Rx Bavaro Beach Punta Cana

Life is a whirlwind these days in this household. With relocation plans in full swing; A new job, new state & new home on the horizon, we needed a moment of R & R from the craziness. I’m a planner but when my husband suggested an impulse trip to the Dominican Republic I didn’t hesitate for a second. Three days later I stepped off the plane and gazed at the most uniquely tropical airport. No walls! Just thatched roofs and big Ass Fans – no kidding, that’s the official name. These architectural features continued within the tour busses and Resort lobby.

Punta Cana Airport- Tropical thatched roofs & no walls! © Copyright 2012 Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Keeping things cool with a Big Ass Fan

 

Day 1: Made my way past the pool with swim-up bar & headed for the beach. Sinking my toes into the white sand and immediately all stress drifted away. The plan was to lay claim to the coveted hammocks for my family, but I never made it past the loungers under the grove of palm trees. The next hour or two of ‘me time’ will be spent watching the waves and recharging my creative juices. My amazing view of turquoise waves & speedboats in the horizon is marred only by the speedo clad men emerging from the waves. Did they not see the ‘No Speedo’ sign? I must remember to put one up on my next trip – isn’t it an international unspoken rule? The guys got back from their Zip-line adventure in the mountains in time for lunch at the Cafe by the beach.

Paradise!! The view from my lounger.© Copyright 2012 Blue Sandpiper Imprints

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2.  Snub-a, Speedboats & Snorkeling this trio was the best antidote for the rising humidity. The night-time beach party was a riot, we got quite a workout trying to dance in the sand.

A leisurely stroll down the beach led us past this flea market with lots of cool trinkets.© Copyright 2012 Blue Sandpiper Imprints

 

 

Day 3 found us at the pool swim-up bar trying to recover from days 1 & 2. We took full advantage of the all-inclusive privileges at the numerous feeding stations & never once did I make it to the gym. Actually I did pop my head in for a tour, I’m not sure why I bother to pack gym clothes but at least the intent was there.

Day 4: My kids are trying to cover as much ground as possible with all the activities, before checking out to catch our 4:30pm flight back to reality. I just need one last look at the ocean, these memories will serve us well on cold winter nights when we move North.

One last look at this amazing beach as I walk away© Copyright 2012 Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Fathers pave the way and inspire greatness.

Happy Father’s day! to all the men who show up daily and contribute to a child’s development and growth. Raising and mentoring a child isn’t an easy job, especially after a hard days work, but the rewards are great. Great and supportive fathers inspire children to do great things and become great people. They’re upfront and center in a child’s life regardless of biology, being the role model that makes the world of difference. My dad choose to be apart of my life and raise me as his own, during my formulate years. Encouraging me to reach for the stars and color outside the lines. He was the first great storyteller in my life, weaving magical tales that sparked the imagination and transported me to mythical lands. Thanks Dad!

Dad’s day treats:

Twisted Cherry Limeade-Refreshing drink on a hot day
Photo by M. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Twisted Cherry Limeade

3 Fresh squeezed limes

2 Oz of strawberry or Raspberry Syrup

1/2 Gallon of water, Sugar (sweeten to taste)

2 shots of cherry Vodka (optional)

1 can of sprite

Garnish with lime slices and cherries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fathers Day with my wonderful husband and son at the Denton Air Show- Pilots showed off arial maneuvers, with planes from the present and the past.

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

A little bit of history at the Denton Air Show

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Surviving Summer in Texas

This will be my 5th Summer in Texas and I’m learning to love it. Summer in Texas means; Summer camps for the kids,Trips to the water park, Heading to the Soccer Stadium, Outdoor festivals, amazing  BBQ, and lazy evenings by the pool. It also means 100+degree temps, June bugs, mosquitoes, spiders, flies ,fire ants, cute bunnies, and side stepping the toads who aren’t eating enough bugs. It’s difficult to open the back door without being swarmed, I’ve almost mastered the art of getting in and out without letting the flies in. Entering the great outdoors can be quite the adventure, armed with 1.sun screen (to avoid 3rd degree burns)  2.Bug spray and  3. Fly swatter. If you can deal with all that…..then by all means, fire up the grill!

***Myth or Fact? hanging a plastic bag of water will repel flies…..I tried it and it works!*****

Grilled Lobster Thermidor recipe (http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/)  By Angela Boggiano

I’m not one to follow recipes exactly so I added extra lemon and a dash of garlic and Old Bay seasoning. it was Yummy Perfection. Bon Appetite!

Amazing Summer Treat – Grilled Lobster Thermidor

               Ingredients

3 Partially Steamed lobsters

2 table spoons butter

3 large shallots, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups fresh fish stock

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup double cream

4 tbsp chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives and dill

Pinch of cayenne pepper

3 Tablespoons Parmesan, finely grated

1. Prepare the lobsters. Remove the claws, then crack them by covering with a cloth and gently hitting with a rolling-pin. Remove the meat in large pieces and put in a bowl. Remove and discard the legs.
2. Cut the lobsters in half lengthways, first through the head, between the eyes, then turn around and continue to cut through the tail. Remove the tail meat from each lobster half and cut into chunky pieces. Add to the bowl with the claw meat. Remove the red row and add to the bowl – it has an excellent flavor. Gently mix.
3. Remove and discard the grit sacs and intestines – the long, thin, black line running the length of the body.
4. Transfer the empty shells to a baking tray. Divide the meat equally between each shell cavity, cover and chill until needed.
5. Make the sauce. Melt the butter in a frying pan and cook the shallots for 3-4 minutes, until beginning to soften. Add the fish stock and wine and boil until reduced by half. Stir in the cream and cook gently for a further 5 minutes, until the sauce has a good coating consistency. Take off the heat and stir in the chopped herbs and cayenne. Season to taste.
6. Pre heat the grill to medium-high. Spoon the sauce over each lobster half and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Grill for 3-4 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Summer

TURQUOISE BEACHES

Summer is warm sand beneath my toes, sunshine and beaches. It’s family vacations or stay-cations. It’s sitting on the patio chatting with friends on a warm afternoon, hoping for a cool breeze. It’s long walks thru the park with the kids and the doggie in search of the closest playground. Summer is camping trips, fishing on the lake, spending time bicycling outdoors enjoying nature.  Tank tops, shorts, sun dresses and flip-flops, sun glasses and cannonballs in the pool……..bring on those endless summer days.

SUN SAND AND SURF.