Visit California: Napa Valley Rydables

 

Looking for something out of the ordinary while in Napa Valley? Then, Napa Valley Rydables may just be the fun you are looking for! The company offers a variety of guided tours through downtown Napa. The cute furry Rydables or electric scooters are ADA compliant and can hold up to 350 pounds.

Our group of six went on the 6:30pm After Hours tour. After signing waivers and choosing our Rydables, we had a safety brief before we were off on our one-hour adventure. Operating the Rydable was simple and a lot of fun with the group. We even stopped at a cute bar for some drinks and pictures. Although perfect for birthday and group celebrations, Rydables are also a family friendly experience. Read more about their FAQs here!

Fun time in downtown Napa!

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Solight Design MEGAPUFF Review + Discount

2026 has been devastating to the islands in terms of storms.  First it was the Kona Lows, then hurricane Lala, and most recently hurricane Lowell, and one of the biggest lessons learned is that alternate sources of power are critical.  Whether through batteries or solar, we need to find ways to be less dependent on the grid.

I was fortunate to receive Solight Design's MEGAPUFF™ Solar Lantern & Phone Charger - Power Bank to review, which provides a source of light as well as power to charge devices, such as your phone.  

It's very easy to operate, and the fact that it can be recharged via solar is a huge plus. 

Many of us rely on our phones to communicate and get information, and I think the MEGAPUFF's ability to charge your phone can really come in handy during extended power outages.  

Watch the video below for the full review.  

You still have time to take advantage of a 20% discount with code LIGHTAFTERLALA2026 (expires September 21, 2026).  

I really liked the usefulness of the MEGAPUFF - I ended up buying some to gift (stay tuned for a giveaway!). 

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Koko Head Cafe

Brunch Koko Head Cafe is always a great idea.

 
I have so many faves there, and one of them is the Chicky & Eggs. The tempura-fried chicken is complemented by silky French-style scrambled eggs, and the maple Tabasco gives a nice sweet, spicy, and acidic kick that pulls everything together.

Of course we had to get dumplings, and the Garlic Butter Shrimp Dumplings did not disappoint.

The Local Breakfast Plate allows you to choose from a number of options, like Egg Whites, Bacon, a Side Salad, and The Best Hash Brown Ever, which I got to try (I've had my share of hash browns, and it really was the best I've ever tried).

We had a nice brunch, and service was great!

Koko Head Cafe

1120 12th Ave #100

Honolulu, HI 96816

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Moonga Asian Bistro

With the boys away at camp, we finally had a chance for a little date night! Moonga Asian Bistro in Kaneohe has been on our radar for a while, so we figured it was the perfect opportunity to finally give it a try.

Moonga is a relatively new addition to the Windward side, having opened in 2024. It's an Asian bistro with a menu that covers a LOT of ground—Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes, along with sushi, sashimi and vegetarian options.

We decided to keep things simple and ordered the Pad Thai, Tempura Appetizer and Chirashi. For dessert, we couldn't resist trying the Tempura Ice Cream.

The food was not bad, and I think the biggest appeal of Moonga is the variety. If you're dining with someone who wants Thai while you're craving sushi—or you're with a group where everyone has a different preference—there are plenty of options to choose from.

I also really liked the atmosphere. It's comfortable and relaxed, making it a nice spot for a casual dinner or date night.

I wouldn't consider this a destination restaurant. But if you're in Kaneohe and looking for a comfortable restaurant with a huge variety of Asian dishes, check out Moonga.

 MOONGA ASIAN BISTRO

46-018 KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY

KANEOHE

808-367-0697

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Visit Alaska: Eklutna Lake

If you're visiting Anchorage, I highly recommend a stop at Eklutna Lake, which is just about an hour away by car. 

It was absolutely breathtaking (my youngest said it's one of the most amazing places he's ever been to).

There is a self-pay parking station where you pay a fee to park.  It's just $5 - don't be like that guy who said "I don't need to pay, I'll only be here for 5 minutes."  He ended up staying for at least 20, but even if it was just for 5 minutes, pay the fee.  There is a reason behind the fee - maintenance of facilities, trails, etc.  Entitled people, especially entitled tourists, is why opportunities get taken away.

But I digress . . . 

It was overcast the day we went, so we didn't get to see much of the turquoise waters, but it was still stunning.  The glacier flour / mud can get pretty unstable - one of my shoes sunk in pretty deep, and we all had a lot of mud to scrape off our shoes before getting back into our rental car. 

You can take the scenic drive along the lake, go on hikes, camp, and even canoe and fish on the lake.

You have to see it in person.  It is absolutely breathtaking. 

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Sushi Izakaya Gaku

It was my first time at Sushi Izakaya Gaku, and we had a feast! I didn't realize we ordered so much — the food kept coming! I had so many faves — the croquettes, karaage, kakuni, shumai, tofu . . . and the cheesecake was amazing!

Two of the three of us don't eat a lot of raw fish, but we all enjoyed the Torotaku.

Yudetate Irodori Onyasai

Tofu & Mochi Agedashi

Homemade Shumai

Chawanmushi

Yuzu Daikon Hakusai

New Zealand Spinach & Shimeji Mushroom Ohitashi

Dashimaki Tamago

Torotaku

Tori Karaage

Jaga Butter Mentaiko

Gaku's T.N.T.

Seared Braised Pork Belly Kakuni

Creamy Crab & Pumpkin Croquettes

Yuzu Cheesecake & Vanilla Ice Cream

Warabi Mochi & Matcha Ice Cream

Sushi Izakaya Gaku
1329 S King St

Honolulu, HI 96814

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Dough Boi

Thank you to Nadia for delivering Dough Boi!

Each container includes 10 balls of dough that you can pop into the oven straight from the fridge or freezer.

It's perfect to have on hand for last minute guests or when the cookie cravings strike (and it strikes often in my house).

Check out @doughboi_hi on IG for how to order and to see what flavors are available!

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