I'm Brooke! I am 29 and live in Northern CA. I have two pups and we are always on the go around here! My channel is travel, DIY and lifestyle. If you like my content, consider subscribing and coming along on this journey with me 😊
CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @Brooke_____Nicole Pup’s Instagram: @TwoDoodlePups TikTok: @BrookeNicoleDowd
You’ve never been there?!! Omg! It’s on Franklin Blvd. They have a little market that has all types of freshly made tamales and now they also have other ready to go food, then next door they have a full Mexican supermarket and then next door to that they have a bakery with amaaaaazing pan dulce and cakes and Mexican donuts etc. they own the whole complex! And they are all called La Esperanza’s !
I’ve been to some Mexican supermarket before on Franklin with a bakery to get a cake. So, maybe I have been. I thought the place I went to was La superior. Idk. I’ll have to check it out! 😁
That place is still there too, that’s a few blocks down, but same area. That place is pretty good too, that’s where we go when La Esperanza closes their advanced orders for holidays. Sometimes they get so many so early Thanksgiving and Christmas that they close preorders several days before the cut off date. That’s a good backup though
The pool we were hanging out at each day was an adult pool and we didn’t really run into many kids. If I remember correctly, the activity booking area and breakfast was the only place we saw any kids. There are several adult only sections so if you want a no-kid experience, you can have it. There are special kid and family areas as well, so if you’re wanting to bring your kids, there are definitely opportunities for fun with the family too!
We haven’t been able to find what we want, where we want. The ones we’ve liked so far are not in the area that we long term want to live in, so that’s been the issue. …or one of the many issues lol
Like the houses with the bones of what we want in the area we want are severely over priced for how much work we would want to put into it. It’s really looking like building is cheaper
Oh, I think I might’ve misunderstood what you were saying. I got that you guys are going to build instead, but that you want to find a house to live in in the meantime while you’re building the forever home?
It’s so frustrating finding the perfect house and then they end up going with another offer. My mom found the right house in the right location and in the end they ended up going with an offer that was lower. They had lowered the price on the house and then ended up taking an offer that was submitted after the they had reduced the price. Anyway, hope things fell through for the other people and you got this house!
It’s so frustrating! We didn’t get this one either unfortunately. We were the only offer and they were giving the decision at 8pm, but called and said every looked good, they just needed to wait for the owners to get off work to sign everything. Then at 6pm some other offer came out of nowhere and they took that one It was crazy, like what were the chances! But we diiid find another that we loved even more like 2 days later!! So now we are waiting on that! 🤞🏽
So annoying! Oo… that’s good. I know my mom has been looking forever and just can’t find the right one like they did back during Covid. I look forward to seeing how everything works out with this one. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻
The only RU-vidr whose ads I don’t skip Also, I’ve never been to crumbl and there’s one down the street from me. Haha. I’ve had insomnia though because they delivered
Really?? You’re the best! ❤️❤️❤️ You’ve gotta try them! So good but I wish they weren’t out here charging like $5 per cookie, that’s a little wild lol Idk if insomnia does this, but Crumbl changes flavors every week. So you face to check what the flavors are before you go because sometimes it’s just some buck wild stuff that doesn’t even sound good! Usually they have at least a few that sound good though!
I keep wanting to go because I always see you going in your vlog to take for work! But yes, the prices are crazy 😩. Maybe the buckwild ones are secretly good 🤔 🤪
Hi Nicole! If you are talking about the condo complex in Puerto Vallarta that I stay at, it is called Aria Ocean. It is technically in Nuevo Nayarit, nearby PV. The condos are all individually owned and rented out by the respective owner. The one I stay in is my parents. But they do rent it on VRBO and AirBNB. But pricing is always cheaper when you go direct to avoid those third party up charges. If you want to stay in that complex in general, check out those two sites to find one that works for you! There are studios, 2bedrooms (which my parents is), and I believe some 3 beds and then pent houses with their own hot tubs etc. a whole variety! If you end up being interested in my parents condo specifically, let me know and I’ll send you contact info :)
Hi loved the video, how did you guys go about getting to and from the Cocina Del Mar restaurant. I'll also be staying at the hard rock but wont have a car rental, did the hotel help arrange that transportation and if so do you remember the pricing?
Hello, I’m so happy you enjoyed my video 😊 We got a taxi to go to Cocina Del Mar. the valet called and set up the taxi for us but we had to pay for it. I believe it was about $50? I could be mistaken but you can have the valet or concierge get pricing for you before you book the taxi. For the Nobu restaurant, our hotel took us there on a golf cart for free and brought us back . That was also organized by the valet or concierge 😊
We stayed at the Monterey Marriott! It was a nice hotel, good size room, great location but if you stay there, I HIGHLY recommend asking for a room that doesn’t face the street. Our room did and it was very noisy with traffic and several sirens throughout the night. But other than that, it was a great hotel for our stay and I would stay there again for our next trip!
