Michelle's Top 5 Vacation spots of 2012. (Budget Friendly)

 As a Travel Consultant, I come across a lot of amazing destinations. I have a small list here of my top 5 favorite Vacation spots of 2012. I have created this list by choosing my favorite places with the best prices. Take a look.

 

 

 

5. Puerto Plata

 

Puerto Plata is on the north side of the Dominican Republic. Because it's not on the Caribbean sea, but on the Atlantic, it is a tiny bit colder than Punta Cana. This beach is a "natural" beach, therefore it does not have the white sand like the Caribbean. So now that the cons are out of the way... This area of Dominican Republic is still beautiful, the resorts definitely make up for its lack of beach beautifulness (made that word up). Puerto Plata Gran Bahia Principe San Juan starts at only $655 out of Sudbury, and $507 from Toronto!!!  With prices like that, how can you say no?

Click here to visit this resort

 

 

4. Santa Clara

 

Santa Clara is located in Cuba. This quaint area of Cuba, is well known for its spectacular beaches and snorkeling. Santa Clara is in a more quiet area in Cuba, perfect for people who want to have a stress free, quiet vacation. My suggestion for the PERFECT stay, would be at the Iberostar Ensenachos. This 4*, 167 room hotel, has everything to offer in making sure you have the ultimate Cuban experience. (Spa Included!!). This resort is starting at $1 312.50 from Toronto.

Click here to visit this resort

 

 

3. La Romana

 

Another destination in the Dominican Republic. This area is considered the "new" Dominican. Punta Cana has always been their main tourist spot, but since hotels cannot be built higher then a palm tree in this country, they've began to develop else where. Punta Cana has basically been completely discovered. La Romana is brand new, preserved and fresh. The Gran Bahia Principe La Romana is on the most gorgeous stretch of beach in the Caribbean. View the photos on the provided link to see for yourself. Starting at $705 from Toronto, I'm sure La Romana will be a smoking HOT destination in 2012.

Click here to visit this resort

 

 

 

2. Cancun

 

Not a Caribbean destination but is absolutely jam packed with gorgeous hotels, pools, restaurants, clubs, beaches, spas, shopping centers, YOU NAME IT. With my experience as a travel agent, Cancun is my #1 top seller. It really does sell its self. Weather you are looking for a party resort, or a relaxation spa resort or even a family resort. Cancun has something for you. Their countless excursions like deep sea fishing, cave exploration, swimming with dolphins are amazing add ons that make the Cancun vacations the best. It's hard for my to narrow down just ONE hotel. But because I am basing this list on value, I will have to go with Crown Paradise. The hotel is a family resort, but also offers an adults only sections. Centrally located, also directly on the beach. Starting at $809 from Toronto.

Click here to visit this resort

 

 

1. Varadero

 

Ah Cuba, also will have a soft spot in my heart. When people come see me, its their first trip and they don't know where to go. I use my Cuba card. Can't go wrong with Cuba, mainly because I know the locals will take good care of these first time travelers. The local people in Varadero are what makes Cuba so special. Varadero's beach is without a doubt perfect. A great thing about Varadero is you can take day trips to Havana to learn about their culture and history. It's truly a must. Where to stay where your there? The Iberostar Laguna Azul is my suggestion. This resort starts at $855 from Toronto.

Click here to visit this resort

 

Please be wise when shopping for vacations. Remember that travel is regulated, you get the same prices everywhere, whether its an agency or websites. Websites use trick words to lure you in, even though they're prices are the same as everyone else. Be safe and visit an agency that is TICO certified so that your vacation is completely protected. Happy travels!! 

 

 

Michelle

Sara's 2012 Resolutions

My mum asked me the other day if I intend on making some new year resolutions. My answer, without any hesitation, was no. As the day went on I thought to myself, 'well if everyone else is doing it'. And so I went through areas of my life that could use some tweaking.

Health

It just so happens that I'm getting a gym membership. It's just by coincidence that I'll be receiving my new membership at the beginning of the year. I'm actually quite excited. When my boyfriend and I lived in our condo, we were fortunate enough to have a gym in our building. Since moving into our house I haven't done any exercise and quite miss certain machines. I know... Who says that right? Haha! I also really enjoy taking a class called Body Pump at Goodlife. It's one of those classes where you use every muscle with weights while listening to great get your body moving music. And I can't leave out yoga. What a great exercise to release your body and mind of the every day stresses.

