Our First Airbnb Experience

As much as possible, when time and budget permits, I would like to take family vacations every year. 

For this year, we thought of exploring more places in California. . . initially (haha).  But then Hubby said it would be nice to go to a . . . new country!  So we checked the places where I (as a US resident) don't need a visa to travel and where the airfare won't break the budget!  And we came up with. . . VANCOUVER!  Did you know that Vancouver is just 3 hours away from LA?!  I didn't know that!  

It was an unforgettable vacation (not the way how I want it to be though).  Why?  My little big boy and I were under the weather (he was running a fever) the day we arrived in Vancouver that we had to stay in bed the whole day.  And the most stressful part about the trip was we had to rush him to the hospital one morning because he was having chills, his nails were turning purple and his lips were starting to turn purple too . . . I just got scared!  

So we really only had one day to explore Vancouver.  But it's okay, it gave us another reason to go back, haha!  We may not have seen a lot of places the city has to offer (and there are a LOT!) but we still had a good time because we were just chilling, taking things easy, eating (ofcourse! haha) and just enjoying each other's company (a good friend was with us too).   

And I think, staying in a place that is not a hotel or a place that has that touristy vibe made the trip more relaxing.  (You will see why shortly.)
  

Thanks to our Airbnb find!

It was actually our first time to try Airbnb.  I got inspired to try it  because some of my good friends (my childhood friends!) who went to Bali last year stayed at a beautiful villa which they got for a good price!  (To read more about their Bali weekend, please click here to head to my BFF M's blog.)

For our trip, we found a 2 bed and 2 bath condo which has a fully functional kitchen, washer and dryer. It is in a good location because there is a shopping mall across the place, restaurants nearby, walking distance to a train station and with what happened to us, we are thankful that it was also near a hospital!

The place was clean, bright, comfortable and homey!  It didn't have airconditioning system which is totally fine because we didn't need one!  The city had a lovely weather during our trip.

The place was everything we hoped for.  It was exactly how it was pictured and advertised.  Don't you just hate it how some places can mislead you with their published pictures?  Haha!

Here are some pictures of our beautiful nest . . .

Master's Bedroom

Walk-in closet

Master's Bath

Bedroom #2

The kitchen has everything we need. . . for cooking and eating.

We did our laundry before going back home, haha!

This is our view from our balcony . . .

As first time Airbnb users, we were lucky that we had a good experience!  And I hope it stays that way in our next trip. . . no, make that TRIPS!  Hehe

If you are planning for a vacation, I suggest you try checking out Airbnb!

As what Airbnb says in their commercial, when you travel, "don't go there, LIVE THERE!"

And that was exactly how we felt . . . having a home away from home =).

If you are planning to go to Vancouver, here is the link for the place where we stayed.  

LA Eats: Porto's Bakery and Cafe

In my earlier trips to LA, one of the things that friends told me to include in my "Things to Eat" in LA are In-N-Out (which I blogged about here) and the Cheese Rolls of Porto's Bakery.  During that time, the nearest Porto's to our home is in Glendale which was 30 miles away from us!  So you can say that I don't get to eat at Porto's regularly.  I get to try their goodies when friends bring some when we have potluck dinners.

Thankfully they opened one in Downey in 2010 which is closer to our city!

We got the chance to visit this special place over the weekend.

I called it special because more than the sweet and savory treats they are offering, what makes it special is the story behind the success of this bakery.

Porto's has an inspiring story because it is a realization of the American dream of the Porto family who left their home in Cuba in 1960 to go to America (they settled in California) in search of opportunities and a better life. With their determination and perseverance, they were able to achieve their dreams and are a living proof that wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you are, as long as you put your heart and work hard, success would come to you.

We went there one Saturday afternoon. . .and looked quiet from the outside.

Until we got inside, haha!

This is just half of the crowd (because this is just half of the place).  The line is long (and I heard that it can get crazy especially during Holidays) but don't be discouraged, haha!  It moves pretty fast.  There is a dedicated lane for customers who are buying whole cakes and a different queue for bakery and other food items like salads and sandwiches.

I have one tip before you go to Porto's.  I suggest you go online and look through their menu already because there is A LOT. . . like  A LOT to choose from!  At least when you go there, you already have an idea what to get.    

During our visit, I kept it simple and got the most popular items in the menu:

The famous Cheese Rolls (I suggest you buy a dozen because they come out cheaper and because they are simply gooood)

These cheese rolls have Cream Cheese inside as a filling

Potato Balls

The potato balls have a minced meat filling which is seasoned with some spices and then fried.  

