Tuesday, April 30, 2019
It's Surgery Day!
I am dropping in just to let you all know that today is my big day. It is surgery day. Please say a little prayer for me. I seriously hope this is the last time I have to do this. I just want to breathe. I have a posts coming this week and next week while I recover. I will still be reading all of your blogs and hope to be back to my normal (but improved) self soon.
Monday, April 29, 2019
Puerto Vallarta Days 3, 4 and 5
* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.
If you missed days 1 and 2, you can go here to catch up.
We left off on Saturday night. Sunday morning, we got up, worked out again and then headed to Coco's Kitcken for breakfast. I had an omelette with bacon, avocado and onions. It came with hashbrowns and a homemade biscuit.
After breakfast, we stopped in a sports bar to watch the rest of the Master's. It was getting really good while we were at breakfast and we didn't want to miss the end. Plus Tiger Woods won and it was amazing to watch him win after 14 years. We also enjoyed some drinks.
Rory got the grilled octopus. I ate a bite of the sauce which was good, but I am not a huge octopus fan.
For dessert, we got the chocolate lava cake with ice cream and crushed cookie.
Then I had the pasta bolognese with homemade fettuccine noodles.
If you missed days 1 and 2, you can go here to catch up.
We left off on Saturday night. Sunday morning, we got up, worked out again and then headed to Coco's Kitcken for breakfast. I had an omelette with bacon, avocado and onions. It came with hashbrowns and a homemade biscuit.
After breakfast, we stopped in a sports bar to watch the rest of the Master's. It was getting really good while we were at breakfast and we didn't want to miss the end. Plus Tiger Woods won and it was amazing to watch him win after 14 years. We also enjoyed some drinks.
Pardon my hair. Dry shampoo wasn't my friend on this trip.
After the Master's, we went back up to the pool deck to lay out. This time I wore my new Prana bikini (top and bottoms).
After pool time, we showered and then went down to the spa to see if we could get massage appointments for the next day. Then we chatted with Rory's great uncle again before heading out to dinner. I should note that we facetimed the girls at least once a day at different times throughout the day.
We went to the Merida Grill which was a fairly new restaurant. We ordered house specialty margarita's along with a chicken appetizer that the owner suggested.
Merida Grill decor
This was the chicken tostada appetizer that the owner recommended. Amazing. That black dust is onions.
I got their specialty which was Cochinita Pibil. This is a slow roasted pulled pork and it was amazing. It came with fresh homemade corn tortillas, guac, pickled onions and pico. It was one of the best things I have had in years. I ate every last bite of it.
Rory got the grilled octopus. I ate a bite of the sauce which was good, but I am not a huge octopus fan.
For dessert, we got the chocolate lava cake with ice cream and crushed cookie.
This was one of my favorite meals of our entire trip and it was a new restaurant. After dinner, we facetimed the girls and walked the Melancon like normal.
Monday morning we woke up, worked out, had some coffee and bagels and read. We waited for our massage appointments and then went to that. We did a couples massage for 90 minutes. It was only $38 each including tip. We went to the Venus Moon Southside Spa which is the spa we go to every time.
After massages, we walked around the city looking for gifts for the girls.
Then Rory talked me into dinner at a Chinese place which he had wanted to go to for years. It is a mix between Thai and Chinese, called Archie's Wok. The food ended up being really good and healthy. Surprisingly. After dinner, we walked over to our favorite, Joe Jack's for coconut pie and wine for me and a cocktail for Rory.
I should note that I am not a huge dessert fan, but we did eat dessert often in PV and it was good and worth it.
Tuesday morning, we went to Mi Cafe which is one of Rory's favorite and my least favorite as they mess up my order everytime. I get nothing complicated or even changed on the menu, but it never comes out right and it didn't this time either. Total bummer.
After breakfast, we sat out at the pool again and read. I read two books on this trip and it was sooo nice to read and not watch any tv (other than the Masters on Sunday).
