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The 20 Best Hawaii Packages For 2026 (Ranked)

2026-07-28T17:11:04.890-06:00

The Best Vacation Packages to Hawaii in 2026 (From Someone Who Got Sunburned There)

Confession time: I have been to Hawaii, and I loved every single second of it. I also got a sunburn shaped like my own hand because I fell asleep on the beach like a rookie. So yes, I am qualified to write this. (You can read about the time I toured Oahu and giggled my way through a Buddhist temple later. It is a whole thing.)

Here is the deal. Hawaii is the trip. The one my kids still bring up. But planning it yourself can turn you into a person with 47 browser tabs open, muttering about resort fees at midnight. I do not want that life for you. That is exactly why a good vacation package is your best friend: someone bundles the flights, the hotel, and sometimes a rental car or tours into one price, usually for less than you would spend piecing it together on your own.

So I went ahead and did the annoying part for you. I compared more than 20 companies that sell Hawaii trips, from budget flight-and-hotel bundles to fancy guided tours, and ranked them by actual value, what is actually included, and who they are actually best for. My number one pick is Great Value Vacations, and I will explain exactly why in a second. Grab a coffee (or a Mai Tai, I do not judge). Let's go.

★ Amber's Top Pick: Best Overall Value

Great Value Vacations

Flights included, real hotels, and the ability to hit more than one island without booking six separate things at 2 a.m. It is the sweet spot of "someone else handled the hard part" and "I can still afford shave ice every day."

Island Hopping in Hawaii from ~$2,872/person (9 nights, 3 islands, airfare included) • See current Hawaii deals →

The Quick-Glance Comparison Table

In a hurry because someone needs a snack? Here is the whole ranking at a glance. Scroll down for the full scoop on each one.

#	Company	Best For	Style	Airfare Included?	Starting From*
1	Great Value Vacations ★	Best overall value + island-hopping	Independent + flights	✔ Yes	$2,872
2	Costco Travel	Costco members, hotel + car bundles	Independent	Optional	Quote
3	Pleasant Holidays	The original Hawaii specialists	Independent	✔ Yes	Quote
4	Getaways by Southwest	Budget families (2 free bags!)	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
5	Hawaiian Airlines Vacations	Island-hopping made easy	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
6	Expedia (Flight + Hotel)	Total DIY control	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
7	Apple Vacations	Families + resort buyers	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
8	Delta Vacations	Delta/SkyMiles loyalists	Independent	✔ Yes	Quote
9	United Vacations	Lots of gateways + trip types	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
10	American Airlines Vacations	AAdvantage members, big resort brands	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
11	Alaska Airlines Vacations	West Coast flyers, post-merger reach	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
12	Funjet Vacations	Bundled resort getaways	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
13	Vacations by Marriott	Bonvoy loyalists	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies
14	AAA Travel	Full-service + member perks	Independent	✔ Yes	Quote
15	Gate 1 Travel	Budget escorted tours	Escorted or independent	✔ Optional	$6,159
16	Globus	Classic guided multi-island tours	Escorted group	✘ Land only	$6,400
17	Tauck	Luxury guided tours	Escorted group	✘ Land only	$11,990
18	Hawaii Aloha Travel	Local, custom-built trips	Independent	✔ Yes	Quote
19	Panda Travel	Local specialists, all-in bundles	Independent	✔ Yes	Quote
20	Priceline (Trip Bundles)	Bargain hotel + bundle hunters	Independent	✔ Yes	Varies

*Starting-from prices are per person and change constantly with island, season, and hotel. "Quote" means you get a custom price by phone or online tool, and "Varies" means the price depends entirely on the flights and hotel you pick. "Land only" means airfare is NOT included, which matters a lot when a plane ticket to Hawaii is a big chunk of the cost. Remember to add resort fees and taxes to any teaser price.

The 20 Best Hawaii Vacation Packages, Ranked

Okay, the good part. Starting with my favorite and working down.

1. Great Value Vacations: Best Overall Value ★

If you click one link in this whole post, make it this one. Great Value Vacations wins my top spot because it does the thing that is genuinely hard to do yourself: it gets you to more than one island without you having to book flights, hotels, and inter-island hops separately while slowly losing your will to live. And unlike a lot of the fancy guided tours below, airfare is already in the price. A flight to Hawaii is not cheap, so a package that includes it makes comparing costs honest instead of a magic trick.

Here is why it is my winner:

Island-hopping without the headache. Their Island Hopping in Hawaii trip is 9 nights across three islands (Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu), with your flights and the inter-island flights and three beachfront-ish hotels all booked for you. That is the trip everyone wants and nobody wants to plan.
Flights are included. Starting around $2,872 per person (based on two travelers from LAX), with round-trip airfare, two inter-island flights, and hotels like the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki. Try pricing that out yourself and then lie down.
You still get to be a grown-up about it. These are independent packages, so you are not stuck on a bus with 40 strangers. You explore on your own schedule, just without the planning migraine.
They have guided options too if you want them, like an Oahu and Kauai adventure package with tours built in (think Kualoa Ranch and a Waikiki sunset sail).

Sample GVV Hawaii Package	Nights	Starting From*	Highlights
🏝️ Island Hopping in Hawaii	9+	$2,872	Big Island, Kauai & Oahu, airfare + inter-island flights
Hawaii Adventure: Oahu & Kauai	7	Call	Guided tours: Dole, Kualoa Ranch, sunset sail, Waimea Canyon
Add-on: Maui nights	13-14	Varies	Extend island-hopping with nights in Lahaina, Maui

The honest part: Like almost every Hawaii package, the room rate does not include resort fees (usually around $56 to $65 per night, paid at the hotel), and the island-hopping trip does not include a rental car or meals. That is normal for Hawaii, not a GVV thing. Budget for it and you are golden.

🧡 Amber's verdict: Best value, and the easiest way to see more than one island without a spreadsheet. Flights included, real hotels, no bus required. Check current Hawaii packages →

2. Costco Travel: Best for Costco Members

Yes, the place where you buy 40 rolls of paper towels also books a great Hawaii trip. Costco's signature Hawaii package bundles a hotel with a rental car (the "free rental car" framing you have probably seen), often with a Costco Shop Card or resort credit thrown in and frequently no resort fee. Best for: members who want a solid mid-range bundle and predictable perks. Watch out for: you need a membership, prices come by quote, and Hawaii experts actually suggest buying your flights elsewhere since Costco cannot reprice airfare as fast as it moves.

