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Anacapa Island Day Trip: Channel Islands National Park
Magic exists in the natural marvels of Channel Islands National Park. Off the coast of Southern California, you'll find five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, & the smallest island of them all, Anacapa Island. Available by boat only, these other islands are secluded from the buzzing freeways & cell phone chatter of everyday life. You won't find a Wi-Fi signal out here, but you might find yourself. Anacapa Island is 12 miles out to sea. As your boat comes in you might see the sea caves, kelp beds, and arch rock. Seriously the best views for wildlife watching.
Scroll down to learn the answers to: Where is Anacapa Island? How do you get there? Is it part of Channel Islands National Park? What are some things to do on Anacapa Island? Is there camping? Are there hotels in Downtown Oxnard? How can you do an Anacapa Island day trip?
About Carmen
Hello, welcome to my blog! I'm Carmen. I'm a travel writer (also known as a travel blogger or travel influencer). Some of my most popular travel posts are Things to Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, How You Can Visit Central Perk Cafe from Friends, & Your Guide to Oslo, Norway. I prefer black tea over coffee. I've worked with brands & companies such as The French Ministry of Agriculture, KAABOO Del Mar, Queen of the South TV show on USA, OLLY, & more. You can learn more About Me here.Where is Anacapa Island?
Part of the Channel Islands National Park, you can find Anacapa Islands off the coast of Oxnard, California. Oxnard is 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles; 38 miles south of Santa Barbara. Anacapa Island has three islets named East, Middle, & West Anacapa Islands. However, you aren't permitted to explore all three of them.
How do I get to Anacapa Island?
It's not like visitors can walk from one island to the next anyway, that's why you need a boat for transportation. You have to take a boat trip out there. The boat ride over takes about an hour. Visitors can explore the entire island in just half a day. You can't just leave the island when you want, you have to stay there until the boat takes you back later in the afternoon. Perfect excuse to go on an adventure!
Other things to do in California: Go skydiving & wine tasting in Lompoc, California
Travel to Anacapa Island on the Island Packers boat. |
Transportation Around the Islands
I took a majestic boat ride with Island Packers. Arrive at the Oxnard Harbor. Travel time takes about an hour each way. Fred & I downloaded a few episodes of the Dr. Death podcast so we could listen with headphones from our phone. A layer of clouds protected us from the sun & the waves of the ocean. Apparently, the clearer the skies, the choppier the water. The more you know, right?
As we ventured past the Anacapa arch our way back to Oxnard, we saw a pod of dolphins. They swam right next to us. It was a top life experience. Island Packers offers trips to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara Island, whale watching, & other exciting options for visitors.
Once the Island Packers boat docks, adventurers step onto a ladder at Landing Cove then they corral everyone to cover the essential rules of Anacapa Island. After that, get ready for your quads to burn because you have 157 steps to climb.
I felt a bit winded but the view from the top was spectacular, the first time you can see what it looks like from the island. You're really stuck out there on a small blip of land in the middle of the ocean, okay well it's about 10 miles off the coast of Oxnard, California.
Other things to do in California: Beach hopping & meditation in Encinitas, California
Western Gull mama (probably) & cute little spotted chick. |
Marine Life and Animals on Anacapa Island: Western Gulls, California Brown Pelicans, Island Fox, Oh My!
Visit Anacapa Island from April through mid-August & you'll run into some seabirds, particularly the Western gull. An annoyed gull pooped on Fred's backpack as we walked by its nest. If you're not a fan of birds, guano (bird poop), possible bird carcasses, loud squawking (literally anytime you walk by a nest or chicks), questionable smells, then avoid voyaging to the island during this time frame. However, if you want to experience an absolutely remarkable natural phenomenon, then mark your calendar & book a ticket. You might spot California Brown Pelicans, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, western gulls, California sea lions, harbor seals. I saw California Brown Pelicans, Western gulls, sea lions, & dolphins! Just stay on the hiking trails! There is even summer whale watching so you might catch a whale too.Anacapa Island Camping
We only did a day trip on the island, but there are Anacapa Island camping options. We saw several campers already setup from the day before. There were a couple campers who left on the evening boat out for the day. The campsites are "primitive." That's the wording from the National Park Service website, but I'd called them minimal or bare. Anacapa Island provides picnic tables, food storage boxes, & pit toilets for use. But ultimately, you need to take all trash with you as there are no rubbish bins. The island has 7 campsites that fit 4-6 people per site. Reservations are required, so you can't just decide you're having a great time staring at the baby Western Gulls & have a sleepover. Check campsite availability on Recreation.com, the official website to make your Anacapa Island camping reservations.