I will also be cutting back on eating out in restaurants. I love watching the Food Network. I could leave that channel on all day and I would be a happy camper. However, since I watch it so much, I should be able to actually cook or even bake. I mean I have all their magazines and cook books. Well the answer is no. I am not very confident in the kitchen. I vow to try to master a recipe or two a week. Can't be that hard right? Thank goodness my better half supports this idea and will give me a hand or two while I burn I mean prepare tasty and health conscience meals.

Water! Yes that's one of my resolutions. To drink more water! It's our fuel right? Well I guess I've been running on empty for years. I'm going to try my best to drink more water. I heard somewhere it's important. Hee her

Beauty

I have a terrible habit of going to bed without washing my face. I know it seems simple enough but when you get home late from work all you can really do is brush you teeth and fall into a deep sleep. This year I'd like to take more time washing my face and taking time putting things away before bed.

Friends & Family

These last few months have been somewhat of a blur. I work, come home, work, come home. I'm going to make an extra effort to reach out to my friends and family and create some new memories. If I have to lose some sleep for an extra laugh or perfect picture well so be it!

Alright I know what you're thinking. These really aren't huge changes Sara. Yes I know but I love where I am in my life and I know we all could use some challenges and there are always areas in one's life that needs some extra attention. These are mine :)

To everyone who are making resolutions: I wish you all the best of luck and remember to stay positive and don't be afraid to rely on friends and family for a little support. It goes a long way.

All my love this new year's day,
Sara xo

Happy New Year

It's that time of year again. Where we say goodbye to one year only to welcome the next.

We wish our readers the best in 2012.

May next year be filled with love, happiness, sunny days, laughs and good memories.

Happy new year!

Love Sara and Michelle xo

Merry Christmas

Wow! Christmas came and went so fast. This year was especially special to me. It was the first time in many years I was able to go back to my home town of Iroquois Falls and celebrate with my family all under one roof. I don't remember that happening in... well... forever.

This Christmas was really amazing and I can't wait till next year. I promised myself that I will work on Christmas gifts throughout the year and I hope I stick to it. Christmas crowds are just a little too much for me.

I hope everyone had a wonderful time. Rest up because NYE is right around the corner.

My sister's dog Bella, Casey and Frank in their Christmas sweaters.

Sara xo

App Of The Day

I've had my iPhone for just about a month and I can't praise it enough. I was the generation Blackberry for many years but made the switch and I am really happy I did.

One of my favourite apps on the phone is Instagram.

It's a great way to take photos and share them with other Instagram, Facebook and Twitter folks. There are many filters to make that regular photo look like it was produced by the old and yet still amazing Polaroids. There are many different filters that can transform your photos. I enjoy the blur feature. It's a great way to make the focus of your photo pop! It's perfect! And you don't have to take a photo right away to use the Instagram. You can upload a photo to the app using the camera roll and voila, change up the photo the way you like.

I give this little app 5 stars!

If you'd like to follow me this is my Instagram name instagiguere

Here are some photos I took using the Instagram.

See you on Instagram :)
Sara xox

My Favorite Christmas Recipe

I want to share with you my super easy, super yummy, super awesome truffles recipe! You can make a small batch or a giant batch like I did yesterday. These truffles can be decorated and styled in ANY WAY. I sprinkled them with festive colored sugars, cocoa powder, coconut, peanut crumbs, colored chocolates, the possibilities are endless! These truffles have always been a big hit every year, with their solid chocolate coating and creamy center.

Yesterday I made over 175, along with another 175 of peanut butter balls. I want to make sure to have yummy snacks on hands for the holiday season. I will also be giving some out as gifts. I bought decoratives tins from the dollar store and put a dozen truffles in each. It's the perfect Christmas gift for your child's teacher, bus driver and babysitter.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Here is the simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Crush the entire box of cookies. You can use a fork, potatoes masher, or place them in a large ziplock and use a rolling pin. Crush cookies completely.
2. Mix your cream cheese brick in with the crushed cookies in a large bowl. You may want to put your hands in there and blend it.
3. Make small balls with the dough. Roll them in your hands for the perfect shape. Place them on parchment paper of a cookie sheet.
4. Refrigerate until firm.
5. Dip in chocolate, then refrigerate.
6. Decorate as desired.

