A few weeks ago, we were having dinner and Fancy came on, via the Nicole’s Karaoke playlist, which sparked a discussion with regards to the mother-daughter relationship between Fancy and her mother. Well, she basically prostituted her daughter, I said, to which my son answered, What do you expect? She named her daughter Fancy. Obviously she didn’t think she’d grow up to be a lawyer.
One of my Favourite Things in the world is having Responsible Adult Children. Recently Suzanne (HI SUZANNE) asked what has, so far, been the best age when it comes to children, and I have thought about this a lot. I think I suffer from recency bias because if you asked me at any time in my children’s lives what the best age is, I would say, with great enthusiasm, this one! I loved babies and toddlers, I loved preschool and elementary school, and I loved – and am still loving – the teen years; yes, even the awkward junior high years. I’ve loved all the ages and stages and I think I just enjoy my children more and more as the years go on, as I see them grow and change and become more and more the people they have always been, but more awesome.
So there is probably some recency bias here, but wow, do I love my kids being Responsible Adults. My husband and I went away to Secrets Maroma in Mexico for a week; we have, over the years, gone away together several times, but never for very long, because when the kids were younger there were just so many logistics to account for, plus the typical motherly guilt about leaving the children behind. But now we have very few constraints and my younger son wasn’t working last week, so we left him to be in charge of the house and also Rex, which is no small task, given that he has Very High Needs when it comes to exercise and general affection. He drove us to the airport at 5:00 am, and picked us up in the middle of the night (read: 9:00 pm); I came home to a perfectly clean house – albeit one with an empty refrigerator, because he cooked all his own meals for the week – a happy dog, and no laundry to do except for the myriad bikinis and sundresses crammed into my carryon.
It was a really incredible week, and a perfectly indulgent one. We met up with friends, relaxed, ate and drank and soaked up the sun and played in the Caribbean. I have zero complaints; no notes. I do have many Favourite Things, though, so without further ado:
Nicole’s Favourite Things: The Fancy Was My Name Edition
Life In Front Of The Curtain
The incredible vacation started out on the flight. We had splurged on premium seats and friends, I do not think I can ever go back to economy. I can’t! I won’t! Well, I will – we have a few upcoming flights that are not premium – but as god is my witness, I will never go economy again if I can help it. Flying in general feels like a tedious exercise in maximum discomfort, but flying premium? Oh la la. I felt a Mad Men-level of glamour, like it was the 1960s and everyone was dressed up for a fabulous flying experience. I mean, they served us actual meals on actual crockery and drinks in actual glasses; we got snack packs and offers of booze, refreshing hot towels, and the exclusive use of the premium bathroom. On a practical note, my circulation and varicose vein issues are pretty bad, even with my full-length, medical grade, “nude” compression stockings, and with the roomy seats and legroom I was able to stretch out quite a bit. Also, our flight was ninety minutes delayed on the tarmac before takeoff, and I think I might have died, or at the very least, been incredibly annoyed at having to sit in a cramped economy seat for an extra hour and a half on top of the over six hours of flying. As it was, I just chilled out and read, sipping from my complimentary water bottle. Ten out of ten, would recommend.
Here’s Your One Chance, Fancy, Don’t Let Me Down
We have been to many of the Secrets/ Dreams resorts in the past, and they are all really great. This one, however, was beyond everything I could have imagined. Every single detail was pure luxury. The rooms were beautiful, the pool areas were stunning, the service was incredible in every way; I have often thought that all-inclusive resorts are a bit like a fancy summer camp for adults, because it’s so easy to meet people and there are fun activities people can partake in, pretty much every hour of the day. My preferred activities were reading by the pool, cooling off in the pool, and swimming in the gorgeous turquoise Caribbean Sea. I did, however, partake in Spanish lessons one morning.
