The Trip of a Lifetime!

I know photography posts are usually set aside for Saturdays, but I don't know which day is which these days.  So today, enjoy some photography.  These are some photos from our cruise this summer.  Stories will follow, I'm sure.  


Meanwhile, my days are filled up with keeping an eye on my recently-spayed puppy, getting ready for the new school year, and trying to suck every last free moment out of summer.


Enjoy.


Most of these are in Venice:

 From our cruise ship balcony:

 Croatia

 Greece

 Back on the ship

Italy

xoxo, A

Fashion Fun!

Alright folks, the cruise is coming, and I'm in packing mode.  Yes already.  Today is all about outfit choices. I had to get some special new clothes just for the trip, of course.  No really, I did.  I didn't have many summer clothes, and what better time to get some than for our "honeymoon"?  The good news is, I didn't spend any more than about $10 for most of these pieces.  I do love a bargain.  Anywho, I decided to put up some of the potential outfits for the cruise, and have you all tell me your favorites, or suggest other combos!  Maybe that bores you, but I happen to love this kind of stuff.  

Next will be packing tips!  I'm going to try three different methods and see which works the best!

So be prepared for some travel-themed posts in the future... I know I'm looking forward to them!

 From top left going right, then the middle row, then the bottom row:
1.  top: Kohl's; shorts: JC Penney a few years ago; shoes: Kmart.  2.  top: Kohl's; shorts: JC Penney a few years ago; shoes: Kmart; hat: JC Penney 3.  top: Kohl's; shorts: Kohl's; sandals: Old Navy; scarf: Italy-- a gift from my mother-in-law.  4.  top: Ecko outlet; shorts: Ross; shoes: Kmart.  5.  top: Kohl's; shorts: Ross; shoes: Kmart.  6.  hat: JC Penney; top: Target; shorts: Kohl's; sandals: Kohl's.  7.  cardigan: Target a long time ago; top: Old Navy; shorts: Kohl's; sandals: Old Navy.  8.  cardigan: Kohl's; top: Old Navy; shorts: Kohl's; sandals: Old Navy.  9.  top: Kohl's; shorts: Kohl's; sandals: Kohl's.

 1.  bikini top: Target; top: target; shorts: Kohl's; sandals: Kohl's.  2.  hat: JC Penney; cover up: Victoria's Secret outlet; shoes: Kmart; bathing suit top: Target; bottoms: Target.  3.  hat: JC Penney; cover up: Ross; shoes: Kmart; bikini top and bottom: Target.  4.  hat: JC Penney; scarf: another Italy gift from my mother-in-law; bikini top and bottom: Target.

1.  cardigan: Old Navy, years ago; top: Target; shorts: Kohl's; shoes: Kmart.  2.  dress: Target; cardigan: Target a long time ago; sandals: Old Navy.  3.  dress: Target; shoes: Kmart.  4.  dress: Charlotte Russe; 5.  hat: JC Penney; dresses: Target; cardigan: I have no clue; sandals: Kohl's.  6.  dress: Target; sandals: Kohl's.

So if you please, could you tell me your faves and your ideas? Cast your votes! Thanks! :)



xoxo, A

Cruise Inspiration

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to go on a Mediterranean cruise.  In my mind, sleeping on a boat is next to paradise.  The gentle rocking, the continuous sound of water, the view of the deep blue, all-inclusive all- you-can-eat buffets, poolside lounging, and of course, the destinations!  Glamorous beaches, ancient locales, fine cuisine, warm breezes... my mind has romanticized it so!

While I had the good fortune (read: hard work and diligent savings + God's grace) to go to some Mediterranean countries about six years ago, I have never been on a cruise.

Then I met Hband.  His parents love to travel, especially to Italy.  He wanted us to go on a Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon, but in January that's a terrible idea-- that's how the apostle Paul got shipwrecked.  Haha.  So his father decided to send us on a Mediterranean/Aegean cruise that they had done in the past, this June!  We'll begin in Venice, then cruise to Croatia, Turkey, Greece, and Italy, and then end in Rome.

I feel awkward telling people this exciting news.  On one hand, I'm very excited, as would anyone be when a dream comes true.  On the other hand, I don't want people thinking we're spoiled, or wealthy, or that the fine things in life are handed to us on a silver platter.  Truth be told, we're rather on the poor side, so a gift like this is then exceptionally special to us.  And this isn't just for funsies-- it's his parents' wedding gift to us, and our "official" honeymoon.

So excuse my awkwardness about this subject.  I'd like to talk your ear off about what I am going to wear and what we have planned for shore excursions... but I won't.  I'll just leave you with my cruise inspiration (thank you, Pinterest).

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xoxo, A