Hi! Yes! A hat and sunglasses are a must! You’ll be in the sun aaaaall day! Bring a unique backpack or bag to put your things in because at the pool everyone leaves their stuff by the side. They give you a bag but everyone is using that free bag and with so many drunk ppl, yours can easily get taken! Also, everything is all-inclusive so just leave the wallet in your room. The free insulated cup they give you, bring it every day! You’ll be grateful that it holds so much so you don’t have to get out and wait in line for refills, plus it’s insulated so it keeps it cold, and as ppl splash, the lid keeps things sanitary! Pay attention to the daily themes for colors and pack accordingly because most ppl do participate! Bring your Advil, liquid IV or whatever hangover remedies you use! The hotel gift shop sells it all but for like 5x the price On the beach for the night events, if you plan to be in the crowd, make sure you have closed toe shoes because you will be stepped on! Dustin Lynch is known for throwing our free shots at the pool parties when he performs, so get to the front if you want one! The pool parties never end on time, they go aaaaaall day! I think it ended like 4:30, so be mentally prepared for a long day! The event vendors had better food than room service (everything is included regardless) and room service took about an hr. So if you plan to order breakfast before you leave for the event, order it RIGHT when you wake up!
We were on the Stanislaus river! It was a good time but it had a lot of big flat areas where you would have to really paddle to move. Definitely a more active floating experience! Welcome! Im so happy you found my channel! 💕💕
Not trying to start anything but am I the only one who feels more pain after getting injured and someone seeing me injured and ask if I’m ok? It both pisses me off and causes me agony🤣
Most people were using them but those who had knee or back issues opted to run beside it. We always allow modifications for safety when needed! Especially when we have players from the age of 25-70! A lot of different ability levels there!
Sorry you’re going through a hard time, Brooke. :(. And sorry about your friend. Just keep the faith that he’ll be found. Hopefully that day is coming soon. Ahh… the door collage. I remember that. You and all your friends up there ☺️. Hold onto those good times with all your friends. I know it’s hard as we get older and friends move away, start families, etc… and we get less time, if any time, with them. We remember how things used to be, but also celebrate for them that they’re doing good and are happy. Anyway, sending love and positive thoughts your way as you navigate this difficult time.
Thank you, I bet you would remember him if you saw a pic! You were here so often you should have had your own room haha oh that door was my favorite! I was devastated when I came back from college and my dad replaced all the doors! He saved all the photos thankfully though. You’re so right, I am happy I have the vlogs because I have things to look back on and remember how good things were… but damn… people need to just STAY PUT! lol like idk how people are out here making new friends! Like are we picking up friends at bars? 😂 adulthood is hard! Lmao
Omg I know, right? Fun times. Oh, thank goodness he saved the pictures. I couldn’t imagine him getting rid of them. Haha. I had to save a whole door one time that I took from my house we sold. lol. I guess people make friends at work? Or at least that’s how it was but now everything is work from home so it’s harder. And I guess it depends on your job because isn’t yours a lot of work out on your own?
Hi Brooke, I’m sending prayers and positive vibes to you. You are a very strong person and I really hope that you know how strong you are! I’ve been watching your channel for a very long time and I wanted you to know that I look at you as a friend. I don’t know all that you have been going through, but I’m dealing with my identity being stolen and that has been a huge struggle, so I understand that part. I know that you will handle everything with poise and grace as I’ve watched you do over the years. Your friend from the east coast.
That is the sweetest message, thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️ It has been some trying times recently but I just keep reminding myself that I’ve made it through 100% of the hard things in my life and I can do it again! I look at you as a friend too, I love when people actually comment and respond because connection is really what I’m here for and I love chatting with you! Thank you for engaging as much as you do, I love getting to know you! I am SO sorry about having your identity stolen…that’s frightening! And logistically I would imagine a nightmare to get resolved! Did they open credit cards or accounts in your name/ how did you find out?!
