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Things To Do at Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas
I'm a tiny speck amongst the majestically carved Franklin Mountains & the vast Chihuahuan Desert landscape that surround me. I wipe a bead of sweat from my brow. It's barely 8 a.m. but the sun is no joke. I pull the brim of my El Paso hat down to cover as much of my face as possible. This is Franklin Mountains State Park.
I'm exploring Franklin Mountains State Park as a familiarization tour guest of Visit El Paso. El Paso is a city in El Paso County, which you can find located in the far western part of the U.S. state of Texas. I look at the other travel influencers, journalists, bloggers, & writers. Everyone is taking photos. I put my phone on a wooden post, set a self-timer for 3, 2, 1. I smile. "Cheese!" I say to myself. I look at the picture.
It's glorious. Mother Earth is photogenic in that way. If you're a nature lover, hiking fan, or desert enthusiast, add Franklin Mountains State Park to your El Paso, Texas To Do List. There are several activities you can do all year long, fall, winter, spring, summer!
Latitude: 31.908166
Longitude: -106.525458
Headquarters
2900 Tom Mays Access Rd.
El Paso, TX 79911
Entrance Fees
Adult: $5 Daily
Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Group - Adult: Contact the Park
Reservations and Hours
Since they tend to reach capacity, it's highly recommended to make reservations for both camping and day use. As far as their hours go: from the first Saturday in April to the first Saturday in September, gate hours are extended on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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1. Nature Watching
The state park has a diverse ecosystem of birds, reptiles, coyotes, squirrels & maybe a mule deer or perhaps you'll spot a mountain lion. Leave nothing but footprints! Leave all plants, animals, minerals, and artifacts in the park as you found them. Everything in the park is protected by state law for everyone’s enjoyment.
2. Rock Climbing
Go on a rock climbing adventure at Franklin Mountains State Park! Bring your own equipment & climb at the designated area in McKelligon Canyon or at Sneed’s Cory in the Tom Mays Unit. McKelligon Canyon has a 1,503-seat amphitheater for concerts, graduations, etc.
3. Camping
Stay at one of 14 tent campsites or 5 RV sites. Campsites don't have water or electricity. Click here to find out more about Franklin Mountains State Park camping & RV options. Campfires are permitted but only in fire rings. No gathering of firewood is permitted.
4. Dining
Ok, there aren't any restaurants for visitors but you can still enjoy a meal on the mountain. Find picnic benches & shade so you can take in the view while you eat. It's such a good view. I loved eating my breakfast & watched the desert come to life in the morning.
5. Hike a Trail
Spend the day on the trail. The hiking trails at Franklin Mountains State Park are intense. You could spend a lot of time exploring the 100 miles of trails on almost 27,000 acres. Now that's quite a hike. Hikers should always bring water, cell phone, good shoes, & a hiking buddy. Walk around, enjoy the view and the trail.
6. History
Native American tribes made the area their home for thousands of years. Find their deep mortar pits for grinding seeds. If you're really lucky, you might spot their colorful pictographs & etched petroglyphs on boulders & rock walls.
7. Events
Franklin Mountains has an active events page which you can check out here.
8. Bring Your Pet
You can bring your pet but they have to be on a 6-foot leash. Please pick up after them.
Clear your mind & spend time with nature at Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas. Start off with a peaceful brunch on the mountain then camp overnight after a long day of exploring the trails. The entrance fee for adults is $5. Children 12 years & under are free. What are you waiting for? :] State parks are always fun to visit. Since there is no water or electricity available at RV camps or campsites, don't forget to bring plenty of water.
There are so many things that you can do in El Paso if you're in the area. From food to craft beer to plays, there's no shortage of ideas.
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Related reading: Celebrating My 1 Year Self-Employment Anniversary in El Paso
Which activity sounds the most fun to you? :]
40+ Things To Do In Conejo Valley, California
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| Look familiar? Yep, that's the church from Westworld. Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, California. |
Prefer spending your afternoons sipping wine at a local winery? Want to sleep in, go shopping, & get pampered? Want to take the day to get back to nature? No worries, Conejo Valley has your back. No matter what you love, Conejo Valley has more than enough things to do to keep you occupied.
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| Whizin Market Square in the morning. Agoura Hills, California |
Where is Conejo Valley?
Conejo Valley is that sweet middle spot north of Los Angeles & south of Santa Barbara, located less than 30 minutes from the beaches of Malibu. Conejo Valley consists of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, & Oak Park.
