Getting to La Paz

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip to Mexico and it was beyond expectations.

  On day one we wasted no time before starting the vacation and I do mean no time but before doing that we had to get through airport customs which we all know can be a hassle.  Getting through the newly constructed Cross Border Xpress took longer than we expected.  There were so many little requirements and such long lines that made me not understand the EXPRESS part of it.  But I'll tell you all about that experience later.  After going through customs we went to the airport bar where we waited to board our plane.  Next stop Guadalajara where we also grabbed a few beers because why not (wink) while we waited to board our plane to Los Cabos.

When we got to Los Cabos there was a shuttle already waiting for us to take us to get our rental and soon after we were on our way to La Paz.  The coast drive was beyond what I imagined it to be, it is absolutely stunning with amazing views of the Pacific.  Unfortunately pictures don't do it any justice, lighting, moving car, and not using my cannon contribute to the lack of capturing the beauty of it all. 

 The drive was pretty good and only about 2 hours that includes stopping for snacks along the way.  

We got to La Paz a little before sunset and drove along the malecon on our way to our hotel.  Well that was our drive out to La Paz 

 

It Is Time!

Yes its official!  I'm quite impressed with my packing skills because I'm actually done packing all the clothes needed for our trip, they are folded and put away in our luggage.  Usually I'm not so well organized and the day of our trip I'm still gathering clothes and putting outfits together or searching for the right shoes and completely stressed instead of being excited for the trip but not today.  Today the outfits are picked, the shoes are packed, and the toiletries sealed.  With that said Los Cabos here we come. 

Spontaneous LA Trip

Took a little trip to Downtown LA which was pretty fun, specially with great company and delicious food.  I love LA specially downtown!  The buildings, the different cultures, the atmosphere, the food, and the shops.  

  

First Night in Laughlin

It's officially our first night in Laughlin, Nevada and we are having an amazing time.  There's something about casino lights flashing I find absolutely exiting and let me tell you the lights on the drive in are amazing, particularly as they reflect off the river.  I was so mesmerized by it that I forgot to take a picture so I don't have any pictures of that yet but I'll try and get some tomorrow. 

View from the In-N-Out drive-thru (Midnight Snack/Meal)

 

 View on the way to the ice machine

As soon as we checked in to our hotel and got settled, we went for a walk to check out the hotel and to get ice, then drove to get some food.  

Pizza Recipe

Let me start with stating a very important fact, I LOVE PIZZA! I also really love to bake which is why I want to share the very delicious recipe I combined after trying and altering different dough recipes. I often bake pizzas but for one reason or another I've been baking a lot more pizzas lately I guess its due to the football season and it can be a fairly easy process specially if you prepare the dough in advance (you can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of days).  This recipe makes two 12-inch pizzas or one very deep pan 14-inch pizza.  If you are going to prepare the dough and bake the pizza all in one night it'll take you no more than approximately 2 hours to enjoy your delicious pizza, this includes the prep time, the dough rising time, and the baking time.   

 
Dough Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups warm water 
• 1 pack active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbs EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

 

 In a mixing bowl combine the warm water and yeast let it stand for about 3 minutes

to allow the yeast to dissolve (stir if necessary).

Add salt, olive oil, one cup of flour and using the the dough hook mix on low speed

Gradually add in all the flour and continue to mix on low speed for about 3 minutes or until dough clings onto the dough hook.  Usually I add the mixer lid to avoid flour powder everywhere but because the speed is low to medium the lid isn't really needed.  

Dab your hands with olive oil (it'll make handling the dough easier) and coat a bowl with olive oil then place the dough in the bowl, turn the dough in the bowl so that it is nicely greased.  Cover the dough with saran wrap, place it in a warm place and let it stand for about an hour (it should be twice as big). 

Pizza Ingredients

•  EVOO (to grease pan)
• Marinara Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• Pepperoni
• Bell Peppers 
• Onions (red)
• Black Olives 

Preheat your over to 450° for about 45 minutes
 Grease 10 inch pizza pan with olive oil, take half of the dough and with your fingers press it across the pan, carefully pulling it to the edges, make the crust big enough to keep the cheese and sauce from dripping over (I usually make the crust a little extra bigger than necessary)

After spreading the sauce and adding the cheese you can add all your ingredients.  Place it in the oven and bake it for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. 

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

In an attempt to make a different type of hair bow I experimented with different types of ribbon loops and after various little ribbon clippings and loops (as mentioned in my previous post) I love the resulting No-Sew hair bows.  

Three of the loops I experimented with before finding the right one

Choose your colors

Cut sixteen 3" strips

 

Add glue to one of the tips 

 Make a little loop

After making all sixteen loops 

take one and add a drop of glue in the middle of the tip and stack 

another loop on-top of it 

Then add a drop of glue to that one too

continue the process (glue and stack) and continue stacking them on top of each other 

 As you continue to stack them it'll come together beautifully

Polka Dots Bow

Trying to come up with a new ribbon bow and after much ribbon clipping and cutting I put together an adorable little bow.  I wasn't sure what it would lead to and didn't take pictures of the process.  However I'm planning on making more of these soon and I will make a picture tutorial with the next one and post the pictures soon. Here's the pic of the gorgeous little polka dot bow.