10 on Tuesday

Another day, another post, but this one today, comes filled with many wonderful things, as I am sharing once again a 10 in Tuesday and linking back to Linny's Vault.

10.

Of all the things I cannot eat right now because of my diet, I think I miss bananas the most! I know, I could probably say many other things but I guess my body is sorta already detoxed from many other things that have carbs and sugar! But if only I could eat a banana... 

9.

For this coming Christmas time, I am loving my new "Curly Q" Santa Hat... I think it's a mix of "Nightmare before Christmas and Dr. Seuss", seriously cute, right?

8.

Lately we've been having lots of "#2 accidents" on our back deck from our long time house broken dog Ditto. He is getting old and I am afraid something physical is causing these situations, although I have also google the problem and some people mentioned "dementia" from old age... 

We are even considering taking him and Sheba to another Vet for another opinion.

different kind of accident that what we have going on!

7.

Wish I could make my dogs stay still long enough to take a photo like the following one... Wouldn't that be awesome?!? (Also would need to make Sheba keep the reindeer head band on for more than a millisecond!)

6.

At Church they had a "Giving Tree" yesterday, basically you can pick up a tag an get a gift for a person that needs a gift this Christmas, I picked 3 and got; an Adult Lady, an Adult Man and a Older Adult (they specified that needed toiletries). It's hard to buy things for Adult men that you don't know... So I got them both the same.... hope it's o.k! For the lady, I got other ideas (of course!).

5.

Next Sunday I am planning to bake Gingerbread Cookies and it's going to be a HUGE test for me, as I am still on the diet and cannot eat any of the ingredients but butter... Still, I gotta do them and will be made with even more love as it's going to be a test of endurance, wish me luck!

4.
Have you seen all those projects, photo ops, ideas on Pinterest? Well this is the funniest "Fail" attempts I've seen so far... HI-LA-RI-O-US!

Source: lolsnaps.com via Andrea on Pinterest

So, think about it twice or maybe even three times before attempting those very tempting ideas, LOL... Otherwise please feel free to share your results!

3.

My husband shared this on his facebook page the other day...

.

 After being on a diet for a few weeks and not eating absolutely any processed food (other than the Jerk Chicken Sausages I had on Sunday, and still those are 100% natural made on the island), I have to agree, natural food is the best for you.

2.

Although I don't like wearing pantyhose very much, I would like to have a pair (or two) or these lovely tattoo pantyhose and would totally wear them, well at least during the winter months cause otherwise I would probably melt in the Caribbean heat, LOL!

1.

Next Monday we are having our ALL GIRLS Christmas Party, cannot wait to see all the girls and have our Secret Santa and a much needed glass of wine (which I'll be allowed to then)... I am really looking forward to it.

Hope the weekend is going well for everybody, have a great Tuesday!!!

weekend recipe

What is the recipe for a good weekend?

A quiet time at home, mixed with good food and entertainment? Perhaps a bit of shopping/errands while catching up with friends? Or, enjoying the games on TV while eating and drinking to celebrate or drown your team sorrows away?

Well, the recipe for this past weekend was, a nice mix of Christmas party, a much deserved sleep in on Saturday morning, a pinch of shopping while we got a new sink for our kitchen (which we badly needed) installed and then just relaxing at home for the evening.

Then yesterday (while my hubby watched his favorite Team -Washington Red Skins- win) I finished my Sunday with a "cherry on top"; a bit of blogging, good food, a nice story and wonderful actors, all mixed together in a wonderful film.

The film I am talking about is "Julie & Julia", Oh what an enjoyable film!

If you are anything like me and love good food, recipes, cooking and even blogging, you are certain in for a treat! But not only the movie delivers a wonderful story, but one told by many great actors; from Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci, among others.

But, viewers be ware, this is not a movie to watch with an empty stomach, as it is sure to make you hungry, LOL!

So in my case I am so glad that I decided to watch it while having a late lunch, specially cause I made some delicious Oven Roasted Mini Tomatoes and they were yummy with the Jerk Chicken Sausages in my plate!

Perhaps the recipe for my roasted tomatoes is not up to Julia Child's standards, but they were so good, specially with "Herbes Provencale", hey at least that sounds French!

How was your weekend? Well done? Hope so... Have a wonderful week!!!

Friday Flicks

Hello Everybody,

I want to start my post today thanking everybody that left me comments yesterday congratulating me about the weight loss, trust me, it is a very important and vital part of taking on such a commitment, the support from friends and family, so it's greatly appreciated!

