Aug16

Yo-Ho-Ho! Happy National Rum Day!

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Nat Rum Day

Festive greetings to you on this August 16, 2013; National Rum Day! Social media and the internet are abuzz with posts, stories and blurbs about rum. …. I ran across a nice one by Joe Satran at Huffington Post Taste (@HuffPostTaste) about the right rum for mojitos within moments of launching my browser today. There are numerous rum-centric accounts and blogs that I follow where you can be inspired with recipes or learn history… or shop for rum-themed apparel. Here is a rundown of some of my favorites: Read the rest of this entry →

Mar19

Urban Oasis: Visiting Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory

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It’s late winter. I’m surrounded by palm trees. Sweat beads are forming on my brow. …. and I’m in Chicago.

I’m not dreaming. I’ve just found my way to an urban oasis. Come see…. Garfield Park Conservatory Entrance

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Feb5

Him got thuh sand on he brain, mon.

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Him got thuh sand on he brain, mon.

Controversy-shmontroversy.

Seriously people. Turn da frown, de udduh way aroun’.

This was my absolute favorite super-bowl ad this year.

YouTube link:

Volkswagon Happy Commercial
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Nov12

Mexico: A Visit to Chichen Itza Ruins

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If you’re heading to Mexico, once you have decompressed from whatever stresses you left back home, enjoyed a dip in the pool, walked on the beach and enjoyed a couple of tasty margaritas, consider doing a little ancient sight seeing;  See the ruins.       Read the rest of this entry →

Aug28

Mexican Riviera – Photojourney at the Maya

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Mexican Riviera – Photojourney at the Maya

One evening on our Mexican Riviera vacation, after the rain stopped, we took a walk around the Iberostar Playa Paraiso Resort.  Just wandered.  Here is what we saw.

The buildings of the Maya are colorful. At every turn through the courtyards there are little Mayan themed details; intricately patterned stones in the walkways, statues, fountains and gardens.

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Aug27

Mexican Riviera – Back From the Maya!

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Hola!   This post is overdue.  I admit it.  I told you we were  going here.… and now it’s been more than two months since we’ve been home from Mexico… It took me  for. ev. er. to get through vacation withdrawal.  I only recently put the luggage away (I know… “slacker.”).  And the little bag of souvenir sand from Tulum had been sitting on the table… waiting. Patiently.     Read the rest of this entry →

May23

Mexican Riviera – The Other Side of That Caribbean Pond

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Mexican Riviera – The Other Side of That Caribbean Pond

I’m getting excited for an upcoming trip back to Mexico and thought I’d share a couple of  pictures from prior trips. There are many popular destinations along the eastern Mexican Caribbean coast…. in Riviera Maya the water can be just as warm and turquoise blue along the shore as the heart of the Caribbean.

Accommodations abound! The lovely Iberostar Playa Paraiso Resort has several hotel options, we enjoy staying in the Paraiso Maya… so much, that this return trip will mark our fourth visit to this property.

Why go back? Let me show you!

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May20

I Go Back: Oahu – Beach Motivation

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I recently told you about my trip to Oahu in 2009.  At the time of that trip I was newly on a fitness regimen.  Let me  also tell you that by nature I just am not one of those that works out on vacation. So it’s anyone’s guess why I opted to pack sneakers and my Sigg bottle for this trip.

But, I did.

I’m so glad I did.

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May20

I Go Back: Oahu – Honolulu and Waikiki Beach

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I had a terrific opportunity to go to Hawaii in April 2009 to visit my friend. Somehow agreeable to sending me off to paradise on my own, my dear husband chauffeured me to the airport… and off I went.  After a weekend stopover  in San Francisco, I headed for the island of Oahu. Read the rest of this entry →

Mar21

It’s Bloomin’ Hot!

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It’s Bloomin’ Hot!

Weather-wise, I am on vacation… I should be able to walk down a sandy, burn-your-feet-it’s-so-hot plankboard path and step right into Caribbean water. Except, I’m still home. Still planted firmly in the Midwest. Still in the Chicago ‘burbs. Mother Nature on the other hand…..

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