1. You'll need water shoes 
2. Leave all your belongings on the cruise or in your hotel room, there are no lockers to lock anything away 
3. Be prepared for the hustling that comes later as you walk through the street shops 

Let's kick start this post with a cliche -- when's the last time you did something for the first time?




I ask this because it's true....think back to the last 6 months of your life. When is the last time you broke your routine and did something that was great for your soul? Something that had no relevance to your career, or schooling, or family life ...when's the last time you did something just for you?

I've wanted to try aerial dance for about two years, and I always held back. Partially because I couldn't find a studio, but also because I couldn't convince a single soul to do it with me. I've always looked at these sorts of classes as a fun spin on girls nights, and I kept putting it off until I finally came across a Groupon for a studio a few blocks away from my house...$45 for 10 classes (still available here).



 After some deliberation, I decided I needed to take the leap and do this for me, and so I bought my Groupon and signed up for my first silks class.

The Result: The most physically challenging, painful, full-body workout I've ever endured...and also the most incredible feeling I've felt in quite some time.

After my car accident in 2013 that resulted in a broken shoulder blade, I lost all of my upper-body strength and my workout routine. I've set out to rebuild that this year and this (and yoga) happens to be my greatest motivation..

As I stand among a group of slender, strong women who can climb that silk to the roof, I find myself more and more motivated to do push-ups and pull-ups at home. They look so graceful as they manipulated their bodies around the silk and I really want to do the same.



Why? I have no idea. It certainly has no relevance to my life -- I'm not going to quit my job and join a circus, or do anything of that sort. It simply feeds my soul, makes me excited for Mondays and challenges me both physically and mentally. And sometimes, that's the best reason you need to try something...taking on a hobby because it makes you happy.

If You Go: 
The schedules and registration are available online. Make sure you bring a yoga mat and wear workout gear...you will break a sweat.

Pole Dance Miami
http://poledancemiami.com/ 
7207 SW 48th Street

I currently work as a marketing coordinator for an international pool company. Every year, we host an event for our best customers on a major cruise line. Three days prior to setting sail, they had a staff member drop out last minute and asked me to join in. The compensation:  It would be an all-expense paid trip with a premium drink card included for both me and a guest (aka Alexis). Needless to say, we said YES and three days later we were heading to Haiti.



I've never quite seen something as absolutely breathtaking as Haiti. When I looked out my cabin river and took in this very site, I gasped like a child on Christmas morning.  The vibe was so relaxed, the music played by local musicians set the tone, and the crisp blue waters boarding green mountains was postcard worthy. But amidst all the relaxation, this resort section of Haiti also inspires a bit of adventure.


 Home to the longest over-water zip line in the world, Dragon Breath Zipline, Labadee provides you the chance to plummet 500 ft over the mountains and caribbean ocean for a fee of $90.


The view from the top was absolutely stunning and nerve wrecking. They offer you training on a smaller zipline and though that seems fairly easy and you grow confident thinking "I got this," it doesn't nearly compare to the sudden fear and inevitable adrenaline rush you experience when you walk out onto that final ledge. As someone who is absolutely terrified of heights, I must say, I HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS!

It's listed as one of the things you have to do before you die and there's a reason why. The view you see as you're going down at 60 mph is unlike anything you've ever seen, and the adrenaline you feel when you land is unlike any other high (unless you've skydived. In which case, you're a badass because I'm too chicken to try it). As soon as you're done, you're ready to lounge out with a cold drink in hand and people watch those plunging down 500 ft. Definitely a worthy adventure.

When I first announced my trip to Chicago, I was flooded with suggestions and well wishes. Everyone that's been to the Windy City seemed to absolutely love it, and everyone seemed even more excited to suggest a few of their top restaurant choices.

Red Velvet French Toast from Yolk

Three days and 10 pounds later, I must say, I get it. Chicago has THE best food I've every had in any city I've every visited. After just 72 hours, I have tons of recommendations for those looking to eat their way through Chi-town.

1. Giardanos -- There's a reason it's a staple, and you'll thank me once you've indulged in one of the most ridiculous pizza's you'll ever have in your life.