We did some walking around, shopping and exploring the city, before going to dinner at Florios. This was also a new restaurant to us and it was really good. We started off with their burrata with figs which was soooo good.
The views of the sunset were amazing.
Burrata with figs, pine nuts, cheese, proscuitto and pesto.
Then I had the pasta bolognese with homemade fettuccine noodles.
We didn't do any desserts. We just relaxed, watched the sunset and chatted the evening away.
And that concludes days 3 and 4.
Friday, April 26, 2019
Friday Favorites and Happenings
* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.
I can't believe we are almost to the end of April. We are enjoying the amazing weather and are super excited about Summer approaching. Who is ready for the beach? I know I am. After 9 days in Mexico with temperatures in the high 70s to mid 80s, I just want that weather back in Nevada all the time.
We have a pretty busy weekend ahead of us. I have a baby shower, some Spring cleaning and a few appointments in regards to my surgery. I still can't believe it is on Tuesday.
Anyways, onto Friday favorites and happenings.
ONE. While I was in Mexico, I was searching for a fun Easter dress, but I just didn't find anything I liked or at a price that I liked. So I went on Amazon and searched for a pink dress. I found the perfect one and it had two day shipping. Plus it was only $18.99. It got to my house the day before we got home, and on Saturday night, I opened it up and it was actually pretty cute and good quality.
But then I saw the weather forecasted for Easter and I decided not to wear it on Easter since it was only going to be a high of 61 degrees and partly cloudy. I went with a white tee and linen type of pants with sandals paired with my jean jacket instead. BUT I saved this dress for the baby shower that I have this weekend. The weather will be amazing and this dress will be perfect for the shower.
TWO. Another thing that I purchased when I bought the pink dress above was a Daily Ritual Black Sleeveless Dress. I have been eyeing this dress on Amazon for a few weeks and since I had a credit on Amazon, I purchased it. It is only $20 and fits amazingly. I know this dress will get a lot of wear and use this Summer.
Have a great weekend!
I can't believe we are almost to the end of April. We are enjoying the amazing weather and are super excited about Summer approaching. Who is ready for the beach? I know I am. After 9 days in Mexico with temperatures in the high 70s to mid 80s, I just want that weather back in Nevada all the time.
We have a pretty busy weekend ahead of us. I have a baby shower, some Spring cleaning and a few appointments in regards to my surgery. I still can't believe it is on Tuesday.
Anyways, onto Friday favorites and happenings.
ONE. While I was in Mexico, I was searching for a fun Easter dress, but I just didn't find anything I liked or at a price that I liked. So I went on Amazon and searched for a pink dress. I found the perfect one and it had two day shipping. Plus it was only $18.99. It got to my house the day before we got home, and on Saturday night, I opened it up and it was actually pretty cute and good quality.
But then I saw the weather forecasted for Easter and I decided not to wear it on Easter since it was only going to be a high of 61 degrees and partly cloudy. I went with a white tee and linen type of pants with sandals paired with my jean jacket instead. BUT I saved this dress for the baby shower that I have this weekend. The weather will be amazing and this dress will be perfect for the shower.
TWO. Another thing that I purchased when I bought the pink dress above was a Daily Ritual Black Sleeveless Dress. I have been eyeing this dress on Amazon for a few weeks and since I had a credit on Amazon, I purchased it. It is only $20 and fits amazingly. I know this dress will get a lot of wear and use this Summer.
THREE. I bought a new shaving cream right before I left to Mexico and I brought it with me. I had never used this one before, but figured it was worth a try....and I was right. This stuff is amazing. Make sure you read the back and see how to use it (you need to use hotter water and really lather it before putting it on your skin). I used it every other day in Mexico and it gave me the smoothest shaved skin. I used it with my Billie razor and this stuff is way better than the shaving cream I bought from Billie.
It has a coconut mango scent which isn't overpowering. I never got any cuts, razor burn or anything with this stuff and I was shaving quickly in the shower in Mexico. It has aloe, calendula and papaya along with other amazing ingredients in it. I don't EVER recommend shaving creams, but this one is too good not to talk about or recommend. Buy it. It is only $5.99.
