Last week I attended the Premier of I Feel Pretty. Honestly, when I was invited to the event I didn't know what to expect. I'm one of those people who watch movies based on the cast. Though, I'm a fan of Amy Schumer. At the moment of finding out about the premiere, I couldn't put the name to the face. I also didn't watch the trailer. Nowadays there are very little surprises, it was nice to go to the movies and not have an aha moment to a part that I saw on the trailer. Plus, I feel that sometimes the trailer gives too much away. However, I wanted to share with you guys some key points from this movie and yes I cried and yes it's a must-see!

During our first full day of our Mommy Son Trip, we stopped at a local mall called Bocagrande Centro. This mall was only a couple of minutes from the hotel that we stayed at and I loved how modern this mall is. This mall had a good hand full of stores and also offered a food court with a breathtaking view of the ocean and delicious restaurants. As you guys know I have a huge sweet tooth so it was nice to indulge in a sundae. This mall was about four floors and had a movie theater on the fourth floor. Below, I’m sharing a couple of photos of our adventure at Bocagrande Centro.

Bocagrande Centro

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had an amazing weekend! Last week I attended two blogger events. I can't wait to share the recap with you guys. One of the events was the movie premiere for I Feel Pretty. I love everything about this movie. If you haven't seen the movie yet go! I also attended a STEM Bloggers and Parents Summit in my state. It was so nice to learn about the various ways STEM is incorporated into our lives on a daily basis and the resources that are out there. I plan on sharing additional information about both events so check out my blog later this week.
This week our menu is going to be the norm. I really haven't tried any new recipes for the family. I did make a pretty amazing spaghetti which Michael loved. He's such a pretty eater. However, he told me that he loved the spaghetti. We had about half a cup of spaghetti sauce which wouldn't be enough for dinner. I had crushed tomatoes on hand and added seasonings and voila! The perfect spaghetti.


What's on the menu this week?

Recipe 

The New York Times voted Cartagena the number #2 travel destination of 2018. I recently traveled to Cartagena Colombia (you can read all about it here) and I honestly had so many questions prior to traveling and after my trip. Below, I’m sharing some must-know tips to traveling to Cartagena Colombia, Whether it’s on your bucket list or even if you have a trip planned for this year. These are tips that you should keep in mind prior to visiting.

Money

The currency in Colombia is Pesos. Some places do accept credit cards. However, I would suggest possibly exchanging money with your bank prior to visiting Colombia. Know that there are plenty of ATM’s everywhere from hotels to supermarkets. But to start off. I would suggest exchanging at least $100 if you’re traveling solo and staying in a tourist area. Remember that most places will have different rates.
Even some of the well know restaurants still don’t accept credit cards so please keep this in mind. Also, make sure that you’re using a credit/debit card that doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees.

Credit Cards

As prior stated, credit cards are accepted at most locations. The only time I mostly used pesos is when I dined or if you decide to purchase something from a street vendor.

Transportation

I honestly used Uber for most of my transportation needs. I wanted to know how much it was going to cost me upfront and I honestly didn’t feel like negotiating any prices with a taxi driver. I did take a cab from the airport. Colombia also had bus service. It didn’t make much of a huge difference budget wise for me to take the bus. So I opted to use Uber.

Coffee

Yes, you can bring coffee on a carry on bag. I believe there is a limit though to the amount that you can bring.

Transportation From The Airport

You can set up transportation on your own through a transportation company. When you exit the airport. Money exchange is on your right and right next to it, is the kiosk for taxis. Someone is also outside setting up transportation and there is taxi line. You can go directly to the person or use the kiosk.

Excursions/ Tours

I didn’t do any excursions or tours. However, there are plenty offered. I know a lot of people used some that are posted on Trip Advisor. Make sure to do your due diligence when booking a trip.

Spanish/English

Spanish is spoken in Colombia. Most people that I encountered did not speak English that was from Colombia. If you do not speak Spanish. I would highly suggest using Google translate. I had phrases saved in my note section with a header in English so I could remember what the phrase for. If you’re taking a taxi or planning on wandering off and you don’t have WiFi. Save the information. I do not speak Spanish, read or even write it. However, I didn’t allow that to stop me. I know the common phases which helped a lot.


Have you visited Cartagena Colombia? Do you have any trips planned?

I recently returned back to Cartagena Colombia and I received many questions in regards to which hotel I stayed at. Today I'm sharing my review of the Las America’s Hotel Review Cartagena Colombia

Room

The high ceiling throughout my room was breathtaking. Everything had a luxurious feel to it. I love all of the branded items that this hotel had. My room was clean and was stocked with a mini bar. The rain shower made my showers so relaxing after a busy day in Cartagena.

Lobby

The lobby is in this hotel was absolutely stunning. From the decor to the water features. This hotel actually has two lobby areas. One of the Original hotel and the second is attached to the original hotel however, it’s newer.

Pool

I believe this hotel has about 10 pools. Yes, you read right. This was my first time staying at a hotel that had so many pools. Did I mention that one of the pools included a slide and there were a few that were infinity pools? I love that this hotel also had a bar area which included a bar as well and plenty of seating. The adult pool was on the rooftop and I spent a lot of time there. It was so refreshing to just sit and relax. I love that I had the option to sit in an additional seating area if I didn’t want to be near the pool.

Amenities

One of the reasons that I selected this hotel was because Michael and I were on our annual spring break trip. I wanted to stay somewhere that if I didn’t want to leave the hotel I didn’t have to. This hotel had plenty of restaurants and they also offered an all-inclusive option which I thought was awesome. They had bikes on site, mini golf, and playground.

Security

I don’t believe I’ve ever felt so secure at a hotel. If you’re not a guest at the hotel. You’re not permitted in which I loved, the guards thoroughly did their job and a guard was always at each entrance.

Cartagena Colombia | Las America’s Hotel Review (Additional Photos)