San Miguel de Allende, in central Mexico, is often called the Santa Fe of Mexico. In many ways, it's not a bad comparison, (tho' I like San Miguel better!). Both are art colonies that draw painters and other artists for the special quality of the light. Both are often described as "energy centers" or as having a "vortex" that gives them a special spiritual aspect.

But the comparison makes a lot of people think they can't afford a vacation is San Miguel de Allende, that everything here costs an arm and a leg, and the town is full of nothing but hotels costing a hundred bucks night and up...and up.. and up. WRONG!

Yes, there are a few very pricey hotel options in San Miguel, and if you want the ultimate in luxury and pampering, they deliver it beautifully. But you can also stay in any of a dozen or more perfectly comfortably hotels in San Miguel for around $45 a night for two people. Some of them will even throw in breakfast.

Check out Budget Hotels in San Miguel de Allende.

When I tell people from NOB (that's North of the Border to you Statesiders and others) that I live in Mexico, one of the most frequent responses I get is, "Doesn't it bother you to live someplace where you can't even own property?"

But this response is old news--very old news. Foreigners have been legally able to buy property in the interior of Mexico outright, in their own names, since 1994. They have clear title with all the rights, privileges, costs and duties as a Mexican citizen would have in buying the very same piece of property.

It is, however, true that this freedom to buy outright only applies to the interior of the country. The "Restricted Zone"--which means anything within 30 miles of the coast or 60 miles of an international border--is still off-limits for foreign purchase.

But... and this is a big but...there are ways that foreigners can still buy their piece of Mexican beachfront and live on it, build on it, sell it, and pass it on to their children.

Me? Since San Miguel de Allende is my personal paradise, and it's hundreds of miles from any coastline, I can buy a lot, a house, a condo, a store, any kind of Mexican real estate I want and can afford, with a clear title in my name, all of perfect legal and perfectly safe.

Here is a complete explanation of buying real estate in Mexico and the laws that apply to foreigners.

At the Love San Miguel Shop, we showcase great T-shirts, a tote bag, a throw pillow, trivet, gift box... even a T-shirt for dogs who like to hang around the Jardín. Click on any image to go to the shop to see more great gift ideas, for yourself or someone who "gets" San Miguel...

San Miguel Jardin Dog T-Shirt
$18.99

I'd Rather Be in San Miguel Tote Bag
$17.99

Dust of Mexico... Throw Pillow
$21.99

I'd Rather Be in San Miguel Light T-Shirt
$19.99

I suppose wherever Christmas is celebrated it is at least partly about the food... and drink. Mexico is no exception.

When I'm in the States, I love eggnog or hot buttered rum at Christmas. But in Mexico, I definitely brake for ponche! This traditional Mexican hot fruit punch is heady stuff--rich with the smells of cinnamon, clove and up to a dozen different fruits and nuts. Sublime! And when it's made right, it is so heavy with big chunks of fruit that it's almost like drinking (eating?) a hot, runny fruit salad.

You'll see (and smell) ponche everywhere you go at this time of year, but it is particularly associated with the posadas. These evening processions begin December 16th and continue for nine nights. People (usually kids) dressed as Joseph and Mary--usually riding a burro--parade through the streets knocking on doors and singing a traditional song that asks for shelter for the night. The householders turn them away as possible rogues and because there is "no room at the inn."

Here's a link to the traditional lyrics to the Posada Song, Pidiendo Posada.

Finally, a kindly homeower opens the door and lets the pilgrims in. Then the piñatas are broken open, songs are sung, and ponche is gulped down.

Kids love it just as it comes from the pot. The grown-ups like to add a serious dollop of rum, brandy or, of course, tequila.

To be authentically Mexican, ponche has to include tejocotes, a small, apple-like fruit that's in season at this time of year in Mexico. The taste of this exotic fruit is sort of like a cross between a kumquat and a yellow plum. They're hard to find NOB (North of the Border), though you might have luck in some Mexican grocery stores. Goya Brands sells bottled tejocotes that are a bit more gelatinous than fresh but they'll work.

If you just can't find them, you can substitute guavas or plums. Though the flavor will be a little different, it will still be quite delicious.

Check out this link for a really good recipe for traditional Ponche Navideño, Christmas punch.

And ¡Feliz Navidad!