PUERTO RICO THE SHINING STAR

It's no wonder Puerto Rico is known as the shining star of the Caribbean...it has great culture, beautiful beaches and delicious food. Yes, I'm Puerto Rican, so maybe that makes me a bit biased. But, I will tell you that everyone I know who is not of Puerto Rican decent and has jet setted there has agreed with me. In fact, Shermans Travel ranks Puerto Rico as one of the best places in the Caribbean for being most affordable, for offering the best all-inclusive trips, for being on the beach by lunch, and as one of the best islands for culture and history.

The flight will get you there from New York in just under four hours...so you can be lying on the beach in no time! I just checked airfares and see deals for the month of December for $300 per person round trip, for direct flights (from JFK to San Juan). I used to spend my summers in Puerto Rico when I was growing up, and have not been back since 2004, but with deals like this and the winter months coming...that may change.

My Favorite Hotel in Isla Verde Area: El San Juan Hotel and Casino

My Favorite Hotel in El Condado Area: Caribe Hilton

My Favorite All-Inclusive Hotel: El Conquistador Resort

My Favorite Restaurant: La Bombonera

My Favorite Thing to Do besides lying on the beach: Shopping/Walking around Old San Juan's Cobblestone Streets

DARK AND STORMY

I had never heard of a Dark and Stormy before last year when I jet setted to Bermuda...and now I feel like I am seeing them on drink menus everywhere. (see picture above of waiter in Bermuda- it's the drink on his tray, not the one he's pouring) Anyway, I know it's a classic drink and many of you may be thinking that I'm crazy to have not known it. Either way, not only do I now know about it, but I also know that it's pretty easy to make. I wanted to share the recipe with you all if you are inspired to make a Sunday cocktail.

RECIPE: DARK & STORMY (makes one drink)

- 2 ounces of any Dark or Spiced Rum

- 4 ounces of Ginger Beer

- Lime wedge

- Squeeze the juice from the lime over ice, then add the other ingredients and mix together

- Enjoy!