3. Pleasant Holidays: The Original Hawaii Specialists

Pleasant Holidays basically invented the modern Hawaii package back in the 1960s, and that experience still shows. They bundle flights, hotels, and cars with serious neighbor-island know-how, and they are owned by AAA of Southern California. Best for: families and repeat Hawaii travelers who like booking through a real specialist. Watch out for: their old price advantage has faded, so they are not automatically the cheapest anymore. Compare before you commit.

4. Getaways by Southwest: Best Budget Pick for Families

Southwest relaunched its vacations arm as "Getaways by Southwest," and for families it is a strong budget play, mostly because of those two free checked bags per person and no change fees. When you are hauling car seats, boogie boards, and a suitcase of snacks, that adds up fast. They fly four islands and even run discounted inter-island hops. Best for: budget-minded families and Rapid Rewards collectors. Watch out for: thinner luxury and resort selection than the old-guard specialists. (Speaking of Southwest, I have flown them to Disneyland and lived to tell the tale.)

5. Hawaiian Airlines Vacations: Best for Island-Hopping

If you want to see more than one island, Hawaiian Airlines is the local expert, because it flies more inter-island routes than anyone. Their vacations arm packages those hops right in with your hotel. Best for: multi-island trips and travelers who want the most local, Hawaii-native experience. Watch out for: the packaged product gets more mixed service reviews than the airline itself. Since the Alaska and Hawaiian merger, the two are now corporate siblings under Atmos Rewards.

6. Expedia (Flight + Hotel): Best for Total DIY Control

If you are the type who wants to pick the exact flight and the exact hotel, Expedia's Flight + Hotel tool bundles the two (airfare included) and often knocks off a discount for booking them together, plus One Key rewards. Best for: confident, budget-savvy travelers and repeat visitors. Watch out for: it is pure self-service, so there is no human to call when a flight gets canceled, and those "up to 100% off your flight" banners are marketing, not free plane tickets.

7. Apple Vacations: Best for Resort-Style Family Trips

Apple Vacations bundles flights and hotels from a ton of North American gateways, and they lean into family-friendly resorts and "kids stay free" style deals, all the way up to Ritz-Carlton and Disney's Aulani. Best for: families and couples who want a one-and-done resort booking. Watch out for: Hawaii is not their main specialty (they do a lot of Mexico and the Caribbean), so island depth is thinner than a true Hawaii specialist.

8. Delta Vacations: Best for Delta Loyalists

If your heart (and your credit card) belongs to Delta, this is a no-brainer: bundle Delta flights with hotels, cars, and activities, and you earn SkyMiles and Medallion-qualifying dollars on the whole package. Best for: SkyMiles members who fly Delta anyway. Watch out for: it skews pricier, and Delta does not fly between the islands, so multi-island trips need another carrier for the hops.

9. United Vacations: Best for Trip-Type Variety

United Vacations lets you filter by Family, Romance, Adults-Only, Adventure, and Luxury, which is handy when you know the vibe you want but not the hotel. Flights are included and they cover a wide range of hotels from 3-star to 5-star. Best for: travelers who want lots of gateways and a trip built around a theme. Watch out for: the packaged product gets mixed reviews when plans go sideways, so read the change and cancel terms.

10. American Airlines Vacations: Best for Big-Brand Resorts

American Airlines Vacations is a simple "book it together, save a little" bundle, and its strength is prominent Marriott and Hilton partnerships for reliable hotel quality, plus AAdvantage miles. Best for: AAdvantage members who want a recognizable resort brand. Watch out for: it treats Hawaii as one of many destinations, with fewer gateways and no inter-island flights, so it is the weakest of the airlines for multi-island trips.

11. Alaska Airlines Vacations: Best for West Coast Flyers

For anyone on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines Vacations is worth a look, and it got a lot more interesting after the Hawaiian merger: its packages can now book flights on Alaska or Hawaiian, which quietly gives it Hawaiian's deep inter-island network. Best for: Mileage Plan and Atmos Rewards fans flying from the West Coast. Watch out for: the vacations product is still maturing and is less polished than the legacy specialists.

12. Funjet Vacations: Best for Bundled Resort Getaways

Funjet is a longtime flight-and-hotel bundler (a sibling of Apple Vacations under the same parent company) that leans a little more upscale for Hawaii, with "stay 4, get the 5th night" style offers. Best for: couples and families who want a bundled resort stay and like booking through a travel agent. Watch out for: like Apple, it is a generalist, so Hawaii is not its core focus.

13. Vacations by Marriott: Best for Bonvoy Loyalists

If you collect Marriott Bonvoy points like they are Pokemon, Vacations by Marriott bundles airfare with a Marriott-brand hotel (Ritz, Sheraton, Westin, and friends), saves up to about 20%, and earns you points. Best for: Bonvoy loyalists who want one consistent hotel brand. Watch out for: you are locked into Marriott properties only, and it is a booking engine rather than a Hawaii specialist.

14. AAA Travel: Best Full-Service Experience

AAA's Hawaii packages are mostly fulfilled through Pleasant Holidays, so you get that deep Hawaii expertise plus AAA member perks (booking credits, a best-price guarantee, and 24/7 support). Best for: travelers who want a real person handling everything and the safety net of member support. Watch out for: you need a AAA membership, and the agent-assisted model can cost a bit more than pure DIY.

15. Gate 1 Travel: Best Budget Guided Tour

Gate 1's whole thing is "more of the world for less," and it is the guided-tour operator that most cleanly sells a true airfare-included price. Their 12-day Classic Hawaii runs about $6,159 with air from LA and bundles inter-island flights, most sightseeing, and many meals across four islands. Best for: travelers who want a structured multi-island tour without a luxury price. Watch out for: it is more no-frills, with mid-tier hotels and a group schedule.

