A PERFECT WEEK IN PUERTO RICO

We're just back from a week long vacation in paradise...aka San Juan, Puerto Rico!  The last time we were there, Richie was only a few months old, so it was fun to go back with Richie and Brody now.  We had an amazing time in the pool, on the beach, and checking out Old San Juan.  Puerto Rico is such a beautiful country and holds such a special place in my heart.  What's not to love about delicious food, gorgeous weather, and beautiful sites only a short plane ride away?  I love building and creating memories in Puerto Rico with my boys!

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: ISLAND FEVER

Hey guys!  We just got back from a week in Puerto Rico, and boy was it amazing!  We ate delicious Spanish food, basked in the sun, and splashed around in the pool and ocean for eight AMAZING days!  (Can you tell I miss it much? ;-)  Now it's back to reality, and back to cooler temperatures.  I know it's fall here, and everyone is posting pictures of fall fashion, but I couldn't help but share these pictures from our trip.  I love wearing peplum tank tops, and maxi skirts in the warm weather, and I pretty much lived in outfits like this one everyday.  It was in the 70's at night and 90's during the day, so easy, breezy yet stylish is what I chose to wear on the island.  I sure do miss it!  Even my son Richie said to me "Mommy, I like it better in Puerto Rico, it's too cold here!"  Ha! Take me baaaaaack!!! Alright, that's it....fall fashion coming this Friday!  Stay tuned...

Tank: Express (similar)

Skirt: via Katherine's Boutique

Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Bag: Anthropologie (similar)

Sunnies: Aldo 

WHAT'S OLD IS ALWAYS NEW

I've written about Old San Juan, Puerto Rico many times before on this blog.  Not only do I love it because my family is from there and I grew up vacationing there, but also because of its proximity to New York, its beautiful Caribbean waters, and its rich culture and delicious food!  So you can imagine my excitement when I saw an article in my December/January issue of Coastal Living magazine raving about Old San Juan, Puerto Rico as the perfect waterfront weekend spot!  They even compare the beautiful, tiny island to having the charm of Cordoba, Spain, yet much closer and with blue water surrounding you.  Here are their suggestions of what to do and where to stay when you visit...some I've been to (Hotel El Convento, Isla Verde Beach and Old San Juan), and some will be on my list of places to visit next time I'm there!
STAY: Hotel El Convento
SIP: Coffee with steamed milk at Cafe Cuatro Sombras
SHOP: Ole Boutique in Old San Juan
PLAY: Isla Verde Beach
DINE: Aquaviva- a restaurant serving modern Latino-Caribbean fusion cuisine

FLAMENCO BEACH

First of all, can I just say, I L-O-V-E the name!  

And I mean LOVE!  (I used to dance Flamenco).  

Anyway, back to the point of this post.  

Flamenco Beach is located in Culebra, Puerto Rico (an island of the coast of the mainland).  

It was voted the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world by Discovery Channel.  

The white sand beach stretches for miles, and it's just perfect.  As any times as I have jet setted to Puerto Rico, I have never had the chance to visit Culebra or Vieques for that matter.  

So, I am adding this to my bucket list.  

And, with the forecast in New York this weekend calling for snow...I am dreaming of a warmer, happier place.  

Happy Weekend!  

RESTAURANT REVIEW: LA CASITA BLANCA

Most descriptions you will read about this restaurant (including a spot on both Rachael Ray's $40 a Day Travel Channel show and Food Network's Have Fork Will Travel show) make you feel like this is a restaurant to check out if you jet set to Puerto Rico.  La Casita Blanca (which means "the little white house") has been around for more than 80 years, it serves authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and is really inexpensive.  Some of the drawbacks: its located in a not so nice area of Santurce (just outside of San Juan- so you have to cab it there and back), and you'll be dining on plastic chairs and tables.  Things like that don't deter me from trying a place if it has a been around for more than 80 years, and if its been featured on two Travel Channel shows, so I decided to check it out for myself the last time I jet setted to Puerto Rico.  

