Sipping Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks, Harry Potter World

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Continuing our Hogsmeade adventure at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood, we headed into the Three Broomsticks restaurant for a hearty British lunch and a sip of cold butterbeer. There they are, the three broomsticks! Our eyes immediately went up to the impressive vaulted ceilings of this rustic wooden tavern, revealing…

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Pineapple – Tortoise Shell Earrings

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I love the tortoise shell pattern on these acetate pineapple earrings. Their neutral color palette makes a great addition to any outfit. You can buy them here, for as long as they last.

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Colorful Candy at Honeyduke’s, Harry Potter World

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Next stop, Honeyduke’s Candy Shoppe at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood. If you don’t mind a nose-wrinkling surprise, try Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans – “A risk with every mouthful!” Will that red candy bean taste like very cherry or tomato paste? Will the speckled tan and brown bean taste…

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Pineapple – A Real One!

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As I say on my Hello page, somehow I can’t remember ever trying fresh pineapple before high school. But once I did – oh buddy. The beautiful color. That sweet tang. The juicy versatility – drinks, pizza, candy, perfume. I was smitten. Thank you to my sister-in-law Phoebe and her gorgeous hands for this fun…

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Wand Shopping at Ollivanders, Harry Potter World

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All aboard the Hogwarts Express! We’re headed to an exciting afternoon in Hogsmeade, just a stone’s throw away from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The conductor helped us with our bags on Platform 9 3/4. First things first, we need to visit Ollivanders Wand Shop to pick out our very own wands…or should we…

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Pineapple – Sprinkle Donuts

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In Chicagoland, Stan’s Donuts reign supreme above Krispy Kreme, with unique flavors like pistachio glaze and birthday cake. A sprinkle of pineapple-shaped sugar completes the perfect breakfast treat!

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Universal Studios Trip and Midweek Concert in Hollywood

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Never have I ever…gone to a concert on a weekend. Seriously! The best concerts always seem to fall on a random weekday, never conveniently on the weekend. I guess musicians value their Saturdays too. Instead of fighting it, we embraced the opportunity to see Durand Jones and the Indications on a Tuesday last fall, which…

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Pineapple – Beaded Clutch Purse

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Shout out to my awesome former boss Kathy for this GORGEOUS beaded pineapple clutch purse. It came in handy when we drove down to LA for the Durand Jones and the Indications concert last fall, and the venue only allowed tiny purses. This blue beauty perfectly fit my essentials to get through the night. Click…

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Secret Tunnels on San Francisco’s Barbary Coast

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Have you ever taken a food tour in a place you’ve never been? I’m convinced there is no better way to learn the heart of a town and meet its people than by tasting their signature cuisine. When Brandon and I took a food tour through the North Beach district of San Francisco, better known…

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The Best North Beach Food Tour in San Francisco

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Welcome to beautiful San Francisco! Let’s spend the afternoon eating our way around the city’s historic North Beach district, better known as Little Italy. We’ll try all the delicious cheesy and tomato-y recipes our Italian-American friends are famous for, plus some cold, refreshing surprises in this four-course adventure. Booking this food tour was no happenstance.…

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