Is There Food, Drink, & Water on Anacapa Island?
No, make sure to bring everything you need with you. There's no food, drink, or water on the island for visitors to purchase. We brought a couple liters of water, sandwich or pita pockets, chips, fruit, granola bar, & some chocolate in a backpack for our Anacapa Island day trip. You must take all garbage with you; we simply put it in our backpack to throw away once we got back to Oxnard.
Things to Do on Anacapa Island: Hiking, Bird-Watching, Camping. |
Things to Do on Anacapa Island
On our day trip to Anacapa Island, we walked the entire trail around the island, saw the Anacapa Island lighthouse, marveled at the views from Inspiration Point, got pooped on by a Western Gull (well, Fred did at least), picnicked with a panoramic ocean view. Despite the boat full of people we arrived on the island with, we were able to have many private, secluded moments. You can't get super close to the Historic Light house on Anacapa Island but you can definitely get a good photo of it.Activities for Visitors to Do on Anacapa Island
Water Sports
Picnicking
Hiking
Camping
Bird-Watching
Historic & Cultural Site Information Site
Photography
Ranger Station
Snorkeling
Swimming
Small Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing
Water Access
Scuba Diving
Whale-Watching
Our ocean view room from Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard, California. |
Where to Stay (Besides Camping on Anacapa Island): Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort
I stayed at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort with a remarkable ocean view. Our spacious two-room suite Mandalay Beach Hotel is a good option for kids, families, & couples. They have a spa, fitness center, huge pool. I took advantage of Happy Hour by the pool. Just show your wristbands & order your drink. I grabbed the house wine while Fred opted for their beer on tap. We sipped our beverages along with the dozens of other people doing the same thing on a Friday evening. Make sure to eat the made-to-order brekkie at the Coastal Grill in the morning.Hotels in Oxnard
✓ Best Western Oxnard Inn
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard/Ventura
Take a look at some of the hotels in Downtown Oxnard. You can customize what day you'll arrive/leave & how many people in your group. You can even expand your hotel search to include Oxnard & surrounding areas:
Booking.com
Things to Do in Oxnard, CA
You can spend the entire day or weekend admiring nature in Oxnard. There are endless things to do in Oxnard, California as far as strolls by the beach, kayaking, exploring the Channel Islands National Park, & thriving outside. Visit Oxnard has some fabulous suggestions if you need more inspiration for places to stay, where to dine, things to do, & local events in Oxnard. There are other other California National Parks as well.Other Fun Stuff
Pin this image on Pinterest - Day Trip to Anacapa Island. |
Have a question? Comment below & I will answer the best I can. Let me know if you've visited Anacapa Island. Would the birds scare you off? :]
My Favorite Kombucha Brands + What Is Kombucha?!!
Kombucha has been around for 2,000 years. It originated in 220 B.C. China where it was consumed for its detoxifying & energizing properties. That makes me about 1,999 years late to the kombucha party, but I'm a fan now. How about you?
Most people, like me, wonder what is kombucha? What's it made from? What's the alcohol content of kombucha? Where to buy kombucha tea? Can you buy a kombucha starter online? What are some of my favorite kombucha companies? Well, my friend. I answer all these questions & more. Why? Because I had the same questions! Keep reading to find out about kombucha.
* This post may contain affiliate links.
But what is kombucha?
At its core, kombucha is a beverage created by fermenting tea with a culture of yeast & bacteria. It looks a bit like an at-home science experiment, which it basically is. I mean, you can literally buy kombucha starter kits online. Kombucha is lightly effervescent. Think of it as a sparkling tea-based juice drink with a bit of bubbly goodness. Kombucha tends to have some alcohol content, some brands have more & some have less.What other fermented food & drinks can I try?
