Vacay, Here we come!

Greece | 2009

In 2009 I was blessed to be able to travel to Greece with my high school senior class. It was a trip of a lifetime! If you are considering traveling to Greece, I would suggest do it 100%! We traveled to different islands in a course of a week, rode donkeys, walked in the footsteps of Apostle Paul and some some breathtaking views! 

Sun Hats for Summer

I don't know about y'all but when I am laying out at the beach or pool, I almost always have a baseball hat on. But, I am loving this trend of the cute big floppy hats girls wear during the summer! I have one I got from one of my friends at my  Monograms & Mimosas party and I took it on our honeymoon and loved it!

Off to Vacay

I hope everyone has a wonderful week! I am off to the Bahamas and will be back next week! Leaving the blogging life behind me and taking a break! 

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Traveling Together

So to continue with the theme of the week, all about my husband and I, since our anniversary is Monday!

My husband and I love to go on vacations and love to travel. While we don't get to travel as much as we would like we are sure to take advantage of every chance we do get to travel. I have actually read that traveling with your spouse is beneficial to your overall relationship. We are constantly adding to our travel bucket list and trying to check them off one vacation at a time.

Bahamas | 2012

So with my cruise to the Bahamas coming up next month, I thought I would share with you all a little throwback to the last time I was in the Bahamas, back in 2012. 

Bradenton, Florida | 2016

Well, y'all I have been back from Florida for a week now and I miss it already! I took a quick little trip down to Bradenton this past weekend to celebrate my best friends mom's 60th birthday! She has always been like a second mom to me and I am so glad I got to join in on the surprise for her birthday!

The Last Time I Was in Florida with the Girls

Well I am off to a short little vacay with the girls this weekend! I headed to Florida to meet up with my favorite girls yesterday! I have been to Florida a few times- the time we got  engaged and for a vacation for Chelsea's 21st birthday! Well I am meeting back up with my girls for another girls weekend and I am so excited!

52 Week Blogger Challenge { Week 12: US City Bucket List }

WEEK TWELVE: Bucketlist

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!

Puerto Vallarta Recap

Mexico was beautiful and I miss being in the sun and relaxing! So I am recapping my trip from last week on the blog today! 

Your Guide to Packing for a Tropical Vacation

Cruising the Caribbean Part 2

So last week I shared with you all my first few days of my cruise in my recap Part 1. Today I am here with Part 2. We left off at Day 3, our first cruising day. But what I forgot to tell you is that when I woke up on Day 2 morning I woke up with my throat swollen and my nose stuffy...turns out I was allergic to the sheets or the detergent the cruise ship used...not a fun thing. 

{ DAY FOUR - St. Thomas }

On the fourth day we woke up and were still cruising. So Caro and I got in a work out (I think this was the 4th time we worked out on the cruise ship, but I think it was also the last time I did), got ready and ate lunch before we got off the ship. We were docked so we were able to just walk off the ship onto the port. Luckily, our balcony looked over the ocean side so we had a gorgeous view.

 When we first got there it was just a whole bunch of touristy shops and a few jeweler shops...not much to see right at the port. So we waited for the rest of our family to get off the ship and headed into downtown. If you aren't familiar with St. Thomas, St. Thomas is known for their jewelry shops and great prices. So that day we were on a mission. A mission to spend a lot of money on some gorgeous jewelry and we did! My grandparents wanted to get my sister and I something special to remember the cruise and then with my moms passing, her estate will be coming to my sister and I in the near future and they wanted us to get something nice using some of the money from my moms estate. My sister and I both picked out gorgeous David Yurman rings. She got a blue topaz ring and I got an amethyst ring. They are gorgeous and I can't wait to wear them..our grandparents have them right now. So after we spent more than enough money and time in the jewelry stores we just wandered downtown St. Thomas. 

My grandmother didn't really know what to think of the selfie stick. After we had spent all afternoon walking around (I think I hit almost 18,000 steps that day on my fitbit) we boarded the ship and got ready for dinner.

