Last month, my youngest brother had his last ever academic decathlon meet. It’s hosted annually in the Walter Pyramid, located at the California State University – Long Beach, and is a full-day event where middle school students test their knowledge. I’ve enjoyed supporting and attending these events, but I’m glad it’s finally come to an end. Waking up at 6am to get this thing rolling can get pretty tiring.
My family checked into the Marriott by the Queen Mary so we would have a shorter drive in the morning. Driving to Long Beach was a pain this time around because of the rain and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, California drivers go crazy with some rain.
Hokkaido Seafood Buffet
The night before the decathlon, we had a family dinner at Hokkaido Seafood Buffet. This was a monumental buffet for me because I tried crawfish for the first time – like actually peeling it and it was so good. I’ve had crawfish on my sushi before but this was different – an instant love affair.
Zero Express
On the day of, my younger brother and I decided to head over to 7-11 for some drinks. We ended up stumbling upon Zero Express, a boba shop, right on the same lot. I got the ube milkshake while my brother got the Thai iced tea; we also bought an cookies n’ cream shake for the youngest one who chose to stay at the pyramid. I had asked for my ube milkshake to have no toppings but the barista forgot and I got this massive drink instead. Don’t get me wrong – it made for a good photo but it was too sweet.
Roasting Water
Remember how I got obsessed with Roasting Water ever since Nancy mentioned it in her blog? Since they had a store in Long Beach and since I was in the area, I decided to stop by before heading home. I sort of regretted it because I waited in line for 20 minutes (note to self: they are busy on weekends) but the drink was worth it. Their #SWAG drink is something everyone needs to try at least once in their life!
I had planned on writing more about the decathlon but the food took over. Sorry not sorry – but let’s be real, I have no consent to post about school-related matters online, especially when it’s not my school. Hope this post didn’t make you too hungry!
64 Comments
Nancy
April 11, 2018 at 9:26 PMOooh! I actually haven’t been to CSULB’s pyramid yet! Pretty cool that you got to support students at acadeca! OH YES!!! I can totally relate about Cali drivers LOL. Shh, I stayed at a hotel when I was in Seal Beach so I totally understand the commute!
Yum! You were treated well with the seafood buffet! CRAB LEGS YASSSS
Zero Express has been kicking up their aesthetic game lately! I had something similar in Monterey Park and it tasted like diabeetus @___@. BUT STILL PRETTY THO.
YESSSSSSS ROASTING WATER! That is life!!!! UGH I remember walking out once because the line was ridic but the bottle is worth it!!!
exquisitely.me
nat
April 11, 2018 at 10:53 PMThat marshmallow! And the Roasting Water bottle! So cute.
nat // http://www.dignifiable.com
Yvonne
April 12, 2018 at 12:04 AMWow, these photos are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
Kathrine Eldridge
April 12, 2018 at 3:56 AMThose shakes look amazing! I want ice cream now and it’s only 6 in the morning!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Chiara Costigliolo
April 12, 2018 at 4:58 AMnice post!
Chiara – http://www.shesinfashionblog.com
Simone
April 12, 2018 at 5:24 AMIt quite made me hungry though lol! Those milk shakes look super delish, omg. Would love to try one of these.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Richel V.
April 12, 2018 at 9:06 AMThe toppings on that milkshake is intense!! Wow. Even though it looks so pretty, I probably wouldn’t be able to finish it as well with how sweet it’s gonna be.
andthenzen ✨
April 12, 2018 at 9:15 AMOh wow, I’m not surprised that your drink was super sweet but it’s so pretty, and still looks delicious.. 😍
Zoe Jackson
April 12, 2018 at 9:25 AMI am now definitely hungry after reading your post and seeing your photos! It makes me want to jump on a plane and fly to California.
Mariann Yip
April 12, 2018 at 10:37 AMSuch a yummy round up of foods! Love this looks so delicious! http://mariannyc.com/2018/04/11/recap-of-fashion-beauty-news/
Anouk
April 12, 2018 at 11:23 AMI would love to try Roasting Water as I have never heard of it until now. The bottle looks cool!
ANOUK
Sophie
April 12, 2018 at 12:17 PMI know you said you thought they were too sweet, but those milkshakes look incredible! And when I have sweet stuff I usually like it really sweet anyway. Sounds like you ate at some great places x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Lisa McLachlan
April 12, 2018 at 12:55 PMOhhhhhh that seafood buffet 😋 I don’t blame you for letting the food take over this post, your photos are making me really hungry!
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Andrea
April 12, 2018 at 2:43 PMWhat a lovely post! That milkshake you got looks absolutely amazing, and I love all the photos you took! Xx
Phoebe Rose
April 12, 2018 at 3:17 PMLoveee your photos! This looked like a lovely day, thanks for sharing!!