Hablo Espanol
I have been learning Spanish via Duolingo for a while; 702 days, to be exact. My son got me started on it – he’s learning Japanese – and every week we go on our Friends Quest together to maintain our positions in the Diamond League. Anyway, I felt like I had learned a lot, but I don’t have any friends to speak Spanish with, face to face, with the exception of my husband’s colleague’s wife, who very patiently, and with great encouragement, spoke with me at his retirement party in September.
Therefore, I was a little nervous to attempt to converse with actual people; practicing on an app is one thing, actually speaking is another. I was worried that I would use the wrong word or phrasing, I worried I’d use the wrong verb conjugation. Then, just before we left I had a pedicure, and the esthetician, who spoke little English, had a brief conversation with me about the weather; at that moment I realized that I would never judge someone learning English for using the wrong grammar or conjugating a verb incorrectly, so it stood to reason that the same would go for me, speaking Spanish.
I was right! Also, I was amazed at how well I could carry a conversation; I could understand everything being said to me, and even when it took me a moment to formulate a response, I could still formulate the response. Now, I probably have the conversational ability of a preschooler (I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK SPANISH WITH YOU PLEASE) but it was so great to be able to practice. My Spanish lesson at the resort was fun and also enlightening; the teacher informed me that, in Mexico, one should never say estoy caliente, because that doesn’t mean I’m hot, it means I’m horny. This, I felt, was excellent information to have.
The Sharks Like It
After discovering that this invention was the highest valuation on Shark Tank, my husband bought us LARQ water bottles. The cap contains a special UV light that kills bacteria and there are two modes: regular, and “adventure.” I wanted to use fewer plastic water bottles, which are ubiquitous at these resorts, and so I was excited to give this a go. Now, there are two things to note: a) the concierges warned against drinking the tap water in the rooms, and b) there must be a big filtration system somewhere on the resort because there are a lot of fruits and vegetables, not to mention ice in drinks and jugs of water in restaurants. I did not know about a) until I had filled this bottle from the tap, and drank from it, at least four times. I didn’t get sick so I guess it works.
While I was by the pool, I asked one of the bartenders if I could have water to fill my bottle, thinking that he would just fill it from a tap behind the bar, but instead he just opened up a couple of plastic bottles and poured them in. That was a little discouraging, but then I discovered a bottle filler NEAR the bar. I’m sure it was filtered just fine, but still I used my little UV light, feeling like a well-hydrated rock star.
I got some kind of mystery marks on the bottle, which I THINK came from a travel-size black plastic tissue pack that melted in the heat, but happily, after an application of baking soda paste with a Scrub Daddy, they have since disappeared.
Here Comes The Sun(screen)
Just like (hopefully?) I will never go back to economy seats, I will (absolutely!) never go back to checking luggage. Generally it’s not too difficult for me to pack carryon only, but the one thing that is tricky is ensuring I have enough sunscreen. On our trip to Maui last year, I just purchased a lot of sunscreen on the island, but I didn’t want to do that here because omg, do you know what a bottle of sunscreen costs in a Secrets resort? FIFTY-EIGHT US DOLLARS. With the exchange rate and tax, we are looking at almost a hundred dollars for a measly bottle of Banana Boat.
But sunscreen we must have, and there are only so many travel-size bottles one can squeeze into the regulation one-litre bags, especially when one needs to take hair products, makeup, and night cream. It was serendipitous that I came across these solid Neutrogena stick sunscreens, which do not count as liquid, obviously, because they are solid. Bonus for the fishies in the sea, it’s mineral.
Some of you may remember my lament last year about mineral sunscreen and the white cast it leaves on the skin, and this one, despite being “Ultra Sheer,” is no exception. However, it works really, really well, as evidenced by the little spots of sunburn on my knees and breasts where I obviously missed with my application.