Kombucha, kefir, kimchi, kvass, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, pickles, yogurt are popular fermented food & drink. Each has its own unique flavors, properties, & gut health benefits.
San Diego Kombucha Options
As a San Diego blogger & digital influencer, I'm happy to report there are many kombucha options in the area. Many of these establishments have kombucha that contains alcohol content, so it's an excellent alternative to heading to a brewery, bar, or distillery. There isn't much kombucha in North County San Diego yet, but perhaps in the foreseeable future. ~*~ just putting those vibes out there, you know? ~*~
Where to buy kombucha tea in San Diego?
My Favorite Kombucha Companies
GT's Kombucha - Love, love, love this brand. My all-time favorite is GT's Rose kombucha. It has rose hips, rose water, rose petals, as well as their organic & raw kombucha. It's what dreams are made of. It has 4% alcohol content. I usually split up drinking this over 2 days.
Health-Ade Kombucha - My coworker a few years ago used to do promotional work with Health-Ade so she gave me a few bottles to try. It was my very first dabble with kombucha. They have a variety of kombucha flavors like cherry berry, ginger lemon, & pink lady apple. Find Health-Ade Kombucha on Amazon.
JuneShine - JuneShine is a local San Diego kombucha brand. As a local San Diego blogger, I was invited to their Scripps Ranch media party grand opening. Their kombucha is made with green tea, as opposed to black tea. JuneShine kombuchas have 6% alcohol content with kombucha flavors like Honey Ginger Lemon & Midnight Painkiller (charcoal, pineapple, coconut, orange, & nutmeg).
Better Booch - Better Booch sent over a few of their 16-ounce cans to try such as Morning Glory (peach & black tea), Citrus Sunrise (grapefruit, sage, pu erh tea), & a couple others. The LA-based premium small craft kombucha brand expanded to San Diego in 2019. The kombucha flavors are approachable; you can taste the tea & tang from kombucha without an overwhelming punch. This is an excellent kombucha brand to try if you're new to kombucha. Find Better Booch on Amazon.
Brew Dr. Kombucha - You might've heard of their Clear Mind kombucha with rosemary, mint, sage, & green tea. They also have Chai Apple, Strawberry Basil, Superberry, & fun limited-release kombucha flavors like Vanilla Oak. Mmmm. Vanilla Oak. You might be able to find Brew Dr. Kombucha at your local Target, Vons, Albertsons!
Health-Ade Kombucha - My coworker a few years ago used to do promotional work with Health-Ade so she gave me a few bottles to try. It was my very first dabble with kombucha. They have a variety of kombucha flavors like cherry berry, ginger lemon, & pink lady apple. Find Health-Ade Kombucha on Amazon.
JuneShine - JuneShine is a local San Diego kombucha brand. As a local San Diego blogger, I was invited to their Scripps Ranch media party grand opening. Their kombucha is made with green tea, as opposed to black tea. JuneShine kombuchas have 6% alcohol content with kombucha flavors like Honey Ginger Lemon & Midnight Painkiller (charcoal, pineapple, coconut, orange, & nutmeg).
Better Booch - Better Booch sent over a few of their 16-ounce cans to try such as Morning Glory (peach & black tea), Citrus Sunrise (grapefruit, sage, pu erh tea), & a couple others. The LA-based premium small craft kombucha brand expanded to San Diego in 2019. The kombucha flavors are approachable; you can taste the tea & tang from kombucha without an overwhelming punch. This is an excellent kombucha brand to try if you're new to kombucha. Find Better Booch on Amazon.
Brew Dr. Kombucha - You might've heard of their Clear Mind kombucha with rosemary, mint, sage, & green tea. They also have Chai Apple, Strawberry Basil, Superberry, & fun limited-release kombucha flavors like Vanilla Oak. Mmmm. Vanilla Oak. You might be able to find Brew Dr. Kombucha at your local Target, Vons, Albertsons!
The GT's Rose kombucha is my favorite flavor of all-time |
Can you buy kombucha starter kits online?
