...and we're back!

What a week! Brandon and I arrived back in PA last Friday from our 7-night vacation to Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  It was a much-needed, relaxing and refreshing trip...perfect timing for us.  Admittedly, we were spoiled like crazy...and loved every minute of it. :)

The resort that we went to was an all-inclusive (you must try one of these at some point in your life!) which means that you pay a set price and all accommodations, food, drinks, most activities, and most amenities are included.  If you've been to one, you probably know how absolutely wonderful it is to go to a restaurant and order from a menu with NO prices.  Order the lobster or go with the cheeseburger...or how about one of each!?!  Okay, we weren't that glutenous, but we both definitely put on a few pounds.

In an attempt to counteract all of the food and drinks, we tried to stay active by playing beach volleyball, where we met some great people from several different countries (Hi, Rick & Jeannette!), and riding the waves on boogie boards.  

Here are a few photos from our week...

These first few photos were taken on the hour-long drive from airport to the resort.  While there are many growing and prosperous resorts/hotels in Punta Cana, much of the countryside was filled with scenes of poverty.   

There were many fields with too-skinny cattle grazing.  The fences that contained them were much different than any I had ever seen.

Arriving at the resort...

Excellence Resort - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Relaxing at the gorgeous pools.

Under the shade of an umbrella made of palm tree leaves...

The view out our back door...

A crazy guy on a four-wheeler...

A walk on the beach at sunset...

More of the resort...

A beach party...

24-hour room service...A-MAZING...

Tropical flowers...

Tropical birds...

The resort had 8 different restaurants to choose from...this was the hardest decision of the week. :)

We had fun getting all fancied up for dinner and the nighttime shows/activities....

Incredible food that looked as good as it tasted...

Then, the week was over before we knew it...and we were on our way back home.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: The Sequel

This has absolutely NOTHING to do with weekends, but I can't stop thinking about it because I'm so excited!  I do hope you'll bear with me. :)

In exactly 20 days from today, Brandon and I will be on a plane to Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic....one of our most favorite places in the WORLD.  We spent 7 glorious days there for our honeymoon back in 2007, and loved it so much that we are making a return trip in January (booked it during an incredible sale!).  Seriously, guys...this place is amazing.  Here's a few shots from the 2007 trip...

Best week of our lives...so far. :)

 

Ode to a Rainy Day

It's a weekday and I'm totally not at work! Wahoo!!! But I will be later this evening. : (

What a great day to be home though! It's totally yucky outside and I'm all cozy in my warm house...until my little dog, Ginger beckons me to take her outside.

There's a spot in our master bedroom that I especially love on rainy days like today...

As you can see, Ginger is a fan of this spot as well. :)

Guard dog.

Where do you feel cozy on a cold, rainy day?

Welcome!

I LOVE WEEKENDS. There's so much freedom, so much hope, so many possibilities! The weekend is a time when I get to indulge in my passions.

- family and friends

- travel

- new recipes (or old ones if I don't feel like experimenting)

- decorating

- shopping (yard sales and outlets are my specialty)

- organizing

- any form of relaxation

I'm excited to start this blog and share my ideas for fabulous weekend activities. Just thinking about it makes me anxious for the next weekend. Too bad it's only Monday!