Subscribe to Pleasure in Simple Things via RSS ReaderFollow Pleasure in Simple Things on InstagramFollow @InSimpleThings on TwitterLike Pleasure In Simple Things on FacebookFollow Pleasure In Simple Things on PinterestEmail Jackie

Tag: travel


boba addiction

28
June

strawberry jasmine tea fresca

Starch balls made from a cassava/yucca shrub!  Yes, that is what boba is and tea drinks made from these balls are my current addiction!

You have seen me post about bubble tea before.  But, in California, it is available everywhere and I was able to consume it daily on my visit!

The term boba references the entire drink-plus-toppings, the most popular topping being tapioca pearls (which also happen to be called boba).  The drink as a whole is also known as bubble tea.

drinking Boba Guys

Boba — the drink in its entirety – originates from Taiwan.  Originally, boba pearls were used in shaved ice desserts and paired with syrups, beans, and rice balls.  Milk tea was also consumed regularly and thankfully, someone decided to merge the two, creating the wonderfully delicious drink I happen to adore!

Boba culture made its way to America through Taiwanese neighborhoods and blossomed near college campuses and high schools, where students would gather for study groups.  Probably the strong Asian influence is the reason the drink is so much more popular in California than here on the East Coast.

waiting in line at Boba Guys

Boba is the quintessential topping at any tea parlor. Once these balls of cassava root are rolled into bite size bunches, they’re boiled and flavored, often with brown sugar or honey.  The result is a subtly sweet, chewy addition to a tea drink.  If you’re trying milk tea for the first time, I’d definitely recommend going classic and adding boba – the best part of the drink!

seasonal menu at Boba Guys

To make it even more confusing – my favorite milk tea drink during the time I was in California contained no milk at all!  My favorite drink was strawberry jasmine tea fresca…so yummy!  And, I got this at my favorite place to get boba – Boba Guys!   The line at Boba Guys was typically down the street – for good reason!  Be sure to visit if you happen to be on the West Coast!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on boba addiction | field trips, travel

what’s a woolly fig?

17
May

amazing tree roots

I often say my life runs in themes, and it really does!

If you thought the banyan tree on Tuesday was the end of my fascination with trees, you were wrong!  I am leaving you this week with one last tree!  Like the banyan, this tree is also located in Fort Myers, Florida.

tree

Look at those roots!!  I hope you think it is as cool as I do!

tree roots

Thanks for stopping by!

woolly tree roots

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on what’s a woolly fig? | field trips, garden, travel

hollywood swingin’

26
April

Sinatra at Chinese Theatre

I guess everyone needs to make a quick swing by the Chinese Theatre movie palace when in Hollywood!  After all, it is the most sought-after theatre in Hollywood for studio premieres!  And, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is right there!

I wasn’t interested in looking at every star on my visit, but I did find a couple I thought were pretty cool to look at!

Chinese Theatre

And a footprint or two were interesting as well!

Shirley Temple

Whose star would cause you to stop and take a photo?

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on hollywood swingin’ | celebrity, field trips, travel

cali beach dreams

5
April

Dana Point view

With temperatures reaching in the 60’s this past weekend in Connecticut, thinking ahead to beach days is definitely in order!

rocks and sun at Laguna Niguel

sunset at Laguna Niguel

bird of paradise

For today’s Friday field trip, in honor of warmer weather glimpses, some of my favorite outdoor photos from my last trip to the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel!

Laguna Niguel Ritz

RitzCarlton view

guard stand at Laguna Niguel

Have a wonderful weekend!

Laguna Niguel Ritz Carlton beach

rocks on Laguna Niguel beach

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

 

Comments Off on cali beach dreams | field trips, sand & sea

living like a local

22
March

the OC

I did want to live like a local on my recent excursion to Orange County, California.  I was told one thing I had to experience, if I was indeed living like a local, was a burger from In-N-Out.  I guess the equivalent of a McDonalds or Burger King on the East Coast is In-N-Out on the West Coast.