Whenever my gma has on hallmark and a commercial comes on I just know it’s for that show. I think it’s the only show they advertise. Haha. Maybe I should give it a try
I’m sorry you’re struggling with this. It’s a big decision and it’s good you’re not taking it lightly and taking your time in figuring out what you really want. Do you see yourself taking care of kids and doing all the things that go into it? Being a possible stay at home mom or having to take care of them before work and after you finally get home. Then when they’re sick. It’s like no days off. So idk. I always wanted kids, but I know it’s just a lot and I know you’re probably thinking about all those things too. It’s nice you have your nieces so that you can help take care of them, but you get to leave everything up to the parents. Then the being responsible for guiding and turning them into good, loving, and productive people. So much to think about that I’m sure you’ve gone over and over. Have you thought about freezing your eggs so that the clock isn’t ticking so much? Then there’s the thinking about if you really want to be older when you do. My uncle and his wife had a kid when they were in their 50s. So try not to worry about it too much. I know. Easier said than done. Anyway, I ramble, but I’m hope it’s become easier for you
I absolutely agree! I see everything it would require and although doable, it’s a HUGE commitment! And once you take that step, there’s no going back so you better make the right one for you lol We actually did consider that and went to a few appointments but it was so many blood tests and daily shot and I’m very scared of needles so that ended in a panic attack, went great to say the least 😂 My therapist and I are beating this topic into the ground and I feel like my thoughts on it are becoming more consistent, which feels great! So hopefully that sticks and can lead me to a for sure decision 🤞🏽🤞🏽
Oh, yeah. That’s a no go. I hear the hormones you have to take to get the eggs is really difficult too. Puts your emotions all over the place. I’m glad things are coming more into view for you. Side note: ugh. The 9ers loss was a tough one :( Purdy and mccaffrey are my guys, and mccaffrey and I share the same birthday.
Aw thank you! I’ve actually been getting that quite a bit recently! I feel like I must be doing something different these days to make the resemblance more apparent!
Really? Do you have any recs?! I find things I like and then I’m always nervous to branch out because there are too many choices for everything! It’s overwhelming and I’m such a slow learner with makeup techniques 🥲
Same with me! That’s why I end up with so much stuff because I just buy everything and I can never tell if I like it or not or if I’m just not applying correctly then I buy new brushes because I think that’s the problem. Omg. I’m a disaster 😩😂 my moms like you just need one or two of something. 1 foundation 1 bronzer 1 this 1 that. And I just end up buying everything from every brand. 🤪
Fun fact: I used to drink A-1 sauce - it didn’t last in the house. My parents would be mad because I left the empty bottle in the fridge. As an adult I still drank it from the bottle 😂 until about 10 years ago 🎉
Really?! You’re an inspiration! Did it do fine with your stomach? I’m starting to feel like this dream could become reality! Darin does it with hot sauce, which is just far too aggressive, but A1….nooooow we’re talkin!
Somewhat, yes! I believe it will go live next week but it’s a cleaning-heavy video following the bday weekend! It’s not specifically party related cleaning, it’s the overall house but it does include some of the party clean up 😊
It is seriously is the best hack! Then you just get the sides you can’t recreate at home and it’s cheaper too! Sometimes I’ll whip up some of frozen chicken pot stickers from Costco too! They take like 6min to cook so it’s suuuuper easy and really jazzes up your meal! Clearly I can’t just enjoy a take out meal as is 😂
Thank you! I’ve been having so much fun with it! I’ve been making a lot of new things this week too. I am thinking about doing a favorite recipe round up video!
I was going to watch the circle but didn’t know when it was coming back. Of course the day I looked it up to see when it was coming back on, it was the day they announced the winner 😩🤦♂️
Nooo! Did you accidentally see the winner?! That’s the absolute worst when it’s spoiled before you even watch it. That’s what happened to me for the last love is blind season. I saw all the post-filming drama and reunion clips before I got to see the actual season. I tried watching it anyway but it’s just not the same when you already know the outcome
Yep. Got spoiled 😩. I might still try and watch it, but like you said, it’s just not the same. I’m so behind on love is blind. The last one I saw was that lady giannina or whatever who is now with one of the guys that was on the bachelorette and has a baby.
Nooooo! I know they have them every few months, I think usually around 4th of July they have an Independence Day sale! With all these new scents though, it is definitely an in-store kind of task. The names don’t help with knowing the scent lol “sparkling sunshine” 😂😂
I feel like the weather is always nicer during the week and gets terrible on the weekends when you actually want to do things lol Glad to hear you are doing better!
Literally ALWAYS! I’m starting to think the weather has something against us! It’s like when you go on vacation and the best weather is always the day you’re leaving. So rude! And thank you! I am so happy to be doing better! ❤️
The Zurich hotel that we walked to the train station from was called Baur Au Lac It was alright right next to some cute restaurants, the water, Christmas markets, shopping and other bus transportation too! It was a nicer hotel but very worth it to us!
Check out Emily O and Bows, she uploads video podcasts to her channel along with vlogs so maybe that could be a happy medium? Having two people on a podcast would make it different from your vlogs so I think people would be interested in both?