Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Ponta Delgada (Azores)

by | Jan 5, 2024 | Travel

“Despite this setback, we discovered that Ponta Delgada is a walker’s paradise, with its charming streets and convenient Uber services available.”

What to expect

  • Language: Portuguese
  • Currency: Euros
  • Plugs: Bring converter
  • Passport/Visas: US Passport OK / check this site for more details
  • Best time to visit: Peak season is from July-August, being the hottest season and the most popular.  October and November are the quietest but the sea is still warm enough for a quick dip.

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 DAY TRIP

 

Ponta Delgada (Azores) , located on the picturesque island of Sao Miguel, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored! As soon as we arrived, we were amazed to find a room near the heart of the city against all odds since we booked it as soon as we landed. However, our luck didn’t extend to the rental car, reminding us of the importance of booking all necessities in advance ( I cannot stress this enough).

Despite this setback, we discovered that Ponta Delgada is a walker’s paradise, with its charming streets and convenient Uber services available. Our visit in June felt like a breath of fresh air, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and pleasant evenings. We had initially planned on hitting the beach, but obviously life is life and our plans quickly changed due to the weather.

As we strolled with no direction, we stumbled upon Jardim Botanico Jose do Canto, a mesmerizing botanical garden offering tranquil shade among the unique trees and species. Open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm (excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day), it provided a delightful escape from the sun.

Jardim Botanico Jose do Canto

As we continued our explorations on foot, we were captivated by the numerous squares, monuments, and plazas that adorn the city. Unfortunately, time was not on our side, and we could only scratch the surface of all the enchanting sights that Azores island has to offer.

Beyond what can be seen in pictures, the area surrounding A Tasca Restaurant is a shopper’s paradise, filled with delightful surprises, mom and pop shops, and of course great souvenirs to bring back home.

Speaking of delights, our friend Tatie recommended the perfect restaurant to satisfy our culinary cravings. A Tasca Restaurant offered a warm and welcoming ambiance, where we eagerly anticipated our order while enjoying the soothing melodies. I indulged in the mouthwatering Bife de Vazia, accompanied by homemade potato chips, while Carol savored the grilled tuna steak in a delectable sesame crust (Lombo de Atum).

A Tasca Restaurant

Sightseeing

Before we let jet-lag get the best of us, we made our way back to the hotel for a quick cat nap before heading out for dinner.  I must say it was right then and there when the highlight of our night happened.  As she was stepping out into the balcony, she jammed her finger with the door so hard it sent her straight back to bed.  I’m in tears as I write this, just as I was when it first happened, just as she was but for different reasons to say the least. I also have footage of this but may need to ask permissionm first :D.

 Ponta Delgada left us yearning for more as we reluctantly bid farewell. We vow to return someday and truly immerse ourselves in all the hidden gems this captivating city and island have to offer.

    

 

Breastfeeding basics & How to increase milk supply

Breastfeeding basics & How to increase milk supply

by | Jul 28, 2022 | Lifestyle

“The more I obsessed and worried, the less milk I produced. It reached a point where I contemplated quitting altogether as my supply seemed scarce (around the four-month mark)”

the basics

  • Stay hydrated / nourished – This is the most important above all. Make sure to maintain good nutrition and hydration to support milk production.
  • Latching Techniques: Practice and ensure proper latching technique to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you and baby.
  • Positions: Try various positions until you find one you are most at ease with.  There’s no right or wrong way. Find some here.
  • Feed on Demand:  Follow your baby’s hunger cues and offer frequent feedings as often as baby wants.  This also stimulates milk production.
  • Breast Care: Make sure you follow good hygiene, wear lanolin cream when needed, find a comfy fitting nursing bra and clothing.
  • Seek Support: Lastly, breastfeeding can be challenging at times and we all can get a little anxious about it. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help or be embarrased to ask a professional about it.  It is a natural process which requires a lot of learning, practice, patience and dedication.

