It's better in the Bahamas! (But with Royal Caribbean)

I have been traveling a bit now a days, so my husband and I decided to have a quick getaway; Also to celebrate his birthday (it was back in July btw), aslo some with some friends.

He has never been on a cruise; so I said why don't we go to the Bahamas on a cruise! We got the tickets; both of us the total was $668.22, tax included.
They have other rooms that was a bit cheaper; but we wanted ocean view (I don't know why, I don't think once he got to the window to see the ocean. I did =) )

Our Window!

What does $668.22 get you, you ask? Unlimited access to food! all you can eat! tons of good and bad food, room service, water, lemonade, ice tea and some other juices (they won't advertise the free water and other liquids, and when you book your tickets they will offer you a soda or a bottled water package). I took my own water in my luggage. I love to drink water at nights and in the mornings - since im hung over! hahahaha

What does $668.22 get you, you ask again? NOT DRUNK! If you think for a second that alcohol is included, well you must be out of your mind, hehehehe. I already knew this; I took this same cruise way back in 2006.
Drinks range from $4 to $15 or maybe $20; service is really good on the boat. All the checks will have 15% automatically added, make sure to look in case you didn't like your server. If you want to give more, it's up to you.

Day 1: You get to the port, check in (you can also check in online) they will give you a card, like a room key with your name, room number, your deck, and also the deck that you have to have dinner and the time. This Key is now YOUR LIFE! anything you want on this boat that must be paid, you will pay with this key. To go out and back in to the boat you will need it. DO NOT LOSE IT! - No matter how drunk you are, this is worst than getting your CC cloned)
You jump on the boat; they will give you a Muster Drill, where they teach you what to do in case another "Titanic Incident" happens (they learned their lesson there). This lasts ...to long! like 30mins or so.
The you are free to go and do what ever you want; you can jump in the pool, drink, go back to your room, hit the gym...really anything.
We signed up to have formal dinner every night at 9pm, which by the way (at least for the Bahamas) no one was dressed up, except for us, and maybe like 3 other tables. ( that sucked FYI)

Rainbow in the middle of the Ocean super cute!

Day 2: You wake up in Coco Cay. Coco kay is a privat Island Owned by Royal Caribbean. Only Royal Caribbean boats are allowed. We docked a few miles away, then you take another little boat; that leaves every 15 mins from and to Coco Cay; and you get there....just to relax and enjoy the sun, and well to drink some more!

Coco Cay

They have different activities, Kayak, scuba diving, etc. They all have an additional cost -they are online but more expensive, so make sure you book them over there.
The water was a bit dirty from seaweed and also jelly fish. My husband got stung by a jelly fish and honestly I hate seaweed. We went in the water for a bit but it was uncomfortable.
We laid in the sun, ate a few things (food is free also, it's like your still on the boat. They had ribs, hot dogs, burgers, nothing to fancy).
They had this really great drink called COCO LOCO, i have no idea what it was; Im sure it was sugar, ice and rum! but when is hotter than hell, something like that taste's like Heaven. (it's $7 each)

Swimsuit at Nordstrom $138(in store), hat at Nordstrom Rack $26

You get to be there for as long as you want; I can't remember what time the last boat goes back.

Dinner at 9pm again. Every night the menu changes. You get to pick from a few, appetizers, entrees and desserts....and aslo Shots! ($7.20 each, but you get to keep the shot glass).

If you decide not to eat there, there is always a buffet or a 24hr room service ( the menu is much more simple)
Again after dinner there is the Casino, where you can play anything you would like and you can also smoke only cigarets, if you are a cigar smokers you must go outside.

There is a Latin club as well as an American club.

Day 3: You wake up in Nassau, Bahamas.

Nassau, Bahamas. View from the Cabin.

