As part of our first international trip of 2017, we’re staying in Curacao at Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort, a nestled beachfront resort along the Caribbean Sea within a 2,000 acre gated plantation. We only arrived yesterday, but it’s been heaven on earth already. Here’s a quick glimpse of our first two days at Santa Barbara. Continue reading
Infinity pools, floating restaurants, soft, white sand beaches, crystalline water and sunshine in spades, Constance Hotels in Mauritius are a vibrant piece of tropical Paradise. What’s the first thing that stands out to you at a hotel? Is it the architectural design, the pools, the beaches, the amenities, the views, or the room options? Maybe you go for the spa or the golf or the dining? We had it all at Constance, Mauritius. It was like stepping into a luxury magazine. Continue reading
Yesterday was one of the most bizarre days of all my travels. Athena and I hung from a ceiling, she became a giant, we walked on multi-colored earth, we rode giant tortoises, and Athena held a crocodile. And the funny part of it all is I’m not making this stuff up or exaggerating. Mauritius is a curious place. Continue reading
Creating a bucket list is the first step to accomplishing your dreams and using up those vacation days. If you don’t like the idea of a bucket list because you associate it with dying, being old, or even setting unrealistic goals, you can call it whatever you like but call it something and write it down. You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve if you dream about the possibilities and set measurable goals. I create a list every year and it’s been a highly successful way to achieve more than I ever imagined possible. The more unrealistic we are with our dreams and goals, the more we are able to achieve. When creating your list, however, it’s important to keep these simple suggestions in mind. Continue reading
We spent an unforgettable weekend in Big Bear, California enjoying the snow in the mountains. A detailed post will follow shortly (most likely tomorrow) but I wanted to give you a glimpse of Big Bear and the stunning drive home. It’s it dreamy?
When I first moved to California, I was the typical tourist. I wanted to visit Universal Studios, The Price is Right, Hollywood Blvd., San Diego Zoo, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach. They were my “TV version” of California – the places I saw on a regular basis on TV shows and dreamed about experiencing my entire life. Now that I’m a local, though, I spend less time at those places and more time at the places I’ve come to know and love as a mother, a wife, an adventure seeker, and a beach lover. Dana Point has a regular spot in our weekly schedule. It’s situated on the beautiful Southern California coast, halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. It prides itself with nearly seven miles of coastal bluffs and rolling hills along the Pacific Ocean with its charming beaches and wild surfs. The city is home to the Dana Point Harbor, Captain Dave’s Whale Watching Safari, scrumptious food, and some of the best sunset views I’ve seen in my life. I’ve come up with a schedule for discovering the perfect day in Southern California’s Dana Point. Continue reading
Oahu is filled with endless beauty around every turn and beneath every grain of sand. The perfect temperatures and friendly locals add to the attraction of this picturesque land. During my 11 day Oahu vacation, I explored the depths of the ocean floor with Reef Pirates, surfed the rolling waves that draw surfers from all over the world with Ty Gurney Surf School, and swam with the mysterious sharks that fill the deep waters with North Shore Shark Adventures. It’s this blend between serenity and aquatic adventure that truly captures my heart. Continue reading
With trips to Mexico, St. Lucia, and Hawaii coming up before December, we’re starting to think about the holidays. Should we go big or stay home this year? Since I started writing a few sponsored posts for Contiki, I haven’t been able to get off of their site or get a few destinations out of my mind. It’s become a starting board for me; a place where dreams begin and the wheels start turning for new adventures. Thailand has moved up on my list as well as Australia. Darren only has so much vacation time; maybe we should utilize it for a Asian or Australian vacation. Do we need to be in our home to enjoy the holidays? Let’s weigh the options. Continue reading
When we drove up to the front doors, I couldn’t believe this was my villa for the next week. This must have been what Cinderella felt like during her first night in the castle with Prince Charming. I’ve visited dozens upon dozens of resorts, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw at Windjammer Landing today. The luxurious estate villas are like peering into the lives of Lifestyles of the Rich ans Famous. Would you like a tour? Continue reading
I spent the last three days at Club Med Cancun and there are so many great activities and opportunities that I’ve been going non-stop. I haven’t even thought about posting. I’ve been too busy windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, swinging on the trapeze, dancing, singing, and partying to send a post. There’s so much to come, I don’t know where to start but I wanted to share a sample of my trip so far. In only two full days, this is what I was able to accomplish. What draws you the most? Continue reading
Bucket List Publications 