Arroz Con Pollo

Pernil

 Fricassee de Pollo 

I ordered Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken), my husband had Pernil (pork), and my dad had Fricassee de Pollo (chicken stew)- three typical Puerto Rican dishes.  I have to say that all three were pretty disappointing.  My dish had very little chicken and the rice was rubbery (as though t was cooked days before and microwaved), my hubby's was mostly all fatty which I know he likes, but I didn't think was right.  My dad's chicken was mostly pink inside and not fully cooked.  In addition, the plastic tables and chairs were covered with some pretty dingy and dirty tablecloths that are enough to turn off your appetite if you look at them too long, and the bathroom was disgusting.  We also drove to the restaurant and had to find on-street parking which made for a pretty harrowing two block walk to the place (and we're not locals, but we are Puerto Rican).  Believe you me, I don't like giving bad reviews to a restaurant in my homeland because lets face it, it's probably owned by a hardworking family, but I just have to be honest and say that I'm surprised that (1) it was featured on two Travel Channel shows, and (2) it's been around for so long.  I do hope things improve at this place now that it's getting the press it is.

THINK "S" FOR SEPTEMBER TRAVEL

One of the questions I get most from clients is where should I jet set to and when should I go? Since we're in the month of September we'll focus on some U.S. destinations that I think are perfect for this time of year...(think of the letter "S" for September). My three picks are San Diego, San Francisco and San Juan. September may be the perfect time to visit any of these 3 cities because the summer crowds have left, the prices have gone down, and the weather often times is the warmest of the year (including- most importantly the ocean temps). In San Diego, lines to get into places like the San Diego Zoo are much, much shorter!

San Francisco has what's called an Indian Summer (meaning their summer is cool and foggy and their fall is warm and sunny).

And I know you must be thinking about Hurricane Season when I suggest jet setting to San Juan, Puerto Rico in September!  Yes, it's a risk, but this month is one of the best times to visit this Caribbean island if no hurricane is on the way.  So just purchase travel insurance beforehand and chances are you'll wind up having an awesome vacation at a "SMART" price!

So, think "S" for names of perfect U.S. destinations in the month of September, and think "S" for Smart and for Savings!!!

RINCON, PUERTO RICO

It's touted as Puerto Rico's best beach town- with emerald hills, crystal water and beautiful sunsets- I'm talking about Rincon, Puerto Rico. And for all of the times I had jet setted to Puerto Rico, I had never been to Rincon, that is until my last trip. I finally decided to go because I needed to know for myself, and for my jet setting clients, if this destination is worth it when visiting the island. So, I rented a car and drove the two and a half hours from San Juan to spend the day.

Rincon means corner in Spanish, and is an appropriate name for this town which is located on the Northwest corner of the island. At this corner, the Atlantic Ocean meets up with the Carribean Sea. There are more than 8 miles of beaches in Rincon, and all of them are public.

Rincon is not the type of resort destination that has one long strip of hotels, shops and restaurants- the feel here is much more intimate. Rincon is home to many of the best surfing beaches in Puerto Rico- so be aware that the water and tide can be be a bit rough. I would suggest coming to this side of the island if you like water sports and adventure. If you are looking for more relaxing beaches to just hang out on, then head here for the day like I did, and plan more of your trip in San Juan or other parts of the island that have more sand and less surf.

Downtown Rincon is a 240 year old quaint and very small town. Make sure to head to one of the local cafeterias for some cafe and delicious pastries.

Here is the church in the center of town- so picturesque.

While driving around to explore the different beaches, you'll find tons of fruit stands selling the best bananas and mangoes you will ever try.

The scenery is absolutely beautiful- the animals are hanging out and enjoying the chill lifestyle here.

Everything is so lush and green- everywhere you go, you are surrounded by huge palm trees and a stunning coast.

The Punta Higuero Lighthouse is a well known spot and symbolic of Rincon. The original one was built in 1893, but only lasted 28 years after it was destroyed by an earthquake. This one was built in 1921.

El Faro park surrounds the lighthouse. This is a popular spot for tourists, events, surfing and whale watching.

Today Rincon remains part of the "Undiscovered Caribbean," and I suggest discovering it if you are ever in Puerto Rico and are looking for a more chilled and relaxing vacation, or if you are a big surfer. I'm glad I finally decided to rent a car and explore more of this beautiful island. Rincon was a perfect day trip for me while I was staying in San Juan.

Puerto Rico has so much to offer, and that's why I go time and time again.

As always, remember to contact JSS for help booking your trip there!