FOUR. When I was in Mexico, I used my foundation religiously to keep the sun away from my skin as much as I could. I also used a hat. But then I thought about how I don't have a good face sunscreen. When I got back from Mexico, I headed into Sephora and asked for their opinion on a good face sunscreen. Enter Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. Now my foundation has spf 35 in it, but this face sunscreen has spf 40. I am doubling up the sunscreen now daily. It isn't greasy at all and allows me to go on walks daily and not feel like my face is going to burn. And we all know that I can't get burnt when I have surgery in a few days.
FIVE. Speaking of sunscreens, we used a whole bottle of sunscreen on our trip to Mexico. I LOVE Sun Bum. It smells like coconut, keeps the burn away and has been amazing for us. This is the one I used. I have both spf 30 and 50.
I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Puerto Vallarta Days 1 and 2
* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.
If you have been following me for awhile, then you know that I go to Mexico pretty much yearly. Well ever since I have been dating Rory. I think in the almost 10 years that we have been together, we have missed one year and that was because I just had the girls a couple months prior. We have even brought the girls to Puerto Vallarta twice now. We had every intention on bringing them this time, but after consideration from the grandparents, we all decided to just have Rory and I go. And it was amazing. Of course we missed the girls, but it was very much needed and appreciated.
We left on Friday April 12th at 6 in the morning. And now I am singing Justin Timberlake's song Filthy. We flew into Phoenix and went into the American lounge for 4 hours. We watched some of the Master's, ate, read books and watched a bit of Netflix. Then we flew to Puerto Vallarta and for the first time in a long time, we didn't have ANY wait in Customs.
We quickly got our luggage and made our way to the taxis. Word of advice, don't get a taxi inside the airport. At least go outside. They will try to tell you that you can't do that, but you can and should. It is way cheaper to go outside or even go across the highway (there is a walkway overpass) and get a taxi.
We took our taxi ride into the Zona Romantica which is the heart of PV. This is way past the hotels and near the Melancon (the boardwalk). We got settled into our condo, unpacked a bit and then headed next door to see Rory's family. We talked with them for about an hour or two and then headed off to watch the sunset and eat dinner. We also stopped at an ATM to get money. Another tip: get money out of an ATM and not the money exchange places. You get a better rate and usually only pay a dollar or two in fees compared to $10 or more in the exchange places.
For dinner, we went to Jorge's Hideaway Shrimp Shack. We go there every year and they always recognize us. It is a bit of a trek uphill, but amazing. We both got a blackberry margarita and shared a salad that had jicama, grapefruit, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, corn and balsamic dressing.
Then I got my favorite which is a spicy shrimp inside of a pineapple with pineapple chunks and some cheese. They pair it with a red rice and a salad.
Rory got this spicy shrimp dish with sauteed veggies and rice. It was sooooo good.
Then they gave us a complimentary drink after dinner. We were full and wanted to walk off some of the food, so we walked the Melancon. It was a Friday night, so it was busy, but warm and beautiful out. Then we made our way over to Bar La Playa which is a specialty cocktail bar that we found on our last trip. I got a drink called the Senorita which had vodka, hibicus and coconut water. So good. Rory got a mezcal drink.
Saturday morning we slept in and then headed to the roof top deck to do a little workout. We jump roped, did push-ups, fast walking and some yoga stretches. Then we showered, got ready and headed out to the farmer's market. We go every Saturday and it is amazing. They have great food and amazing vendors there. We picked up some bagels for ourselves and for Rory's great uncle. Plus we hung out with his cousins there. We ate some lunch there before saying goodbye to his cousins who had to leave for the airport.
After the farmers market, we went to a local brewery to pick up some beers for our condo. We did a taste testing at Monzon Brewing Co. and then brought 4 cans back to the condo.
Once we got back to the condo, we changed into our bathing suits and put on sunscreen. We read a bit and then headed up to the pool deck. I wore my new high waisted bathing suit.
