Travel Archives

Reasons Why You Need to Visit Philippines

February 1, 2016 No Comments

Happy Monday my loves! Today I will be sharing some places to go when in the Philippines and the reason why you should visit. First of, for those who have not heard of that country. It is located in the southeast Asia close to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and also a neighbor of China, Japan, Korea and many more.

I had to post these outfit because these Tom’s are my companion most of the time. Very comfy shoes to walk around town. I guess if you are flat footed it my not be the same comfort for you. These I wore when we went to Tagaytay where you can see the beautiful view of the Taal Volcano. Click >>> TAGAYTAY for more info from this blog.

Philippines is close to the equator that is the reason why it has 7,107 beautiful islands. We have a lot of beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal clear water. Check out those post below by my fellow bloggers. You will also love and enjoy the Filipino hospitality. When you visit you can see for yourself.

Click this >>>PALAWAN by Aimee of songofstyle.com

Click this >>>BOHOL by Paula Ordovas of mypeeptoes.com

My own experience of Bohol from my previous post here and Boracay island here.

Why am I blogging this topic? I want all my readers to get to know the country where I grew up before moving here in Maryland, USA.

When you are in the City and around it, These are the places I recommend you visit. Click those links below to check out some more.

Kidzania (for family with kids, kids get to role play)

Resorts world (for people who wants to gamble, party, dine out and a lot more.. It is like a mini Las Vegas)

Manila Ocean Park (If you like big aquariums and sea lion shows this is the place for you)

Ocean Adventure (This is outside Manila but few hours away only and from the name itself it is on the beach and you’ll get to see an play with the dolphins)

Zoobic Safari (This is close to Ocean Adventure and here you see different animals, it is like an open zoo)

I was only a few places I was able to talk about but please do check out the Philippine tourism page >>> ITSMOREFUNINTHEPHILIPPINES to see more.

I hope this post made you go for your next adventure in Asia.

Thank you for stopping by and for all your comments. Have a great week ahead!

Simply,

Christianne

Outfit Photos: Novel (my better half)

Outfit, Travel

Best View of NYC

November 2, 2015 No Comments

Hello and Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I just all of you to know that to see the beauty of the whole Manhattan is to be on the other side. That being said is to be at Jersey City, New Jersey. As you can see from the picture below.

We already planned to visit NYC for the nth time since we were already close by. If you have been following me on instagram @simplychristianne then you would know that we attended my cousins wedding on Halloween. It was at Somerset, NJ which was an hour and 15 mins to get to the Big Apple, but it was bad timing. They had the New York Marathon so there were a lot of roads closed. That being said, I just thought about getting the best view so I asked our relatives to join us at Exchange Place, still in NJ to get the best shot of Manhattan.

Exchange place is also a nice area, it also feels like NYC but not as crowded. They also tall buildings and you’ll get to see lady Liberty from a far when you’re at the pier side. So if you plan to get the best view of the City when on land then this is the place for you to go. They also have restaurants around the area and they have this path train you can take which connects to the NYC subway.

As for the weather, it was really gorgeous as it was in the 60’s so I just wore jeans, OTK boots and this cute pink sweater from Target. The whole family actually wore the same except for my so girly girly daughter who requested if she can wear a dress.

Shop the look below:

Dress Gymboree (similar here), Boots Gymboree (similar here)

Shop the look below:

Sweater Target (similar here), Jeans Forever 21 (similar here), Bag Kate Spade (similar here), Boots Off Broadway shoes (similar here)

Have a wonderful week ahead Everyone!

Simply,

Christianne

Photos by: Novel

Travel

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

October 21, 2015 No Comments

Good morning everyone! I hope you are all having a good day. Just sharing our recent trip to the Mountains of Shenandoah Valley National Park in Virginia. We really enjoyed the trip because we were with our family and friends. I have included our friends picture and it was taken per family. We were like kids playing with the foliage.

What to do?

1.) You can go up the skyline drive by private vehicle, motorcycle or by foot if you want to hike. You can drive up and stop to those different scenic spots to take pictures and see the amazing view.