But, I do have to say that I am still a "work in progress", meaning my diet is not over yet, on the contrary now I am on the next phase which is called the "Maintenance Phase" and it's 4 weeks of still watching everything I eat but not with any restrictions of calorie as long as I don't each carbs or sugar.

According to the doctor, this phase is very important as it gives the body the time to settle on it's new weight and by doing this next phase correctly I will have a higher chance of not gaining the weight back... So I will continue to report on how I do.

On another note... As I said yesterday, I am feeling great and looking good too, my back issues have improved and I am finally full on back to the gym, so that should help with the weight control (but I am not looking into loosing any more as I am already in my healthy weight for my age and height)

So anyway, since it's that time of the year again, meaning Christmas time and I am not really looking forward to all the signing and the eating, I do have to have another way to celebrate the holidays, so today I decided to post about my top five favorite Christmas movies, which by the way I plan to watch at some point starting this weekend (and every weekend until Christmas day!)

Of course there are many more than just 5 great Christmas movies that I can think of, but today I am going to focus on my very favorite ones. I am going to count backwards from 5 and starting with, a classic.

5. 

A Christmas Story

This heartwarming story is set in the 1940's and tells the story of Ralphie and his family. It is filled with innocence, mischief and his desire to own Red Rider BB gun for Christmas. It is a story for adults and kids that will stay with you forever!

4. 

Home Alone

This is a great family Christmas comedy which tells the story of Kevin, a young boy that is left (by mistake) home alone during the holidays. But being alone is not the only thing Kevin has to worry about during Christmas at home alone. A must see film if you are looking for laughs and even some tenderness!

3.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Oh how I love Chevy Chase and his humor and in this movie he is just brilliant. This Christmas comedy will make you laugh at all of the peculiarities that families have and what some have to put up with during the holiday, awesome movie!

2. 

The Holiday

If what you are looking for is a romantic comedy with a Christmas twist, this is the perfect movie for that. It is a nice, entertaining story of a few people at once, all going through different stages in their lives but looking for love. It is one of my favorite movies and I can watch it anytime, anywhere. Besides, Kate Winslet and Jack Black are two of my favorite actors and they have great rolls in this movie.

And for my favorite Christmas Movie... [insert drum roll here]

1.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

To me this movie is pure Christmas magic, starting with the fact that it's based on the famous Dr. Seuss story (which is fabulous) but also it's got all of the elements of a good Christmas movie; holiday spirit, family values, laughs, great special effect/decorations, plus even the greed that still exists during the holidays. Jim Carrey does a fabulous job as the Grinch and Max (his dog) is my favorite character of them all!!!

But of course, I cannot help but make an honorable mention to the Original Dr. Seuss "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Cartoon movie, that is also very good and a classic!

So, which is you favorite Christmas movie? Are a classic kind of person, or perhaps prefer the romantic comedies? 

On a different note, tonight is my husband's company Christmas Party, it's going to be fun to meet some of the people he works with (I have met a couple) since he's only been there from Oct. 1st... Hopefully I will take some photos and share next week.

Happy Friday everybody, enjoy your weekend!

Throwback (that weight) Thursday!

Although I feel very proud and very good of my accomplished weight loss of 20 lbs, I am not so sure feel the exact same about sharing the before and after photos.

But, since it's Thursday, meaning Throwback time, I can't really think of a better way to share a picture of my past weight...

So here they are, along with all my courage!

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that is very difficult to reproduce exact photos, I tried my best to keep the same exact format, thanks!

Left Side

Front Side

Right Side

Yesterday was my doctor appointment for the weight in and measurement, I have officially lost 23 lbs (counting the three I gain on the "load up phase of the diet") or 20 lbs from my initial weight and I have lost over 10 inches all over!

I feel very good and I think even my confidence has boost up with this very much needed change, even my face skin has improved tremendously!

Now, feel like sharing a photo from your past... it's your turn, please do so and link back to me here!

Happy Thursday!!!

No direction, all directions

No matter how much I try, I don't seem to be able to put together my thoughts in my mind to actually come up with a post, it's like my brain it's there but refuses to give out information.

The worst part of this "mental" deal is that, soon work is going to start getting pretty busy and the same for the road with the whole Christmas rush.

And believe me, although I live on an island which is only about 102 sq miles, during the month of December cars seem to multiply and the roads simply CANNOT handle all the Christmas traffic, so it's not fun to be out there trying to get to places.

How is the traffic during this season where you live? Does it get crazy or just the same?

Sometimes I envy my husband that rides a scooter because sitting in traffic is just not my description of fun!

