Author: Steph

Skin Care Favorites

Skin Care Favorites

Posted on by Steph

My skin is far from perfect, but I have been lucky enough to find a couple of products that have been great on my skin.  My skin looks the best it has look in the last couple of years and I believe this products have done the trick, plus drinking a lot of water. Of course, keep in mind every one is different and maybe what works for me doesn’t work for you, but also, you will not know until you try it. If you are going to try one of this products (or any other face product), do it one by one, and give them a little bit of time, that way if something reacts in a bad way on your skin you know what it was. But now, without further a due, I present to you my favorite skin care products.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser

I used this face cleanser for the first time more than 5 years ago, I remembered I really liked it and I don’t know why I stopped using it. I used a lot of different products, but didn’t truly love any, until finally I came back to it.  It has been more than a year that I have been using it again, and I love it.  It’s gentle on the skin, it leaves my skin super clean, no trace of makeup after I wash my face, and the best part is that after I use it I don’t feel my face dry or weird. It lathers really well and cleans my face while also keeping it hydrated. I don’t feel the need to go running to apply moisturizer, my face feels good.

Belief The True Cream Aqua Bomb

This moisturizer was recommended to me on a makeup class I went and since then I have been using it. It has been more than a year and every time my jar is running low I have to go and buy another one. This is not a cream, is water based and has kind of a jelly consistency, which is great for combination and oily skin types.  I love how it moisturizes my skin, it’s lightweight and it has a cooling effect. My face absorbs the product fast, and it lefts my skin looking healthy and glowy, which it’s a big plus, because for a long time last semester I wasn’t wearing makeup and I loved how my skin was looking.  The fast absorbing part is great for when you don’t have a lot of time in the morning, I apply my moisturizer and then I proceed to apply my makeup, I don’t have to wait a long time for it to dry, so I don’t have to loose precious time during my morning routine.

Tarte Maracuja Oil

This product has been my holy grail for more than 5 years. I don’t have anything bad to say about it.  I used to suffered of dry patches on my face, and since I started using this product that hasn’t happened. I use this oil as my main night moisturizer, I some times combined it with other things, with mostly I used it with just my eye moisturizer.  I apply this oil on my face, neck and lips and a little bit goes a long way. The skin doesn’t absorbs it super fast, but since I am going to sleep I am in no hurry. The next day my face feels soft and hydrated. I believe it has also helped me with my occasional pimple, I feel like they don’t last as long as they used to since I have been using this product.

If there is something I want you to take away from this is that having a hydrated and moisturized face/skin is important, it will make your skin look better and healthier, while helping keep the wrinkles away.  I have expression marks in my face, because I talk with my face, I am always doing some kind of weird face or expression, I can’t help it, but I believe that if I wasn’t using this products my fine lines and wrinkles will be worse. If you have oily skin don’t shy away from hydrating or oily products, they can also be of help to you.

Have you tried any of this products? Which skin care product you can’t live without? Do you have any recommendations for me? Be sure to leave your comment below.

PS.

I have a giveaway open until Friday, October 12, 2018, to see what I am giving away and how to enter visit my Blogversary post here.

Never stop dreaming,

3rd Blogversary and Surprises!

3rd Blogversary and Surprises!

Posted on by Steph

Surprise!!!

Today I am celebrating 3 years of Dreaming Life in Pink and I couldn’t think of a better way to do it that with a brand new home for it (and another surprise at the end of the post). I can’t believe it has been 3 years already, and more than that, that after wanting to move to a .com, since I started the blog, it finally happened!

This new home for Dreaming Life in Pink has been a work in progress from a long time, reading, learning, planning, until finally I got here and I am super excited and proud of it. Of course besides my best friend Google, I have to thank Julissa from Sequins and Tulle that has always been there to answer my questions and help me when Google has left me all confuse, and Maria Elena from Ambinity, that even without knowing who I am has always been willing to answer my questions about blogging (or crystals).

This 3 years have been amazing, I have learned and grown so much. I have discover so much about my self and for me that has been the best part. I believe my writing has evolve in the past 3 years, and every time I publish a new post it makes me feel accomplished.

I am still a makeup addict, but since I’ve been learning so much about the human mind and the importance of a good mental health my priority has shifted a little bit into self care and mindfulness.  I love having my little place on the internet where I can write about all this things, I hope that you, who take your time to read my blog, can be benefit from it.

