Cruise Day 2: ST. THOMAS

Our first stop at port was in St. Thomas. The group split up a little bit. 

Everyone started with a little shopping.

 Some went straight to the rum tasting booth.

The birthday boy celebrated with Señor Frogs hats.

Some went to the beach.

 My friend Brandon and I headed off to ride the BOSS underwater scooters.

After riding the scooters, we were given the option to snorkel.

This is the only shore excursion we booked through Carnival. If I could do it over, I would recommend taking local taxis and tours just to give money to the people of the island.

Riding these was definitely something to remember, but I don't think I would choose this excursion again. I think if the people in charge of the tour were performing this tour in the states, they might be slapped with a sexual harassment case. I know they were trying to joke and make it fun, but it just didn't very professional to make jokes and rude comments to people aboard their boat.

 But we all made it back to ship to dine on shark balls

and celebrate Uncle Duane's birthday.

CARIBBEAN CRUISE - Day 1: PUERTO RICO

We took a midnight plane going anywhere...actually to Puerto Rico. That is where we were boarding the Carnival Valor cruise ship.

A must eat course in PR - mofongo at Ropa Vieja. Also don't be afraid to buy empanadas from street vendors for $1.50 (they are so delicious).

We had 1 night and a day to check out San Juan before getting on the boat.

 San Juan gate - the city's official entrance.

 Save the gato - helping stray cats.

 Much needed cool down from the humidity.

There are many beautiful monuments around town. I don't know what some of them are for, but they look really cool.

Remember when we used to have good presidents is the US?!

Time to cruise.

I'm on a boat!

SeaWorld + Blackfish + My Opinion

I visited SeaWorld San Diego and had an amazing experience. I went to all of the shows, rode the rides, and checked out every exhibit I could. After that, I came home and watched Blackfish. 

Do I regret visiting SeaWorld? Do I feel like SeaWorld is a bad place that treats animals in a cruel way? Will I never visit SeaWorld ever again? 

My answer is NO.

Things can be created for both sides of an issue/attraction/idea. For example, a movie could be made about all of the dogs who have had to be put to sleep because they have "attacked" a person, but you can also make a film about how many dogs have been adopted and helped people and are great pets. Would I watch the first movie and get rid of my sweet pooch? No. I feel like this film was very one sided and encourage others to check the facts from both parties before forming an opinion.

Please be sure to check out this link for the truth about Blackfish.

LEAVE IT BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT

Whatever happened to the phrase 

"Leave it better than you found it?"

This shoe-pocalypse seems to be the norm at my local Target store.

Post bonfire at the lake shows no respect for Mother Nature.

I mean, it's not that hard to actually pick something up if you drop it or put your garbage in a trash can is it?! Come on, people...I'd hate to see what your bedroom looks like.

LumenX Bike Light

I used to work at a cafe with a guy who was often coming in bandaged up. He would tell us that he crashed his bike or ran into cars a lot. Bless his heart. If I knew where he was today, I'd give him this bicycle headlight as a gift.

The Lumenx mountable bicycle headlight is a powerful 2-in-1 portable LED bike light. It can shine up to 500 feet and can effectively light up your path while you are on your bike trek. It also has 1x - 2000x zoom and a flash mode. 

This bike light is shockproof and water resistant (made of durable military grade aluminum with a flexible silicone water resistant body) so they can handle whatever obstacles might be on your route. The lights also have a higher output and life span than competitive incandescent bulbs with an energy-saving feature that ensures long lasting battery life. 

This light is portable and easy to install/remove with absolutely no tools needed - that is perfect for me! It fits around any handlebar, seat post frame, and more so you can put it where it best fits your bike.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Number One Omega 3 Krill Oil

Most people have heard of taking fish oil for your health. The new thing is to take is krill oil. What is krill oil? Krill oil comes from krill (a small shrimp species) the main food source to many omega 3 rich fishes. 

So what will krill oil do for you? It is proven to help improve heart health, joint pain, lower cholesterol, and ease PMS symptoms. Those all sound great to me!

Dr. Oz reports that it may work faster and more intensively than other sources of Omega-3s. It also doesn't have a fishy aftertaste that you can get from fish oils. Another great thing about this product is that they aren't giant, hard-to-swallow pills and you don't have to take 5 of them. I like that.

Find out more about #bestkrill for yourself via:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

MELTED CUPCAKES

ADVISORY: Do NOT leave your Sweet Tooth Fairy cupcakes in the car unattended -- even if you just run in to a store or crack the windows. The summer weather is too hot. It is too dangerous!

The fat kid inside of me is so sad right now.

PRO Compression Marathon Sock #GIVEAWAY

PRO Compression is a California-based company that is focused on making the best athletic socks for athletes, travelers, professionals who are on their feet continuously, or anyone who is on the constantly on the go.  California means their compression socks are proudly made in the USA! 

