A Night at the Circus

Last week we spontaneously decided to go see the circus thats in town.  The show by Aqua was so much fun!  We ate caramel corn {my favorite} - and settled in to watch acrobats, magicians, dancers, lights and fountains.  

In the 2 and a half hours of action I loved how we heard such a variety of music - classical, Spanish rock, Euro club, opera, Dominican rap - you name it, we heard it!  Unfortunately I didn't get many good shots, but I was able to capture this with a video; the colors are a little blurry but you get the idea.

Have you been to the circus?  

I can't wait for the next one.

Grappa

Last Saturday night..

Grappa

-We sipped passionfruit sangrias while trying not to laugh at the overly attentive Fabio-type maitre d'.

-We shared sushi and a sampler platter which included a ceviche marinated in coconut milk - yum!  

-We admired the interior design and chandeliers and brick walls that felt so much like Europe.  

-We talked about urine therapy, which is quite gross and should probably not be discussed over dinner at a fancy restaurant.

But most importantly, 

we had the best dessert I've ever tasted in the DR!  

The Volcán de Dulce de Leche.  

Gooey caramel oozed everywhere and although it looked like a puddle on my plate it was delicious and buttery and the perfect pair for its vanilla ice cream.

Puddle built with love

A Year to Better Skin

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On my 25th birthday this year I decided that it was time to start taking better care of my skin.  I've never had problematic skin per say, just the occasional breakout and general characteristics of combination skin.

Living in a tropical climate has improved my skin, but after seeing this picture of a woman who spent years with one side of her face in the sun I realized how much I should be more cautious with my skin now and wear sunscreen to the max.  Although I don't usually do posts like this, these products are really working for me so I thought I'd share!

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Face Wash - L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Face Soap

Ok, maybe its not the cleanest product when compared to the Burt's Bees I've been using all my life, but I believe this bar has been the #1 factor in clearing up my face.  After running long runs in the heat, this simple but powerful product is all I need to thoroughly cleanse my face and prevent post workout breakouts.  Plus, its cheap and lasts, like, forever.

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Daily Moisturizer - Argan Oil Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40+

I had never heard of Josie Maran products before I read about them on another blog.  After scanning through tons of comments of fellow users talking about how much they love this moisturizer, I thought I would give it a try.  It leaves my skin feeling soft and glory all day long.  It is paraben free and your significant other will love the smell of it.  Find it at Sephora.

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Eye Cream - Acure Organics Eye Cream Superfruit + Chlorella Growth Factor

The last time at Whole Foods I was recommended this eye cream [even though its under $20!].  It is really brightening even though it doesn't even mention anything about brightening.  Its light and I love the way it absorbs into my skin.  Perfect for early mornings!

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Makeup Remover - Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

This is not your average eye makeup remover - it doesn't feel oily nor slimy and it actually works!  The towelettes are really useful and the packaging is great for travel.  So far its been the only way that I can get every last trace of eyeliner and mascara off, and in a gentle way to boot!

Any skincare products that I should know about?  

I'm in the market for a new face mask.. 

Happy Father's Day

Hawaii, 1990

DePaul graduation, 2009

Barcelona, 2010

Orlando, 2012

- Baba -

Thank you for always putting your family first.  Thank you for believing in me and supporting me in all of my decisions - even if they might mean that I live thousands of miles away from you.  Thank you for helping me live the life I want to live.  Thank you for being you.  

Happy Father's Day.  

Summer Wish List

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According to the books summer starts on June 27th, but living in a tropical country means summer is already here!  Its been HOT around here lately and its been making me think about summer plans.

Things on my wish list this summer: 

Visit Las Terrenas.  Its located in the last main region of the Dominican Republic that I have left to visit and its supposed to be one of the best beach areas in the country.  After the beach in Punta Cana, I can't imagine it gets much better but I'm dying to find out!  

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Make homemade mango salsa.  This one looks easy enough.

Swim in the river at the finca; its too cool and refreshing not to.  

Read, read, read.  Finish the 50 Shades trilogy and get a head start on the beachy reads that are sitting on my bookshelf, like Big Girl and The Lies that Chelsea Hander Told Me.  

Go to the zoo!

GREECE.  I might get to go this August and I really hope I do because its been nearly two years since I've last graced the island of Santorini!  I'm already envisioning long days at the beach followed by fresh fish and a big Greek salad.

Oia, Santorini

What are your summer wishes?