Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
"All I want for Christmas is you .... you ...." - Mariah CareyFrom HaBeeGirl
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Monday, September 5, 2016
Food paradise in Oahu: Day 1 and 2
My first thought was ............. sushi + beach. Isn't that a perfect combo? And that's when I said, Hawaii!!!!!!
What can I say? I had to hit the gym big time before going on this trip, because I knew I was going to be eating like a mad woman!
Let the eating journey begin.
As soon as we arrived and checked into our hotel, first stop ... ABC store and got us some sake! By the way, our flight landed at 9:30pm (Oahu time), which means .... not much time to eat, plus I was quite exhausted from the 10.5hour flight. What I really wanted to a glass of cold alcoholic beverage, nice shower and a good night sleep so that I could start the day bright and early at the Waikiki beach!
Marukame Udon: Welcome known for their udon of course, and deep fried snacks. This is a fast food joint, and always a long line up!
Dinner at Jinroku
Hawaiian coffee: Kona Blend. It was expensive and not my cup of tea. I personally prefers stronger, richer blend of coffee. This one was way too light for me. But for those who are not into strong, bold coffee, this is perfect for you!
Surf n' Turf Taco joint in Waikiki: $10 USD for two massive tacos. It was delicious!!!
Dinner at the famous Nobu in Waikiki. Simply delicious!
Food Trucks Galore!
Stay tuned for part 2 of Food Paradise in Oahu.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: Habeegirl
All photos taken by Habeegirl
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
"When engaged in eating, the brain should be the servant of our stomach." --- Agatha Christie
What can I say? I had to hit the gym big time before going on this trip, because I knew I was going to be eating like a mad woman!
Let the eating journey begin.
As soon as we arrived and checked into our hotel, first stop ... ABC store and got us some sake! By the way, our flight landed at 9:30pm (Oahu time), which means .... not much time to eat, plus I was quite exhausted from the 10.5hour flight. What I really wanted to a glass of cold alcoholic beverage, nice shower and a good night sleep so that I could start the day bright and early at the Waikiki beach!
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| ABC Store at Waikiki Beach |
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| Back at the hotel after a visit to the ABC store |
Marukame Udon: Welcome known for their udon of course, and deep fried snacks. This is a fast food joint, and always a long line up!
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| Last January in Honolulu, it was about 30C in temperature, I really didn't feel like eating anything hot, so I went for the cold Udon instead and let me tell ya, it was delicious! |
Dinner at Jinroku
Hawaiian coffee: Kona Blend. It was expensive and not my cup of tea. I personally prefers stronger, richer blend of coffee. This one was way too light for me. But for those who are not into strong, bold coffee, this is perfect for you!
Surf n' Turf Taco joint in Waikiki: $10 USD for two massive tacos. It was delicious!!!
Dinner at the famous Nobu in Waikiki. Simply delicious!
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| Complimentary Dessert from the restaurant. |
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| Dinner at Nobu |
Stay tuned for part 2 of Food Paradise in Oahu.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: Habeegirl
All photos taken by Habeegirl
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
"When engaged in eating, the brain should be the servant of our stomach." --- Agatha Christie
Flying on AF
Flying with Air France ....
I am a loyal flying blue points collector, and have always enjoyed my flying experiences with Air France. I'll never forget the first time I took an AF flight to Paris, economy class and they served braised duck, which was delicious!! The following year, I went back to Europe and flew with AF again ... and the year after that, and the next, next, next and next ....
Lucky for me, I have been fortunate to have been able to fly on their Premium Economy class over the last few years. How? Found great deals! When it comes to traveling, I'm all about the research, planning and of course, try to get the best possible deal on my flights and accommodations.
With Flying Blue Miles, aside from free ticket redemption, you can also upgrade to Business and/or First Class, depending on your original purchased ticket, class grade, timing and of course, mileage point amount and status.
Here are some photos and info on AF Business Class: Toronto to Paris. June 2016
Flying back to Toronto from Paris on AF Premium Economy
Until next time .....
Thanks for reading everyone.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: Habeegirl
All photos taken by Habeegirl
#travel #habeegirl #toronto #blogger #lovestotravel #canadian #canada #airfrance #skypriority #flyingblue
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
"The World is a book, those who do not travel read only a page" --- Saint Augustine
I am a loyal flying blue points collector, and have always enjoyed my flying experiences with Air France. I'll never forget the first time I took an AF flight to Paris, economy class and they served braised duck, which was delicious!! The following year, I went back to Europe and flew with AF again ... and the year after that, and the next, next, next and next ....
Lucky for me, I have been fortunate to have been able to fly on their Premium Economy class over the last few years. How? Found great deals! When it comes to traveling, I'm all about the research, planning and of course, try to get the best possible deal on my flights and accommodations.
