Ultimate Hiking Guide in Monterrey, Mexico

March 27, 2019May 11, 20193 Comments

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Monterrey, Mexico is one of the best places in northern Mexico for hiking as it sits along the Sierra Madre Oriental Range. Translated, Monterrey means “king of mountains” which is aptly suited. While Monterrey is a modern city, it has plenty to offer any nature lover. Here are the most popular hiking locations and trails in Monterrey.

Hiking to Cola de Caballo

Let’s start our hiking adventure with the most popular spot near Monterrey. Translated to horse’s tail (or ponytail) Cola de Caballo is popular with locals and tourists because of its scenic waterfall. It is about 28 miles outside of central Monterrey. I would allow about 50 minutes to an hour to get there by car and be sure to go early because as I stated, this is a popular spot.

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Should You Love or Hate Norwegian Airlines?

March 27, 2019April 26, 2019Leave a comment

How Do You Choose an Airline?

How in the world do you pick an airline for international travel when you’ve only internationally traveled once? The only time I had been abroad before last summer was for a high school senior trip. Everything was taken care of by the school, tour company, and my lovely parents. Fast forward 12 years, and I had no idea what airline I should book for my upcoming summer travels. There are dozens of airlines. Which one to choose? Being an elementary school teacher, my main criterion was easy- the most budget-friendly. I was just trying to get from point A to point B in one piece and preferably on time. I think those are pretty reasonable expectations.

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The 5 Best Happy Hours in Montrose Houston

March 26, 2019May 11, 2019Leave a comment

If there’s one thing Houston does right is happy hour. After visiting Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown, it’s time to visit the eclectic Montrose neighborhood.

Present Company

Present Company came on the scene after much anticipation last summer. It is located in the spot once held by Royal Oak which boasted killer happy hour and brunch specials. Its successor would have to fill the void, and Present Company definitely did. Its colorful kitschy decor coupled with La Croix cocktails make it very Instagrammable if that’s your thing. On Tuesdays, they have steak night for $15.95, and on Wednesdays, you get a free pizza with a wine bottle purchase. On a side note, they also have weekend brunch from 11am-4pm.

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The 5 Best Happy Hours in Uptown Houston

March 25, 2019May 11, 2019Leave a comment

Get ready for another installment of my favorite happy hours in Houston by neighborhood series. Check out the first one about downtown spots here and Midtown spots here. I like to find places that have happy hour deals on drinks AND food because who isn’t craving both right after a long day? Keep in mind that the Uptown/Galleria area is pretty swanky, so while you won’t find $3 wells here, these places have some great deals on high-quality food and drink!

Save this for that next time you need a place to go!

North Italia

North Italia is my staple happy hour in the Uptown area because it has my favorite HH special of all time- $20 for a bottle of wine and a chef’s board with meat and cheese. Drool. The $3 zucchini chips are also a win. No matter how many times I try to make zucchini chips, they end up being a soggy mess. I don’t even bother anymore. I just come here. They are perfect. And happy hour on Sunday?! Yes, please.

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Where Should I Have My Next Summer Travel Adventure?

March 6, 2019May 11, 20199 Comments

These days one of the few envious things about public school teaching is the summer vacation. It’s a hard job. I won’t get on my soapbox about the reasons why. I’m sure you’ve heard them, and besides, that’s what teacher happy hours are for. Amen.

In 8 years of teaching, I have taken off two summers- one to finish my masters degree and the other to spend the summer au pairing in Italy. Italy was last year. Call it my 30th birthday to myself or more dramatically my 30th birthday life crisis.

Usually, I work summer school because otherwise I’d be bored, and the extra income doesn’t hurt. Still, I am fortunate to have a month off to travel where my heart desires once summer school ends.

Which leads to the question- WHERE DO I GO? Yes, It’s in all caps because I AM SHOUTING. HELP ME. Picture a look of exasperation on my face. Shoulders tense. I know, I could have much worse problems in my life. Thank goodness.

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