You get to get off the boat and take a cab, to either the public beach, the local markets, the town or The Atlantis. We decided to go to The Atlantis Hotel; you can have free access to the Casino and Hotel lobby for free, or you can pay $120 per person and get full access to the Casino(which has very nice artwork and bar and you can also smoke in there), Aquarium, Slides, private Beach and Pools.
The Hotel and their surroundings are filled with luxurious stores like Amici, Cole’s of Nassau, Faconnable, Island Gear with Tommy Bahama, Mademoiselle, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace.

Atlantis Hotel

Im not much of a slide person but guess what!? I was forced by my husband and friends to do it; so after I was almost in tears I did it! (I must admit it was somewhat fun) I did the "Serpent Slide" a five story dark corkscrew slide that culminates with a leisurely pass through a clear acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon.

Clear acrylic tunnel at the end of the Serpent Slide

They all did the rest of the slides; their commets were that, these slides are not very well put together; everyone got hurt in them.

We also did the lazy River, you grab a floating device jump, or lay on it and just let the current take you for a ride. Supper chilled, and they have a few spots where you can jump in or out, in case is to lazy for your taste.

We had a few snacks, not much; Some conch fritter and chicken wings, they were ok; nothing to amazing.
Then we hit the private beach. This water was cristal clear, no seaweed or jelly fish!

I put my chair in the water and laid there!

To finish our trip and take a cab back to the port, of course we had our last drink. It was a Miami Vice! 

Miami Vice, in the Bahamas

I was so happy that the weather was nice! this time of year you never know. It started raining the minute we got back to the boat to head back home.
Day 4: You wake up in Miami, back to reality and to your normal life! You can choose the night before to leave your bags at the door and then you can have a later check out.
Or you can keep your bags and wake up early and carry your own bag.
If you made a purchase on the boat, like alcohol, they will deliver it the last night of your stay (in this case Sunday night) so don't think that you can buy alcohol for the whole trip. The prices are cheap, not just for scotch, but vodka, rum, etc. We got a few bottles.

You will go through customs, like at the airport, surprisingly this was very chilled, they didn't check pur bags; maybe it was to early for them

WHAT TO BRING

• Swimsuit, one or 2 is more than enough.
• Shorts.
• Flip Flops.
• Lots of sunblock.
• Water.
• Lotion, for the sun burn.
• If you are a smoker, BRING A LIGHTER! No one in that boat had a lighter or sold one. I am a social smoker, that's why I didn't have one. 
• At least one pretty dress.
• A flat Iron for your hair.
• Never leave your house with at least one pair of heels.
• Deodorant (you will seat a lot, hehehehe)
• Don't forget to get cash, you might want to buy little nick-nacks that you will never use again.

 I think I covered everything (this was a long review, even for me!) If you have any questions, just ask =).
We spent... one sec $668.22 tickets and $444.43 ( I saved all the receipts) = $1,112.65 for 2!
ps: The food for the formal dinning was really good! Everyone ordered something different so we each got to try each others food.

Crepes and Waffles. How good can it be?

Next time you visit Bogota, Colombia that is, you have to stop by Crepes and Waffles; They have a few around the area.

I was a little bit like, what ever Crepes and Waffles, how good could it be...well It was Amazing!
I ordered  the "Lomo Arabe" Is this mediterranean meat, seasoned with middle eastern spices and a tahini sauce; I didn't get a chance to take a picture, but it looks just like this! ( i promise)

And the taste! OMG! so fresh and so tender; it's a must have!

I am known for my sweet tooth; every time I go out I must have something sweet (this is what will probably kill me unfortunately) 

Me and my friend got Supreme Ice Cream; It was Vanilla ice cream with sliced bananas and whipped cream; drizzled with caramel and chocolate syrup, and accompanied with a piece of cone, oh and nuts...and when i say "drizzled" I drenched in syrop! It sounds good, well let me tell you it's even better when you have it. 

The flavors are just so different; when I say Vanilla Ice cream...I mean VANILLA ICE CREAM (it's hard to explain, it's just a must have)

Next time you visit Colombia (also in other countries) or if you visit it for the first time; please make sure you go to Crepes and Waffles

Other Countries: Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, España, México, Panamá, Perú, Venezuela. 

