Charleston: The Perfect Getaway for Couples

Hello dearies. Today I have a special treat for you. My sweet friend Mandy agreed to share a highlights post on Charleston - and it's a two part deal! The first post gives ideas for couples and sequel (coming in January) will go over a visit to Charleston for families!

Side note: Mandy informed me that Travel Magazine named Sarasota as one of the Top Five small cities to visit in America! Wohoo! Now you MUST come visit. ;) 

Mandy is that friend that everyone goes to for traveling advice. In fact, she's planned many a trip for her own family, trips with friends and trips FOR friends. From the hard to find local favorites, to trips on a budget, she gets it done! Needless to say, I'm thrilled to feature her on the blog. I hope you enjoy today's travel fun. Maybe you'll be inspired to go on a traveling adventure for Christmas!!

Nashville Adventures: Let's Give 'Em Something to Talk About

Friends, as I've mentioned in recent posts my Sarasota life went on pause for a trip to meet five other bloggers in person, for the first time, in Nashville and I'm finally spilling the beans on this great memory. So, whether this fabulous city is on your list of places to see, or you're open to new possibilities, pull up your bootstraps and saddle up. I've got some tantalizing tidbits to share with you! Now, there's no way to hit all of Nashville's delights, but we sure did try our best. 

Give Me All The Spanish Moss

 Hello! Though we moved into fall, a quick weekend getaway gave me one last taste of summer. And what better way to savor one last taste than on an island decorated with trees, graced with Spanish Moss? This gem of focal interest and tranquility is practically in our back yard.

Welcome to bits and pieces of the historic district on Jekyll Island, though I must attribute this post and the pics to my supportive and adventurous friends...

It was nearing the end of the day and we had just completed a 2 hour kayaking tour, when the history buffs decided to take a detour of you guessed it - historic Jekyll Island. While taking in the sights, one friend narrated internet findings on who purchased and sold the island throughout the years, what prominent families settled there, etc, etc.  This added charm to an already beautiful drive, making our impromptu detour well worth the extra 30 minutes. ;)

As we passed by an inn, an old chapel and even a horse and buggy, one of my adventurous friends said that we should come back and take blog pics! There was very little day time left, but I'm not one to turn down such an offer so we rushed back to the house. I quickly threw on my dress, mussed up my hair and added a few accessories. No time for a shower. We scrambled out the door hoping there would be enough daylight to grab a few shots.

I felt silly at first, and worried about taking up their time with my hobby but they insisted. We traipsed all over that area, giggling as we went. 

I wanted to get in this Cinderella style buggy, but chickened out. You see how close I ventured. I bet the driver would have let me if I'd had the nerve to ask. Wasn't it enough that I was lounging and posing for any and all to see?? There was no nerve left. ;)

Give me a rocking chair and I'm good to go!!

Outfit Breakdown:

Fringe Kimono: Similar (on sale!), Vest Option /Dress: Local Boutique: Marisa Jills/Shoes: Rack Room Shoes: Rock & Candy (Rack Room Shoes)

Linking up with Michelle's Paige, Spread the Kindness, Not Dressed As Lamb, Elegance & Mommyhood, Fashion Should Be Fun, A Pocket Full Of Polkadots, Nancy's Fashion Style

I close with a few selfies with my compadres, as well as a few snippets from the weekend...

Driver on the left, photographer on the right...

****Kayak Tour With Turtle Tides****

Out on the open sea - sort of ;)

Shark Tooth "Beach"

Our tour was scheduled for 4pm. The guys at Turtle Tides were professional, friendly and of course knowledgeable of the area and how to work a kayak, so beginners are welcome. They were also the only rental company we could find that would give us a discounted group rate. Though we only saw part of one manatee (some said they saw his snout), the experience was great. For me, it was enough to be out on the water, enjoying the beautiful sights.

****Driftwood Beach****

Definitely not a beach I'd want to set up camp at, but it's great for a stroll or climbing trees.

Public Beach

There was limited beach space, due to the recent hurricane but we made the best of it and camped up by the rocks.

Quick Thoughts on Group Trips...