The Journey

 

We all want to know how to produce breastmilk quickly and effectively for our little ones, but along the way we tend to get so obsessed with the process that we miss the beauty of the journey. Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, filled with ups and downs. It’s not always easy, but the bond between mother and baby is priceless. My personal experience has been a roller coaster ride, but my body has continually surprised me since we embarked on this adventure. From day one, my desire was to produce abundant milk for my baby’s needs, but the stress of constantly striving to “keep up” actually hindered my progress. The more I obsessed and worried, the less milk I produced. It reached a point where I contemplated quitting altogether as my supply seemed scarce (around the four-month mark). However, once I decided to let go and flow with the process, things changed dramatically.

While still taking my vitamins, supplements, and staying hydrated, I eased up on myself. I incorporated power-pumping and frequent latching to stimulate my milk glands and potentially boost production. And lo and behold, within that same week, my milk supply increased, paving the way for my rewarding two-year journey. It’s important to note that from the very beginning, I acknowledged that if I couldn’t produce enough milk, alternative nourishment options were available for my baby. Hence, we introduced formula alongside breastfeeding to ensure his nutritional needs were adequately met. This turned out to be advantageous as he never favored one over the other, making it easier for his father or my mom to feed him when I was away for work.

Below are some of the products I used which I feel worked the best for me.  This isn’t by any means medical advice, and remember to be patient as everything during this journey is trial and error until you find something that works exactly for you and your baby.

Please remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique, and everyone has different aspirations. Seek advice and inspiration from reputable sources, such as blogs, Instagram comments, or fellow moms you meet in nursing rooms at airports. The key is to create a nurturing routine that brings you comfort and confidence. Embrace the journey, explore various methods, and find solace in the fact that you are a remarkable mom.

Love,

Steph xoxo

 

Essentials

Supplements

Mother's Milk Tea

Lactation tea made with ingridients such as Fennel and Fenugreek to help increase your supply. I’m a tea drinker so I had nothing to lose while giving this a fair try.  I wasn’t as consistent as I should’ve been but I really enjoyed it right before bed because it’s so soothing.  Also in the hotter months try adding some ice to it once it’s brewed!

Get mother’s milk tea here.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Soothing to drink
  • Tastes good (add some milk and honey for more flavor) I used to drink it straight

Cons

  • Must drink at least 3 bags a day to see results
rejuvica drops

Made with herbal oils such as Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Anise, Fennel, Turmeric & Red Raspberry Leaf, this supplement greatly increased my milk supply above all other products. 

Get them here.

Pros

  • No aftertaste
  • Alcohol – Free
  • Easy to use

Cons 

  • Pricy

 

Brewer's Yeast

Gluten-free, Non-GMO, unflavored yeast powder which helps boost your supply.  I won’t lie, at first this was a difficult one to add to my diet.  One of my favorite ways to get a proper full serving was to make frozen fruit smoothies (pairs best with strawberry, blueberries, bananas) and adding either almond or coconut milk to the mix.  I also experimented making chocolate chips cookies with it, and while they were tasty, it was too much work while simultaneously trying to feed yourself, a hungry baby and pump.

Get it here.

Pros

  • Helps boost supply overall
  • Versatile (can be used with different recipes)
  • Packs 17g of protein per serving!
  • Helps maintain skin, hair, nails health

Cons

  • Slight aftertaste

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Pump it up!

 

Feed, burp, change, pump, clean pump, repeat. Raising little humans is already a hard enough job.   Pumping shouldn’t add more stress to the already chaotic loophole during the first couple of days, weeks, and months your navigating motherhood.  I knew if I wanted to maintain my milk supply, I needed to pump right after every feeding, but this seemed like an almost impossible task, having to plug yourself to a wall basically and pump for 15 min while being ultimately tied down to your pump.

My life literally changed the minute I found the Elvie.

This is a portable pump and it comes in different styles.  The fact that you can put this under your bra and pump away was mind blowing to me! I had the freedom to pump while still tending to my baby, doing chores around the house and even at work.  It is so discreet no one could ever tell what i was doing.

I highly recommend this product and I cannot stress how much it helped my pumping journey and maintaining my supply while being on the go for work.

