I’m going home!!

I feel like you can never have too many homes. For example, our home is here in Arizona, but I consider Denver home as well, since I’ve grown up there and my family is still there. However, my first real home has and will always be Yerevan, Armenia, and I get to go back in two months and 3 days.

My Dad called me this morning, as I was reluctantly getting up at 6 AM to take Lilly out and feed her, to tell me that he was booking my ticket. This was great news, as we wont have the money to pay for the ticket until later this month, and the price would have most likely gone up. Now, I just have to get my name fixed in my passport and pack my camera!

The sad part is, that I’ll only be in Yerevan for 3 full days, then leave for London and spend another 3 there before heading back home to Denver, and then flying back to Tucson. I cannot wait to see my grandmothers, and my aunt, cousins and above all my adorable new niece.

So today’s Sunday Social questions are perfect for me and my travel mood.

 

Best trip you've ever been on: It’s really hard to pick one trip that was “the best” as each trip I’ve taken has been unique in its own way. There have been a few trips that have just been awful. BUT if I had to pick one trip that was the best, I’d say my last trip to Austria with my brother. We were just flying through Vienna on our way to meet family, and had a 12 hour layover. We got into Vienna at about 6 AM and the city was still asleep. So we walked around the streets of downtown, hung out in a park for a little while, then when the city started waking up we got some breakfast at a small little coffee shop right on the street of Vienna. It was the shortest 12 hours I’ve spent anywhere, and it was a great time with my baby brother. I think it’s where our relationship really solidified into the one we have today, from the kiddy/bickering one we had before.

Best idea for a girls weekend trip: My beautiful friend Katy and I always talk about a spa trip out of town, but have yet to find the time to do it. Maybe we’ll go to Scottsdale when she comes to visit. Personally, I’d love to spend a weekend in a spa, sipping on margaritas and enjoying the company of beautiful friends.

Best idea for a couples trip: Hands down an all-inclusive beach vacation. Mexico is ideal. Especially when there is lots of alcohol available, no need to drive and the beautiful ocean steps away. We’re actually working on a trip in November for our anniversary and talking our friends on coming along. I don’t think they really need lots of convincing.  

Best vacation on the cheap: Humm, staycation?! Haha. We’ve found some amazing deals on Groupon for getaways! My in-laws celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year, and we got them a deal off of Groupon for Las Vegas. They loved it!!! We’ve also managed to do a trip to Vegas with flight, hotel, food, and entertainment for under a $1000 for the 4 days!

 
Place you most want to visit: A better question is a place I don’t want to visit. I’d love to go to Paris once every season so I can photograph it in all of it’s beauty. However, my current “want” is to go to Belize, the diver’s paradise!

Vacation/Travel necessities: This is a good question. I use to be a complete overpacker and would take everything under the sun. In the last few years, I’ve been able to really narrow down what I really need on a trip. For example, my trip to Armenia, I’m going to take my camera gear and a small carry on with my clothing, and this is what I’ll most likely include:

1. Camera body, prime lens, zoom/telephoto lens, flash, CF cards, and other minor gear
2. A dress, something that can be dressed up or down
3. Pair of jeans, usually something that’s a little bit more loose and comfortable
4. A pair of comfortable flats
5. Sunglasses
6. Toothbrush
7. Facewash
8. Sports bra!!!!
9. Phone
10. Laptop

The end!

Fall Traditions

Two lovely ladies are running a Fall challenge, and since it’s my favorite season of all I’m going to play along.

  Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Bliss Bars     New boots and trench coats

Anniversary Trip

We also celebrate every single Halloween, cook up lots of things in the crock pot and start Christmas Shopping. Fall is the best time of the year, and there is nothing that can beat it.   What are your Fall traditions? Head over to Neely and Amber to join in.  

What Happens in Vegas …

 

Today’s Guest blogger is one of my all-time favorites, and another one of my daily reads. Raven blogs over at A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers, and keeps me entertained with the tails of her cute babes, rattle snake killing and other adventures in life. If you don’t know her, you are seriously missing out. 

Hey all you fab readers of Eat, Shop and be Married! I don't know about you, but those three things are some of favorites to do! Well, at least two of them are. I'll leave it at that. (wink wink)

I write a lot about being a mom on my personal blog, A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers, so I thought it would be very refreshing for myself to not even MENTION my little bambinos over here and just write all about mwah. Even though I love those little angels to death and they are my life, sometimes we all just need a little adult time, no? And what better place to go when you need a little vaca than the ultimate big person's playground, Las Vegas!

