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Year in Review 2016

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Food and Travel Blogger Year in Review - Where I went, where I slept, what I ate and what I did!

Are you ready for 2017?

Each January I reflect upon the previous year and make plans and set goals for the new year. A business and personal goal for 2016 was to go on at least a dozen trips, and I’m happy that I made it happen! I had a great time exploring my local Southern California area and also traveled out of state and internationally on sponsored media trips.

I write about my food travel, restaurants and other foodie adventures on Mama Likes To Cook. My articles about travel activities, destinations and accommodations can be found on Valerie Was Here.

Food and Travel Blogger Year in Review - Where I went, where I slept, what I ate and what I did!

I traveled quite a bit in Southern California. Even though I’ve lived in the area my entire life and have been to all of these cities before, it was a great to stay in hotels and experience them in a whole new way as a traveler. I loved it!

Palm Springs is a great spot for a desert getaway with culture, nature, food, shopping and fun. Long Beach has a museums and outdoor art, family activities, excellent restaurants, gorgeous views and a rich history. I visited the trendy Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego and the beautiful Marriott Coronado Island across the bay. I enjoyed the relaxing vibe of the San Jacinto Valley and the tall trees of Idyllwild.

Closer to home, I stayed at The Ranch at Laguna Beach that has captured the relaxing essence of the SoCal lifestyle and the luxurious Fairmont Newport Beach. Also had fun at Disneyland.

Food and Travel Blogger Year in Review - Where I went, where I slept, what I ate and what I did!

I also explored the Northern California coast with an road trip that covered a lot of miles from Sonoma County up to Little River, Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Redwood National Park, Eureka, Trinidad and almost up to the Oregon Border. On another road trip, I spent time exploring Carmel Valley, Carmel by The Sea, Big Sur and Monterey.

This was also a year for using my passport. I went to the Dominican Republic for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the culture and meeting locals. This was a cruise and I made some great friends on board and also went to Miami for the first time.

Since Mexico is so close, I’ve been many times over the years. In 2016, I traveled by car to Tijuana and Rosarito Beach. I also traveled by air further south to Puerto Vallarta. Looking forward to going back to Mexico again soon, since I always have a great time.

Food and Travel Blogger Year in Review - Where I went, where I slept, what I ate and what I did!

My goal for 2017 is 20 trips. Do you think I’ll make it?

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Food and Travel Blogger Year in Review - Where I went, where I slept, what I ate and what I did!

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Food and Travel Blogger Year in Review - Where I went, where I slept, what I ate and what I did!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  8. Christina Sparks says

    I am hoping to go on a trip with my husband for our anniversary this year, it been almost 6 yrs since we went on vacation.

  10. June S. says

    The blue water pictures look like a place where I would love to be right now, it was a whopping 8 degrees here in Illinois this morning.

  13. Suzanne K says

    I’m also doing a lot of local So Cal exploring, but want to add a trip to Italy as well!

  15. Maureen says

    A resolution for travel would be good. Just to be able to explore new places is exciting.

  30. Valerie Mitchell says

    Natalie – I enjoyed both and am happy that I was able to meet locals and learn more about their cultures.

  31. David Hollingsworth says

    I just love shopping online, because it is pretty convenient. Amazon makes that easy.

  32. Joannie says

    Happy 2017. Hope you make more than 20 trips and that all the places you visit are as lovely as this one.

  36. Valerie Mitchell says

    Yes! Far way trips are nice, but it’s great to keep our eyes open for new things everyday!

  38. Erin Will says

    I am excited to see what 2017 brings! Hope there is a lot more traveling and beach time for sure! Thank you!

  53. Adriane says

    What an exciting and colorful year!! And I KNOW you can do 20 trips :) I miss traveling – maybe this year I can take a trip

  63. YVONNE WOODSTOCK says

    I-would-love-to-hear-your-experienced-opinion-and-advice-about-traveling/visiting-Mexico…Growing-up-I-always-assumed-I-would-visit-someday-but-then-in-more-recent-years-when-I-can-fiinally-afford-to-and-have-time-to-do-so…I-noticed-on-the.U.S.government’s-passport/travel-site-(last-time-I-looked)..that-Mexico-was-one-of-the-places-they-had-travel-advisories-suggesting-it-is-not-safe-to-visit-there-and-heard-so-much-from-various-news-sources-after-the-last-so-many-years-about-the-danger-and-violence-even-sometimes-randomly-in-otherwise-lovely-tourist/resort-areas-due-to-the-drug-cartel-and-such?—Ever-since-then..I-stopped-entering-giveaways-to-win-trips-there-or-anything-because-now-I’m-afraid..but-I-see-your-experiences-have-been-numerous-and-good-so-I’d-love-to-hear-your-perspective.-Thank-you.