I feel like this 3 years are only the beginning, I still feel like I did the first time I hit publish, motivated and excited.  My goal is to create a space where people feel good about them selves, and where they know they can come for a good “pick me up” and also learn new things about makeup, self care or any other topic.

My goal in life is to help people, which is the reason I went into studying psychology, and I love that Dreaming Life in Pink has given me the opportunity to do that in one way or another.

But before you go, I have another surprise!

I am thankful for everyone who takes their time to read my blog, and that are celebrating with me this 3 years and the big move.  As a gift of appreciation I am giving away some of my Fall Essentials (I talked about them here). The winner will get a Leaves candle, my 2 favorite lipsticks for the season (or any season really), Ovaltine to make hot chocolate (or like me, cold milk chocolate) and a face mask, because that is always a necessity. For a chance to win all you have to do is subscribe with your email to the blog (from your phone the box is at the end of the post, from your computer is at the right side of the blog), plus follow my Instagram and like my Facebook page. That way you are participating for the giveaway while making sure to never miss new content and surprises.

The giveaway will be open until October 12, 2018, and is for Puerto Rico and US residents. The winner will be contacted via email, the person will have 24 horas to respond to the email, if no contact is made  another winner will be selected. The winner will be announced in this post and in my social media stories.

Thank you for reading me and following Dreaming Life in Pink.

Never stop dreaming,

Easy Self Care Tips

Easy Self Care Tips

Posted on by Steph

 

For me, Self Care is the most important thing in health care, because it combines everything. Self Care is taking care of you, taking time to do things that will help you feel good, and if you feel good chances are you will have good mental health and those two combined will help you have better physical health and overall a good life. What I want you to take from this is that spending time on yourself is important, even though it may not be easy sometimes, try to make it a priority and find the time to at least incorporate some self care activities to your life, even if it’s just a couple of times every month. That is why I want to share with you easy self care tips, things you don’t have to plan and organize ahead of time and that will not require too much decision making.

(In this post I will not talk directly about Mindfulness although it’s in there indirectly, but I do want to mention that Mindfulness is my number one self care activity, if you want to read more about it click here.)

Have a Organized Living Space


This is my first and most important tip. There is nothing more relaxing and that makes me happy than having my apartment organized and everything looking good. Getting home after a long or hard day and seeing everything clean and in it’s place, instantly makes me happy, it changes my mood immediately. For me it can be easy, since a have a small apartment and I live alone. But find a spot in your home, that will become your happy and relaxing spot, and try to maintain it clean and organized, it can be your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom or a little corner on your living room, anywhere you will like. Identify where you like to spend most of your time and keep it tidy. If I had a bigger house and a family, I think mine will be a corner in the patio (it’s my dream), where I can seat, be connected to nature, even if it just the grass, and just relax. Keep in mind that a organized space will help you have an organized mind.

Read Books


I encourage you to find a good book, if reading is something you like to do, and even if you think you don’t like it that much. Taking time to loose your self in the story or the message of a book, it’s truly magical. The most important thing is to find a book you like or interest you, and schedule some time to just read and nothing else. I love riding about different things, but when I want to read as a way of self care I always go for fiction. It’s a great way to use your imagination and be transported to another world.

Watch Movies


If you don’t like reading that much, or want something “easier” than reading, then watch a movie. Again, find something you like or interest you and that will make you feel good (if you are sad don’t watch something that you know will make you more sad than you are) and watch it with all your attention on it, without distractions, and that means no multitasking, no social media, etc. Immerse yourself in the story, laugh, cry, get mad, but have a good time. My self care movie are usually Disney movies, like Aladdin, my all time favorite, or something along those lines. To make the experience even more relaxing have little lists (emphasis on little) of movies you like watching or will like to watch and choose something from there, it will be better than browsing Netflix for half and hour trying to find something to watch.

Have Spa Nights (or days or little moments)


This one is my favorite self care activity. It can be super simple, just 5 extra minutes during your shower, or you can go all out and make an event out of it. Light a candle or two, play slow music, do a face mask, face and body scrubs, take a shower with a nice smelling product, apply a cream or oil to your body and moisturize your face. The key is to do thinks that make you feel good. Just enjoy the process and the sensations and concentrate on what you are doing, and try to not think of anything else.