I went to this one: 

Plaza de las Américas

• Colombia |
 
• Bogotá |
 
• Américas

• Plaza de las Américas Zona teatros Imax |
 
• Teléfono 057 + 1 6767600 Ex.749
Horarios

Lunes a jueves 11:45 a.m. A 9:30 p.m.

Viernes y sábados 11:45 a.m. A 10:00 p.m.

Domingos 11:45 a.m. A 9:00 p.m.

Festivos 11:45 a.m. A 8:30 p.m.

http://crepesywaffles.com/

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

Last weekend I decided to go to the mall and drag my husband along ( I know he hates going to the mall unless we have a purpose, I never have one, never for shopping anyways)
I found a thing or two

So let's start 

First stop: Macys - the MAC counter

I just went for a cosmetic bag, mine was too small and I really needed one where I can fit my pencils with out them getting all the tips bent. So I got the biggest one $40.00

Next Sephora! (more makeup for brand new my bag )

I saw a makeup tutorial by Carli Bybell, and she used Lip Venom! I sooo wanted to try it. So I went and tried a couple of lip plumper, one was Sexy Mother Pucker Extreme and then Lip Venom. The lady put one on top and one at the bottom. The SMP felt toooo tinglely, It lasted a while! and the Lip Venom felt also tinglely but it didn't last as long. Also I am not quite sure if it actually does something to my lips. The lady said that I already have full lips so all this will do is tighten and eliminate the lines. So i got it $16.00 - I will take a before and after pic

Express: Pencil skirt Blue, but like a Turquoise blue! it's so pretty I have no idea what I'm going to wear it with...It was on Sale! 29.99 + 30% off!

Next a Taupe Sweater and it has holes in it. I've worn it twice already of course with something underneath, 19.99 + 30% off
Last but not least a sequin top, white super cute $14.99 + 30 off!
I don't have pictures of this, when I wear it I will post them.

We stopped by Bed Bath and Body Works; just because i had a gift card and outside it said 75% OFF! I mean who would't stop for that? We saw these cages for soap! How cute and fancy do they look? I thought I did and for $2.00 and something each; How can you go wrong? I got a couple for me, my mom and my mother in law =). You can take the label of the soap; refill with any soap and it will still look great.

 My hubby who is a candle/soap addict ran off when I was in line to pay and then he saw these Body Wash-Foam Bath and the scrub... I'm not really a fan but I have to say great pick honey! The day that we got it we used the stress relief one (It was a long day of shopping for him hehehehe)

 And of course I had to get him a little something; We went to "The art of shaving"; Really? there is an art to it?. Anyways he got kind of like the sample kit $25.00 (that also has a $25.00Off on your next purchase). He really likes it, he has been using it since he got it. The only bad thing is that he shaves in the morning and the has to shave again at night, hahahahaha

Ahhhh TEVANA! they always get you with with that Free Tea....and then you end up buying some; it is so expensive...but really good (I am a coffee and a Tea drinker-not just the expensive kind, I love me some Lipton black tea, hot or cold)

And this is how this Fab day ended

It's the Half of the Sphere you want to be on

Hemisphere Lounge at the Loews Hotel ! has to be one of the most fun bars I've been to.

The live music and the chill people this bar has one of the BEST bartenders─if not The best─in South Florida (believe me I've met quite a few)

Her name is Alexis! and she serves amazing drinks, on or off the menu

We actually met her at the Mondrian Hotel last September when me and my husband decided to go have some drinks, after we visited the spa

She was so cool , not just her personality but she made all the right drinks! This past weekend we stayed over at the Mondrian for the weekend and went looking for her at the bar. 

We were disappointed that she was no longer there; asked around and they told us she was bar tending at The Loews...Then we called an she was working that night! took a cab there and we saw her again 9 months later! She remembered us, and not only that, she remembered what we drank! that was so cool. We spent the night drinking away, her Delicious drinks! 

Alexi's Mango Mojito

Alexi's Cucumber Tom Collin's

Alexi's some Brazilian Passion Fruit- Amazing!