16. Globus: Best Classic Guided Multi-Island Tour

Globus runs polished, fully guided motorcoach tours across all four main islands, with a tour director, transfers, and inter-island flights handled for you. Their flagship Grand Hawaii tour runs roughly $6,400 and up per person, land only. Best for: first-timers and travelers (often 50-plus) who want zero decisions and a guide every day. Watch out for: the price is land only, so add your mainland airfare, and you are on a fixed group schedule.

17. Tauck: Best Luxury Guided Tour

When you want to splurge and never think about logistics again, Tauck delivers a high-end, near-all-inclusive guided tour with marquee beachfront resorts, most meals, gratuities, and exclusive access (think a private Iolani Palace visit). "The Best of Hawaii" starts around $11,990 per person. Best for: travelers who want luxury and everything handled. Watch out for: the price, and it is land only, so mainland flights are extra.

18. Hawaii Aloha Travel: Best Local, Custom Trip

Hawaii Aloha Travel is a Honolulu-based agency that builds custom independent trips with real on-island knowledge, low deposits, and a no-pressure vibe. Best for: families and honeymooners who want a locally built, flexible multi-island trip instead of a rigid package. Watch out for: they arrange the pieces, but you travel independently between them (no tour director holding your hand).

19. Panda Travel: Best Local All-in-One Bundle

Panda Travel is another Honolulu-based local specialist (35-plus years) whose standard package explicitly includes airfare, hotel, and a rental car, often with extras like free breakfast or bonus nights. Best for: first-timers who want a genuinely all-in independent package built by locals. Watch out for: like Hawaii Aloha, it is independent travel, not a guided group tour.

20. Priceline (Trip Bundles): Best for Bargain Hunters

Priceline is really a discount hotel engine that also offers flight-and-hotel Trip Bundles (airfare included), and it shines at knocking down rates on nice 4-star hotels. Best for: flexible travelers chasing the lowest possible price. Watch out for: the opaque Express Deals hide the exact hotel until you book and are often non-refundable, so read the fine print and watch for hidden resort and parking fees.

A Few More (Including One to Approach With Caution)

Company	In a Nutshell
Cosmos	Globus's budget sibling: guided four-island tours for less, land only.
Travelocity	Runs on the same system as Expedia, so pricing is nearly identical.
GoWaikiki / Blue Sky Tours	A true Hawaii specialist wholesaler, usually booked through a travel advisor.
Atlas Cruises & Tours	A reseller of other operators' tours, sometimes with a discount or perks.
BookVIP ⚠️	Deeply discounted stays, but they are land only and usually require sitting through a 90-minute timeshare pitch. Read every word first.

Is a Package Actually Cheaper Than Booking It Myself?

Usually, yes, especially once you count airfare and the hops between islands. Here is the reality check: a family of four should budget somewhere around $9,000 to $14,000 for a week to ten days in Hawaii once you add flights, hotel, a rental car, food, resort fees, and a couple of activities. When flights and inter-island hops are a big slice of that, a package that bundles them in (like the Great Value Vacations island-hopping trip at about $2,872 per person with air) often beats piecing it out yourself, and it definitely beats the 47 browser tabs.

The column to always check before you book is "airfare included?" A guided tour price that looks similar to a package can actually be land only (Globus and Tauck, for example), which means you still have to add a pricey flight to Hawaii on top. That is the single biggest reason Great Value Vacations sits at the top of my list: the price you see already gets you there.

9 Real Tips Before You Book Your Hawaii Package

Travel in shoulder season (April to May, September to October, or early December) for the lowest airfare and hotel rates and the smallest crowds. Christmas and summer are the priciest.
Always compare "with airfare" versus "land only." A cheaper sticker price often is not cheaper once you add a flight to Hawaii.
Add resort fees, parking, and taxes to any teaser price before you get excited. They are not optional.
Pick your island (or islands) first. Oahu is the most affordable and easiest for first-timers, Maui is the upscale honeymoon and whale-watching favorite, Kauai is lush and outdoorsy, and the Big Island has the volcanoes.
Book your big attractions early. Several now require reservations for out-of-state visitors, including Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, and Haleakala sunrise. More on that below.
Pack mineral (reef-safe) sunscreen. Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, and Maui is stricter still.
Consider travel insurance, especially on land-only tours where you booked flights separately.
Fly nonstop if you can with little kids. Trust me on this one. (I have written entire posts about people who annoy me on airplanes.)
Book early to lock in 2026 pricing, ideally with a low deposit, so you can pay the balance later.

Hawaii Vacation Package FAQs

What is the cheapest way to visit Hawaii?

A flight-and-hotel package with airfare included (like Great Value Vacations or Getaways by Southwest), booked in shoulder season, and often on Oahu, which is the most affordable island. Bundling almost always beats booking every piece separately.

Are there all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii?

Not really, at least not like Mexico or the Caribbean. A few resorts (such as Disney's Aulani) offer meal plans or credits, but in Hawaii an "all-inclusive package" almost always means flight plus hotel plus rental car, not unlimited food and drinks.

Which island is best for a first family trip?

Oahu. It is the most affordable, has the most flights, and packs a lot in (Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, snorkeling, and a real town when you need a Target run). Maui and Kauai are stunning too, just pricier and quieter.

How many days do I need?

Five to seven nights is great for one island. If you want to island-hop, nine or more nights keeps it from feeling like a mad dash, since you lose a half-day each time you change islands.

Whatever you pick, the smart moves are the same: choose your island first, always compare the price with airfare instead of land only, add the resort fees before you judge a deal, and book early to lock in the best 2026 rates. If you want the easiest starting point, Great Value Vacations bundles the flights, the hotels, and the island hops so you can spend your energy on the important stuff, like deciding between shave ice flavors.

More travel (and travel chaos) from the blog:
🌴 My Majestic Tour Around Oahu (the time I giggled through a temple)
✈️ 5 Ways to Annoy Me on an Airplane
🎢 The Voyage to Disneyland on Southwest Airlines

Hey, It's Okay

2026-07-27T16:42:54.242-06:00

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to be excited to see Natalie's show this weekend. It's a variety show with different ensemble songs. I know she has missed performing.

.....to also be thrilled to see Spider-Man Brand New Day on Thursday. We are watching the movie and then Natalie has to head to rehearsal soon after. If someone in the movie dies, she's going to show up in tears.

