My favorite part of the entire house was the outdoor space, however, the inside was nothing short of spectacular. The layout was perfect, all open to the kitchen how I like it. They thought of every single detail. The house even had its own space for a gym, something I would totally love in my own house. Maybe one day!

I don’t know what room I could have picked as my favorite. Every room was unique with its own personality. The furnishings were beautiful and lucky for us we can even purchase many of the pieces seen in the house. The designer Brian Patrick Flynn was truly a genius designing this house. I love his style, practically and uniqueness of designing spaces.

There is not much time left to enter for your chance to win the HGTV Dream Home 2017. So make sure you still enter. You never know. You can thank me later if you win! Just saying…

On this post I will concentrate on showing the bedrooms and other spaces I didn’t get to show you on part one but if you like you can take a look at those spaces as well.

This is the designers favorite space. I truly loved the table. The table top was made of concrete. A really sturdy, well made table that I will get soon for my rental property in the mountains. I think this table will last me forever.

By looking straight onto this hallway, first door to the left, you will find the laundry room. After than pretty much it is the Master bedroom quarters. The amount of space devoted to just that area is plain perfect and the fact that is on the other side of the house will give the owners that much desired privacy many of us seek.

This is pretty much the entrance to the master bedroom. All this side of the house is devoted to the master space. Probably this would be my favorite area in the house. So private. beautifully decorated and spacious.

How awesome is this bathroom? The shower was gigantic and the bathtub was dreamy. I could probably spend all day in this room relaxing, reading a book and a glass of wine. Such a nice relaxing space that much of us need.

I think this is my second favorite spot inside the house. I loved the pop of color and the unique furnishing. How awesome is the stack of books? You can actually do this with your own books. You can buy the piece and fill it in with your own reading material. My kids would love this in their rooms. So fun!

I actually loved this piece. I am a sucker for vintage, old, metal looking things so I though this was genius. To bad I can’t add this in my own house. My bathrooms are tiny so this won’t look as good as it looked in here. Maybe one day!

These are two of the other bathrooms in the home. There is a total of 4 bathrooms. You can’t never go wrong with extra bathrooms right?

Well this is it. Again, you have a few more days to enter for your chance to win the HGTV Dream Home 2017. I wish you luck, and if you win, don’t forget to invite me!

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St Simons Island HGTV dream home 2017 trip was simply one of a kind. I didn’t have any expectations but by the time it was all set and done I just couldn’t believe how amazing everything turned out.

First off all, everyone was REALLY nice!! From the HGTV staff, to the bloggers, catering, trolly driver and the list goes on. Even when I came back home I felt like I was still on vacation.

The food was out of control and the hotel where we stayed was plain sensational. I will have a post on the places we visited and some of the things we ate very soon so make sure to stay tuned for that.

Anyways, let me start showing you around the amazing HGTV Dream Home 2017.

This picture depicts the entrance of the home. The minute I entered the home I didn’t know where to turn. It was a designers dream. I strongly believe my second calling, most definitely, is interior design. I love designing any and every space I can get my hands on so when I entered this amazing space my eye immediately caught the art work. I loved every piece through out the entire home. So bold and unique. It was just perfect for this home!

Here you can see the living room, right after the entrance to the home. Do you notice the chandeliers? How amazing do they look? I am telling you, I could have taken every single piece of furniture with me. Brian Patrick Flynn, the designer of the home, did a great job designing every single space. I know his favorite space was the dining room but I actually don’t know which one was mine. It was hard to pick given how unique and awesome every room was.

Here you can see the kitchen. This picture was actually taken by my friend Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer. Isn’t this kitchen amazing? This would most definitely be my dream kitchen. Maybe one day!

I love how the kitchen and living space flowed together especially because they continued with the backyard. The space pretty much tripled in size given the flow. They thought of every single detail and they didn’t miss a thing.

I think if I had to pick an area of the HGTV® Dream Home 2017, because I loved the backyard and view so much I think I would have to pick this space. It was truly an entertainers dream backyard. The views and the set up was out of this world. Outdoor living at is finest. The perfect space to relax, unwind and enjoy!

I think one of my favorite backyard places was the fire pit. How much fun would it be to sit with the family and make S’mores or even have a few cocktails in this spot? Do you also see the dog house on the back? Like I said before, they truly didn’t miss a single detail.

Here is me and the designer, Brian Patrick Flynn, truly a nice person, and super fun. I love his design philosophy and style of design. It was truly and honor to have met him and the crew. There is a lot of people behind this project as you can imagine.

Anyways, in a few days I will show you the remaining rooms of the interior of the house. From the bedrooms, dinning room, bathroom and much more. On the meantime, below are the rules of the giveaway so don’t forget to enter for your chance to win. Good luck!

No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the U.S., age 21 or older. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends at 5 p.m. ET on 2/17/17. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. For full official rules, visit HGTV.comHGTVDreamHome or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: “HGTV Dream Home Giveaway”- RR, P.O. Box 52915, Knoxville, TN 37950. Main Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC d/b/a Home and Garden Television.