Why yes, you can buy a kombucha starter online! Gotta love being able to shop from the comfort of your own home! Whether you want San Diego kombucha or perhaps kombucha with alcohol, there are some kombucha companies to suit your needs.
What's your favorite kombucha? Do you have any top kombucha companies? Leave a comment if you have a suggestion, a thought, or a question.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you. Learn more about my disclosure.
What Is Huitlacoche? What Does Corn Smut Taste Like?
Mexico has a vast range of positively scrumptious food. Authentic Mexican food is next level. A bean & cheese burrito or store-bought taco doesn't quite articulate the multitude of flavor & variety Mexican food has. And then we also have drinks, which is a subject of its own. Don't get me started on horchatas.
Okay, you're searching the internet trying to figure out what the heck is huitlacoche? How do you even use it? Is it edible or do you have to throw it away? Is it safe to eat huitlacoche (corn smut edible)? I've done all the research for you so you can get all the answers right here. Keep scrolling interesting keep reading.
What is huitlacoche in English?
In the United States, American farmers often call it corn smut fungus.
What is huitlacoche (corn smut / ustilago maydis)?
Corn smut is a plant fungus caused by Ustilago maydis. Huitlacoche is basically a corn mushroom or corn truffle that grows on the infected corn kernels on corn plants. You might know it as corn smut or common smut. While most farmers in the United States would consider this fungal plant disease an infection worthy of eradication, fungus corn smut is considered a delicacy in Mexico, more commonly referred to as "huitlacoche." You might even hear it referred to as cuitlacoche, corn truffles, Mexican truffle, Mexican huitlacoche, maizteca mushrooms, corn mushrooms, & bunch of other terms.
Is Huitlacoche Safe to Eat?
If you're left wondering: well, is this fungus safe to eat? Yes! The corn fungus caused by ustilago maydis can be found on ears of corn is considered a maize mushroom or type of edible mushroom. Yes, it's safe to eat. It's actually a Mexican delicacy. Taste a piece of Mexico. Not only is it safe to eat but there are plenty of ways that you can eat it & make it - from huitlacoche quesadillas to soups to tamales. You can eat it in a lot of savory and smoky dishes with some salt and pepper.
Can You Eat It While Pregnant?
I'm not a doctor so I am no clue about that; make sure to check with your own doctor based on your own health conditions. Definitely worth asking your doctor before ordering some at a restaurant. Just to be on the safe side!
How Is Huitlacoche Pronounced?
That's a great question because it's somewhat difficult when you first look at it. You can pronounce it weet-la-ko-che (the 'che' should sound like 'che' in 'checkers.') If you want to be super authentic then you can pronounce it more like "hwee-tla-ko-che."
Huitlacoche Taste - What does fresh huitlacoche smell like, taste like, look like?
Don't forget this corn growth is a culinary delicacy. The plant fungus grows on corn kernels. The infected kernels change color & shape. The name corn smut fungus doesn't sound so appetizing, so I love referring to its name in its mother tongue. I first tried huitlacoche back in 2016; I even mentioned it in my July A - Z monthly recap & my July Favorites. Mexican cuisine is delicious; I always eat something new & foods can vary by state & by cities. My boyfriend's mom made a fresh batch. Fred's parents are from Central Mexico. I've been able to taste some delicious Mexican food homemade by Fred's mom, including some regional specialties from their hometown.
I ate it by itself, as a side. It's earthy but not as stinky as mushrooms. It tastes like corn, even though it is a plant fungus. The spongy texture is a bit mushy, just like cooked corn. There might be an occasional fiber from the corn. It looks dark, like a blackish, brownish color, due to the corn fungus kind of the same color as a crimini mushroom or Portobello mushroom. If you enjoy mushrooms or kind of earthier foods with that type of texture, you will probably agree with the taste of huitlacoche corn smuts. You can find huitlaoche recipes online to cook it yourself.
How do you eat huitlacoche?