{ DAY FIVE - St. Maarten }

It was still weird to me waking up in a new place. The night before we went to bed sailing and then the next morning we were docked and had arrived to St. Maarten. I was so excited to go here...I wanted to go watch the planes come in, I wanted to find the nude beach, we were going to eat lunch on the island and get some good shopping in. Well we only accomplished 2 of those things. 

When we first got into St. Maarten, I knew we had been there before with my mom on another cruise back when I was in high school. And I knew my sister and Mom had taken some photo there that I wanted to re-create for my sister..but I couldn't remember exactly what it was but I thought it was at the St. Maarten welcome sign but I just found the picture and it was at the bar across from the St. Maarten sign, but at least I tried. The first picture was taken in I believe in 2007 and the one below it was this past cruise in 2015.

When we got to St. Maarten we immediately fell in love. It was such a cute little area. We were on the Dutch side when we entered into port, of course when we got there we wanted to go where the good shops were so you could either take a water taxi and get there in about 5 minutes or you could walk for about 10 minutes - we walked because we wanted to take in some of the pretty sights but there was nothing pretty about walking on a sidewalk next to a busy road and it was HOT. But we also didn't waste $7/per person for the water taxi and we got in some exercise.  When we got there we saw so many cute shops and little restaurants and we starting keeping an eye out for where we wanted to eat. We needed AC and we wanted good food. So we went to The Greenhouse - it didn't have AC but it was completely open and they had fans, so it was cool. I enjoyed the food and I had my first and last alcoholic drink of the entire trip..it was a sober trip with my family.

After we were stuffed we did some shopping and walking around. We found the cutest little beach cove and the picture turned out amazing. I think it is one of my favorite pictures of the entire trip.

After we shopped and saw a lot of things we wanted I left empty handed and my sister bought some really cute Marc Jacobs sunglasses. We got back on the ship and got ready for dinner. That night we went to see the Ice Skaters on the ships show and oh my goodness they were so good. Of course a little cheesy but I wish they had performed more shows while we were there!

{ DAY SIX - Cruising }

This was our first day headed back to Florida. It was a beautiful day. Caro and I got up early went and reserved our chairs, even though we weren't supposed to, quickly ate breakfast and was in our chairs laying out with the sun beaming by 8:45am...just in time to watch everyone embarrass themselves doing Zumba on the pool deck. We laid out almost the entire day and it was glorious..so relaxing. 

Day 6 was also our last formal night and it also so happened to by my grandpa's 80th birthday! We also celebrated my grandmothers because her birthday is the same day as the day my mother passed away so we do not like to celebrate it on that day. I kept telling my grandparents I had a big surprise for them and they were worried. Remember when I told you all about the family birthday hat? Well if you are thinking that is what my surprise was for them you are right! They couldn't believe I had brought it with me and they had no idea. I even think I saw my grandparents get a little emotional when they saw it because it was always something my mom was in charge of and she forced everyone to wear it and I helped make their night special with this hat.

That night after dinner Caroline and I went and watch the game show that they had going on in the Star Lounge- Friendly Feud. It was funny, but I really wish Caroline had been picked to go up there! That night we also tried to watch another movie by the pool, but I once again couldn't last and had to go to bed.

{ DAY SEVEN - Cruising }

Our last day :( and it was the worst one. It was rainy (just sprinkles) and cloudy and very very windy! We attempted to lay out in the morning but we just looked ridiculous and were freezing. So around lunch time we left, got some lunch and then wandered around trying to find something to do. There wasn't many things on the ship that day to do that interested us. So I decided to go back to the room and take a nap. I knew I would need one if I was going to drive 10 hours the next day. Our last dinner was delicious as always and we said goodbye to our wait staff who we grew to know so well! And Caroline and I walked around the ship and sat by the pool and packed until it was time for the final show. The show the last night was the best yet, it was a comedian named Al Ducharme and he was amazing. I have never seen my grandpa laugh so much. I have looked him up on You Tube and have loved watching his clips. 

