Splish Splash...

When we first arrived back in the US, we spent a couple of weekends in Oklahoma before I returned back to work. It was so great just getting to hang out with my parents and not worry about stocking up on supplies and clothes to take back to Mexico. This time, it was just chilling and relaxing. My mom wanted to take us to this free outdoor water playground for kids about 10 minutes from their house in Norman (that would be the home of Oklahoma University for all you non-sports fans). I cannot tell you what an awesome idea I think this was for the city of Norman to build for

I'm an Addict...

Hello, my name is Kristen, and I'm addicted to horchata. Yes, I know its shameful that I must have this delicious drink at least 3 times a week, but I just can't help myself. I know that my husband will one day be ashamed of all the pounds I have put on because it is so horribly unhealthy for me. I know that I'm a bad example to my daughter when she sees me order a grande instead of a chica like I should. I know! I know! I know! But to be honest, I've accepted and embraced my horchata addiction, and I don't really have any plans of getting help with my issue.

There I said it. I'm glad I just laid it out there. And I'm sure that if you too have had horchata then you understand why I have this

Snowed In...

My sister and I used to love when it snowed in Oklahoma.

1. Snow day from school
2. Finally get to wear all our mittens and hats
3. Snow men and slides

Christmas in the Square...

I think what has amazed me the most about Mexico is how much they get into the whole decorating thing. I really thought that the US had this one hands down, but now I'm thinking Mexico may be a close contender. The one thing that Mexico loves to do is have ridiculously,

Being Neighborly...

This last Friday Seth and I had planned to go out on a little date since we had a new babysitter and wanted to try her out. (That was my excuse at least...shhhhh.) What do you know, one of our neighbors comes by, and invites us to a little get together with all the people who came to our Thanksgiving Dinner. At first we were like, hmmmm, what to do? what to do? But then, we said, "Well, we will just go out for our date, and then come back for the party, of course!" Who can pass up a little impromptu gathering?

We had such a good time, and I'm so glad we didn't wimp out and go to bed after our date. I love how our little corner area is so small that it allows for neighbors to know one another and just feel well...neighborly. What I love is that I know that if I'm in a bind or need help with something, there are 5 different sets of

Minaccessories...

When we went to Cancun last week, my main objective was to buy some jewelry from Minaccessories at a little bazaar at the Casa de la Cultural. I had stumbled across her from another blogger and fell in love with everything! I love the vibrant colors and charms that make

Fun Day in Cancun...

Now that Seth is not working every waking minute, we have so much more time to play again. I missed being able to just hop in the car and take a drive around to see things. Sunday, I wanted to drive to Cancun in order to see the bazaar at La Casa de Cultural. There was a jewelry maker that was going to be there that I specifically wanted to see to buy some Christmas presents. I'll tell you about her in another post because I just love her stuff! Besides seeing the jewelry, I was looking forward to just getting out

Everything is Deliverable...

Imagine a tired, worn out mommy going to make the formula for the baby late at night, and when she looks in the formula can...gasp...its almost empty! She's just too tired lazy from all of her daily activities to get in the car and drive around the block to get more formula at the

Taste of Playa...

I have been looking forward to the Taste of Playa before we even moved here a year ago. I saw it online when I was doing research for Playa del Carmen, and knew that I must attend when the time arrived. The day started out looking like it was going to downpour, but it ended up being

Scaaaary!...

Whatcha Been Up To?

Source

Since we've been back, Taelyn has been pretty much angel child. I don't know if she suddenly came into her own or what, but she's just happy, happy, happy all the time and so easy to entertain. The best part, is she's all about entertaining herself. This also means that Mommy has more time to pitter patter around and do all the things she likes to do, but never had time.

I don't know what it is, but maybe I got a little bit of the autumn buzz when I was in Oklahoma. The weather was just starting to transition itself into the next season. The leaves were starting to change colors. The wind was blowing a little bit cooler. Heaters were starting to be turned on. So once I got back, I just suddenly got on this baking kick. I know what your thinking. "But Kristen, you live in a tropical location where it is 87 degrees everyday and 100 trillion % humidity." Yes, you are correct, but that doesn't stop me. Once I get the cooking and baking bug in me, there's no point in trying to fight it. I'm sure you understand. Especially when you

A Bug's Life- Part 3...

