Hearty Cream of Mushroom Soup

Here is one of my husband's family recipes for a super hearty cream of mushroom soup. Using a mixture of mushrooms for this recipe gives this soup character. Makes a flavorful meal that is usually served with a fresh crusty bread. I usually double this batch so we have plenty of leftover for lunch the next day.

Serves 4-5 as a light meal
Prep Time 15min
Cook time 35-40 min


Ingredients:
10 oz white button mushrooms (can try portobello for a more heartier soup)
1 tbsp oil
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion finely chopped
1 tbsp plain flour
2 cup vegetable stock
2 cups milk
1 pinch dry basil
2-3 tbsp cream
salt & pepper to taste
fresh basil leaves to garnish

1. Separate the mushrooms caps from the stalks. Finely slice the caps and chop the stalks.

2. heat the oil and half of the butter in a heavy pan. Add the onion, mushroom stalks & about 3 quarters of the mushroom caps. Fry for about 1-2 min, stirring frequently, then cover & sweat for about 6-7 min, stirring from time to time.

3. Stir in the flour & cook for about min. Gradually add the stock & milk ( I do 1 cup stock, then 1 cup milk, then 1 cup stock, then last cup of milk, stirring and giving couple mins between each drop) You want to try to have a smoother thinner consistency. Add the dry basil, & season to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer partly covered, for about 15 min

VARIATION: Chestnut,oyster, or field mushrooms may be used instead of the white button mushroom. They give a fuller flavor but turn the soup brown.

4. Pour contents into a food processor or blender ( I use my Vitamix blender) & process until smooth.

5. Melt the rest of the butter in a frying pan & fry the remaining mushroom caps gently for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender.

6. Pour the soup into a clean pan & stir the fried mushrooms. Heat until very hot and adjust the seasoning. Add the cream, if using.

7. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves & serve hot.

Hope you give it a try. Be sure to comment below if you do. Buon Appetito..

Eating Maui The Salty Tribe Style

tHERE ARE ALOT OF PLACES TO EAT ON MAUI, i'M GONNA JUST GIVE A RUN DOWN OF OUR PERSONAL FAVORITE SPOTS. tHESE PLACES WEre ALL REASONABLY PRICED AND LOCAL FAVORITES. 

coconuts fish cafe

1279 S Kihei Rd,

Kihei, HI 96753

Phone. 808-875-9979

This boasts a great fish taco and did they sure did deliver on that! This spot is located in a strip mall next door to a cute coffee shop in Kihei and winner of many awards for their tacos. When we pulled up, we laughed at the fact there was a random rooster running around in the parking lot of the strip mall. The place is quaint with pilenty of seating. There were alot of great reviews online and were so glad we popped in! The fish was so fresh and the mango salsa.. so ono!! Stop in here for a quick lunch. They open early too! The service is always impeccable! Cruise thru there fersure. 

JAWS FOOD TRUCK

On the Road to Makena Off of Makena Alanui Rd/ S Makena Rd. 

No Exact Address available 

WE LOVE JAWS TACOS FOOD TRUCK, MAUKA SIDE ON THE ROAD TO BIG BEACH

MAKE SURE YOU GO TO THE FOOD TRUCK AND NOT THE JAWS TACO IN THE STRIP MALL! WE MADE THIS ERROR AT FIRST AND ENDED UP IN THE JAWS TACO AT THE STRIP MALL. THE OWNER WAS SUPER KIND, BUT IT SEEMED LIKE HE DID NOT GET ALOT OF TRAFFIC EITHER. IT WAS MORE OF A HOLE-IN-THE-WALL JOINT THAT SOLD MEDIOCRE TACOS. SO MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THAT EXTRA 10 MIN DRIVE DOWN TO MAKENA/BIG BEACH AREA AND HIT UP THE FOOD TRUCK. I DO HAVE TO WARN YOU THOUGH THE TACOS AREN'T CHEAP. ABOUT $8 A TACO BUT THEY WERE GOOD! 