In other news, it's Wednesday, so that means the week is half full already, perhaps another weekend will get "the juices" of my mind flowing... So that's it for today, short and sweet...

Hope I am able to work out this weird labyrinth in head and get some inspiration to share wonderful things with y'all!!! So stay tuned...

Happy Hump Day! 

Success at its best!

Happy Monday everybody!

Did you know success comes in every shape and form. To some success means getting recognized for their efforts in an specific field/job, for others is the amount of financial stability that they can attain.

For me, today and for the past few weeks, success comes in the form of 20 lbs less!!!!

Tomorrow is the last official day of my calorie controlled diet and I have lost 20 lbs and about 8 inches overall!

I feel and look great, but mostly I feel lighter, healthier and so very ready to keep it up and never go back to those extra pounds that I was carrying.

I do have some before and after photos but not with me today... Will post some in the next few day!

What is success for you lately? Please do share!

Hope everybody had a nice weekend!

Hello Friday :)

Happy Friday everybody!

Even the air smells fresher on a Friday, don't you think? I do...

So, have I mentioned lately that I saw Madonna live in concert last week?

Thought so... And to give you guys an idea of how cool the concert was, here's a little video of it!

Look fun, eh? Like I said before, she was amazing and specially the dancing, WOW, what a show!

Also last week I could have crossed off another item of my bucket list (well that's if only I had such a list, but I don't)... I am talking about seeing live and holding a real Lemur.... I've always wanted one, then I saw Madagascar 1, 2 and 3 and King Julian became my must have dream pet!!!

Well, my wish sort of, kind of, came true, when I stumbled upon a REAL Lemur, his name is Charlie and he is just adorable!!! Check him out...

Don't we look like the perfect couple? I though so... If only I can have him, but I can't. At least it was rescued from an animal show by a very nice man that gave him a good home.

Hope everybody has a fabulous weekend... 'Till we meet again.

Happy Friday and Weekend to come!

Throwback Thursday

It's official, today is the day my brother and sister in law move back to Canada.

It's a sad day and although I don't want to see them go, I am happy for them as I know they are going to be at a great place and they have lots of new opportunities of a new, better life waiting for them.

I wish them all the luck and a future filled with blessings... Already looking forward to go visit them next year. May God takes them by their hand and keeps them safe through their travels and new life.

And now, it's time for another edition of Throwback Thursday

So, in honor of they departure, here's my blast from the past photo from 2010.

And 5 fact about this photo:

1. This was the first photo of the four of us (from left: my brother Mau, sis in law Gaylene, Me and my hubby) back when they moved to the island in May 2010.

2. We were eating at a local dinner called Timbuctuu, food was plenty and very good back then... it's been a while since the last time we've been there!

3. My favorite food at this dinner was their coleslaw, yumm!

4. My Brother and SIL are moving back to Alberta, Canada.

5. Having family on the island was great, although I never got to see them as much as I wanted, I will miss them.

Now, if you feel like joining in with your own Throwback Thursday, please do... Can't wait to see your blast from the past!

a darling award

Besides having a wonderful trip to Florida last week, seeing part of my family, being able to enjoy a great show at the Madonna Concert, I was also very fortunate to be nominated for a blog award.

I received the "Liebster" Blog Award from Mrs. T, which made me feel very happy!

So Thank You Mrs. T for the special honor.

The award (like a mentioned above) is called Liebster which is German for beloved, or darling!

Here are the rules:

1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.

4. Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate. 

5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.

As far as the rules go, I am afraid I will be breaking a few, like the part of choosing 11 bloggers because I am not even sure I follow that many... 

So instead today, I am going to be just thankful and nominate anybody that reads my blog regularly, please go on a grab the award if you feel like it and answer the questions on the comments... thanks! 

I hope nobody calls the "blog award police" on me, LOL!

Now, off to the other "rules", first is the 11 facts about yourself:

1. Although I like Christmas time, I am not very fond of Christmas music.

2. I have been on a diet for the past 4 weeks and so far I have lost a total of 16 pounds... My goal is 20 so I am getting very close!

3. I love to drink coffee, I take it black and no sugar!

4. My favorite new brand of jeans (as of last week) is Lucky Brand, they are just awesome and fit like a glove!

5. My favorite city (that I've been to) is definitely Jerusalem, there's just so much meaning to it, even if you are not religious it should mean something from the anthropological point of view. It is a place where you can stand in the middle of a plaza, close your eyes and perhaps listen to more than 5 languages at once... love it there!

6. I love dark chocolate in all shapes and forms.

7. I love to sleep, so to me insomnia is like my kryptonite, a bad night makes my day miserable and my mood not a happy one.