My glass got taller =)!

If you are ever in town, make it a must to go and see Alexis! tell her I sent you =).

We also did a shot; she made it. No idea what it was but it was super good (I couldn't get a picture, by then I had no idea where my phone was hehehehe) 

No reservations needed, but make sure she is working that night, you will have a great time

Loews Hotel

1601 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach, Florida, 33139

Phone: (305) 604-1601

What an Animal!

For some strange reason I kept forgetting to write this review. Let me try to make this story short, before I go into the review.
I went to LA to meet up with my husband for the weekend. I had never been to LA so aside from doing all the Tourist stuff I wanted to really do something special; so that week before I went I was doing some research (with the help of my favorite food guru, Shah K- he will be famous one day-) and found this place called Animal 435 North Fairfax Avenue  Los Angeles, CA 90048


I read some reviews and they were all great. However I didn't look at the menu, It's called "animal" of course there is meat, chicken, etc. I called and made reservations! 
The day came and we got there
this is what the menu looks like 

We got to the place and It small and cozy; the menu was something we had never seen before, but since it was a very hot spot I was willing to try something...my husband, not so much. He was expecting something more like a steak house, that might had been my fault - when he asked me if it was a meat restaurant i said Yes! hahahaha- 
Anyways we ended up getting the following:


Polenta six-hour bolognese parmesa

Melted petit basque, chorizo and grilled bread
                                               

                                                             


and last but not least, even though I was super hesitant to get it. We got the foie gras, biscuit and maple sausage gravy! ( I was hesitant to get it because I had just had it In Miami and did not care for it)

Guys...everything was so Delicious! with the first 2 plates we went on the safe side; but let me tell you this foie gras tasted nothing like peanut butter and jelly (from my last review at Sra Martinez- Miami). This one was as rich and flavorful as our waiter Jake mentioned...

Oh I almost forgot, my favorite part, dessert! We got the Bacon Chocolate Crunch bar with s&p ice cream and the Dark knight carrot cake, parsnip cream cheese, rootbeer and walnut.

Both of them were really good, but for me (since I'm a chocolate gal) the Chocolate bacon did it!

     

I give this place 5/5! not only that the food was extremely good, and filled us up but the service was outstanding! Believe me next time I'm in town I will try some pig face for sure. Ohh and the menu changes Daily!

check out their website 

http://animalrestaurant.com/

note: Be prepare to have only wine as they don't have a full liquor bar. We enjoy wine so for us it was not a problem

H&M in Miami

As you all know it was the big opening of the pop-up store H&M in Miami, this past June 1st
I knew that they had an H&M in Palm Beach Gardens and I have been meaning to go for the past month or so. 
When I found out that it opening in Miami I was so happy! I wanted to go the same day! well I went the next one. Saturday afternoon I decided to go and also to drag my husband with me; I knew that it would be insane so I needed him to stand in line while I did the shopping (how smart am I? lol).
There was a long line, but it went by fast...we were in line for 20 minutes, standing in the heat(there was an OK breeze)just to come in to come into the store where it was hotter than hell!. They didn't have the full collection, it was mostly summer things. As soon as we walked in he stood in line. I was done in literally 15. 
It was sooooo hot, so small and packed I just couldn't do it, and my poor husband was there standing in line with for me. I didn't try on anything, I just wanted to get the hell out of there, and so we did.
Out of the 4 things I got I have to return 2.


This is what the lines looked like 

1669 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach

I would definitely recommend that you all wait for the actual store that will be on Lincoln Rd.or take the time and go to the one in Palm Beach Gardens (3101 PGA Boulevard  Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Just 20 minutes north of West Palm Beach)

If you want the heat of the store then go, but know that you will find mainly summer clothing.  

  

Escape to Tuscany...or stop by BRIO!

This is my second time there; and I have to say I will go again and again!
Even though it was Mothers day The service was great and the food... Mamma Mia! Delicious.