Making a Simple Home Cook Meal


Having a easy and simple recipe that you can do without putting to much effort in it can be a lifesaver. This will help you to consume less fast food or junk food, because you already have something that you can do fast and easy. My go to recipe is rice and chilli. I do my rice in the microwave, super easy, and the chilli I use ground turkey (that I always have on my freezer) and canned pink beans. It’s tasty, easy and fast. So identity your easy go to recipe and make sure to always have the ingredients on hand, and you will have something less to worry about when you are tired or have had a hard day.

I love taking time to do things that will help me relax and enjoy myself, and I hope you can find the time to incorporate some (or all) of this to your life. Identify what makes you fill good and make a mental note to do it constantly.

What do you think about these tips? Do you have other self care activities that I did not mentioned? What is your favorite way to give your self some love? I will love to know in the comments below.

I want to share with you this quote:

“Self care isn’t selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn


Never stop dreaming,

♥ Steph

August Makeup Wishlist (Study Motivation)

August Makeup Wishlist (Study Motivation)

Posted on by Steph

It’s no secret that I love browsing the Sephora app in my spare time, and since it’s the beginning of a new semester I thought I will do a Makeup Wishlist to keep myself motivated.  And this one is very special since it’s the last semester of my Masters Degree, this 3 years went flying by, I still remember my first day, nervous and excited, now I am still excited but instead of nervous I am exhausted, so I need all the motivation I can get.

My makeup wishlist are things I will like to buy myself at the end of the semester as a reward for doing my best during the school months. Browsing in the Sephora app, the store, plus watching Youtube videos, this were the products that caught my eye.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Kilawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Girl Next Door / Chic Phreak

The last time I went to Sephora an employee tried this highlighter on me, and it look so pretty. Of course me being the highlighter addict that I am, I fell in love. It has been on the top of my wishlist since that day.  Plus it’s Fenty Beauty, and everyone is raving about it, I want to truly experience the brand myself.

Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Coral 

This little and beautiful palette caught my eye when I was at the store.  To me it just screams Fall, and I love everything Fall, even though here in Puerto Rico is always Summer.  I love this colors, and I know this is a palette that I will use a lot.  And like Fenty Beauty, Huda Beauty is a brand that a lot of people rave about, and I want to give them a try too.

Stila Glitter On The Go Eye Shadow Set 

When the time comes for me to buy myself things from this list we are going to be in the Holiday Season, and when I saw this product in the app I immediately thought of all the fun looks I could create during the Holidays with it.  I had a vision of me with a beautiful sparkly eye makeup during the festivities, plus, I think that during that season, glitter is a necessity, am I the only one?

Too Faced Melted Matte-Tallic Liquified Metallic Matte Lipstic in Bitch, I am Too Faced

And what better way to finish a festive look than with a red lip? I have been thinking about doing the 12 Days of Red Lipstick this year again, so I have to start looking for new lipsticks. I haven’t actually seen the product, but in my mind it looks so good, red and metallic, yes please. Plus it’s Too Faced, and so long I haven’t had anything bad to say about this brand, so I am trusting them. If you have a favorite red lipstick, please be sure to tell me in the comments below.

Morphe X Jaclyn Hill The Master Collection

Ok, so not everything is from Sephora, (like in my last Makeup Wishlist), this one is from Morphe, and not just that, is a Morphe x Jaclyn Hill product, yes, again. It’s no secret I love Jaclyn Hill and everything I have bought from hers I love. I have been thinking about buying new brushes for a while now, and just recently Jaclyn and Morphe came out with this, and I took that as a sign. The kit comes with 24 brushes, plus that gorgeous sparkly case, and yes, I consider the price to be a bit extravagant, but I think I deserve a super nice Christmas present, so that it’s my plan.

What’s on your makeup wishlist? Are any of this products something you want to buy? Also, what things you do to motivate yourself to get tings acomplished? Let me know everything in the comments below.

Never stop dreaming,

♥ Steph

Dreaming of Wedding: Planning Update #2

Dreaming of Wedding: Planning Update #2

Posted on by Steph

Let me just start by saying that planning a wedding has been extremely exciting and a lot easier than I thought, maybe the hard part hasn’t come yet, but for now I will keep enjoying it.  In my first wedding planning update (that you can read here) we already had the venue, photographer, and band and I said I was going to be all hands on wedding stuff during the summer and that is exactly what we did.