Welcome To Margaritaville, Population: Me
My husband’s birthday is in October; we went out for dinner to celebrate. Since that day, I have made dinner every single night. Every. Single. Night. So what I’m saying is that I was very excited to partake in unlimited food items that I had absolutely no hand in preparing. The food at the resort was so incredible, so vast in variety and so well-prepared and fresh, and, in comparison with other resorts, the plant-based offerings were Off The Chart. I couldn’t even begin to believe my luck. I’m used to very limited options, and so I was amazed at all the delicious vegetarian and vegan food available. At breakfast there was CHIA PUDDING. And little waffles made with almond milk. And incredible fresh fruit. And made-to-order smoothies. Lunches had me plowing through vast amounts of lentil and chickpea salads, and chips and guacamole; so much guacamole, friends. There were fresh berries and caramelized pumpkin seeds, there was every dessert you could imagine, and every dinner was more delicious than the last.
Of course there were also mango margaritas by the pool!
Probably it’s good to only have gone a week, my liver may have exploded in protest if we stayed longer. But oh! So delicious.
Outfit of the Month
I know, I know, I KNOW that we are all trying to avoid fast fashion. I really am. But also? I am not made of stone, and I found this dress at Old Navy last summer for ten dollars. That is TEN CANADIAN DOLLARS, which is essentially free for my American friends. What price my morals? I know. Anyway, I keep all my clothing for many years, to the chagrin of my husband, and so I’ll probably have this cute dress for decades. The sandals are old Skechers, but I think I need to retire them. I think these sandals are a half size too small. A few times after a big dinner and lots of wine, I had to walk barefoot back to the room as my swollen feet exploded out of their strappy cages in the heat and humidity. Probably that is not an ideal thing to do, but I’m still here, with intact feet, so I guess it worked out fine. I’m in the market for dressy new sandals, is what I’m saying.
This week of rest and relaxation was exactly what I needed after such a hectic and stressful year. I feel so rested and ready to take on anything. Up first: figuring out how to make my own caramelized pumpkin seeds, and finding new sandals. xo
Sounds like a great trip. I’m glad you got in some R&R.
We have a trip coming up but it won’t be so glamorous or warm. We’re going north to Rhode Island in 2 weeks for Accepted Students Day at one of the colleges North is considering.
OOOOOOOhhhhhhhh that is so exciting Steph!!!!
I love the way you write, you are so entertaining and I see that it has rubbed off on your hilarious offspring! So nice for you to get away with your husband and friends, and I am IN AWE that you have cooked dinner every night since October!
You’re so kind, thank you Colleen!
Re: the dinners. I KNOW. It’s exhausting!
HOW FUN!!!! Sun, good food/drink, good company. So much to love. Alas, my spouse thinks that flying first class is for snobs and he refuses to do it. I informed him if we ever go to Hawaii again (which is on his bucket list, not mine) I will ONLY fly first class. I just can’t do economy on any flight over 5 hours EVER again. It’s pure misery.
I love a bargain and that dress is fantastic! I’m so proud of you for scoring it! The room and pool are gorgeous. I’m so glad you were able to get away during the doldrums of January.
I think my favorite age of my children was the college years. I had so much fun hearing all about dorm life, which I never got to experience as a college commuter. I just felt really close to my oldest and youngest because they would call me and chat for an hour. It was so fun to see them turn into adults. Next favorite was the preschool years, just because they were so darned cute and loved school back then.
Welcome Back! XO
Your spouse is probably right, it is pretty snobby, but I am embracing that snobbery for unlimited snacks and more leg room. AND THE PRIVATE BATHROOM.
Preschoolers are pretty adorable. Remember their little backpacks? All filled with snacks and easy readers. So cute.
That sounds like the perfect vacation – relaxing and not cooking! What could be better? I love your sun hat! I’d love to know more about it, as my sun hat is looking very sad. I’m very intrigued about the sunscreen stick (genius idea!) and the sanitizing water bottle. I packed WAY too much stuff on our last trip, so I admire your carryon only technique. And premium seating is my dream after being crammed into economy. II think those seats are made for children!
