Romance/Getaway Series #2 - FLEXFLOPS

FLEX-FLOPS

Pick one:

* You had an emergency pedicure and can't put your freshly polished toesies back into your pumps
* You shopped all day and your feet are on fire
* You danced all night and your feet are on fire
* You wore your new Yves St. Laurent 5 "Tribute" platforms for two hours and your pieds sont flambées
* What - you think I'm walking barefoot through that airport security line??

All good reasons to stock up on cool and highly functional Flexflops: the adorable little flip-flops fold in half into their own zip pouch - so compact you can always have at least one pair in your purse.

I really love these flexible shoes. They are perfect to toss in my handbag for a quick shoe change when I'm going from the office to the mall. The reason why I am including them in the "romance" series is because they would also make fantastic bridal party gifts, or gifts for the bride-to-be. These would be the perfect shoes for the reception - take off those toe pinching heels and put on the flex flops!

To find out more information, or to buy a pair for yourself, visit their website here: http://www.flexflop.com/index.html

Disclaimer: I was provided with a pair for review, no monetary compensation

A Passion Most Pure - By Julie Lessman

About the Author:
She is an Inspirational Romance author with a passion for God and a passion for romance. Since the age of twelve, she has been in love with the idea of being “in love.” It happened the moment Scarlett seared Rhett with a look on the winding staircase of Twelve Oaks. Suddenly she was a goner, spellbound by the emotional ebb and flow of romantic relationships.

As an adult, she quickly learned that true romance is spiritual as well as physical and emotional. And one pass through the “Song of Solomon” in the Bible told her that God was the biggest romantic of them all, deeply passionate in His love for each of us. Through her love affair with Him, she has discovered that romance can transcend to another dimension where romantic passion and spiritual passion merge, creating a 3-D love story: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Book Description:
Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page. Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.

This book is the first in a series by Julie Lessman - The Daughters of Boston series (A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed and A Passion Denied). I read it while on vacation this past week and I had a hard time putting it down. I found myself drawn to Faith's convictions and determination to please God, while I found myself feeling sorry for Charity who went about attracting the attention of men in all the wrong ways. I loved the competition between siblings because what sisters don't have rivalry at times? I think that for a first novel, this is a fantastic start, and I can't wait to read the other two!

Romance/Getaway Series #1 - Secrets Silversands Riviera Maya Cancun, Mexico

WE ARE BACK! My husband and I went away to Mexico to celebrate our two year wedding anniversary (yes, a few weeks early), and stayed for 6 nights at Secrets Silversands, located in Riviera Maya Cancun, Mexico. Neither of us had been to Mexico before so we were looking forward to it. We had previously been to other all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica and Punta Cana, DR. We loved Jamaica, but didn't love Punta Cana, so we were hoping Mexico would be a trip that we would love, and it definitely was!



One of the reasons we chose this resort is because they offered an anniversary package, which included a banner on your door, champagne and fresh fruit in your room, rose petals on your bed, spa discount, and breakfast in bed one morning . . . another reason was because of the modern accommodations, which we really enjoyed, and also the list of included features (tennis, room service 24/7, yoga, games, entertainment, shopping trips, pools, photos with animals such as monkey, parrots and donkey, jogging track and more). It had a lot to offer, and on top of this. . . NO KIDS ALLOWED! Our last resort vacation was a family resort, and it ruined the peaceful atmosphere and relaxing experience with the yelling and screaming of excited little children. Don't misunderstand me here...My husband and I love kids, in fact he works with them all day for his job, but when we want to get away, unwind, and be romantic, we prefer peace and quiet.

Mexican Restaurant at the resort:


Secrets Silversands is situated on the Yucatan Peninsula, a mere 15 miles south of Cancun. A modern marvel in contemporary design, Secrets Silversands is nestled in lush tropical vegetation and surrounded by cool blue waters on the Riviera Cancun coast. Style meets luxury in paradise at Secrets Silversands.

Sophistication and distinction have arrived to the Riviera Maya. Come visit the all-suite Secrets Silversands a modern marvel in contemporary design. This resort presents Unlimited-Luxury® in an innovative way featuring suspended beds, chic modern fabrics, alluring décor and captivating lighting.

Portofino Italian Restaurant:


Eight gourmet restaurants—seven of them á la carte—plus eight posh bars are the perfect places to enjoy a quiet romantic dinner, catch up with friends, or meet new ones. Savor authentic Mexican cuisine at El Patio; enjoy Asian delicacies and hibachi specialties at Himitsu; experience delectable Italian cuisine at Portofino; dine on the flavors of the Mediterranean at Ratatouille; sample fine French specialties at Bordeaux; or just enjoy the striking ocean views at Oceana and the Seaside Grill. If you want a recommendation we suggest Ratatouille where we had a pork filet in a tangerine sauce or Bordeaux where we enjoyed a filet mignon dinner TWICE!

Himitsu Habachi/Japanese Restaurant:


While we were in Mexico we wanted to see some of the sites. First we visited an old Mayan community called Tulum. It was basically the remains of the Mayan civilization, and we learned much about the culture and architecture. It was fascinating, but on a hot day, it was rough walking around listening to the tour guide when sweating bullets. If you do go, bring a large bottle of water/gatorade and a hat!



We also ventured out to a natural water park called Xel-Ha. It is the world's largest natural aquarium/waterpark, featuring open-sea aquarium and a myriad of land and water activities, ecological attractions, world-class restaurants, and countless more unimaginable experiences. What we liked was that it was also an all-inclusive. We didn't have to pay for food or drinks while there. At this part we had a chance to swim, spend time in a cave, take part in the rope walk, watch people swimming with dolphins and manatees, which were an extra cost and enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty all around us. I would definitely recommend this attaction if you ever venture to Cancun, Mexico.



Here are some more photos of our trip:

Where Pool Meets Ocean (I loved this view):


Us on our last day, trying to catch all the rays we could before our bus:


One view from our room:


Comfy lounging area by the beach from bar:


We really enjoyed our stay at Secrets Silversands Riviera Maya and would love to go back and try their sister resort, Secrets Capri sometime. So if anyone would like to send us back for your 3rd, 4th 5th (etc) anniversary or birthday or any random time of the year we would not argue one bit!!!

Blogger Award

While I was out I received an award from a fellow blogger - Thanks for the award!