In a new ongoing feature, I am going to publish questions from my readers. If you have a question for the Preppy Girl email it to me at preppygirl@thepreppylife.com.

Dear Preppy Girl,
I am in college and my boyfriend’s birthday is next week. We have been dating for six months and I have no idea what to get him. Can you suggest a preppy present for under $100?
- Betsy

Betsy,
I suggest buying him a tie from Vineyard Vines; that way he will have something to wear when he meets your parents or goes on a job interview. Belts and silver key chains make great gifts too. Stay away from shirts and sweaters, that is much more of a mom gift.
Best,
P.G.

While the rest of the Mid-Atlantic was shoveling out of the blizzard of 2010, my family, boyfriend & I traveled south to Cancun. Set as side what you may think about Mexico, Spring Break, and Montezuma’s Revenge; Cancun is fabulous.  Mexican sunshine, white beaches, friendly people, and all of the seafood you can eat.

Getting there is half the fun:
Originally, we had booked a direct flight on Air Tran for Saturday morning–canceled before the blizzard even hit. Baltimore was blanketed in 26 inches of snow. Just thinking about the icy madness stresses me out, but I stayed calm because I was flying to Mexico on Sunday. When Maryland’s Governor refused to open the local airport; chaos erupted, especially when Air Tran could not book us on another flight. Once the hysteria crested, my snowed-in family banded together forming a communication hub; phones, cell phones, the Internet, we were going to Cancun! We booked the first flight out of DC on Air Mexicana, who boasts of a full-meal and open bar on the plane–it sounded like heaven. After a snowy three hour ride and a night spent in a crowded hotel room, our flight took off on-time and landed in sunny Mexico.

Poolside at the Resort

Ahhh, Mexico!
Green grass, humidity, tropical breezes, and a laid-back attitude, I love Mexico. Thanks to my grandparents and their lovely timeshare, I have been able to spend one blissful week each February soaking up the sun at the Royal Resorts. I am always impressed with the service and facilities at the resort, the employees are friendly and the hotel is immaculate.

The Lagoon

Cuisine:
There are so many great places to eat in Cancun. This year, I dined at my favorite Mexican restaurants and sampled a few new ones. I recommend Mocambo in downtown Cancun and the fish shack, located next to the upscale restaurant, La Habichuela (The Green Bean). I wish I could remember the real name of the restaurant, but it is fantastic; wonderful service, great margaritas, seating on the sand, and very reasonable prices. You know it’s a good restaurant when you spot the locals eating there.

Adios:
After 5 relaxing days, we drank our last margaritas on the beach and said our goodbyes, before rushing to the airport to catch our 6pm flight back to DC and the freezing cold.

My Rescued Pup

There is a bill making its way through the Maryland State Senate proposing to ban the sale of puppies under 9 months old in pet stores. According to the National Humane Society, the majority of puppies sold in Maryland pet stores are from puppy mills. If the bill passes, puppy-lovers will still be able to buy puppies directly from breeders, non-profits, and rescue organizations.

I  am really conflicted about this bill. Will preventing the sale of puppies stop the puppy mills? As much as I care for the welfare of dogs, I am afraid this bill could add even more insult to injury. If Maryland really wants to take a stand against puppy mills, they should make the operation of puppy mills illegal.

So if you are contemplating getting a dog, do not go to the pet store. Adopt a puppy from the local pound or rescue organization instead and if you are looking for a great name for your new pooch, check out the Top Ten Preppy Dog Names.