 

I've been to Vegas a few times, including that one time when I moved there for 10 days. Packed up everything I owned and hightailed it to the Land of Sin. One week and three days later, I rented a uhaul, packed up my shiz once again, and drove 18 hours straight home. Stopped five times for gas and that was it. But that is a whole nother story in itself. (Which I do plan to tell really soon).

 

But today I'll talk about my most recent trip to Las Vegas. My husband and I went with our friends and oh my, was it amusing.

 

The crew...

 

We had a limo pick us up at the airport (because we're big ballers like that. Not really. Did you know that is costs just about the same to take a limo as it does to take a cab? My secret is spilled.)

 

We also had the limo driver stop at the liquor store. Obviously.

We ain't newbies at this shit.

 

 

What would a trip to Vegas be without toasting with mini bottles of jager? Not a trip at all, of course.

 

 

You know what else I love about Vegas? You can drink to your hearts desire since you can just go to your hotel room and pass out and not have to worry about taking care of little humans.

I also love that my husband takes the best pictures when he's a little...tipsy.

 

(Yes, that may be a cheesy smile, but it's better than anything he gives while sober!)

 

My friend and I are so hot that we always attract the best looking guys. Naturally.

 

(See? Told ya)

 

And finally, when you are in Vegas, you are sure to see some crazy, crazy people.

I think our expressions in the pic below concrete that fact.

(It really was the weirdest thing I have ever seen)

 

So there ya have it! A little bit of my adventures in Sin City. If anyone wants to pay for me to join them, I promise to show ya'll a good time. ;)

 

I would also like to add that I am not a boozin' momma. As fun as that sounds, I take my responsibilities at home very seriously and my family always comes first. But hey, we were in Vegas, and as cliche as the saying is, it's true.

 

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Raven, thank you so much for being over here today! I cannot wait to hear about the move to Vegas. That has got to be an awesome story. OH, and you are more then welcome to come along with us whenever we decided to get our butts down there.

So now that you’ve met her, head on over and read some more of her stories. I guarantee they will make you laugh enough to fall out of your chair and get some killer abs. 

Tuesday Travels – Travel Essentials

 

I haven’t met anyone who didn’t love to travel. Whether it is for a long weekend road trip or a month long European tour, there are some things we simply cannot live without while traveling. For me, there are a few items that are musts when I travel, no matter where to.

My very first Tuesday Travels post was about my always packed overnight bag. I talked all about what I have packed and ready to go, if we decided to run out of the house and take a short or long trip last minute.

This post, is going to be about the few items that are on a list inside my little overnight bag as a reminded of what I need that do not fit into the overnight bag.

{ONE} – Wedges

Depending on what time of the year it is, I like to either take a closed wedge or an open toed, more summery wedge.

I tend to go for a nude, light brown and sometimes a pinkish tinted wedge that will go with a tote that I’ll be using on the trip. The wedge has to be comfortable for a day on my feet, exploring and sight seeing. A wedge is a must because it is so easy to dress down and up all at once. This cuts out on the need to have a pair of shoes to go with every outfit.

For example the nude Christian Louboutin’s (second on the top) are perfect for both a day on the town with a pair of jean shorts and a night out with a flirty dress. The added comfort of having a wedge instead of a heel is also perfect.

{TWO} – Bikini

I tend to go for a basic and always classy bikini when packing just one. I love Victoria Secret bikinis and think that 90% of what I own are from there. I recently got this number for under $40, from there, and love the color. The pastels always make you look tanner than you are! So I pack a solid color bikini. In the summer I tend to go for a black or a bright color, in the winter for pastels or white.

{THREE} – Jeans

Packing your favorite pair of jeans is a must. Pick a pair that makes your butt look awesome, your legs long and would work perfect with the wedges you are taking.

I’ve recently started to love the Miss Me brand jeans, which fit perfectly on me. I also love the distressed/destroyed look. Not too much of it, but just enough to make the jeans look worn and comfortable. I love bootcut, because it fits perfectly over heels and wedges, and I’m one of those girls that likes the jean to either sit at the ankle (skinny) or cover the shoe all the way. I hate that mid-shoe, high water sort of look. BAH. 

{FOUR} Two or three tanks or t-shirts

I love simple tanks and t-shirts when traveling. They are very versatile. You can wear them with jeans, shirts, shorts, and so on. Dress them up with a long necklace and VOLA! Perfect outfit for a day out or a night on the town.

{FIVE} – Cross body bag or Tote

I am obsessed with Coach bags. I have a few from different places, but the majority of my bags are from Coach, and honestly I love the quality. Granted I never pay full price for a single one! I’m lucky enough to have a Coach Factory Outlet only about an hour away and usually get an additional 30% OFF of the already 50% OFF prices. I prefer to have a cross body bag for when I’m traveling, small enough to handle an ID, a credit card, some cash, my camera, a pair of sunglasses and chap stick. However, I like to actually get on a plain with a tote, so that I can bring a book, snacks and so on with me. So I tend to take a cross body, and a tote with me.