There were 9 of us each one got a different plate...I only tood pictures of mine and my husbands

Pasta Alla Vodka
Delicate Ricotta filled handmade pasta, with crispy pancetta, garlic, basil and a spicy tomato Parmesan cream sauce $15.15 ( I added chicken so it might a little bit more)


This sauce was soooo amazingly yummy! it was just the perfect amont. What makes this different you ask? Well this Pasta a la Vodka doesn't come with your regular angel hair pasta, or penne pasta, it was these pouches of Ricotta! I have never tasted something so yummy.

Crab & Shrimp Crepes With Fontina, scrambled eggs, asparagus, Hollandaise and charred tomato. Served with potatoes peperonata and fresh fruit $14.85


This was also super good! i had a bite or two. I think that if it was earlier I would have had it, but I was in the mood for pasta that day.


And last but not least we had the Peach Sangria! I had ordered this before...honestly it's so refreshing ! and addictive and the fruits in it uhhhmmmm it's just the best! 
White Peach Sangria peach nectar, fresh berries and citrus fruits, peach schnapps and chardonnay, served on the rocks
But then this time, they decided to change the recipe! there were no fruits at all! i was sooo disappointed! I still drank it but I didn't enjoy it as much
here is a Before and After pic

Before- It looks so refreshing!

After - Doesn't look so fresh now

Overall I really like the food and the ambiance; the service was also great! 

Hope you guys get a chance to try it!

I guess it depends where the location is, this was at

The Shops at Pembroke Gardens 14576 Southwest 5th Street
Pembroke Pines, FL (954) 431-1341 l - 

My dreams aren't like this

I have to say sometimes I go on these makeup hauls...not even hauls but maybe a brand will come out with something new, I see it on Facebook and then go buy it. maybe this time it was a mistake =(

I got the new Dream Bouncy Blush, what a wist of money; this is just a shimmery cream, it's almost like a thick lotion. 

I read in some blogs -after btw - that you had to use the right tools so that it won't get messed up (they probably meant my fingers), but i Honestly had no luck

this is what it's suppose to look like (online picture)

And this is what mine looks like, after using it for a week

it keeps getting worst and worst! ugggghhhhh I just hate it. I feel like they made this makeup for little girls or even teenagers.

And you can't even see the color, it just looks like a light, light shimmer.

I don't recommend it at all =(. I should have done some research instead of looking at the pretty colors and shapes, and that name! Dream Bouncy Blush; who wouldn't want to have a dream bouncy blush as part of their makeup?

This was more like a nightmare!

ps: I need to take better pictures, I know 

Very Very Juicy

Long story short...I tried this perfume because I smelled it on a girlfriend of mine, day after day, after day, then I went to Ross (yes, ross) and bought the 1.7oz bottle ($29.99), carried it in my purse, wore it almost everyday, until  I ran out of it. Then I debated weather I should buy another one or not, maybe I should try something else - I thought - and I did, but I had to go back to it, after all it is Juicy Couture! Viva la Juicy
Went online to perfumania.com and got the whole package

Viva La Juicy Gift Set

Et voilà!

Perfume Spray 3.4 FL oz (so is the big one )

Perfume Spray .33 FL oz - perfect size for your purse -

Body Lotion 4.2 FL oz - Good because I don't like body wash, I find them useless -
 

I wanted to explain how this perfume smells; I read that someone posted this " when ppl smell you theyll wanna be all over you because its just that kind of perfume!!! but yeah it reminds me of making out"
She's right! it is like making out! It's just sexy!!!

I saved : $41.71! Paid: $77.69 Free Shipping 2 perfume Samples and a $20.00 Gift Bag EXTRA TIP: Retailmenot.com for a $5 OFF coupon ( I always get great coupons in this site - always do a search for it before you check out of any site!)

What a Catch!

I had the most improvised visit to this restaurant, Catch of the Day in Miami.

