Tag Archives: date

A-Z Challenge: Pulling up poissons in the Hauraki Gulf

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comTwo weekends ago James and his buddies took me fishing in the Hauraki Gulf.

We woke up before the sun to head down to the boat dock at 6 in the morning.

Being that I’m Southern California born and raised I still struggle to dress appropriately for the chilly weather.

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

For our ocean excursion I wore a pair of Lululemon leggings, a pair of sweatpants from my university days, a tank top, a long-sleeve shirt, a running jumper, my New Zealand sweatshirt and my beloved Marmot puffer jacket. Oh, and a beanie and my runners.

Overkill? Probably. The guys asked me if I thought we were going skiing.

Oh well, I was warm. And I caught the most fish out of everyone.

So I was doing something right. 😉

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Upon pulling out of the Half Moon Bay harbor, we headed north, straight towards Rakino Island.

The sun joined us over the horizon just as I caught the first fish of the day, a too-small snapper.

With some help from the guys we got the hook out of his lip, and I gave him a quick little kiss before sending him back to grown in to a 20 pounder.

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Grabbing the knife, I cut up some bait – mostly squid and pilchard – and dressed my line for the next fateful reel-in.

But first, I had to learn what a “boil up” is, which is when the fish are chased up to the surface of the water by a larger predator and the birds are used as a signal by fishermen to determine a good spot to cast a lure.

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Before I knew it I was pulling up a decent-sized snapper pretty much every 15 minutes. A bit in part to the tools I was using.

After awhile I offered to switch poles with James so he could have a shot at catching some and he had better luck. So I can’t take ALL the credit.

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comFishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

We eventually decided to begin heading south, passing by Waiheke Island and shedding layers as the day warmed up.

Once we were back we met up to clean the boat (or in my case, watch) and count/divvy up the fish we had kept. I can’t quite remember how many there were, at least 15 and at least 75% of the lot was caught by yours truly.

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

When we got home James filleted the fish and prepped them for dinner.

Then, we cooked it beer-battered style and served it up with kumara fries! YUM!!!

Fishing on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com Fresh snapper from the Hauraki Gulf via ZaagiTravel.com

In the meantime, a photo I shared to Facebook of my first wee little fish was shared to an account called Girls Who Fish NZ.

It truly was a great morning and now I’m itching to head out on the sea again.

Sailing at Sunset in Long Beach, California

My very first GoPro-documented adventure!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-check it out!

This is what sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset is all about, y’all!

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

Soooo…….. awhile back…….. I enjoyed a Groupon excursion with Pacific Sailing.

This is our captain. I wish I could tell you his name.

But I can’t, because I have been the worst slacker EVER……….. this sunset sail occurred seven (gasp) months ago. Horrendous, I know. I’m sorry. I promise the next few months will be better!!!

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset We bought a deal for a 90-minute sunset sail with a bottle of wine for only $99!!

After buying the Groupon we just contacted the company to set up a date and time. The company was a little difficult to get ahold of at first, took a couple tries on the phone.

But once we had the details down we were all good to go!

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

On the day we drove to Long Beach’s Shoreline Village — a collection of shops, restaurants, and fun activities (including a carousel, arcade and bike path)!

This is where we parked, just a few steps away from the meeting place down on the marina, where we checked in and waited to set sail.

A couple from Burbank were the only other passengers to join us.

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

The passengers were allowed to sit back and enjoy the ride while the captain took care of nearly everything. We were only asked to change sides of the boat once to help with positioning the vessel to better turn around.

During the trip around the stunning California coast we learned tips and tricks about sailing, history of the area, etc., all while sipping on a bottle of wine and enjoying the last of the sun’s warmth.

The view of Long Beach was stunning as we exited the harbor.

We could see the famous Queen Mary ship, which always reminds me of Titanic. Yes, I just brought up Titanic in a post about sailing. Get over it.

The Queen Mary from a sailboat in Long Beach, California just before sunset

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunsetTIPS

I do have some random general advice for sailing if you don’t have a lot of experience. Some of this may seem obvious, some might not, bare with me.

