I have friends who use to tell me that every time they went on vacation, they went to a different spa. I honestly didn’t “get it”. Well guess what? I’ve changed my mind. I get it now.

It’s been the YEAR OF THE SPA. Let’s review:

April 2010.  Mandarin Oriental Hotel – Las Vegas

The atmosphere is very “zen like” with Japanese inspirations  everywhere. I liked how all your treatments faced the strip so you could enjoy spactacular views while getting your treatments, relaxing, sitting in the jacuzzi etc.

See what I mean? everything faces the strip...

November 2010 – Ritz Carlton Palm Beach

This spa was truly gorgeous. I loved the color schemes, the furniture, the wishing well…even the little cupcakes. They thought of everything and I was SO glad the weather was lousy that day and I chose to go to the spa instead of the mall (I’m so smart). LOL

Ritz Carlton Spa - Palm Beach

March 2011 – Ritz Carlton Cayman Islands

This spa is one of the few spas in the world that is a La Prairie Spa…so I was intrigued. I had also hear that the caviar massage was well worth it but sadly my budget would only allow for a manicure. It was the first time I have ever had a manicure in a spa and indeed it was worth it. I took full advantage of the wet sauna, dry sauna and jacuzzi plus there were a few extra steps in the manicure that I really enjoyed.

A great spot to relax....

Next on my list: The Russian Turkish Bathhouse in New York City. I know I know..its not a spa but you know what I mean.

Now I need to discover Spas in Toronto. I’ve only been to one!!

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That’s right..I’m in Cayman Islands on a mother-daughter (much needed) vacation!

We had an awesome flight on WestJet, got groceries right away, and sat on the beach till the sun went down.

Not a bad day at all. Currently I’m at Cafe Del Sol blogging and it’s a lovely place to have a coffee, listen to some great music and take advantage of some free internet!! It’s a perfect way to end my day.

Here’s some photos that I captured between 4 and 6:30 p.m.

The sand is just gorgeous!

I like this concept ...never saw it before!

i like this too!!

Tomorrow I’m going to World Gym to get a week membership and continue to run at least FOUR times this week.

Naturally I have decided to run in the mornings so I can take advantage of happy hour!! (shhh…I’m a planner – don’t tell anyone).

I have never exercised on vacation before but there is no excuse..I have the time and I have a goal!!

Here’s the plan for the next 6 days:  – go to the gym, sit on the beach, attend happy hour…repeat!!

Just kidding! I plan on going to the spa at the Ritz Carlton as I hear its STUNNING. Plus I really want to see the most unique car collection in the world at the Cayman Motor Museum. (think – batmobile, Ferraris, etc). Not sure I’m brave enough to go to Stingray city.

Sad but true. (fear?).

As for my eating adventures: Michael’s Genuine Food and Drinks sounds exactly like the place I want to eat at…so we are hoping to snag a reservation on Saturday nite.

Stay tuned for more adventures from Cayman Islands!!

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See what I mean? Is this not AWESOME?

This is a story about GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

I went to Buffalo for Family Day and had made reservations to stay at the Hampton Inn (Galleria). When we arrived, we checked in and then proceeded to the elevators. But BOTH elevators were not in service. So we dragged our bags up 4 flights of stairs – not a huge deal – but inconvenient.  In the morning, we noticed BOTH elevators were still not working.

When we checked out, I kindly said “by the way – having both elevators not in service was not so acceptable for a hotel”. He quickly said “I know. We are sorry for the inconvenience”. Twenty seconds later, he hands me a statement and says “Could you please sign here. We have waived the fees”.

I said ” Excuse me..did I hear right? you waived the $149 hotel fee?  JUST LIKE THAT?.

The clerk replies: “Yes. If you are not 100 % then you don’t pay!!”.

I was in shock. This type of service has never happend to me before. However I can assure you – that I will return to the Hampton Inn Galleria in a nano-second.

P.S. the shopping was amazing. As always.

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Yes, my addiction to food continues. This time …in Ottawa.

I went with my foodie friend @pronosher, who was all to happy to join me on this adventure. (which is why we are friends).

This is the condensed version:

a) Kettleman’s Bagel Co.- to buy Cochrane’s Dairy Milk in a glass bottle. Naturally I did a taste test and naturally Cochrane’s milk won. Creamy and delicious. Also, we stopped by to buy bagels cause that’s what they are famous for.

When was the last time you had milk out a glass bottle?

b) Shiraz (608 Somerset Ave W) – to buy lemon salted pistachios.

c) Coconut Lagoon – for an Ottawa Foodie Tweet Up. Ottawa foodies that attended: @cestboncooking @michaelsdolce @ryan_short  @sforzley @pronosher @OttawaCake @ceoteenjobz.

The food and the company was perfect!!

d) Fraser Cafe – for homemade donuts and an excellent coffee. Loved this restaurant and hope to return for a proper brunch one day soon. There is a reason why they won a bronze at the Gold Medal Plates Competition.

e) The Sustainable Oyster & Fish Supply – for a haddock fish sandwich that was incredibly tasty. Here’s more info about the sandwich…it came with carmelized onion, caper garlic aioli and a mango spice sauce. One word: YUM

I love Ottawa. I grew up there and every time I visit I discover great food, meet great people and have an awesome time.

Looking forward to my next trip already!!

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I grew up in Ottawa and visit regularly, but for some reason, I have not visited Gatineau Park for years.

I remember skiing at Camp Fortune as a kid and visiting Mackenzie King Estates but it’s been decades since I have returned.

Not anymore.

Last weekend, my mom and I took advantage of a beautiful fall day and went across the bridge. It only took 15 minutes before we were on Old Chelsea Road enjoying a coffee at Les Saisons Cafe Coffee House. After we had some much needed coffee and apple cider, we headed to Mackenzie King Estates to walk around.

Having Fun...

We ventured over to Lake Windermere and naturally I had to take a photo. I was a bit snap happy that day..for obvious reasons.

The weather was perfect for taking pictures!!

Then we drove some more and we stopped at a few beautiful lakes, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what lake this is. But I’m inserting the photo in the event that someone recognizes it. To be honest, both photos are going to be nameless unless someone helps me out (hint).

I have no clue what lake this is..Anyone?

Then we went on a chair lift ride for $5. My mom had not been on a chair lift for forty eight years, so that was kind of a cool experience for her. Infact the last time she had been on a chairlift was with my Dad on a DATE.

Here’s a few photos of what we saw.

Not a bad view at all!!

Our Shadow from the Chairlift - Im on the right!!

and finally I will insert one more photo cause it’s my favorite.

Fall Rhapsody at it's best.

To end of the day, we stopped again on Old Chelsea Road at www.soupherbe.com for a perfect bowl of soup.

For further info about Fall Rhapsody, visit www.ottawafestivals.ca or www.canadascapital.gc.ca.

Happy Autumn!!

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