Tips

• For variety, use different types of chocolates; white, milk, dark, colored.
• Use toppings, Oreo crumbs, sprinkles, peanuts, toffee bits, coconut, cocoa powder etc.

These truffles can be frozen, be sure to take them out at least an hour prior before serving.

-Michelle 

What I'm Listening To

It's been a while since I've come across some incredible music. I'm an incredible music junkie who is constantly keeping an open ear to new acts.

My friend and I got talking about artists we listen to. We have similar taste in music. He mentioned this folk duo I've never heard of before but they are becoming increasingly popular. You'll hear why.

Ladies and gentlemen...

The Civil Wars

And my personal favourite track is Go (below)

Well I hope I've brought a little folk into your life and you enjoy this band as much as I do.

Sara
X

A Homemade December?

I can't believe Christmas is almost here. That means that I need to get going on my Christmas shopping.

I'd like to think that I'm an excellent gift giver but I'm not so confident this year. I have a few fantastic presents ready for the big reveal but I'm missing some key people.

Fro instance, my mum is one hard person to shop for. The moment I think I got the perfect gift, she's already gone out and bought it for herself. And so the search for the perfect gift continues.

My favourite gifts are the homemade ones. They are the most special and the most unique.
In the past I've made bath salts, took a page from William & Sonoma and made ready to make cookies in a jar. I've knitted hats and crocheted scarves.

If you're going to go home made this year make sure you do your research and have your gifts made sooner rather than later. You don't want to be panicking to finish a project when the big day approaches or not finish and have to fight the crowds on Christmas Eve.

If you've made or received some awesome homemade gifts let us know by sending an email of the gift to forevertickledpink@live.ca

We'd love to read your ideas and post our favourites here on the blog.

Sara

Cookies & Champagne

What a wonderful day! Nicole and I spent the entire day baking cookies for the HUG's Cookies & Champagne event.

We woke up pretty early and got started. Nicole made these incredible lemon nut cookies. They were unbelievable. While she was finishing up her icing, I was still trying to figure out what the heck I was doing. I even bought William and Sonoma mix and couldn't get it right. Thank goodness Nicole was here today. There is no way I'd be able to finish them in time for the event. And yes they were all suppose to be home made but I'm just not confident enough to make some rocking cookies from scratch. So I cheated. I mean it was just the mix. I swear!

Here are my sugar cookies. 

Nicole and I had a really wonderful time. There were so many cookies to choose from and the mini market was fantastic. I bought myself a very pretty necklace with a branch pendant. It's gorgeous and I'm very happy I got the last one. :)

Nicole and myself

Champagne glasses. 

So these 2 plates had our cookies on them. By the end of the exchange they were almost all gone and some other random cookies were added. 

I love this skirt.

What I brought home. :)

This is an event I will be attending next year. I'll have to practice my cookie making skills.

I'd like to say a very big thank you to the lovely ladies at HUG.

- Sara xo

How to love a snow bank

I live in the deep north of Ontario, and I don't know about you but winter is here to stay.  How do I know this? Well because it was -21 this morning, that's how! Most people, cringe at the sounds of an early morning snow plow, because this means we need to clear the snow bank left at the end of our drive way. But maybe I can change your mind, and show you the benefits of that little pile of snow.

Most people don't know this but, snow shoveling is beneficial in SO many ways.

First things first, get yourself a good sturdy shovel that you are comfortable with. It's also a good idea to get water proof gloves or mitts. Invest in a good pair, this will make the winter season so much easier (trust me). Bundle up the babies and the fur babies and GET OUT SIDE. Considering all the time we spend indoors during the winter, the fresh air will do you good.  The kids can help, the dog can help, make it a family fun time!

Did you know the average person burns over 250 calories an hour shoveling snow? This is almost the same as playing a vigorous sport. So not only are you, cleaning up the drive way, bonding with your family and working on your fitness, but you are also getting an amazing back work out. Having a strong back/core can reduce your risk of injuries, improve posture, increase energy and so much more. Remember keeping active and following a healthy balanced diet can decrease your risk of getting sick this winter.

I like to shovel right after breakfast, get it done and over with. After being in the fresh air and working up a sweat, I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle my day. My energy levels are sky high and I sleep like a baby at night. (oh and my drive way is cleared!)

So next time you see that little snow bank at the end of your drive way, smile because a great opportunity, has almost literally knocked at your door!

-Michelle