Pure Paradise, Part 2

Thursday was a big big day and is getting a post all to itself!

That morning, Allis had spoken with one of the guys working the front desk and asked for a recommendation for a 'non-touristy' activity where we could soak up some local flavor.  Per his suggested we headed out to La Cueva del Indio which is west of San Juan in Arecibo. 

Long story short, getting to the caves was quite an adventure and quite honestly I could write a post just about the drive.  To sum it up in a few words I'd use: two lane road, rain cloud, detour and U-turn.

Once we finally located Indian Caves, we paid $2 to park the Jeep and got a short history of the property from a gal who seemed to run the show.  Interestingly enough the caves have been used in several movies, one being Treasure Island.  We chose to explore the property by ourselves, but they do offer guided tours.

Our first stop was next to one of The Seven Arches where we unpacked our snacks.  We sat for a while just taking in the breathtaking view!

Gorgeous, huh?

The arches were my favorite part and I could have spent the whole day here just enjoying the view!

After walking the beach and checking out the arches, we made our way to the cave.  To access the cave you have to navigate down carved limestone steps...

And then climb down a wooden ladder to the floor of the cave.

Yes, it's as intimidating in person as it looks in the photo!  Once you safely navigate down the ladder there are lots of old carvings and glyphs etched into the walls of the cave.

After leaving Indian Caves and braving the interstate back to San Juan we were in dire need of sustenance and had one thing on our minds.  Okay, maybe two!

Cervezas. And margaritas. 

Praise the Lord there was a Mexican restaurant just a hop, skip and jump from our hotel.  To clarify, we didn't just drink our dinner!

Following our pit stop for necessities like nachos, quesadillas and adult beverages, we headed out for our nighttime kayaking excursion of the Bioluminescent Bay.  Our van driver was quite the character, but was also very knowledgeable about the Bio Bay.  I didn't realize there are five places in the world where this phenomena happens, three of which are in Puerto Rico.

After arriving at the marina, we had time for a few Coronas with our new friends from the van at the bar across the way.  Because drinking and kayaking at night go hand in hand, right?  Right?

Anyhow, after adequately hydrated we went through a quick safety talk with our guides.  The irony of drinking prior to the safety talk is not lost on me, but when in Rome or Puerto Rico...

Our group paddled through the marina and into a long, narrow channel that was completely covered by the tree canopy before getting to the lagoon.   The lagoon is where the microorganisms are most plentiful and create the best 'glow'.  As you disturb the water with your hands or the paddle the water really does just light up!  Sadly, the moon was very bright that night and diffused almost all the light that was made when we disturbed the water.  Which leads me to believe that all the marketing photos for trips like these are TOTALLY photoshopped because none of the pictures we took came out either...  For anyone looking into taking a trip like this, check the phases of the moon before you pay!

Only one day left in San Juan before we head to the airport and go out separate ways.  Come back for details of our final day...

It's Valentine's Day!

Are you prepared to give something special to you honey?  If not, draw some inspiration from my gift to Matt and look like you've had your act together this whole time!

A sixer of beer and some Oreo's are just the ticket to my guy's heart... 

Have a happy Valentine's Day, no matter who you're spending it with! 

Pure Paradise, Part 1

Escaping to Puerto Rico was the highlight of this long, cold and bitter winter!

Months ago, my friend Allis asked if I'd be interested in joining her in San Juan while she was there for work... Lucky girl, huh?  My work trips aren't nearly that awesome.  Naturally, I jumped at the chance! 

Countless texts, lots of internet research and one plane ticket later, I was flying south!

And just in the nick of time might I add!  I flew out Tuesday morning and Tuesday night they got 8 more inches of snow at home...

When I arrived in San Juan I promptly shucked the sweater I wore on the plane, then ventured outside to locate Allis.  I didn't have to wait long before a neon green Jeep Wrangler pulled up and my gal pal jumped out!  After a round of ear piercing squeals, flailing arms and bear hugs all because Colorado and Illinois are too far apart, we hot footed it to the hotel!

Knowing how Allis prefers to travel, I wasn't surprised that we were staying in a suite on the 20th floor of the hotel.  What I wasn't prepared for was the view!

After depositing my bags and changing into a more weather appropriate outfit, we went down to catch up over some snacks and drinks at the beach bar. 

We went to supper that night just down the street from our hotel to a place called Oceano.  While we waited for our table, we each enjoyed a few Hendricks and tonic.  Not to be confused with Hennessy and tonic, which aren't good in the slightest! After eating our amazing meal we walked the beach back to the hotel.  To finish out the day, we sat on our balcony with a bottle of Spanish Tempranillo wine (my new favorite red!) and took in the sights and sounds of paradise!

