November 3, 2007 - Western on the Magic

[iwannabeminnie]

The only way I've ever bought it was in glass bottles that say "Vanillia".

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

The only way I've ever bought it was in glass bottles that say "Vanillia".

I wouldn't worry about packing glass bottles. DH and I just got back from Jamaica. When we cleared customs in Charlotte, we packed our 3 rum bottles in our suitcase for our connector to Pittsburgh. They made it safe and sound. We just wrapped them very well, in clothes and towels.

So how is the vanilla in Mexico different? You guys caught my attention... Do they sell it close to the port anywhere , because we are doing the Beach Day in Cozumel, with no shopping.

 

[iwannabeminnie]

We always got it from the liquor store in Tiajuana. I don't know where or if it will be convenient to the port in Cozumel. I've never been to Cozumel. Plan on changing that in a few months.

 

[DuncanLL]

Not all Mexican Vanilla is what it's cracked up to be. Here's part of an article that talks about what to look for and how to buy the real deal:

Although there are label laws in Mexico they aren't enforced; in some of the other countries there are no restrictions. So, don't count on the label for an accurate account of the ingredients. Needless to say, synthetic vanillas are a big industry as most tourists have no idea they are being duped and it's an easy product to sell.

How do you know if it's pure vanilla? There are a few tip-offs:

1. Is it amber colored, dark and murky, or clear? Clear is pure, synthetic vanillin. It's often called "crystal vanilla." Dark and murky is synthetic vanillin, most likely ethyl vanillin derived from coal tar. It may also be dark because it contains red dye that we've banned in the U.S. or it may contain caramel coloring. If it's truly amber-colored it may be natural vanilla.
   
   
2. What is the alcohol content? Usually the synthetics range from no alcohol to about 2% alcohol (which acts as a stabilizer). There are some vanilla-vanillin blends and some cheap-quality vanillas that have 25% alcohol, but they aren't worth buying either.
   
   
3. How much did you pay for it? This is the biggest tip-off. If it's in a big bottle and you paid $20.00 or less, it's absolutely not vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract usually costs more in Mexico because only one company makes quality extract, and only in small quantities.

The only brand of pure vanilla extract in Mexico that I recommend is made by Orlando Gaya Hijos in Gutierrez Zamora, Vera Cruz and it usually can be only found in the Vera Cruz region. If you want safe, good quality pure Mexican vanilla extract, buy it in this country. And if you want synthetics, buy them here too. It's the same price as you'd pay in Mexico but American synthetics aren't adulterated with dangerous additives.

 

[love2travel]

Happy Labor Day!

 

[iwannabeminnie]

Two months from today!

 

[iwannabeminnie]

Anybody packed yet?

 

[strousmouse]

I haven't started physically packing but I've been mentally packing for several weeks now! The countdown has begun!

 

[VeronicaWest]

I will be ready for this cruise let me tell you! i will be coaching my daughters softball team up until oct and then we got school and haloween and i have work and ...well i need a vaca just thinkin bout it!

 

[Deemarch]

Waiting for their proper spot in the suitcase! I have a list of what I'd like to wear each night, on my itinerary!! I'm ready!!!

 

[iwannabeminnie]

I have been shopping all summer and started pulling things out of bags. Somehow I have ended up with 3 pairs of green shorts! I'm not even crazy about green! I don't know how it happened. Old age may have had something to do with it.

 

[Beauty luvs Beast]

Anybody packed yet?

While I haven't packed yet, I'm starting to buy and put things in the spare room too! Anybody know of good sales on swimsuits? I've lost a few pounds and thought it was a good excuse to buy new suits (but don't want to spend $$$$$).

I'm excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[iwannabeminnie]

Yeah, funny story about buying a swimsuit. I bought a new swimsuit last year before our Disney trip in June (so when you guys see it this year, pretend you don't know it's last year's suit). While I was in the store I found a LARGE American Tourister Pullman suitcase on sale for $20. It cost me $120 to get out of the store with those two items. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

 

[Beauty luvs Beast]

You go, girl! I'm always on the look-out for those unforeseen bargains!

 

[Beauty luvs Beast]

...but I STILL need a new swimsuit!!

 

[VeronicaWest]

i need like 2 new suits but i cant find nething cheap that will look ne good! I still have yet to pack but ive picked up a few things. im planning ongetting some more clothes as the sales get better. dont have to worry bout luggage cause my inlaws got DH n i new stuff for our bdays(we r less than a month apart)

 

[iwannabeminnie]

Unfortunately, my body type and cheap swimsuits are not compatible. I am short and round. If it fits on the top, it is too big on the bottom. If it fits on the bottom, it is too small on the top. I ended up buying two pieces (at twice the price). Yeah, my kids nearly died when I told them I bought a "two-piece" swimsuit. Granny in a bikini. Like that's really gonna happen. It looks more like a dress.

 

[Beauty luvs Beast]

Have you tried Lands End? They have some really nice skirted 2-pc (I have 2) - all sizes and colors. You can mix and match, too. They're just not on a great sale that I can justify (I've already booked my massage at the spa). We have our priorities, don't we!?

We'll find something...

 

[needAcruise]

...but I STILL need a new swimsuit!!

Which state do you live in? The North East states have pretty much finished the summer swim suit season. But you might get somthing off the clearance racks in your size.

Love a bargain, but stay away from the hot pink animal prints!

You may be limited to the catalogs.

I second Lands End. They have quality stuff.

 

[Beauty luvs Beast]

Which state do you live in? The North East states have pretty much finished the summer swim suit season. But you might get somthing off the clearance racks in your size.

Love a bargain, but stay away from the hot pink animal prints!

You may be limited to the catalogs.

I second Lands End. They have quality stuff.

i'm in NJ too - not too much on the racks. I guess I'll have to go to a catalog. I always cross my fingers until I can try it on. How does the saying go: don't reinvent the wheel. I might as well stay w/Lands End - just wish they had a better sale on now!

so look for me on deck with the loudest hot pink animal print at least you'll know it's me!!