One of my favorite places to eat on the island ended up being in a town called Old Koloa. This was the site of Kauai's first sugar plantation back in 1830 and it stills holds part of it's historical charm. Right when you drive into town, on the left side of the road, is a food truck called Chalupas. Miguel serves up some amazing authentic Mexican dishes. My personal favorite is the house specialty, the chalupas! I asked for a veggie verison, but it can come with your choice of meat, beans, cabbage, tomato, avacado, & fresh salsa. So yummy!  Here are a few photos of our stroll around the small town.  

About 30 miles west of Old Koloa is the largest canyon in the Pacific, Waimea Canyon. 

She is a beaut to see... deep, wide, with rock formation in rich red. Of course there were more rainbows here as well. The parents dropped us off and we set out for a couple hour hike. 

Just one more post of our vacation coming up! I hope you all have been enjoying these glimpses of our vacation...giving you a little "warmth" to your winter day. It finally started snowing here in Michigan. This time I'm ready for it. :)

Upon arrival, everyone started slurping down the java and picking their favorites. 

I had a hard time choosing, but I think I liked the Big Braddah the best. 

This Christmas, Zach and I took a vacation with my parents and brother to Kauai, one of the lovely Hawaiian islands! This year, life has been a whirlwind for Zach and I. This vacation was just what we needed; time to relax and not feel the pressure of deadlines from work. Without further adieu... I give you the beaches of Poipu. 

Poipu is located on the south side of Kauai; where we rented a house for the week. 

This above image is the incredible view we had just within minutes from the house. 

We spent many hours hanging out on this beach. Reading, drinking coconut water,

 boogie boarding, and watching the talented surfers ride scary waves. 

Mother and I. 

One of Poipu's more secluded beaches is Maha'ulepu Beach. 

Upon arrival, we saw several horse back riders trot through. 

A little snorkeling. 

Al & me. 

The parents. 

The rain coming in. It poured at least several times a day, but stopped after a couple minutes. 

One lady told me she called it liquid sun. I agreed. 

Heading back to the rental house. 

Has anyone else ever been to any of the Hawaiian islands? 

Stay tune for many more photos of our adventures on Kauai! 

With 2012 finally here, I'm looking forward to all the plans Zach and I have talked about doing this year. 

I still haven't sat down and wrote out my resolutions, but a few things are for sure: 

- I want to train for a half marathon this summer

- Attempt to start on the renovations for our kitchen

- Take several long weekends to travel & camp with Zach

- Continue on our journey of eating/living a healthy lifestyle

To kick off the new year right, the glitter & sequins came out... 

Since I don't get dolled up that often, I had fun putting together this outfit.  I was pretty excited when Anjolee Jewelers sent over this stunning Eternally Yours Eternity Band just in time for the holidays. It was the perfect accessory to my glitzy outfit. What I love about this band is how versatile it is. Anjolee has a huge variety of diamond bridal set and wedding sets, but this ring definitely doesn't have to be used as a traditional wedding band or diamond anniversary ring. I adore fashion rings that can be stacked and worn with a variety of other rings, so immediately I knew my thin silver rings would go perfectly stacked with the Eternity Band. To top it off, this ring almost matches my own wedding band, so I can easily add this piece for a stack-able wedding set of my own! 

     

I usually try to be pretty simple in my jewelry and outfits, but couldn't help myself once I had my sequin top on... I finally backed down and told myself I had to take out the three inch sparkly dangling earrings and put more simple studs in. I probably would have put glitter all over my eyes and face if Zach hadn't had said I already had enough makeup on. Oh well, there is always Halloween! :)