Cloudcroft, New Mexico - The Planning Process

My husband decided we should take a weekend trip for my birthday this year. Things have been crazy busy. And I don't see it slowing down any time soon. A week after my birthday, there will be one kid turning 16. Another week or two after that, I should have two high school graduates, both looking for jobs and planning out their next life steps. The stress has definitely taken a toll. Probably the biggest reason my husband suggested the trip to begin with. 

He had a friend at work that talked about amazing camping trips he would take to a village  called Cloudcroft in New Mexico. And yes, it is called a village. The spectacular views around it draw all kinds of people. Now... I'm not big on camping. We did it when I was a kid, on Nana's farm, in the tent that collapsed on my brother and I when the dew fell... then again as adults... both of those times in recent years were also fails when bed time came. So instead, we decided to take a different approach. We are going to stay in an Airbnb.

This is a huge first for us. Nothing against hotels we usually stay at, but these offer up so much more for a comparable price. First off, we will have access to a full kitchen. I plan to cook while we are there (at least some of our meals) to save on eating-out costs. We can also keep warm, as the area is still in some heavy winter weather with sporadic snows. The cabin we chose is near enough to get to hike the Osha Trail. 

My husband is not such a big outdoors guy, but for me, he is willing to occasionally walk or hike some trails with me. This one is a decent size at about 2.5 miles long. So I will be packing one of our backpacks to bring along simple things like water and snacks. And maybe a small first aid kit. In case someone trips and falls. Oh, and I won't forget the sunscreen! 

I have also started researching various places in Cloudcroft, as well as in the nearby village, Ruidoso. We want to visit the local Calvary Chapel in Ruidoso, too. 

From what my research of the area shows, we are going while winter is still fairly strong. And we will be high up in the mountains. So... winter gear is a must. We may actually get to use those coats we have! Crazy, huh? But here in Texas, that isn't a big possibility. Even during winter months. I think I used a heavy jacket once so far. Can you tell I'm excited for the wrong reasons? Yep! So here we go. Let's see what planning out ahead of time will do for our time in New Mexico! 

Summer Fun with a Pool?!

Yes, for some of us, winter is finally getting into gear. Some of you have been dealing with ice and snow for a little while. Not here in Texas. Some days, we are still looking at 70 degree weather. All while we were watching Christmas creeping ever closer. With weather like that, it feels wrong to have Christmas so close. But whatcha gonna do?  

How about get a pool? Yep, you heard that right. After all, we have the weather for it. So why not? Coleman's Pools partnered with me to share my latest product review - a giant pool! 

*Disclaimer - I was sent this product free in exchange for sharing my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are mine or others I shared the pool with.* 

I love getting to try stuff out and then let you know what my thoughts. So when they offered me a pool, I got really excited about it.  Not really for myself. This pool, I decided to share with some friends from church. I got her the biggest pool they had to offer. 

This bad boy is 22' in diameter! Talk about a monster size... It is above ground and comes with the pump. They had to deliver it via really big truck and a pallet jack. My sons barely managed to get it inside. Here is the box next to my tallest son who is just over 6' tall. 

I couldn't wait to let my friend know. This was going to revolutionize their summer fun next year. But we couldn't wait that long to show it off, now can we? After all, best to get the word out before sales see them flying off the shelves. 

So, after getting it to her house, they got it all set up and ready to bring on the fun in the summer! She said it was crazy easy to set up. A single person can do it. For them, it took about 2 hours, plus the filling time. It is deep enough that younger kids, maybe 4 years and under, will need flotation devices unless they are good swimmers. That is how deep this thing is! She and her family are so excited about the up-coming summer fun they will be having.  

Coleman has pools in various sizes, that also come in a variety of styles. This ones gives off the wood look, but you can find others to fit your preferences. 

Walmart.com has a lot to choose from. I found the one we got HERE. Looks like it is running about $1,200. You can go to the source at BestwayUSA.com. They are the parent company, I believe, of Coleman products. However, at the time of writing this review, their website says they are out of stock. So you might have to keep checking back. You might also sign up to receive updates and deals. 

What do you think? Are you a pool person? Let me know in the comments down below!  

Dangerously Good Whisky - Pendleton!

I'm not a big drinker. I sip occasionally, but it isn't something I do for any particular reasons. This time, it was to review! Pendleton Whisky partnered with me to try out their delicious (dangerously so!) whisky. Normally, whisky burns going down the throat. Leaves you feeling warm, but that initial sip can have new drinkers coughing all over the place. Pendleton is on a different level though. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent a party pack to host a review party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own.*

Normally when I drink, I'm leaning more towards something that tastes good. Like a vodka or cream. Or something that mixes well and goes down easy. My view on liquor is that one should not drink it if they have to "acquire" the taste for it. That, to me, is Stockholm Syndrome at its core. Whisky can be tricky. And I had my reservations about this one. But they cleared my views on theirs pretty quick. For this, we made a recipe they set me. And let me tell you... I've not had a whisky go down so smoothly! There was no burn. It was light and refreshing. Why do I call this dangerous? You almost don't realize it is an alcoholic beverage! THAT is why it is dangerously good. Only one other has come close to this kind of goodness for me. A certain Irish cream drink... 

These run about $30 a bottle. Stores well in the fridge, so no rush on getting it down!  

I could see this drink being something that is fun over those hot, summer nights. A few friends and a fire pit with some great talking and laughing moments. That is the kind of drink I think this one is. 

As with all beverages meant for adults, I don't suggest it for the purpose of getting drunk. As a Christian, I believe that drinking in moderation is okay. Getting drunk is where the problems come. So, if you are prone to drunkenness - this isn't for you. For everyone else, drink responsibly. After all, you don't enjoy it if you can't think clearly! Cheers! 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, my wonderful readers! I hope you all had a wonderful day. New posts coming soon!