Their socks use a graduated compression which is shown to help increase blood flow in the legs and reduce lactic acid. This means they help you recover faster and feel less fatigue. The socks can be worn for sports or under your regular pants for support and come in lots of different colors and designs. Your legs will love you for wearing these socks!

My recipe for success: run, hot tub, compression socks, repeat.

**The nice people at PRO Compression have given me the promo code COMP40 to share to give you 40% off all marathon socks and sleeves.**

Want to win your own pair of marathon socks? Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Bookish T-shirt #GIVEAWAY

Do you love reading (like I am trying to)? Know a lady who loves reading and has a birthday coming up? The person who always gets books or book store gift cards. Well, now you can give her a shirt with a clever slogan that will make that special bookworm squeal with laughter.

These shirts and designs are made with great quality. You won't regret this brilliant gift for your reader.

GoneReading is a social enterprise that has pledged 100% of after-tax profits to fund reading related charities in the developing world.  Their funding recipients include non-profits charities READ Global and Ethiopia READS.

A great t-shirt (100% cotton in various sizes), great sense of humor, and a great cause--sounds like a perfect gift for your friend give a "shout out" to her activity.

Want to win the t-shirt of your choice? Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

PETBROSIA #GIVEAWAY

Day-Z is a picky eater sometimes.
She doesn't eat much and only once a day, but the vet said she needs to lose 1-3 lbs. I am pretty sure she sneaks human food from other members of the household (AHEM). So she is on a strict diet with NO human food and better dog food.

We have been trying Petbrosia. When you order Petbrosia, you answer a few questions to help them determine the right diet for your dog or cat based on their breed, age, weight, food allergies, activity level, and other needs you feel should be brought to their attention. Don't worry, they will help you understand their approach to designing the best dog food. 

They also have a guide to switching your pet’s food so your furry friend doesn't get an upset stomach. This is what they recommend:

Day 1-3: Mix 75% old food with 25% new food.

Day 4-6: Mix 50% old food with 50% new food.

Day 7-9: Mix 75% new food with 25% old food.

Day 10: Feed 100% Petbrosia food.

Petbrosia uses all-natural meats, fruits, and vegetables which Day-Z loves and there is a dog food comparison on their site to check out. 

Once you decide your pet loves their new food, you can set up Petbrosia’s dog food delivery program (this might save you a few late night trips to the store when you forget their food ran out). Day-Z loves the delivery man and gets excited when she hears the doorbell ring.

**Petbrosia is letting me offer you readers a trial offer for 3 lbs. of Petbrosia Pet Food for only $9 with free shipping for new consumers only by using the promotional code:  BRZEJ9**

Enter to WIN a FREE 3 lb. box of Petbrosia for your cat or dog on the form below:

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Sweet Salt Clothing #GIVEAWAY

My favorite jean shorts that I have had for like 7 years have a hole in them. I was devastated when I noticed the hole starting and then I thought "7 YEARS?!" That thought made me realize I need to update to my wardrobe and donate some old clothing to the thrift store.

What things have I had my eye on recently?

I love this polka dot shirt and jacket

and this pencil polka dot skirt.

Where can you find these cute items? They are sold by Sweet Salt Clothing. I love shopping with companies who have good customer service and Sweet Salt offers a no-quibble returns policy. Modest, fashionable, and affordable clothes AND great service....I'm sold.

The nice people at Sweet Salt Clothing would like to give 1 person a $50 gift card to spend at their shop. Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ELIMAY PET PAIN CARE #GIVEAWAY

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have a friend with a dog who is suffering from cancer. Since I have become such a dog lover lately, it breaks my heart to see this dog in pain. I offered them a box of Elimay Pain Care. It is an all natural supplement that is helpful for dogs with inflammatory diseases including allergies, arthritis, and cancers. It contains proven anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric and boswellia, good for chronic joint and muscle pain. It is easy to administer to your pet. Elimay Supplements use BITS Technology®, which makes it easy to chew and swallow, or to simply twist into your dog's food--so you know the supplements get swallowed and absorbed.

My friend has been giving 1 softgel to their dog after they go on a walk and they have noticed he has been walking with less pain. I am SO happy to hear that that pooch is feeling better. If you have a dog who is suffering from chronic pain, then give this a try. It is made with all natural ingredients, so it is non-addictive and non-toxic.

ENTER TO WIN A BOX FOR A PET AT YOUR OR A FRIEND?FAMILY MEMBER'S HOUSE with the giveaway form below:

RAFFLECOPTER IS ACTING UP AND I AM ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN. UNTIL I RETURN TO FIX IT, Linda S IS THE WINNER. Thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.