Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for wellness, clean beauty & eco lifestyle Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

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Paradise On The High Seas

The day my kids go back to school is always a little sad for me. I like enjoying the lazy days of summer with them. Having their energy in the house is something I do not take for granted.

We sure had a fun summer. The highlight was our Carribean cruise with my husband’s entire family. I am very grateful to my generous father-in-law for giving us such an amazing experience. It’s the vacation I always dreamed of having. There were 18 of us! My boys had a blast with all their cousins. It was a very special family vacation full of fun times, exploring wonderful cities, creating life long memories…

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Grandpa Joe loves his grand kids!

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Cocktails in St. Maarten

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Great food at Caribbean Blend in St. Maarten

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Party on the big boat

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Beautiful Puerto Rico!

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This is the life

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Love all the beautiful old architecture & adorable little streets in San Jaun

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Breathtaking Labadee Island

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Cousins on the high seas!

 

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My fun, sweet boy ❤

 

 

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My beautiful nieces

 

 

 

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Jackson zip lining across the ship!

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Joey rock climbing!

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Haitian dancers

 

 

 

 

 

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Mi familia ?

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The Bonannos! ?

I miss those beautiful sunsets over the sea...

I miss those beautiful sunsets over the sea…

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When In Rome… Top 5 Romantic Spots In The Eternal City

Guest post by David @ Canarias

Whether you’re on your honeymoon, travelling to propose or taking a much needed vacation, there are few destinations as romantic as Rome. Sweep your partner off their feet through an exciting, thrilling, and romance filled holiday in Rome, the city of love and romance.

Tranquil spots where you can grab a moment and create special, unforgettable memories to take back home…

Parco Savello

Packed with orange and rose gardens, this place is bliss. Sit and talk near Trastevere River or take a leisurely walk hand in hand in the orange grove. If you’re visiting during the rose season, you are sure to enjoy some of the most fabulous fragrances.

Baths Of Caracalla

This open area dates back to 216 A.D. This massive stone structure sits on plush green grass making this place extraordinary. Since it is not buzzing with tourists, you can absolutely have privacy with your lover.

Our honeymoon...

Our honeymoon…

Spanish Steps

For a classic Italian romantic moment this is the place to visit. It can be bustling with tourists but if you’re looking for an iconic place to propose the Spanish Steps is a gorgeous scenic spot.

 

 

Gianicolo Park

Gianicolo Park is less crowded so you will find a privacy to enjoy romantic moments with your company. Take your time in relishing this beautiful spot, walking arm in arm in the park.

Villa D’Este

This amazing place boast the sight of over four hundred fountains. It may be the most romantic scene that you’ll ever come across. Located about half an hour outside the city of Tivoli, it is not to be missed.

Rome is the place to celebrate love

 

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Spice-Topia ~ A Foodie’s Dream #Review & #Giveaway

10371970_731333570262411_677551667233179294_nIf you happen to be visiting Southern California make a stop on quaint Main Street in Ventura and be sure to pop into Spice-Topia. No plans to be near the pacific coast? Check out their website and order something to enhance your cuisine. 

One of my lucky readers will win a basket of some of their most popular items!

They have everything from spices to teas, mouth watering marinades, BBQ sauce, balsamic reductions, olive oils, one-of-a-kind products for kitchens and cooks and so10402633_729116407150794_3869392181915982580_n much more. Everything is from organic and fair trade certified suppliers, including products from some of Ventura’s favorite local vendors! Great prices too.

Owner Ashley Pope is sweet and helpful, she’ll help you pick out just the right items for your needs. It’s no wonder they were 2013 Juni Award recipients of  Merchant Of The Year and Best Customer Service. Ashley was recently named winner of the 2015 Young Entrepreneur Issue of the American Latino Magazine Cover contest!

They offer cooking classes with professional chefs so if you’re in the area sign up! 

559781_454379741291130_1608753697_nIf you follow this blog you know I’m not a fan of cooking, I’d rather be collaging, crafting or on the tennis court than in the kitchen. That’s why I love the wonderful things they carry, it’s an easy way to make food taste like you’ve slaved in the kitchen while also allowing true cooks to create special dishes.

