Winter Escape: Cancun, Mexico
When the seasons change, the temperature drops and it gets cold outside we all fantasize about having a vacation home somewhere tropical, right? The best antidote for when the times get super chilly is a nice getaway to somewhere warm and sunny - perhaps with sand and beach.
When the seasons change, the temperature drops and it gets cold outside we all fantasize about having a vacation home somewhere tropical, right? The best antidote for when the times get super chilly is a nice getaway to somewhere warm and sunny - perhaps with sand and beach.
I'm an island girl! and while Jamaica, my homeland will forever be the best tropical destination, Mexico comes in pretty close.
"Infinity's Edge" - Sipping margaritas in one of Breathless Resorts' infinity pools
There are a lot of fun things to do in Mexico! you can indulge in all sorts of fun excursions from Cancun, Tulum, Los Cabos to Playa del Carmen! But when I'm tired from my busy work life and just need a relaxing break an all-inclusive in Cancun is my favorite go-to.
If you're planning a trip to Mexico some time in the near future, I highly recommend the all-inclusive resorts Secrets the Vine and Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa.
Enjoy snippets of my most recent getaways below:
Enjoying the col breeze under a palm tree at Breathless Resort
Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa:
If you're looking for an adult only, luxury experience this is the spot for you! There's a section of this hotel for everyone. It's also the entertainment mecca of the all-inclusive hotels in Cancun and does not skimp on foam parties, pool parties, clubbing, dining and so much more.
Relaxing on the balcony before breakfast
Secrets The Vine
You MUST go to Secrets The Vine! This adults only resort is the definition of sophistication and elegance. Picturesque balcony views, fine dining and world class service makes this one of my favorites.
Breakfast with a View
This is the life!
Pool side with a drink and a great book. Relaxation at it's best
The pictures above do these resorts no justice at all. Do a quick google search for the resorts and plan your get away today!
Get Your Finances In Order: The Basics
It's the start of a new year and with it comes the need to plan for the year ahead. This is the season for resolutions! So while you make your goals to lose weight, start that new diet, travel more and live your best life, one thing you should include is to become more fiscally responsible. It's time to get your finances in order.
It's the start of a new year and with it comes the need to plan for the year ahead. This is the season for resolutions! So while you make your goals to lose weight, start that new diet, travel more and live your best life, one thing you should include is to become more fiscally responsible. It's time to get your finances in order.
Here are 5 things to get started on the right path:
1. Have a PLAN
Create a roadmap for your finances. What are your financial goals and what will you do to achieve them? Break your goals down into bite-sized action steps and work diligently to reach them. Put a timeline on each goal to keep yourself accountable. Make a plan for all the things that will require money. Consider hiring a financial planner/advisor that can give you personalized recommendations and keep you on a timeline.
2. Create and Commit to a Budget
This will take some discipline. Consider adopting and applying the the 50-30-20 rule. Essentially this means, 50 percent of your money each month should go to essentials like bills and housing, 20 percent should go towards your financial goals like savings, saving for retirement and paying off debt/student loans, and 30 percent should go towards wants like vacation, entertainment, etc. Of course your budget sometimes need a little wiggle room but for the most part try to stick to this plan. Automate is so that you don't have to think about it.
3. Start a Retirement Fund
It is really important that you get on this early! It is vital that you prioritize creating and contributing to a retirement fund and take advantage of compounding interest. Compounding interest will do a lot of the hard work for you if you start early. Try to maximize your contributions and take advantage of any match system your job has to offer. Speak with your accountant about the tax benefits.
4. Keep an Emergency Fund
Make sure you have at least three (3) to nine (9) months of funds saved up for a rainy day. This is where part of the 20 percent savings portion of your budget should go, and it's there in case you lose your job, become ill, or encounter an unexpected expense. Keep this money in a separate savings account at a separate bank from your checking account and forego a debit card for that account. Also, automate your contributions. Ask your employer to direct debit a portion of your salary into your emergency fund account. You can also consider placing the funds into an account with high yield interest.
5. Tackle your debt.
All debt are not created equal. There is what we call good debt and there's bad debt. Things like credit card debt are considered bad debt because it grows pretty quickly and doesn't help you in the long term. Interest rates are usually higher and can take much longer to pay off. On the contrary, student loans are considered good debt because it's an investment into your future earning power. Put as much money as you can towards credit card bills first starting with the with the one with the highest interest. Once that's paid off, prioritize the next highest interest debt, and so forth. Also consider automating the contribution to your debt payment so that you never have to worry about a missed or late payment.
The UnOrthoDoc's 2017 Holiday Gift Guide
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love the holiday season and all it's festivities. The holidays mean family time, eating, shopping, gift giving and receiving, parades, holiday parties, cozying up in front of the fire place with hot chocolate in hand and staying in PJ's all day. It truly is magical!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love the holiday season and all it's festivities. The holidays mean family time, eating, shopping, gift giving and receiving, parades, holiday parties, cozying up in front of the fire place with hot chocolate in hand and staying in PJ's all day. It truly is magical!
The one thing that I have a love/hate relationship with is gift giving. I love to get (and receive) gifts but it can tend to be a bit expensive and exhausting. So I've done a little digging and put together a gift guide with some of my personal favorite things this year, in hopes that it will make your shopping less of a hassle. You will find gifts for him, her and even your staff/co-workers below.
2. Anthropologie Monogrammed Mugs
3. Baublebar Tassel Earrings Use Code YAY30 for 30% off
4. Rockland Luggage ON SALE*
6. UnOrthoDoc Candles Inquire Via Email
3. Heys Xtrac 3pc. Luggage ON SALE*
Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!
Verona, Italy: Think Shakespeare and Romance
I have been to a few European countries and Italy is one of my favorites. Just about an hour away from bustling, vibrant Venice lies the quiet, easy-going, romance-filled, Verona.
I have been to a few European countries and Italy is one of my favorites. Just about an hour away from bustling, vibrant Venice lies the quiet, easy-going, romance-filled, Verona. I visited Verona for a day on a European Tour and it was pretty magical!
Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s lovers, "Romeo and Juliet” and is widely revered as the city of love. Many people traveling from Milan to Venice typically make a pit stop in Verona to see the famous Juliet House where the real life Capello family once resided. The house has a cute and admittedly romantic courtyard with the balcony where Juliet stood and called out to her lover Romeo. Tourists from all over the world can be seen posing and rubbing on Juliet’s bronze breast, hoping to get lucky in love. Verona is so famous for love that it gets countless love letters addressed to Juliet. Seriously, google the Juliet Club. The city has hundreds of volunteers who take on the task of reading and answering these love letters.
Juliet's balcony overlooking the Romantic Courtyard where Juliet's bronze statue stands
Despite the romance of Verona it has a very rich history. It was considered a rest spot for traveling Romans and thus has a wealth of Roman Ruins along. It also has an amphitheater which is the third largest in the world an dates back to the first century A.D.
Outside of the Amphitheater
Inside of the Amphitheater
Just a short walk from the amphitheater is the market square, Piazza Erbe, where local vendors sell produce and souvenirs. It is said that this market square existed since Roman times.
Piazza Erbe (Market Square)
Local vendors and their kiosks selling fresh produce and souvenirs
While I thoroughly enjoyed seeing The Juliet House and learning of Verona's rich history, my absolute favorite part of Verona was Gelato and shopping!!
Happy camper after getting yummy Gelato!
Gelato!