We spent about 3 hours at the pool reading, sunbathing and swimming. It was perfect. When we were finished, we cleaned up and then headed out for tacos at our most favorite hole in the wall, Pancho's Takos. We go to this place multiple times per trip. You have to get there about 30 minutes before opening or expect to wait up until an hour. They specialize in the al pastor tacos. Heaven!
Of course we ordered too much food. We got guacamole, grilled onions, a pepper and onion quesadilla and pastor tacos. All to share. Plus beers. And our total was about $16 with tip.
After eating, we walked the Melancon again and enjoyed the sunset.
If you have been following me for awhile, then you know that I go to Mexico pretty much yearly. Well ever since I have been dating Rory. I think in the almost 10 years that we have been together, we have missed one year and that was because I just had the girls a couple months prior. We have even brought the girls to Puerto Vallarta twice now. We had every intention on bringing them this time, but after consideration from the grandparents, we all decided to just have Rory and I go. And it was amazing. Of course we missed the girls, but it was very much needed and appreciated.
We left on Friday April 12th at 6 in the morning. And now I am singing Justin Timberlake's song Filthy. We flew into Phoenix and went into the American lounge for 4 hours. We watched some of the Master's, ate, read books and watched a bit of Netflix. Then we flew to Puerto Vallarta and for the first time in a long time, we didn't have ANY wait in Customs.
We quickly got our luggage and made our way to the taxis. Word of advice, don't get a taxi inside the airport. At least go outside. They will try to tell you that you can't do that, but you can and should. It is way cheaper to go outside or even go across the highway (there is a walkway overpass) and get a taxi.
We took our taxi ride into the Zona Romantica which is the heart of PV. This is way past the hotels and near the Melancon (the boardwalk). We got settled into our condo, unpacked a bit and then headed next door to see Rory's family. We talked with them for about an hour or two and then headed off to watch the sunset and eat dinner. We also stopped at an ATM to get money. Another tip: get money out of an ATM and not the money exchange places. You get a better rate and usually only pay a dollar or two in fees compared to $10 or more in the exchange places.
For dinner, we went to Jorge's Hideaway Shrimp Shack. We go there every year and they always recognize us. It is a bit of a trek uphill, but amazing. We both got a blackberry margarita and shared a salad that had jicama, grapefruit, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, corn and balsamic dressing.
Then I got my favorite which is a spicy shrimp inside of a pineapple with pineapple chunks and some cheese. They pair it with a red rice and a salad.
Rory got this spicy shrimp dish with sauteed veggies and rice. It was sooooo good.
Then they gave us a complimentary drink after dinner. We were full and wanted to walk off some of the food, so we walked the Melancon. It was a Friday night, so it was busy, but warm and beautiful out. Then we made our way over to Bar La Playa which is a specialty cocktail bar that we found on our last trip. I got a drink called the Senorita which had vodka, hibicus and coconut water. So good. Rory got a mezcal drink.
Saturday morning we slept in and then headed to the roof top deck to do a little workout. We jump roped, did push-ups, fast walking and some yoga stretches. Then we showered, got ready and headed out to the farmer's market. We go every Saturday and it is amazing. They have great food and amazing vendors there. We picked up some bagels for ourselves and for Rory's great uncle. Plus we hung out with his cousins there. We ate some lunch there before saying goodbye to his cousins who had to leave for the airport.
After the farmers market, we went to a local brewery to pick up some beers for our condo. We did a taste testing at Monzon Brewing Co. and then brought 4 cans back to the condo.
Once we got back to the condo, we changed into our bathing suits and put on sunscreen. We read a bit and then headed up to the pool deck. I wore my new high waisted bathing suit.
We spent about 3 hours at the pool reading, sunbathing and swimming. It was perfect. When we were finished, we cleaned up and then headed out for tacos at our most favorite hole in the wall, Pancho's Takos. We go to this place multiple times per trip. You have to get there about 30 minutes before opening or expect to wait up until an hour. They specialize in the al pastor tacos. Heaven!