You can use this smut delicacy many ways. There are plenty of recipes. It's a versatile ingredient. You don't eat it off the cob as you would regular ears of corn. I loooove quesadillas de huitlacoche. The ingredients you'll are need organic corn tortilla, cheese, huitlacoche, that's it. You can use flour or corn tortillas. Delicious. If quesadillas aren't your thing, you can use huitlacoche Mexican truffle in your soup or burrito. You can make a huitlacoche taco or sopes. Basically, you can add huitlacoche as a filler or side, the same way you'd integrate something like black beans or mushrooms. Just check some recipes online. You can eat it with a tortilla or as a side dish on its own. You can add it to various types of dishes such as soups, tamales, huitlacoche tacos, whatever your heart desires.You can add onion, garlic, corn, cheese, tomatoes, tortilla, epazote leaves. These are common ingredients that go together with huitlacoche. Huitlacoche dishes to add some delicious earthy flavor and texture to the meal.
What's the nutritional value of huitlacoche?
High Protein
As cuitlacoche grows, fresh huitlacoche is higher in protein than most maize or regular corn, & could be considered as an alternative protein source for vegetarians (or anyone), according to a research study published in Food Science and Technology (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos).
High in Minerals like Magnesium & Phosphorus
The study also shows that huitlacoche is high in minerals magnesium & phosphorus. Higher magnesium intake may reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, & osteoporosis (National Institutes of Health). So load up on that huitlacoche!
High in Fatty Acids like Oleic Acid & Linoleic Acid
Huitlacoche is high in fatty acids like oleic acid & linoleic acid. Due to the plant fungus & how it alters the corn, huitlacoche is loaded with nutrients corn doesn't normally have, such as lysine, an essential amino acid.
High Carbohydrate
At the end of the day, huitlacoche is still corn, so it has a high carbohydrate content. The great news is that huitlacoche has a high cellulose content (a type of carbohydrate), which can be beneficial for digestion. Sounds like a win to me!
Low Fat
Huitlacoche is low in fat, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for lower calorie & lower fat foods.
As cuitlacoche grows, fresh huitlacoche is higher in protein than most maize or regular corn, & could be considered as an alternative protein source for vegetarians (or anyone), according to a research study published in Food Science and Technology (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos).
High in Minerals like Magnesium & Phosphorus
The study also shows that huitlacoche is high in minerals magnesium & phosphorus. Higher magnesium intake may reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, & osteoporosis (National Institutes of Health). So load up on that huitlacoche!
High in Fatty Acids like Oleic Acid & Linoleic Acid
Huitlacoche is high in fatty acids like oleic acid & linoleic acid. Due to the plant fungus & how it alters the corn, huitlacoche is loaded with nutrients corn doesn't normally have, such as lysine, an essential amino acid.
High Carbohydrate
At the end of the day, huitlacoche is still corn, so it has a high carbohydrate content. The great news is that huitlacoche has a high cellulose content (a type of carbohydrate), which can be beneficial for digestion. Sounds like a win to me!
Low Fat
Huitlacoche is low in fat, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for lower calorie & lower fat foods.
Where Can I Find it
You're likely to find it at a Mexican restaurant but there are some canned huitlacoche varieties as well. I haven't tried canned, only fresh huitlacoche, so I can't say from experience. Fresh is usually always best. You can even had to a Mexican market to see if they have it or know someone who grows it. Know any farmers? Ask them. Farmers might be a good place to start.
So what do you think? Did I convince you to try it? Technically it's a corn fungus but that shouldn't stop you from trying something you could potentially really enjoy. I've had plenty of times & each of the restaurants makes it their own unique way. The seasoning might be different or the flavors or the texture but it's the same main ingredient no matter what. If you're traveling to Mexico, you might find it does frequently in a quesadilla, Sometimes a quesadilla trio with floor de Calabasas (squash blossoms) huitlacoche, & then whatever other option they have.
Would you eat huitlacoche or quesadillas de huitlacoche? It's essentially a corn truffle. Yes, it's a corn fungus but it sure is tasty! What is your favorite food item from Mexico? Have you? How do you like to eat it? Leave a comment below if you have any questions! :]
Hopefully, this answers all your questions. Just wait until you try huitlacoche quesadillas. If it doesn't, leave the question below & I'll see what I can do. Happy eating. I hope you order it the next time you see it on the menu now that you know exactly what it is, where it comes from, & potentially what it'll taste like.