I should write about going from taking giant suitcases to carryon only. The liquids are the trickiest part but it can be done! I swear! I used to be the craziest overpacker you ever did see, now I am fairly austere about what to take.
In terms of the sunhat – would you believe it came from Amazon? I bought it last year but it’s still on the site – the Canadian site, anyway. I can send you the link if you like! The inside is lined with a UV material AND the outside is mesh so it is super cool and breezy. The chin strap is detachable, and I needed it because there were some seriously windy days!
I would love a link to that hat! Thank you!
Sounds like a wonderful trip and a great escape from winter!
Thanks Gwen, it was great and I’m already plotting the next one!
I enjoyed reading about this because it made me feel as if I were right there with you. Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️
Anna is almost 24 and is one of my closest friends. This is by far my favorite stage of motherhood. Ella is 16 and is a really great teenager, and she and Anna have a wonderful relationship. This is all to say that all of the hard work at the beginning was well worth it, wasn’t it? Adult and pre-adult children are amazing.
The UV lid water bottle sounds cool. My clean freak instincts tell me I might need one…
I love the relationship you have with your girls, and that they have with each other. My boys are super close too and it just makes me so happy. xoxo
This trip sounds incredible and I admit I was living vicariously through your Instagram posts last week. I kept saying to my husband – “Nicole from Instagram is at Secrets in MX, look how beautiful it is…” Do you know if there are any ‘family friendly’ Secrets owned resorts? We are not quite at the Adults Only stage yet, but getting closer! 🙂
Anna, YES. So Dreams and Secrets are the same company, but Dreams is for families and Secrets is adults-only. We have been to several Dreams – Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta (actually that was a Now from the same company, but it catered more for families with teens, would recommend), and Playa Mujeres. All of them excellent and so much fun.
How fabulous!! Harry is nearly a responsible adult, and it is LOVELY. I still miss him when he was a little spitty toddler though.
Don’t get me wrong, the toddlers are so sweet and I adored their little selves. But wow, it was nice to have everything taken care of!
Sounds like a fantastic time. We fly first class wherever we can (not often). It’s ridiculous that one has to do that to be treated like a human. You made me miss Mexico. Might have to book a trip! BTW, I used to speak Spanish! My undergrad degree is in Comp Lit with an emphasis in Spanish literature.
MI AMIGA!!!
It IS ridiculous that we have to pay so much just for regular human treatment, but here we are. I felt so fancy!
I had a big fight with my high school boyfriend about the song Fancy two and a half decades ago and even reading this post got me all riled up again. What exactly did you think Fancy’s mom was supposed to do? What were her choices? Ugh. I really need to learn to relax.
I’m so glad you practiced your Spanish and that Duolingo does something. I often say I could probably only communicate with a five-year-old Spanish speaker and I think that’s probably where Duo maxes out. It sounds like you had a lovely vacation and what a great thing that your son could watch the house AND Rex!
Oh no! Are we having a fight? I hope not!
I was so happy with the (very basic) level of conversation I was able to have! Yay for Duolingo!
Welcome home!
I do love the glimpses of Responsible-Adults-in-Progress that I’m seeing in my house, but I’d argue that it isn’t the age, it’s the sum of all the different ages. When I first met the boys they were in grade school and they wanted to know EVERYTHING that I was doing at all moments and constantly asked me to explain things like nuclear fusion. Then there were the years when they pretty much stayed in their rooms 24/7, and now we’re in the late teens.
I’ve always flown economy and that’s what I’ve booked for our trip in a few weeks but man oh man someday I’m going to splurge just to see what it’s like. Flying pretty much solidly sucks so if there’s a non-suck option I’d like to try it.
Birchy, flying does pretty much suck – there is always a delay, you’re totally cramped, etc., but FLYING PREMIUM IS AMAZING. Now that I’ve tasted the good life I don’t want to go back!