......to currently be reading Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. It's about Theo, an elderly man who shows up in the small down of Golden. No one really knows his story, just that he's buying all the drawings made by a local artist that have been displayed at the local coffee house. He's returning all the portraits to their owners, and by doing so, he gets to know the subject. It's a beautiful story, and we all need a Theo in our life.

.......to be excited over the MCU news that came out over the weekend. One big one is that Ryan Gosling is the new Ghost Rider. I admit I never saw the original Ghost Rider, but I will tune into this one.

.....to think this Root Beer Float soda is delicious. If you don't have vanilla ice cream, this is a tasty replacement. You get the root beer flavor with that rich cream flavor.

Spider-Man Gift Ideas

2026-07-26T16:58:52.607-06:00

Guess what comes out this week?

Spider-Man Brand New Day! To prepare, we've been watching all the Spider-Man movies. The ones with Tobey, Andrew, and yes, Tom Holland, the current Spider-Man.

We have tickets for the first showing at our local movie theater. When I purchased the tickets a few weeks ago, many of the seats were already taken, so it will be a popular film. Everyone seems to love Spider-Man.

If you do, or have someone in your life who is a fan of the red and blue superhero, I have gift ideas.

Do you want to be able to sling webs like Spider-Man? You can with this Web-Slinger! It came with silly string to look more realistic, but if you run out, you can fill it with water. It's perfect for the summer. It also came with a special glove.

Want a friend to perch on your shoulder? We found this shoulder friend at Walmart. It attaches to the shoulder with a magnet, and is adorable. I will be sporting him when I see the movie.

We loved this Spider-Man balloon. I found him at H-E-B, the local grocery store in Texas, but I would think he's available in many spots.

Natalie was excited to see a Punk Rock Spider-Man Squishmallow at Walmart. She loves Into The Spiderverse.

Check out these school supplies at Target. Natalie picked them up for college.

This Spider-Man hoodie from Hot Topic is perfect to stay warm.

Over at Walmart, they have an entire display for Spider-Man Brand New Day. There are all sorts of goodies--t-shirts, sweatpants, toys, blindbags...

Natalie wanted this walkie talkies for college.

If you need some new summer shoes, there were under $20:

If you're on a budget, this loofah was under $6 and adorable. They actually had a whole Spider-Man bathroom line if you wanted to upgrade your decor:

Finally, you can always grab a Spider-Man costume. We found this one on Amazon here, and it was affordable.

So will you be watching Brand New Day this week?

Amusing Back To School Notebooks

2026-07-22T17:33:50.271-06:00

Next month many will be returning to school so this means shopping for supplies. My son graduated college, so he's done.

But my daughter is a sophomore in college, so she still needs items. We've always preferred the notebooks that made us smile. Sure, you can get one with a pretty flower on it, but what about one that says this:

It can be quite accurate, especially if you have an 8 AM math class. Who would be cheerful for that?

Also, check this notebook out:

Who doesn't love butter? Share you excitement over butter with this.

Cat fan? Check out this regal feline:

Finally, it's not exactly humorous, but I did get a kick of the notebook with this dino on it:

I always love finding the notebooks with personality. It can make a tough class a little bit easier to get through. I found these at Target and Walmart.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-07-20T18:01:15.317-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

.....to be glad the crazy rain has moved off. We even had a tornado touch down about 15 minutes from us and this doesn't happen much in Texas, so there was panic. It did cause some damage, but no deaths at least.

......to be watching Dawson's Creek with Natalie. I watched as a teen, so it's a trip to watch again as an adult. She's liking the show!

.......to gave finished reading I Came Back For You by Kate White. It's about Bree, whose daughter Melanie was murdered 10 years ago. But the guy convicted for killing her insists he didn't do anything to Melanie. Bree thinks he's just lying, but then does some digging and realizes they might have gotten the murderer all wrong....this book is a tough read as a parent, but like Bree, I would do anything to find out what happened to my kid.

.......to have been excited to spot the first pumpkin scented item. I do love the Fall and all the scents and colors that come with it. Cooler temps are coming. Eventually!

Meeting An Actor From Welcome To Derry

2026-07-19T18:12:56.284-06:00

Pennywise has returned.

Natalie loves the show Welcome To Derry and when we heard Emma-Leigh Cullum, who played Little Periwinkle in the show would be there, Natalie was like, yup. gotta be Pennywise.

She does her own makeup, and always looks frightening.

It was an event called Summer Camp put on by Kings Of Horror. (They are having a Stranger Things event in November that we cannot wait for. Pennywise WON'T make an appearance there. Natalie is coming up with an 80s look for that one.)

Anyhow, it was nice to meet Emma-Leigh. We got a photo:

And a signed Funko Pop:

The event was held at the Wonderland Of Americas mall, which was incredibly popular in the 80s, and still has a few relics from the past. We love this clown, but we learned he's been purchased so he won't be there next time. Boo.

Since it sort of was marketed as a horror event, there were other cosplayers.

We met this guy:

And this one:

We always have a blast at the Kings of Horror events and are looking forward to the next one. If you like The Walking Dead, they are having a Mallwalkers expo with many of the actors from the show. (Yup, Carl aka Chandler Riggs will be there!) I'd love to go, but I have to save money for the Stranger Things gathering.

Until the next time..

Pennywise will sleep.

Spider-Man Jacket Hoodie From Hot Topic

2026-07-15T18:34:13.517-06:00

Spider-Man Brand New Day releases in theaters on July 30th. (Yes, we already have our tickets for that day. The first showing.)

To celebrate, Hot Topic has put out a bunch of different Spider-Man items. Necklaces. Shirts. Earrings. And this fabulous jacket hoodie.

As you can see, you can zip it up so you look like Spider-Man!

Or, you can leave it unzipped, and it still is pretty cool.

It ranges in size XS to 3X. This is a S, and it is still roomy, so it seems to run true to size. We loved the vibrant colors as well.

It is cozy and soft and will keep you warm--and stylish.

It'll be the perfect look when you show up to see Spider-Man Brand New Day in theaters.

If Natalie is invited to several Halloween parties while in college and isn't in the mood to go all out on a costume, this jacket will come in handy. She can simply zip it up and show up as Spider-Man.