As I said previously, I'm back in Playa now. So good to be home. I missed my hubby. I missed my dogs. I missed the beach. But boy! Was I sweating it up for a full day when I got back. Going from 55 degree weather to 84 degrees and 100 kazillion% humidity is not easy! So, I thought I'd give you another post of some of the interesting VW Bugs I've seen around Playa and Cancun. It just amazes me how decorative and imaginative some people can be with their cars. It shows a

Kaiser's...

So, this is my last installment on my trip to Oklahoma. I know you all are devastated, but do not fret. Alas, I will return to Oklahoma/Texas in December, and I'm sure I will find more than enough to talk to you all about my lovely home states.

Kaiser's is an old fashioned soda fountain/restaurant that has been around since 1910 in the downtown area of Oklahoma City. My dad used to go there with his grandfather when he was a kid to get sodas and ice cream. Its gone through many changes over the years, but finally, the new owners have restored it to its original glory. 

Its located in the original part of downtown just a few blocks from Saint Anthony hospital. And more useless information for you but that's where your's truly (and my dad too) just happened to be born, My dad has worked there for over 45 years, and he is counting down the 11 months, 25

Pink Frenzy Continued...

 I've pretty much told you all you need to know about Pinkitzel's so the rest is pretty much just the remaining pictures I took. This place was pretty much every little girl's fairytale dream. Sorry, guys, I just don't think you all would get as much out of it as us, females. But who knows.

Pretty in Pink...

While in Oklahoma, my mom insisted that we go to this new store that had opened up in the downtown area. I was like, "Ok, ok, Mom. We'll get there when we get there." Totally blowing her off of course because that's what daughters do. Let me say now, "I apologize to you Mother

House of Glass...

Well I've been back home, Mexico, that it is for almost a week now. Hence, the complete total lack of silence from me. So much to do! So much to do! After taking one day of rest, two days of unpacking, 3 days of catching up with the husband, and 4 days of getting everything back to exactly the way I wanted it, I'm back in the game!

I had a few more things I wanted to share with you all about my trip to Oklahoma. So, even though I'm back in Playa, the next few posts will be Oklahoma based

Oh Yum! Five Guys Burgers!...

One of the places always, always, always on my eat list when I visit the states is Five Guys Burgers. Yum! Yum! Yum! Seth and I like this place so much that we would drive 30 minutes out of our way when we lived in Dallas to eat there because there wasn't one near our home. When I was in my first trimester, oh boy! I went to Five Guys every week. I just couldn't get enough. I love the messy, sloppy, greasiness of their burgers. I love the kazillion of burger options you can create because they have over 17 toppings to choose from to layer on top of your burger. I love the spicy cajun fries with spices so strong

Once Upon a Child...

No, I'm not getting ready to tell you a fairytale. Well, I guess I could come up with some whimsical, cutesy way of telling you about this fantastic store, but I'm not that much of a dork. Ok, I am. I just don't give you all the full extent because I'm not sure if you're ready for my true dorkiness.

Anyway, so back to the point. Once Upon a Child (OUAC) is just the most fantastic store ever! I do mean EVER! For anyone who has had to buy baby needs like strollers, pack n' plays, toys, clothes, books, etc., you know how expensive this stuff can get. Well, that's where OUAC comes to play (pun intended). You can buy "gently used" clothing, toys,

Nicest Present Ever...

My property manager, Chris, just got back from a trip to his homeland, England. I had been complaining about how it was absolutely impossible to find malt vinegar in Mexico. Go figure, huh? You can find every other kind of vinegar under the sun; rice vinegar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, olive vinegar, wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, coconut vinegar...but alas, no malt vinegar. Crazy, I know! How's a person supposed to have some good fish and chips without malt vinegar. Of course, Seth thinks I'm dumb, and he believes that tartar sauce is the way to go. I ignore him and try not to be ashamed that I married someone who doesn't like malt vinegar. But, secretly, it is a little embarrassing. Shhhh!

Any who, I digress. So Mr. Wonderful Chris brought me back my very own bottle of malt vinegar! How nice is that? He said it was his favorite brand and was ridiculously cheap. I don't

Yeah Me!...

No, I'm not turning this into a cooking blog. I just had to share how proud I was of myself. I made my very first, honest to God, homemade pie crust! I know, I'm tickled too! Although I love to cook, baking has never been my forte. Certain