Things to do in Mexico
Things to Do in Roma Mexico City Neighborhood, read here.
The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret.
Mocha Oatmeal: An Easy, Hearty, & Caffeinated Recipe
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. & its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TasteTruvia #CB #CollectiveBias
Ever find yourself running late in the morning with not much time to create a hearty & healthy breakfast? If you're anything like me then it probably happens a lot — sometimes those extra 10 minutes in my warm cozy bed are too irresistible. To combat unhealthy decisions on those hectic mornings, add a bit of caffeine to breakfast with an easy & undeniably delicious bowl of mocha oatmeal.
I'm making 2017 the year of personal bests by feeling good about myself & taking care of myself. Self-love & self-care, y'all! In order to keep myself on track, I created this breakfast recipe to save time & still fill me up.
I've made this so many times, it's essentially foolproof. It'll give you a nice kick of caffeine while simultaneously filling you up for hours on end. Keep reading & you'll find out how to make this simple mocha oatmeal recipe. Let's get started!
Ingredients
1 cup soy milk
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1 cup water
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan bring soy milk & water to a boil.2. Stir in oatmeal. Reduce heat & simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. After 5 minutes or when your oatmeal is almost to your desired texture, mix in the cocoa powder & coffee. Stir until thoroughly combined. Let sit for 2 minutes.
4. Remove pan from heat & stir in Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable.
5. Add desired toppings & enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 - 10 minutes, depending on preference
Servings: 2
Servings: 2
This recipe is simple & I absolutely love using Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable since it's a zero-calorie, stevia-based sweetener. Oh, & it's effortless to use. I bought my Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable at Ralphs. You may find it in the baking aisle along with your cake mixes, flour, & sugar. Truvia® is easy to spot because the packaging is bright green!
Make this mocha oatmeal once & I promise you'll never look back. It's insanely delicious. The proportions are straightforward & easy to remember. This recipe makes two servings, one to share or one for tomorrow. The Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable adds the perfect amount of sweetness since it provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar, making it the perfect natural sweetener for those looking to reduce calories.
You can make your bowl of oatmeal even more beautiful by adding toppings like chia seeds, flaxseeds, fresh berries, chopped nuts, or more Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable. We can make wiser decisions this year. Let's start breakfast off right. :]
You can make your bowl of oatmeal even more beautiful by adding toppings like chia seeds, flaxseeds, fresh berries, chopped nuts, or more Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable. We can make wiser decisions this year. Let's start breakfast off right. :]
* Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. & its advertiser. As always, all opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
International Candies & Snacks: MunchPak Subscription Box Review
If there's anything I love more than munchies, it's having munchies delivered to right to my door. How great is that? As a subscription box lover & international snack snob, I thought MunchPak would be a great box to try out. MunchPak sends you snacks & candies from all over the globe.
Price
Boxes start at $9.95 & increase in size & price. You can customize the frequency from once a week, every two weeks, or once a month. If you want the smallest package delivered only once a month, you can do it. If you want the biggest size delivered each week, you've got it. I like that you can modify the size & frequency to make it work for you. Fred & I opted for the medium size ($19.95) every two weeks.My 4 Box Rule
When it comes to subscription boxes, I believe in the four box rule — a rule I made up myself. Here's how it works: first box is purely trying it out. The second box gives you a better feel for products. The third box means you're becoming pretty well-seasoned with the box & have a general idea of the items included. That fourth box is the final straw to help you decide to cancel or continue the box. Due to the sheer number of subscription boxes out there, I normally unsubscribe after four boxes & try something new.