With Flying Blue Miles, aside from free ticket redemption, you can also upgrade to Business and/or First Class, depending on your original purchased ticket, class grade, timing and of course, mileage point amount and status.
Here are some photos and info on AF Business Class: Toronto to Paris. June 2016
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| Air France / KLM Business Class Lounge Terminal 3, Toronto Pearson Airport |
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| A lot of Legroom |
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| Cognac anyone? |
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| Before take off, lets have a glass of French Champagne |
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| Menu |
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| Appetizers |
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| Sky Priority Check in & privileges for all AF/KLM Premium Economy, Business and First Class Travelers. |
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| Smaller sites, but still very comfortable. Only down fall, is that all PE travelers has to share lavatories with the Economy class. |
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| New Wing of the CDG Airport. Sky Priority Travelers receives priority check in at a different terminal. |
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| Saying Goodbye to Paris. Until next time ... |
Thanks for reading everyone.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: Habeegirl
All photos taken by Habeegirl
#travel #habeegirl #toronto #blogger #lovestotravel #canadian #canada #airfrance #skypriority #flyingblue
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
"The World is a book, those who do not travel read only a page" --- Saint Augustine
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Hang Loose
"Hang loose" or Shocka is used in Hawaii, as a form of greeting or non verbal expression to tell someone that everything is okay, or peace out, or simply RELAX!
Fall of 2015, after two weeks of vacation in Europe, I was starting to get the holiday blues. Work was stressing, weather was getting cool, started to feel the need for some warmth again. My motto "Work hard, play hard!". I'm always on the internet checking for vacation ideas, and cheap flights! Target date: January - March 2016 time frame, and somewhere hot with lots of great seafood and sushi. Only two places in to my mind, Okinawa and Honolulu. So, now that I have tentative desirable destinations, it was time to start bargin hunting!!!!!!! After a week of searching ... BAM! Found a great deal direct flight from Toronto to Honolulu with Air Canada $500CAD!!!!!!!!!!! Couldn't say NO to that.Honolulu, here I come!
In my years of traveling experiences, the trick is to check for flights during the mid week time frame. I think airline companies know that most people think about vacation either on the weekends, Mondays (first day back to work, already thinking about the weekend) and/or Fridays (getting close to the weekend, in the mood to plan weekend or holiday fun). That's why I recommend checking flights on a Wednesday! (not departure on a wednesday, but checking for flights on a wednesday, make sense?!)
So now that I have my flight, what do I do about accommodations, excursions, day tour, restaurants, uber or rent a car and the list goes on and on....? Cha Ching Cha Ching Cha Ching is what I was thinking .... $$$$$$$$$$$!!!!
Best websites for hotels:
www.booking.com - Cheapest in town, and they will match your lowest price. Amazing customer service. Great Loyalty program called Genius.
www.hotel.com - Great Loyalty program, its like collection stamps from your local coffee shop. Book 10 get one free.
Best for bundling packages:
Expedia
Best for travel deals:
www.nextdeparture.ca
Best for city tours and passes:
www.viator.com
To make a long story short, I actually saved $500 by booking 3 different hotels during my 10 day stay in Honolulu (the island of Oahu). 1 night at a boutique hotel called Vive Hotel , 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and 4 nights at the Lotus Diamond Head Hotel.
For more info and reviews on the hotels, please check out my tripadvisor page.
Bee833
Vive Hotel Waikiki
Hyatt Regency Waikiki
Lotus Diamond Head Waikiki
Other highlights from the island of Oahu:
Pearl Harbor - Highly recommend doing a city tour, its the best way to see all the famous attractions and learn about the island and culture!
Beaches
- So many great beaches on this island. Its a good idea to rent a car
and drive all over, explore the island and all the beautiful beaches.
All so unique in their own ways.
Dole Plantation
Shopping Shopping Shopping
When people tell you Hawaii is like PARADISE ... well, its true!!!! A paradise that comes with a heavy price tag. But hey, you only live one, why not! That's how you live a happy, healthy, balanced life.
"I still love things that you don't even need to pay for. Going to the beach and being around five of your friends and having a good time means so much more than going out and spending hundreds of dollars" --- Maria Sharapova
Until next time ...... Mahalo (Hawaiian word for thanks)
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
PS: This is a late post, vacation took place at the end of January to early February 2016.
Stay tuned ... next blog entry, eating in Honolulu!!
Follow me on Instagram: HaBeeGirl
https://www.instagram.com/habeegirl/
All photos by HaBeeGirl
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| Honolulu sunset: Photo by HaBeeGirl |
Fall of 2015, after two weeks of vacation in Europe, I was starting to get the holiday blues. Work was stressing, weather was getting cool, started to feel the need for some warmth again. My motto "Work hard, play hard!". I'm always on the internet checking for vacation ideas, and cheap flights! Target date: January - March 2016 time frame, and somewhere hot with lots of great seafood and sushi. Only two places in to my mind, Okinawa and Honolulu. So, now that I have tentative desirable destinations, it was time to start bargin hunting!!!!!!! After a week of searching ... BAM! Found a great deal direct flight from Toronto to Honolulu with Air Canada $500CAD!!!!!!!!!!! Couldn't say NO to that.Honolulu, here I come!
