Well #HelloKeurig

A few weeks ago, I received the coolest complimentary test item from Influenster! It was my very own Keurig 2.0, K550! The newest Keurig out and I was able to test it before it hit stores!

I guess they knew I really loved my coffee in the mornings! I mean, I can't even begin to tell you that I won't leave my house until my travel coffee mug is full and ready to go.

First things first, my new Keurig came with some sample single cups as well as large sized cups that are good enough to serve 4 cups of coffee which can be poured onto the carafe it came with in the box!

My first cup was delicious goodness and I was able to select the size and have it my own way! And if you must know, this includes some honey and milk in my cup of Joe. Just make sure you are using the new K-cups that are meant for the Keurig 2.0. Your old K-cups will not be recognized by the machine and you'll just end up wasting them.

I do have one particular con about the Keurig 2.0, if I want hot water, I am only promised as much as 6oz of hot water. I must also keep my finger on the black Keurig button until I no longer want water. So I have to monitor the amount of water that is poured. Unfortunately, you will not always get 6oz, many times it is less, like 2oz or just a steam. When that happens, you have to reset the machine by opening and closing it again, and allow the water to reheat so that you can fill your cup with hot water.

Other than that, I am happy with my new Keurig 2.0. I just really want my family and friends to ask for some cafecito when they come over so that they can indulge with me!

I know you are jealous, just hurry up and say #HelloKeurig as soon as you can!

Pure Barre or Pure Jello?

Last week I called my friend Veronica. She had been anxiously awaiting for my "big paycheck" so that we could sign up to go to a new workout meant to give you a ballerina body. And so I did...I signed up to do the torturous Pure Barre. Lucky, or unluckily, for us, we used to dance. I mean used to...like in high school, and maybe in college, like over 10 years ago. Yeah, that long ago.

Either way, those years of dancing and ballet did nothing for us in the class, because, let's face it, what does barre have to do with ballet? Absolutely nothing! Other than it gives your muscles ballerina-like definition.

Anyhow, my body and my weak little muscles were pushed to the point of the shakes! We weren't even using heavy weights (3lbs for me at most) and I couldn't even hold them without doing Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' dance to rest my little muscle fibers. It was all isometric movements. And by that I mean, hold your muscles tight and move them just about an inch up, and an inch down...over and over and over. Yeah...you get the idea. Or another visual for you would be like doing wall sits for forever.

Lucky for me, Megan, the instructor was nice enough to walk around and give Veronica (although she kept calling her Victoria) and I positive feedback. Whew! But still, how does she manage to hold her leg up for such a long time?! Of course, I tried my absolutely best to do every single movement right...and what did that get me?

I couldn't walk, laugh, sneeze, nor cough for 3 days after the class! It was unreal and a great workout. The class doesn't necessarily make you sweat, but if you know me, you know I sweat like a hog. Yeah...big fat hog in a 400 degree brick oven. That's what it felt like. But you know what...it felt good. And like the masochist that I am...I went again today. Not to say I am a masochist again, but I will be going tomorrow to join my friends who couldn't make it today.


Whew...so here it goes...my body feels like total jello! I know you want to try it now...don't you?!

You can look up for a studio near you here: www.purebarre.com

PS-Oh and this was not a sponsored post...I just love the pain that much!

Oldest Fort in U.S. - Castillo de San Marcos

I know it has taken me a little while, but I do want to give you a glimpse at my trip to St. Augustine, FL for the 4th of July weekend. St. Augustine is definitely a beautiful city and I was happy I was able to enjoy it with my friends, new friends, and hubby dearest. I also got to share some beautiful fireworks in the oldest city in the continental U.S. It is one of the most beautiful fireworks show in Florida and YES you must go see fireworks here!

Below is a photo tour of Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.

It was a little bit BLAZING hot and we learned it the hard way. If it was up to me, I probably should have worn my bikini (not that you would want to see me in it) instead of shorts and a tank! 

The flags below represent the countries that took hold of Castillo de San Marcos and St. Augustine. The first one on the left being Spain.

And yeah, it was so hot, we had to ration the water and would run to anyone selling it at all times! 

Before food, we needed water!! And that's what we drank while viewing the fireworks. Oh yes, and make sure you grab a spot early on behind the Castillo, because it is just a sight to have the fireworks light up the sky just behind it.

Quality Family Time

I have spent two fabulous weeks with family and friends in Peru. We laughed, we cried, we danced, we ate a lot!

The hardest part was definitely saying goodbye to my grandfather. In the last 3 years, his age has taken a toll on him. From one year to the next his ability to walk has almost been taken away. He is beginning to forget things. Maybe it's the fact that I'm older, that I'm grown, or that he is my last grandparent alive and I just want him to be around forever. 

I love him. I love the stories they tell me of him since he used to be so strict, but somehow, he had a tender spot for his grand kids. I was his first grandchild, and I love hearing stories of when he would rescue me from my parents when I was getting scolded. 

I love his stubbornness, yet I hate that this keeps him from doing things that would probably help him (like using a sturdier cane). I see him now and thank god for the time that we have spent together. Losing my Mama, his wife, was my first big loss. I never forgave myself for not calling her more often. With Nonna (my dad's mom), it was the same. I was lost. But I vow never to do this again. Never to take my family for granted. I have been lucky enough to visit him two years in a row. I hope I can continue to do the same. I don't ever want to feel like I could have done more to see and spend time with him. 

Never take your loved ones for granted. Love them to pieces every single day!

 

I did it. I made it. And it was incredible!

My little absence over the past few weeks was due to my fabulous fun filled trip to Peru. 

Amongst ruins, history, food, drinking, dancing, and family fun I had the most wonderful time.

I went to visit family last year on my own. This year, I brought hubby with me as I promised him to take him Cusco and Machu Picchu. 

I had a great time between learning new things about Peru's history and spending time with old friends and some of my favorite family members, including my grandpa. 

And before I go into any further details, I just want to leave you with some photo highlights of my trip. I am in awe as I have not edited any of the pictures

Blue skies over Plaza de Armas, Cusco

Overseeing the fields at Pisac, Cusco 

At the top of the clouds at Ollantaytambo, Cusco

At the market in Pisac, Cusco 

Admiring the view halfway up Machu Picchu, Cusco

Posing for the camera Machu Picchu, Cusco

Dining on top of a bathtub filled with goldfish, Fallen Angel, Cusco

Barbecue Chicken with Tata!

Showing off some ginormous snails used for beauty creams, Chinatown Capon, Lima 

With my cousins having sushi at Oceanika, San Borja, Lima

Sausage fest with the family, Miraflores, Lima 

Ultimate burgers at Papacho's, Miraflores, Lima

Debauchery with cousins and friends at Mamabatata, Chacarilla, Lima 

Dancing on the hanging bridge, La Cantuta, Chosica, Lima 

With Tata saying goodbye, San Isidro, Lima

Stick around because you won't want to miss these adventures!