Pool Day

First day at the pool at Shangri La... Norma's toes are a fabulous iridescent hot pink -- so perfect for a Mexican vacation or just to make you smile! 

Los Archos Del Malecon

Los Archos Del Malecon (Waterfront Arches) are a landmark to downtown Puerto Vallarta. Beautiful day or night.

Strolling the Malecon

La Rotunda del Mar (The Rotunda of the Sea) by Alejandro Colunga

If you're in Puerto Vallarta you are going to stroll the Malecon . Newly constructed, the waterfront promenade is filled with locals and tourists enjoying the city. You're likely to find musicians, dancers, clowns, mimes, sand sculptors, street vendors, artists, and an array of tasty treats. There are merchants wooing people into their bars, shops and restaurants. During the Easter season, sand artists bring amazing things to life along the beach. And most exquisite to behold perhaps is the array of art sculptures along the half mile stretch. Here are a few favs --

"One of the most popular sculptures in town, Ramiz Barquet’s “Nostalgia” is a tribute to his relationship with his wife, the painter Nelly Barquet. The two planned to marry when they were young, but they lost touch, married other people, and each had children. After twenty-seven years, Ramiz and Nelly finally met again in Mexico and married. The sculpture depicts the silhouettes of two people sitting side-by-side and looking in the same direction toward the city."

En Busca de la Razon - In Search of Reason by Sergio Bustamante. Says Bustamante, "it's about freedom." 

El Caballito de Mar, The Seahorse by Rafael Zamarripa

Bailarines de Vallarta, Vallarta Dancers by Jim Demetro represents the youthful energy, flowing movement, and colorful costumes of the Xuutla dancers.

Angel del la Esperanza, Angel of Hope Messenger of Peace by Hector Montes representing a legend which offers always the hope of goodness and equality for everybody, wisdom, love, and peace for humanity.

The Washer Woman by Jim Demetro depicts and elderly woman washing clothes by
hand which is still done by many locals.

Un Nino, Un Libro, Un Future by Ramiz Barquet 

Neptuno y Nereida, Neptune and the Nereid by Carlos Espino represents
the Roman God of the Sea and his Nymph

Naturaleza Como Madre ("Nature of Mother") depicts a crashing wave with human features (arms and face) perched on a snail shell. 

"Nature As Mother" is said to represent life and death.

Travel Advice of the Day

Take Sudafed before flying! Norma arrived with stopped up ears! We thought everyone knew to take Sudefed before flying. If you didn't know -- you do now. If you're ears are stopped up, ehow health has good advice.

Shangri La

Every year Tai and Norma return to Mexico for one of their mother-daughter times shared. Their destination of the past four years has been Puerto Vallarta. They love staying at Shangri La because it's the most beautiful site in PV. Close to the airport. They have the marina, the ocean, and downtown close by. It's quiet, safe -- and you can drink the water!!!

The Arrival!

We are back in Puerto Vallarta for our annual trip! First stop Las Casitas Bar for a margarita naturally -- because we're in Mexico!!!

Quote of the Day

“I soon realized that no journey 

carries one far unless, 

as it extends into the world around us, 

it goes an equal distance into the world within.” 

~ Lillian Smith

Why I Love Mexico!

I am on my way to Puerto Vallarta Mexico for my annual vacation there with my mom. On my journey, I met someone on the plane who asked me why I like Puerto Vallarta. It made me stop and think. I have always loved Mexico. I am simply happy there.  My destinations of choice have changed over the years but I return for so many reasons. One, its so close to California. I hop on a plane and in 2 hours am in paradise. (Of course I also live in paradise.) The weather is always gorgeous. You can pack little more than a bikini, wrap and sundress (all colorful of course!)  Puerto Vallarta is mystical city that harbors tradition in its streets, in its people -- a city that expresses the colors of its culture and beauty at every turn.  If there is one word I would use to describe Mexico it would be color. Mexico is so vividly rich in color. From the walls of building to the breath-taking colors of the environment to the bountiful colors of the food at each delectable meal to the colorful pottery and mass of souvenirs to the music just makes you want to move. Puerto Vallarta is all about color. But the most colorful thing about Puerto Vallarta and Mexico is the people. The people are kind and so incredibly grateful to have you there and happy that you love their home. They make their home your home!

Rolled, Packed & Ready to Go!

Puerto Vallarta Here I come! When packing always roll your clothes. you can fit more in!

Beautiful sarong my friend Bonnie sent me for my trip!

Sand-Off the Bikini

If you're going on a bikini vacation and love the beach there's a great new tool that will actually de-sand your bod and your feet.  Sand-Off is all-natural, has no scent and no water is require. I love it even after a walk on the beach before putting my sandals back on. It's a terry cloth that really works even taking sand off of sticky sun tan oiled skin. For $8 bucks you get about 30 uses.  Great to keep in your bag!

Bikini Travel Must

When going on any beach/resort/bikini vacation there are a few must haves! The first is a great bag that fold flat into your suitcase and can go from the beach to dinner. I love straw!

One must also take a good hat to shade the sun. A collapsible hat is best. There is a great fold up packable fabric hat that folds up and travels great and it can be found in an array of colors. I tend to go neutral because it matches everything.

I love straw hats -- and they come in many colors as well. These can be folded but don't regain their shape as well. I pack these by stuffing clothing in the hat then packing around it in my suitcase.

Easter Sunset

Tai dancing to life in the Easter sunset in Malibu...

Saints for Sinners

These colorful saint necklaces by Saints for Sinners are so colorful and fun! They are perfect jewelry to accessorize a bikini!

It's All About the Background

Whether taking a picture to remember a great vacation or simply snapping shots of loved ones for fun -- it's all about the background -- and lighting.  Go for the scenery, make sure nothing is coming out of your subjects head like a tree and make sure the lighting is on your subjects face. It can make the difference between a good and great photo.

Quote of the Day

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, 

people will forget what you did, 

but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

– Maya Angelou