In my years of traveling experiences, the trick is to check for flights during the mid week time frame. I think airline companies know that most people think about vacation either on the weekends, Mondays (first day back to work, already thinking about the weekend) and/or Fridays (getting close to the weekend, in the mood to plan weekend or holiday fun). That's why I recommend checking flights on a Wednesday! (not departure on a wednesday, but checking for flights on a wednesday, make sense?!)
So now that I have my flight, what do I do about accommodations, excursions, day tour, restaurants, uber or rent a car and the list goes on and on....? Cha Ching Cha Ching Cha Ching is what I was thinking .... $$$$$$$$$$$!!!!
Best websites for hotels:
www.booking.com - Cheapest in town, and they will match your lowest price. Amazing customer service. Great Loyalty program called Genius.
www.hotel.com - Great Loyalty program, its like collection stamps from your local coffee shop. Book 10 get one free.
Best for bundling packages:
Expedia
Best for travel deals:
www.nextdeparture.ca
Best for city tours and passes:
www.viator.com
 |
| Received a free upgrade upon arrive. Nice Surprise!! Photo by HaBeeGirl |
To make a long story short, I actually saved $500 by booking 3 different hotels during my 10 day stay in Honolulu (the island of Oahu). 1 night at a boutique hotel called Vive Hotel , 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and 4 nights at the Lotus Diamond Head Hotel.
For more info and reviews on the hotels, please check out my tripadvisor page.
Bee833
Vive Hotel Waikiki
Hyatt Regency Waikiki
Lotus Diamond Head Waikiki
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| View from Balcony of hotel room Lotus Diamond Head Hotel. Photo by HaBeeGirl |
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| Lotus Diamond Head Hotel - Room with double balcony. Photo by HaBeeGirl |
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| Hyatt Regency. Photo by HaBeeGirl |
Pearl Harbor - Highly recommend doing a city tour, its the best way to see all the famous attractions and learn about the island and culture!
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| Pearl Harbor - Famous tourist attraction. Photo by HaBeeGirl |
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| North Shore. Photo by HaBeeGirl |
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| Kailua Beach - Dogs are everywhere!!!! |
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| Kailua Beach. Photos by HaBeeGirl |
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| Here's another beach, north of Kailua and Sandy Beach (can't remember the name of this one), but this is where they film many movies, like Jurassic Park and 51st Date. Photo by HaBeeGirl |
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| Pineapple soft serve - must have, worth the long line up! Photo by HaBeeGirl |
Shopping Shopping Shopping
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| Photos by HaBeeGirl |
When people tell you Hawaii is like PARADISE ... well, its true!!!! A paradise that comes with a heavy price tag. But hey, you only live one, why not! That's how you live a happy, healthy, balanced life.
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| HaBeeGirl, enjoying vacation time in Honolulu! |
"I still love things that you don't even need to pay for. Going to the beach and being around five of your friends and having a good time means so much more than going out and spending hundreds of dollars" --- Maria Sharapova
Until next time ...... Mahalo (Hawaiian word for thanks)
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
PS: This is a late post, vacation took place at the end of January to early February 2016.
Stay tuned ... next blog entry, eating in Honolulu!!
Follow me on Instagram: HaBeeGirl
https://www.instagram.com/habeegirl/
All photos by HaBeeGirl
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Stress?
Stress .... how do you deal with stress?
To most people, I am a pretty happy go lucky kinda gal. I have always had a good handle on stress, however over the last 6 months my stress level has increased significantly. Majority of my stress comes from work, overwhelmed with heavy work load, changes, frustration, high demand and expectation from senior management and client(s), inheriting work load from others, and the list goes on and on. But honestly, a large portion of my stress is probably the high level of expectation I have for myself. Mostly anger and frustration toward myself for letting stress get to me and losing my drive. As a very determined and driven person, losing that "drive" can have a huge impact on my emotions and state of mind.
I started to realize that stress was taken over my life when I began to experience the various symptoms listed below.
Diarhea
Lack of Sleep
Emotional Roller Coster
Nautious feeling or having butterflies in my stomach (not the first kiss feeling, its more like I wanna puke all the time kinda feeling!)
Eating non stop
Thinking about popcorn all the time (or maybe that's just a normal feeling I have stress or no stress ?? ... things that make you go, hmmmm....)