2. ) Hiking – they have hiking trails for you to try.

3.) Camping – they have nice camp site, you will love the view.

4.) Picnic – they have this picnic area, that’s were we stayed the most and took all those family pictures.

What I wore?

Always check the temperatures before you go so you can dress up appropriately. I actually had another coat to put on if the temperatures drops even more. The scarf I was wearing was really a big help, it kept me warm.

Shop the look:

Jacket – North Face here

Jeans – Target

Boots – Aldo (similar here and here)

Scarf – Forever 21 (similar here and here)

Simply,

Christianne

Photos by: Novel

Travel

7 Fall activities for the families

September 23, 2015 No Comments

Happy First day of Autumn! I just want to talk about fun ideas for you and your family in the Fall. Go Try out these cool activities because you only get to do them around this time of the year. If you leave here in the USA you probably experienced doing this but for my other readers outside the USA who doesn’t have Autumn. These activities is a must if you intend to visit around This season.

I have added the places to see around DC, Maryland and Virginia and the links to their website.

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch – check out Montpelierfarms.com they have a lot of things to do for everybody. (Hayride, corn maze, go karts, feed the animals and a lot more..)

2. Taking pictures in the foliage – Place to go is visitshenandoah.org

3. Apple picking – Butlersorchard.com

4. Carve a Pumpkin

5. Do a bonfire at your backyard

6. Fright fest – check out sixflags.com

7. Trick or treat

Have A good day friends.

Simply,

Christianne

Travel

Eagle Rock Resort

August 24, 2015 No Comments

Eagle Rock Resort

We had a wonderful weekend together with our family and friends. We were so Ockham to have a perfect weather for this mini getaway. This is actually an annual thing for our family and relatives in NY. We always get to enjoy nature and the good company.

This weekend was the first time have been in Eagle rock were they have a special event. It was a summerfest, it was a family day event. They had free food, face painting, hay ride, balloons and moon bounce for the kids. The kids really enjoyed their stay, and of course everybody did!

At the pool, they had games for the kids by diving to get the gold coin underneath the pool. It was so much fun! Adi really enjoyed that one.

It was also the first time, my daughter Adi was able to try swimming by herself. My husband and I was so excited. We had her enrolled on a swimming class last year, but after the first day when the instructor asked them to submerged in the water. We couldn’t get her to come back to the class the next day, she was crying.

As for our little boy Aidan, he was enjoying everything from the pool, moon bounce and just by running around, taking his slippers off. We couldn’t get him to wear it.

This time also, we got to go to the lake that they have. It was so gorgeous! Since we have known this resort we never tried coming to the lake. We had been missing a lot. It was never too late. They have paddle boats, row boats, canoes and pedal boats for the whole family. The weather was just so perfect! So we decided to try the row boat, when we got to the middle of the lake my husband and our friend decided that they wanna jump off the boat. The water temp was just right so I joined them. The funny part was we couldn’t jump back in to the boat. So what happened was we just swam from there to get back to the shore. Tiring!

We also had a lot of food to share, we stayed at the picnic tables they had at the side of the lake. When it was getting dark, we decided to check out the clubhouse to see what they have there.

At the clubhouse, they have a lot of activities for people of Ll ages. There was an activity room, room for toddlers where they can play with toys. There billiards, Xbox, arcade, lounge where they show movies, air hockey, foozball, lounge where you can watch a movie, basketball court. On the outside they have another outdoor pool.

I wish we can be there for a week, maybe next time we will plan it that way. As for place to stay, they have the Inn, sugarloaf townhouses, and hotel, but we prefer to stay on an outside hotel like the Marriot Residence Inn. Which is like a mile or 2 away from there.

Positive vibes friends!
Have a nice day everyone!

Simply,

Christianne

Travel

The Beach at Ocean City

July 31, 2015 No Comments

I have been wanting to go to the beach but we have been very busy, the last time we went was September last year when we visited Cancun, Mexico. Summer will not be complete without a trip to the beach. I know all of you agree with me on that one?