Phoebe x
itsphoeberose.com
Emma
April 12, 2018 at 3:24 PMOh my gosh look at that milkshake! Mmm you’ve got me craving something sugary now. Loving your photography girlie. Lovely blog post ❤ over from littleowlblogs.wordpress.com x
Stephanie Jay
April 12, 2018 at 3:30 PMEnjoyed reading this post, those milkshakes look amazing!! Food is always the priority haha
Rae
April 12, 2018 at 5:30 PMyou’re making me so hungry right now and i haven’t eaten breakfast yet so that makes it worse. hahaha.
xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net
Vivian
April 13, 2018 at 12:31 AMThe ube milkshake looks INCREDIBLE! Looks like he heard the opposite of what you asked for haha.
Vivian | LIVE IN LOVE
IG | @viviyunn_
~
Katherine
April 13, 2018 at 3:55 AMThat purple milkshake looks so cool!!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Jenny in Neverland
April 13, 2018 at 4:29 AMI absolutely love seafood so a seafood buffet would be right up my street! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Perrine - Ola Banana
April 13, 2018 at 4:45 AMI’m definitely hungry now lol the crawfish looks amazing, I’ve never had it like that before either but really need to try it 😀
Perrine
Kate
April 13, 2018 at 5:40 AMOh my gosh! I’m dying over here!!!! Those drinks especially look amazing…wowwwww talk about Instagram quality food!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com/reverse-bucket-list-things-ive-experienced/
Kate
April 13, 2018 at 5:40 AMOh my gosh! I’m dying over here!!!! Those drinks especially look amazing…wowwwww talk about Instagram quality food!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com/reverse-bucket-list-things-ive-experienced/
Emily
April 13, 2018 at 6:52 AMYumyumyum! Omg that milkshake thing looks incredible!!!! WOW!
-Emily | http://www.East91Blog.com
Annick
April 13, 2018 at 8:28 AMOMG those drinks you got from the boba store got me drooling and craving for some sweet drinks 😩
https://annicklau.com
Emily
April 13, 2018 at 8:47 AMOmg the food looks so good!! Food fairs are my absolute favorite!
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Missy May
April 13, 2018 at 10:24 AMMaking me hungry right here with these food shots. Sounds like a good day spent.
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
allie
April 13, 2018 at 12:07 PMThat’s so amazing you were able to come along on the trip!! aaaaand now I’m hungry after looking at these pictures, ha!
xo, Allie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
Katie
April 13, 2018 at 12:14 PMWow that Zero Express looks like heaven! I’ve never been to California so I’ll remember that if I ever go.
Alys George
April 13, 2018 at 12:22 PMThose Zero drinks look amazing, I really need to try one!
Alys / alysgeorge.blogspot.co.uk
Kristin
April 13, 2018 at 2:04 PMThat drink looks awesome . My daughter would love it.
Kathryn Watson
April 13, 2018 at 2:27 PMOh my goodness! Those shakes look incredible! I would definitely go for the marshmallow one x
Rebekah Gillian
April 14, 2018 at 2:21 AMOkay, I need to get myself over to Long Beach, if only for that drink! I can imagine it was far too sweet, but it looks SO nice–and of course, Instagram worthy. Nevermind the fact that I live on the other side of the world of anything, haha!
Jessica
April 14, 2018 at 6:13 AMYour drink is SOOO pretty, but yeah it looks like it’d be too sweet lol BUT it’s so pretty for photos hehe
Another Little Birdie
April 14, 2018 at 6:50 AMAwesome pictures, loving the boba!! Honestly I love hearing about food when people go on trips, it’s the best part. And that water bottle is so cute! 🙂
Natalie Da Silva
April 14, 2018 at 9:13 AMomg I was also in california! great blog
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers
April 14, 2018 at 5:09 PMOhhhhh boba is my favorite! Our favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Boulder has watermelon boba and it’s one of my favorite drinks in the world. That is an EPIC drink right there!
You always find these incredible drink spots and I want to try them ALL.
At least the food made up for the early mornings!
Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com
Chanel
April 14, 2018 at 5:25 PMOMG Zero Express look so good! Those look incredible!
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
Kat
April 14, 2018 at 6:47 PMThose shakes look so good!! They look really pretty 😀
Britney
April 14, 2018 at 9:28 PMI’ve never had crawfish before, but I’m actually curious as to what it tastes like. That Zero Express place sounds awesome. Those look like yummy treats, and I love the marshmallows on the one.
