
Last night my good friend Melissa FINALLY arrived… first thing out of her mouth- “how do you say, ‘it’s about to go down’ in Portuguese?”

She must have brought the sun with her because we hadn’t seen it in days, so we hit the beach!
Hubby secured some fresh coconut water…

while Melissa and I opted for Mango Caipirinhas, traditional Brazilian drinks

They slice and crush the mango and add ice, sugar and…

vodka, of course!

It’s all fun and games ’til you find yourself chewing your drink… ish was delicious but chunky

How’s this for the world’s cutest swimsuit cover up? Gifted by House of Dereon, look HERE.
Also, this is Day 7 hair!
Also, this is Day 7 hair!


Melissa showing #NursePride

Later, hubby convinced my non-swimming ass to come out into the water

You may not be able to tell, but I’m in this pic… that’s definitely me UNDER the wave.

Panic. I came up after what felt like an eternity all discombobulated, gasping, coughing, eyes burning. #fail #LostaLung

Needed a drink


And later…
Food!

Strogonoff de Camaroes

Instant. Itis. Yes, that’s bacon, a fried egg, cheese and filet mignon in the form of a sandwich. #WhyTheHellNot

One more round of Caipirinhas… this time more authentic (and stronger!) with lime and Cachaca
#GreatScott!

Melissa grew ever tired of the chunks and resorted to a rudimentary but effective straining system

I powered through #gangsta

My hair is completely dry in the above pic… it’s nearly 7pm here and along with labored breathing from my near drowning, I feel dusty. The hair is cute and fluffy but I need to wash it before I lose control of the situation. The last thing I feel like doing is twisting my hurr, but it needs to happen.
I’ll check back in later!
xx
nik
********************************************
DAY 4

We
got up bright and early, despite the ‘rainy’ forecast, threw on our
clothes and hailed a cab, headed straight for, Cristo Redentor, aka,
that famous Jesus statue, a must see on the Brazilian tour circuit.
-Melissa on the cab driver whipping the van up the mountain… ‘#INeedAnAirbagStat’

2300 treacherous feet later…
beautiful!
beautiful!



#OhMyGodBeckyLookAtHerButt


-Shirt gifted from Romwe
-Shorts from Forever 21
-Tights from Macys
-Boots- Madden Girl (wear them every got damn day!)






Our awesome tour guide and host!

When asked for his nombre/name, he responded, ‘rocky balboa’. So dope!
#BowBaBaBowBowRockyBalboa
#BowBaBaBowBowRockyBalboa
Rocky took us to a restricted helicopter pad for the view
#LockedUpAbroad….correction #LockedUpTwoBroadsATourGuideAndAPoliSciProfessor…#Abroad



and later…
#INeedAnAntacidStat



Melissa on the pigeons pecking at her white toenail polish- #INeedARabiesShotStat

Me on a bumble bee in hot pursuit of my caipirihna ‘don’t kill it… it’ll get angry’ #MomLogic

Our
new friends from Paraguay… had the best conversation that we’ve had
with anybody and none of us spoke Portuguese. #BrokenSpanish #Charades #MommyDaddyTalk
new friends from Paraguay… had the best conversation that we’ve had
with anybody and none of us spoke Portuguese. #BrokenSpanish #Charades #MommyDaddyTalk

Melissa on the beach eye candy… “#INeedAContraceptiveStat”

3 caipirihnas + Nikki equals… #INeedAMop #Stat

Melissa finds STL natives everywhere she goes…

Brazilian anthem… #AssAssAss


#ThugLife

’bout to set it off #jadapinkett
Headed out for a lil samba with the ladies of Estimativa! Check back in soon!
********************************
Last night we accompanied Nina to Trapiche Gamboa Restaurant in downtown Rio. The ladies pictured below performed regional and black traditional music – samba, jongo and maracatu. The drums were SICK. Like, ‘shake shake shake Senora’, good. And…

the rhythm got me out of my chair! Sorry for the terrible pic quality. The magnificence and furry of my fancy foot work couldn’t be captured.

Never quite mastered the samba… so I resorted to my usual and sometimes off-beat hip swaying and botched Dougie