8. Photography makes me happy.

9. I am scared of frogs, mainly because they are cold and slimy... Although I do think Red Eye Tree frogs are very cute (as long as they don't come too close to me)!

10. I love having animals to share my life with, if I had more money and space I would probably have many more!

Here are Mrs. T's 11 questions:

Questions:

1. Electronic reading, paper, magazines or paper reading, paper, magazines?

I love reading in every way, nowadays I am more into my kindle but real books are great too

2. What item do you collect on vacation? 

Shells if I go to the beach or any local souvenir

3. What is the best Vacation spot you went to?

Tabacon Hot Springs in Costa Rica

4. Are you a white gold, gold, or silver kind of person?

Silver all the way, well, unless I am wearing something that looks good with gold!

5. Would you rather wear shoes or bare feet and why?

Love to be bare feet but know it's not very good for you

6. What is your favorite book?

The Alchemist

7. What is your favorite song?

"Redemption Songs" by Bob Marley

8. What is your favorite movie?

don't think I have one

9. Would you rather have a heavy fall scented candle burning or a light spring scented candle burning?

Any scented candle would do, in fact it's got more to do with the time of day

10. Name one secret obsession.

Dulce de Leche

11. Why did you decided to blog?

I wanted to put my thoughts into words and share a bit of life with others.

And now off to my questions (please feel free to answers them if you feel like it)

1. What is your favorite part of the day and why?

2. If you could meet anybody (death or alive) who would that be?

3. Are you a "Half Full" or "Half Empty" kind of person?

4. If you could ask me any question, what would that be?

5. Have you ever been to place that you feel as if you've been to before but you haven't?

6. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

7. What are you most grateful for?

8. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job and if so, what would you do?

9. Who do you consider your best friend?

10. What would you like me to blog about someday?

Well, hope everybody enjoyed my fact and answers and that you take a bit of your day to answer some or all of my questions.

Thanks again to Mrs. T for the award and for those that always read my thoughts and share their lives with me by comments or your own blogs.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

finding my way back...

Hello All!

I have been back home for a few days now, but I have to admit that I just didn't have it in my to get back into blogging, so here I am trying to find my "blog mojo" again.

My trip to Florida was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G... Every day, every minute was so much fun, loved spending time with my favorite girls from my family (and my brother)... and the concert was just the cherry on top.

From left to right; My brother Mau, our Mom and me!

Madonna was simply great and she has an incredible show and an amazing physical condition, she can totally dance along her tons of dancers, the outfits were great and even the lighting/stage was incredible. I would love to see her live again!

At the beginning of the show we didn't have good seats, but we managed to move and then the view was great! Here are some pictures (but all taken with my phone, so not the best quality, sorry!).

I have a few videos as well, but I haven't really had the time to go through them and decided which ones I will share here, so please give me sometimes to work it out, promise it would be soon!

Those that do follow me on Instagram have seen some already, so soon I will have some here.

This past weekend back home was simply what I needed after days of fun and lots of shopping walking I did in Florida.

Unfortunately on Sunday I got some sad news from back home, a very dear friend of mine, Grettel, passed away after a very short fight with stomach cancer. She was an amazing girl, friendly, honest, always willing to lend a had and with the most contagious laugh you can ever imagine.

She will be missed by many and specially her Daughter  Mom and Brother who were very closed to her. She will always be in heart and prayers and I know she is in a much better place close to God and her loving Dad.

Well, that's all for now... Hope everybody had a great holiday weekend (those that are in the US) and are enjoy this week!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy to be thankful

On a day like today I think it's specially important and necessary to remember that;

Every day is a brand new opportunity to be the best possible version of ourselfs.

Every encounter with others is a chance to have a positive interaction and perhaps add/leave something valuable in their life.

That for whatever you do, whomever you meet and for every single one of our decisions (whether are correct or wrong) we need to be thankful for.

Even the smallest of actions have reactions and they affect us or others whether directly or indirectly.

So, today and every day, let's practice and attitude of respect and thankfulness towards each and every minute of our days, our families, pets, friends, acquaintances and even those that we are still to meet.

I am thankful for so many things and people in my life that it would be impossible to put it all down on a list... So instead all I am going to say it Thank You to you for reading my blog, commenting and finding the time to give me a space in your lives.

Gods Bless you and your family today and always!

Oh Yeah!

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen out there!!! Yes, today is all about being calm while enjoying the fact that the week is finally over and by tomorrow I will be boarding a plane and leaving this rock for a few days. 

