Get your Groupon!

I joined Groupon a year or so ago and have been buying deals from them like crazy ever since.

I am buying them faster than we can use them, but that doesn't stop my from buying them still...the discounts are just too good to pass up!

I have run into a little problem though...some of them are on the verge of expiring and we're running low on time to get them all done.

I really have come across some great steals through Groupon A few of my favorites:

• Bikram Yoga membership {at a great studio right down the street from my office!!}
• Passes to the Seattle International Film Festival
• Italian cooking lessons
• Bar Method fitness classes
• Multiple spa services {facials, waxing, massages, hair cuts, manicures, you name it, I've gotten a Groupon deal for it!}
• Professional photo sessions {we just did this last week...stay tuned we should have our proofs shortly and of course, I'll share}
• Family Fun Center passes
• Trophy Cupcakes
• Emerald Down racetrack passes
• Puget Sound cruise tickets

Excellent concept Groupon is, really. Check them out {and make sure to sign up for their emails} and see if they have offers for your city!

México

Mexico was busy port for us. On the boat we'd met a group of ladies that lived by us (small world!) and had chartered a tour to Tulum, a larger set of Mayan ruins. They were so kind enough as to invite us to join them. We debated as to whether or not they could be crazy kidnappers or something and came to the conclusion that yes, they were indeed crazy, but not kidnappers, so we decided to tag along.

Our trip to Tulum started out by arriving in Cozumel, ferrying from Puerta Maya to Playa del Carmen where we boarded our van to Tulum. The van ride was supposed to be an hour long, but we had a super speedy driver who got us there in 45 minutes...we were glad because we weren't expecting to have a lot of time at the ruins, so his heavy foot got us a few extra minutes...and him a good tip!

It was a little weird that we had to stop and pick up his girlfriend (who we were fairly certain was underage), and even weirder that Rob had to ride between the two, but it was an interesting ride nonetheless.

Tulum was really exciting! It was a lot different than what I had imagined. It was located right on the water and the place was packed! Lots of the tourists were hanging out at the beach and swimming, but since we weren't aware that the ruins were so close to the beach we weren't dressed appropriately. We actually thought getting to the ruins was going to involve some hiking so we were all dorked out in hiking gear.

We really enjoyed the ruins and would have liked to have more time to spend there. It was so hot out, but we sprinted through the place to make sure we got to see it all before heading back. Seeing these ruins made us regret not seeing the ruins in Belize. There are some more Mayan ruins further West of Tulum called Chichen Itza, but our stay in port wouldn't accommodate a visit there. Next time we're in Mexico, maybe?? ☺

Here's an aerial shot of the site that I found online...just to give you an idea of the layout. Pretty spread out. Amazing.

Back at Playa del Carmen there were a bunch of military guys with big ol' guns all around the ferry loading. I thought it was weird, but had to document it. I am way too big of a wuss to take a full on shot, so camera in hand I folded my arms, guesstimated what angle my camera was at and took a shot. Luckily I have mad camera skills and captured a great picture. Rob thinks I am a nerd for doing this. And maybe just a little stupid. My words, not his...but I could see it in his eyes. ☺

We did have some time to shop and beach hop in Cozumel before the ship left. We came across this store that had a bunch dog t-shirts. We aren't ridiculous enough to actually buy one for Jackson, but we are ridiculous enough to take pictures of them (and to later have wished we would have bought one).

That was Mexico, and our last port of the cruise. I still have loads of pictures to post from our actual time on the ship, plus our time in Miami before the cruise, along with our few days in the Keys after the cruise. Yes, this vacation is going to drag out forever, blog-wise.

Belize

We were so un-Belize-ablely lazy this day. Lame pun, I know, but I just couldn't resist!! We'd scheduled an excursion to Altun Ha, a smaller grouping of Mayan ruins, but we decided to skip it.

At this port we couldn't walk right off the boat onto the dock, we had to take a 20 minute tender in which would have required us to be up and at the tender spot around 8:00 in the morning. Yes, that is too early for us...especially since we'd stayed up in the karaoke lounge until 2:00 the night before!

We slept in a bit and made our way into Belize City a little later in the morning. Apparently we were still pretty groggy because the lady that took our picture told us that we looked bored in the first one and demanded we smile for another picture. So this is us, cheesin' it up on the tender into Belize. We look excited to be there, right?

We did a bit of sightseeing near the port, then we headed straight for the shops. We got a lot of fun things there. We may or may not have picked up some slingshots for my nephews, which I am sure their parents will be thrilled about them receiving. ☺

All along the shops they had pillars that had the neatest carvings in them. Not many of the pictures I took of them came out too clearly though.

We'd stopped into a pharmacy and saw that they offer nearly every kind of perscription medication imaginable over the counter. Lipitor, Prozac, Lunesta, Viagra, Retin A, Amoxicillin...everything! No prescription needed! Crazy, right? I was a little tempted to pick up a few dozen things, but then I wasn't too trusting in the quality/safety of the pills. Come on, I have more smarts than that!