So last weekend was the day. We went to Ocean City since I found a good deal and it was an oceanfront hotel and it was on the boardwalk. As you can see from the pictures, our whole family had fun specially the kids. What my husband and I noticed was that Aidan was not putting the sand on his mouth anymore. Omg! When we were in Cancun, we had to be by his side all the time or else he’ll be full with sands.

And as for Adi, she used to be so scared of the waves that she’ll just rather play on the sand. This time she was enjoying the waves, she’ll ask us to jump with her when the waves comes.

We were also blessed with a perfect weather, that was the cherry on top. There were also a lot people on the outdoor pool that’s why we just used the pool float on the indoor pool.

As for the swimsuit that I wore. I have been wearing this most of the time, it is one of my favorite one piece. Good fit and gives you shape.

Details:
You can shop the similar pieces, just click shop and you can browse it there.
Swimsuit – Trina Turk
Hat – Forever 21

cover up – (here)

We had a wonderful time. I hope you all have a great summer!

Simply,

Christianne

Travel

Hot Air Balloon Festival

July 30, 2015 No Comments

It was a nice Sunny Saturday and we were so excited to go see the Hot air balloons. It was at Solberg Airport in Whitestation House, NJ and according to our GPS we should be there by 3.5 hours. It was already late when we left the house so we decided to stop by at the Hotel to leave our stuff before we head to the festival.

OMG, we hit the traffic and it was bad so there was an added ! hour before we were able to reach the hotel (Marriott Hotel at Princeton, NJ). From the hotel it was 22 miles away but estimated 45 min travel time which turned out to be a 2 hour and 45 mins drive. It was only 4=3 miles away from the event place and we hit traffic, Why? because there were a lot of people going and the worst part it was only one lane. the traffic was terrible, it would have been nice if the roads to get there has many lanes. They have people assisting guest on where to park but still, it was that single lane that made the traffic worst.

We got to the event really late we were thinking we will not be able to see then release the Hot Air Balloons, but thank God, they had waited for the wind to calm down so it will be safe for them to launch the Balloons. Right after getting of the car, we started seeing the hot air balloons being released. Oh it was a gorgeous site! We are loving all the colorful balloons.

We also noticed that there were a lot of people just wanted to see the balloons and did not want to enter the festival grounds when we were on our way to the festival entrance. They just paid the parking ticket which was $10 just for sigh seeing. That is why there were a lot of cars on the road. There were a lot of people everywhere inside and outside the festival site.

Anyways, for us who paid the General admission to enter the Festival site. We were able to see the balloons closer, they also had other things that you can do inside like playgrounds for kids, novelty stores, food trucks. They have thetered rides were the Hot Air Balloons only go up 100 ft and the ropes are still tied to the ground, it was just to experience flying for a little bit. It was $20, but wasn’t able to do it due to long lines and we have kids with us. Kids can be impatient. They also offered a walk in the balloon which was on $2 just to see what’s inside the balloon.

We took a lot of pictures of all the balloons, it was such a nice sight! the kids enjoyed running around the ground. Our daughter was able to do the high jump thing with the harness. We also went around the stores to see what they had and got the kids some souvenirs.

Overall, It was fun for the whole family once you are already inside, lot of things to see and to do. But like I said, the traffic was horrible due to a single lane roads, You don’t get to hear announcement on what is going on. We were only able to see few Glow in the dark hot air balloons (but there was a disclaimer that it depends on the wind if they will permit hot air balloons to go.

Outfit details:

Romper – HM

Belt – Banana Republic

Sandals – Target (mossimo)

Hat – Charlotte Russe

Sunglasses – Forever 21

Simply,

Christianne

Photos: Novel (my husband)

Fashion, Travel

Ocean City Boardwalk

July 27, 2015 No Comments

Simply,

Happy Monday friends! I do apologize for not being so active on the blog post. But if you wanna get personal I am always active on instagram as @simplychristianne. It was really hard for me to keep up and gather my thoughts last week since my mom left for the Philippines. She was with us for the past 6 months and she was really a big help. So my husband and I was adjusting on how we manage at home.. the kids and everything.