Out on the ocean, the wind can pick up a bit….. after all, wind IS required to sail.

1) Naturally, I would recommend bringing a coat or light jacket. Even on beautiful days during spring and summer.

Being freezing might ruin the ambiance a little. Be prepared. If you get cold easily, bring a blanket, a scarf, whatever it takes to keep you comfortable.

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunsetSailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

2) Take your hat off and be careful with your sunglasses. That wind/mildly bumpy ride could cause you to lose loose items fairly easily. And good luck getting them back if they fly off.

3) Ladies… don’t bother styling your hair. If you leave it down it’s going to become a crazy tangled mess. Just bite the bullet and throw it back into a ponytail. You’ll be able to SEE and you’ll save yourself from some nasty split ends. So come prepared with something to tie it back with!

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

4) Use the restroom before you board the sailboat. 90 minutes is a long time to be wishing you had.

5) Take some pictures!

6) But don’t just be experiencing the view from behind a screen or lens. That’s why I loved bringing my GoPro. Taking pictures with it was discrete and it meant that I was looking at the view with my own two eyes!

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset7) Enjoy yourself! Because who doesn’t love the ocean?? If you don’t, we can’t be friends. It’s that simple. I’m kidding. Kind of. Not really. Yeah, I’m not kidding.

But seriously… Sailing is incredible way to get back to nature. Relax and leave your troubles on the dock. And when you get back kick those troubles into the water and watch them drift away. Unless your troubles are a person. Then please don’t kick them.

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

I’ll end this post with ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE QUOTES EVER by Mark Twain.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

Also, before I sign off, you should know that Pacific Sailing also offers sailing lessons — something I’ve been dying to do!

I highly recommend checking the company out — especially if you can get a deal on Groupon — whether it’s for a romantic date night (or anniversary, birthday, graduation celebration and so on), or just to get out and do something new.

Sailing in Long Beach, California at sunset

*** I did not receive compensation of any kind to write this post. This is my honest opinion and was written purely for your interest/entertainment/knowledge. :)

Opening Weekend at the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Stadium

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

There’s something so very “American” about baseball. And there’s something so very “Los Angeles” about the Dodgers.Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Some of my favorite childhood memories took place at the Dodger Stadium.

The second day of the opening weekend seemed like the perfect occasion to celebrate the beginning of spring with my baseball-loving boyfriend, Ryan.

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

On the day of the game we stopped by CVS to grab sunscreen (which I highly recommend for day games). Ryan didn’t use any and came home with sunburnt knees which have now turned in to a very interesting tan. Use the sunscreen, people.

We fortunately didn’t hit any traffic (unheard of in L.A.) until we exited the freeway and began the drive up to the stadium parking lot.

TIP: Bring some cash, general parking costs $15.

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Since we got to the stadium early we walked around and watched them prepare the field.

It was fun to see the crowd react to Matt Kemp’s return. He has been out for quite awhile due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Needless to say, Matt’s first game back has been long-awaited and anticipated.

Matt Kemp's return to Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The thing I anticipated? DODGER DOGS.

Dodger Hot Dogs at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

It definitely would not have been an authentic experience without the famous hot dog! Too long to even fit in the bun, piled with ketchup and mustard and onions! Yes, please.

Dodger hot dog at the Dodgers Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com[source: bryce_edwards flickr]

It wasn’t long until game time so we went back to our seats.

We made it back just in time to see Robin Thicke perform a few songs, including “Blurred Lines”, on a roll-out stage out on the field. It was definitely a cool way to start the game. The following day Lupe Fiasco performed. Yay perks of living in L.A.!

Then it was time to watch some ball!

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I had originally bought these tickets for Ryan and I for Christmas. Our teams are rivals, and we are both very competitive, so I thought it would be interesting fun to go to one of their first games of the season versus each other.

Even though the Dodgers lost, it was nice to see Ryan’s team win. I’ll always be a Dodger fan though, don’t get me wrong.