Of course we ordered too much food. We got guacamole, grilled onions, a pepper and onion quesadilla and pastor tacos. All to share. Plus beers. And our total was about $16 with tip.
After eating, we walked the Melancon again and enjoyed the sunset.
Sand statues along the Melancon
And that concludes days 1 and 2! Stay tuned for more next week with even more food, drinks and fun.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Easter Weekend
My weekend was short as part of it was spent traveling home. We flew home from Mexico on Saturday and got home around 7:30 pm. We got home in time to talk with my parents, give the girls their gifts, get them ready for bed, give them big snuggles and then put them down for the night.
Once the girls were down for bed, I got out the plastic eggs to put Starburst Jelly Belly's in some of them. I had already stuffed a bunch with rainbow/unicorn tattoos and money. Then I hide those around the house. I also brought out their baskets, took a few photos and then moved onto the outside. Avery had remembered that the Easter bunny left footprints outside the year before and had mentioned it, so at 10 pm, I was out making those.
Then we settled in and went to bed.
Sunday morning we slept in and then got up and the girls wanted to see if the Easter bunny came. They ran out to the living room and grabbed their empty metal Easter baskets and ran all over the house grabbing eggs. Once they had them all, they opened them up and then went for their Easter baskets. I posted a cute video on IG stories Sunday of them seeing the bunny prints and finding the eggs.
After the baskets were looked through, we brought them out baskets from their grandparents for them to open. Then they each had a chocolate egg.
Since we had just got back from our trip, we didn't have anything in the house. Rory headed out and grabbed some coffee and bagel sandwiches while the girls and I watched Toy Story. After eating, I did some house cleaning and laundry. Then we all showered and got ready. I headed out to the grocery store to stock the house and came home in time to tuck the girls in for their naps. While they napped, I packed up a bunch of things I sold on Poshmark and watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy.
Once the girls were up, I did their hair and then we headed to my parents house for an Easter celebration. We did an Easter egg hunt, had some appetizers, caught up with family and then had a big Easter feast. It was a great time. Plus the girls got to play with their cousin who they had a blast with. They didn't want to leave at 7 pm, but they had been up late the night before and were going to be up a bit later that evening as well.
Once the girls were down for bed, I got out the plastic eggs to put Starburst Jelly Belly's in some of them. I had already stuffed a bunch with rainbow/unicorn tattoos and money. Then I hide those around the house. I also brought out their baskets, took a few photos and then moved onto the outside. Avery had remembered that the Easter bunny left footprints outside the year before and had mentioned it, so at 10 pm, I was out making those.
Then we settled in and went to bed.
Sunday morning we slept in and then got up and the girls wanted to see if the Easter bunny came. They ran out to the living room and grabbed their empty metal Easter baskets and ran all over the house grabbing eggs. Once they had them all, they opened them up and then went for their Easter baskets. I posted a cute video on IG stories Sunday of them seeing the bunny prints and finding the eggs.
After the baskets were looked through, we brought them out baskets from their grandparents for them to open. Then they each had a chocolate egg.
Since we had just got back from our trip, we didn't have anything in the house. Rory headed out and grabbed some coffee and bagel sandwiches while the girls and I watched Toy Story. After eating, I did some house cleaning and laundry. Then we all showered and got ready. I headed out to the grocery store to stock the house and came home in time to tuck the girls in for their naps. While they napped, I packed up a bunch of things I sold on Poshmark and watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy.
Once the girls were up, I did their hair and then we headed to my parents house for an Easter celebration. We did an Easter egg hunt, had some appetizers, caught up with family and then had a big Easter feast. It was a great time. Plus the girls got to play with their cousin who they had a blast with. They didn't want to leave at 7 pm, but they had been up late the night before and were going to be up a bit later that evening as well.
Cousins
We headed home and got the girls ready for bed. We did the usual bedtime routine and cuddled a bit before putting them down for the night. Rory walked Walter and I caught up on another show. Then it was bedtime for us as well.
It was a great weekend even though it was short. How was your Easter weekend?
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