  68. Mary Beth Elderton says

    We are just a few years out from retirement and are looking forward to travel! I hope everyone here has a great year.

  69. Maryann D. says

    I would love to win this Amazon.com $50 Gift Card for my daughter who loves shopping on Amazon.

  70. Lois M. says

    Oh lordy, totally jealous of all the traveling! :) Well, most especially of going to Disney… me, definitely none except of the many geology field trips I had to do in my state for my classes, but definitely not the same by any stretch of the imagination – you didn’t have to get graded on the reports and maps. ;)

  72. vickie couturier says

    enjoy the traveling while you are still young enought to enjoy it,now that i have some time and im not physically able to go as much as i would like

  73. Michelle S says

    We did quite a bit of traveling this past year – Bahamas/Virgin Islands cruise, Disney World, and Door County. This year we are going to New Orleans and possibly Denver this summer for a wedding.

  74. Valerie Mitchell says

    Michelle – Your 2016 travels sound like lots of fun. I’m hoping to head to New Orleans this year, as well!

  75. Valerie Mitchell says

    Vickie – Hope you are able to find some great experiences that will work for you this year!

  78. Valerie Mitchell says

    Very exciting, Mary Beth! Hope you have fun dreaming and planning for your retirement.

  79. Valerie Mitchell says

    Thank you, Yona! Have enjoyed each of my Mexico trips, but there is still a lot more to see in this large country!

  84. Sheila Russell says

    Travel opens up a whole world, great to hear that you hit your goal in 2016, hopefully you meet all your goals for 2017

  88. clojo9372 says

    How exciting it must be to have the opportunity to travel and see exciting places. Wish I could! I hope you can meet your goal! :)

  90. Ashley M says

    I have never been on a vacation as an adult! I think it is wonderful that you get the opportunity to do so! I think it would be so much fun to travel and try new foods! Thanks for the chance to win <3 Happy New Year!

  93. Debbie F says

    Wow I’d love to be able to travel as much as you do!
    I hope you get to travel to many more places in 2017!

  94. Cathy French says

    What an exciting year you’ve had and with 20 trips this year, I think you can do it, you’ll have a banner year 2017 as well.

  98. Sarah B. says

    I use Amazon waaaaay too much. Seriously, I’m on there almost daily! $50 would certainly help, thanks for another great giveaway

  100. Kristi F says

    20 trips is a big goal but certainly a great traveller can do it. There’s nothing like traveling for experiencing the world and meeting new people.

  103. shan says

    You’ve had some really great adventures! I hope some day I get to so many of these places.

  110. Kymi A says

    I love your travel goals I think you can do all 20 trips with organization and planning ahead, you’ll enjoy your journey. My goal is to visit a state I have never been before like California. Good luck in your travels and Happy New Year.

  124. Kym says

    Looking forward to a wonderful year fulfilling my heart’s desires! Happy New Year and happy travels!

  128. Michelle C says

    Traveling more is on my wish list! I don’t have a ton of time off from my job, but my family and I try to go on a few trips each year.

  130. JENN SPARKS says

    You have gone to so many great places!! Your photos are marvelous. I went to the Redwood park 24 years ago and it was amazing.

  141. Michelle H. says

    I have been to some of the places you listed in California. I would like to take more trips.

  142. Dayle B says

    Enjoyed you unique and sunny looking pics,
    as I am looking out my window at SNOW.
    Your pics made me HAPPY.
    Love your recipes too.

  149. Louise M says

    Love to browse on Amazon and would be great to buy a gift for some one special for their birthday coming up in March, 2017

  151. DeeAnn says

    Ever since the kids were small, on a Saturday or Sunday we’d pack the cooler full of food, grab a bag full of toys, games and such, and head down a road we’ve never been on before. You’d be surprised what you run into, and the sights you see. My kids are much older now, but I think I’d like to start doing the day trip think again.