Maui's WEST SIDE

(Best Luau on the island)

(aBOVE: Image of the view from Betty's Bar towards the Luau, so you do get a good view!)

Old Lahaina Luau is the best luau on Maui, but if are on a budget and can not afford the price check out Betty's Bar on 505 Front Street in Old Lahaina town. Try to get there at least a hour before the sunsets. Sit in a booth closest to the windows and enjoy the show! 

Maui Brewing Co.

We love our IPAs, especially my husband. We are fortunate to have some really rad breweries here in San Diego, Coronado Brewing Company being our most favorite, and Maui Brewing Company was our 'home away from home' beverage spot. Huge selections of brews on tap that are sure to cover every palette and legitemately made VERY WELL.   We came during the lunch hour on a weekday and it was pretty relaxed, however, go there on an evening and you are going to be waiting at least a half hour for a seat. They just opened a new location in Kihei which at this time serves only beer. There are different food trucks there daily that are host to those lunch and dinner time appetites. Maui Brewing Company is a MUST on your Maui to-do list. We always tried to pop in during Happy Hour, that way we got to try a variety of things on their menus and still be friendly on the pocketbook. Our two favorites were the Kahlua Pork Nachos and the Panniolo Tacos. 

                      

                                            

 (Left:Kahlua Pork Nachos)

(Below: Panniolo Tacos with radish & 

kimchi aioli)

Okazuya & Deli

This spot was good! I liked everything I ordered from there. Fast service hot food and your typical polynesian style lunch served next to your choice of rice or macaroni salad.

Next to Okazuya is Ono tacos, If you are from California and are always on a Mexican food kick like I am Ono tacos is the spot. It is as close to mexican as you are going to get on the island. I wasn't too stoked on the ceviche there...it wasn't the ceviche tostada with mayo and avocado like I was used to here in California. All of the other stuff was up to par for eating mexican food on the island. This is in the same strip mall as Ono Tacos and the Fish Market so be prepared to find a parking spot. It is tight parking in there and the spaces seem to be made for really small cars 

The Fish Market Maui

3600 Honoapiilani Rd # L, Lahaina, HI 96761

Located a couple doors down from Okazuya & Ono tacos. This place offers fresh fish and store overflowing with people is a clear sign this place not only an island favorite, but a big tourist favorite. All I gotta say is stop in and go get yourself something from here. Anything. It is all good. 

Pizza Paradiso

3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd

Lahaina, Maui

Ok, truth be told, this place was a huge surprise to me! Just the whole pizza combined with greek food seemed like a turn off - at first! I ordered the kabobs (chicken one night & the beef another night), it came with fresh hummus and pieces of pita bread & tabouleh with tzatziki sauce! There was a big menu (which was overwhelming at first glance) but everything is delicious. If you have room left in your stomach, there is even a gelato bar there! Talk about 'A WIN!'

NORTHSIDE MAUI

Tiffany Bar & Grill

Wailuku

1424 Lower Main St

Wailuku, HI 96763

Tiffany Bar & Grill HANDS DOWN PEOPLE was my ALL TIME favorite spot on the island! These folks spoke my love language!! The kimchi fried rice and walnut shrimp were off the hook!!! I wouldn't steer you wrong on this one. This is a family dining establishment that serves the locals.Meals are served 'Family Style'; bigger size plates that allows you to try a bit of everything. We were invited by some local friends, they knew we did not like the regular touristy spots and felt this was a great way to show us everyday type of out to eat dining on Maui. We arrived early and parked in the empty lot across the street. We walked inside to a large aquarium, which the kids loved and big screens Tvs everywhere with the Cowboys playing on the Tv. Hawai'ians love their football. Our friends ordered the plates and they were very prompt in serving us. We sat and ate til we couldn't eat anymore and let me say again, that kimchi fried rice.....I have NO WORDS! Even sitting here in San Diego typing this, I want kimchi fried rice for breakfast. Tiffany's got me, hook, line, and sinker. 
 When we got back to the resort, the staff overheard us speaking of Tiffany's and no sooner than the name was mentioned there was a big group of folks standing around us conversing about how awesome the food is at this place and how they attributed their happy bellies to the Tiffany kimchi fried rice. I just laughed feeling good that we hit the jackpot! It isn't super healthy by all means, but it is some down home Asian cooking, stuff that brings me back to my youth. FYI, Be sure to get in there early to get a seat. Go hungry and with respect and kindness. 