After we'd shopped and saw the sights for what seemed like days hours upon hours we were pooped and ready to head back to the ship. Looking back, we both wish we would have sucked it up, risen at the crack of dawn and gone to Altun Ha, but Rob just says that now we have a reason to head back to Belize. Really, I wouldn't mind that!

Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands was our first stop. The boat docked in Georgetown, which was bustling with people. We had an excursion out to Stingray City planned for later in the morning, so we first set out to explore the area around the port and scout out the places we wanted to stop by on our way out for souvenirs.

We stocked up on gifts at the Tortuga Rum store (rum, rum cakes, sauces, etc.), which they graciously delivered back to our room on the ship. We also popped into Hard Rock, to grab a few goodies.

The whole pirate theme was all over the Caribbean (crazy, I know!☺), so we have a gazillion shots of us posing with pirates - fake and 'real', and some pirate ships - again, some fake and some really real (pretty cool).

We then made our way along Seven Mile Beach (absolutely beautiful for snorkeling!!) and ended up hopping a boat to Stingray City. It was here that we donned our snorkeling gear and jumped in to swim with the stingrays. We swam with them, held them, fed them and even kissed them (for good luck)! This was probably my favorite water activity of the entire trip. Rob liked that it was only four feet deep.

One of the guides went diving for a bunch of conch shells to give us to take home. They were really big and really icky on the outside, so we just opted to hold them and pass them off onto the other passengers. The shells are absolutely beautiful on the inside though. Apparently the urchin-like thing that inhabits them is quite tasty...the locals were eating them right out of the shells. Eww, I know.

We bought some disposable waterproof cameras to snap pictures in the water with, but I have yet to develop them. Actually, I have yet to dig them out of our still unpacked luggage, so all the water pictures will have to wait until I get my act together.

I did manage to get a few goobery shots of us on the boat after swimming. And yes, that is my nose plug on the band around my neck. When it comes to being in the water, the nose plug is the best invention ever...as far as I am concerned. The water in Grand Cayman was amazing! It felt like getting into a hot tub...almost. And the color of the water, absolutely hands down the best color of all our stops.

We came across some new housing developments on our way back and Rob was trying to convince me that we need to purchase the one on the right as a vacation home. I told him I'd have to think about it. ☺

There is a small city on Grand Cayman called Hell. Yes, that's right. Hell. They have a post office where you can mail postcards to all your loved ones (or not-so-loved ones) from Hell. Rob thought it's be hilarious to send out a mass mailing from there, but sadly we were out of time so we had to pass it up.

We hit some more shops (FYI - diamonds are super cheap here!!) and then back to the big ol' ship we called home. And that my friends, was Grand Cayman, in a nutshell. Next stop, Honduras!

Non-stop weekend

We spent this last weekend in our home away from home, Portland. We took Rob's younger sister and cousin down there to celebrate her 18th birthday.

We did lots o' shopping. And I mean lots. Sure, I can shop with the best of them, but those two teenage girls sure WORE. US. OUT.

Rob says he got a taste of what it would be like for us to have girls, 'following them around the mall, opening his wallet every time he turned around' and he 'hopes for boys who like to stay home on the weekend and watch sports'. Ha!

There was a big figure skating competition going on in the mall's skating rink so Rob and I spent a good chunk of time resting/watching it while the girls ravaged the mall. The younger skaters was so cute! There was a little guy that did a pirate routine that I thought was adorable.

Nordie's had a New Moon party going on, so of course we had to stop by and blow a kiss or two to Edward and Jacob! Oh, and on that note...I can't wait to see New Moon this Friday!!!

In keeping with Portland tradition, we caught a late movie. I was bummed that there weren't a lot of kid friendly movies in the theaters, but luckily 2012 was age appropriate for them and, we all thought it turned out to be pretty good.

A short drive later and we were back home, just the two of us, loaded down with lots of new goods, full of tasty grub and ready for a three day long nap! We had such a great time with the girls, even though they made us we aren't that young anymore. ☺

Portland and back

On a whim, Friday afternoon my Robster and I packed our bags...and Jackson's 'diaper bag' (Rob's words, not mine), dropped our pup off at the sitter's house and made our way down to Portland for the weekend.

It was a couple days full of doing what we do best...going to the movies, staying up late, eating out, shopping and sleeping in. Oh, and our version of car karaoke.

It was such a great time! Rob went and saw The September Issue without so much as a groan. He also followed me around shopping all Saturday (and half of Sunday!), even carrying my bags. Have I got a winner or what!?!

Our movie night was actually a double. After the first show we decided to stick with the documentary theme and stay around (and out of the cold) to see Capitalism: A Love Story. Great movie, but definitely a different feel from the world of Vogue we'd just visited.