The first task of the summer was finding a wedding coordinator.  Back on March, Future Hubby, one of my Maids of Honor (because I have two, you can read about it here) and I, went to the Caribbean Bridal Expo at the Pedro Rosello Convention Center, (you can read about my experience here), and we saw and talk to a lot of people, but since I talked to Sofia Christina, of Bloom Events, on the first day I felt a connection, I knew she was the one.  We met with other 2 coordinators before meeting officially with Sofia, and Future Hubby and I just felt she was a better fit for us.  Even before meeting her and signing a contract, she was willing to help and to answer my doubts about the process and anything wedding related.  She has been very helpful, organized, and has stay on top of everything.  I am very pleased, we are still almost a year away from the wedding, and she has made us feel like a priority and that she is committed on making our wedding to be wonderful. She also has a blog with cute posts and helpful tips, go check it out here.

The other things we wanted to booked this summer were decor and the cake.  With the cake happened the same as with the coordinator, we also met the person at the Expo, then I started following her on Facebook, and I was obsessed, she makes beautiful cakes.  Before officially meeting, we had already talked on Facebook, she was great and then we tasted some of the flavors before we decided to go with here, although I was pretty sure it was going to be her. When we met her, she patiently heard our ideas and what we wanted, and told us what she could do to create a beautiful piece for us.  We have tasted a lot of flavors that she offers, the only problem now is choosing the flavors we want. She also has started her own design and decoration business, and after consulting with other 2 decorators we decided to go with her too and I am beyond happy with my choice.

What is left for us to do is to find invitations, the person that will marry us, my dress and the person that will do my hair and makeup.  Definitely we still have some important things left to do, and in my opinion the more fun and exciting of all.  The best of all is that we still have time.

If there is something I want you to learn from my wedding updates posts, if you are getting married, is to visit weddings expos, exhibitions and fairs, were you will be able to see and talk to different suppliers, plus take some ideas for what you will want for your wedding.  As you have read,  I have found all my suppliers from the Expo, it was a great experience and totally worth it.

I will love to know what is your favorite part of a wedding and also, what is something you think is essential in a wedding.  And most important, if you have any advise for wedding planning feel free to share it with me in the comments below.

Never stop dreaming,

♥ Steph

S.O.S.- Study Over Sleep: Setting Goals

S.O.S.- Study Over Sleep: Setting Goals

Posted on by Steph

 
It’s back to school season, and for students like me, this can be a big deal. Since classes have already started or are about to start for others, I wanted to share a tip to stay motivated and focused during the new school year and that is setting goals. I thought it will be easy to divide them in categories, to make them simple and to keep a better track of them. The important thing here is to make them realistic, doable and to not put to much pressure on yourself, just enough to bring out the best of you. 

     1. Long term
 

This one is the end result. It can be something you want to accomplish or have accomplished at the end of the semester or school year. Be specific and also write why you want to accomplish it.

     2. Short term 

This will be a goal that will help you accomplish your long term one or at least keep you on the right track or mind set to get to the end result you want. Again, be specific and write how doing it will help you.

     3. Right now 

This will be something you have to do often. Think of what you need to do constantly that will help you accomplish or remind you of your short and long term goals.
There has to be a short term and a right now goal for every long term goal you want to accomplish. They will be the map, or steps, you will have to follow to get to where you want to be.
To give you an idea I will share one of mines.
  1. Long term – Pass the comprehensive exam: Necessary to graduate from my Masters Degree and if I don’t pass it, it will set me back on other things I want to accomplish, like taking the exam for my professional license.
  2. Short term – Make a review of all the classes: It will help me to be organized and have everything I need to study.
  3. Right now – Study at least 4 times a week for 1 to 2 hours (break times not included).
Be sure to also plan a reward for accomplishing your goals, it can be anything from giving yourself free time, binge on Netflix for a day or buy your self something you really want. Be creative and make it fun.
My reward: finishing my masters in December and having a celebratory getaway weekend.
Another important tip, choose someone to share your goals with, someone responsible, who will make you accountable for them and who will be willing to give you a bit of motivation if you start lacking. Also, have your goals written out somewhere visible, this way you won’t forget them and you will keep them fresh in your mind.
If you are a student right know, what are you most looking forward to in this new school year? If not, what would you have done differently when you were studying? Leave me your comment bellow, I will love to know.
Never stop dreaming,
♥ Steph
My Summer Makeup Routine