Tasty Crust Restaurant
1770 Mill St
Wailuku

This is another great spot down the street from Tiffany's Bar & Maui Brown Lotion Co. 
More of a pancake and Asian breakie, type of spot and is also another local favorite. The parking lot is ALWAYS FULL! It is on Mill St., in the older side of Maui. You see alot of dilapidated buildings over here but it is absolutely beautiful! There is an old hangar that was up cycled into a huge laundromat for the locals and it is certainly uniquely beautiful in its own way over in Wailuku. 

East 'Windward' Side

  The windward side of the island is exactly that, windy. Expect alot of kite surfing and relax hippie kind of vibe on this side. Sort of a booming part of Maui with the hustle and bustle of hoales, as well as Hawai'ians cruising thru. This part of town takes you to Makawao (there is a siick bakery there, that I have yet to try out!)  and continues the Hana Highway route. Here are some good spots in this area.


Paia Flatbread co has the best flat bread pizzas and is right across from the Paia Fish Market and sells good pesce eats too!! Both are exactly across the street from each other so if you want to try both places in one afternoon you certainly can! 

Kuau Store on the 'makai'  of Hana Hwy, just right before you pass Mama's Fish House , has just opened and has been open now for almost a year. They carry a wide variety of organic, gluten free, kosher, vegan grocery as well as fresh deli items. They also carry Boar's Head brand deli meat which makes for a great snack or picnic to take on your drive down Hana Highway. In our case, Ho'okipa Point (the windward side of Maui), this windy side is where you will see alot of kite surfing taking place. Ho'okipa Point was very windy on the day we went. It was low tide and made for a wonderful picnic playing in the tide pools all along the shallow reef beds. 

There are so many wonderful place to eat on the island but these were a few of our personal favorites that needed and deserved the attention. The attention to the details; from the food to the costumer service. It was noted and deserved a blog post to share with you all out there. Hope you try some of these places out and shoot a comment or tag me on Instagram!  As in filipino we say Sarap! Which means delicious! 

Pork Rub Recipe

Here is an amazing pork rub recipe that is completely fool proof and guaranteed to make that belly happy. This is what you will need and it is so simple. Most of the ingredients should already be in your pantry! 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar

1/2 tsp celery salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp hungarian paprika

1/4 tsp chili powder

Salt and pepper 

Rice wine vinegar (optional)

Mix all of the DRY ingredients into a bowl with a fork. Then using your hand, rub (vigorously massage) the spices into the ribs or chops. Optional: Sprinkle a dabble of rice wine vinegar

Marinate for at least 1 hour then grill with your favorite BBQ sauce. I serve this on a bed of white rice with black beans & plantains. 

Voila! Be sure to comment below on how yummy your rub make your meal! 

Travel Tips to booking your next vacation- at least tips on how I book mine!

   There are five humans in my tribe, with the recent addition (now 1 years old), and in the past we have gone thru pretty much almost every avenue in trying to keep the cost of our vacation down so we weren't suffering a hindsight sticker shock. The recent trip we lined up to Maui, we saved over $1000 just by using the tips I am about to mention as our guideline for booking and it's was very economical. 
  Most of us come out of vacation bliss feeling, "How did this trip end up costing so much?" or "Wow, we sure did have a REALLY good time!" (knowing that is just code for, "Oh Man!Wwe spent ALOT of money!" and usually ends with "Can't put a price on making memories.") What  if you can avoid breaking the bank for an awesome vacation?! 
   Yup folks, the fun wagon sure does back out once that vacation is over and in your head you start racking up how much exactly that vacation ran you. We've all been there. 
  We enjoy our vacations but decided to be more tactful on how we planned our trips from here on out. Anything that requires 4+plus people to travel, hate to say it, your vacation needs to be well thought out and prepared, that's just the nature of the beast. 

