Snapshots from Puerto Vallarta

Amazing Restaurants Travel

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I absolutely fell in love with Puerto Vallarta! I can’t believe this paradise is just two hours from Dallas. The food, the people, and the scenery were wonderful. Matt spoke Spanish as much as possible, and we chatted with so many interesting people and got to know the staff at the resort. We ate amazingly fresh seafood, consumed as much guacamole as humanly possible, and sipped margaritas and cervezas a little too often. One of the highlights was a mountain bike trip we took into the countryside. We rode through little villages, saw beautiful birds, and were surrounded by lush forests. If you’re ever in Puerto Vallarta, I highly recommend La Leche and Cafe des Artistes for dinner, and EcoRide bike tours for a challenging excursion!

Thanks for all your kind words and strong opinions on my previous post. I guess you can see why I haven’t shared much during this job search period:) I really appreciate the supportive comments – thank you for understanding that this is a frustrating time!

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  • Laura @ SneakersandSpatulas
    January 21, 2014 at 10:05 pm

    I’m headed to Puerto Vallarta in March for a wedding. I’ll be in the midst of Ironman training and am worried about training while down there. My hubby is worried about my safety while in Mexico. How safe did you feel? Would you feel comfortable running/walking off resort by yourself?

    Also, I know how you feel about the job search and I can empathize. I was out of a job for about 3 months last year and it was so depressing to get excited about a job and not get the position. Something good will come along for you though!! Keep your head up!!!!

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 9:16 am

      It really depends on where you are staying – we were in the marina area and there were great long streets that I’d feel comfortable running along, but we drove through other areas that I’d be unsure of. The boardwalk/Malecon would be great for running if you went early enough in the morning. We used the bus system for ~50 cents/ride and you can take that downtown. Overall, I felt safe in the Marina and downtown, but it might be hard to find more than a few miles of good running streets in the main areas.

      Thanks for your comment!

  • jenny
    January 22, 2014 at 5:14 am

    Please hear me out – this is genuine feedback that I hope you will use.
    Most people who are having a hard time finding a job wouldn’t even think of doing the things you do, because they can’t afford it. Trying to feed their families and making ends meet is their priority – often times wondering if they will even be able to do that. So while you post about these lavish vacations and numerous meals out every week, and then end by complaining about how hard your life is, maybe you should actually step back and think about how your life really isn’t so bad. Trust me…it could be much worse.

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 8:04 am

      Yes, I totally agree!! I am beyond fortunate! I’ve never claimed that my life is hard, and my post wasn’t about that – it was expressing sadness over a lost opportunity. Just because my husband has a good job, doesn’t mean I can’t feel frustrated about my own career.

    • Rachel
      January 22, 2014 at 8:43 am

      Jenny, I know it can be really easy to slip in jealousy over looking at these amazing pictures. I work hard, my boyfriend works hard, and we’ve never been on a vacation like this- I’m definitely jealous of her getaway. But don’t let that jealousy turn to negativity. I’ve never read Laura complain about her life or say that her life is hard. Just because someone’s experiences are different than our own doesn’t mean the need for empathy goes out the window. We can call relate to the disappointment that Laura wrote about.

      • Laura
        January 22, 2014 at 9:17 am

        Thanks, Rachel!

      • Reece
        January 23, 2014 at 7:46 am

        Are you sure you mean jealousy, and not envy?

        Laura, your photos are truly beautiful. I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Mexico, and I have my fingers crossed for you that the right job comes along soon. 🙂

        • Laura
          January 28, 2014 at 4:47 pm

          Thank you!!

  • Abby
    January 22, 2014 at 9:00 am

    I hope that despite the negativity in a lot of these comments that you remember there are plenty of people reading your blog that truly support you and want to see you succeed. Unfortunately when you’re honest on the internet about both the good and the bad in your life you’re bound to face some criticism.

    Keep your chin up and stay positive and I’m sure some of these missed opportunities will lead to something that’s an even better fit for you in the future.

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 9:18 am

      Thanks for reading:)

  • Lauren
    January 22, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Looks like such a fun trip! May I ask where you stayed? I was in a similar situation when I was your age. Move to a new city, husband a well paid MBA, me jobless. I faced so much jealousy and had people actually say to me, “I could never stand being home all day doing nothing.” My supportive friend’s reply…”well, they’ll never have the opportunity anyhow.” Enjoy your life, Laura! These are special days before the kids and chaos arrive.

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 9:19 am

      Thanks:) We stayed at the Marriott!!

      • Lauren
        January 22, 2014 at 9:31 am

        Thanks so much!

  • Shannon
    January 22, 2014 at 10:21 am

    As I am reading this, it is 3 degrees and snowing outside. Ew. I absolutely LOVE that you and Matt make the most of your free time! I have kind of an unpredictable job (probably similar to Matt), and I need to be better at jumping on a plane when I have a chance. Thanks for reminding me to enjoy life and be a little more spontaneous! Also, as someone that has dragged my significant other to three different cities during my twenties (only 26) for grad school and jobs, I wholeheartedly understand the struggle that you are going through. But just like 2013 was a great year for you personally, I have no doubt that 2014 will be your year professionally! And in the meantime, keep doing awesome things and telling us about them.

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 8:42 pm

      Thank you! The one good thing about this time is that I can be more spontaneous!

  • Isabel
    January 22, 2014 at 5:49 pm

    Your trip looks fabulous! 🙂 Would you recommend staying at the Marriott?

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      It’s a bit dated and the rooms are basic, but the view was incredible and the staff were great. It’s a great value, especially because we got a resort credit every day that covered our lunches and drinks. It’s not within walking distance to downtown, but we used the bus system for 50 cents/ride and took cabs if it was late at night. Taking all of that into consideration, I would definately recommend it!

  • Jill
    January 22, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Hey Laura! I’ve been reading on and off for a while, and I just want to commend you – you seem very classy and give such thoughtful, objective responses, regardless of whether someone is possibly being harsh or not. Unfortunately, that seems pretty rare these days, and I just wanted to say something because I’m not sure that I’ve ever commented before- your demeanor is extremely admirable 😉 Good luck to you on your job search!

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 8:40 pm

      Thanks for your comment – it means a lot:)

  • Lynn San Francisco,CA
    January 22, 2014 at 8:36 pm

    Hi Laura!

    I love these photos of your trip and, of course, the droolworthy pics of the food you ate 🙂 I enjoy your blog and have to say I personally could not deal with the negativity that gets thrown your way, which is probably why I never started a blog. I commend you for being honest and open in the face of all of that. Keep on bloggin’ as you do and keepin’ it real! Oh and about the job hunt….hang in there. I know you will find something that is absolutely meant for you 🙂

    • Laura
      January 22, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks Lynn!

  • Jenns
    January 23, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    I believe I hve seen all successful bloggers undergo a lit of criticism (remember Kath 5-6 years ago?) maybe this means your blog is heading for fame?! In the meantime I agree with a previous comment about enjoying this time before kids and chaos!

    • Laura
      January 28, 2014 at 4:46 pm

      Perhaps! But sadly, I think a lot of those critics are the same ones who love to attack Kath and have found their way to TBT:(

  • Karen
    February 7, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    Keep your head up on the job search, though it may be tough now you may look back on this journey wiser and stronger! While you search it may be a perfect opportunity to volunteer in your new community, maybe for an after school program or something that you are passionate about. 🙂

    • Laura
      February 9, 2014 at 9:40 am

      Thanks:)