I was game.  So, my friends took me for a late dinner one night to give it a try.  I admit – the burger was good.  But, more interesting by far was the menu.  Or, I should say, lack of menu.

burger at in n out

There was a whole ‘secret’ menu going on!  To simply order something from the menu meant missing out on a bunch of interesting choices from the ‘secret’ menu – all the choices that were not written down anywhere, but could be ordered if you happened to know the ‘secret’ names!

As an East Coaster, of course I knew none of the ‘secret’ names, but my friends did.  That is how I happened to order a burger ‘Protein Style.’  Instead of placing my burger in a bun, the meat was simply wrapped up in fresh lettuce.  Perfect for me!  It tasted even better knowing it was a ‘secret’ menu item!

meal at in n out

Some of the other ‘secret’ items the locals can order?  ‘Animal Style Fries’.  This seems to be a must-have for Californians.  The famous hand cut fries from In-N-Out are smothered in cheese, grilled onions, and then topped with a glob of their secret spread.  It seemed everyone around me was enjoying these babies!

Next time I happen to be in the vicinity of an In-N-Out, I think I would try ‘The Flying Dutchman’ – this is two perfectly cooked meat patties held together with a few slices of melted cheese in the middle…I do like some cheese with my burger!

In n out burger sign

All and all- a really fun trip with my friends to my first In-N-Out tasting!  In addition to ordering from the ‘secret’ menu, I think the food tasted that much better because we stopped for dinner after being stuck in SoCal traffic for hours!  Living like a local!

Thanks for stopping by Friday field trip!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Thanks D & R for a fabulous time!

Comments Off on living like a local | field trips, food & festivities

change of scenery

19
March

flowers at Laguna Niguel

There is nothing better than a change of scenery once in a while.  A recent work trip took me to the opposite coast for a change of more than just environment. Visiting California was like living a different lifestyle for a short while.  It came at the perfect time.  I am going through so many changes at home and the trip to California helped ‘reset’ my perspective on life.

The best part of the trip was reconnecting with a childhood friend.  Though we hadn’t seen each other in many years, once we were reunited, it almost seemed like no time had gone by at all!

CA dreaming

My brief time in the OC (Orange Country, California) was jam-packed!  I came home so refreshed – satisfied from a job well done and grateful for the chance to get together with a long-time friend – as well as meeting some new ones!

CA scenery

Get ready for some glimpses of Cali in the posts ahead!

Hope your week is starting off great!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on change of scenery | inspiration, sand & sea, travel

white sandy beach

5
February

beach at the Fairmont Scottsdale

On a recent work trip, I was shocked to discover a white sandy beach at my hotel.  Why?  I was in Arizona!

The sandy beach located at the sixth and largest pool at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is Arizona’s only white sand beach.  A 7,000-square-foot pool and 830 tons of white sand beach allow plenty of room for kicking up your heels (or, in my case, boots – I was in the west after all!) on the shore or enjoying a cocktail at the swim-up bar at Sunset Beach.

white sand beach in Arizona

The resort hauled in 830 tons of white sand from Florida for the 9,000-square-foot beach surrounding the pool. It’s the same pricey sand that’s used in the bunkers at the resort’s golf course – home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

white sand in Arizona

The Fairmont has fabulous drink menus.  How about trying a Scottsdale Buck (gin, lemon, prickly pear, and ginger beer) or a Salted Cucumber Gimlet (gin, lime, cucumber and salt)?  On weekends, Sunset Beach serves drinks in coconuts…so fun!

boots at the beach

I didn’t so much regret not getting the chance to try some of the interesting cocktails served at the Fairmont – I was there on a work assignment after all!  But, as a coffee drinker, I very much regretted not getting the chance to try one of the 6 varieties of flaming coffees served at the Fairmont’s restaurant La Hacienda!  Has anyone ever tried one?

I guess I have to be content in knowing I drank an herbal iced tea sitting on the white sand at Sunset Beach!

drinking on the Arizona beach

I hope you enjoyed today’s post.  I thought it was appropriate for today’s heat wave – it’s in the 30’s instead of single digit temperatures here in Connecticut!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on white sandy beach | sand & sea, travel

dreaming of warmer days

11
January

waves in Naples FL

This time of year always makes me wish for warmer weather.  So, why not share some with you today on Friday field trip!