Here are just a few quick tips for saving when booking your next trip.

1. Always shop on a Tuesday! Airlines generally bring their pricing down on this day.

2. Be flexible on your travel dates and open to traveling during the week when Aifare rates are cheaper. 

3. Prime time to book travel is 6 wks in advance for Airline tickets ! After that pricing is a gamble. 

4. Sign up for Airline Newsletters, airfare watch dog websites, check airlines website for promotions also.

5. Make sure the airline credit card rewards program are really worth the reward and the interest rates aren't outrageous. We personally love Alaska Airlines and have been really stoked on it. So just make sure to understand the fine print on those Airline Reward Credit Cards .

6. If you are flying international, i.e. South America, Central America or the Mexican States, Volaris Airlines is THE most reasonable airline to fly through as long as you are able to depart from Mexico.
(Living in San Diego, we have access to the US/Mexican Border and fly out of Tijuana, Mexico, B.C. so this makes it very convenient to get to destinations like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, etc.)
 Also when flying international, it is cheaper to fly out from a 'Main Hub" airport vs. your local airport. For example, since I live in San Diego, and say I wanted to fly to Costa Rica. The flight out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) would be less expensive than if I were to fly out of San Diego Airport. Just keep in mind you have factor in your commute- there and back- to the 'Main Hub' Airport

7. Best website to book rooms, vacation rentals, etc is www.vrbo.com (Vacation rental buy owner-VRBO) This website hosts vacation rentals all over the world, owned by owners who are trying to rent out their destination spots.

8. Costco/Sams Club offer great vacation packages, just be sure the room you pick is in a great area, read reviews, Google Earth the places you are staying so you can understand the geography of your vacation location. They are hit and miss. You don't want to be stuck vacationing in a motel when you can be in a resort. So make sure not to miss those tiny details.

9. Travel Agents are the concierge of traveling so expect to pay a hair more if booking with a travel agent. The convenience of having an agent book for you is amazing!! However, if you are trying to keep a budget, doing the legwork on your own and being conscientiously saavy will help save ALOT of dollars. We have booked thru a travel agent before, simply for convenience and lack of knowledge in booking and found a better way to be most effective and cost efficient.

There you have it. Just a few of our Salty Tribe Tips to booking your travel. Hope you use a couple of these pointers when booking your next holiday!

DIY Terrarium

This DIY terrarium was inspired by a friend who went to Home Depot one day and paid a little over $20 for her 10cm terrarium. Not only is this DIY easy on the pocket book, it's quick and simple once you've gathered everything. My terrarium has little pebbles and an airplant housed in the glass globe. My girlfriend decided she was going to purchase one and then found out how much more inexpensive it was to DIY. As soon as she walked out of the store, in the midst of juggling the items in her arms, she dropped her newly purchased terrarium. Yet considering, she was determined to not be defeated! She decided to make her own and shared her tidbit of craft info with me and now I will share it with you. You will never want to over pay for a terrarium ever again after reading this!
  I found my 10cm hanging glass terrarium on Ebay, which was also suggested to me. You can either find the full kit (sand,plant,rocks) online for as low as $15 and as in stores high as $40!! I have found the glass ornamental piece on Ebay for $5.50 each and for a pair of globes approximately $12 for both. The plant is very inexpensive from Home Depot, maybe $5 at the most and you can either put in pebbles or even sand. I chose to put in pebbles I had from the yard and a piece of driftwood from the beach. I tied some 5lbs weight test fishing line and hung it in my kitchen. Air plants are perfect plants because they do not require much water or attention. Another reason as to why this makes these terrariums a great craft investment. Hope it inspires you to make one for yourself or as a gift for a friend. Thank you Rosemary, your DIY experience inspired me.