They also have Cheese and Spicy Potato ball which I love because. . . well, I love cheese!  This potato ball has 4 cheeses (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago and Ricotta) mixed with roasted onions and a variety of peppers, yummmm!!!

Another item which friends have been raving about and which I haven't tried is their Tres Leches cake. 

It is a yellow sponge cake topped with a meringue (which was good, not overly sweet)

And has that milky, custardy-like syrup inside. . . .milk heaven!  (And I don't even like milk, haha!)

As I've mentioned, this place has lots of things to offer which means we are definitely coming back!  I want to try their Cubano sandwich (something I've never had!). . . oh and their Empanadas . . .and their Dulce de Leche cookies. . . and I heard their Fruit Tart is good . . . and. . . .the list just goes on.  Haha!

Porto's Bakery and Cafe

8233 Firestone Blvd,

Downey, CA 90241

For more details about Porto's products and locations, please visit their website.

Bangkok Finds and Pasalubong

Update as of July 2017:
I've also blogged about my own experience about Shopping in Bangkok during a trip to this amazing city last June.  Please click here to read more about it.

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As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I know two girls who are going to Bangkok!  Well, they are back!!!  And they are still on a high after being in Bangkok for four days and three nights!  How do they (my sister and our cousin) sum up their trip?  Their vacation days ARE NOT enough!  Haha! Must. come. back!  They have not even gone for a Thai massage and didn't get to do a proper food trip (they ate because they had to in places where they can---but still found the food to be good and cheap!). 

Two days were spent going on tours (Ayutthaya, Floating Market and the Reclining Bhudda) which basically ate their day plus Bangkok is also dealing with traffic congestion problems (something which Filipinos are accustomed to).  By the time they go back to their hotels, the malls/shops are nearing its closing time.  Some malls close at 5:30 pm.  They close and open shop early. Some of the shops even open at 8am!

Where to shop?
Bangkok is a shopping haven!  The girls stayed at Hotel Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam which is located above Platinum Mall, one of the more popular malls in Bangkok.  There are also two other shopping places near their hotel which sell goods that are even cheaper than Platinum Mall:  City Complex and Krung Thong Shopping Plaza.

For their other pasalubong items (like food, groceries), they went to the Big C Superstore, one of the biggest supermarket chains in Thailand.

Some shopping tips from my sister:
1. Bring cash. . . lots of it! Haha!
2. The vendors will give you a wholesale price when you buy at least 2 pcs. of the item
3. No return, no exchange
4. No fitting of garments. . . some vendors would allow you to do so but there are no fitting rooms, haha!

Here are my sister's Bangkok haul (well, some of them, haha) . . .

My sister brought home some fruits.  We also have these in the Philippines but it would be nice to taste how Bangkok's fruits compare to ours.

All of the fruits were good and sweet.  Philippines still have the best mangoes (these mangoes from BKK are sweet too!), their Makopa tastes better while the Atis and Jackfruit will always taste good to me because they are my favorite fruits, haha!.

Atis (Custard Apple)

Makopa (Wax Apple)

Langka (Jackfruit) . . . .SUPER Sweeeettt!

My sister also got these at the airport be and bought some. . .

 I like the middle one and the last one (round shape) best.  They are cookies with coconut and chocolate, yummm!!!

This local candy doesn't have any English translation.  It's so good!  It tastes like our local "bukayo" (a dessert made from coconut and sugar ) but with a crunch and chopped peanuts! 

There were some interesting stuff like a Lychee-flavored wafer, Roasted peanuts whose flavors include coffee (not overpowering) and Tom Yum (which we have yet to try)!  The Bangkok Cookies with Crab curry flavor are actually rice crackers.  

Some spices to add in our lives!

We tried the Thai Stir-Fry curry paste for dinner. . . .and it was gooood!  I just sauteed chicken with the sauce and added a little bit of oyster sauce and voila. . . dinner is served!

It tastes better than it looks! Haha!  There were no leftovers.

My mom loved the White Sesame Bar (on the left) because it was crunchy and wasn't too sweet (Chao Sua brand), I love dried dilis and we all loved this Birdy White Choco Mocha 3-in-1 drink (by Ajinomoto)!

Our cousin bought Nestea Milk Tea.  Guess what, I haven't tried drinking Thai Milk Tea at all!  I guess I better try it one of these days, haha!

Besides food and groceries, my sister got these cute clothes for the kids. . . my most favorite are the white shirts with animal patches on them.

Thank you Nang-nang for the pasalubong!

Cuteness!

And for the plus-size ladies. . . rejoice!!!  There is something for you in Bangkok. . . I know, in Bangkok?!!  Haha!  Gone are those days when the biggest size you can find is like the standard medium or large here in Philippines, haha!