I had so much fun with my family on this cruise and it was so much fun bonding with my sister the entire week...it was almost like a sister cruise because we were with my other family so little. If anyone is thinking on going on a cruise, I would suggest Royal Caribbean! It was so much fun! Caroline and I already are wanting to plan a shorter one with me and Timmy!

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Atlanta, GA | 2015

This past weekend my dad, sister, Timmy and I went to Georgia to see Kenny Chesney perform at the Georgia Dome. Well we got there and realized Brantley Gilbert and Chase Rice would be there as well...we already knew Eric Church would be there. This got us even more excited...since Brantley Gilbert is Timmy's absolute favorite country singer and I got to meet Brantley Gilbert when I went to California in 2013! 

Cruising the Caribbean

Hello lovely readers!! I very much enjoyed my week long vacation cruising the Caribbean, but I am back and am slowly adjusting back to the real world! First I want to thank all my Guest bloggers this week! I hope you all enjoyed them and if you didn't get a chance to read their post on Girl Talk take a look below!

Jasmine at Classy, Sassy & A Bit Smartassy - Tan All Year Long

Stephanie at Chalk Southern to Me - Worth the Money Spent

Kate at Green Fashionista - Cruising Tips

Justine at Little Dove Creations - DIY Body Cream

Jessica at Wifesticated - Cruisin'

{ TRAVELING }

Saturday morning (May 30th) I set my alarm for 4:15 AM - it was the worst feeling setting an alarm that early, but I had to be at my sisters house at 5:30 AM and my grandparents at 6 AM. I picked up my very very tired sister and headed to our grandparents house. We said our Hellos, my aunt and cousins arrived and then we got in our cars and left North Carolina heading South towards Florida. Thankfully it was just my sister and I in my car and we got to blast the music as loud as we wanted and any type of music we wanted. We had about a 7-9 hour drive ahead of us so we found an early 2000s playlist on Spotify and hit play - that was seriously the best and longest playlist - it lasted us almost the whole time!

Finally after all day of driving we made it to Cape Canaveral, Florida and got comfortable in our hotel and got a good nights rest before we boarded the cruise ship on Sunday.

{ DAY ONE }

We ended up getting to take an earlier shuttle to the ship, which was a good thing because those lines were ridiculously long! I think we spent about 2 hours in line at the Port before we could even board and then OMGSH the reservations were all messed up and so that took some more time but we were finally on board the ship around 3pm and we were loving it and were very surprised at how big our room was! Just like Kate  said - get the balcony - it was wonderful having it! We explored a little and then went and got ready for dinner. The first night we were all so exhausted we attempted to watch a movie pool side, but I was't able to stay awake so we went to bed around 11pm.

{ DAY TWO - Coco Cay, Bahamas }

This was our first stop and one of my favorites! It was my favorite because all there was the beach! Our first stop was Coco Cay, Bahamas. Royal Caribbean cruise lines actually owns this island so it was nice because we had the whole island to ourselves (well whole island to our boat). There wasn't much to do in terms of shopping but the water and the beaches were gorgeous!

We got off around 9AM and left the island around 12 PM to get some lunch and then stayed on the boat the rest of the day. We continued to tan on the boat until it was time for dinner. Which the dinners were delicious, every night! This was our first formal night (there were 2). We were so lucky to have gotten a balcony and to have brought my selfie stick or we wouldn't have near as many good pictures!

After dinner it was show time! Every night on the cruise they have a different show. This particular night was the singer and dancers of the ship. They were very talented but the show was so cheesy. We didn't go back to watch them the rest of the cruise.

{ DAY THREE - Cruising }

The third day we spent on the cruise ship. It was nice to be able to relax and get some sun. We didn't think about all the pool chairs filling up on the bottom deck so we took our time that morning; we worked out, we showered, we got breakfast and then we hit the pool deck. Unfortunately all the pool chairs on the lower deck were taken so we had to tan up on the top deck, it wouldn't have been too bad but the wind was awful!

After we tanned we went to dinner and attempted to watch another movie poolside, but once again I was way too tired and had to go to bed after watching 30 minutes! 

Check back next week for the other half of my cruise!!

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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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