  154. Karen says

    I travel through some of your adventures. Love taking road trips though. Been up and down the east coast. Good luck on hitting 20 trips this year.

  155. Kristie Wendland says

    Hey there! I absolutely love Southern California! Disneyland is truly the best place on Earth!

  156. Janice Wright says

    I have a Pinterest page entitled Iowa Bucket List. These are short little road trips fairly close to my residence.

  160. Katie Ellis says

    I have never been to California but would love to visit there someday. I have visited different places in my state but there is still a lot I haven’t seen.

  163. Julie Lundstrom says

    I don’t get to travel so seeing and reading about your travels makes me feel like I have been there too.

  164. polly says

    When you were in Northern California you were close to where I live…so many beautiful places to see! Have fun with all of t=your travel adventures!

  166. Kelly says

    I think that you will make it. It certainly looks like you have a blast no matter where you are :) I used to travel a lot and I miss it. I think I will join you in making a goal of going on more adventures.

  169. Mary Mac says

    I live on the East Coast and don’t make it very often to visit the West Coast, I love reading your fun stories and adventures.

  172. Valerie Mitchell says

    Thank you, Mary! NYC is the only place I’ve been on the East Coast, so far. Hope to explore your area more.

  173. almavidrio says

    This would be an amazing win. I would use it to buy a tortilla press because I love to cook Mexican food! Thanks!

  174. katklaw777 says

    20 trips…I bet you go over! Well at least you will have a heck of a lot of fun trying…lol
    Happy and healthy New Year to You!

  181. Carissa Joslyn says

    That’s great that you were able to make your goal happen! and they look amazing. the views and the food!

  183. Rhonda Grisham says

    Great post! I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico. Who knows, maybe this will be my year?

  185. patricia skinner says

    I am also a goal setter. I like having a plan to enter the new year in and I do evaluate the plan as the year proceeds. Many times, I have had to adjust my goals as things unplanned do emerge in our lives.

  186. Valerie Mitchell says

    Patricia – Great point! Good to set goals and also be flexible enough to adjust as needed.

  187. Rhonda Martin says

    I think you will exceed your goal of 20 trips. You was a very busy lady in 2016.You did so many fun things. I’d love to do some traveling throughout the US from the East Coast where I live to the West Coast where you live. Life seems to always get in the way but maybe some day.

  189. ShootingStarsMag says

    Looks like you had a great 2016. I hope you can meet your 20 trips this year. I will get nowhere near there, but I AM planning to visit Las Vegas for the first time this year for my sister’s birthday.

  192. Susan P. says

    My sister and I searched out the date farms when we visited Palm Springs and were very impressed. Worth the drive to see the date palms.

  194. Rhonda Martin says

    The gallery of photo’s you took are amazing. The food looks so delicious and the beaches so inviting. In the very first photo album, 1st photo on the right side, was that a local farmers market?

  197. Cindy Merrill says

    Just love the Adventures posts, it’s fun. New food recipes are my biggest kick, love trying dishes from all over the US.

  217. Shanna says

    I love how you’ve set up your blog. The pictures are very enticing. Thanks for the chance to win the contest too!

  226. Robyn Bellefleur says

    Might I suggest going to the Bahamas? We went for a week and did not want to come home. We are planning another trip there sometime soon.

  227. Valerie Mitchell says

    Robyn – The Bahamas would be great! It definitely looks like my kind of place. Glad you had such a good time.

  228. Crystal F says

    Sounds like you had a very eventful year. Some of the food looks amazing. Hope this year brings just as much fun.

  230. Mary Gardner says

    How nice that you have traveled so many beautiful places! I would also love to visit the Dominican Republic.

  242. Susan Biddle says

    It sounds like you had a great year, and you got a ton of fun colorful photos too! Nice to look at, keep it coming. I hope you have a great 2017 too! Thanks for the great giveaway.

  243. Jerry Marquardt says

    I would like to thank you for giving us a chance to win the Year in Review $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway today.

  246. Wendy McBride says

    Love seeing your adventures through pictures and blog. I would use $50 Amazon card for B1 and B12 vitamins I am out of!