All I can say to you Nikki is AWESOME!!!
Your writing is awesome! You often make me laugh out loud for realz ;-D
Tee heeeeeeee! Thank you!
you look crazy in that last photo,Big hair, teeth showing
OMG all I hear in my head is Sergio Mendes and bossa nova! This trip looks incredibly fun.
#INEEDACONTRACEPTIVESTAT LOL!
these pics have made me smile ear to ear. got me thinking of my trip to brazil 11 years ago. i loved it. looks like you're loving it too. continue to enjoy!
I love your life! You are such a great story teller!
I love your vacation posts Nikki! Beautiful photos.
So jealous! gorgeous pics! Deets on the monokini bathing suit please! Been looking for one of those.
looks like fun, hubby and i are overdue for shade and vacay
@CurlyNikki- Nik, what type of camera do you have? Your pics always come out so nice and clear!
Natural83
Nikki where do you get that black swimsuit?? It has the right amount of coverage I'm looking for. Please share!
Ya look like having the time of ya lives. I cant wait to travel like that
Ashley L.
i always wanted to go to Brazil this just makes me want to go more…..
You all look to be having a helluva good time!! THAT is what's dope. Can't wait til your next post.
Awesome!
I loooove looking at your pics! The captions are hilarious! Keep them coming…I'm living vicariously through you until I finish school! lol
Gosh Brazil is B-E-A-utiful, I cant wait to go some day.
Your "stat" hash tags are making me lose it!!! LOL
Love everything! The drinks, food, beach,pics:)
You're beautiful and hilarious! Love that ape shirt, cute!
Lmao your hashtags had me laughing real ugly! I love your pics from Brazil, hope your having the time of your life.
That moment when a blog is written almost entirely with hashtags…this is not twitter! xD
I knew I always wanted to go to Brazil but this is just reinforcing it! Glad you are enjoying yourself.
I'm with your friend, Id need a contraceptive stat too! Do they all look like that!?
Nik, the pics are just breath taking. I am definitely getting wander lust. Two words for the brotha' jogging on the beach — da- yum!!!
Enjoy and keep sending the pics!
Looks like you all are really having fun! I was dying laughing about the water situation…you are so crazy!! I must visit Rio!
Looks gorgeous! I'm heading to Italy in September. I will have to put Rio on my bucket travel list~
You look sensational in that cover-up…in fact, you look sensational period! Werk!! #LaVidaLoca
Love the pics and stories, I have a serious case of wanderlust now! Can't wait to see samba pics. P.s. – late, but my recommendation for the women at estimativa is all of the on the couch stories… They gave me so inspiration during my transition.
woooh drake. Rio looks beautiful! *Jealously sips tea while looking out to the British rain*
Nik,
Did you 'poos show up yet? *someone at TSA got you for your 'poos"
Lordt is that Brazilian eye candy on point… I second that contraceptives comment! LMAO
Those food pics are making me Homer drool.
Nice!
Also props to your friend for reppin GLAM nurses!! #NursePride all the way!!!
I am living vicariously through you!! Represent for GLAM mommies everywhere (want to get on your level)!! Hope your mission is sucessful in every way!! And enjoy the child-free moments (even though you miss her mad crazy)!!
LOOOLLLL! Those hashtags are hilarious! It looks like you're having a great time!
Had me dyin over that Drake reference at the end!! That dude is a close ringer for him. Too funny, Nikki!!! Love all of the pictures and glad you all were able to have a much needed vacation 🙂
Love reading about your adventures in Rio. Makes me so want to plan a trip 😀
Great pictures….and that swim suit cover is HOT!!! ROTFLMBO @ and your description of your lost lung experience.
___________________________________
Sad to hear about Donna Summers! May she now rest in peace!!!
Those pictures look great, and the photo of you all wet after the wave is hilarious. I guess you won't be dipping in the ocean no more lol after that experience …..
_________________________________
Singer Donna Summers has passed away from her battle with Cancer, she was only 63yrs old.
No seriously….what did you do with your hair?? Its GORGEOUS! it looks so defined and has that 'messy' beach look to it. so pretty!
Nik love the article. Love reading about your vacations. I'm a little late but trying to catch up at work and bust out laughing when you said you lost a lung. Too funny! You look great!
OMG you are hilarious! You always make me laugh! You look amazing btw!
Nik I have to ask since launching CN you have became an instant success story. As a result has the blog afforded you all the fabulous opportunities you and you hubby partake in? I mean, for real – you don't stay grounded in one place for long – always on the go and travel like crazy. I love to see this.
Also you must have one fabulous wardrobe – with all the gifted items.
I want a dose of what you and hubby have.
I for one when you have time would like to see an article on your business savvy – the how to's of blogging, how to become successful with it, etc.
Thank you – you look gorgeous –
Are you sure you two aren't undercover millionaires?
How I miss my home country. Caipirinha is just awesome, my husband loves it.
Oh and when you make caipirinha with vodka we call it caipirosca. Have lots of fun over there. 🙂
I've been reading your advices on curly hair has been very helpful, thanks for sharing.
Maiara
Wow! It looks like something straight out of fantasy. How beautiful the scenery, I think I decided what my dream vacation will look like lol ;). By the way the swimsuit cover up is so beautiful.
This post? HI-larious!! I was laughing like a loon through the entire thing.
Having fun in the sun! Love it, thank you for sharing : ) definitely on my bucket list!
What a great vacation!!!!!!!….I'm low-key jealous LOL!!! Have fun!! ~Carla