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

If you haven’t been to a baseball game recently (or ever) I highly recommend going to a Dodger game. It’s a great thing to do during the spring or summer with friends and family.

You can get seats from just a few bucks all the way to… uhhh, a lot. Ticket prices depend on location in the stadium, the visiting team and time of year.

If you pack snacks you can probably get away with a day at the baseball field for under $20/person or so.

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I had a great time and can’t wait for the next game!

GO DODGERS!

Day Date in Laguna Beach, California: What to See, Eat & Do

View of Laguna Beach boardwalk, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Laguna Beach, an upscale, coastal, & artistic Orange County community in Southern California, is famous for a variety of reasons: the “Laguna Beach” reality television show, the Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters, the Sawdust Art Festival, it’s gorgeous, snorkel-worthy beaches, the list goes on and on…

View of Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

There’s no denying it’s a beautiful place any direction you look. It’s also chock-full of great food, great shopping, and great views. Here are some of my favorite things to do on a day-trip to Laguna Beach.

So grab your mom, your dad, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your husband, your wife, your best friend, your dog, your grandma, your grandpa, your daughter, your son, your pet rock! Grab them and enjoy a day here with my best recommendations to get the very most out of your day in Laguna Beach.

Laguna Cinema in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

What better way to begin a day-date than with… a movie.

The small Laguna South Coast Cinema is a cool place to catch the latest flick. Adult tickets are only $8.50, or $6.00 for a matinee (before 5:15).

Afterwards grab a bite at my absolute favorite restaurant in Laguna Beach, The Cliff, located in the Laguna Village. The restaurant offers a reasonably priced valet parking service for your convenience.

Entrance to the Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Here is one of the many reasons I love eating at The Cliff. Just let that view sink in.

View from the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

If you can tear your eyes away from the turquoise waves long enough to take a glimpse at the menu, you’ll find a variety of delicious seafood options, as well as sandwiches, burgers, salads, and so on.

Menu at the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Did I mention the view?

View from the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Alright alright, back to the food.

Scallops Wasabi from the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I recently ordered two “Scallops Wasabi” for the first time. They’re described as “raw scallops on the 1/2 shell topped with seaweed salad, pickled ginger and wasabi cream sauce”. As of March 2014, pricing is $3 ea. / $25 doz.

Scallops Wasabi from the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Now… let me just say… I love seafood. I love sushi. I love scallops.

These scallops were the BEST scallops I’ve ever had. They were SO GOOD. If you like raw seafood (i.e. sushi), you have to try these. I could eat these everyday for the rest of my life. A little tang, a little spice, a little crunch, a lot of YES.

Fish and Chips, well fruit, at the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

My mom ordered Fish N Chips ($16), minus the chips, plus fruit. So. Fish N Fruit you could say. I had a bite of hers and it was ALSO some of the best fried fish I’ve had. Light, not oily, and flavorful.

Halibut Laguna at the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

For my main entree I had Halibut Laguna ($25), “fresh grilled halibut filet topped with mango and papaya tropical salsa served with rice and fresh mixed greens”. Also fabulous!

View from the Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

That view again. I can’t help myself.

Shops in the Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The rest of the Laguna Village is filled with cute, little specialty & art shops. I bought a gorgeous gold-filled anklet from Shelby’s and my mom bought some coral and shells from Rudi’s (located on the eastern side of the Laguna Village, near the street.

Shelby's foot jewelry shop in the Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Meeting and chatting with Rudi and Linda was a highlight of our day! Rudi is from Vienna, Austria and Linda is from Cape Town, South Africa. Since I have previously visited both of their original hometowns we had a blast discussing our favorite parts of each destination. They told me about the under-rated Tokai wine region in Cape Town, a place I’ll most definitely be visiting on my next visit to Cape Town (which is hopefully sooner, rather than later)!

Rudi's Seashell shop in the Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Rudi's Seashell shop in the Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Their adorable dog, Bear, greets customers with a wagging tail when he’s not lounging in his cushy bed.