The delicious spicy red pepper and garlic flavor of the Grumpy Grandpa honey from Henry’s Humdingers made my stir fry taste like a true gourmet chef had been in my kitchen. The fabulous Blueberry Balsamic from enFuso is terrific on salads and makes a yummy marinade and the spices we tried made the flavor of our meals come alive!

Enter for your chance to win a basket of yummy foodie goodies & be sure to follow Spice-Topia on Facebook & Instagram @spicetopia

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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25 Fun Things To Do In Lake Tahoe

Mi Familia

Mi Familia

I am still on a high from our fun vacation to Lake Tahoe last month. I loved how far removed I felt from everyday life and my daily routine. I swear, I almost forgot what real life was like!

Lakeside with my cutie

Lakeside with my cutie

Getaways benefit our health in numerous ways, most significantly, they bust stress and give us something to look forward to. If you haven’t been to Lake Tahoe, I highly recommend booking a trip. It’s beautiful and there are tons of fun things to do!

Check Out the festivals  Made in Tahoe Festival  ~ live music, food, local vendors of local artisans, kids zone with paint ball, wall climbing and more.  Jazz & Funk Festival ~ entrance fee benefits the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, Art, Wine & Music festival, the Shakespeare, the Wanderlust Festival & more

Water Skiing!! 035Water Ski

Go River Rafting

Take a Gondola Ride Most of the ski resorts offer rides up the mountain during the summer, the view is spectacular & once you get to the top you can hike, river raft, zip line & more

See a Show Imagine Dragons, Dave Matthews Band & Elton John are all playing at Harvey’s in South Lake Tahoe this summer

Take an Ariel Tram Ride

Camp Not my cup of tea but I seem to be in the minority. If I ever end up in the woods for 3 days that means I’ve been dead for 2 of them

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Cruise the Lake Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Tahoe Queen Dinner Cruise, Tahoe Queen Emerald Bay sightseeing  cruise & M.S. Dixie II Emerald Sunset Dinner Dance Cruise are some popular cruises

Golf & Miniature Golf if you’re traveling with kids

Do yoga There are many free classes including Squaw Valley’s ‘Yoga Squawed’ that offers some free classes

Hike

Feel the need for speed Few things are more exhilarating than a speed boat ride

Snow Ski! If you head there in the winter, this is obviously the thing to do. They have awesome ski resorts ~ Heavenly Valley, Diamond Peak, North Star, Squaw Valley, Kirkwood, Alpine Meadows

Rollerskate at the rink in North Star. The kids can have fun while you enjoy some vino. If you’re like me, you’ll hit the rink too 🙂

2013-07-08 Lake Tahoe 2013 021Enjoy beach days Sand Harbor, Zephyr Cove, Pope Beach, El Dorado, Ski Run, Kings Beach & Round Hill are some of the nice beaches we’ve visited. Have some fun in the sun with peddle boats, kayaking, jet skiing, volleyball, paddle boarding, parasailing & more

Hit The Ca$inos

Go Fishing 

Bike along the Truckee River

Catch a flick at Squaw Valley’s free outdoor movie series

Visit New Moon Natural Foods Ok, this doesn’t really qualify as ‘fun’ but if you’re like me & in search of healthy food, stop by & grab a pint of they’re delicious 7 seed salad. Oh I wish I could find that salad around here, or at least get the recipe!

Have little ones? Take them to the KidZone Museum in Truckee

2013-07-08 Parasailing 012Parasail! The view of the lake is breathtaking

Hang glide and soar over the gorgeous lake

The loves of my life

The loves of my life

Shop!

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I Heart Summer Vacation!

We’ve been having a blast in Lake Tahoe this week! Serious fun in the sun and good family time. Lively activities along with some nice relaxation, just the way vacation should be…

Lakeside with my cutie ♡

Lakeside with my cutie ♡

Beautiful Emerald Bay

Beautiful Emerald Bay

The loves of my life ♡

The loves of my life ♡

Jet skiing, kayaking, paddle board... lots of fun in the sun

Jet skiing, kayaking, paddle board… lots of fun in the sun

One of the best things about vacation? Going out to dinner every night!