U Go Nikki!!!!!live it up live i u!!!u and Hubby. guys look like u hving a Good Time…love the cover up tunic..is tht frm Romwe.
Go Nikki, even rocking the natural I am still scared to get the hair wet at the ocean/pool…did you do anything special to your hair before getting it wet? Love the cover up, very cute especially with the hood. The pics are great, thanks for sharing.
Enjoy Brazil!!! As you see its amazingly gorgeous, whenever I visit my fam I stay at least a month!!! If you like cheese, try a Pastel de quiejo, my fave!!!
Samba will help those buns and thighs too! 😉
I felt like I just took a mini vacation. I'm looking at these while drinking a kale and strawberry smoothie. I love the pic of you right after you were under the water. Classic photo op. Have a great time!
Nicol C.
Thank you ladies! Samba tomorrow! Just finished twisting my hair and heading out to find more food!
Nikki's had a baby and despite the fact she's naturally thin, she looks great! I can tell she must eat healthy.
Get it Nik….show'em what you working wit! Nice pics!
FAB FAB FAB ..ENJOY!!
Gorgeous!!!!! Nikki you look fabulous! I love the pictures.
Nikki's still young and it's easy to have "that body" when you don't have curves. Yeah, its hate but keeping it real. 😉
Viva Brasil. You fit right in with your hair. I visited Rio, and Salvador de Bahia in November 2010. I'd love to go back.
Obrigada for the fotos!!
I look forward to these posts also. I like the way you tell a story. Keep'em coming!
LOVED THIS! I look forward to these posts!
You look great. Both dishes look great, but the camarones (shrimp) look totally delish!
Enjoy your trip!
Your hair is beautiful!
I love that you chose to wear your hair out and fluffy on the beach. You're a great role model for me and everyone else. Now you just have to learn how to swim!
WERK HOT MAMA!You've never looked better!
Absolutely beautiful, the whole look and the scenery!
You look great! Thanks for sharing….
Rio is on my bucket list! Keep doing your thing Nikki!
Since your arrival in Rio, has anyone glanced at you or your friend sideways as far as your hair?
I've never had the pleasure of visiting Brazil but have adopted the caipirinha as my signature cocktail. An authentic caipirinha is made with cachaca (kuh-SHA-suh) not vodka. Cachaca is similar to rum but distilled from sugarcane (rum is usually distilled from molasses.) Delish!
Girl you are stunning, like model stunning! Love that dress!
I feel for you honey, I went to Hawaii and a wave hit my ass, I came out, my suit was backwards! You look wonderful, I must go to Rio.
Looks like fun! I want that cover-up! Cute!
FIERCE!!!!!
I can't buy the dress? I don't see a shopping cart option. I need this dress!
OMG! Gorgeous!
OK, I need that coverup in my life!
@Marina I was thinking the same thing. I too am jealous about the whole Brazil thing, but please live it up for those that cant go. Lovin everything about this post!
The scenery is breathtaking! Great pictures!!
SIGH!
A tropical vacation with hubby is just what I need… Way to go Nikki….Have fun.
I am so sorry Nikki, I am laughing so hard right now, you are too funny! But you are definitely a great model! Lol!
Looks like fun! Enjoy and yes that swimsuit coverup is to cute!
This make me smile so BIG 🙂 Can't wait to get my booty over to Brazil, lol.
Enjoy!
Funnn! But caipirinhas with vodka?! and not cachaca?? Enjoyyy
Looks so fun! Shop and drink looks of yummy coconut juice for me!
I need a beach and a coconut too! (SIGHS) Living vicariously through you Nik…..You lookin good girl!
Nikki, looks like you guys are having a blast in Rio! And you are looking fab in that House of Dereon cover up! I'm going to the Bahamas in July so I just might have to order that! Any other time I would've never thought once to check their swimwear out, so they definitely need to give you a KUDOS for sporting it let me just say you are WERKKKKin it to the 10th power! LOL! Your look on the beach is all the way CUTE!!!! You go girl! Can't wait to see the rest of your updates!
Natural83
You crack me up! "lost a lung" LOL! I love it when you go on vacay. Your updates are always great.
—MrsDjRass
Looks like you guys are making up for lost time! LOVE the swim suit cover-up from the house of Dereon, need one in my life! Go Bey! Have a blast CN/Hubby!!!
I love these posts. Keep them coming. It's refreshing to visit Rio vicariously through you. 🙂
Love the dress……..
Oh, I miss the fresh coconut water down there! Oh Rio. Have fun!!!
I would just like to say how super jealous I am right now! It looks absolutely beautiful. Have big, fat, juicy fun!
Curly nikki you have such an amazing body! How do you keep it up? Do you work out daily?
Does that mean an interview will be coming from Solange? "Gifted by House of Dereon"
You guys MUST eat at Marius near Sugar Loaf! Its the best Brazilian steakhouse you will ever find in the world! Its expensive but the staff is amazing, the food is fresh and the decor is crazy. Oh and stop by the restroom before you leave & bring your camera, its quite unique. Have fun!
Yeah now that we are natural, we have no excuse now in taking swim lessons. (encouraging myself and CN) hahaha!!
You should learn to swim. lol lol Have fun!
I love Rio!! One of my fav places to visit! Enjoy!!
thanks ladies!
@Bobby,
absolutely nothing…Ill post pics later.
Nik, how cute is that cover up? Work that swimsuit girl!! Ok, why is it that even soaking wet from the ocean your hair still looks fabulous??!!! I give you the side eye of hair envy! LOL!! Looks like you guys are having a great time! Looking forward to more pics.
That Caipirinhas sounded so refreshing. My mouth is watering over here!
Hi Nikki, you look like you are have so much fun, live it up. You are rocking the hell out of that cover up. Looking foward to more pics.
What did you do with your hair after getting it wet?