124| DINNER & A TALENT SHOW

Hi! Welcome back! Let’s jump right in…

That Friday night I went to the resort’s (Excellence El Carmen Punta Cana) Indian restaurant. I am vegan and this restaurant had the most options. Im glad that I did because the food was delicious! The chef also went above and beyond by sending me extras. And the service was just as great. Quick story… While I was waiting for my food to come out I overheard the couple next to me saying how good the food had been and telling the waiter that they’re from Bangladesh and asked if the chef was Indian. To which the waiter responded with a yes. I remember thinking how the waiter should’ve seen if the chef would come out and say hello to the happy couple. The couple leaves. After I’ve eaten my food guess who comes out? The chef! He scans the room and finds me. He steps over and extends his hand and asks what I thought about the food? I of course told him it had been delicious! He then went and greeted a few more folks. Anyway, I thought that was pretty cool lol.

Here are some pictures before and during dinner:

After dinner I stopped in their dessert bar and grabbed some treats… Afterwards I watched their nightly show. It was a few of the same people from the night before showcasing other talents like singing. It was entertaining for sure. It made me wonder about their lives working for a major resort and also about their salaries. Whatever they’re getting they deserve more. Some of them work other shifts and are there for 12 hours or more. Some live very, very far from their jobs too. Someone should make a documentary on this subject lol I’m intrigued.

Next day was Saturday my last full day away. I started it off with a walk to the beach. I read, got in the water (I walked back to my chair and left my phone and went in). And enjoyed lunch by the ocean. I didn’t like that the beach umbrellas were permanently opened. More of a cabana vibe. But I wanted to be enjoy whatever time I had with the sun, since it was an overcast day.

I’ll share the remaining pictures in the next post. Thanks for checking in!

Happy 2026!

XO, Cin.

123| SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS…

Hi! It was never my intention to take a hiatus from the blog, but that’s what ended up happening. But let me tell you, I kept busy during that time. But, how rude of me… How have you been?

Before I continue let me clarify something. Although I wasn’t updating this space, it in no way meant that I had forgotten about it or you. But the truth is that I just needed the time to get inspired. It was a form of self care 💞.

During the months of November and December I signed up and completed a herbal mentorship. I learned a lot! I have a few books in my Amazon cart to continue learning and creating —always with love. And if I were you, I’d stick around for what’s up next. You may have already noticed a change in this space. That alone will tell you all you need to know ;) That’s if you notice it.

Something else that I did was go back to Punta Cana for my solo trip on Thanksgiving Day. I didn’t get to go away for my Birthday. However that didn’t stop my birthday weekend from being a special one. I was in Punta Cana from Thursday to Sunday. I stayed at Excellence El Carmen Punta Cana. I have mixed reviews on my overall experience. But I am glad that I went! I am thankful for the clarity gained while away, and for the memories. Get ready for pictures from my trip lol I’ll break them up between posts.


I had their vegan fajitas. There were more but I ate them haha. I was hungry! This banana desert was top tier. Their vegan friendly menu is why I picked the resort.

After dinner I had some time and went back to the room to unwind and rest my feet before the night show at the theater. It was their “Legends Show” which paid tribute to Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury. I’m proud to say that I didn’t miss a single show lol!

The room was very very comfortable. Their sofa, the extra soft and plush throw blanket, you can see it here in the picture above. The bed, the pillows and their pillow menu. I was very, very pleased with the suite. I’ve stayed in many resorts and this room has been one that you really felt like you were home. It was actually cozy. It only had overhead lighting in the bathroom area. Which gave this romantic ambiance in the room.

Come back soon for the next set of photos and more details about my trip.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love, light, the shadow too—-Cin.