I think you’re right about it being the sum of all the ages. It’s just so fun to see the birdies flying, you know?
Oh, Nicole…sounds like a wonderful vacation!!! And to have friends to share it with — even more fabulous! And isn’t it great to have kids old enough to leave behind without guilt and who can take care of the house and dog?? I still remember the first time we did that….
We used to fly premium a lot — because both my husband and I used to fly for work wayyyyy back (when dinosaurs roamed the earth — LOL) and we either used our frequent flier miles points or the airlines just upgraded us because of our status. Those were the days! We treated our son to first class in 2017 and the service was just not the same. It was great to have the seats/extra leg room, but it just wasn’t worth the extra money so we never did it again; my instead husband pays extra for the exit row seats for more legroom. LOL But we are flying internationally premium for the first time this year — and I’m so excited! I heard that the international premium seats&service are wonderful. Even without the service, the legroom alone would be worth it, methinks! I told myself that whenever we fly more than 5hrs, I’m upgrading to premium.
M, that is my feeling too – long flights are just so much more pleasant in premium! Plus with my circulation, etc., well, don’t want to get a blood clot. Or at least that’s the valid excuse I’m going to use for being a spoiled princess from this moment on! It’s interesting you mention the exit row – as I said we have a couple of flights already booked and one of them we were able to upgrade to the exit row. So at least there’s that! I would rather go on fewer trips, but with nicer flights, because it made SUCH a difference! And not having to worry about the house, kenneling the dog, etc…..adult children are amazing!
Yes — you deserve to fly like a princess, specially with your circulation issues! Our flights in the last couple of years have been local…45mins to Las Vegas (where my in-laws live) and back….so we just do the exit rows for those. My husband and son are a few inches over 6ft tall so they enjoy the extra leg room. My son doesn’t seem to mind too much since he’s young and slim….but my husband definitely looks stuffed in a regular seat! LOL I’m short so I’m usually ok, except for those long flights….that’s why our 12hr flight to Europe later this year will be where we can lay flat and be pampered a bit; start and end the vacation right!
The first time we left my son home alone with the dog for a week, I felt so guilty! “He should be vacationing with us!” LOL But he actually enjoyed the independence/feeling responsible.
It’s so funny you say that – my son was like that too! I have left both boys together, in the past, but this is the first time my younger son was alone in the house. He loved it! I guess being the younger, he’s not used to being the Sole Responsible Person!
Oooooh I would love to hear more about your European adventure! Looking forward to that!
Caramelized pumpkin seeds sound AMAZING! (as does your trip – welcome back!) I am sure Rex and the kids had such a lovely time, too. We are nearing the part of parenting when my daughter is becoming more independent (she makes her lunches!), but I can’t imagine leaving her to her own devices yet (she is just so diabolical in some random ways, haha)!
It’s so great to see independence in the kids! It makes you feel confident that they can be in the world and be productive citizens!
What a wonderful trip! I’m so glad it all went so well for you. I hope you feel refreshed and able to face the endless dinner-making task.
Lololol yes, I am right back on the dinner train, funny how that happens!
Yay to all of this. I laughed and smiled throughout.
My favourite was: “picked us up in the middle of the night (read: 9:00 pm)” – hahaha.
And also that a $10 CAD is basically free to American friends. You speak truth!
I’m so glad you had a wonderful trip. Premium economy is great and really does make a big difference for comfort!
It made such a huge difference for me, Elisabeth. My legs get quite sore and I worry about blood clots on long flights due to my circulation issues. This was so much better.
Okay, I’m going to admit something really embarrassing, because my husband is usually the one who doesn’t know song lyrics or gets them completely wrong. But my friend posted a text from her daughter about this song saying “I miss singing in the car with you about teenage prostitutes”. And I had heard the song, but all I caught from the chorus was, I thought “Easy, One-Chance-Fancy, don’t let me down”. And…. I thought Fancy… was a horse.
