When we were planning out Japan trip, we knew we had to stay in Kyoto, and planned for four nights so we’d have enough time for all the best things to do in Kyoto. We booked two nights at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO and it did not disappoint. It has changed the bar of what a “nice” hotel is to…
Over our 2-week trip to Japan we packed in a fun and full schedule in both Tokyo and Kyoto. We wanted to make the most of our trip by seeing as much as we could. Since our time and energy were limited, we did a lot of research in the months leading up to our trip. Researching the best spots…
Japan is one of my favorite places to visit, but planning our trip to Japan was quite a massive undertaking. From picking the right time of the year to visit to booking restaurants and buying train tickets, I’ve written down the best way on how to plan a Japan trip below including all the things we wish we knew before…
During our 2023 trip to Japan, we visited Tokyo and Kyoto (see our post on the best things to do in Kyoto!), and had many incredible dining experiences. It feels like a distant dream now looking back, but we’re so grateful to have experienced it! We ate everything from street food, fish markets, konbini, small cafes, fast-casual, and some of…
Don’t fret if you’re not into gambling–Las Vegas has all sorts of entertainment options for families, kids, couples, groups of friends, that does not require gambling at a casino. You could spend your entire day sightseeing and experiencing much of Las Vegas’ history without spending a penny. However, many of the more impressive offerings are going to require an entrance…
Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta took the internet by storm in 2020 when she posted a tutorial on how to make her favorite pasta, and it’s just as delicious today. Learn how to make this easy pasta yourself with some healthier substitutions at home. What is the famous Gigi Hadid pasta? Not only is she known for her worldwide modeling…
Ranch potatoes originated from the famous Hidden Valley Ranch brand, and it includes their seasoning powder to add zesty flavor to oven-roasted potatoes. This easy recipe takes only three ingredients, but I added another step that gives you an ultra-crispy texture worth the extra effort. Learn how to get the crispiest ranch potatoes below. Types of potatoes to use There…
Roasted parmesan potatoes went viral on TikTok because they combine two glorious ingredients: cheese and potatoes. I love a good roasted potato recipe (like smashed potatoes or oven-roasted ranch potatoes), and I had to try this new variation out. I’ve seen quite a few different varieties of parmesan potatoes, and I found the best way to get extra crispy and…
I was only in Kyoto for four nights, yet I really managed to pack in the activities. There was no shortage of things to see, eat, and do in Kyoto. It’s really surprising how many options there are for a city that has many things closed by 8:00-10:00 p.m. It feels a bit calmer here, a bit slower and more…
If there’s one thing for sure, I will always order a beef rib at BBQ spots I visit, like Heritage Barbecue in Southern California or Green Street Smoked Meats in Chicago. This cut of smoked meat has a huge dinosaur-like bone and is so tender and juicy. Beef ribs at these spots range from $35-$48 per pound, so that means…
A brine is simply a solution made up of salt and water that you use to soak meat (like chicken) for a period of time before cooking. Brining chicken helps infuse flavors and evenly season the meat before cooking and also keeps chicken tender while cooking. After many failed chicken recipes with dry or unseasoned meat, I’ve learned my lesson…
I’ve lived in Orange County for over 15 years now and can say that Orange County has a lot to offer–way more than you could pack into a single day. It has a load of beachside options, music and show venues, and shopping at just about every corner. And when you want to grab a bite, there’s a very competitive…