Brittany Nicole

Easy Hike Near Honolulu (Oahu, Hawaii Travel Diary!)

April 4, 2018 in Hawaii, Travel

As you probably know, a couple weeks ago Eihab and I traveled to Oahu, Hawaii for our babymoon. Getting out of the cold and rainy weather couldn’t have come at a better time, and I wanted to share everything we did with you all in case you ever get to visit this beautiful island! One of my favorite activities we did was when we went on an easy hike near Honolulu. It was great to get outside and do something different together, and the views were absolutely incredible!

*This post is not sponsored and may contain affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.*

Favorite Easy Hike Near Honolulu!

Going on a hike was one of the top activities on my Babymoon to-do list. I knew I hadn’t been exercising enough during my pregnancy, and Eihab and I both could use a little fresh air. We chose Diamond Head Crater Trail for our hike because it’s super close to downtown Honolulu, was listed as “easy,” and has stunning 360° views!

To get to the start of this hike is super easy. You can literally just look up “Diamond Head Crater Trail” in the map app on your phone and it will take you right to it. It was pretty quick to get to; we stayed in the heart of Waikiki and made it to the trail in about 30 minutes with traffic. The drive is also really gorgeous because there are a few lookout spots you can stop at along the way!

You’ll know when you get to the parking area because there’s a toll booth (it’s $5.00 per car or $1.00 per person if you are walking). I’d definitely recommend bringing your own snacks and water, but if you forget anything there’s a small stand that sells all the necessities. There are also bathrooms!

When you’re ready to start the hike, just follow the signs and the trail. It’s paved for the first 1/3 of the way, and only difficult for about the last 1/3. I did the hike in wedge sandals, which I would not recommend LOL but I made it at 3 months pregnant and without injury, so it’s really not that bad 😉

One of my favorite things about these easy hike is that there are tons of view spots along the way. If you get tired or want to take a break, there’s plenty of opportunity and you get to look out over the ocean as you do it!

Physicality wise, this hike is definitely on the easy side, if you are someone who is in average physical condition. Even though I’m pregnant, I still consider myself pretty fit, and I had no trouble with this hike. Eihab is not much of a hiker or someone who enjoys working out, so the hike was a bit tougher for him.

The weather and the sun can also be a factor in how difficult it is. We went around 1:00pm on a warm day with lots of sun, and we definitely felt it. However, there is a nice breeze in a couple of spots, and the hike is only about 1.6 miles roundtrip. I won’t lie, the last 1/3 of the hike is steep, rocky, and has about 175 stairs steps! But the view at the top definitely makes the whole thing worth it!

I would definitely recommend this hike to anyone, regardless of fitness level! We saw a variety of people on the trail, and as long as you bring your water and a snack (and wear appropriate clothing lol) then you’ll be fine! Also, don’t forget to make sure your phone or camera is charged as you’ll want to take A LOT of photos!

Do you have any suggestions for an easy hike near Honolulu? I really wanted to find some that had waterfalls, so leave us a comment if you know of any good ones!

xo,

Hat is from either Forever XXI or H&M, I honestly can’t remember LOL. Dress is Bobeau (size S) from Adorn NE Fremont, my backpack is from Target! Eihab’s sunglasses are Ray Ban’s in case you’re interested 😉

First Trimester Symptoms & Experience (Prego Update!!)

