby”, and I want to make it something they will be able to have for years to come.

We were given the opportunity to review a piece from the Molly Brown line and I’m thinking this pink bean necklace is going to be the perfect gift for Laina, from our little bean 🙂

Everything from the packaging to the product, is elegant and timeless. How could this little pink package not give little girls the same flutters we ladies feel when we see that “special shade of blue”? GORGEOUS!

The Molly Brown London line includes sterling silver jewelry– such as earrings, bangles, necklaces and charm bracelets.

There are some really beautiful pieces made with fresh water pearls that would make the perfect communion gift for girls, as well as a “My first diamond” collection for little ladies, that is the perfect mix of simple and sophisticated.

And I am OBSESSED with the treasure charm collection. How adorable are these charms?

You can find more Molly Brown London jewelry at Babatudes.com

The Little Chef Project: Simple Breakfast Ice Cream Waffles

November 8, 2012 By Cori

As I mentioned in my cook-along post, I recently contributed to Chef Boyardee’s Little Chef Cook Book.

The Little Chef’s Cook Book includes a bunch of tips and simple recipe ideas from over a dozen Moms.

Because in our house, school day mornings can be hectic, usually leaving us just enough time to for the quickest breakfasts possible, we relish in our lazy weekend mornings where we get to be a little more creative and fun with our food.

When I was asked to contribute to the Little Chef’s Cook Book, I couldn’t help but share one of our favorite breakfasts we make with the kids.

The “Make-Your-Own- Ice cream Waffles”

This one always scores me major mommy points because, honestly how much cooler can a Mama get than whipping up a breakfast that looks like ice cream?

It is so simple enough for my 4 year old to join in the fun and create her own, and I get to sneak in some fruit too (Mom win!)

You can switch it up too!

Where I used bananas to look like “scoops” of vanilla ice cream you can also cut up strawberries, kiwi, or other fruit to offer additional flavors to your morning!

To see more simple ideas for cooking in the kitchen with kids, check out The Little Chef Project e-book (it’s free!)

…and psst! and my tips are included on page 27!

Barneys Gives A New Meaning To “Skinny Minnie”

October 13, 2012 By Cori

Looks like high end retail store, Barneys New York is giving a whole new meaning to the term “Skinny Minnie” with their newly announced campaign with Disney- leaving many women … well, not happy.

Set to launch November 14th, the campaign will feature a short film in which Minnie fantasizes about being a model in a Paris Fashion show – and with that, Disney characters will hit the runway in high-fashion.

The high- fashion though is not the issue though. It is the extreme transformation of our favorite characters. Take a look at Minnie and Daisy’s new 5’11”, size zero cat-walk frame.

In addition to Minnie and Daisy, other transformed characters that will be revealed in high end fashion will be: Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Cruella de Vil, Princess Tiana and Snow White.

According to Barneys’ creative director Dennis Freedman, the decision for the shocking transformation was made because “the standard Minnie Mouse will not look so good in a Lanvin dress”.

Maybe its me, but I am not so sure she looks good in a Lavin dress now either.

I struggled with body image as a child, and admittedly it manifested into a warped self image as an adult. I wish that weren’t the case, its unhealthy and I know that. I try extra hard not to pass this way of thinking on to my children, especially my daughter. Suppressing your horrible feelings about your own self image to help your kids have a healthier one is not easy. Images on tv and in magazines can make it even more challenging.

I have to question the terrible message this campaign will send to our kids– even if it wasn’t necessarily intended for their eyes. Why is Minnie dreaming of being a size zero?

There is currently a petition on Change.org you can sign have this campaign pulled before it reaches the impressionable eyes of our mini fashionistas.

Petition creator, Ragen Chastain has said she has started the petition because she feels

“There is nothing wrong with tall, thin women. There is something wrong with changing a beloved children’s character’s body so that it looks good in a dress that almost nobody looks good in.”