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| Lavender latte from Longevity Coffee. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you need caffeine...
1. Sip on a lavender latte or nitro cold brew at Longevity Coffee.
2. Get a coffee at Ragamuffin Roasters.
3. Head to Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery for coffee, tea, smoothies, or acai bowls.
4. Reserve a space at Tranquility Tea Room or pick up tea to go.
4. Reserve a space at Tranquility Tea Room or pick up tea to go.
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| Mouthful Eatery after the lunch rush. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you're hungry...
5. Get coffee & breakfast at Wildflour Bakery & Cafe.
6. Try the crispy yuca with huancaina sauce from Mouthful Eatery.
7. Eat a taco (or two) at Bad Ass Tacos.
8. Have one of Urbane Cafe's vegetarian-friendly sandwiches.
9. Snack on the mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern, made in-house with beer-infused dough.
10. Share some seasonal California comfort food from Lemonade.
11. Find organic, plant-based, gluten-free food at JOI Cafe.
13. Try the Chevre Goat Cheese Chocolate from TIFA Chocolate & Gelato.
14. Find homemade Italian desserts at Carrara Pastries, an authentic pasticceria.
7. Eat a taco (or two) at Bad Ass Tacos.
8. Have one of Urbane Cafe's vegetarian-friendly sandwiches.
9. Snack on the mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern, made in-house with beer-infused dough.
10. Share some seasonal California comfort food from Lemonade.
11. Find organic, plant-based, gluten-free food at JOI Cafe.
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| Cheesecake bite from Carrara Pasteries. Agoura Hills, California |
If you have a sweet tooth...
12. Eat a cupcake from Sprinkles Westlake Village.13. Try the Chevre Goat Cheese Chocolate from TIFA Chocolate & Gelato.
14. Find homemade Italian desserts at Carrara Pastries, an authentic pasticceria.
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| Random find at Conejo Open Space. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you like nature...
15. Tour the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.
16. Hike Tarantula Hill.
17. Find peace in the Gardens of the World.
18. Channel your favorite movies in Western Town, a real-life set at Paramount Ranch.
19. Hike the Paramount Ranch trails.
20. Swing on the swings at Chumash Park.
21. Spend the afternoon hiking Modelo Trail.
22. Take a quick stroll through Chaparral Park in Oak Park or Old Agoura Park.
23. Explore the wonders of the Conejo Open Space.
25. Sip your way through the Conejo Valley Beermuda Triangle: 5 Threads Brewing, 14 Cannons, & Westlake Brewing & Libation.
26. Find the perfect pour or cocktail at Public School 805 in Thousand Oaks.
27. Take a beer home from Bottle & Pint.
29. Go to the Alma Sol Winery tasting room.
30. Enjoy live music & wine at Aldabella Winery in Westlake Village.
17. Find peace in the Gardens of the World.
18. Channel your favorite movies in Western Town, a real-life set at Paramount Ranch.
19. Hike the Paramount Ranch trails.
20. Swing on the swings at Chumash Park.
21. Spend the afternoon hiking Modelo Trail.
22. Take a quick stroll through Chaparral Park in Oak Park or Old Agoura Park.
23. Explore the wonders of the Conejo Open Space.
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| Trying tasters at 14 Cannons. Westlake Village, California |
If you like beer...
24. Go to a European-style brewpub (LadyFace Ale Companie).25. Sip your way through the Conejo Valley Beermuda Triangle: 5 Threads Brewing, 14 Cannons, & Westlake Brewing & Libation.
26. Find the perfect pour or cocktail at Public School 805 in Thousand Oaks.
27. Take a beer home from Bottle & Pint.
If you like wine...
28. Do a wine tasting Giessinger Winery.29. Go to the Alma Sol Winery tasting room.
30. Enjoy live music & wine at Aldabella Winery in Westlake Village.
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| Fabric exhibit at Conejo Valley Art Museum. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you like history, art, & culture...
31. Check out the Conejo Valley Art Museum.
32. Make a stop at the California Museum Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO).
33. Learn about 150 years of California history at Reyes Adobe Historical Site.
34. Explore the Stagecoach Inn Museum complex & permanent exhibits.
35. Watch a play at Conejo Players Theatre.
36. Board Air Force One at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
37. Surprise yourself with a $5 mystery read from The Open Book.
33. Learn about 150 years of California history at Reyes Adobe Historical Site.
34. Explore the Stagecoach Inn Museum complex & permanent exhibits.
35. Watch a play at Conejo Players Theatre.
36. Board Air Force One at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
37. Surprise yourself with a $5 mystery read from The Open Book.
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| Handmade baskets from Bolga Bae at Westlake Promenade Farmers Market. Westlake Village, California |
If you like shopping...