1. Determine ahead of time if this is going to be a trip for complete relaxation or a trip to do everything. Regardless of which you choose, be willing to go with the flow.
2. Relax and enjoy the time. Sounds simple, but many of us don't know how to slow down.
3. If you're at the beach, you don't have to put in a lot of effort. Let the sun's natural glow be your make up and don an easy, comfortable dress. However, don't forget the accessories.
4. Women tend to overpack and that includes food. Let the organizers plan out a food list or your counters, cabinets and fridge will be overflowing. lol. 
5. Get a great money sharing app like Venmo. It's secure and will make paying for gas, groceries, dinner tabs etc a breeze! Bonus: the ca-ching of the cash register when some one sends you money is so satisfying. 
6. Don't be wishy-washy like me. If you signed up for an event ahead of time, stick with it. (I did stick with it, but I waffled a little. That's an annoying habit for the planners of the group.
7. If it's a bigger group, bring an interactive game to get you all together. The quiet ones may only talk if they've been prompted, and they always have great things to say!

Well, my friends I do believe I've said quite enough. Have you been on any girl getaways lately? I'd love to hear about it and if you have any tips to add to the list above!

Chrissy

Sister Adventures: Alaska Part 2

Hello and welcome to part two of my Alaska adventures. Currently brisk winds and cold temperatures combined with bites of non-dairy Mint chocolate chip ice are helping me relive Alaska as if I never left. I'm settling in to share highlights of my favorite adventure.

Dog Sledding & The Chena Hot Springs: An adventure of a Lifetime!

Wake up sleepy head! It's time to hit the hills. Time to hitch up the dogs. What?! This Georgia girl (and lover of tropical destinations) is about to ride a dog sleigh in temps below zero with layers and layers of snow as the landscape, and I was excited!

For body fuel we whip up some peanut butter and coconut protein balls for the road. This trip was going to be sans children so we give the girls hugs and kisses and clamor into the car; laden with snowsuits, gloves, hats, scarves, face masks, hand and foot warmers, as well as some serious snow boots.  Also with us, buried at the bottom of our bags was a bathing suit for the hot sprints. There was no reconciling this concept in my mind, but I packed it anyway. More on that later.

In the meantime, we drive the 30 or so minutes to Paws for Adventure!! Once parked and out of the car we take a moment to soak in our surroundings.   Almost every sense is stimulated as you breathe in the fresh air, listen to the excited barking of the dogs, and see raw beauty spreading out before you in blankets of white. Up ahead the owner beckons us to join her in the warm yurt where we check in and get suited up for the chilly ride.

Inside the yurt...

Outside the yurt...

We watch with childlike awe and interest as the musher harnesses each dog. I can't help but smile as the dogs seem to be begging for their turn to pull the sleigh. They love it! Once 10 dogs are clicked in, Chase instructs us to load up into the sleigh. Much obliged. The dogs begin protesting the additional delay, as they are ready to go. He gives the command and the sleigh lurches into motion and down the first hill we go.  Even now my eyes fill with tears and my heart fills with pure delight as I recall our squeals and laughter at this new thrill. I know. I don't get out much.

I hardly notice the cold temperatures. I opened my eyes as wide as they would go. I didn't want to miss a thing! We each were given a turn to stand behind the sleigh and attempt to "drive".

I snap one picture of Lauren at the helm and my fingers began to hurt from exposure to the cold, but I had to get a picture of what I was seeing!

 My eyes couldn't take in enough breathtaking beauty.  Even my phone hated the cold and moved unbelievably slow. I snap a couple pictures and quickly tuck my phone away and try to regain feeling in my finger tips. I'm so glad I did! For this will soon be framed and on my wall...

Oh LORD! Take me back. I can't get over it. Our "musher" informed us that dog sledding is an addicting sport. Though I don't love being cold I could appreciate his passion for those dogs and being out on the trails. He has completed in the Yukon 500 and plans on completing in the Yukon 1000 next year! Whoo baby! 

And a couple more pics...

Needless to say, I'd highly recommend this treat for those traveling areas where dog sledding is available!  