One of the best things about vacation? Going out to dinner every night!

Hiking with my cuties!

Hiking with my cuties!

Mi Familia ♡

Mi Familia ♡

Lake Tahoe sunsets are the most beautiful

Lake Tahoe sunsets are the most beautiful

 

 

 

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7 Tips to Make Traveling With Kids More Enjoyable

First tip: Don’t do it. All right, I’m kidding, of course, but anyone who has traveled with kids will tell you that it’s challenging. They fight, they get bored, hungry, or tired, and they incessantly ask, “are we there yet?!” The lasting memories made on family vacations are priceless, but hassles on the road make for memories we’d pay to forget. Whether your next family getaway is by plane, train or automobile, these tips should help make your summer travels go a little smoother.78656099-300x200

1. Bring Electronics

This is a no brainer. Any parent knows that a portable DVD player or handheld game will keep most kids quiet for a decent period of time. However, hours of screen time on the road will likely have them bouncing off the walls when you reach your destination, not to mention how unhealthy an overload of endless screen time is. Not good for their developing brains! Be sure to break it up with other activities and music.

2. Have Games, Will Travel

Game options are endless. Mix up that screen time with puzzles, books, activity pads and mini portable board games like Sorry, Clue, and Trouble. Bring some paper and pens so you can play tic-tac-toe, hangman, and connect the dots with them. Older kids will love Me Vs. You, head-to-head brain races from Klutz.com. This type of fun is a must on long plane trips and car rides. It keeps kids busy and exercises their brains… Read entire article at Parent Society.

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Tips For Staying Safe At The Beach

Whether you live by the beach or are planning a seaside summer vacation, 
play it safe while you’re having hot fun in the summertime 

IMG_4202What’s more fun than a day at the beach?! I’m lucky to live in the lovely golden state of California where I can head to the beach for a day of sand and surf anytime. Boogie boarding, building sand castles, tossing a frisbee, surfing, soaking in the sun… there’s an endless amount of fun to be had at the beach but there are a few things that can put a damper on your fun in the sun.

How do you recognize a rip current and what should you do if you get caught in one? Karina Fraley of Mommywood.com gets the answers in her interview with Ventura County lifeguard Derek Doler. Derek shares some valuable tips on being water wise and sun savvy so you can enjoy your day by the sea. Be sure to share this with your friends who have kids. Surf’s up.

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Tourism Goes Green With Environmental Awareness

Guest Post by Sam Marquis

Considering a ‘green’ vacation this summer? One of these resorts might just be the ticket

ink48Environmental Awareness In Tourism Is Growing.  As an independent commercial contractor, I’ve witnessed the initial implementation of “green” building materials. Responsible tourism is important in today’s society. Various individuals are working hard to increase sustainability and their devotion to being eco-friendly is being recognized.

Las Vegas in particular has made great strides toward becoming an eco-friendly city. The Las Vegas Palazzo Resort was recently named ‘Most Eco Friendly Hotel in America,’ and with good reason. This resort finds ways to reuse its own waste, making it a little more self-sustaining while also containing water recycling systems and solar panels for heating.

Wild Asia, an Asian accommodation provider, gives out annual Responsible Tourism Awards to organizations that demonstrate an admirable level of respect for the environment. A number of categories are recognized, among them are; Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Preservation.

palazzo-hotelThere are several ways resorts and hotels can become more sustainable. Many organizations are implementing eco-friendly systems such as:

  •  Installing automatic-shutoff faucets and showerheads
  • Using motion sensors to turn off lights when a room is empty
  • Serving local foods
  • Many hotels in Vegas are fitted with items meet LEED certification standards
  • Some New York City hotels, such as Ink48, are matching the Palazzo Resort’s self-sustaining waste recycling programs
  • Many others are working to reduce their carbon footprints
  • Ink48 has gone so far as to create a program called Earthcare, which allows its members to discuss new ways to reduce the impact they have on the planet

Green ImageIt’s truly great to see so many people working to improve our environmental situation. Increased sustainability of the most heavily used facilities helps the planet and raises awareness. With nearly 40 million travelers in Las Vegas last year alone, there’s no doubt that people will become more conscious of our effect on the environment.