Along with pumping, I used this handheld Lactation massager which provides heat and vibration to promote let-down and massage clogged ducts.

 

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Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico: Everything You Need to Know

by | Feb 12, 2022 | Travel

Though we have been here numerous times, I don’t think we will ever get tired of going to this amazing island for the years to come.  In my opinion, this is one of THE places to go for delicious food, thirst-quenching flavorful mojitos, lovely, amicable people, hidden tropical gems all around the island, and last but not least, a great night of dancing.

What To Expect

• Language: Spanish / English

• Currency: US Dollar

• Plugs: No need to bring a converter. Puerto Rico operates on a 120V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

• Passport/Visas: No passport is needed for Americans, please check all other countries

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit is right after the busy winter, from mid-April until June. Summer is rainy, with August being the month with the most rainfall.

In This Article

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WHERE TO STAY

Whenever we frequent, we tend to stay either in hotels or AirBnB’s in the neighborhoods of Condado, Carolina or right at the start of Viejo San Juan in Caribe Hilton (highly recommend).  Since we tend to rent a car everytime we go, we rather steer away from the busy, crowded streets of Viejo San Juan where parking and traffic can be really difficult.  One of the things we look for is if the hotel has parking on premises or if our AirBnB provides a parking space, and so far we have always gotten lucky thankfully.

SIGHTSEE

A very special landmark of Puerto Rico is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or El Morro for short.  It sits at the very top of Old San Juan and once there you are able to witness unbelievable views.  Entrance is $10/ person and the hours are usually from 9:00am – 5:00pm.  The walk to the castle itself is a bit lengthy but worth the scenic views.

                                    

WHERE TO EAT
 Brunch

To start your day well-fed make sure you stop by Pinky’s and pick up a delicious breakfast to-go, do call ahead of times as the lines are long, but so worth it. On the other hand if you want to bask in the sun while eating tasty brunch head over to Numero Uno Beach House.

Lunch / Dinner

There are several amazing restaurants around the area but below are my two absolute favorite.

Raices Restaurant 

If you are craving classic Island dishes, with a side of spectacular service that’s walking distance within Old San Juan, then look no further. Each time we come, we have such an amazing time. Be sure to get there early because usually tables are fully booked. I suggest calling ahead of time.

La Casita Blanca

I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. For starters it feels like you’re walking right into your grandma’s living room as soon as you step in.  The food tastes as fresh and as local as it gets. They have something for everyone here,  I have tried almost everything on the menu and not once have I been disappointed.  Note: There is usually a long line so make sure to plan ahead.

       

    

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Day 2: Luquillo & Seven Seas Beach

 

LUQUILLO

Just a 30 min car ride from San Juan and right across the road from el Yunque, you will find the wonderful Luquillo Beach along with the amazing Luquillo Kiosks. A quick warning, during peak season and weekends, the small parking lot can get filled quickly. Be sure to arrive early to secure your parking space and start your day off with some Frituras.

Once you get pasts the kiosks where you can find almost anything and everything, you will find Luquillo Beach.

 

Here, you can find activities such as jet-skiing or fly-boarding.  I was hesitant to try the jet-skiing, but Brian insisted we go on it and I had such a good time I don’t regret it all.  Also note, if you are not able to book these activities or they are oversold, head over to 7 seas beach.  Here, you can jet-ski, kayak, fly-board and they even rent go-pros as well!

 

Before you leave Luquillo, you need to step foot inside Terrunos.  I have tried almost everything from here and it has not disappointed yet.  My go to’s are Piononos (sweet plantain and ground beef based dish) for appetizers and their seafood mofongo in white sauce.

Also, I’m always looking to taste mojitos anywhere and everywhere in Puerto Rico, if this also fancies you, I highly recommend Mojito Lab, it’s worth the stop.

SEVEN SEAS BEACH

For some more fun in the sun, head over to Fajardo, Seven Seas Beach (appx 15 min ride from Luquillo).  Catch some rays, or continue with your adventurous water sports, and don’t forget to grab another snack on the way.  Here you’re able to do some more kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkel and they even rent out go-pros!!

