Travel Archives

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

October 21, 2015 30 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 8 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

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 9 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 15 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 2 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

Travel

10 Free Things to do with your kids in the DMV this Summer

June 17, 2015 No Comments

1. National Zoo – introduce then to different animals we have. They will definitely enjoy what they will see when they get to see those animals in person. They have Pandas there.

2. Smithsonian Museums – this is very educational for the whole family. Kids will enjoy what they will see.

3. National Park – can go picnic in the park and you get to have nice view of Washington, D.C. Around you.

4. Beach (Virginia beach and Ocean City) – take them to the beach, there are a lot of things to do there, they have boardwalks and everything. Virginia has dolphins, sometimes you’ll see them. The 2 most recent visit that we did, we saw them, oh my daughter was jumping for joy.

5. Live music at the Plaza (National Harbor) – on Fridays they usually have this free show. This is relaxing for the whole family, some kids was just dancing everywhere.

6. Family fitness (National Harbor) – there are free programs for the whole family, it is usually Wednesdays.

7. Jones Point Park – they have bike, jogging trail, basketball courts, playground, very clean and nice restroom, fishing area.

8. Stroll at The Old Town Alexandria – when I am in this area specially the King Street I feel like I am in Europe.

9. Rock Creek Park – this is a planetarium sponsored and they have a tour of night sky.

10. Kite Flying (Washington Monument) – take your kites with you and this is a big space for kite flyers. Or you can just watch those kit flyers there.

Travel

Luray Caverns

June 15, 2015 2 Comments

If you are an adventurer , lover of nature and a photographer. Then this is a place to be for you your eyes and your lens will definitely enjoy all the views. A wonderful site when you’re around Virginia (Shenandoah Valley area). There are also other amazing views and places to go to after you visit the caverns.

In the cave You’ll get to see another wonderful creation Mother Nature has. Like in your mind you’ll ask how was this rocks formed. It was so gorgeous that you would want to just take pictures after pictures. When we went there it was September so it was already a little chilly but it wasn’t bad. In there, they also have guided tours and they will talk about the history of the cave and who discovered it.

Luray Caverns also have other attractions like the Car and Carriage Museum where you’ll get to see different cars they used back in the day and the Luray Valley Museum. They also have a gift shop to get yourself some souvenirs.

After your trip make sure to blow up one of your best picture because it’ll definitely a be good addition for your home decor.

Overall experience was great. 2 thumbs up, the whole family enjoyed. Not a common place where everybody have already seen it.

Photos taken by my husband.

Travel

National Air and Space Museum STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER

June 5, 2015 No Comments

It was a gloomy day but that did not stop us to go visit this museum. My 5 year old daughter was so excited to see those airplanes and space shuttles. So After work we headed straight to the Museum.

Admission is free for all, parking fee is $15 but it is free after 4pm, you can also get a refund for parking if you are just dropping off.

They have a souvenir shop, vending machines for drinks and Mc Donald’s inside so you will not get hungry.

In the Museum, there were lot of things to do and to see. We got to see the airplanes used during the World War II. A lot of Nazi airplanes, trivia and facts about those planes and who flew them.

They also have those commercial planes exhibited there. Like the Concorde airplane, which was the fastest commercial plane, NASA space shuttles, rockets, the things that the astronauts had when they went in space. It was really educational for everybody.

IMAX theater, observation tower, flight simulators, free group tour around the facility are the other things to do.

We ran out of time because they were closing soon, we didn’t get the IMAX because it was 35-45 min long and my 21 month attention span is not that long. We tried the flight simulators, It was a nice ride, my 5 year enjoyed it. She really thought that she flew the space shuttle.