Salty Tribe Fall Must Haves

 As I ponder over my soon to be lost summer, I am still trying to feel the 'Fall Vibe' and keep my salty summer heart happy. Here are a couple items I will fersure be adding to the closet with some cute ankle boots this next season. Seriously, all the heart eyes. 

This next paragraph was the story posted on their website about how this siick company was conceptualized. The hat featured today is the 'Leonard' hat in brown and unfortunately even as I went to check it out the 'Brown' was SOLD OUT..No surprise actually why this company is soo freakin dope! Check out the Press they've been in also. The Press Link is on their website.... Hat featured here retails $88

About Brixton

Inspired by music, culture, and the people who surround them, Brixton is the collaboration of three friends who wanted to convey their lifestyle through unique products.

Created in 2004, the timeless and clean design of the Brixton collection is hard to duplicate and comes in a variety of styles that appeal to the individual in a modern yet traditional way. Each piece is constructed with the commitment to bringing the customer a high quality and limited product that they'll want to hold onto forever. Source Link below.

 http://www.brixton.com/brixton-products/brixton- womens.html

The Humble Hilo back pack that I have been eye balling since it's release. Humble Hilo brings unique Guatemalan textiles to you, but also creating opportunities and changing lives. By buying their products, you are not only supporting families in need of employment, but a portion of EVERY item you buy will go back to directly benefit those in great need by supporting projects. YOU get to choose to support projects in child nutrition, education and literacy for women, and microfinance loans for women to start their own small business to help break the cycle of poverty and help create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. I love supporting businesses that have a 'Give Back' plan and contribute proceeds towards a worthy cause. This company genuinely is concerned with the well being of the Guatemalan people and not just trying to take advantage of a profit margin. Girls, these bags are the shizzz!! This Humble Hilo Hielo Backpack-Nieve retails $159

http://humblehilo.com/collections/hilo-backpacks/products/large-bag-eucalipto

Billabong Womens killed it this season with their line!! Seriously go look and give me an AMEN! Totally spoke my boho love language. It also seems hip and fun for even a Mom like me! I love how it played a youthful look but keeps the adult feel with the one piece as well as the fitted Burnt Henna Hot Mamma pants. Totally RAD and double thumbs up designers. I definitely will be picking up this entire outfit from Billabong. The East of West Jacket by Billabong is SO GOOD TOO GAHHH! Go have a looksie! 

$75 Sol Searcher One Piece Swimwear

$69 Burnt Henna Hot Mamma Pants

https://us.billabong.com/womens

                                                    

 Blue/Brown Sentry Leather Watch by Nixon Watches

This particular watch is not water resistant, however THESE are the watches of waterwomen! This time piece is perfect for when you want to feel all fanceh but not be one of those 'basic' beeches that rock the ultra trendy designer, which by the way I love and respect, however with that being said, I've always still stood by the brands I truly believe in and Nixon watches gives me the comfort in quality time telling pieces. Nixon Brand watches have ALWAYS been my personal favorite watch. Retail $150. Link Below

http://www.nixon.com/us/en/clp/womens-watches/

Some SaltyTribe Travel Essentials

   

We are a family that LOVES to travel. When we booked our annual trip to Maui, I knew I was going to have to find as many things as possible to keep not only the children occupied, but also myself. Here are some essentials that were total lifesavers during that 'bear' of a flight. And snacks! Moms pack alot of snacks! ANNIE'S CHEDDAR BUNNIES, ANNIE'S GUMMY BUNNIES, Apples, Granola/Cereal bars. I froze individual yogurt the night before we flew out and those were also helpful to have! Here is a list of what I packed on our carry-on: (also purses ARE considered a personal carry on in addition to the 'true' carry-on bag as long as your carry on can fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't meet these requirements stuartesses generally ask you check it on which can oncur an additional baggage fee- be sure to double check with your airlines when booking. Without further ado here is the list and I tried to link sources!