Lizzie
April 14, 2018 at 10:59 PMOh my goodness those shakes look absolutely amazing! Seriously droooling
xx
Lizzie | Takeoffs & Landings
What Corinne Did
April 15, 2018 at 12:10 PMFirst of all, your photos are stunning. Second of all, you have me so hungry just now! Those shakes look amazing! xx corinne
Annie
April 15, 2018 at 12:29 PMOh my gosh! That milkshake looks incredible! Such a pretty colour! It’s a shame it was too sweet though. I don’t think I’ve tried crawfish before but I’d definitely be willing to give it a go though! I love seafood!
Lea
April 15, 2018 at 12:31 PMOMG, these shakes look so delicious and cute! I love seafood, so I’d definitely eat at this place, I wished I had some great seafood restaurants around but without a sea, it’s not that easy ;). xx
Tara
April 15, 2018 at 8:33 PMWoot for supporting events like the one you attended, but no woot for waking up so early!
I had to giggle since crawfish and Hokkaido just doesn’t go together in my head. I am glad you had a good meal there!
Zero Express looks yummy! That ube drink topping is definitely massive!!! It looks pretty, though And yassss! Roasting Water! You and Nancy are both making me want to check it out if I am ever in Cali!
jane
April 16, 2018 at 12:52 AMThis place looks tempting.
The food looks delish.
Hey hey for fellow pinay
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Pauline
April 16, 2018 at 5:59 AMTHIS POST MADE ME HUNGRY. 😂
That crawfish looks delicious! I can’t forget that Roasting Water blog post from Nancy’s blog – I’ve since it on yours and hers since and whenever it pops up on my socials I just think of you both haha! I’d love to try it someday. 😀
I hope your brother had fun at the decathlon – I’ve not heard of it before, what sort of knowledge do they test? Is it like general knowledge or stuff they were taught at school?
Melissa
April 16, 2018 at 9:07 AMI am so hungry now!! Those shakes are now on my bucket list!
Bexa
April 16, 2018 at 9:13 AMWow! Even though it’s probably too sweet for me too, that milkshake looks amazing! 💖 Your photography is fantastic and this post has definitely made me hungry! 😍 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Rose
April 16, 2018 at 9:22 AMThe shakes look beautiful, but I do believe you say they were way too sweet. 😉
And as for the food… hmmm you made me hungry. *runs to grab food*
Seeking Sammy
April 16, 2018 at 9:46 AMThese choices look so great! I love the milkshake! Sorry to hear that it was too sweet, but at least the photos looked amazing 🙂
Emma Rollason
April 16, 2018 at 9:56 AMThe Hokkaido Seafood Buffet and the Zero Express milkshakes look absolutely incredible. Your photo’s are amazing.
Emma x
emmarollason.com
Andrea
April 16, 2018 at 12:05 PMThose drinks look so delicious and also very photogenic!
Happy Monday!
Andrea.
Seize your Style
Mercy
April 16, 2018 at 9:46 PMYes to crayfish! And that ube milkshake is intense, I guess the topping is worth it you have made us drool over it haha.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Sheena Sy Gonzales
April 17, 2018 at 2:05 AMThat’s one heck of a food trip!!!
Sheena | http://www.sheenaalovessunsets.com
lesley kim
April 17, 2018 at 1:02 PMthese look so good!!
Lesley-Kim
Kasie
April 17, 2018 at 2:16 PMI’m actually disappointed that I didn’t know this was happening because it looks like it was so awesome! I’d never heard of Roasting Water before…time to check it out!
Caramella
April 17, 2018 at 2:23 PMOh my…the food and those milkshakes!! <3
http://hungrycaramella.blogspot.it/
Mira
April 18, 2018 at 4:52 AMThose milkshakes look insane but I can imagine that they were really sweet! I’ve never heard of Roasting Water but I’m really intrigued now – queuing for 20 minutes is a bit of a pain though but at least it was worth it. I recently queued for over an hour to get a table at a really popular café, at least the weather wasn’t too bad that day haha xx
113thingstosay.com
Amelia
April 18, 2018 at 1:40 PMJust found your blog (thanks Twitter!) and I loooove it. That food looks amazing but I had to laugh when you mentioned California drivers. I live in Adelaide, South Australia – our climate is very similar. And my god do people go nuts on the road when it rains! Never seen anything like it 😂
Lauren
April 28, 2018 at 1:04 AMOh my goodness those drinks look amazing! Especially with the marshmallows! Wow! Beautiful photos!
Kim
May 3, 2018 at 11:42 AMHaha wait you’re trying to tell me you DIDN’T want those toppings?! It looks soooo goood!
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
Ann
May 10, 2018 at 8:58 AMThose are really lovely pics.
You’ve got me craving for some milkshakes ♥
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/