And remember: with great power comes great responsibility.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-07-14T09:07:58.874-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to have had a fabulous time at the Summer Camp event put on by Kings Of Horror over the weekend. We got to meet a Welcome To Derry actor, plus shop small businesses. If you like The Walking Dead, they're having a Mallwalkers event with many of the actors July 25th-26th.

......to be watching Hamilton with my Mom, her friend, and Natalie on Disney +. Mom has never seen it and has said she didn't think she'd like it due to the rapping, so we're going to see if we can convince her that it's awesome.

......to be sad that Sam Neill passed away. I enjoyed so many of his projects. Obviously Jurassic Park, but he also portrayed Cardinal Wolsey in The Tudors. He was incredibly talented.

.....to currently be read Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson. It's about Judge Stone, who presides over a case where a 13-year-old was given an abortion. The problem? Abortion is illegal in Alabama, so the doctor who performed it might be thrown in jail for life. Will the doctor somehow be set free due to the young age of the patient? This book is gripping, and I personally am proud of the doctor. A 13-year-old has no business being a parent.

......to have picked up these Spider-Man school supplies for my daughter. They're at Target, and she says they'll come in handy for college.

Dinner At The Gunter Plus Watching & Juliet

2026-07-12T18:35:02.045-06:00

We love history, so popping into The Gunter was a real treat. It's been around since the early 1900s, and we found relics of the past in the lobby, like a phone switchboard. It's seriously a beautiful spot, so if you come to the San Antonio area, this is a wonderful option for a hotel.

There are photo spots everywhere in the building.

We were there to eat since we were seeing a show at the Majestic Theatre, which we have been to many times. It's located right across the street, so it's a convenient spot to dine.

There is a special prix fix menu and it truly is a wonderful deal.

I got the short ribs, and yum, they were falling apart. Scrumptious! I'd order these again.

After we ate, we strolled across the street to the Majestic for our show, & Juliet. It's a jukebox musical that imagines what life would have been like had Juliet not died at the end of Romeo & Juliet.

And as I mentioned, the Majestic Theatre is stunning inside. Built in 1929, we can feel the history oozing from the decor.

We have been popping in here for years and we never tire of taking in the ambiance.

And we were thrilled to see & Juliet, because we're fans of all the pop songs. Like Britney Spears? You'll hear her music! Backstreet Boys? Yup! It's a beautiful musical about hope, acceptance, and loving yourself.

We would 100% see the show again. It's that entertaining. At one point you are allowed to sing and dance along. You can watch & Juliet on Broadway, and there is also a National Tour, so check and see if they are coming to your area. Tickets are affordable, which is another bonus!

Are you a fan of musicals?

Free Spider-Man Poster at Little Caesars

2026-07-07T17:42:02.140-06:00

We had to go to Little Caesars and get the free Spider-Man Brand New Day poster.

And we went with Natalie dressed like this:

I think the workers are used to people strolling in as Spider-Man, because they didn't react. A customer waiting did snicker a bit.

Anyhow, to get the free poster, you had to order the Webberoni pizza, which has a two cheese blend and sliced pepperoni. We liked it! For only $8.99 and it's a large, we found it to be a great deal. Plus it comes in a neat Spider-Man pizza box.

You can get a new poster each week until the week of July 20th or when supplies run out. This week the poster looks like this:

We are debating returning for the other 2 weeks so we can collect all 3 posters.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-07-06T16:46:57.195-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

.....to have had a low key 4th of July. The neighborhood always lights up with fireworks, so I was able to see a show from my porch with the kids.

.....to be glad Natalie survived working on the 4th of July. She said it actually wasn't too bad. There were lots of people, but they were all behaving.

......to be going to a fun event over the weekend put on by Kings Of Horror called Summer Camp. The actress who played Little Periwinkle in Welcome To Derry will be there so my daughter is going to have her Funko signed by her. Plus there's other celebrities (the woman who played Pippi Longstocking is also there!) and vendors.

......to have finished reading Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. It's about Natalie, a tradwife influencer who has millions of followers. She has 6 kids and makes it seem like she does it all--naturally, the nannies and other helpers are hidden. Then she wakes up one day and finds herself in a different life. It's the same husband, kinda, and the kids sort of look like hers...but something is off. Did she time travel? Or is she losing her mind? The book takes you on a wild ride and reminds you that if someone online appears to be perfect, that there is so much more going on behind the scenes.

.......to have been excited when I saw Halloween stuff in Target's dollar spot. I mean, it's summerween I guess!

Eat All You Want At Golden Corral

2026-07-05T18:19:29.224-06:00

I have said it before and I'll say it again: I love a good buffet. Being able to eat as much as I want for a set price? Yes please!

Golden Corral is a fantastic buffet spot. I've been going for years.

Now my kids love it, so naturally we had to stop in.

These are the prices. Sometimes the prices are more if you add on a lobster tail. And dinner prices are more expensive than lunch because during dinner, you can get steak and such.

I recommend signing up for their rewards program, because they'll occasionally have discounts. On your birthday, you get a buy one, get one buffet.

At Golden Corral, there is SO MUCH FOOD. Yeah, it's not the fanciest, but it works.

This is just some of the food. The place was pretty packed and I didn't want to get in people's way to snap pics. If someone was in MY way when I'm trying to build my plate, well, I'd be miffed.

But I did get a photo of one of my favorite dishes. It's the bourbon chicken with rice. Fantastic flavor.

And yes, there is even a salad line, plus fruit if you're like, "Eek. None of this is healthy!" Golden Corral has you covered.

There's even an ICEE machine! Get as much as you want!

And this might sound silly, but I absolutely LOVE the candied yams there. Or, sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Whatever you refer to them as, they are spectacular. I sometimes just get several bowlfuls of them.

Mmmmm. Now I want some of their yams.

And one of the best parts? The dessert! They have a wide selection of cakes, puddings, chocolate covered treats, soft serve ice cream...

The carrot cake is superb!

Golden Corral has several locations, so there might be one near you. They even do catering! I might have to try it one day so I can get all the yams I want.

If you like a buffet, it's the perfect choice.