My friends had a layover in Miami, we only had a couple of hours to grab a quick bite...my cousin recommended that we all met at the Restaurant right by the airport " Catch of the day" my first thought was " why in the world would I want to go eat fish, right by the airport?" but anyways we were all in a rush, and had to go some place quick.
Parking in this place is a bit of a hassle, but once you make it (btw i don't recommend valet parking; the vale bumped someones car into another car; so park your car yourself)
People were very friendly they sat us fairly quick even though the place was packed; it was a Friday night.
They took our order and everything started coming out quick. We all shared everything, there was 8 of us:

1. Parrillada de Mariscos ( Grilled Seafood platter) = Grilled Shrimp on skewer, Blackened fish bites, Mussels, Clams, Scallops. They said it was for 2-3 but we all had a little bit of it.
2. Fried Calamari 
3. Lobster Bisque
4. Crispy Whole Red Snapper
5. Plantain Chips
6. Fries

Every single thing that we got was so fresh, so delicious! I also saw other peoples order and they really all looked so yummy! I will definitely visit them again. The pictures on the website look just like their food!
I didn't really have time (or battery) to take pictures...sorry guys =(

http://www.catchofthedayrestaurant.com/www.catchofthedayrestaurant.com/index153a.html?page=homepage

Miami
1050 NW LeJeune RD
Miami, FL 33126
305.446.4500
Fax: 305.446.0070

There is another restaurant at dolphin mall, but i don't know who good that one is.
Hope you guys can visit  

The good, the bad and the ugly with Lancôme

Here is my mini Lancôme collection (I am missing a picture of the lipgloss)

The good:
BI FACIAL Double Action Eye Makeup Remover; I've tried a lot of them, this one by far is the BEST ONE. Its around $22-$28 depending on where you buy it. MUST HAVE

Doll Lashes Mascara: it's ok, I got the free sample when I bought the VISIONNAIRE. I don't think it's a must have. I find that the L'oreal voluminous lashes or the False fiber lashes, work so much better.

Lancôme lip gloss (missing the picture) also got the sample one, it's nice and it lasts a bit longer, at least for me.

The bad:
The sales lady at the Lancôme counter: She basically told me that this serum was going to do miracles in my face that I wouldn't have wrinkles ever. And I believed it; I was looking for something to prevent me from getting wrinkles in the future. What she failed to notice is that I have no wrinkles and a fairly good skin.

The ugly:
I started to use the Vissionnaire Serum plus the HIGH RESOLUTION cream, every morning and night, it felt ok no burning sensation or anything like that. But after a week or so I started getting what I thought it was an allergic reaction; it was little pimples like. I immediately stopped using both products, called the Lancôme department and took back the product :(.

I have not tried the genifique one I'll leave that one for my mother to try, and also the visionnaire maybe it will work in her skin.

When you go buy any beauty products please make sure to do a research (unlike me) and that the counter lady doesn't push the product on you. A good sales person will always offer you a sample before purchasing the actual product (btw the visionnaire was $84 plus tax, not cheap at all), I learned that at the Chanel counter :)

A Little piece of Spain right here in Miami

It's called El Rincon Asturiano! This place it's just delicious. For those of you who love to eat amazingly fresh sea food, you must visit this little restaurant that honestly honors the name "el Rincon" it really is a small corner restaurant.
It's located at 225 SW 17th Ave. Miami FL
Hours are
Monday: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:30 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:30 am to 9:00 pm
Thursday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
Friday: 10:30 am to 11:00 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm

So you can go any day :)

The atmosphere is super relaxed everyone there is like family and they treat you like such!

We had a "tabla" with Jabugo ham and Manchego cheese, a pitcher of sangria, pulpo a la gallega (cooked octopuse) and paella...by time the paella got there we where full. We still tried it but we had it to go.
Since the place is so small be prepared to maybe have a meal with a complete stranger. If your not into that then maybe you can order to go. But it's really an experience no matter where you are from...I almost forgot to mention, the bread is sooo fresh and they keep it coming ( you have to ask for it but is at no extra charge)

Here is the pulpo a la gallega and the paella (sorry I forgot to take a picture of the ham and cheese-bad blogger)