Hello Friends, and Happy Cinco de Mayo! We have so many happy and fun things to share today. It seems fitting that it’s also Cinco de Mayo – a day when Mexican heritage is celebrated in the US and other parts of the world. A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s independence day. Their independence day is actually celebrated on September 16th. We would know – we were IN MEXICO last year for it, on our Honeymoon. The honeymoon trip to Mexico was actually a (very) generous gift from Hayley’s Grandparents to us for our wedding present. They had recently returned from Puerto Vallarta and loved it so much they let us use their time share to go back for our Honeymoon.
We didn’t exactly know what to expect in Mexico – neither of us had been there before. In fact, despite some elementary-level Spanish classes, we hardly spoke a word of the language either. But a few days after our wedding, we took off for Puerto Vallarta! When we got there we discovered a wonderful country full of great food, kind people, and beautiful scenery. While we were technically visiting during the rainy season, the only time it really rained heavily was our first night there. The rest of the week was beautiful, warm, and clear. Since it had rained a lot the week before we got there, the rivers letting out into the Bay of Banderas were muddying the waters near our resort. While this seemed like bad luck, we had rented a car for the week and it pretty much forced us to explore the region, which turned out to be a blessing. We had envisioned a lazy week on the beach sipping Pina Coladas (there were plenty of those in reality, too), but our honeymoon became one adventure after the next: driving all over to find the best food, the best beaches, and the most beautiful places.
Needless to say: WE LOVED IT. We kept our camera rolling, capturing video during our entire trip – from the food, to the locals, to the scenery, and MORE FOOD. Our family members joke that we “ate our way through Mexico.” … What’s so funny about that? We actually did. Neither of us thought we would be sharing this video, but it turned out to nicely capture what was a beautiful memory for both of us. We hope you enjoy it! And what Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without some tasty (Paleo) Mexican food? We have a great menu for any celebration!
Check out our Paleo Cinco de Mayo menu
Share a recipe!
Speaking of recipe contributors, if you’re new here you might not know this. We recently released a new feature on the website that allows users to upload their own recipes to the site. This means that you could potentially upload your own recipes, use them in our free meal planner, and ALSO have them show up on the free myKitchen App (which has been downloaded over 150,000 times!) How cool is that? Tons of people are sharing recipes. See for yourself!
Today’s Giveaway: KitchenAid Blender!
In celebration of our ongoing partnership with KitchenAid, we have our first of FOUR giveaways up today. First up is this fabulous KitchenAid 5 speed Blender… perfect for making any Cinco de Mayo treats: Blended margaritas, pina coladas, daiquiris…. you name it! If this video doesn’t make you want a smoothie (even one without alcohol), then we don’t know what will! This giveaway is all because of the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. This is the fourth year KitchenAid has presented this particular PGA event. If you’ll recall, we also helped to promote the event the second year they sponsored it (which was the last time it was at Harbor Shores.) Maybe THIS will jog your memory? It will also return to Harbor Shores in 2016 and 2018. This year’s Senior PGA Championship is over Memorial Day Weekend. Tickets may be purchased online at SPGA2014.com or by calling the Championship office at 269-487-3200. If you do go, stop by the KitchenAid tent and let them know you appreciate their sponsorship!
Enter the Giveaway
The giveaway starts today at noon (est) and will run until 9pm on Wednesday, May 7th. All entries in the blender giveaway will also be counted towards the KitchenAid Stand Mixer grand prize! To enter, use the widget below. You will be required to follow us on Twitter (maybe you already do… great!) and @KitchenAid_Golf. You’ll also be require to answer (or Google) a golf trivia question. If you don’t have twitter, there is an alternate method of entry in the Terms and Conditions… of course! GOOD LUCK! 
Fun!!!
Pretty much love everything about this post. Vacation in Mexico. Cinco De Mayo recipes. And a giveaway. So cool!