It's Mostly Men Who Hate Supergirl

2026-07-01T17:29:31.340-06:00

I noticed the bad reviews about Supergirl early on. I ignored them though. I prefer to make up my own mind. We still went to watch.

I also noticed it was mainly men giving those poor reviews.

They would criticize Milly Alcock's (who plays Supergirl) looks, naturally. I noticed most of the folks doing this weren't much to look at. Maybe they have their own issues and are projecting it onto Milly. I'm not sure. All I know is Milly is a beautiful woman. Dean Cain, who played Superman back in the day, also joined in to make fun of Milly. They've been posting things like this:

Other reasons why men aren't liking the flick?

Dudes claimed there was no way she could defeat "strong men." Hello, she has powers. Yes, she certainly can.

They hated the soundtrack. It didn't bother me.

They didn't like Supergirl's attitude. She didn't have that demure thing going on men tend to enjoy. She's not helpless. She doesn't rely on a man, ever.

They didn't like that she barely smiles. Heaven forbid. I hate when a man tells me to smile more.

They didn't like that men barely get any screen time. (Hello? It's called SUPERGIRL.)

There is no love interest. I personally liked this. I hate when movies toss in a love story for good measure. It's ridiculous.

Basically, it's the men who are whining about the most ridiculous things. They did it for Wonder Woman as well, plus any other female-led movies.

So what did we think? We liked the movie. Milly was incredible in her role. She did kick butt. Without the help of a man.

It's a reminder that you do not need a guy to save you. A reminder never to listen to those who will try and say women are the weaker sex. A reminder to laugh when someone tries to say you must submit to a guy.

Remember, ladies.

You never need a guy to succeed.

I look forward to seeing Milly in the future Superman film and one day, perhaps, she'll have her own movie again. And when she does, we'll be there to watch.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-06-29T17:52:50.913-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to be going to see Supergirl this week. It hasn't received the best reviews, but I notice the bad ones come from ugly white guys, so, go figure.

......to not be doing much for 4th of July. I'm not the happiest with America at the moment, so it's tough to celebrate. I'll still catch the fireworks though and it's always nice to be with family and friends.

.....to hope Natalie survived working on 4th of July. She's a lifeguard, so I imagine she'll see some interesting things.

......to need to watch Voicemails To Isabelle on Netflix. I keep seeing clips of it on TikTok and it sounds like something I need to see. It's about a woman who loses her sister and she leaves voicemails on her old phone number. She does not realize the phone number belongs to a guy now...and he's been listening to all the voicemails and falling for her.

......to have picked up these Maggie's Apple Pie cookies from Pepperidge Farm because I was intrigued. They are delicious and if you're not in the mood to bake a pie, just grab a bunch of these and put them on a plate.

People Who Do Not Belong In Movie Theaters

2026-06-28T17:56:32.815-06:00

Oh gosh, going to the movie theater or even a theatre show can be an adventure at times.

I've noticed there are some who behave as though it's their first day on Earth in these spots. It's like common sense flies out the window. Or maybe they never had it. I'm not sure.

I have ranted about theater etiquette before. I even wrote honestly how I said something to a mom who wouldn't keep her kid quiet while trying to watch Cars 3. I get it might be a children's movie, but hey, I wanted to be able to hear Lightening McQueen's speech and I couldn't, because her toddler was screeching every few seconds and then running back and forth in the row ahead. It was distracting. And after this went on for a bit, I leaned over and said, "Could you quiet your kid?" She huffed and puffed but mercifully took him out.

Common sense would have told her, hey, my son is being noisy. Constantly. He's not sitting still. He's not interested in the movie. So perhaps I should take him out so others who are able to be quiet and not move around can enjoy. But no.

Anyhow, if you or a family member are unable to do the following, please, stay home.

If you cannot stop coughing. Holy crap, I once saw a movie where this man coughed every few minutes. There would be a poignant speech and it was ruined because he'd be all *COUGH* *COUGH* Throughout the ENTIRE film. If you have a cold or an issue where you cannot stop coughing, do not come to the theater. You are annoying others.

Can't hold still? Your living room is the perfect spot! This is mostly directed to children, but there are some adults who can't seem to hold their limbs still.

If you consider the aisle a jungle gym for your little one. It can be frustrating when parents allow their kids to go up and down the aisle. First of all, how do they get the audacity? How can they possibly think this is appropriate behavior? But I have witnessed this and thankfully, a family who was allowing their toddler to do this was asked to leave by an usher. See ya!

Repeated screaming? Not cool. I get that small ones can be excited, so a screech now and then is fine, but every few minutes? No.

Unable to stop talking? Stay at home. Please. There are some who will talk throughout the entire show or movie. Blah blah blah. Sometimes it's the kids who ask things. At top volume. "WHY IS SHE DOING THAT?" "WHO IS THAT MAN?" WHY IS THAT DOG THERE?" Tell Junior to lower his voice. If you're an adult who cannot stay silent? Shhhhhh. It's why movie theaters specifically state beforehand to BE QUIET.

If you cannot stop looking at your phone, the theater is NOT for you. I have sat next to people who have been on their phone throughout a film. With like 100% brightness. I have asked these folks to put their phones away. I get grumbled at as though I am the issue. Look, if you need to be on it, at least be polite and go out to the hall.

I get it. Your toddler gets excited over Buzz Lightyear so you want to take her to the movies. But if she cannot sit still, it's not fair to others who are able to. Perhaps wait for a Kid Friendly viewing where noise and racing around are acceptable. Have a special needs child? Well, most theaters have viewings for them as well.

And for the grown adults who cannot put phones away: stay home. Movie tickets are like $15 bucks now. I'd like to be able to enjoy myself.

Cool Down With Bruster's Ice Cream

2026-06-24T21:56:21.068-06:00

It's been in the 90s here in Texas the humidity is awful. You try to breathe in and it's like, ick, I can barely swallow because the air is so thick. There's sweat. Boob sweat. Red faces due to the intense heat.

So yes, a cool down is a must, because I don't know about you, but I can get rather cranky when I'm overheated.

We recently had a Bruster's Ice Cream open nearby so we decided to try it out.

