Making a wish

Have you ever made a wish and had it come true? Did it come true because of some magical spell or because you had the right combination of ruby slippers and the astrological star alignment? Or could it perhaps have come true because you took action? Are we all truly the masters of our own destinies?

Now,  there are numerous cliches in regards to wishes, or the act of wishing,  but what do you subscribe to? Personally, I think I'm of the belief that you should "be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it."  Speaking very pragmatically,  I think that if you stay focused on your goal (the wish) and you keep it in sight while moving forward, the likelihood of connecting with your goal in the end, is very good. "Keep your eye on the prize," as they say.

Think of what they teach you in sports. Take golf for example. If you focus on the water hazard, and fear the water hazard, you are going to land in the water hazard. But if you keep your eye on the green, and focus on the green, the odds are much better that you'll reach the green.  In hockey, shoot at the goalie and you will hit the goalie. See past the goalie to the opening in the net and you may just hit the opening!

In my dreams, I could see my restaurant as a happening place. People lined up to dine with us... friendly greetings and compliments to the kitchen. I could see the vibe, hear the music and feel the energy. But when I bought the place, it appeared small, dark, overlooked and stuck in the past. We took steps regularly and carefully with the goal in mind and made it happen! It's now and has been for several years already, THE best & most well known diner around. Kids, families and first dates pack the place every night.   Great food and a fun atmosphere. I love it. It really has the vibe I was wishing for!  Yet some days it still overwhelms me. What have I done? We're too busy! How can I keep up? And then I remember, this was my wish. My dream has come true! But I think I know, it was hard work, and maybe just a pinch of luck that got us here. I believe it's the very same formula that will keep us going!

Vegas & Westjet

A very classy combination. Guaranteed a good time.

Check out this deal:

I don't think I've seen a better Westjet deal. And this is a fabulous hotel. No discount Imperial palace here! LOL.

I'll go. Who wants to go with me?

Never been to Miami

At this price, this looks like a good time. A quick little get away from the everyday.

I spied this one on Redtag.ca on Sunday afternoon. While I've never been to Miami, it sounds like a great hotel on the beach. What could be better for a quick break in the sun? 

Vegas baby!

I must want to travel again. Seems I'm on the hunt. Check out this super bargain. I've stayed at the Tropicana. I love it!

So that's 4 nights, air and tax included  $301.20 per person. Yeah!!

Coyotes & the Playoffs

Allegiant Air has some super cheap flights to Phoenix/Mesa right now. Like $45 plus tax (under $70 per direction tax & fees in) .  And while it's a little short notice for the bargain hunters to go NOW to see the beginning of the playoff series between Chicago & Phoenix. (Hockey for those who don't know my life revolves around hockey.) The flight there is $70 but the return flight is over $300 on the 15th.  But, if the Coyotes get deep into the playoffs, a person could perhaps go and stay on-site at the Hampton Inn (I've stayed there. Love it!) for $402.02 . Right now, Allegiant Air has a package that includes the on-site hotel, May 13-17th, for $402 per person, air, hotel & tax included.   That's a nice little bargain for the hockey fan.
But that assumes the Coyotes make it to the 3rd round. And that's indeed possible.

Or, should they not make it, you could still take advantage of the super cheap flight, stay at a resort hotel like the Westin Kierland (amazing!!) and do some golfing and shopping. Either way, a nice break and cheap.

There are plenty of Minot to PHX, or Grand Forks to PHX flights in the amazing bargain category over the next 2 months.

Favourite Trip

Without question, my favourite destination has been The Bahamas. I have an almost spiritual connection to the pace, the landscape and the turquoise water. I just feel at home. It truly is, as corny as it sounds, my happy place.

The first time we went to The Bahamas was in 2009. We went in August and split our stay between two different hotels. We stayed at The Atlantis Resort for four nights, then the Sheraton at Cable beach for another four. There were two key reasons for splitting the stay. The Atlantis is very pricey, with rooms averaging over $300 per night. As well, the Miss Universe pageant was taking place at The Atlantis Hotel and I wasn't so sure that I wanted to spend my whole vacation amongst the most gorgeous young women on the planet.

As it turns out, the beauty queens hardly bothered us. LOL.  It was though, a fast paced and exciting time at The Atlantis. The grounds are expansive and we walked a lot.  There are more than a dozen pools, incredible aquariums, exciting night life, a grand casino, amazing restaurants and exquisite shops. At every hour, of every day, there is something to do at The Atlantis Resort.

We stayed in the Coral Towers. It was an ideal location to everything we wanted to see and do. My kids loved the water park. I feel head over heels in love with the Marina and the boardwalk area. My husband enjoyed the thrill of the challenger water slides and we all loved the pools.  I just can't think of anywhere on earth that suits our varied interests better. And since it was our first time, we tried to do it all.

We went swimming with the dolphins. We took a boat ride out onto the ocean. We walked the beaches. We went to the straw market and we sought out local cuisine. But it was a little tiring. CJ, my youngest child, was a mere 4 years old at the time. He couldn't even do the waterslide through the shark tank because he was too young. And since that is a "must do" activity, we had to take him back.

The second part of our trip in 2009 was to the Sheraton at Cable beach, as mentioned earlier. Ahhhh. It was so relaxing! It too felt like home. But with a clean, modern, beach-y decor. Our room was at the far end of the hotel, but hardly half the walk of The Atlantis.  There at the Sheraton, we enjoyed the 2 pools and the oceanside. The beach was gorgeous and hardly crowded at all.  While there was only 2 restaurants and a snack bar, we found they more than met our needs.

We won't forget the hospitality shown to the kids at the fine dining restaurant at the Sheraton. It was of Italian cuisine and had remarkable food. Our waiter, Charles, made a lasting impression. He introduced me to Nassau Royale Rum, and served the best chocolate cake that I have ever had in my life. I swear our second trip to The Bahamas was so that I could have that cake again, and pick up a couple more bottles of rum!

The Sheraton took the speed of our trip down from a 10, to the pace of a 3. That, was amazing. We felt rested and safe and re-charged. By the time we left for home, I feel that everyone in the family was completely satisfied and indeed had their personal perfect vacation.

Our second trip, we stayed exclusively at The Sheraton. Our third trip back, we stayed exclusively at The Atlantis. But would we do a split stay again? Yes. Would I go back there tomorrow if I could? Yes!

I really can't wait to go back to The Bahamas. I love to travel and I like to try new destinations, but I really can't think of anywhere I'd rather be, than The Bahamas.