38. Discover The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks.39. Enjoy a boutique experience at Whizin Market Square.
40. Go to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks for shopping, dining, & entertainment.
41. Shop around Janss Marketplace.
42. Stop by The Promenade at Westlake farmers market.
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| Posing like a badass at Conejo Botanical Garden. Thousand Oaks, California |
My Favourites
♥ wandering around Conejo Open Space ♥ lavender latte from Longevity Coffee ♥ browsing local vendors at Promenade at Westlake farmers market ♥ late night movie at Muvico Thousand Oaks 14 ♥ mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern ♥ Conejo Valley Botanic Garden ♥ pretzels with mustard at 14 Cannons ♥ pretending to be a famous actor on set at Paramount Ranch ♥ all the nature options ♥ chai tea from Tranquility Tea Room ♥
Are you a nature lover? Beer lover? What's your favorite thing to do in Conejo Valley?
* Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Augustine Agency. As always, all opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
Spending the Night at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto
Northern California is beautiful fall and winter as the red, yellow, & orange leaves gather on the ground, creating a squishy rainbow padding as you walk around. The evening air of Silicon Valley cools down to the point where you always need a protective layer for warmth. I'm from San Diego, where it's hard to find any sign of the seasons — leaves & layers included. An adventure to Northern California is just what I needed!
Located at 711 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301, The Clement hotel Palo Alto is an all-inclusive hotel that has a fitness center, business center, free wifi, parking, and everything you could need for your stay.
Due to Covid, valet parking has been suspended temporarily. Self-parking is available. The whirlpool and roof top pool are currently closed until the summer, but pool cabanas are available. We had fun hanging out on the roof in the cabanas.
Fred & I created a mini trip out of it. We maneuvered our way out of Southern California, stopping in Bakersfield, Santa Maria, & Palo Alto along the way. The Clement is a luxury hotel with personalized service based in Palo Alto, California. The location is beautiful; The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those things you'll just have to see for yourself. From the rooftop pool to the delightful food, The Clement Palo Alto is an all-inclusive boutique hotel for those who are ready for the finer things in life. Breakfast lunch dinner, they've got it! Stanford University campus is just a hop, skip, & a jump away. They have a fire pit,
Location in Downtown Palo Alto
Palo Alto, California is about 35 miles south of San Francisco & 14 miles north of San Jose. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, The Clement Hotel focuses on first-class accommodations in a boutique atmosphere. The location is right near Stanford University. Enjoy the energy of downtown Palo Alto.
Living Room
Fred & I chatted on the Outdoor Dining Terrace, checked our email, & scoped outside before heading back to the elegant Living Room for the evening. We enjoyed a cocktail as well as a charcuterie board right by the fireplace. Warm & toasty!
Jury Room
The Jury Room makes for the perfect business center whilst you're on your travels or you can host a business meeting in their state-of-the-art boardroom.
Kitchen
Want to venture outside of the guest rooms? The Kitchen adjoins the Dining Room & features a fully stocked Guest Pantry. There's also an on-site chef if you desire something more in-depth. I love that the Pantry is available 24 hours a day. That means if you're hankering for a snack at 3 AM, you could head down to the dining room & grab water, fresh cut fruit, a cheese board, ice cream, or other munchies. The Clement hotel Palo Alto offers a seasonal menu with starters, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and desserts.
Clement Hotel Palo Alto Guest Suites and Rooms
Your guest suite is sure to be freaking fabulous. We had a separate living room, bedroom, & bathroom, including cool gadgets like two 65 inch Samsung televisions, Nespresso Vertuoline coffee machines, & an in-room refrigerator stocked with a handful of beverages like mango juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite, & Voss water. This guest suite is seriously the size of a large 2-bedroom apartment with tons of amenities to boot. I love that I could make a piping hot cup of chamomile tea right in the room, or get room service delivered straight to our door. The Clement is a boutique hotel heaven in Silicon Valley's Palo Alto, giving guests a peaceful place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in town.