To say that "I am looking forward to really disconnect from it all" is perhaps an understatement in this case, it's been more than 6 months that I haven't travel any farther than 22 miles (to the other side of the island) so imagine that!

Plus, It's been a busy few weeks with a lot of changes in my life, including some pounds shed [insert celebratory dance here], so trust me IT IS TIME!!!

But besides the going away part, I am mostly looking forward to good quality time with the most favorite girls from my family (Mom, Aunt Cynthia and my favorite cousin Maria Jose), plus the amazing MADONNA who gladly agreed with serenading us while we are in Florida... How nice of her, right?

Oh yeah... So, here's the plan.

I am going away tomorrow to hopefully return safe and sound - full batteries recharged, with photos to show you and lots of new clothes- next Thursday... So, till then, "talk among yourself", have some coffee, don't work too hard and before you know it I will be around again.

Sure I'll say "Hello" to Madonna for you... you're welcome!

Happy Friday and rest of the weekend!!!

it's that time of the week...

Hello All!

Today is Thursday, we are half way through with the week, one more day and it's Saturday, the day I leave for Miami.

I haven't been out of this rock since May, which means 6 loooooooooonnng months and at this point everything is getting under my skin, so Saturday cannot come fast enough, but it will be here... So today it's off to more interesting things...

And just to continue on the Pirates "theme", here's today's photo from the past...

1. This photo was taken 2 years ago on Pirates Week 2010.

2. My friend Natalia no longer lives on the island and this was the last Pirates Festival we enjoyed together.

3. I still have that dress but finally this year I gave it away to one of my best friends, since I am losing weight, it doesn't fit me very much anymore!

4. This was taken right at the waterfront in George Town the day of the Pirates Landing Parade.

5. 2010 was the last year we actually watched the Parade, since then we've participated every year with a float on it.

Well, that's all for today, hope everybody has a wonderful Thursday!!!

The Photo

If I was asked to show only one photo from the the past few days, one that reflects what the Pirates Week landing Parade is all about, this photo would be the one...

I love the colors, the composition and the fact that it's such a genuine example of what a Parade is all about.

The kids look so happy and also kind of "clueless" of what is really going on around it...

What do you think? Like it, not, maybe?

Have a great day!!!!

10 on Tuesday

Hello All!

Today I am liking back to Linny's Vault again for another edition of 10 on Tuesday

1. After a full week of event planning, then the actual event and finally finishing a very busy week, plus being on a diet for more than a week, having yesterday off was a wonderful way to start a new week!


2. But because of yesterday's busy week, plus dieting, I guess my little immune system decided to officially crash on Saturday and then on Sunday I woke up with a horrible swollen lip and cold sore, yuck, it sucks!

3. So far, so good with my diet, I have lost about 12 lbs and still counting. For those that talk about loosing weight too fast, well this is what this (doctor controlled) diet is all about, the name of the diet is HCG in case you want to find out more.

4. For the past two days, one of our cats (BTK- the momma cat) was M.I.A. and I was starting to get very worried that she got hurt of killed, gladly she finally showed up again yesterday for supper.

5. Yesterday I spent most of the day with some of my girlfriend, we hang out at the beach and the weather was just superb!

6. On Saturday we stopped by a new store here on the island where they sell all things candy, the name of the store is "It's Sugar", check out the Rice Krispies Treat my husband found, according to him that is his "portion size"!!!

7. Although I don't have as much in my little brain this week, I am having a hard time coming up with things to post and it's only 10!!!

8. Lately we've been into the show Dexter, we are only on Season 2 and we are hooked!

9. Saturday I leave to Miami to see family and the Madonna Concert, can't hardy wait!

10. This is it for today, hope everybody has a wonderful day!!!

it's a Pirates tale

They came, they took over and it's now it's official Pirates Week here on the island.

On Saturday we had the famous Pirates Landing Parade and after a fabulous gallery event the night before we were ready to take on the parade... Here are some of the highlights of the day!

West Bay Shark Float

My friend Linda and her lovely girl Daniella

The lovely Jenn and myself as pirates!

My husband was our main float Marshall and distributed "Save Cayman Sharks" Foam Hats

Cloe and her son Joshua

Bruno (the Chef of the Guy Harvey Restaurant) her wife and son Emmanuele (with the shark hat on)

big crowd

Pirates everywhere!

having fun

pirates in ALL sizes and shapes!!!

I have a few more pics to share but this will do for today.

Sorry I've been soon M.I.A. around blogs, this week should be a good breather time to catch up and get back to the routine... Until Saturday that I leave to Miami for the Madonna Concert, woo-hoo, can't wait!!!

Happy Monday!