Glico Pretz Pizza Flavor Pretzels - Definitely an odd flavor, but certainly worth a shot at least once. Crunchy, salty, slightly tomatoey. Country of origin: Thailand
Glico Baked Wheat Biscuit - These petite vanilla cookies are tasty & a perfect match for a cup of tea. Country of origin: Japan
Torku Favorimo Hazelnut Cream Biscuit Kremlin - This sandwich cookie is filled with hazelnut, a delicious option. Country of origin: Turkey
Bebeto Wacky Sticks Strawberry Flavor - These partially sour, partially sweet strawberry sticks were strange. The middle section had the texture of gum. Country of origin: Turkey
Torku Enjoy Kek Orange - Yum! This beautiful blend of chocolate & orange sponge cake was absolutely divine. Unfortunately, it was smashed upon arrival. Country of origin: Turkey
Torku Enjoy Kek Orange - Yum! This beautiful blend of chocolate & orange sponge cake was absolutely divine. Unfortunately, it was smashed upon arrival. Country of origin: Turkey
Jolly Pong Corn & Wheat Snack - These slightly sweetened crispy wheat snacks reminded me of Honey Smacks, the cereal with the frog on it. Country of origin: South Korea
Bebeto Peach Rings - You can't go wrong with peach rings. Ever. However, this was the second MunchPak I received with the peach rings; I'd prefer variety to something I've tried already. Country of origin: Turkey
Morinaga Hi-Chew Suppai Chew - Yellow lemon flavored chews with a slight tang. Country of origin: Japan
Covered Bridge Kettle Style Potato Chips Sweet And Spicy Jalapeno Flavor - Delicious, moderately spicy chips. I love chips & crisps of all flavors & this is no exception. However, I received this in a prior box. Country of origin: Canada
Covered Bridge Kettle Style Potato Chips Sweet And Spicy Jalapeno Flavor - Delicious, moderately spicy chips. I love chips & crisps of all flavors & this is no exception. However, I received this in a prior box. Country of origin: Canada
Paskesz Ooh Chews Impulse - Although these are tasty, I received this in a prior box as well. Country of origin: Brazil
So yes, I did find some snacks that I truly enjoyed & would like to repurchase, but the other half of the snacks were underwhelming, repeats, or something I wouldn't normally buy myself. Even so, MunchPak is absolutely worth a shot. You just might find something you adore, or it might inspire you to travel.
What's your favorite subscription box (food or not)? What do you think of MunchPak? :]
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Other Subscription Box Posts:
What's your favorite subscription box (food or not)? What do you think of MunchPak? :]
Follow me for more fashion, travel, & the California way of life:
Veggie Meal Alert! Thrill Grill in Haarlem, Netherlands
If you find yourself in the quaint town of Haarlem, Netherlands & if you're looking for a tasty vegetarian meal, go for Thrill Grill. I have to admit there weren't any vegetarian options save for this exact meal, but it was worth it. Thrill Grill is a must-visit place if you want a unique veggie-friendly dish in Haarlem.
Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights
I still dream about the Veggie Falafel Thriller, made with homemade falafel, tomato, pickled cucumber, red onion, & bell pepper hummus served on a toasted organic bun. It was so hearty, filling, & huge. It's not your average falafel either; it's incomparable to any type of falafel I've ever had. Pure delight for vegetarians & non-veggies alike.
Related reading: Cheesing it Up in Gouda, Netherlands
Ask for Thrill Grill's herb fries, made with homemade, fresh-cut fries & mixed with tarragon & chervil, a relative to parsley. Pure greasy perfection that's best washed down with a glass of Heineken, the famous pale lager beer brewed in the nearby city of Amsterdam. I tell you what, Heineken tastes best when you drink it locally.
Sit outside. You won't regret the marvelous views & the immense amount of people-watching potential. Haarlem has a lot of character with its cobblestone streets, gabled houses, & narrow alleys. Thrill Grill is centrally located in the market square with a perfect glimpse of the Grote of St. Bavokerk, an important landmark & church within Haarlem.
My Thrill Grill falafel burger remains one of the top meals during my month-long trip to Europe last year. Perhaps it was the superb taste or even the inspiring views, but the verdict is the same: amazing. Homemade, home cut fries paired with a non-conventional burger & a cold glass of Heineken mesh together to create a pleasant & harmonious meal. Ah, the memories.
How does Thrill Grill sound to you? :]
You may find Thrill Grill:
Oude Groenmarkt 26, 2011 HL
Haarlem, Netherlands
Oude Groenmarkt 26, 2011 HL
Haarlem, Netherlands
+31 23 202 4047
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