Oh my god that is awesome, and I love it. I mean, it makes sense. Who is named Fancy? HORSES!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Good, you deserve it. Especially, with cooking all the meals all the time!
Thanks Gigi, I REALLY appreciated the food!
Omg, this all sounds so fun and luxurious! I’ve been upgraded to Business Class a couple times- just by sheer luck and both times were flying back from EUROPE, so a long flight, and I agree. There’s no comparison! Sadly it hasn’t happen again, but then again I haven’t taken any really long flights lately so I guess it’s okay.
That dress is so cute!!! HOW was it so cheap- okay, okay, I guess i know how. But as you said, you keep your clothes for a long time, so I think you’re doing okay.
The food at your resort sounds incredible. The whole vacation sounds amazing, but I’ll bet you’re glad to be reunited with Rex.
It was great to be reunited with Rex, but of course he did so well with my son too! So that was a nice relief. You never know!
A trip to Europe I think really requires a nice upgrade!
This sounds so amazing. The photos are breath taking. Hooray for the top notch airplane ride. I did travel in 1st class once. I’ve never been to Mexico, and I’ve not been to an all inclusive since our honeymoon. It sounds divine. Oh, and the food – having so many options that are that good sounds dreamy. The dress is super cute. I would hang on to that one for years too.
There were lots of gluten-free options as well – I thought of you and my GF friends! Thanks Ernie, it was a great trip.
Welcome back! It seems like you had a wonderful time on your trip! I have never tried an all inclusive, but I do like the idea of having so much food at my fingertips. I would probably return home 20 pounds heavier from all of the goodies though; I have no restraint!
I used to travel for work and this was before everyone and their mother had the airline credit card, so I got bumped to first a lot. It was great, but I have found that the international first class is much nicer than the domestic. On domestic, don’t get me wrong, it is nice, but it is more like just a bigger seat with less people and real food. On international they really pull out all of the stops and I love having a laydown seat when it is a really long flight. However, I am pretty used to flying coach and have my routine down (earbuds, movie, snacks I bought myself) so probably will not fly first again unless it is free/cheap (aka points, which I am slowly saving up!)
I’m not sure an all-inclusive would be your jam, honestly, but it sure is mine for a relaxing vacation!
I have heard international first class is pretty amazing! I would love to do that!
I like that bed. Love the look of it. Wouldn’t mind replicating it in our house. I like the Neutrogena product you show, of course I like all things Neutrogena so maybe not a bombshell admission. I’ve never heard of these Secrets resorts, wherever they may be on this earth, but know that when I fly again it’s not going to be in economy.
Oh yes, you and I love our Neutrogena prods, don’t we! There are Secrets resorts all over Mexico and in many places in the Caribbean, and they are just an absolute luxurious dream!
I love all of this! It sounds like you had an amazing getaway and how wonderful that your son did such a great job holding down the fort back home! The resort sounds amazing! I’m glad there were such good plant-based options.
I would sometimes get upgraded to first class years ago, especially on one particular airline. Now that I’m back in a delta hub city, I never get upgraded! Honestly traveling with children has really changed my perspective on a “bad flight”. On Monday, we sat on the tarmac for about 2 hours while a mechanical issue was worked on. Pre-kids Lisa would have been huffing a bit about this. But post-kids Lisa was like – ‘well at least I’m by myself and can just quietly read my book and listen to podcasts.’ I could hear that there were young kids in the back of the plane, including a very young baby, and my heart really went out to those parents as the flight was already around 4 hours so they really did not need 2 extra hours on that airplane!
Oh, travelling with children is a straight-up nightmare. Even when it goes well it’s not good. Last fall I flew just to Calgary by myself and there were a ton of delays, etc., and I could not have cared less. I have a book! I have a water bottle! I can sit here all day!