You might notice that it says REAL ice cream and be thinking, "As opposed to fake?" And the answer is, yes. While other chain spots might get their ice cream frozen in canisters, Bruster's makes theirs fresh in each store.

Now, it's a small area, so you cannot eat inside. You order inside, and then there are seats and a few tables scattered out front.

They have a large menu. There are cones, bowls, sundaes, ice cream cakes, blasts, shakes & freezes...there truly is something for everyone.

I thought this was adorable:

So what did we get?

Well, Tommy went healthy with the non dairy cherry vanilla made with oat milk. Yes, there are healthier options! And non-dairy options. He said it was flavorful.

Natalie got the birthday cake flavor in a waffle cone and gobbled it all up. And it matched her top!

I got the hot fudge sundae with mint chocolate chip and loved it.

We will return. There are so many different flavors we need to try. Like Boston Cream Pie. Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye. Southern Banana Puddin' --and so much more!

Oh, and if you join their Sweet Rewards program, you get $3 off your first order. Then earn points for other goodies.

Bruster's Ice Cream has locations all over the US, so check and see if you're one of the lucky ones who has a store nearby.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-06-22T20:57:13.424-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

.....to be going to see Toy Story 5 this week. Toy Story 3 wrecked me, and I am thinking I might be crying for this one as well.

......to have already purchased our tickets for Spider-Man Brand New Day. We are excited for the movie. Natalie has even dressed up as Spider-Man before.

......to be glad that House Of The Dragon has finally returned! Although it made me sad. I won't give away spoilers, but ack. (If you've read the book, you know.)

......to have had the best birthday. It was on the 19th, and as I mentioned in the previous post, I ate lots of delicious food.

......to think it's ridiculous that Texas State leaders are trying to implement religious reading requirements in public school. That belongs on church. Not everyone believes the same.

.....to love Natalie's new haircut and color. As you see, she went with pink. It'll wash out though. She'll go back to red eventually, she just wanted a change. She also got tinsel. Ulta will put them in for $15.

How I Spent My Birthday

2026-06-21T19:07:33.546-06:00

Food. Lots of food. It's how I celebrated my birthday.

It was on the 19th, and delicious food was supplied.

There was also a fancy cocktail from The Melting Pot. I went out to eat with my Mom and kids the night before. Going to The Melting Pot on a Thursday is less chaotic than going on a Friday.

On my actual birthday, Tommy left me a special balloon. He also made me a video.

Lunch was at Castroville BBQ where I indulged in brisket and sausage. If you are ever in Castroville, stop in. Everything is scrumptious.

And what about dinner? Well. Taco Bell. Duh. I don't know how anyone can disparage Taco Bell. It's delicious. It's..well, I was going to say cheap, but it's not as cheap as it once was. I remember getting a Bean Burrito for .99 and now it's $2.99. What?! But I do have their app, and at least I earn free food.

And then Natalie dressed as Westley in The Princess Bride and sang Storybook Love from the movie. She self-taught herself and did an incredible job. (You can see her singing it here.)

It truly was a wonderful day. I truly felt loved and appreciated.

If you'll excuse me, I'm off to have a slice of leftover birthday cake for breakfast.

Pride Section At Michaels

2026-06-17T18:14:54.459-06:00

First of all, check out this adorable duck! I love him.

I was in Michaels the other day and stumbled upon their Pride section. I was drawn to all the colors.

Plus, it's amazing when stores have a display. It can help people feel accepted and seen, which is always a win.

Michaels has a little bit of everything. Joining a parade? There are options! Having a Pride party? Check out the decor.

I am a fan of this bouquet. If someone is having a party, bring these as a gift.

Oh, and these buttons are fabulous. I am putting them on my travel backpack.

I need to get this heart for my door.

Need a new tumbler for the summer? Look at this one! It's gorgeous.

So again, if you need some spectacular Pride goodies, check out Michaels. Everything is currently 40% off, so you'll get a great deal.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-06-15T17:34:08.953-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to be excited that it's my birthday week. My birthday is Friday and we are going to The Melting Pot to celebrate. If you've never been, you're missing out. It's CHEESE fondue. It's CHOCOLATE fondue.

......to hope everyone has a wonderful Father's Day weekend. If you need gift ideas, I have some.

......to be glad that Natalie survived her first shift as a Lifeguard. She said there were tons of people, and all sorts of things happened: a missing child, a bloody nose...

.....to be sad that Spurs lost to the Knicks, but also be proud of the Knicks. There were some close games.

.....to not understand why people are excited that Kanye is coming to perform in San Antonio next month. Did they forget all the awful things he's said and done?

......to have picked up this green mustard from French's, and yeah, it tastes like regular mustard. Only it's green. I'm amused.

New Appetizer & Sauce At Hu Hot

2026-06-14T17:49:01.628-06:00

Stir fry always makes me happy. I'm even happier when it's ALL YOU CAN EAT stir fry. Over at Hu Hot, you get to create as many stir fry bowls as you wish. Needless to say, we are there quite often, because I feel like I truly get my money's worth over there.

There are locations all over the US, so there could be one near you.

If you pop in for the month of June on Tuesdays, you get triple points on the Hu Hot app, so you'll earn free food much faster.

PLUS, there's a new appetizer called Jalapeno Dragon Rounds. They're battered jalapeños served with a ranch sauce and yup, we were a fan. There was a kick but not to the point where it was too much.

And there's a new sauce called Mongo Loco Fiesta. It's a blend on onions, garlic and red pepper with hints of citrus and ancho chilis. So yes, there is a slight spice. I put it on top of the bowl I put together which was yakisoba noodles, cabbage, tomatoes, baby corn, and green onions.

I'd use the sauce again for sure. All the flavors were fantastic.

And the new appetizer? We gobbled them up.

If you want to try the Mongo Loco Fiesta and Jalapeno Dragon Rounds, hurry into Hu Hot before they go away.

And if spicy foods aren't your thing, it's okay! There are many other sauces that are not spicy at all. There's something for everyone at Hu Hot!

Father's Day Gifts For Under $20

2026-06-10T18:18:17.950-06:00

Father's Day is June 21st and yes, the economy currently sucks. Many don't have the extra funds to purchase gifts. But it's okay, if you're working with less than $20, I have ideas. Of course there's always DIY options, but if you're like me and have NO crafting abilities whatsoever, these gifts are affordable options.

