MOVIE NIGHT

 *****                I watched an amazing movie called, TERRAFERMA. Taking place off the coast of Italy on an island called Linosa, the  movie follows a family faced with the reality of balancing the dying fishing trade and the growing tourism industry on their island and how to make the best of it. They encounter another all too common issue these days there of African refugees showing up on and around the island that leaves the native people in a humanity crisis. I highly recommend this movie if you have a heart.. You can watch the trailer here;  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1641410/

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

   I have been to a few different cities in Mexico and have decided Playa Del Carmen in the Riviera Maya is my favorite so far! My husband and I stayed at the Sandos Playacar just a few minutes from the city and had the best of both worlds. We were close to downtown Playa Del Carmen($7 cab ride) or a 30 minute walk.I loved having access to the wildlife that lives at the resort and able to explore the city when we wanted. It was an easy ferry ride to Cozumel and excursions if we wanted to go. The resort has resident monkeys, iguanas, coatis, donkeys and so many birds they were the soundtrack to my lazy days. The staff at this resort was wonderful and the food in most of the restaurants was excellent! The beach was picture perfect and the sunsets were simply stunning. To me vacation is all of these things. Sandos Playacar did not disappoint! We met some amazing guests at the resort and took advantage of the adult only pool with volleyball and swimming competitions.

 

               I'm lucky I get to visit this region frequently for work and must admit that it's one of my favorite places I've visited over the years. It's great for families, couples, nature lovers and birders!

 

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                 The world lost a true hero today, RIP Nelson Mandela. He lived a full life of limitless lessons and provided us all with so many reasons to be better human beings. Finding strength and forgiveness in a challenged life when many would rebel and take it out on those around them. Through all the chaos he managed to take a deep breath, reflect on his past and begin a journey down an uncharted path inspiring others to follow his lead. He will always be a symbol of hope and remind us all of what we as humans can overcome.  One Love.

WENDI, GIVING THE FUTURE HOPE

Wendi

              One of the many things I am passionate about is helping those in need.  I don't care if it's a person or an animal  I will contribute what I can in hope that it makes their life a little bit better or grows awareness for a cause. I have fostered a sweet little girl in Africa, a whale off the Atlantic Coast, adopted my dogs from the shelter and my latest soft spot is for the adorable orphaned elephants in East Africa. Nothing tears me up more than seeing people and animals that have no say of their fate in life. I ran across a story on particular orphaned elephant named Wendi, who was rescued from the David Sheldrick Fund in Kenya. Just a few days old with her umbilical cord still attached she was found alone in the swamp after her family had fled due to poachers. The Orphans Project has given her the name Wendi, which in the local tribal dialect means HOPE. The project rescues elephants and rhinos just like Wendi that have been orphaned due to the disgusting poaching problem in that region and gives HOPE to the innocent animals that have been treated so horribly by the hands of selfish humans.

Wendi getting some shade from the sun

             I have been fostering Wendi since February. For a $50 minimum yearly fee you can help support this project with the rehabilitation of the elephants and rhinos after being rescued. You will receive monthly journal updates along with watercolor paintings of your new friend. I really love this project and feel they do a great job of helping the orphans and keeping those fostering them informed about the situation that is taking place. The $50 sponsorship fee is priceless compared to the life you help give to these magical creatures! For more information check out http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org .

I See Life with The Glass Half Full..

 

                         I like to believe that the best is yet to come in life, The Glass Is Half Full. One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is for my husband and I to explore Cleveland and find new places around the city. We also love to hit up some of our favorite spots to have a drink or two and enjoy some great conversation with people. The Grayton Road Tavern, near the airport, is a great place to hear some live music, watch a game or be part of one of the many parties they have going on throughout the year. The bartenders here are the best and everyone feels like family. The pizza and mozzarella moons are my favorites!! 

Grayton Road Tavern

              Another one of my favorite places to spend some time on the weekend is the Taphouse located in Tremont, just outside of Cleveland. The Taphouse has  some of the best food I have eaten around here and the atmosphere is a cozy industrial bar offering a generous variety of craft beers. The menu is phenomenal offering the best Mac N Cheese on the planet, BBQ chicken tacos, calamari and lets not forget about the mussels covered in gorgonzola cheese and fries!!

 

 

           We were lucky to be at the Taphouse during Beer Week this past week when the Bell's Brewery was there that day and we got to sample some of their yummy beers and meet some of the brewers. They also have a great brunch on Sundays to help get your Sunday Funday started!I'm always impressed with the places we find throughout Cleveland that offer great food, interesting beers and good people!
                                  

http://www.tremonttaphouse.com

 

 

Taboo or Tattoo

      I love the art of tattoos! They hold various meanings in so many different cultures and have served several purposes over the years. So many people have body art these days that it's taken the taboo away from the people that have previously judged them. I always love hearing everyone's unique story behind their artwork. My husband is covered in them and it definitely fits his creative personality.  With people now even getting tattooed for cosmetic reasons (eyeliner, lips etc.) I'm curious to see where it will go from here. I have been envisioning my future tattoo for years now but it will probably be a few more until I get it exactly how I want it. Guess for now I will have to stick to my temporary henna tattoos....

 

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

                    A growing trend in the travel industry are Destination Weddings. As a certified Destination Wedding Specialist I am booking more and more people traveling to a dream destination for their big day and it's a smart idea! I recently went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to check out some wedding spots and was impressed at all the beautiful places couples can tie the knot there. A destination wedding can actually be a much more affordable way to get married with many resorts now offering 'free weddings' throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. The bride and groom often extend their stay from the rest of their guests into their honeymoon.  All-Inclusive beach locations seem to be the favorite along with lake side retreats, cruises and the oh so popular Vegas! I also offer an option for the bride and groom to set up a 'Honey Money' registry where guests can make payments for the soon to be couple to go toward their honeymoon instead of traditional wedding gifts.

Bavaro Beach

Tips for planning a destination wedding:
*Pick a destination that reflects you as a couple
*Plan ahead, earlier the better
*Set a budget and stick to it
*Make sure to research rules and regulations of the country or state you are getting married
*Review  your contract from any resort or establishment you plan to marry before making any payments to make sure you know everything included
*Check the weather at your destination when you will be going so you know what to expect
*Contact me, a Destination Wedding Specialist, to make planning your big day easy!

Now Larimar Resort

Dreams Palm Beach

Dreams Punta Cana

I love Thai food and my husband and I tried out a new place near our house called Thai Elephant. It was excellent! I always have to get the Pad Thai and also tried the Basil Rolls and Hot and Sour Soup. It's always nice to see a new restaurant come into the neighborhood and add a new taste in the mix compared to all the Irish Bars and Pubs in the area. Rating- 4*