I could have went home, completely full of adventure but our day wasn't over. Up next, the Chena Hot Springs!

Just like everywhere else we drove, we were greeted with more snow.  This is where the bathing suit was supposed to come into play.  My fingers and toes were still numb from the morning sleigh ride, I still had on several layers of clothing, including a snowsuit on and now I'm supposed to unclothe and put on a bathing suit. The very idea seemed ludicrous to me.

We wander around and follow the signs to the hot springs. A building that looks like a small YMCA comes into view and we enter cautiously.  A young man works the desk and the walls are lined with shelves for shoes and boots.  Lauren and I exchange a look and approach the desk.

"Hey, uh, we're here to see the hot springs."

"Cool. That'll be $15 a ticket."

"Ok. So. What do we do?"

"What do you do?" He looks at us as if he's wondering what's wrong with us. 

"Yeah. What do we do?"

"Well, there's a locker room down that hall. Change into your swim suit and follow the walkway down to the hot springs. It's enclosed and sort of heated."

"Uh. Ok."

At this point we knew we needed to just go. We head to the locker room and giggle at how crazy it seemed to be donning our swimsuits. I was cold already.

We shove all our belongings into the locker and pad down the walkway to the springs. I'm shivering and wondering why we thought this would be a good idea. And then the springs come into view. It's beautiful. I put my toe in and quickly draw back in shock. It is hot! I wondered if I would even be able to get in!

There are a few others already soaking in the spring. They seem to be just fine so I move forward and slowly let my body adjust. It's amazing. The moisture in my hair begins to freeze but the rest of me feels as if I'm soaking in a hot bath.  We begin to explore every cranny, making short video clips for Instagram and Snapchat.

It was -11 degrees outside. Imagine how frozen my hair would be in 30 or more below zero!!

After about an hour, we begin to experience dehydration. When going to the hot springs one should bring a bottle of water. The other visitors already knew that. They were guzzling.  It was time to get out.  Our bodies were so warm from the 106 degree soak we just took that we hardly notice the freezing temps back down the walkway. However, this wore off quickly and we dried off and dressed in a flash.

It was time to head home. What an amazing day. I knew I would not forget this incredible adventure and I felt so blessed to share it with my sister. And thank you for sharing along with me. There's only one more post to go!!

Chrissy

Sister Adventures: Alaska Bound!!

Several months ago my sister called me with the news.

Sis: "Guille (her hubbs) received new orders."

Me: "Okay...Where? Germany?? Hawaii????"

Sis: "Um. No. Alaska."

Me: "Alaska?! It's cold in Alaska!"

Sis: "Yeah. I know."

Me: "Okay, when?" 

Sis: "We will be moving to Alaska at the end of August."

I cried. She cried. However, we hung up after mutually assuring each other that this would be temporary, as well as an adventure of a lifetime for her and her family. Besides, they were stationed at military bases in Georgia for over 8 years. We've been blessed!

The start of August was here before we knew it.  My sister and her family packed up their home at Fort Benning and sent most of their belongings on a moving truck headed to the Last Frontier. Meanwhile, we anticipated their extended stay before it was officially time for them to hit the road. 

Those few weeks flew by and their last night came. My brother in law's sweet family hosted a going away party, where we played headbands and joked savoring our last moments before the inevitable arrived.  I vainly worked at keeping my tears at bay. I knew we would see each other again. It would only be temporary, so why was it so hard?

Group Picture Attempts...

Mom, Ethan, Lauren, Glen, Myself, Collin, Guille, Lexi, Evan, Caden, & Lyla

Yeah. We weren't going to get a perfect picture. Here's this one. So much easier with two cooperative people.

I hugged her tight and escaped before I embarrassed myself with an onslaught of ugly crying. We started our Snapchat streak and I began anticipating each day's snaps of their travels and adventures. 

Days go by. They are well into Canada when I get a surprise of my own...

YUP! Some friends determined to surprise me with a flight to Alaska.  In no time at all, I video chatted my sister to tell her the news. And yes. I knew at that moment, that I would document it all for these sweet sends. Not to mention my own keepsake. 