My Summer Makeup Routine

Posted on by Steph

At the middle of the semester I stopped doing my makeup, because I wanted to sleep a little bit more, and meditate in the mornings and that’s what I sacrificed (you can read more about it here).  Now that it’s summer and I have the energy, the time and want to do my makeup, the summer heat hasn’t really let me. My solution, I have simplified my routine to accommodate my sweaty face (I know, gross, sorry) and still feel that I did my makeup.

This heat has been so horrible that as soon as I turned the shower off I start sweating, and of course living in a sauna (because that is how my apartment feels), doesn’t help.  I noticed that even without finishing my makeup, it already looked bad and gross, specially my upper lip and forehead.  As a result, now I avoid those areas, and foundation. I’ll say is a good happy medium between no makeup and a full face of makeup.

My lifesaver has been my concealer.  I apply it under my eyes, a little bit on my chin and the center of my forehead and nose and then I set it with powder.

After the concealer the most important product is bronzer. Since my face is naturally lighter than my body I have to apply color and warmth to not look like my face doesn’t belong in my body. Eyes and lips vary depending on my mood, but usually eyes are neutral and lips are a vivid color.
Products I used:

Face:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Medium
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 25 Medium

Cheeks:
Nars Bronzer in Casino
Becca Gradient Sunlit Bronzer in Sunrise Waves
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Quartz

Eyes:
Soap & Glory The Perfect Ten Eye Shadow Palette
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Blackest Black
It Cosmetics Brow Power in Universal Taupe

Lips:
N°7 Stay Perfect  in Pomegranate 205

What do you think of my summer hack? How are you handling the summer heat? Have you done any adjustments to your makeup routine in this hotter months? Be sure to let me know in the comments below.
Never stop dreaming,
♥ Steph
My Summer 2018 Favorites

My Summer 2018 Favorites

Posted on by Steph

I have always love summer, even though my favorite season is fall. I love the sunny days, the beach, the pools, the vacations, the bbqs and the family days. This year I have been enjoying the free time, the less worries and anything that will help me cool off in the horrible sauna that is my apartment. I decided to share with you my summer 2018 favorites.

Netflix

Summer means having more free time and believe me when I say I have been taking advantage of it. I finished The Vampire Diaries, which I was really behind with, and cried long and hard with the ending. After crying so much with those vampires I was ready for something light and uplifting, so I follow the recommendations of María Elena and Silvia from the podcast Un aguacate a la vez (that I talk about here) and started watching Queer Eye, and I love it! If you don’t know what it is, is a series about 5 gay guys where in each episode they give a makeover to someone, and I love that they take everything into consideration, fashion, grooming, nutrition, living space and culture. I love their personalities, they are all different with different stories, and you will surely identify with at least one of them. There are only two seasons, and I encourage you to watch it, it’s really good.

Fresh Fruits

The best to deal with the horrible heat at my apartment has been eating fresh cold fruits. They are refreshing, they taste good, plus they are a healthy option. Right know my favorites have been pineapple and cherries, but I also like strawberries, green grapes and plums. Another way to cool down with fruits is to do smoothies. I prefer using frozen fruits like mixed berries, I add a little bit of water, the juice of a lemon and a little bit of brown sugar, and you have a smoothie. With the smoothie you can even do popsicles that are perfect for a frozen treat.

Relaxing Weekends

Being able to sleep until I want to during the weekends, and enjoy my mornings in bed has been priceless. Not having to work on Saturdays and not worrying about school stuff has been the best, definitely my favorite of favorites. Just for this reason I don’t want the summer to end.

Sheet Masks

I’m in with everything refreshing and cooling, and sheet mask are a great way to cool off while taking care of your skin. I find applying a sheet mask before going to sleep very relaxing. I program an alarm for 20-30 minutes and I go to bed. I will usually read, but it always ends with me falling a sleep, so when the alarm goes off I take off the mask, I apply my night moisturizers and creams as fast as I can and continue sleeping feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Becca Bronzer

I bought this product (along with others that you can see here) as my end of semester gift for myself. This product has been my most worn this summer, paired with my Nars Casino Bronzer and on its own. I love grabbing for it when I am in a hurry. I apply the darker shades as my bronzer/blush and the lighter shade as my highlighter. That, plus a little bit of mascara and a lipstick and I am ready to go. It gives a very natural bronze look that I find perfect for the summer, but that of course will use all year round.