There was a Halloween convention-like thing going on in the hotel during our stay. This big scary guy (I thought was a statue!) caught me off guard and I nearly lost it when he lunged for me. Halloween is weird. ☺

After a great Chinese lunch in the Pearl District and then a few hours and few hundred dollars later at Powell's City of Books we were on our way back to good ol' Washington State. We ♥ us some Portland!

Just a taste for now

I had tons of fun in Utah, just don't have time to post lots about it yet. Time away from home and work has resulted in piles and piles of stuff for me to catch up on. A few little highlights for now...pictures to come soon...maybe.

• Game night!!!
• Work outs with Jordan
• Seeing UP at the Kaysville Theater with Mom and Alane
• Steak house family dinner
• Watching House on DVD with Ryan & Chase
• Girls' afternoon with Mom and Mel
• Final Destination in 3D - SO not good!!
• Red Robin and Build a Bear with just me, Erika and Bailey
• Finally going to Tai Pan
• The magic, healing hands of Dr. Dad
• Family breakfast at Doug & Emmy's
• Afternoon chat and laughs with Grandma & Grandpa
• Bowling at Sparetime...I broke 100!

Rob was missed. Really, really missed when

a.) He wasn't there to hold my luggage at the airport so I had to take it in to the bathroom with me...eewww!

b.) I had to third wheel it on Jordan & Anne's team during Cranium, then got ditched when they left half way through.

and

c.) Pretty much the entire rest of the time.

I FINALLY get it

On a nearly bi-weekly basis for the past eight plus years I have dragged Rob from store to store where I expect him to flip through racks of clothes with me, give his opinion, then critique each and every piece that I try on and carry it for me once it's been purchased. And get this...he says he doesn't really like it. Shocker, I know!

It's taken years for me to catch on, but last night it really sunk in: shopping isn't fun if you aren't the one doing the shopping.

I'd agreed to accompany Rob while he bought some new suits. It was fun for the first seven and a half minutes...maybe, but then I was done. There wasn't any girl clothing to look at, just suits and ties and shirts and dress shoes and cuff links. Boring! After what seemed like days (it was really just a couple of hours) Rob had selected his suits, gotten fitted for them and paid. I thought I was on the verge of death by boredom.

I now have a new appreciation for all the tolerance he shows when we I go shopping and rather than having to reciprocate, I think it's best that we just shop on our own from now on...for the most part, at least. :)

I should point out that it wasn't a total bust...I did get to see His Handsomeness is some mighty sharp suits, and he did buy me some earrings! Of course, in true Rob fashion, we ended the evening with breakfast-for-dinner at IHOP.

Over the Fourth

Day one of our adventure was pretty adventure-less. We browsed the Lloyd Center Mall, got our pictures taken in the photo booth a la Jr. High style and saw Transformers 2. Total waste of two hours if you ask me. The first one was pretty good, but the second one was just plain stupid. It was just a bunch of running around, blowing up and machines zooming all over the place. Not good.



A yummy Standford's dinner after made up for the lack of cinema excitement and then back to the hotel for some shut eye. I am not a big sleeper, but Rob had to drag me out of bed the next morning because this hotel has the most comfortable beds I have EVER slept in. Seriously. That is why we always stay here in Portland. Not for the amazing location, great nightlife or the charming shops. It's the beds.

Next up was the St. Paul Fair and Rodeo. It wasn't much of a fair, but it sure was a good rodeo! As we parked at the city cemetery and walked into 'town', we passed this chalk art and it made me laugh. Had to take a picture!

Rob thought it would be $10 well spent for me to get a palm reading. I went for it and the whole time she was doing her thing I was thinking 'what a bunch of garbage', but she was SO serious, it was almost funny. Apparently I will be on the receiving end of a promotion within the next 3-4 months, I have a long life line (isn't this the lamest line in the palm reading book!?!), will be married within a year, will have three children (two boys and a girl) and will be financially successful for the rest of my days. OK, so I liked that last part.

At the rodeo the bucking bronco was right up there near the top of the list, followed closely by the bull riding, but my favorite part was when the rodeo clown reenacted every dance step of Beyonce's entire Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) video. It was SO funny!!

We skipped out before the fireworks to avoid the crowd when leaving. Little did we know, this sneaky maneuver led us to hit downtown Portland just as their fireworks were getting out, so we didn't get back to our hotel until 12:30. Genius, we know. We still caught some fireworks along the way.

The next day we grabbed lunch and did some shopping downtown.

Rob fell in serious like with an extendable scrubber at Sur La Table and insisted on carrying it around all day. Next stop, Puma. They had the funniest signs! Here's the Hot Stuff sign with my Hot Stuff underneath it posing with his new friend. This last sign was my favorite...it was in the mirror in the dressing room area.

Good trip. We had lots more planned, but ran out of time. It'll all have to go on our list of things to do on our next trip down.