I know. Lauren loves that I'm sharing these lovely pics!

Well, that was at the start of September. I wouldn't be leaving for Alaska until February.  With a full calendar, the time passed quickly and before I knew it I was packing for what would be one of my greatest adventures thus far!!

Travel day arrived and at 3:30 in the morning, Atlanta time, my hubby drove me to the airport and dropped me off.

I was by myself. 

No kids. 

No hubby. 

Traveling.  

I wandered through the airport in a daze. I almost forgot what you do through security! Oh yeah! Take off my shoes. Drop every loose article into a tub and send it down the conveyor. Go in some tube, spread 'em and put your arms up.  Reclothe and move on. This is always an interesting experience.

I stopped at Caribou coffee for breakfast. By the way, their blueberry and almond oatmeal is delicious!  Soon the attendant started calling first class, VIP, Gold Star, Card members (sheesh) parents with children, blah, blah, blah. Finally I heard my row called and boarded the plane.

Let the Snaps and IG stories begin! Somebody pinch me. Is this really happening??

Four hours and 40 minutes later we are welcomed to a buzz of activity at the Seattle airport. I'm sure this is normal, but there was no doubt something was amiss. Large, wet snowflakes rained down from the sky and airport employees clamored around outside to load and unload luggage. Meanwhile passengers stare at the arrival/departure board while scratching their heads.  Turns out Seattle is unprepared for the weather, so my flight would be delayed for a couple more hours.

I leave the "T gates" and begin exploring other gates. I loved that airport! There's live music throughout, plenty of restaurants, shops and even a spot to get a mani/pedi if you so desire. I  chose to pass the time with more snaps and IG stories. 

Piano Player

Finally, my plane leaves and 3 1/2 hours later we land! At this point, it's 8pm their time and midnight my time. Long day, right?  But, I'm there and my sister and niece are waiting for me!! How good it felt to hug them! 

We get my luggage from the baggage claim and step outside in the fresh Alaska air.

HELLO! My senses are instantly awakened by an incredibly cold air that this body has never known! Every time I took a deep breath, I immediately coughed. (Anyone know what that's about?) Lauren laughs at my shocked reaction. She knows. I like warm beaches and won't get into the water until it's about 90 degrees outside.

I also notice that although it's dark, there's no mistaking the snow! It's piled high, where plows have worked to keep the roads clear. And even with the plows, the roads have a layer of ice and snow packed on.  I couldn't believe how much snow there was.

Once settled into her home, the long day of travel took a toll and I struggled to keep my eyes open. I went to sleep excited about the adventures to come...

Lauren wasted no time in getting me out the next day to see Fairbanks...We drove by the university and I absorbed as much of the scenery into my memory as I could. There were cypress trees and birch trees, each branch heavy laden with layers of snow. In the distance, wherever you looked were what appeared to be mountains. I've been told they are domes. Looked like mountains to me.

We snapped pictures in front of the infamous university sign. It's cooler if you wait until it's 20 below, but who knew if we would get back by.

We both share a love for coffee, so of course we would hit a local coffee shop, where they roast their own coffee beans and make their pastries fresh. Oh mama!



Her husband's schedule couldn't be more perfect for this week! He only worked the mornings, so we dropped the girls back off with him and then went hiking at Creamer's field. It used to be a dairy farm, but is now a reserve for migrating birds. I only saw one bird, but the snowy forest was enchanting and I kept thinking I must have walked in Narnia. Where was that ice queen with the Turkish delights!?

Frosted hair and rosy cheeks

I still hadn't adjusted to their time zone, and found myself wanting to turn in at 7 their time. However, once again I fought it off until a normal bed time. Right as I was crawling into bed my sister called out for me to hurry up and get outside.

Of course my iPhone couldn't capture how amazing these pillars of light were in person. And to top it off fractures of light froze in mid-air, looking just like fairy dust. Fairy dust! What wonderland was this? I went back to bed and watched those light pillars fade away with a smile on my face.  An adventure of a life time had begun.

to be continued...