My Trip to Santa Fe

Let me start off my story by confessing. When I think of New Mexico, I think of a dry and abandoned state. I think of one consistent season, summer.

Over spring break, my family and I piled into a car and went road trippin’. When I say my family I’m referring to my mom, dad, dog, suitcases, and headphones. On our way to our destination I got to stop by my favorite Route 66 landmark, The Jackrabbit. The Jackrabbit is a small spot in Joseph City, Arizona. Don’t get me wrong, just because it’s small doesn’t mean that it isn’t delightful. The Jackrabbit is defined by a billboard saying, “Here It Is.” It is a quaint and cozy store next to a photo opportunity, aka the jackrabbit. I’ve been taking pictures on it since I could walk. As I grow, it seems to shrink in size but never in memory.

Anyway, once we were back on the road I was able to enjoy the comfort of staring out the window and blasting music into my brain with the help of earphones. I have to say when I was younger I was a tad restless, but now I find it extremely soothing. I love to be on the open road. As we started to approach New Mexico, I noted the temperature slowly dropping. It wasn’t a significant change, but it was enough to catch my eye. When we entered Albuquerque I noticed that it was well populated and wasn’t the slightest bit abandoned. In all honesty, a few miles into Albuquerque I fell asleep.

When I woke up, we were on the outskirts of Santa Fe. I immediately recognized a drive-thru Panera. Now, this may not be a big deal to most people, but I love to know that there is something familiar in a brand new unknown. Anyway, when we arrived to the Double Tree Hotel I was in awe of it’s elegance and simplicity. Although this vibe was pretty much spread through all of Santa Fe. Santa Fe was so laid back and relaxed. There didn’t seem to be one person rushing or frustrated and in a hurry.

As we walked through the town square, it seemed like a place created for a TV show. It was so charming and unique. Even though that can be said for many locations, Santa Fe is a breath of fresh air, literally! Fun fact: Sante Fe is among the top ten cities with the best air!

There are so many things to do in Sante Fe. My mom and I got to have a private skateboarding lesson in Skate School. We walked into a room filled with vintage photos of skateboarders. I looked at my mom and without speaking I threw her a puzzled look. I had no clue where we would actually skate. As my thought bubble popped, we were guided through a door in a corner of the room and found ourselves in this huge indoor skate park. When I say skate park, I mean skate ramps, couches, and well placed graffiti. It could also be named as the ultimate hang out. Anyway, I was shocked that I went from a normal room to a huge indoor space with high ceilings. The lesson was a blast and I can truthfully say that I walked away having learned a couple techniques.

I feel blessed to have been able to be exposed to this wonderful destination with beautiful architecture. Let me end my story by saying that I was completely wrong about Sante Fe. I’m impressed and taken aback by it’s beauty.

  

OluKai New Line Launch

You can spread the aloha spirit with every step you take in these new offerings from Hawaiian footwear line OluKai. Available at Nordstrom’s, The Walking Store and specialty Boutiques these flip flops, sandals and flats are super comfortable and cute. I got a preview of the new line, including some great new offerings for men. With their signature fold down heel, even laced shoes become slip-ons. How aloha is that?

See more pictures and read the whole review here . . .

SSOTD

On Wednesday, my mom and I threw on our fashion sense and went to a party on the sunset strip. (Turning your computer, phone, or head may be required to view the following images.) 

     

Fabfitfun is a company that produces subscription boxes. These boxes full of makeup, accessories, and more come out four times a year (representing each season). They threw a rooftop party on the sunset strip to promote their upcoming box. Of course, since I’m under 21 I entered with a big “X” on my wrist to avoid alcohol. However, the “X” did not stop me from having a great night out with my mom. Anyway, I got to meet the fabulous Chloe Bridges. She has been in Pretty Little Liars and Carrie Diaries. She is even more beautiful in person. Anyway, I had a blast and my favorite part was coming home and opening my goody bag!!!

Urban Accents Brunch Box Giveaway

Click the picture to enter for a chance to win this prize from Urban Accents.

OMG. At EncinoMom, we received this amazing array of mixes, seasonings and toppings for brunch from our friends at Urban Accents. I’m thrilled to be able to share this with you, too! This Brunch Collection is perfect for gifting. For Mother’s Day, we recommend you order the box early and fete Mom with brunch in bed! The directions are easy to follow and would be fun for Dad and the kids to deliver foolproof dishes of scumptiousness and love to Mom on her big day.