Rudi and Bear at Rudi's Seashell shop in the Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

My mom was so inspired by Bear’s haircut that she requested I groom up our Pomeranian/Papillon pup just like him. I tried. But I’m saving you from the visual. I’ll leave it at that. Admire Bear’s handsome looks, instead.

Bear, Rudi's dog, at Rudi's Seashell shop in the Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

After checking out the Laguna Village I recommend taking a stroll along the sand… because everyone likes long walks on the beach. Am I right or am I right?

Laguna Beach Lifeguard Tower, California via ZaagiTravel.comI also highly recommend heading to the main downtown streets, Forest Ave and Ocean Ave.

Here, you’ll find Scandia (248 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651), an awesome bakery popular with locals.

Scandia Bakery in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Scandia Bakery in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

It’s filled to the brim with salads, pastries, and a comfy warm coffee aroma.

Scandia Bakery in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

From cookies, to tarts, to danishes… they have something for every sweet craving.

Baked goods at the Scandia Bakery in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Choosing between a danish and a coconut macaroon was next to impossible. I ended up “eenie-meenie-minie-mo”-ing it.

Baked goods at the Scandia Bakery in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

You’re lucky I paused to take a quick photo before gobbling this baby up! Ain’t she a beaut?

Coconut macaroon from the Scandia Bakery in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California via ZaagiTravel.com

 ANDDDDD… MORE SHOPPING! Because shopping. Duh.

I was ecstatic when I came across Tuvalu (295 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651), a home furnishings store with a shabby chic/oceanic theme. Totally my style!

Being that I semi-grew up in Orange County (die-hard beach baby since birth, just ask my mama), and sailed around the world on a ship, I have a deep LOVE for coastal interior designs.

Tuvalu Home Furnishings and Interior Design Shop in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Tuvalu is the epitome of unique, rustic and beautiful. Their furniture, lighting, dining, bedding, art and accessories have even been featured in Coastal Living, Sunset Magazine, Ocean Home, Real Simple, and InStyle.

(Heads up: Their website is currently under construction, but Pin this and come back to it later! Even if you can’t make it out to Laguna Beach, you can still browse/shop online when their website is back up!)

Tuvalu Home Furnishings and Interior Design Shop in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Tuvalu also has a fun and eclectic book section towards the back of the store.

Tuvalu Home Furnishings and Interior Design Shop in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

And it gets better. The owner/buyer, Laurie Alter, is totally awesome! She’s very hands-on in the store and one of the most helpful and cool business owners I’ve come across since I started blogging.

Tuvalu Home Furnishings and Interior Design Shop in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Be sure to check out the Tuvalu blog and Pinterest account! I’m already obsessed.

Next up, one of my favorite clothing boutiques in Laguna Beach: Muse!

Muse Clothing and Accessory Boutique in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Muse, formerly known as Ivory Moon, has been around for fifteen years. I’ve been coming here for at least five of those years.

Muse Clothing and Accessory Boutique in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The clothes are consistently interesting and desirable. This is because Muse sees itself as more than just a clothing store; they aim to be an art and fashion gallery by showcasing up-and-coming designers.

After speaking with the owner, I learned that he is inspired by the casual, artistic feel that the Laguna Beach community is known for. The boutique/gallery hopes to inspire it’s customers to be different and unique.

Muse Clothing and Accessory Boutique in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The clothing and accessory pieces are discovered and brought to the shelves and racks of the store from all over the world. For example, the canvas bag (on the left in the photo above) is from Madagascar!

Dressing rooms at the Muse clothing and accessory boutique in Laguna Beach, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Muse is a fun place to explore the future of the fashion world. I’ve often wondered if fashion-mogul Lauren Conrad gained inspiration from the boutique as she was growing up in Laguna Beach. (Shout out to LC! Her blog is to-die-for!)

 

If you’ve been to LB, what are your favorite things to see, eat, and do? Have I missed anything note-worthy?