{SIX} A Dress

I’ll usually just grab one or two dresses. Depending on what the occasion of the travel and where we are going, and what time of the year. I tend to grab either a black dress that I can dress up or down, or a shirt dress that is more casual.

{SEVEN} – Cardigan

 

Finally, a cardigan to cover up on a cool evening, or to dress up an outfit. I love cardigans, simple because they are the perfect companion to any outfit. They are not as casual as hoodies but just as comfortable.

 

What do you pack as a must in your travel bag?!

Travel Tuesday – How to pack for a tropical vacation

 

A friend of mine is heading off to Mexico on Saturday and we were talking about what she should pack for her 8 day 7 night tropical vacation. So I thought I’d share what I usually pack when we head to an all inclusive in Mexico for a week.

First things first. BIKINIS

Since we usually spend three to four full days on the beach I always like taking four statement bikinis. I also take two to three plain string bikinis that can go on under my wetsuit for diving, and if I need to I can use them on the beach as well, if I’m just working on a killer tan.

Every single resort we have been to has required for everyone to have clothes on when going into the buffets for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Since we usually grab a quick breakfast on our way to the beach and run in for a quick lunch if we can’t eat on the beach I tend to take anywhere from 3 to 4 cover ups. I tend to try to match them to my statement bikinis but that’s just my OCD. Cover ups are perfect because it’s almost as if you have a dress on, but you can just take it off and lay right back down on the beach. PLUS I think their super sexy, especially the loose chiffon ones.

I love loose, chiffon or lace dresses. I also like cotton and gauzy dresses. These are perfect for when you go to one of the restaurants for dinner, or if you head out on the town when you are in Cancun and decide to visit all the fun bars and clubs. These dresses are also great, because you can dress them up or down with minimal effort.

I love skirts, and honestly am not a huge fan of shorts, but I always pack at least one pair of cotton shorts, just because they are easy to pull on when we’re heading over to dive sites, or doing any other kind of excursion where I don’t want to be flashing everyone my panties. I also take a pair of “Daisy Duke” shorts just because the Mister loves them and if you have nice legs and a butt, go ahead and show them off !!

I always over-pack when it comes to tops. Just remember that you will only need about a top a day, and when you are on the beach all you really need is the cover up, and for dinner you’ll most likely wear a dress. So really about 10 tops is all you need. I’m in love with tank tops, especially loose, flowing feminine tops. I’d probably pack something along the lines of this, possibly a few statement ones.

Finally, shoes!!! You want a pair of flip flops for the beach and walking around, a pair of neutral wedges for dinners and dressing up. A pair of statement flats for going out and a pair of tennis shoes (I prefer all stars when traveling) for going on tours.

There are several other items I would throw in. But really these are my necessary clothing items.

What do you usually pack?!   

Tuesday Travels – Dreaming of Mexico

 

We love all inclusive and to us an all inclusive vacation to Mexico once a year is a must to reprogram our C drives (brains). Honestly, there is nothing more relaxing then laying on the beach, with a beautiful ocean and a pleasant breeze. An ice cold drink in hand and a good book to enjoy.

 

How I miss being away on the beach. It’s been a year since our last trip to Cancun and our blood is boiling to go back. We’re thinking sometime in November/December. Speaking of which I’m going to let you in on a little secret I learned from a good friend. If you want to go to Mexico, go the week before Christmas, the overall package price drops for the week, and then skyrockets back up for the week of Christmas.

Lots of people think that going in December the weather will be awful, however it’s the opposite. The average temperature is about 75 to 80 degrees, the water is warm from the hot summer (water takes about 3 months to catch up in temperature), and you get a nice enough breeze in the evenings that you can sleep soundly without being overheated.

Currently I’m lusting after the Secrets Maroma Beach Rivera Cancun which is an all-suites, Unlimited-Luxury resort fir adults only.

Here are some pictures from the website:

The first of our requirements when looking at hotels in Mexico, is that there is a large, white sand private or at least somewhat privet beach. Check that!

Second is that the pools and hot tubs have a nice view of the ocean, and a relaxing/friendly atmosphere. Check!!

There needs to be a nice sized pool with a swim up bar. CHECK!

Nice setting for the dinners, if you chose to eat at the “restaurants” rather then in the buffet. CHECK!!!  