Bath
The bathroom includes two sinks, a super rad television built into the mirror, a soaking tub, separate rain head shower, & a Toto Washlet toilet with a heated seat, which my mom raved about during her stay in Toyko, Japan. I adored the ODE Natural Beauty Verde Olive Oil Sea Salt Scrub; it's genuinely one of the best body scrubs I've tried! I relaxed in the big tub as I checked myself out in the mirror. Okay, I was watching The Simpsons on the TV built into the mirror! Talk about all-inclusive luxury.
Roof-Top Deck
We loved panoramic views of Stanford & Palo Alto from the roof-top deck. The location is impeccable. Who doesn't like a rooftop pool? We found ourselves there at least twice during our under 24-hour stay. Up there you'll find a swimming pool, whirlpool hot tub, & private cabanas. There's even individual sunglasses & sunblock set out for anyone to use. If you're there in daylight, enjoy the bustling view of Palo Alto. If you're on the rooftop deck at night, stay cozy by the heaters & jam to the music with a cocktail. Don't miss out on the rooftop pool, seriously. You don't even have to go inside of it if you're not a swim fan. Just breathe in the view & the trees. Sip champagne in your cabana then dip your feet in the hot tub & call it a day.
Experience
Everything you need is right there on the property. You can relax from the moment of welcoming arrival until you leave. You can access snacks when you want or perhaps you're in the mood for cocktails. Visit the facilities and familiarize yourself. I had a blissful but short experience at The Clement Hotel. From the TV in the mirror to the comfy white linens, The Clement Palo Alto gives guests a place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in Palo Alto. It felt special to receive such personalized concierge service. It felt like what I'd imagine Kim Kardashian's everyday life is like: everything is taken care of, always the best of the best, & if they don't have it they'll get it for you! Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me! The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those fantastic hotel experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. Plus, it has such a fantastic location close to Stanford University.
What part sounds the best to you? Have you ever had an all-inclusive luxury stay before? How was it?
Fun Things To Do in Torrance, California
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| Photoshoot in Old Town Torrance |
Things To Do in Torrance, California
Sometimes all you need is a getaway. Sometimes all you need to get away is to go a little further than usual. Rather than explore our own county, Fred & I ventured to Torrance, California for a 24-hour trip. Torrance is in the heart of Los Angeles County's South Bay, just 15 minutes south of LAX & close to many of Southern California's most popular attractions and so much fun. Visitors and locals alike bring their families to enjoy the splendors of the city. Tour the area, check out the shops and Torrance restaurants, feel the sun on your skin in this beautiful southern California city. You won't forget your experience and the fun places you experience.
The city of Torrance is located in Los Angeles County, California, and comes with a rich and adventurous history. Whether you want to shop until you drop, head to the beach, or sample as many foods as your heart desires, Torrance has a range of things to do with families and kids.
You can easily spend a full 24 hours or weekend in town, so you came to the right place if you're wondering about things to do in Torrance or how to spend 24 hours in Torrance.
12 PM - Let's eat
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert. Eating is definitely one of the best things to do in Torrance. Grab a quick lunch. There are a ton of delectable eateries nearby for visitors to choose from. Are you craving seafood, pasta, steak, what'll it be? Torrance has a variety of international food stops like Mitsuwa Marketplace (Japanese), Habana Vieja Cuban Cuisine & Cafe (Cuban), King Mediterrano (Greek), & plenty of ramen too. There are loads of local favorite restaurants in the city of Torrance offering a mouthwatering array of options for date night, all the family, foodies, kids, and adults alike. |
| Afternoon Stroll at El Prado Park |
1 PM - Enjoy nature
Enjoy the exceptional Torrance weather & stay outside. There's no shortage of soothing views and beautiful things to do in Torrance. Check out El Prado Park, Los Arboles/Rocketship Park, Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Wilson Park, Miramar Park, & more. The South Coast Botanic Garden is nearby & worth a trip. We particularly loved the Garden for the Senses section. |
| Two Taster Flights at The Dudes' Brewing Company |
3 PM - Quench your thirst
Torrance has a popping craft beer scene. We visited The Dudes’ Brewing Company & HopSaint Brewing. I recommend getting a flight so you can test out flavors. Get a feel for a range of a brewery's beers without committing to a whole pint. There's also Monkish Brewing, Smog City Brewing, & many, many more! |
| View of Del Amo Fashion Center |
5 PM - Let's go shopping
If you want to get your shop on, visit Del Amo Fashion Center. It's absolutely enormous. Fred & I may or may not have gotten lost. Okay, we totally got lost. It's that big. It's also very pretty. I've never said a mall was pretty before, but it is. I did a mini photoshoot by a full plant wall. |