Wednesday morning we headed out in the Jeep to Old San Juan to do some exploring.  I was surprised how busy this part of the city was, but because of San Juan's deep water port lots of cruise ships dock throughout the day and let their passengers explore the city.

For lunch on Wednesday we hit up a local diner, Cafe Manolin.  This restaurant was suggested to us by several people at the hotel and they couldn't have been more spot on!  The food was authentic and absolutely divine.  Our hotel concierge and some other friends we made over drinks, demanded suggested we have the Mofongo.  Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish of smashed green plantains that have been stuffed with some sort of meat.  I had the chicken with red beans, rice and two small fried plantains.  My mouth is watering just remembering it!

After lunch, we headed back to the hotel to relax by the pool.  Brown Dog, the SIUC mascot also made the trip to San Juan and was so thirsty he drank not one, but two mojitos!

Allis and I are both TripAdvisor app junkies.  Do you use it when you travel?  I'm addicted.  Back when we first started planning this adventure, TripAdvisor was my first stop. If you haven't used it before, the gist is other travelers give their opinions of local establishments and then reviews are averaged thus creating a rank among restaurants and activities in the city you choose.

When you search restaurants in San Juan the #1 rated restaurant is Marmalade.  We had decided that we definitely wanted to try and have supper there one night just to experience the greatness everyone was raving about.  Thankfully, we were able to get a reservation and I'm telling you they are ranked #1 for a reason!! 

After gawking at the decor and menu, we each settled on the four course tasting menu and the wine pairing.  We each could select three items from the menu: appetizer, entree and dessert.  The fourth course was the chef's signature White Bean Soup.  Our favorite items were the soup, paella and warm banana bread pudding!

The only down side was when the meal was over and I realized that I didn't get any good pictures of the food!!  Just one of these two beauties...

After supper we headed back to the hotel and Brown Dog encouraged us to grab a glass, which turned into a bottle, of wine and head to the casino!  We weren't what I'd call 'big winners'!

Parts 2 and 3 of my escape to Puerto Rico will be up soon!  Check back for more of our adventures!

Beauty Swap

Last month I signed up to participate in a Beauty Swap hosted by Crystal Cattle and Cowgirl Crush.  These girls are not only very passionate agriculturalists, but they know their way around make-up and clothes too!  So in the spirit of meeting new people, swapping tips and sharing new products the Beauty Swap was born.

I was matched with Kellie, who is an agriculture teacher that lives in Wisconsin.  She also blogs about life in and around her classroom over at By Choice, Not Chance.  Throughout the course of several emails, I was able to pick up on some hints Kellie dropped which helped me decide what I wanted to send!  Here's a look at the goodies Kellie received...

I ended up going with Essie's Mademoiselle nail polish because Kellie already loves Essie nail polish, but didn't have a pink/nude color.  The eos lip balm was a no brainer!  I also chose two different lip products from Rimmel London.  Kellie had mentioned wanting to be better at wearing lipstick and that she was drawn toward pinks.  I selected a long wearing lipstick and a 6 hour gloss knowing that as a teacher she spends a lot of time in front of her class and probably didn't have time to do a 're-check' after every class period or sip of coffee!  And in the spirit of Valentines Day, I sent some chocolate covered almonds and white chocolate/peppermint candies!

When I got home from Puerto Rico, my goodies from Kellie were waiting for me!  I was floored by the items she sent and felt so spoiled!  If you follow me on Instagram, you might have already seen my loot...

See, spoiled!  

I tried the e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator this morning followed by some of the eos lip balm and it really made a difference on my chapped lips!  I'll probably make that part of my daily regimen.  When I saw the nail file, I literally let out a "woo hoo!"  For some odd reason, I don't have one at home.  The OPI nail polish, First Knockwurst, is beautiful and will be great for Spring!  The towelettes and polish remover pads are going to be perfect to take along with me on my travels over the next few months.  I'm already a lover of dry spray shampoo, but mine is about out so that was a God send!  I haven't tried the hand lotion, but if I like it half as much as I love the lip balm I'll be in good shape.  And finally, bobby pins!!  Hooray!  Seriously girls, where the HECK do disappear to? 

Overall experience participating with Beauty Swap... Two thumbs way up.  I'm already looking forward to the next round of pairing!  Thanks again to Kellie for being a fantastic partner!