Thinking about work 24/7
Working on the weekends
Vitamin B complex stopped work
I'm not a doctor, but I suspect most people are aware of the fact that stress can lead to other more serious long term health issues. It is probably safe to say that most of us have been touched or affected by someone diagnoised with an illness which will often put many things into perspective. I certainly did!
Here are some of the things I did to overcome my stress - not to say I am currently completely stress free, however I have learned to deal with things in a comfortable and positive manner.
Staying positive, seeing everything through a half full glass - this is something I have always believed in, however when you are going through a slump, it is hard to believe that there's a light a the end of the tunnel.
Talking to my friends - I am very blessed with amazing friends in my life. They are always around to listen and provide support, and vice versa. That's what friends are for, right?!
Exercise - At the end of each work out and sweating session, your mind and body feels relieved of the stress and this will also have a long term health benefit. Need I say more?! Look good and feel better!
Girl's night out - do I need to explain?
Doing anything that made me happy and at peace! - hang out with friends, people watching, golf, read a book, shop, movies, do volunteer work, spend quality time with my grandma and etc.
Talked to my boss - express your feelings and stress level, work together on making appropriate changes.
Vacation - Work hard, play hard! Traveled to Honolulu, Madrid, Paris etc ...
Hang out with friends
SING SING SING - some people may know that I've taken professional vocal lessons, as I was once aspired to become a performer and pursue a career in Boardway. But that was a long long time ago, when I was young and innocent! Singing to some crazy axx Adele tunes in the shower, or in your car can really help. Try singing "I'm not ready to be nice" by the Dixie Chicks.
Hugs! - I love hugs ....
LAUGH n' CRY - like the song, Glory of love from the movie Beaches, "you've gotta laugh a little, cry a little, until the clouds roll out a little, that's the story of, that's the glory of love."
Kobe - the unconditional love my dog gives me is just precious.
"Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you." ~John De Paola
Until Next time ...
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
To most people, I am a pretty happy go lucky kinda gal. I have always had a good handle on stress, however over the last 6 months my stress level has increased significantly. Majority of my stress comes from work, overwhelmed with heavy work load, changes, frustration, high demand and expectation from senior management and client(s), inheriting work load from others, and the list goes on and on. But honestly, a large portion of my stress is probably the high level of expectation I have for myself. Mostly anger and frustration toward myself for letting stress get to me and losing my drive. As a very determined and driven person, losing that "drive" can have a huge impact on my emotions and state of mind.
I started to realize that stress was taken over my life when I began to experience the various symptoms listed below.
Diarhea
Lack of Sleep
Emotional Roller Coster
Nautious feeling or having butterflies in my stomach (not the first kiss feeling, its more like I wanna puke all the time kinda feeling!)
Eating non stop
Thinking about popcorn all the time (or maybe that's just a normal feeling I have stress or no stress ?? ... things that make you go, hmmmm....)
Thinking about work 24/7
Working on the weekends
Vitamin B complex stopped work
I'm not a doctor, but I suspect most people are aware of the fact that stress can lead to other more serious long term health issues. It is probably safe to say that most of us have been touched or affected by someone diagnoised with an illness which will often put many things into perspective. I certainly did!
Here are some of the things I did to overcome my stress - not to say I am currently completely stress free, however I have learned to deal with things in a comfortable and positive manner.
Staying positive, seeing everything through a half full glass - this is something I have always believed in, however when you are going through a slump, it is hard to believe that there's a light a the end of the tunnel.
Talking to my friends - I am very blessed with amazing friends in my life. They are always around to listen and provide support, and vice versa. That's what friends are for, right?!
Exercise - At the end of each work out and sweating session, your mind and body feels relieved of the stress and this will also have a long term health benefit. Need I say more?! Look good and feel better!
Girl's night out - do I need to explain?
Fun night at Nome Izakaya
Doing anything that made me happy and at peace! - hang out with friends, people watching, golf, read a book, shop, movies, do volunteer work, spend quality time with my grandma and etc.
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| My Adorable Grandma |
Bouldering at Hub Climbing
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| Volunteering at Mon Sheong LTC Richmond Hill |
Vacation - Work hard, play hard! Traveled to Honolulu, Madrid, Paris etc ...
Honolulu, Hawaii
Paris, France
EAT! - ice cream, wine, whatever makes you happy!
Hang out with friends
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| Pub Night with Friends! |
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| ACML Holiday Party |
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| Back when I used to sing n' perform |
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| With one of my BFFs, Mr. Will-W |
LAUGH n' CRY - like the song, Glory of love from the movie Beaches, "you've gotta laugh a little, cry a little, until the clouds roll out a little, that's the story of, that's the glory of love."
Kobe - the unconditional love my dog gives me is just precious.
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| My Adorable Princess Kobe |
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| All photos by Habeegirl |
Until Next time ...
Cheers,
HaBeeGirl
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