I will love to know what has been your summer favorites and your favorite ways to cool off during this hot weather. Leave your comments below.

Never stop dreaming,

♥ Steph

What Living Alone Has Taught Me

What Living Alone Has Taught Me

Posted on by Steph
First selfie at 29 years old.
I have always wanted in one way or another to be independent. When I was in Middle school I dreamed about being able to drive and have my own car. When I had the car I was dreaming about having my own place. Now it has been 6 months since I moved to my apartment, alone, and I have love every moment of it.
I believe this is a part of life everyone should experience in their youth. I feel like I have learned a lot about me and about “adult” life, some positive and some not so positive, but all lessons. I want to share what I consider are the most important.

Stay on top of things

Living alone is just you and yourself, there is no one there reminding you to do things, to keep everything organized or to take care of you. There are small things that can help you feel great, enjoy the moment, and make life easy and less stressful. For example: keep everything tidy, so that you always feel good when you get home; have fast and easy recipes that you can make for yourself, even if you are tired; and set reminders to pay your bills, so that you don’t forget. Do little things like this, that you know will help you feel good.

Self care should always be a priority

It’s easy when you live alone to get home, and don’t do anything, and let the hours pass scrolling on social media, and that is not good. Yes, you could say you are relaxing, but there are better ways to give your self a little bit of love, relax and to give your body some rest. Apart from staying on top of things, have a self care routine, at least a couple of days every month. For a few hours pamper yourself and spend a little bit of time on a hobby or activity that you like and usually don’t have the time to do. I try to have a pampering night routine every week, were I like to read or watch a tv show, but you could paint, write, even take a nap, or do anything else you like and enjoy the moment.

Work hard, but don’t forget to have fun

Now I am enjoying the summer, but from January to May it was hard balancing work and school, and I was getting super stressed, I always was on hard work and productive mode that half way thru the semester my body was not happy with me. This is my most important lesson, be responsible, organized and set a time to have fun during the week. The most important part of it is to enjoy it and don’t feel guilty of the little time you are taking to concentrate on other things. During this time don’t think of the things you have to do, just enjoy it. Be smart about it, which is way I said be responsable and organized, you know what you have to do, so be diligent with your time and everything will be good.
Living alone has definitely made me more independent, has made me feel more confident, comfortable and in control. I am a strong believer that life is meant to be enjoyed and is our duty to live life to the fullest, while we are still accomplishing our goals and responsibilities, and taking care of our selves and our space. Enjoy where you are at life right now and make the most of it.
What lessons the “adult life” has taught you? Leave me a comment, I will love to know, I am still learning and getting the hang of it.
Never stop dreaming,
♥ Steph
Highlights from our Universal Orlando Resort Vacations (Summer 2018)

Highlights from our Universal Orlando Resort Vacations (Summer 2018)

Posted on by Steph

I can’t believe my two weeks vacations has come and go so quickly, but I have to say that they were awesome.

Like I mentioned in my “Looking Back and Forward to Universal Orlando Resort” that you can read here, we decided to go to Orlando again this year, because we loved it there. I will like to share with you my highlights and favorites of the trip with a little summary of each of the 5 days we spent there.

Day 1:

We arrive at the hotel around 10:00 am and they already had our room ready (that was super awesome!). We left our bags at the room, eat breakfast at Bayliner Dinner and went on to explore the hotel.

We played at the arcade, Game-O-Rama and at the bowling center, Galaxy Bowl, were I learned that I am not so good at bowling, and of course Future Hubby won.

Then had lunch, my favorite, cheeseburger with fries and a vanilla shake (I don’t know why, but I was dreaming of having that burger and shake again, which is why I had it in the first day).

After that we changed and relaxed at the Lazy River, my most favorite part of the hotel. There is so much to do, I love this Hotel.

For the evening we took out first Uber ride to Disney Springs, for a bit of shopping and dinner, all because I wanted Millennial Pink Ears for out future Universal and Disney Trip.