   

My sister got a good deal for these clothes . . . some of these tops are even cheaper than a Big Mac Meal at McDonalds!

Other finds/buys . . .

Bangkok and its amazing colors as shown in these souvenirs . . . 

Clockwise from (L to R): Super cute coin purses, Embroidered bag, Throw Pillow covers

My pick!

They also found some people who personalize almost everything. . . . cellphone cases, key chains, notebooks, shoulder bags. . . 

Bag tags (on the left) and Passport cases (on the right)

If there is one word to describe the shopping experience in Bangkok. . . they said it was OVERWHELMING! They wish they had more shopping time!  I won't be surprised if they go back to Bangkok again just to eat and shop (til they drop)!  

These girls did a pretty good excellent  job in shopping. . .considering they had time constraints!   Haha!  Well done ladies!  Yep, nothing can come between girls and shopping!

Besides it is also a good exercise!!!

Image from www.shegoeswear.com

*(Thank you cousin A for sharing some of your Bangkok photos for this blog post) 


Sightseeing/Shopping Information:

Group Tours - Their group tours were booked online with Sun Leisure World

For food/grocery items, they went to the Big C Superstore.  Please click on this link for store locations.

Platinum Fashion Mall

222 Petchburi Rd, Bangkok

Open from 8AM-8PM

City Complex Pratunam - located at the opposite side of Platinum Mall

Open from 10AM-9PM 

Krung Thong Plaza

Branch 1: 813/8 Petchburi Rd. (Sol 21), Pratunam, Bangkok

Branch 2: 833 Petchburi Rd (Sol 17), Pratunam, Bangkok

Open daily: 9AM-6PM

I also found a blog which lists down places (and tips too!) to go for shopping in Bangkok.  I am bookmarking this for future use, haha!

Here is the link; 

http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/travel-guides/thailand/where-to-go-shopping-in-bangkok.html

Beauty Finds: Snoe Beauty Products

I'm not really into make-up.  My make-up would mean a light blush on the cheeks and some lipstick. IF I have time, I would put some BB cream and work on my eye brows.

While we were walking around the Metro Gaisano Dept. Store (in Marquee Mall here in our city), I was surprised to see a shelf full of Snoe (pronounced as snow-wee) Beauty products.

I heard about this Personal Care line from my younger sister (who learned about it from a friend) a couple of years ago.  Back then, the only way she can get hold of these products was by ordering online (through www.shopinas.com) and I remember her being satisfied with her beauty haul. 

As I was checking Snoe's shelf, I was happy to see this particular shade of cheek blush!  I've been looking for something like this (the orangey, coral-ish shade/tone suits me better vs pinks) for some time now.

The name of this shade?  PATIENCE!
Something I need these days, Haha!

I also tried their Eye Brow Mascara  . . .

and Pore Erasing Powder on my nose. . .

I was so happy with the cheek blush because it looked natural and blended well (easily) into my skin. It was also easy to apply (I just used my finger tips, haha!).  I also like that this blush has natural ingredients like Amazonian clay.  As written in the box:

"Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin. . .It helps nourish and hydrate dry skin and restore complexion harmony. "

It also has Pomegranate, Acai Berry and Acerola Cherry which are great anti-oxidants.

As for the brow mascara (one of their bestsellers), I love the color (Khaki) and how it enhanced my brows.  The powder was just okay.  I have to try it again, haha!

The only concern I had was they are pricey.  The Cheek Blush is Php 899!

But I BELIEVE and I SUPPORT Filipino entrepreneurs (Snoe is proudly Philippine made) . . . so I did!

And I believe in taking care of one's self and doing whatever would make you feel good!    

My cousin got hold of these. . . . a Sun Block which smells sooo good (it contains Acai Berry and Singkamas extract!) and a Toner. (around Php 250 each) 

My sister swears by this Lippy Cheeky tint (also one of their customers' top picks) . . .

Snoe has LOOOTTTS of products to offer besides Make-up!  They have something for the Hair, Bath and Body, Skin and Acne treatment, etc.

Here's one that is interesting . . .

It has Botox Serum!

I'm loving their Hair Heroes' line as well . . .

Their Bestseller . . .an Intensive Conditioner with Morrocan Argan Oil!  My sister has tried this before and was happy about it.

Snoe products come in nice packaging and some of them even have cool and witty names like . . .

How cute ano?  Whoever thought of these names is a genius!

For more details about Snoe and its product line, please visit their web page (where you can also find their shopping site).

I've googled and found a blog post (Nov. 2012) which lists down their branches.  I am sure there are new additions to this list.  Hope you find one and be pleasantly surprised like I was! =)

Let's support our Filipino entrepreneurs!