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One of the things I remembered the most about Thailand were the food markets. Which ever area you may be at, you will find them extremely abundant all over Bangkok and Thailand.

While staying in Bangkok we stayed at Silom City Hotel which was just next to Silom Street market. While we had breakfast included in our hotel stay lunch and dinner was extremely cheap and easy access for us since this market was just about 1 minute walk from the hotel.

From the very early morning until very late at night, usually up until 12am, you will find that street markets are open. If you are on a tight budget, trust me, it will be hard to go over because transportation, food, activities, clothing etc are extremely cheap.

I have never eaten such high quality Thai food in my life but when coming to here. At first you can be skeptical because street vendors are all over the place. Food safety concerns are not an issue because Thai street vendors take their hygiene very serious.

There are certain things I was not willing to try. I am not into meat as well as certain insects or certain types of fish. Something that looks not recognizable to me I have a bit of a hard time trying even though I do venture once in a while.

One of my favorite places I visited while in Bangkok was the Chatuchak weekend market. This market is super huge. When I say huge, I mean huge. You will need a minimum of two days to explore the two different sections. One day to go into the food section and the other one to go into the arts, crafts, and clothing section.

The things that you will find in this food market are mind blowing. If you are into food you are going to love this place. There is a huge food court area in which you will be able to eat whatever it is that you purchase. Eat, relax and take it all in. The smells, tastes and look of food is just exceptional.

I really wasn’t sure what type of fish the picture on the right was but it was one that I kept seeing on street markets. Besides shrimp and calamari I don’t think I tried any other type of fish. Maybe next time since I know I will be going back there in a couple of years.

Literally there are so many dishes to try you are going to be a bit confuse choosing. I wanted to take so much food back with me home and the only thing I was able to safely packed without getting customs to be on my case were spices and curry. Lucky for me!

Believe or not I was able to bring a large wok in my suitcase. I purposely left half of it empty to be able to bring some props for my kitchen. Like I said, this is the other section of the Chatuchack market which you will need an extra day to explore. Braise yourself if you go over the summer! The heat is too much. Before May is your best bet to visit.

This is a woman we meet while there. So sweet. Her food was out of this world and she was just by the entrance of the cooking school we went to in Bangkok.

If you want to learn some authentic Thai recipes I highly suggest coming here, Silom Thai Cooking School. We spent about 1 week learning all of the most popular Thai dishes and we couldn’t have been more happy. Thai food at is finest.

Fish cakes and chicken satay were just out of this world. These were just two of about 25-30 dishes we were able to learn for the week. We did a super intensive course…I don’t think I have eaten so much Thai food in my life!

My partner in crime, which also is starting a food blog, My Global Cuisine, was with me for the entire ride. So fortunate to be able to share my passion for food with someone that feels the same way as me!

The ingredients was one of the best parts about cooking. So fresh, different and exciting to experiment with. Making our own red and green curry was actually one of the best things for me. It tasted so superior than store bought. I wish I could have make gallons of it and take back with me.

Another great part about going to Thai cooking schools was meeting people from all around the world that also shared a passion for cooking. One of the best trips I have ever taken for sure. After all, it all revolved around food!

One last thing, like I fist mentioned in this post, Thailand is extremely cheap. Not only is food and clothing cheap but also transportation. These are the so called tuck tuck so if you are going any place local or around where you are these are great for moving around.

Taxi rides are also extremely cheap and if you would like to experience the subway it is also an option. It is super clean and air conditioned.

If you have never visited Thailand I recommend that you do. One of my favorite countries in the entire world.

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Most of you know that I am actually from Spain. This past summer I was lucky enough to be able to spend 2 months traveling all around Spain visit friends and family and getting to know many of the parts I never visited while living there when I grew up.

Cantabria is where my mom moved after I left Spain and even in such a small state there is much to see. Culture, architecture, gastronomy and topography are all so differently all over Spain. There is always something totally unique to see no matter where you are in the country!

These pictures are actually from a little town called Santillana del Mar. It is one of the most visited towns in Cantabria for its uniqueness and quaint little shops. Sobaos is a dessert that is very typical of this region. It is like a baked buttery cake that is nothing but delicious. A must try if you are in the area!

This picture I took a few years back. I just wanted you to be able to see the main square in Santillana del Mar in its full glory. The perfect place to visit if you are up North Spain.

You can see the little shops in one of the main streets. Here to the left is my favorite bakery. If you like palmiers this is the place to buy a couple. So yummy and of course homemade!

You can find street musicians all over town in the summer months. There are plenty of tourists and a lot of artists displaying their talent!

These shoes were painted by hand by a local artist. The detail was unbelievable and the shoes were just so unique and fun. Of course I bought a pair for my daughter and when we came back to the U.S. everyone kept asking where I found them. So super cute!