| Dinner & Drinks at Brio Coastal Bar |
7 PM - Dinner time
Remember when I said eating is a delightful thing to do in Torrance? It still applies. After you're done shopping, explore more of the restaurants Torrance has to offer. We enjoyed a patio dinner & drinks at Brio Coastal Bar as the sunset. Pure bliss! Or go for Great Maple right next door. Other highly rated options: Ramen Yamadaya, Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, & STACKED. |
| Residence Inn Los Angeles Torrance/Redondo Beach Lobby |
8:30 PM - Play time
The night is yours. After all, you're within driving distance to many popular Southern California hot spots. Want to stay local? Browse the Torrance events to see what's happening. Watch a movie at AMC. Take an evening walk at Torrance Beach. Maybe you're tuckered out & simply want to rest in your hotel room, watching TV in bed. That's cool too!9 AM - Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Sleep in, then enjoy some freshly baked goods. Stop by Torrance Bakery. Prepare to wait in a line & make sure you get a number! Taste something different & go for the Hawaiian Paradise Three-layer cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery — made of guava, passion, & lime chiffon cake filled with whipped cream & topped with guava, passion & lime fruit glaze. Heavenly.10 AM - Tea time
Wash down your sweets with a hot cup of tea at Chado Tea Room. We randomly stumbled upon it & thought it was too cute to pass up. We got a pot of Island of Mauritius, a black tea with a pop of vanilla, but they have a thick booklet of teas to choose from. |
| Bee at South Coast Botanic Garden |
11 AM - Learn a lil something new
If you're interested in history, there are museums and exhibits to expand your knowledge. Got some time to spare before you head out? Spend a couple hours visiting the Chen Art Gallery, Western Museum of Flight, Torrance Art Museum, South Coast Botanic Garden, or maybe lurk around to find the film locations in Torrance. Torrance has been featured in movies like American Beauty, Bruce Almighty, & She's All That. |
| Hawaiian Paradise Three Layer Cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery |
Fun Things To Do in Torrance, California
Whether I was munching on fresh pastries, getting lost at the Del Amo Fashion Center, or relishing in the warm temperatures, I truly had a fantastic time discovering Torrance. It has a variety of things to eat, drink, see, & experience. Are you in? Discover Torrance! Other fun things to do in Torrance are the Torrance Farmers Market, Torrance Antique Street Faire, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance Historical Society, Torrance Promenade, and much more. There are art galleries and fine art, delicious desserts, movie theater, outdoor activities. It's the place you can bring your entire family. Go on an exciting adventure in Torrance. No matter what day of the week you visit, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or perhaps sometime in the middle of the week, there is always the opportunity to escape. Other cities to check out are Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Long Beach.
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| Enjoying Life at South Coast Botanic Garden |
KAABOO Del Mar Music & Art Festival || Day 1
There's nothing quite like a nice music festival to get you pumped up. KAABOO* is a three-day festival & it just wrapped up day one. The fest is still on a roll, but I wanted to show you some of the moments I captured. It was a hot day especially if you're sitting in the sun. With all the wonderful live music, the funky art, the hilarious comedians, & the delicious food it's hard not to enjoy yourself.
Take a look at some of the photos I shot at KAABOO Del Mar. I'll be heading out there today as well but I wanted to give you a little glimpse into what it was like. I'll add more photos & individual bands later. But here's a teaser. Hope you enjoy. :]
Take a look at some of the photos I shot at KAABOO Del Mar. I'll be heading out there today as well but I wanted to give you a little glimpse into what it was like. I'll add more photos & individual bands later. But here's a teaser. Hope you enjoy. :]
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| Gwen Stefani of No Doubt |
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| Tony Kanal of No Doubt |
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| Snoop Dogg |
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| Fitz & the Tantrums |
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| The Revivalists |
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| Anthony Jeselnik |
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| Chris D'Elia |
KAABOO is off to a fantastic start. There were masses of people & I believe it has the ability to grow & become the next Coachella. But we'll have to see about that. I just have to say that Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, & No Doubt were absolutely glorious live. Gwen's voice is magnificent & she's just flawless in general. I mean look at those abs. Which photo is your favorite? :]
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*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ticket from KAABOO. All opinions in this are 100% mine aka Carmen's. :]
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ticket from KAABOO. All opinions in this are 100% mine aka Carmen's. :]
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