Greece 2024

As most of you know by now I went back to Greece. This trip was more laid back, we stood in Athens for a few days, we walked around a lot, ate a ton of delicious food and I got a tattoo that I’m NOT happy with (let’s not talk about it). We then flew to the island of Corfu for another couple of days. Such a beautiful place!!! Unfortunately, I was very sick in. 

Athens: It’s so busy so be prepare to encounter a ton of tourists especially in the city center area. We didn’t go to Acropolis because my sister in-law was happy seeing it from a distance. I personally do recommend seeing it up close and personal, research the history which is what I did the first time I went. The food is by far my favorite. Try the fried feta drizzled with honey – chef’s kiss. The feta cheese in Greece isn’t like the one in the states, ours is salty and theirs is perfection. I ate a lot of salad because it’s what they like to eat besides lamb/meat. Everything is so fresh, honestly everything outside the states is fresh. The girls had planned to get travel tattoo’s but I honestly didn’t want another one. After they got theirs we went to eat then I decided I wanted a blue heart, something very simple. It was nice at first but it didn’t heal very well so I have to get it touched up at some point. 

Corfu: It was my first time there and its gorgeous. Not much to do as far as party / nightlife but this wasn’t that type of trip. This is a very chill place, it’s good to lay out by the pool/beach, enjoy the resort and visit the town which we didn’t do. We were way up in the mountains and thought we were further away than what we actually were. I spent most of my days in my room sick and came out at night for dinners and nightlife which consisted of drinking wine (ya’ll know I love me some wine) and just hanging out with the girls. Things happen for a reason, I don’t feel like I missed out on anything I see it as my body needed to rest and so that’s what I did. The view from our room was beautiful so I enjoyed it, meditated, wrote in my journal, read my book and embraced my quiet time alone. So grateful to my girls for taking care of me, they would bring me honey with lemon which helped.

The flight back was rough for me since I wasn’t feeling well. I had aches, fever, an annoying cough, I became restless so I kept shifting in my seat, I couldn’t sleep. I could not wait for the moment that plane landed!! Overall, it was a great trip, I’m so happy my sister in-law came along and shared this experience with me.  

As for my next trip I have a big one in February, if you follow me on IG then you caught a glimpse of the locations on my stories. If you read this all the way to the end you’re the real MVP LOL and I appreciate you.

Be Kind

It’s been a couple of months since my last entry. I’ve been very unmotivated, very tired and uninspired. The holidays are quickly approaching and as some of you know the holidays are NOT “the most wonderful time of year” for a lot of people (me). I wish I could close my eyes and wake up in February, skip all the holidays and my birthday. For some (me) the holiday season is nothing but a reminder of what and who we lost. I’m extremely blessed and extremely grateful for my friends & family! They always make sure I’m ok, they check on me several times a day. If I don’t pick up the phone for a few hours they will appear at my door knocking like the police (I’m not exaggerating). Last year I decided to stay home during the holidays and although I know I have my friends & family I just rather be alone. People always tell me I’m always so happy and cheery and unless you know my story you would have NOOOO CLUE that my life is / has been turned upside down. I’ve said this before but before I leave my house I put on my mask which I call my "happy face". I’ve been spending a lot of time at home trying to focus on my wellbeing, journaling, doing a lot of self-care, I’ve been taking walks, catching sunsets, grounding and meditating. I've been focusing on me and my needs. This journey hasn't been easy but I'm here SURVIVING.

Also, I have a trip coming up in a few days. I’m going back to Greece. I’m excited but packing has been a challenge. How am I supposed to pack for 6 days in a small back pack? My toiletries alone require their own bag lol. I’ll TRY my best but make no promises to make an intentional travel post. The last couple of trips I truly was in the moment enjoying every second so my phone / camera was not in use.

I’ll end it here I just wanted to drop in and give a quick update.

Be kind because you have no idea what people are going through.

Mini Lux Haul

Hola friends,

In my last post I mentioned that I went shopping in Madrid. I figured I'd share what I got because a few people asked. Let me just say

Trip To Spain

I went topless! It's been on my bucket list for a really long time but I could never get myself to do it. What better place to do so than Ibiza tho - right?! It was brief but it was major for me because I'm not comfortable with my self let alone out in public but it was liberating. No one cares out there, it's normal for them. I let all the chichos hang out. YOLO!!

I'm back!! I'm working on my lack of consistency - I promise. Mental health and life has been

Dubai and Bali

 

My Apologies

"A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong"

...why am I apologizing?  Well, it is not only an apology to you, my readers but also to myself, for the lack of consistency.  I had so many plans for both IG, Youtube and this blog.  Plans to move...

Living Life

 Hello Everyone!

It's been a while, I hope everyone has been well and keeping safe as we go back to "normalcy".  I've been ok as usual there are good days and there are bad sad dark days.  I allow myself to feel and release but never forgetting to get back up and LIVE because...

Vacation Over

Annnnd just like that vacation is over!!!  Ugh, why can't these days go by slowly?  More like a slow work week!  WHY?