And finally the room. There needs to be a king sized bed, and some kind of a sitting area. Considering that all the rooms at Secrets are suits we got that checked off! As an added bonus there is a hot tub in every single room! CHECK CHECK CHECK!!!!!!!!!!

Doesn’t it look just perfect?!

I’ve looked up some estimated pricing for a trip out from Denver for two adults for 8 days and 7 nights here are the dates and the estimated prices. Keep in mind that I’ve only skimmed prices and there are more then likely better deals and offers for this piece of paradise.

August – $3759.98 this includes a direct flight, transfer from airport to hotel and of course the stay for two adults. 

October – $3479.98 same thing here, a direct flight, transfer from airport to hotel …

November – $3819.98 Same deal!

December – $3639.98

All of these were priced through Apple Vacations. Keep in mind that these are not the only prices, and sites such as Kayak and BookIt have the chance to give you a better deal. Since we aren’t planning on shelling out $4000 for our next vacations it is highly unlikely we’ll go here, UNLESS of course I stumble upon a killer deal that I cannot refuse.

We will more then likely stay at either a Dreams, an Iberostar or another Secrets. We LOVE Iberostar and it is truly my go to when I need a quick get away. It isn’t all that cheap but it is worth every penny! Since it’s tried and tested I know you cannot go wrong with this resort.

Where have you been recently? Any all-inclusive that you are in love with?!  

Shrimp and Sausage Boil

 

When warmer weather comes around, the Husband and I love nothing more then easy meals that we can make in one pot or on the grill then dig in with our hands.

About three years ago we went down to Rockport Texas for the Mister’s family reunion and visited a little place called the Boiling Pot.

This place was very cool! The tables were covered in butcher paper, there was a roll of paper towels thrown on top. You ordered your food by the bucket and when it came out it was just dumped on the table in front of you.

 

A few months ago I was dying for some Cajun boil, and after searching high and low for an easy recipe to duplicate and coming up empty-handed, I decided to try and take bits and pieces of ones I found and create my own. I mean HOW hard could it be to boil a bunch of stuff together?!!

Well my first attempt was a little strange, the potatoes didn’t cook all the way, the shrimp might have been slightly overcooked and the sausage was completely wrong. But after several tries, I perfected it, and now it is one of our go to meals!

I’d like y’all to meet the Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Boil!!!

Here is what all you’ll need:

• 3oz bag of Shrimp and Crab boil
• 3 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 4 lbs of small new potatoes
• 6 ears of corn
• 3 lbs of Andouille Sausage
• 4 lbs of medium unpeeled shrimp
• Lots of lemons
• Some Italian Parsley

Make sure to follow the following steps in order to ensure you have fully cooked food.

1. In a large pot, bring about 2 gallons of water to a boil
2. Add in the Shrimp and Crab boil, along with the Old Bay Seasoning, Let the seasoning boil around for about a minute or so
3. Add in the potatoes and let them cook for about 10 minutes
4. Cut up the corn into 2 to 3 inch pieces and add them into the boiling pot (Ha! get it!)
5. Let the corn cook for about 10 minutes 
6. Cut the Andouille into inch long pieces and add it into the mixture, let it cook for about 5 minutes
7. Finally add in the shrimp and watch for them to turn pink.

Once the shrimp are cooked, and be super careful not to overcook the shrimp, drain the pot and dump the boil into a serving platter stick wedges of lemon next to it and sprinkle parsley on top.

 

However, this meal is not done until you make some garlic/lemon butter to go along with it. This butter is my own creation and I sort of eyeball what I put into it. Next time I make it I will get measurements so that y’all can re-create it. Here is what I do put in it:

• Some butter, melted
• salt
• paprika
• garlic powder
• salt powder
• red pepper

Now go on, make this dish, dump it on the patio table and enjoy it along with a cold beer or some sweet ice tea! 

Tuesday Travels – Grand Canyon, AZ

 

A few months ago, the Mister and I were planning on going out to Wisconsin to visit our good friends Peter and Olena. The original plan was to surprise Olena for her birthday, because she’s been looking forward to us visiting them in their home.

A few weeks ago, while the two Misters talked the idea of meeting up in the Grand Canyon came up. When Donald texted me this idea, I didn’t read it all the way through and thought he said Grand Cayman and readily agreed thinking of all the diving we’d be doing. And as I looked up prices for airfare, I realized that Grand Cayman wouldn’t happen in that short of a timeframe, so I texted my hubby back with a sad face. This is when the issue was cleared up and it was decided that we would try and visit Grand Canyon (the one in the USA) for the weekend of Olena’s birthday (August 4th through the 10th).

