Happy Monday all! Thanks for sharing all your Universal Studios stories ~ I have to say, I am totally intrigued by everything that goes on at Universal during Halloween. That might just be worth another trip to experience that ~ Crazy! (Thanks Opal!)
I started off day 3 of our Road Trip with a Tall Nonfat Chai Tea Latte, my last banana and a few cashews (not pictured) ~ 6 points+.
One thing I knew I wanted to do on our trip was to visit as many beaches and see the ocean as much as possible. We parked the car and spent the rest of the day walking ~ I am pretty sure I got in a bazillion steps since we walked for like 7 hours all day long!
Stop #1 Venice Beach!
We spent our morning walking the huge strip along the beach…..people watching, chatting and soaking up the sunshine.
There is just something to be said for strolling along for miles along the ocean.
The Husband wanted to check out the outdoor gym but nobody was there.
We stopped for a fruit cup then checked out all the crazy sidewalk vendors and shops.
I will say as cool as Venice Beach looks in the movies, it’s not quite the same in person.
After 3 hours of walking in Venice, we headed over to the Santa Monica Pier.
2nd stop ~ The Beach! Nope, I was too chicken to get in the water because I know it’s cold!
As you walk over the hill, they have these big blue and yellow tents for Cirque Du Soleil similar to the show you can watch in Las Vegas.
One thing that I LOVE about the Pier is all the colors of everything ~from the buildings…
To the rides….
To the crazy Pier Vendors ~ RAINBOW! 
Our last stop was the 3rd Street Promenade where we met up with Josie and her family again. We always have the BEST time hanging out with them ~ her boys are a hoot!
We decided to have lunch at Ye Old King’s Pub.
I totally wanted to order the Fish & Chips since they were raving about how good it was at this Pub ~ BUT, I knew it would probably not be so points+ friendly and this Chicken Tostada Salad sounded delicious.
So, an English version of a tostada salad is completely different from the Mexican American version It was still deliciously healthy nonetheless.
Romaine, Cilantro, Tomatoes, Red Onion, AVOCADO, boiled chicken, cheese and ranch. I had the dressing on the side and had only 2 bites of the shell. (8 points+)
Unintentionally being THAT healthy at lunch totally helped me justify Tutti Fruit Froyo when her boys mentioned ice cream. I mixed this banana flavor with cookies & cream topped with mini white chips, m&m’s, chocolate caps and sprinkles. (8 points+)
We ended up back in Universal City for the night since we both still wanted to check out Hollywood the next day. Dinner was totally simple, but, hit the spot since I have been fighting a chest cold all trip.
Fresh Sour Dough Roll (4 points+)
I shared this Caprese Salad with The Husband (4 points+)
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (5 points+)!
See you all tomorrow with our Road Trip Finale through Hollywood, Malibu and Solvang!
Night all!
My boys a “hoot” more like a pain in my rear!! LOL I ended up eating a WW frozen dinner late last night! Can’t wait to hear how you liked Solvang as well. The boys said now we have to go back to SF to see Danica and Jay, when are we going mom?? LOL
God I want some fro-yo. Way to stick to the healthier option! Loved the vacation photos
WHAT A BLAST! I love all the colorful photos!
such pretty pictures.
I adore that part of california.
memories memories 🙂
These pictures make me homesick! Yes, I’m “Monica from Santa Monica” .
Hello,
The photos are very nice. I live in Montréal where the temperature is ‘0’ this morning. We are going to have snow overnight!
So this puts some joy in my life!
Élise
Just have a question about your pts. How many do you get a day? I’m lifetime WW but trying to lose some more. I get 26. Came across your site a few days ago and Love Love Love it!! How do you come up with how many pts you are having when you eat out (like this fabulous road trip)? So fun!!!
Hi Nina,
Everyone’s points+ target varies based on age, height, weight and whether they are maintaining or trying to lose. I know in maintenance mode they let you have up to 7 points+ extra each day on top of your daily target. The bare bones minimum for everyone is 26 points+ with their weekly 49 that can be used at any time.
When we travel, I really try to be aware of what I am eating and make healthier choices. I will often save up my 49 WPA for the week to use during the weekend and for times like this when we dine out. Other than that, I do my best to stay on track and count it all even if I go over knowing that when I get back to my routine (not on vacation) I will be in the right range again.
Hopefully that helps a bit,
Danica
What a great way to spend the weekend! Your pictures are great! We had snow flurries where I live, so your pictures make me ready to skip spring and head straight to summer! Good for you sticking to your priorities and ordering salad at an English pub! Can you mail me some of your willpower? 🙂
I’m so Jealous! I love Venice & Santa Monica!
A couple of recommendations if you head back there (if you haven’t done these already)
– Take a stroll around the canals. They are only a block or so from the beach and such a pretty area.
– Ride the Ferris Wheel, preferably at dusk. It’s an absolutely amazing view. I love how when you’re going over the top it looks like there’s nothing but ocean below you.
– lastly, rent a bike and ride it along the coast. I rented one in Venice and went from there to a couple of miles past the pier and back, (I wanted to ride further but my friend was ready to turn back.)
Ok.. all this LA talk has me wanting to plan another trip out west!
Looks like a fun trip! I vaguely remember visiting Venice Beach when my family took a trip to CA yearsss ago and we had a blast people watching 😛