In Naples Florida

These photos were taken on my last visit to Naples, Florida.  I walked with some friends down the Naples pier and snapped these pics…it makes me warm just thinking about it!

visiting Naples, FL

blue skies in Naples, FL

Enjoy!

pier in Naples FLA

Have a wonderful weekend.  Thanks for stopping by!

mosiac turtle

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on dreaming of warmer days | field trips, sand & sea

la mercerie cafe nyc

15
June

table at Le Mercerie

I love design centers – particularly in New York City – they are SO inspiring!  One of my favorite places to meander around while in the city is ABC Carpet & Home.   But recently I heard some buzz about a new furniture and lighting store in Soho and I was curious!

La Mercerie sign

baked items at Le Mercerie

I used a free scrap of time while in NYC recently to check out Roman & Williams Guild.  I knew La Mercerie Café and Emily Thompson Flowers were located at the Guild as well and my plan was to check out Roman & Williams and the flower shop while visiting the French café for a coffee or tea.

Mountain laurel at RW

My plan worked out perfectly since the café was my favorite part of the visit!  It is the perfect spot for a coffee or tea and dessert.  (Breakfast or an all-day menu is available.)

flower perfection

Emily Thompson flowers

I did take a casual stroll around the furniture store (well beyond my personal budget), but the aesthetic of the surroundings while seated in the café – with Emily Thompson’s wares in full sight – is what I found most inspiring!

wall painting at La Mercerie

peony love

I hope you enjoy some photos of my visit on today’s Friday field trip.  I would add La Mercerie Café to your list of places to visit while in the city.

view at Le Mercerie

sitting at Le Mercerie

Have a wonderful weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

Roman and Williams Guild

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on la mercerie cafe nyc | field trips, food & festivities, travel

olympic training center, colorado

18
May

US Olympic Team sign

Do you know what one thing in Colorado Springs exists in only three places in the United States?   The United States Olympic Training Center (OTC)!

(The other two campuses are in Lake Placid, New York and Chula Vista, California.)

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to tour the Colorado Springs campus with a fun group of people while in Colorado – the first of the three to be built and also the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

OTC Entrance in CO

Some athletes preparing for the Olympics, Paralympics, and Pan American Games live at the OTCs for a period of months or years, while others visit periodically with their respective national teams for training camps, coaching, or physical testing.  (Although foreign national teams are occasionally granted use of the US OTCs, they are used mainly by athletes from the United States.)

Athletes

The best part of the tour?  It was given by athletes!  Our group was treated to conversation with paralympic gold medalist, 2-time world champion in the paratriathlon, Allysa Seely and U.S. skeleton athlete, Stephen Garbett.

Olympic training in CO

Since Colorado Springs is situated near the base of Pikes Peak (at the eastern edge of the southern Rocky Mountains), the view of one of the most famous American mountains is visible from most parts of the OTC.

Boxing ring OTC CO

The high elevation of the OTC (located on the former Ent Air Force Base) is thought to improve training effectiveness.  Its facilities include a swimming pool, an indoor shooting range, the Olympic Training Center Velodrome, two sports centers housing numerous gymnasiums and weight room, and a sport science laboratory, in addition to an athlete center and dining hall, several dormitories, a visitors’ center, and the offices of both the USCO and U.S. Paralympics.

gymnast OTC CO

Even when Pikes Peak is not in view, there are awesome mountain views from most angles.  I was particularly impressed by the magnificent mountain view from the  2nd floor indoor track in one of the sport center buildings – what a view to enjoy while running!

weight room at OTC with mountain view

I highly recommend an Olympic Training Center tour if you ever find yourself near one of the locations – it is an inspiring experience, for sure!

restroom sign

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on olympic training center, colorado | field trips, travel

« Previous Entries     Next Entries »

↑ Back to top