2.  The Purple Pig - This was another restaurant tons of friends recommended, and I am so glad I paid a visit. It's a beautiful little dinner spot right on Magnificent Mile, just off the Chicago River. The ambiance is quaint, relaxing, romantic and modern.



The foodie game is real at this establishment, with unique entrees (tapas style),  great wine selections and beautiful presentations.

Below you'll see our favorite dish of the evening -- squid stuffed with prosciutto and bread crumbs, topped off with a squid ink sauce that was absolutely to die for.


We also enjoyed the pork shoulder (not pictured -- sorry, guys -- we ate it before remembering to snap it. Sometimes you gotta live in the moment.)

Here we have our delicious crepe dessert. A-MA-ZING!!!



Check out more on the Purple Pig here: https://thepurplepigchicago.com/

3. Yolk - Alexis and I love eggs. I mean, we reallllly love eggs. We believe they belong on absolutely everything and will make any dish taste instantly better, so when we came across this small franchise as we walked to the Navy Peer, we decided it was a must-have for our Saturday morning breakfast.

All I can say is...POT ROAST BENEDICT and RED VELVET FRENCH TOAST. Hand-down, the best food I've ever had.

So much food, he didn't know what do with himself.

For more information on Yolk: http://eatyolk.com/

4. Bernie's Lunch & Supper - I'll admit, we didn't stop by for lunch or supper, HOWEVER, we did make reservations for brunch long before arriving in the city and we are so glad we did. We indulged in their specialty french toast (seen below) that had a caramelized glaze to it, taking on a more Spaniard approach. It was unlike any other french toast we've ever had. 

I recently posted about designing your space on a budget (here), ending the post with a promise to share my living space with you as soon as it was all done. Well, alas! We are settled into our new townhouse and I couldn't be more excited to share these pictures, and more importantly, price points, with you!





When Alexis and I first discovered our new home, I was instantly inspired by its wood floors and modern details. I loved the simplicity of it all, and I knew that I wanted to go in an entirely different direction than our apartment, which had a colorful, lively, boho feel to it.

When coming up with my concept, I knew I wanted to inspire tranquility throughout the house, and when I discovered the #puglife pillow, I knew I would be using a muted color scheme with splashes of this delicate blue hue.

Despite my love of sleek, modern lines, I wanted to make sure I kept our space warm and inviting. All modern decor can leave a home feeling a little cold, especially with the muted color scheme I was going for, and so I knew I had to invest in a few pieces with curves.

Since we were upgrading from a 700 sq ft 1-1, to a 950 sq ft townhouse, I took the opportunity to buy furniture & accent pieces I felt played into this. I took two weeks and spent countless hours on Pinterest, taking into consideration every little detail I wanted to incorporate in our new living space. And then began the shopping around (as explained here). With the exception of the couch  (bought on sale at Rooms to Go), every item displayed was either bought at Ikea, Hobby Lobby or Amazon.



I truly believe that investing in your home is vital to your spiritual and emotional well-being, BUT ya girl's gotta respect her budget too. I work too hard to blow my money on just anything, and so, my budget was $500 for decor, and I stayed $44 under budget.

The Breakdown 
Coffee Table: $104 - Amazon (sold out)
Blue Pillows -  $4 - Ikea  (Pro Tip: Ikea is more expensive online than in-stores.)
Dalmatian Pillows - $19.99 - Hobby Lobby (available in-store only)
Pug Life Pillow - $20 - Society6
Pouf - $60  on Amazon
Curtains - $20 - Ikea
Frames - $14 (2) - $7 (on sale) Hobby Lobby (available in-store only)
Carlisle Metal Barstools, set of 2 - $100 - Target  (on sale now for $80)
Rug- $44 - Amazon
Blue Plate - $2.49 - Ikea
Black and White Bowls - $2.99 - Ikea
Striped Place Mats - $1.49 - Ikea 
Mason Jar Soap Dispenser - $15 - Amazon
Total Cost: $456

If you know me, or at least follow me on Instagram, you know that Disney World is basically my second home. We bought our annual passes a little over a year ago and it was the best decision we ever made considering we escape to the happiest place on Earth at least once every two months...ok, fine, like once a month.