You’ll need a few ingredients on hand to create these dishes, but chances are you have them in your fridge already. For example the Frittata Mixes require eggs, the Coffee Toppers require coffee. When I cooked up the Mediterranean Spinach Frittata, I added Feta Cheese and garnished it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh herbs from my garden. It seems obvious, but I thought I’d spell it out, just in case. Bread, butter, milk, oil, eggs, a little cheese, coffee and water ought to cover all your bases.

The decadent contents of the Brunch Collection gift box would also be brilliant for sending to friends warming their first home, perfection for Newlyweds and new Moms, too. I think this would make a fabulous thank you gift. Can you imagine receiving this from your Realtor, just in time to make breakfast the morning after escrow closes? This collection might be just right as a class gift for a special teacher, coach or classroom aide. Sure to kick off their Summer feeling appreciated and adventurous as they explore new taste horizons.

The collection retails for $49.95 and includes a stack of 3 coffee toppers (Hazelnut, Cinnamon & Cocoa), 2 French Toast Drizzles (Sea Salted Caramel and Chocolate Cheesecake), 2 Frittata Mixes (Mediterranean Spinach and Southwestern Jalapeño) and 2 Flapjack Mixes (Potato Cheddar and Chive and Ginger Carrot Cake). You can also purchase these items individually. I’ve included a couple of links to these products on Amazon for your convenience. There are additional flavors available there as well, like Blueberry Lemon Lavender Flapjack Mix which sounds Heavenly to me. The Coffee Toppers, Frittata Mixes and French Toast Drizzles are Gluten Free. All of the products boast no GMOs and are made in small batches from all natural ingredients.

The perfect combination of savory and sweet for slow starting, luxurious weekend mornings, you will love giving this gift to yourself or someone else. With a little luck, you may be invited to enjoy the good eats when you give this as a gift! Enter today for a chance to win. It’s our way of saying thanks for being a loyal subscriber.

Entry-Form

Please see entry form for official rules and disclosures.

SSOTD

It is currently Saturday afternoon, and I’m super excited because my dad is coming home tonight!!!! (Turning your computer, phone, or head may be required to view the following images.) 

  

This is a glamorous photo of my dog relaxing on my bed. I sent this to my dad as a piece of family to have on the plane ride home. My mom and I have had a really relaxed weekend full of watching movies and eating ice cream straight from the bucket. While my mom was politely chipping away at her Pecan Praline Ice Cream, I was devouring my Cotton Candy Ice Cream. Overall, we had a fabulous time laughing, crying, and eating!

Penguins Of Madagascar Giveaway

DreamWorks’ Penguins Of Madagascar

Blu-ray & DVD Giveaway plus

Downloadable activity sheets to print for more family fun!

Scroll to the bottom of the page and tell us what you love about penguins, then enter your name and email to be entered into our random drawing. Comments are moderated and don’t show up on the page immediately, but you can fill out your entry before your comment appears on the page. All entries are validated before the final drawing. Thanks for entering and good luck!

  

This Penguins of Madagascar prize comes bundled with 2 Poppin’ Penguins! Flipping Awesome fun for ages 3+. Penguins of Madagascar is rated PG. Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD and the s Poppin’ Penguins Spring Gift Pack is available now on Amazon.com. Click the picture at right to see the whole package. Also available in 3D for added enjoyment.

Entry-Form

Click the drawing to go to the giveaway entry page.

Disclosure: EncinoMom received this prize package in consideration of hosting this giveaway for Fox Home Entertainment. Amazon link provided for your convenience. Your purchase helps to support future giveaways, as advertising revenue may be paid to EncinoMom by third parties (such as Amazon.com).

SSOTD

Happy Easter everyone! It’s officially Easter Sunday and I’m happy to say that I started the day off on the right foot with Lindor Truffles. (Turning your computer, phone, or head may be required to view the following images.)

    

You can probably tell that the photos aren’t their normal size. These photos weren’t taken with Snapchat. 😁 This photo is actually my favorite picture of my mom. I think it captures her happiness and sirenity. This Easter was by far the best as we were joined by our close friends who I met before I was born. I have to say I do enjoy watching my dog play with his new bunny stuffed animal. This year, I have learned that you may not be able to choose your blood, but you can choose the people you surround yourself with. You may as well surround yourself with people who will laugh with you at your best moments and cry with you at your worst. Believe me when I say that it is wise to stick with people who make you happy and don’t bring you down. Anyway, shout out to my mom for making an incredible feast! Happy Easter Sunday y’all!