People can be crazy these days, so having a knife on you is a wise option. Seriously, have you seen the headlines? Folks are losing their minds. My Sign Center has a bunch of personalized gifts available, and I was drawn to the knife. The style is sleek, and it's small enough to fit into a pocket. Even better, it's under $20. They can personalize the name of Dad! Pick up the knife HERE.

Need a unique frame? Is Dad proud of his mow lines? This was at Walmart for under $10.

Folks will tell you NOT to go for mugs as a gift idea, but some of them are fun. If Dad is cranky in the morning, this is the perfect mug for him. (And it's under $10 at Walmart!)

Did you know The Rock has a skincare line for men at Target called Papatui? He had everything. Moisturizers, deodorant, cologne...I thought these pimple patches could come in handy. Sometimes pimples pop up in grown adults, so having these on hand would help. All items I saw were less than $20, and most were below $10.

If Dad loves his sweets, these funnel cake popcorn caught my eye. It's the perfect addition to movie night. I also found these at Target, along with a plethora of other goodies.

Finally, if you want to make Dad laugh, there are Spongebob fugglers. They are keychains, so if Dad has a work backpack, he can clip it on. We ended up getting the Squidward one for Tom. Order Spongebob HERE. (If you want all 5, they are available for $29 HERE.)

I hope there's something here that can be a useful gift. If anything, make a card or offer to make breakfast. (But clean up afterwards!) So are you ready for Father's Day?

Hey, It's Okay

2026-06-09T07:30:08.324-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to have gone and seen Scary Movie 6. Some people said it wasn't funny at all, but I laughed. Scary Movie 2 is still my favorite though.

.....to be proud of Natalie for passing all her lifeguard tests. She had to do some crazy swim tests, plus written tests, and she made it through!

......to be proud of the Spurs for winning Game 3 of the NBA finals against the Knicks. They are still down by 2, but I think they can pull off the win.

.......to hope the kids have fun watching Backrooms. I did not have the urge to sit through that, but they know all the lore and such, so they are watching the movie this week.

.....to love this bag from HEB. I had to pick it up because it's so true.

Ridiculous Comments About Pride Month

2026-06-07T16:59:39.752-06:00

June is Pride Month. And for some reason, being accepting upsets certain people. I'll never understand it because didn't they learn the lesson to be kind in Kindergarten? Or were they asleep during that part? My daughter is in the LGBTQIA+ community, so I am an ally, and I tend to take it personally when someone tells me they are against Pride.

There are all sorts of comments being made about June. The same ones tend to be recycled, so I figured it might be helpful to clear up some ridiculous misconceptions about the month.

These are some real comments I have received on my blog and on social media accounts. (Seriously, I had a reel on Instagram hit 102K views and over 1000 comments, and yup, some ignorant folks flooded in.)

1. "June should be for the military." I get this so often on my page, it's comical at this point. My Mom was in the military. I was married to someone in the military. Neither of them are offended that June is Pride Month. And here's a shocker for those people: NOVEMBER is National Veterans and Military Families month. Furthermore, May is National Military Appreciation Month. If people just did a little research, they'd know this.

2. "Keep Pride out of schools." How is being accepting a BAD thing? I'm in Texas, and they are trying to force the Ten Commandments to be in classrooms. But heaven forbid there's a rainbow. I know many teens feel welcome and safe when they have spotted Pride flags. Several have even stated they didn't take their lives because they felt UNDERSTOOD.

3. "Pride is shoved in my face!" It's truly not. If a man and a woman can kiss and hold hands openly in public, so can a man and a man or a woman and a woman and...WHOEVER. It's not a big deal.

4. "Pride is indoctrination for kids." I got a comment saying that children are being forced to watch drag queens. Uh, no they are not. The person was like, "What about the drag queens reading to the kids?" I had to remind the moron it's the PARENT who brings kids to that. And honestly, I'd rather my kid be in the presence of a drag queen than a person in Washington any day. Drag queens are fun. And some of the kindest humans you'll ever meet.

5. "There should be straight Pride." Every day is straight Pride. Please show me where it's illegal for being a heterosexual. Having a month were others feel visible should never be considered a bad thing.

6. "God says it's an abomination." Well, that's your religion, not mine. I'm all for people being able to believe what they wish. Life is tough! If believing in god makes someone happy, yay! But do not tell me I'm going to hell or some other nonsense, because it's simply not true. I believe in a higher being, and who that higher being is, I do not know. But what I do believe is that we should not judge others and tell them they are going to hell if they happen to love a person of the same sex. I am so proud of the churches who have pride flags in front of their buildings. There's one down the street from me, and I can almost bet it has made someone feel acknowledged and recognized.

So here's the thing about Pride Month: it's a month of celebration. It's a month of remembering and honoring those who have lost their lives simply for living their truths. It's a month when a teen who might not feel accepted at home, can feel at peace. They realize they are not wrong or an abomination. There's color and laughter and glitter...lots and lots of glitter.

And that can never be a bad thing.

Pride Picks At Target

2026-06-03T18:12:44.135-06:00

Okay, I know, some people hate Target. A while back they had said they were rolling back DEI initiatives and trust me, I was disappointed in them. Many were. But then they announced they were wanting to do better. Plus, they've always been kind to military families, so it was tough for me to completely hate the corporation.

And then I saw the Pride area, and was proud of Target for still having one. Some stores do not since they are worried about offending people and it's like, hello, if someone doesn't like rainbows, they can just avoid the section. Simple.

Here are the items that caught my eye.

I picked up these pins to put on my travel backpack:

There were also clothes. I loved these rainbow pants. They are also comfy, which is a win for me.

I always love the birds. Check out this dapper one! I have always been a fan of top hats.

And this bird is colorful and looks like a mythical goddess:

There are even cat toys! I need to get these for my kitties. (Yes, there are dog toys as well!)

My favorite find was this skirt. I loved all the bright colors. Just staring at it made me feel joy.

There are so many more things, so pop in the store to check them out.

I was happy to see the section out and yes, Target has a lot of growing to do, but I feel like they are on the right track.