Day 2:

We spend all day at Island of Adventures, and when I say all day, I mean ALL DAY. We arrived at the gates 20 minutes before they opened at 9:00 am and left the park at 10:00 pm when they closed. Our first stop was Skull Island: Reign of Kong, since we didn’t get a chance to ride it last year.

We also rode all of the rides at Seuss Landing, which I have never ride before, we had a lot of fun.

We spent a lot of time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmead, where I enjoyed a couple of Butterbeers, I had my first Pumpkin Pasty and I also bought a wand at Ollivanders, I was in Magical Paradise.

But the best part of the day was riding 4 times, 3 of them in a row, our most favorite ride ever, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, we where definitely soaked. We ended our day at the park watching The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle.

We finished the night having a light dinner at Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches, which we visited last year and I really liked. I don’t remember what I had last year, but this time I had a Hot Turkey Sandwich that had smoked gouda and bacon, it was so good.

Day 3:

Day 3 was on the 4th of July, also know as our Anniversary Day and we celebrated spending the day at Universal Studios.

Our second ride of the day was Fast & Furious – Supercharged, the park newest ride, and sadly our least favorite, we thought it was definitely too fast, as in a very short ride, and we feel like the story line doesn’t make sense and you end the ride feeling confuse, because you don’t know what just happened and can’t believe it’s already over.

We rode Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and I have to say is close to my favorites, I just love the kiddy rides, please don’t judge, they are super fun, and I prefer to be laughing all the way than to be screaming, in mute, because I am super scared and feel like I am going to die (I am talking about you Jurassic Park River Adventure, don’t ask me what happened, let’s just say the photo of the ride talk a thousand words, thank God we don’t have it).

But I must say our favorite rides in the park are The Simpsons Ride and Men in Black, and we rode them twice. In the last one we met a Future Hubby family friend and talk to him a bit, and let’s just say, working at Universal sounds so fun! I want to work there!

The highlight of the day was, after dreaming about that moment for the past year, having a Big Pink Donut from Lard Lad Donuts. They taste so good, this is a must have if you ever find yourself at Universal Studios.

At the end of the day it was rainy and we were tired so we went to the hotel and had pizza in the room, and it was a great decision, my feet where killing me, but it was totally worth it.

Day 4:

Lazy river, pool, lunch, pool, lazy river, pool; that was our day. I am so happy that we got to use more the pools and lazy river that we did last year. I really, really, really loved floating around the lazy river again and again, it was relaxing, refreshing and just perfect. I wish I could relive this day again and again.

At night we went to City Walk and played at Hollywood Drive-In Golf. We choose the 18 “Horror” holes. There we met 3 friendly guys from Minnesota, we definitely had fun and laughed a lot, specially when they decided to talk in Spanish and started using their Google Translator. Also, I redeem my self from doing badly at bowling, ‘cause I was the winner at the mini golf.

After that we went and had a super delicious dinner at Vivo Italian Kitchen. We made a reservation online for 9:30 pm, we went around 9:20 and in 5 minutes we were sitting at the table and the place was full, so I am sure that walk-in’s had a least a 15 minutes wait time. The food and the service were great, highly recommend it.

That night we tried to go to Voodoo Doughnuts, but the line was long, it was raining and I was tired, so next time.

Day 5:

In the last day we woke up early, prepared our bags as fast as we could and then headed straight to the pool. We spent two relaxing hours at the pool, before getting ready. After that we did some more exploring in the Hotel, which included playing in the arcade again. Then sadly we went to the airport and that is the end.

I think I had more fun this time than last year for two reasons: 1. We didn’t stress about doing every single ride in the parks, we already knew what were our favorites and enjoy those the most, plus we saw a lot of shows, which was great way to take a break and rest; and 2. We spent a lot of time in the pools, which was one of my priorities this year.

I am glad we had this opportunity and that we had so much fun. Of course, you know it, we are already planning our next trip to Orlando, hopefully for 2020, since our 2019 trip will be our Honeymoon I want to do something different and more relaxing and that it doesn’t involve to much walking, so will see.

I hope you enjoy this post, I know it was a longer than usual, but there was a lot to tell, and there’s still more, maybe I will do another post about Universal Orlando Resort in the future.

Never stop dreaming,

♥ Steph