Stylin' Saturday - Island Vibes

Photo Credit: Tyjuana Hill-Smith Photography

Photo Credit: Tyjuana Hill-Smith Photography

If you are anything like me, you buy a lot of souvenirs when you travel. I mean A LOT.

I always buy fun t-shirts or island specific items for my family when we travel. Of course, if I buy one for them then I must buy one for me - right?

My favorites are island shell rings, sterling silver rings with the Larimar stone (more on this later) , anything made of coconut.



The problem was that I would buy the items and I'd love and wear them during our vacation, but then they sat in my jewelry drawer until the next vacation. Do you do that?

Well, this year I have decided that I am going to wear my island goodies during the spring/summer months, too.

The gorgeous cross body bag featured will be adorable with white linen pants and a fun colorful top. Not only is it adorable, it's a great conversation piece. I purchased this from a local vendor in Antigua. I also purchased an absolutely gorgeous small clutch made from coconut shells.


 I promised to tell you a little about the Larimar stone. The very first time I was in the Caribbean was on a RCCl cruise. There was a jewelry store on the ship that had the stone in rings, pendants, bracelets. It was simply beautiful. The color of the Caribbean ocean this stone is offered as a local Caribbean specialty. It's typically set in sterling silver, but she high grade pieces are often set in gold.

I purchased the piece in this picture while in Punta Cana a year ago. It's a huge stone, but was relatively inexpensive. I actually think this is my only piece of Larimar. I was always looking for the perfect setting - finally found it last year. You truly have to see the stone in person to appreciate the color.

What souvenirs to you busy when you go on vacation? Do you use them other than when on vacation?
I'd love to hear!

Photo Credit: Tyjuana Hill-Smith Photography

Photo Credit: Tyjuana Hill-Smith Photography

The Love Boat

 

Remember the show - The Love Boat? Came on every Saturday night followed by Fantasy Island. Loved both of those shows.I know I am totally dating myself, but when I started writing this post, that is the first thing that came to mind.
We'll be setting sail in a few months on our cruise. We've cruised roughly 3 other times. Once alone and the other two times with a group of family and friends. We had a great time on all of them. Each cruise was on Royal Caribbean (RCCL). These folks really know how to take care of you! We've had a balcony and we've also stayed on the lower, smaller levels. Obviously, the balcony was a much better room. However, if you don't spend much time in your room, the smaller cabins can be perfect for you.
This time we decided to step it up a bit. We're cruising with a RCCL sister cruise line - Celebrity. I have only heard the best things about this cruise line. Sure, it's an older crowd - I kind of like that - makes us the youngin's - LOL. Those of you who know me know that I will research something to DEATH. Well, this cruise is no exception. We opted for a suite with a balcony - I even researched the cabins to make sure we had a great one. The pictures I found from past cruises show that the cabin is GREAT. The bathroom is humongous. If you have cruised, you know this is a luxury! The first cruise we went on had the teeniest bathroom and that was one where we had a balcony. The rest of the cabin looks just as nice and very big - as cabins go. We booked pretty far in advance so we could get our choice of cabins and a great price.
The thing I love about cruising is seeing different ports of call. We've been to St.Thomas, St.Martin, St. Croix, Cozumel, Belize, San Juan and a few more including the cruise lines private islands.
The water is crystal clear and the most gorgeous shades (yes, shades) of blue and the white sand reminds me of salt. 

This photo of St. Lucia is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The food is also wonderful - specifically dinner. I am not a huge buffet fan. You know - germs.  Dinner is in a huge, ornate  dining room with service. You may also opt for room service in your room.

Expect to see lots of pictures after our cruise! I can't wait to share.

Have you cruised? Do you enjoy it? Where are your favorite places to cruise? Do tell.