• Toddler Headphones - www.jlabaudio - the kids loved these! These headphones are volume safe, so that the kiddos don't crank up the volume and hurt those delicate ears.

• Creative Inspirations Stress Coloring Book- www.Amazon.com

• Maui Revealed - www.Amazon.com

• Disney Friendship Stories, PlayDoh, & Crayola - Walmart Stores

• Wooden Craft Puppy Ornaments & Disney Stickers- Michaels Arts & Crafts Store $1 section

•Dreamworks HOME on DVD - Target

• Netflix Subscription paid off this trip also! Rented the kids a movie and American Sniper, one the husband and I would watch together - www.netflix.com

• We also brought our portable dvd player and some movies from home.  Which was what pretty much kept them busy the entire flight.

As far as luggage recommendation for travel I personally recommend Dakine. I have used Dakine bags ever since high school (I will not divulge how long ago that was) and here is an excerpt on why this company is one of the leaders in its industry. 

About Dakine

In 1979, Rob Kaplan began manufacturing the DaKine(r) Leash in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. The DaKine surf leash was designed for rigorous Hawaiian conditions and set the standard for innovative design and high quality. After this innovative breakthrough, DaKine started to build on its reputation by building technical surfing and windsurfing accessories, such as in 1980, when pro windsurfers asked Rob to help build footstraps for their new wave boards. Throughout the early 1980s, DaKine developed the 1st adjustable footstrap, seat harness, and waist harness, defining the company as the leading innovator in technical windsurfing accessories. 

DaKine moved their manufacturing and operations to Hood River, OR in 1986; besides being a popular windsurfing location on the mainland, it´s also a gathering place for the best professional snowboarders looking to ride on Mt. Hood. In 1989, after proving themselves as leaders in surf accessories, gear, and bags, DaKine committed to the rapidly expanding snowboard market with board accessories, board bags, and gear bags. By using their commitment to unique designs, high quality, and the desire to stay true to the spirit of the sport, the company would become the world leader in this market over the next 15 years. 

Throughout the 1990s, DaKine moved into the snowsports glove category with a modest three styles, and has now expanded that line to close to 70 models today. In 1996, DaKine introduced the Heli Pack, which helped create the new category of minimalist technical backcountry day packs. In 1998, DaKine sought to surpass the Heli Pack and introduced the Heli Pro. In a short time, the Heli Pro becomes the standard for technical daypacks as well as the sport's best selling (and most copied) model. Also around this time, DaKine moved into skate specific packs, such as the Park Pack, which quickly became known for its innovation and durability. 

A true leader in the world of bags, packs, and accessories, DaKine has also built a reputation in the travel category, whether it is board sport specific carriers or luggage. After celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2004, DaKine continues to pride itself on developing products for the top professionals in every board sport and building its reputation for innovation and quality for over a quarter of a century.'

Was that enough to sell you in these bags? Hope so. I wouldn't steer you otherwise if I didn't feel these bags solid.  I purchased my Dakine bags thru my local surf shop, The Surf Hut in Imperial Beach, Ca.
Owner, Jesus (known for yeears) runs it and he is always great on stocking up the newest gear for all your salty needs. (Had to put the plug in for these folks) Support your local surf shop!! 

 Now let's talk baby essentials for the trip. Kinda of my favorite part of this excerpt because I carefully procured each item knowing each item would help make any Mom's life easier. 
The Hawai'ian sun can be pretty brutal especially for those little babies. I chose iPlay sunhats and iPlay rashguards because they provided the protection I was looking for. I chose ThinkBaby SPF 50+ because I had read about alot of sunscreens having harmful ingredients and this was what I personally preferred after doing my own research (Saving that for another blog). This sunscreen goes on well and doesn't leave that 'greasy' feeling which is a plus in my book. 