We took a short trip to Whitestation House, NJ to watch the Hot Air Balloon Festival and we decided to do a quick beach trip to Ocean city, MD which is only 3 hours away from where we live. I was feeling so happy because this is our first out of town trip this summer and when I was planning I was thinking of what to wear. I went shopping and got me this nice Stripes Dress which I couldn’t resist because it was on sale and under $20.

Details:

Dress – Gap

Sandals – Payless Shoe Source (old)

Hat – Forever21 (old)

Sunglasses – Forever 21 $5.00

Click on Shop to see the similar pieces I picked for you, maybe you are also in the mood for shopping.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Simply,

Christianne

Photos: Novel (my hubby)

Travel

Philadelphia: Another place to visit to get to know the USA

July 7, 2015 No Comments

It has been 3 days since I posted something. My social life has been very busy the past week which was fun because we were with family and friends. Just enjoying summer to the fullest.

I have been wanting to post something in relation to the 4th of July celebration. This is a good opportunity for me to talk about the beautiful city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.

This place is very historic, for those of you who doesn’t know this facts. They have the Independence Hall in it has the Liberty Bell, the place where they sign the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Philly as what they call the city, was also one of the Nation’s Capital during the revolutionary war and was a temporary U.S. capital while Washington D.C. was under construction.

This City is so beautiful, it is very clean, Has nice architectures, and plus the Philly cheese steaks. Yum!

When we went there which was 6 years ago, summer of 2009. We took the hop on hop off sightseeing bus just like any other cities. It was very convenient. You’ll get to know USA more.

So if you are in the East coast and looking for other historic places. This City is a must see. Pennsylvania as a state has a lot to offer to, they have gorgeous mountains for skiing and other outdoor adventures, they have the famous Hershey Park (theme park).

I hope I was able to give you guys enough information about the city.

Happy Summer!

Photos: Novel (my hubby 🙂 )

Simply,
Christianne

Travel

Tips on Enjoying Theme Park/Water Park with Family without costing you a Fortune

June 22, 2015 No Comments

This works for theme parks with season passes.

This is the season for most of the us to visit theme parks/water parks. The weather is nice and sunny. But for me it is better to go to the theme park late spring and early fall. It is not crowded and weather is just right, not too hot.

We are just so lucky to be living close to a theme park. It is only 25 mins away from us plus our family loves going to water park/theme park. It has been a tradition for us that every year we get the season passes.

Here is how you can save. First check the theme parks website you are going to visit and see what they offer.

This works for a group of 2 or more people who wants to visit the theme park frequently check out my suggestion below.

So you love going to theme parks/water parks so it is suitable and cost effective to get a season pass it is ranging around $65-75 and it can be payable for 12 months, get the one with free parking every visit. You can visit the park everyday if you want and their other parks in the USA if in case you will be traveling. See if they offer a bring a friend days where you can bring a friend for free like Six Flags.

Another trick, if you are family of four and only intend to go to the park once a month, get a season pass for 2 people only then just use the bring a friend for free on days they have it to save (for six flags).

Food can also be expensive so if you are a group of adults you can purchase a season pass for food so you don’t have to pay every visit. They also have tumblers where you buy once and free refills or pay $.99 per refill. But if you have kids, it will be better to do like a tailgating. Bring your own food and eat at the parking lot. Bring your chairs there.

You got to the saving part. Now time to enjoy your visit to the park.

Plan your trip by checking the weather. most important. Always bring extra clothes because some rides will get you wet. And if you are going to the water park you have to bring in change of clothes anyways. Don’t forget to bring sunblocks, swimsuit, plastic bag for your wet clothes, wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses and hat. But do not wear them when you’re riding rides. I suggest wear sleeveless because you’ll be most likely under the sun, you don’t want to have a T-shirt tan lines.

Have fun, Enjoy Summer. I hope I was able to give you helpful tips on having fun and saving.

Simply,

Christianne

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