March 30, 2018 in Life, Pregnancy

Happy Friday! Today is an exciting day for me because it marks the start of a new blogging chapter. I decided to start a “pregnancy” section of my blog to share some of my experiences, and I hope to use it as a way to connect with others who have gone through or may be going through the same things. I thought it would be good to start off with a general pregnancy update just to get the ball rolling 🙂 So this first post is going to be all about my first trimester symptoms and experiences (and please feel free to leave me advice below, cause girl, I need it!). *This post is not sponsored and may contain affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.* Pregnancy Update So I’m currently 17 weeks and 1 day pregnant according to my due date. This means I’ve been in my second trimester for almost 4 weeks (first trimester ends at roughly 13 weeks and 3 days). Learning all the pregnancy lingo and signs and symptoms were pretty easy for me, but there were a few surprises!Weird First Trimester SymptomsI had a lot of the normal first trimester symptoms, like extreme fatigue, nausea, sore boobs, etc. But a couple symptoms I experienced were a little concerning, weird, and gross LOL. The first was cramping. I guess I just never realized that cramping throughout the first trimester was normal, and not a sign of miscarriage. We’re taught to freak out if we have period cramps or spotting during pregnancy, but really it’s just your uterus stretching to accommodate it’s new tenant. Secondly, and this may be TMI but…the discharge! #OMG I didn’t realize my vagina would turn in to Niagara Falls, but there it was. It’s something that’s mentioned, sure. “You might experience increased discharge…” But let’s be real, the internet should actually just tell you your body is creating it’s very own slip and slide. My First Trimester ExperienceI feel pretty lucky compared to most mom-to-be’s because my first trimester went rather smoothly. I was extremely tired, but that was probably the worst first trimester symptom. Honestly it was so bad that some days I couldn’t even get off the couch. I didn’t work out at all during the entire first trimester, which is a huge change for me. I used to workout 4-6 days a weeks for an hour to an hour and a half. So this was a drastic change for my body. Even though it was a change for me, I felt like it was needed. I tend to push myself pretty hard, so listening to my body and just allowing myself to rest was probably exactly what I needed.Ok, ok, I’m sure you’re wondering “but what about the morning sickness?!” Well, I got pretty lucky in that area. I had a lot of nausea that would start around 11:00am and last till dinner time, but I only threw up a handful of times. Trust me, I’m thanking my lucky stars on that one.The Emotional AspectAll in all, my first trimester went fairly well! The hardest part for me was internal. I know this is totally ridiculous and no one seems to understand how I feel, but the physical change in my body shape has been the toughest thing for me to deal with emotionally. I don’t want to seem vain, but I was pretty proud of my body before I got pregnant. I had worked for a year and a half to lose 40lbs, and I went from a size 14 to a size 4 during that time. So watching my abs disappear, my legs and arms swell up, and my waist start to disappear has been really hard on me emotionally. I’m trying to change my perspective as I am SO GRATEFUL for this little girl growing inside me, it’s just been a hard change. If any of you mommy’s have a perspective you’d like to share, please leave me a comment! I really would appreciate the advise 🙂 !function(d,s,id){ var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https'; if(!d.getElementById(id)) { e = d.createElement(s); e.id = id; e.src = p + '://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js'; d.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') { window.__stp.init(); } }(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script'); Turn on your JavaScript to view content Thanks so much for reading, and please let me know what other pregnancy related posts you’d like to see! xo,B Leave a Comment Sweater is from Zara, jeans are BLANKNYC from Nordstrom Rack, shoes are Enzo Angiolini from DSW, backpack is from Target.Photos taken by Rachel Cossette Photography and edited by me.

Top 5 Travel Essentials

March 28, 2018 in Travel

Happy Hump-Day! To keep the travel theme from last week going, I wanted to share with you a few items that I literally always bring with me when I travel. I’m not going to list the obvious things (underwear, deodorant…you get the gist), just my top 5 travel essentials that make traveling amazing! *This post is not sponsored and may contain affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.* My Travel Essentials 1. SunglassesSeriously, nothing is worse than the sun in your eyes when you’re trying to explore. Plus, those squinty-eyed photos? Not IG worthy, my friend. I love switching up my sunnies depending on my look, and I’ve linked a few of my current fave’s below! 2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50This is my go-to sunscreen for two reasons: 1.) it’s non-greasy and hydrating, so I can actually wear it on my face, and 2.) it’s super long lasting! I only have to apply once during the day and I have all day coverage. #yassss I will say though, this stuff dries pretty quickly, so make sure you don’t miss a spot! !function(d,s,id){ var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https'; if(!d.getElementById(id)) { e = d.createElement(s); e.id = id; e.src = p + '://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js'; d.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') { window.__stp.init(); } }(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script'); Turn on your JavaScript to view content 3. Water bottle and snacksOne thing I’m notorious for is always having snacks with me. Even before I was pregnant, I would get downright HANGRY if I didn’t eat every couple hours, so having food with me at all times is essential. Some of my favorites are Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Kind Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut granola bars, and Goldfish snacks. I also always have my Corkcicle canteen with me because it keeps my water cold for 24 hours! 4. CashOk, this one might sound kind of weird…but it’s absolutely essential! If you’ve ever been stuck in a foreign country with no cash and an ATM card that won’t work, then you know what I’m talking about. Seriously, even if it’s just $100, bring some cash and hide it away, you never know when it might come in handy.5. Beauty products and makeupThere are a few beauty products I always travel with, regardless of if I’m off to the city, a tropical vacation, or a backpacking trip. The first is a cleanser. I usually either take a trial size if I have one, and if not, I just take whichever cleanser I’ve been using lately. I recently started trying this Julep cleansing sponge though and I think it would be perfect for travel!Second, is a face mist. Caudalie Beauty Elixir is my go-to, always has been (and probably always will be). It even comes in the perfect travel size!Third is a moisturizer. It’s important that it be hydrating but also still be able to layer over my sunscreen, so I’ve been using the Aloette Get Hydrated Oil-Free Moisturizer. It has aloe vera extract which serves a dual purpose – soothes the skin if you happen to get a sunburn, and helps to reduce redness.The last beauty product I always travel with is an under eye cream. I don’t really have a ride-or-die in this department, but lately I’ve been using the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff. It’s great for my dark circles!I only travel with three main makeup products every time – mascara, a brow pencil, and brow gel. That’s all I really need for the basics, and I’ve linked the products I use above! Do you have any items you can’t travel without? Leave me a comment below and let me know! xo,B