Nicole, my husband and I went to Secrets Maroma for our honeymoon, lo these 12 years ago!!!! I’m so glad it’s just as wonderful now! It was an incredible week, and I still say the day we rented a beach cabana was the best day of my life. One day I was sick with food poisoning, which is just a risk of Mexico and its water, but it was just a blip in an otherwise fabulous week. I’m so glad you avoided that bit with your fancy water bottle!
We have also been to Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, and it was ALSO wonderful, but you of course trade the beautiful swimmable Caribbean beaches for shorter flight times/smaller time difference.
You did??? That’s amazing! It is such a beautiful place! Sorry about the food poisoning though. We have also been to Secrets Cabo, and it was just a dream too. But yes, I liked the swimmable Caribbean more than the “those waves will kill you” beaches on Cabo – but the three hour flight is nice!
I’m curious if you’ve tried any other brands of resorts that you didn’t like as much. We stayed at a brand new Riu in Cabo a few years ago and it paled in comparison to Secrets.
You know what, I haven’t. Well, I have stayed at Dreams and Now, but they are part of the same company.
It’s so wonderful that you’ve only had great experiences!
Hi Nicole!!!! I too have recency bias with my child (and no bias whatsoever looking back at the toddler year my god how did anyone survive) and it makes me so happy to know that adult kids are such a delight! What a gift to be able to leave your house and Rex in your son’s loving and capable hands!
Your trip sounds amazing and your water bottle sounds magical. My husband and I flew business class overseas a few years ago and it will be so hard to go back to economy.
Love your sunscreen stick! I will be looking for one of my own. Your new dress is gorgeous!!!
Also! Check out Dr. Scholls everlasting espadrilles. I have two pairs and they are so cute and so comfy!
OOOOHHHHH thank you for the recommendation!!! I am going to look that up right now!
Oh, I was thinking of you last week on your trip! I’m so glad you had an amazing time. That dress is darling on you, I would have bought it too.
Nowadays when flying, I try to upgrade us to the best seats we can afford. Sometimes it’s not a big difference, sometimes it is. I’ve only gone 1st class once, and it was only a 1 hour flight (which is why we could afford it) and I LOVED it. Sigh. I used to love flying, and now it’s just so miserable, and I hate that you have to pay extra for basic things like enough room to cross your legs, or the honor of sitting next to your travel companion.
I too used to love flying, and you’re right, it’s just such a miserable experience now, so squishy and uncomfortable. There’s always a delay, there’s always a problem, ugh!
I am so glad you had a wonderful vacation! It all looks so amazing – I love an all-inclusive resort. I don’t have to drive anywhere and everything I want is at my fingertips? SIGN ME UP.
Gah, flying premium sounds WONDERFUL. I hate how small and cramped economy is. I can never get comfortable.
Stephany, I’m with you. Just being able to chill and my only concern is which of these six amazing places will I eat at for dinner? Incredible!
I am living vicariously through you, Nicole…. including your premium seat flying and the fancy resort. Sigh. I haven’t been on a proper vacation like this with my husband… ever. Most of our travel is back to Germany (to visit my family) or short weekend trips. This all sounds so wonderful (and I wish I could fly with just carryon… what do you do if you want to bring anything back that can’t go into carry-on? Is there a solution? Ship it?).
That’s a good point – I guess I haven’t brought anything back! Hmm. I guess you could just ship it.
A few years ago we had to attend a function held at the Grand Velas resort, just down the road from where you guys were. IT too was absolutely amazing; the food, the rooms, the service, etc…
Girl, my husband will not fly Coach (the irony!) if a flight is over ninety minutes; once you experience life In Front, you never want to Go Back.
You are learning Spanish. So cool! I wish I could make myself do that; how handy would it be? estoy caliente. *SNORT*
What a lovely trip and you came home to a clean house and a happy dog. Love your Old Navy dress!
I am 1000000% with Coach on this one! I can probably handle a short flight but from now on I MUST FLY LIKE THE PRINCESS I AM.