We encountered “The House of Pastelillos” and I’m so grateful we did because it will become a new staple for me when we’re around the area. Freshly squeeze lemonade, fresh passion fruit lemonade and aside of pastelillos with fish tacos. (chef’s kiss)

     

    

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Day 3: Culebra & Snorkel

 

EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

You are in Puerto Rico, even if you’re not a morning person, take advantage of this opportunity and take the morning ferry to spend a wonderful day at one of the world’s top beaches – Flamenco beach in Culebra island. Make sure to book your tickets in advance and get there with plenty of time to find parking and go onboard.  See ticket information here.  We caught the 6 am ferry and it gave us plenty of time to snorkel, have lunch, get some drinks, and come back just in time to do the bio-bay tour which I’ll talk about later.

CULEBRA ISLAND

I’ll start by saying, make sure to bring snacks, water and maybe some dramamine wouldn’t hurt if you tend to get seasick. Now that that’s covered, get ready to start your exciting day!

For snorkeling, and just about any other activity you want to participate in, make sure to book in advance! I cannot emphasize this enough.  This is the company we used to go snorkeling in Culebra and they’re professionalism is impeccable, I recommend it to everyone that visits.

I was a bit nervous since it was mine and my moms first time on a kayak and snorkeling but they made our experience so seamless and fun, she ended up wanting to stay longer in the water than we expected.

FLAMENCO BEACH

After an incredible morning spent with sea turtles, and beautiful coral reefs at Tamarindo Beach, the touring company’s last stop is Flamenco Beach.  Here, you will find serenity, tranquility and all things magic at once.  Pictures and words don’t do justice but at least you get to see a sneak peak of what to expect!

Right before you entere the beach you can also find kiosks, and bathroom stalls.  And remember, please always pick up after yourself,  no matter where you go.

BIOBAY TOUR (FAJARDO)

The Bioluminescent Bay is an extraordinary sight to see.  You can book your tickets with the same company previously used for the snorkeling or find another vendor and remember to always book ahead!

Following the ferry ride back to mainland, give yourself plenty of time to eat something, rest a bit and head off to the night time tour!

I must admit, I was scared, really scared.  We had to kayak through some waves into the lagoon in the dark. And my mom was my kayak buddy once again, so that’s two of us freaking out. Luckily if you’re not very comfortable rowing or if they see you are struggling, the guides will hook their kayaks to yours and guide you into the right direction which gives people like me a huge sense of relief.

Once we entered the mangroves I started to see the beauty and magic happening beneath us as the water splashed. Right in the middle of the darkness, you can see the “sparkles” and mixes of blue and green in the water with every splash. I almost felt like the little mermaid in the scene where she’s on a canoe singing with Sebastian.

This is one of the activities I highly recommend as it only takes place in a handful of places around the world and you happen to be in one of them! So please do yourself and your family a favor and give them this precious memory.

    

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Day 4: Cayo Icacos & catamaran

 

CAYO ICACOS DAY TRIP

A true beauty and hidden gem in Puerto Rico, the uninhabited island of Icacos.  It is literally a deserted island with nothing but sand and clear blue water.  Keeping this in mind, please be sure to bring plenty of water for hydration and food as there is nothing there for purchase.

GETTING THERE

The only way to get to Icacos is to take a water taxi or book a private Catamaran.  We have done both. The first time we went we got on a small boat (water-taxi) and it took roughly 20-30 min to get across.  This is a much cheaper option than renting a catamaran and I believe it’s also the most thrilling.  The second time we went, it was a small group of friends and decided to book a private catamaran.  We didn’t have to bring much as they provided water, snacks, and most importantly ,shade!  Also, something to keep in mind, if you opt for the water-taxi option, please bring an umbrella as this place has no palm trees or shade whatsoever.  We weren’t aware and ended up hiding under our towels until they came to pick us up.

BE EARTH FRIENDLY

As with anywhere you go, please make sure to leave the environment the same or better than you found it.  These are pristine beaches and we are counting on each other to keep them as clean as possible for ourselves but most importantly their eco-system.

Day Trips from San Juan