Vacation was nice, it was everything we wanted it to be - quiet and relaxing.  As I mentioned in my previous post we weren't looking to "turn up", we simply wanted some quiet time.  I didn't take many pictures, I wanted to enjoy the moment, BE IN THE MOMENT.  My phone spent a lot of time in the safe which is SURPRISING!  If you know me you know I always have my phone in my hand whether it is on or off is a whole other topic lol but its in my hand regardless.  We often miss important details because our nose is buried in our phone, social media rules most of us sadly.  This time around was different tho and it was nice.  We slept a lot, we "worked out", I focused on my mental and spiritual self.  I wrote in my journal almost every night, I colored, meditated I went to the spa multiple times, I took care of my body.  It felt good, no it felt GREAT, AMAZING, WONDERFUL!!!  I did not have anxiety at all, I was super relaxed both mentally and physically.  Why don't I do this at home?  Because life - that's why.

 I promised myself to bring some of that self care home and just pick a day when I do it - a ME DAY.  I used to have this day as a teen all the way into my 20's then it stopped, not completely but yeah, it stopped.

As I mentioned I really didn't take pictures but I posted some on my Instagram - go follow if you aren't already so that you can keep up with me.

As usual thank you for reading       

labradorite crystal and a new journal

meditation literally on the ocean AMAZING!

his daily walk

Vacation 2017

**pictures taken by me**

So, a couple of weeks ago I went on a much needed vacation.  This year we decided on a cruise and it was tons of fun.  We decided to cruise with Carnival (Sunshine) which embarked out of Manhattan.  There's always something do, there's always a party somewhere, you can go to the spa and get a massage or 2 or 3 like I did lol, there's always a show, games or some type of entertainment some where on the ship (my favorite was the comedy show).  Trust me, if you're bored its because you choose to be. 

Do your research upon choosing a cruise line, each one is different.  Carnival (in my opinion) gears towards families and yes I have to say it is a party boat, great for the younger crowd.  Other cruise lines do not offer as much entertainment (they're fun nonetheless) and are not as kid friendly so keep that in mind.

Also, cruises offer so much that not many people are aware of.  Did you know that on the first night of embarkation if you reserve with the steak house you get a complimentary bottle of wine, red or white.  Yasssss gurrrrrl!!!  I mean who doesn't love a free bottle of liquor.

 
If you're celebrating an occasion let them know.  Your room steward may leave you a nice surprise. 

I will assume not many people know or take advantage of Sea Day Brunch.  We never had breakfast at the buffet.  On port days we ordered room service and during sea days we had sea day brunch.  We usually woke up late and headed to the dinning room and had a nice sit down, quiet breakfast.  It was always empty which was nice, the lines at the buffet were cray cray.  I just don't have the patience for that.  The brunch menu was so good!  I of course had to order the French toast encrusted with cereal.  Hella sweet but hella yummy!

Here are my personal tips: 
1.  Luggage tags:  They sell them on amazon but I bought mine from the container store for $5.99.  I didn't go for anything fancy but it did the job.  I saw so many people just staple their luggage ticket onto their bag, I even saw someone wrap their ticket in a zip lock and hang it from their suitcase.  Not only is it messy looking but it is NOT secure. 

2.  Magnets:  I put a magnet on the wall near the door so that I can hang my lanyard and other odds and ends.  Oh, I also put a magnet in the bathroom for my shower cap, you can use it to hang your loofah or anything else you wish.  amazon

3.  Folding hamper:  I always travel with a hamper.  I mean you have to put your dirty clothes something where.  Again, just leaving my clothes around is NOT an option.  I pack my dirty clothes separately if I don't wash it while on vacay.  I bought mine at amazon.

**pic from amazon**

4.  Tuck your luggage underneath your bed.  Staterooms / cabins are small so the less you have in your way the better.  I prefer underneather the bed instead of leaving them out or stuffing them in the closet.

5.  Save room in your luggage by leaving out bulky towels, if you're comfortable using towels other than your own.  I personally do not use hotel towels so yes I packed my own but I left out my beach towel and used the pool towels provided to us.

6.  Do not buy motion sickness medications.  If you visit the clinic on board you'll get it for free.

7.  Clorax / Lysol wipes:  Yes I wiped everything in my room.  Handles, sink, toilet etc.  Not necessary but it's just something I do cause momma don't have time to get sick while on vacation.  amazon

8.  Towel buddies:  If you wish or if you have kids don't be afraid to let your steward know not to take the cute towel buddies away.  My steward took one and I was sad, yes the little girl in me was actually disappointed so I called him and asked him to please leave them all in my room and so he did.  He even repurposed them on the last night.  I decorated with them lol...

 

I'm going to end it here because I can write forever.  If you have any questions please ask!  I'm sure I left something out lol.  I provided links to everything I bought hopefully it helps you.

QUOTE:  Life is short and the world is wide - travel

Thank you for reading!!!!
xoxo