We would of course drive there, in our pretty little Camaro, and I wish we had waited six months so we could have had the convertible, however, our SS will have no problem getting us down to Arizona in style.

 

The trip would be an easy 12.5 hour drive. Not to bad when you think we’ve done almost 20 hours straight.

The drive from our front door to the Grand Canyon is about 670 miles, depending on what route we take.

Isn’t this just beautiful?!

all pics via

We are still trying to find a place to stay. The decision is a tricky one because we are looking at both condos and hotels. Trying to find the best deal takes a bit of time, but hopefully we will have a decision made.

I cannot wait for this trip. I love traveling with friends, especially Peter and Olena. Pete has traveled the world while he was in the Air Force and knows so much history, so everywhere we go is filled with fantastic historical stories as well as funny personal ones. There is never a dull moment with these two!

The next post will include more details on our travel plans, the places we will see and hopefully where we will be staying.

Have you been to the Grand Canyon?

What would you recommend doing? The must sees and dos?

Places to eat? Places to avoid?!

Neither the Mister nor I have been to Arizona (other then driving or flying through) so we haven’t seen much. I know we will be stopping at an In-N-Out for some burgers!!!

Tuesday Travels – Cruisin’ Away Part III

 

You can read all about our Cruise Part I where I talk about the excursions we took and Part II where you can find out all about the things to do on board while at sea.

When it comes to vacations money seems to be a key factor that determines where you can go, what you can do and so on. I know quite a few people who believe that Mexico is the only affordable vacation, since you can get an all-inclusive hotel and a flight for under a $1000 a person for 7 days. However, I’m here to tell you that cruises are quite affordable as well, especially if you keep your eye’s peeled for a great deal.

This are some of the current deals on Royal Caribbean

On our last cruise we decided to splurge a little, since it was our first anniversary, however we could have done the whole thing for half of what we paid.

Here are a few tips…

Don’t be hesitate about inside cabins – while they are dark with no windows, these cabins are very, very affordable. You can find deals for as low as $350 a person for a 7 night cruise. My brother shared an inside cabin with my brother-in-law this past trip, and they barely spent any time there, other then to sleep. There are so many things to do on the ship, that you spend maybe 8 hours in the room, and all 8 hours are devoted to getting your beautify sleep. Aside from the lack of windows, these rooms were the same size our our balcony room and had the same exact shower, couch and dresser. hence you really aren’t loosing out on anything by getting an inside cabin, but saving a TON of money.

Our balcony room cost us about $1250 each, so a total of $2500, but the brothers’ room was $600 each, which was a grand total of $1200. Also, keep in mind that our cruise was during Thanksgiving, which is one of the most popular cruise times, add in the holiday and the prices double.

Here is the basic layout of an inside cabin. The bed’s can be pushed apart, and the couch usually opens up into a sleeper.

The more people in one room, the cheaper the cruise!!! – Cruises are an awful deal if you are going by yourself, unless you’re working on the ship. The cabins are almost always priced for double occupancy, hence if you are alone, you have to pick up the coast of that second person. Hence, if you are going with some girlfriends try to get 4 of you to share a cabin. The 4th person will be practically free, and the 3rd is at half cost (usually).

This was a picture from our last trip to Cancun with a couple that we met there. After we met them our trip was much more entertaining, and full of funny stories that we laugh about now.

So if you have a room that will cost $700 for the first two people, the third person will pay $350, and the fourth less then that. And BOOM, you have a trip with all meals included for 4 people at the cost of under $2000. Split this 4 ways and it is $500 a person.

Preorder your alcohol – it’s very true that drinks aren’t cheap, however they are also not ridiculous like some people think. On average a cocktail cost us anywhere from $4.00 to $7.00, which is a pretty rational price. However, if you want to drink wine at dinner, it is a better deal to order one of the wine packages which are anywhere from $50 to a $200. This way you can have a bottle to enjoy at a bit of a discount, rather then paying per glass or bottle while at dinner.

Pic via

Make sure to plan your excursions a head of time – when you book the excursions before you live on your cruise, you can insure that you have a spot as well as paying up front. The costs of excursions varies, but they range anywhere from $20 to $100 (on average). When you book these ahead, you pay them and can keep it within a budget, unlike when you are on the cruise and book a last minute excursion. The price may be the same as booking it ahead of time, but it really is an unexpected expense that added to your sea card.

pic via

Finally, bring cash with you – bring a bit of cash is a great idea, because you don’t have to pay the “set” tip, and can simply put the appropriate amount of cash in the envelope and hand it to your waiter, your room Stuart and so on.

    

pic via

Do you have any other tips for taking a cruise? Do you have questions? Please feel free to leave them in the comments section.