Engagement Photo Tips

It has about two years since we had our engagement photos taken; we are coming up on our 1 year anniversary and have scheduled our 1 year anniversary shoot for the beginning of November! I am so excited, but let's be honest it can also be very nerving to get in front of a camera and show off your love for your significant other. But what are some tips to consider before you even get in front of the camera? I have come up with some points I thought were most important!

Ways to Relax After Work

All-Inclusive Perks

A few weeks back I shared with you all my latest trip to Mexico. We stay in an all-inclusive resort in Puerta Vallarta and then also stayed at one in Playa del Carmen for our Honeymoon (part one, two & three) and I have come to the conclusion I will never go on a vacation and not stay at an all-inclusive hotel! There are so many benefits to a resort that is all-inclusive!

Workout For Free

1 // Go Outside

There is no better gym than the open outdoors. I particularly love going on a walk or jog outside rather than paying for a ridiculously priced workout class. 

2 // Youtube

The wonderful world of the Internet. Youtube has tons of workout videos that are free that can be done right in the comfort of your living room.

3 // Be Creative

When doing exercises that involve weights, get creative. Those few pounds of hamburger meat that need to be thawed out can be a great substitute for some light weights.

4 // Tracks

During the summer breaks, most of the tracks at schools will be empty, work on your interval training at the tracks.

5 // Stairs

You don't need an expensive stairmaster to work on climbing stairs...your house probably has a set of stairs and if not find the closest apartment complex and use those!

6 // Cycling

Cycling classes are one of the best forms of exercise classes to take, but why not try riding your bike throughout your neighborhood for a few hours?

7 // Trails

One of my favorite forms of exercise is hiking. Look for some hiking trails near you and enjoy some quality time with your family or some quality time with yourself.

8 //Yardwork

Believe it or not yardwork is some good exercise. Clearing out the woods, mowing the grass with a push mower, etc.

9 // Water Training

During the summer the pools and oceans are a great place to get some laps in and stay cool.

10 // Research

There are tons of great exercise plans out there that do cost money but are well worth it and don't have a monthly payment - I have been doing Kayla Itsines lately and I love it. There is also the famous Tone It Up series.

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Cruising Tips { Guest Post: Kate @ Green Fashionista }

Hey Girl Talk readers! My name is Kate and you can find me blogging over at my little corner of the internet Green Fashionista where I blog about everything from fashion and beauty reviews to fun recipes to travel recaps, and weekend shenanigans which are typically shenanigans. While Ashley is away cruising the Caribbean, I offered to come on over for the day and talk about how much I love cruising. Nope, I'm not jealous at all that she's sipping on umbrella drinks while looking out at the gorgeous blue water...

I love cruising because you're on a floating resort that takes you to several different countries/islands all in one trip without having to unpack more than once. All your meals and onboard entertainment are included, and you can't go wrong with dressing up and going to dinner and a show every night. 

I've been on six cruises now (my husband has been on ten!) which have included:

Two 7 night Western Caribbean cruises

One 7 night Southern Caribbean cruise (my favorite!)

One 3 night Bahamas cruise to celebrate a friend's 30th birthday

One 3 night Western Mediterranean cruise

One 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise

I wanted to share with you my top tips for when you're booking a cruise and/or are about to set sail:

1. Don't forget your passport! Anything else you may forget at home can be re-purchased (bathing suits, toiletries, even formal wear) on board. But you'll need your passport to get on board (some cruises only require a birth certificate, but it's always best to bring your passport).

2. Spring for the balcony stateroom, it is worth every penny! Once you go balcony you can't go back, and it's so true. You get a lot more room in the stateroom, plus a sitting area, and your own private veranda which is great for enjoying room service breakfast in the mornings (always free) and a night cap in the evenings.

*Our stateroom on the Norwegian Epic*

3. Don't over pack, especially if you're on a Caribbean cruise or any cruise going somewhere warm and tropical. You'll live in bathing suits and cover-ups by day and sundresses (cocktail dresses on formal nights) by night. They also provide bath towels in your room (replenished daily) along with beach towels for the pool and on the islands which you can change out for fresh ones as much as you need.

4. Order as much food as you want! When at dinner, if you want 3 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 3 desserts... go for it! Sometimes it's hard to choose just one thing, and you're able to order as much as you want and the servers love it!

5. Cruise with friends! We've been on several cruises just the two of us, and we've also cruised on a 7 night cruise with another couple, and a 3 night cruise with a group of 10 of us which was so much fun!

6. If you're on a short cruise like a 3 night itinerary to the Bahamas, purchase the beverage package especially if you're traveling with a group. When 10 of us sailed to the Bahamas for a friend's birthday it was nice to just order drinks or a round of champagne for everyone at dinner without worrying about it all adding up. It also worked out great on the private island in the Bahamas that all of our food and drinks were included there as well since it was owned by the cruise line.

7. Practice safe sun! Don't forget to pack sunscreen, aloe (in case of sunburns), and a beach hat to further protect your face. Of course you're going to come back beautifully bronzed, but you don't need to burn or cause skin damage by not protecting yourself on the trip.

8. HAVE FUN! I have the best time, when I get up and dance with the entertainment crew during deck parties and at the night club. You'll hear the same line dance songs over and over, but you'll be a champ by the end of your cruise.

9. Enjoy all the fruity umbrella drinks, this is the time to indulge!

10. Enjoy the fun amenities on board like the Broadway style shows, ice bars, karaoke, jazz lounges, comedy clubs, themed deck parties, and specialty shows such as The Blue Man Group.

Can't wait to hear all about Ashley's cruise when she gets back!

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