Affordable & Romantic Day Date Ideas

March 26, 2018 in Life, Style

Sometimes finding a new and romantic way to celebrate love can be tricky. Eihab and I have been together for almost six years, and we’ve gone on a lot of dates. I’m constantly trying to think of ways to keep our dates fresh, and I wanted to share some of my favorite romantic day date ideas with you all! *This post is not sponsored and may contain affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.* My Favorite Kinda Dates For some reason I’m really partial day dates. There’s something so special about getting to spend the day with your main squeeze! Eihab and I work opposite schedules, so it always feels extra good when we get time together during the day. Plus, I’m not much of a night owl, so I have a hard time actually staying awake for traditional evening dates LOL.However, just because a date occurs during the day doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be romantic! There are so many ways to even make your everyday tasks romantic, which means a romantic day date is also possible #YaFeel?? I’ve put a list together of my ten favorite ways to spend a day with my hubby that’s both inexpensive and romantic. 10 Romantic Day Date Ideas 1. Take a drive. Portland is such a beautiful city and sometimes I’ll take the scenic route home just to look at the beautiful scenery. Take a little afternoon drive with your love. Go slow, talk, laugh, listen to music. You might notice something about where you live that you hadn’t before.2. Go out to a fancy brunch. Get all glammed up and make reservations at that trendy brunch place you’ve been dying to check out. Just because it’s daytime doesn’t mean you can’t feel fancy! 3. Sleep in together, then make breakfast and have it in bed. Maybe put on some music or the news to really set the mood LOL4. Hit up your local farmer’s market! If you live in a bigger city, I guarantee there are local markets you can check out. Try all the samples, grab a coffee, and peruse yummy food your area has to offer. Guys – be sure to by your love a bouquet of flowers 😉 !function(d,s,id){ var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https'; if(!d.getElementById(id)) { e = d.createElement(s); e.id = id; e.src = p + '://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js'; d.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') { window.__stp.init(); } }(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script'); Turn on your JavaScript to view content 5. Google a “top 10 tourist attraction” list for where you live, and go check them out! You’d be surprised what there is to do around you that you never knew of.6. Go wine, beer, cider, or spirit tasting. Wine tasting is easily one of my favorite romantic day date activities. Plus I have it good, my hubby doesn’t drink wine so I always have a DD (hehe).7. DO NOTHING…together. Last weekend Eihab and I literally did nothing. We sat on the couch and binge watched Homeland LOL. Honestly I don’t think I even left the house on Sunday. But it’s such a treat to get to do that together, it almost makes you feel like nothing else exists but the two of you 🙂8. Go to a matinee! Like I said above, I have the hardest time staying up late. This pretty much means late night movies are out of the question for me, so I love a good matinee! Plus, they’re way cheaper and less crowded. #bonus 9. Take a hike. No, seriously, go on a hike together. If one of you isn’t really that outdoorsy, try something easy. My favorite hikes are sunrise hikes (be sure to take a bottle of champagne to pop at the top!). I mean come on though, watching the sun rise with your love while drinking some bubbly…how much more romantic can it get?!10. Go on a picnic! This one is pretty versatile, cause you can have a picnic at the park, on the beach, in your living room…seriously the possibilities are endless! And if you’re one of those people who have a cute basket and red and white checkered blanket, well…I love you even more LOL. What’s the best romantic day date you’ve ever been on? Leave me a comment below and let me know! I obviously have a ton of ideas, but I’m always looking for new and fun things to do with my boo during the day 🙂 xo,B Leave a comment Dress is Leith from Nordstrom, heels are Forever XXI, jewelry is from the Lavenda Memory X Ann Revere Jewelry collaboration.Photos taken by Rachel Cossette Photography and edited by me.

Oahu, Hawaii Babymoon Bucket List!

March 12, 2018 in Hawaii, Life, Pregnancy, Travel

Well, you’ve probably guessed from the title but…SURPRISE, I’m pregnant! We found out on Christmas morning that we’re expecting our first little one, and we couldn’t be more excited! A couple weeks after we found out I discovered a great deal on our timeshare to Honolulu, so...

Sample Post with Quotes

March 6, 2018 in Beauty, Lifestyle

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas sollicitudin leo purus, vel aliquam nisi sagittis vel. Donec facilisis dictum massa sit amet cursus. Nam pharetra sodales rhoncus. Fusce vitae velit eu mi vulputate mollis sit amet in sapien. Nunc sodales ligula fringilla ante porta vehicula. Integer ut...

Left Sidebar Sample Post

March 3, 2018 in Family, Lifestyle

Sample Posts with Headings

March 3, 2018 in Beauty

Connect

Favorite Easy Hike Near Honolulu!

Archives