Aiden&Anais muslin swaddle blankets are truly great to have on hand. They're thin enough so that air can circulate through allowing the skin & baby to breathe. I love all of the fun prints they have, I chose the Sea Turtle print, because I LOVE 'Honu' (Hawai'ian for Sea Turtle) and the more you wash these blankets the softer they become. Try avoid any bleach when washing these lovely swaddlers. 
I purchased the silicone and wooden bead teether necklace from Little Lemon Treasures on Etsy. For an additional price you can add the wooden teether ring, which I definitely opted for and recommend you doing also. The baby is now 1 and still LOVES nomming on it!! When she isn't grinding, it keeps her occupied in my arms.

Now let's talk baby carriers. When I had my first daughter I had the Moby baby carrier, the Baby Bjorn, the Maya wrap, the Sling and the Ergo Baby Carrier. 

When it comes to the Ergo I am sort of a bias party because Ergo originated in Maui by a Mom, Karen Frost. I found an article on MAUINOW.Com sharing about Karen's background and how this really rad carrier was conceptualized.

'While living on Maui, Frost was designing resort wear, until she became pregnant and designed the innovative ERGObaby carrier, a business that grew into a $30 million a year enterprise when she sold it two years ago.

The concept was grown out of her study and observations of two tribes in the Amazon and an interest in “attachment parenting.”

Frost earned her bachelor or arts degree in French and Danish and a master’s degree in design from the University of Minnesota. Over a 15 year period, she brought a half dozen lines of clothing to market, and eventually moved to Maui to design resort wear.

Several years later she became pregnant, and used her design background to create the ERGObaby carrier. The creation was based in ergonomic and psychological design aimed at benefiting both the parent and baby.

The first 50 carriers were hand-sewn by Frost; but when demand exceeded production abilities, Frost turned to a family friend for help. Jeff Henderson, owner of Hot Sails Maui, helped Frost find a manufacturer in China to mass produce the product.

Since then, Parenting magazine’s 20th anniversary issue named the ERGObaby carrier as one of the top 20 products in the last 20 years.'

I am loving all of the new prints that are coming out too! At the time I purchased my Ergo carrier this Gray was a popular design. Now Ergo has a new product called the Ergo 360 that allows baby to sit forward facing also! Why do they always come up with all the cool stuff after my babies grow?!

I MUST speak of my personal carry-on bag aka my purse. The Humble Hilo bag. Humble Hilo brings unique Guatemalan textiles to you, but also creating opportunities and changing lives. By buying their products, you are not only supporting families in need of employment, but a portion of EVERY item you buy will go back to directly benefit those in great need by supporting projects. YOU get to choose to support projects in child nutrition, education and literacy for women, and microfinance loans for women to start their own small business to help break the cycle of poverty and help create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. I love supporting businesses that have a 'Give Back' plan and contribute proceeds towards a worthy cause. This company genuinely is concerned with the well being of the Guatemalan people and not just trying to take advantage of a profit margin. They just came out with a back pack that I am eyeballing. Oh la la! The one featured in my photo is a size small. The bag dimensions are on their website at www.humblehilo.com 

And being that I sew children's apparel I decided it was high time I made something for myself.  I crafted this clutch with Guatemalan fabric lined with a melon and gold splash designer fabric. I also handmade this boho bell accessory. Thinking I need to make more of these!! Found the pattern on Pinterest for the purse and used it merely as a guide. The boho bell accessory was inspired by those lovely ceremonial ornamental pieces that adorn elephants in Bali. I also paired it with my favorite Reef Sandals. I have been wearing Reef Sandals since I was knee high to a grasshopper and they speak my summer essential love language. They just fit the bill for any summer salty travel.

Hope you enjoyed the read and helps gives perspective to you for your next travel experience.  Be sure to stop back and check the blog on 'Does SPF really protect you? & what ingredients are harmful?' As well as 'Tips on booking your next vacation'