Excellence Playa Mujeres

We celebrated our three year anniversary last week in Playa Mujeres, Mexico.

We spent our honeymoon at Excellence Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico (about 30 minutes south of Cancun) and absolutely loved it. As soon as we left, we knew we wanted to get back one day. So we planned our three-year anniversary trip at another Excellence resort. This time we decided to try out their Playa Mujeres location, which is about 30 minutes north of Cancun.

Although we didn't think it was possible, we loved Excellence even more this time around. The two resorts were remarkably similar (same restaurants, bars, and general setup) but this location was just a bit newer and nicer.

Excellence is an all-inclusive resort, so the only thing we had to worry about was what drink we were ordering next and what restaurant we were eating at that night. We couldn't even be bothered to leave the resort, because we were too busy sunning by the pool, swimming in the ocean, lounging on our outdoor bed and eating and drinking obscene amounts.

Oh, and did I mention that we got upgraded to a "swim-up" room for free? (Meaning you can actually walk out your door and into the pool.) And as return guests, we were gifted with some Excellence swag (polo shirt, hat and beach bag).

But by far the best thing about Excellence is the service. You are literally waited on hand and foot. Maria, our poolside waitress, knew our drink orders by heart. We didn't go to a single restaurant without being greeted as Mr. and Mrs. Wade and having our chair pulled out for us and our napkins placed in our laps. Our room was cleaned twice a day, including turndown service and restocking the free minibar daily. Needless to say, it was not an easy transition back into the real world.

So let's dive into the pictures shall we? But first, a little tour of our room:

If only every day could be started with mimosas:

My favorite drink is the "Excellence martini." I had waited three years for this drink and was so excited to finally have it in my hands:

Lee's ceviche at Agave, the Mexican restaurant:

Best nap spot ever:

These iguanas decided to oversee our nap:

One night, we stumbled upon the "1001 Nights" themed dinner on the beach. Middle Eastern food served right on the beach, complete with hookah lounge and fire show.

Chef at the beach grill showing off for Lee:

Anniversary dinner at Spice, the Asian restaurant, on our last night:

We LOVE the Excellence toiletries, so we may have hoarded them a bit. Our loot all lined up when we got back home:

We were sad to see our trip end, but glad to see Sugar and get somewhat back to normal. Hopefully we'll be able to make it back to Excellence for a third time someday.

(If you're looking for a fabulous vacation, be sure to check Excellence out. And no, they are not paying or perking me to say all these nice things about them. I just love them that much.)

ECU vs. UNC Football Game

Lee's brother-in-law had three extra tickets to the UNC/ECU game in Greenville on Saturday night, so we were more than happy to put them to use.

We had a delicious tailgating spread, it was a night game which is always fun, the weather was perfect football weather AND Carolina won, so it was a perfect night (for me at least!).

The men manning the grill:

Jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and sausage:

Sausage dogs, pasta salad, chicken wings and baked beans. Yum!

Yes, this is two Double Stuf Oreos and peanut butter stuffed inside a brownie. Ridiculousness.

ECU's "stripper pirate" mascot:

Even though I was one of about 3 Carolina fans in a sea of Pirates, everyone was civil for the most part and we had a great time. Thanks for being such a great "tour guide" Greg!

His & Hers Weekend Projects

His project -- turning this:

Into this:

I can't give you step by step instructions, I just know this involved disassembling, sanding, spray painting, some cursing, clear coating, some more sanding, waxing, reassembling and lots of tuning.

His favorite part of the project? Going to the auto parts store to pick a paint color and finding the exact same "Toyota green" that his old (first) beloved truck used to be.

Her project -- a fall burlap wreath (inspired by Pinterest of course):

We had some old tobacco sacks laying around, so I was able to cut those up instead of buying burlap. They still smell a bit like cured tobacco, which I love (the smell of tobacco curing is nothing like the smell of cigarettes being smoked, which I hate).

I spread everything out on the driveway and worked right there, because I'm redneck like that. Of course, Sugar supervised.

First I wrapped a straw wreath form with the strips of burlap.

Then I made ruffles with the burlap strips, pinning as I went along.

Then I rotated the wreath around and tried to convince Lee that it looked good just like this and there was no need to keep ruffling all the way around.

He was not buying it. So I pressed on.

Orange and brown satin ribbon makes her complete.

Lee still thinks it needs something else. Maybe leaves or something. But what does he know?

We'll see if the mood strikes me to change it up or if I decide to just leave it be.

Another weekend project? Making some delicious homemade chicken noodle soup for my sick husband.

Can you see it steaming?

And in proof of the theory that 'no good deed goes unpunished' I got sick the very next day. Yuck.

It was still a good weekend though. How was yours?

Why I Love Him

Exhibit A:

He made me a homemade birthday cake from scratch (no box cake mix and tub frosting in sight).

Even if it wasn't the most beautiful cake in the world. And even if he just wrote "Happy Birthday!" and I had to remind him that it would be nice if my name was on it. And even if I did have to clean up the kitchen afterwards. It was the thought that counted. And, it was delicious!

Exhibit B:

He snuggles my dog.

I rest my case.