Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure Trip 2019

  
This was my first time visiting Universal Studios, I've been to Disney World many times when I was younger but never Universal Studio. So I planned a quick getaway 3 days 2 nights from Philadelphia to Orlando Florida. It was an AM flight from PHL and landed in MCO around noon. Uber was my mode of transportation to where I was staying for 2 nights. I booked at the Universal Studios resort Loews Royal Pacific because it had a Hawaiian Polynesian feel. Everyone that worked there greeted you with "Aloha". The check-in process was quick even though it was only noon, I wasn't charged anything for getting there early. It must be the fact that I came on off-season late September. The room key card is your Express Fast Pass for the parks to "skip the lines".
       
In order to get to the parks, we can take the bus shuttle or the water taxi. FYI, all three days that I've been to the parks, I have taken the water taxi as it is the most convenient. I have seen everyone buy a $12-14 lanyard for the parks pass but I got a waterproof phone pouch from the Victoria Secret outlet over at the International Outlets 5 minutes from the park for $3 instead to put my park pass in. 

I was surprised how much Sanrio Hello Kitty stuff was at the parks and Universal Studios Store. I got a Hello Kitty cup from there. I loved the Harry potter portion of the parks. I got a few things including a Hufflepuff shirt, keychain, passport holder and pumpkin juice. I love the frozen butterbeer (not alcoholic) and got it twice.


  

The Simpson area was interesting but the waterparks were nice especially when it's 95F outside. I enjoyed the Jurassic Park ride the most but I hated the candid picture at the end.


     


We visited City Walk a couple times dining at Cowfish which is a sushi and burger joint and The Chocolate Factory.








The next morning, we had the Polynesian Buffet at the Lowes Royal Pacific Resort.



Below are some of the goodies that I brought during this trip.

Las Vegas Trip 2019

I visited Las Vegas, Nevada this past March for the first time and had a great experience. It was 70-80F and sunny during the three days I was there. We flew American Airlines and landed to my surprise with slots at the gates of the airport. We uber to the hotel-MGM Grand, drop our things and we took the RTS bus (you can buy a 3-day pass for $20 using the mobile app) to the Venetian. The RTS consist of the Deuce and the SDX, the Deuce is a double decker local bus and the SDX is the Strip and Downtown Express.

We took the Deuce from the MGM Grand to the Venetian to grab brunch at Bouchon. I ordered the *Petit Déjeuner Américaine which is two eggs any style with bacon, sausage & potato croquettes with toasted whole wheat, a Bouchon Bakery pastry, fresh juice & Bouchon blend coffee with a total of $23.50 I chose the Almond croissant as my bakery pastry and grapefruit juice. I love the Bouchon blend coffee. After we walked to the Wynn stop and caught the SDX to the North Vegas Outlet. I purchased my very first Michael Kors bag. It was an Emmy Large Saffiano Leather Dome Satchel, however, I went home the following week and saw it on the regular Michael Kors sale section for cheaper--the same exact bag. You can take the SDX fro the North Vegas Outlet to the South Vegas Outlet. If you like convenience and luxurious brands, I would recommend you to stick to the North Vegas Outlet. The North Vegas outlet has the bus stop directly across from each other, however, the South Vegas Outlet has a Downtown stop but you would have to get back on the same stop and take it to the last stop and back around passing the South Vegas Outlet to get yourself back to the Strip. The South Vegas Outlet also doesn't have as many luxurious brands and the stores and selection are slightly smaller. However during my experience at both outlet, I feel the locals prefer the South Vegas outlet, which has a huge parking lot and the tourists flock to the North Vegas outlet.




After visiting the North Vegas Outlet, we were 20 minutes late to our “O" BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL® show. It is a must see, I highly recommend it. It was a water show and the stunts were amazing. For dinner, we went across the street from the Bellagio to Planet Hollywood for the Gordon Ramsay Burger. There was a 30 minute wait and we were seated at the bar. We ordered the Onion rings, burnt Ends Poutine and Hog Burger. I love the burnt ends poutine, it is a huge portion well enough for two people without ordering a burger. I was disappointed at the Hog Burger, it wasn't fully cooked and it was too greasy for my taste. The bacon was too fatty, but I did like the pickles in the mix.

The next day we took the SDX to Fremont and noticed a different atmosphere, a more mellow feeling in the casinos here. You should buy all your souvenirs on this place for cheaper. We took the SDX bus back and got off at Bellagio and walked passed the Fountain and to Casear Palace for the Bucchanal Buffet. Even with the VIP package, you still have to get in line to another line which was about 30-45 minutes for mediocre food. The foods that stood out for me was the mashed potatoes and gelato and orange juice. I didn't feel well afterwards and went home. I slept from 8pm to 4am that day after eating from that place. Do not recommend that place to anyone. The next day, we just relaxed and visited Aria and eat at the brunch buffet which I do recommend. After that we visited the South Vegas outlet and I brought a blouse at the Ann Taylor Factory Store. We took the bus back the hotel and visited the Dapper Doughnut and uber to the airport.

Taiwan Summer Trip Beauty Items 2018

I was looking at the last major haul that I've done and it was a year ago!

Since the last year, I have moved from NYC to a smaller metropolitan city so there was less sales meaning less buying. I do still buy stuff, but more as a need-basic. I was trying to use up product that I already had and I was doing a great job. Also I learned more about my skin and what it needs instead of buying what was hot on the market. I was focused on getting sunscreen because the sunscreen in the states aren't as strong and can't protect you from the sun as the Asian brands.

Below is what I got overseas!

Beijing Summer Trip 2018

I spent a week in Beijing this hot summer.!

I took Eva flight and food was decent.


Everyone comes to Beijing to view the Tiananmen Square...


And exit...




Onto the Temple of Heaven




Onto the Great Wall of China




Onto the Summer Palace
















Onto the Bird's Nest where they hosted the past Olympics. 





When I was at the Beijing Airport, I spotted a Starbucks and ordered the Mano passion fruit frap because this drink wasn't offered in the US.
But it was a disappointment. This taste like juice instead of a frap.



Meal on the way back from Beijing.