Cirque Polynesian

It doesn't matter how many performances or luaus that I've been to (which is a fairly high number), Polynesian dance just never gets old to me. I leave for the Big Island in the morning and felt that going to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for their free showing of Cirque Polynesian was a good way to kick start my Hawaiian vacay a day earlier. 

It was a day well spent in the "warm California sun" (as the Boardwalk's TV jingle advertises it), full of hula dancers, fire breathers, acrobatic routines, and Cirque-du-Soleil-like acts. Just an FYI, Cirque Polynesian has 2 free shows a day Sunday-Thursday until August 18, I recommend taking advantage of it. 

Thrift stores and picnics

I spent the past few days in Southern California, and instead of my usual boutique shopping LA weekend, I decided to try something different. So instead I went thrift store/discount shopping in Long Beach, which I actually liked better. Nothing's better than finding a great bargain, and that weekend it felt like I went on a treasure hunt and struck gold. 

My faves of the day:

1. Out of the Closet thrift store

Self proclaimed as "the world's most fabulous thrift store," this chain of thrift stores is owned by AIDS Healthcare Foundation and has everything from cheap clothes, to kitchenware, to books, to $15 snowboards, to random knick-knacks. I'm convinced that there's a good find for everyone.

2. Buffalo Exchange

This second hand shop emphasizes on current trends for less; you can buy, sell or trade new and (good condition) used clothes. They carry both men and women's clothing and accessories which are more fashionable than a regular thrift store. It's always something new when I go there since their inventory is constantly changing. It's a great place to find vintage wear, designer labels and one-of-a-kind finds for cheap.

3. Heavenly Couture

Nothing in the store costs more than $15! And they have some very cute couture-like outfits with prices that will pleasantly surprise you.

4. The Rainbow Outlet

If you love Rainbow Sandals like I do (I swear by them) and willing to take another hour drive or so, head to their outlet in San Clemente. Where their usual $50+ prices are slashed to $18-36. I was overwhelmed by their big selection on styles and colors, most of which I have trouble finding in stores.

And my favorite purchase of the weekend: picnic basket sets! Which led to multiple picnics on the beach for the next three days. The weather was warm, and had clear and sunny skies all day... perfect for a picnic day on the beach. Simple days like this just never gets old for me.

Picnic baskets $10 from Out of the Closet thrift store, travel magazines, also from OFTC for $0.25

sand in my toes, Rainbow flip flops from their outlet for $33

Dead Sea floating...

It's been cold and foggy in San Francisco the past few days and it's not unusual that the weather is like this, but it doesn't make it any less gloomy or depressing. It also doesn't help that it's July and we're kinda hoping for some summer cheer. This time last year I was traveling the Middle East and it's days like this that I wish I was back in the deserts. Even though the heat can be unbearable, the experience was more than worth it. So, what did we do to cool off?!?!?

Float in the Dead Sea!!!!...an experience everyone should do. The sea borders Jordan, Israel and the West Bank and is the lowest place on earth. It's not a good idea if you have any big open wounds, considering that it's also known as the "The Salt Sea" and has a salinity of 33.7%. If you don't think you have any cuts or wounds before hand, you'll definitely find out when you get in the water. It stings like hell! But the high salt concentration is what allows you to float effortlessly (yes, even if you can't swim). It's amazing, and once you get over the initial stings, it's very relaxing and therapeutic. 

The salt and minerals are actually used in cosmetics and ointments, which is known to help treat skin disorders like psoriasis. And the mud!!!! The mud is a popular exfoliant. You literally put it all over you're body and face and let yourself bake in the sun. To be honest, it's uncomfortable once the mud dries, but once you rinse off your skin feels refreshed and as smooth as a baby's bottom. This miracle mud is bottled up and sold, I really wish I brought my own container and packed my own mud to save some money, but at least I know better for next time. 

Can't make it to the Dead Sea but want that sea salt/mud pack experience? I recommend trying Ahava products, they're my favorite.