In Santader, which is the capital of Cantabria, you can visit one of the major “Mercados” , a food market where you will find all sorts of fresh fish, fruits, veggies as well as meat, cheese and local food vendors.

If you are in the area, you won’t be able to miss this food market which sits in the very center of Santander. You see “Conejo” here? “Rabbit” that is, not my thing!

My mom resides in a part of Cantabria, where lucky for us, when we arrived in June the year festival was taking place. I can’t tell you enough how happy I was. Have you had churros or porras before? This is also a very traditional food here in Spain, ” Chocolate con churros”. If you are lucky enough to be able to go to a Spanish festival you will sure be able to find a vendor selling these!

There were actually more than one “Churreria” vendor in Saron’s festival so no matter what festival you go to in Spain there will always be at least one to get your churros from.

Some of the “Porras” are even filled with some sort of cream. I have never had one of the filled ones but the basic churros for me are best. In Saron there is also a weekly food market, Tuesdays is my favorite day of the week while staying there. My mom only lives about 3 miles away from it so needles to say I make it every single Tuesday!

I was able to buy two containers of local honey and when traveling to South Spain they opened which meant I couldn’t transport them back to the U.S. I was so sad because this honey was like no other.

I wish I could take all of these dried legumes with me. I wasn’t prepared this time around since I didn’t take an extra empty luggage piece with me to be able to stock up on all the local ingredients. Big mistake…next time I know what to do!

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes…you name it. Such a beautiful display of local grown foods. Just one of my favorite things to do when I travel. Visiting places where I can find all sorts of local treasures!

Another beautiful thing about this part of Spain is that most people grow their own veggies. I can’t tell you enough how much I would love to be able to do something like this. Maybe in the future!

Cantabria is a part of Spain that sits at the very north of the country. It is surrounded by amazing mountains and beaches. The climate is milder than the rest of Spain making summers much more manageable and the winters not so cold.

If you are in the area make sure you get to visit some of these places, Santillana del Mar is a must and while there make sure you make time to visit any of the weekly food markets.

Until my next travel post.

Enjoy!

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It has been two and half months since our vacation started and it just has come to an end. It has been a very hectic two and half months going to different places but so fun.

I figured I just do a brief post focusing on our return and take advantage to share a few of the many amazing spots in Spain and Brussels we were able to go. Some of the places we wanted to go had to be put on hold. We sort of felt we had done enough traveling with a one and a half year old toddler, as well as a 5 year old……. It was really exhausting at times to say the least :-)

This time around we have done a lot of exploring around the north of Spain as well as a little bit around the south, although we feel that there is much left to be done. We would like to purchase a vacation home in Spain so getting to know the territory is key.

At one point we were leaning more towards the south of Spain but because we found such amazing spots in the north, and I actually like the climate there better, not as hot, we are deciding up on the north……I am a happy girl because my husband wanted the south and I wanted the north :-)

Anyhow, thanks to the generosity of family members we were able to stay at many different spots around Spain for free, free accommodation and food was key, this is what family it is for, right? and the food was just out of this world. Luckily I managed not to gain any weight :-)

Enjoy the pictures and I am glad we are back :-)

Now back to the kitchen!!

North Spain- La guerra beach

Bilbao- Guggenheim

Sampling some pastries while in Belgium!

Amazing cakes we got to feast on while in Brussels :-) It was chocolate paradise…

My son got really happy at this lolly pop shop…I wonder why :-)

My husband was super happy here, a beer store, duh!!

Here you can see the famous Belgium waffles. We ate a few. One was plenty but I wish I could have taken a couple with us.

The main square in Brussels. A beautiful place.

Notice the chocolate in many different shapes and sizes…if you know what I mean!

…and yet more funky chocolate shapes.

I was in paradise to say the least…I ate pastries up and down left and right. I have such a sweet tooth, plus I couldn’t resist!

Some of the amazing canals in Bruges, Belgium. Sort of like a medieval town. This place was magical. I hope we can get to back one day.

Some of the boats in Bruges canals were really pretty with the flowers and all

My husband sampling some snails and a friend of ours preparing a gambones (super large shrimp) feast. The food in Spain is out of this world. My favorite thing to do when going there…eat of course!!

In Tarifa. The very bottom part of south Spain. The background is Africa. Next time we will visit Morocco I hope! We were so close.

So this is what we do in Spain, the family gets together and we eat… A LOT. I love it. Can’t wait to go back.

My cousin preparing us some mojitos. Why not?

Sampling some Paella, muscles etc….. Seafood is eaten in Spain a lot. I am glad my kids enjoy it!

In Benalmadena, Malaga, Spain

Beach in Benalmadena, Malaga!

Beach of Valdearenas/North Spain

North Spain, Cantabria

At the fish market in North Spain. My son never saw so much fish in his life. Love how fresh and beautiful it looked.

North Spain, Cantabria

North Spain, Cantabria

My little poser :-)

Palacio de la Magdalena, North Spain…and that is it. I hope you like the mini tour.

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