Longboat Key

We recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Longboat Key, Florida.

This was our first trip to Longboat and we were definitely NOT disappointed. It was simply beautiful and could definitely become a retirement destination in the future.

The island is just about a mile outside Sarasota and St. Armand's Circle (wonderful shopping).

We stayed at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, one of the only resorts on the island. The resort was great and I would definitely recommend it to any future travelers. We were actually told by one of the waiters we had just missed seeing our wonderful Coach Calipari....he had left the day before we arrived.....just my luck. I would have LOVED to have seen him!

We traveled with two of our favorite people, Travis and Andrea...
I can't imagine vacationing without them!

Travis and Andrea

 Me and Andrea

Me and Robby

Our favorite restaurant was Mar Vista. The food was great and the laid-back atmosphere was even better.

The view from the outdoor dining area at Mar Vista

Robby enjoying his favorite meal.....crab legs!

Robby surrounded by perfect happiness.........beautiful water, beautiful boats, and

an ice cold Land Shark in hand

Life really doesn't get much better!













Show Us Your Life: Favorite Vacation Spots

The Caribbean

We love the Caribbean! We try to visit a different island each year for our Anniversary and have never been disappointed with any of our vacation destinations. This will be the first year we have decided to vacation in America for our anniversary. We are planning to visit Longboat Key. Please post a comment with restaurant suggestions if you have ever visited the island.....

Anguilla

Anguilla is probably the most beautiful place I have ever visited. The sand is literally like sugar and the water is completely clear. 

We stayed at Cap Juluca and I would strongly suggest this resort for anyone visiting the island. However, the food at the resort is VERY expensive. 

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is gorgeous and probably one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. We felt very safe traveling throughout the island and left the resort each night for dinner. Food and Wine are wonderful in Grand Cayman. We recommend the Wharf and the Ristorante Pappagallo.

We stayed at the Westin Casuarina Resort, which is located on Seven Mile Beach. 

Seven Mile Beach is beautiful, but the resorts are not as secluded as on other Caribbean islands. 

We swam with the stingrays while in Grand Cayman, but I DO NOT recommend this adventure. I was scared to DEATH! Some of the stingrays were 3 to 4 feet in width and one of them shoved me into the boat. I was terrified!

St. Thomas

St. Thomas was very nice and I love visiting the Caribbean without having to go through customs.

We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, which was beautiful. We never left the resort for anything. I was actually a bit afraid of the downtown area so I really had no desire to venture away from the resort.

The Bahamas

Everyone should visit the Atlantis Resort at least once. It was AMAZING!

We stayed at The Cove in Atlantis and I strongly recommend this hotel as you can have an ocean front room. Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill is also located inside this hotel and the food is delicious!

The Atlantis Resort will definitely NOT disappoint any visitor. However, I have to admit that the beaches of The Bahamas are not quite as beautiful as other islands of the Caribbean....at least in my opinion.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is one of my favorites. The island is breathtaking......

We stayed at The Veranda Resort, which is all-inclusive.....a very rare find in the Caribbean.

This was our dinner view each night. If you are leaving the resort for dinner, then I strongly recommend Coco Bistro........one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. 

The water in Turks and Caicos is unmatched. Pictures can not do justice!

Turks and Caicos is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world. I could never get tired of this view!

I am so ready for another vacation!



Wednesdays are for Weddings!

My Old Kentucky Home

Wedding Inspiration

It is Derby time in Kentucky! A time most Kentuckians look forward to each year, with visions of beautiful clothes, hats, mint juleps and red roses.........and, of course, the horses! Today, I am embracing old Kentucky tradition as inspiration for weddings.

The Dress:

Go for glamour! It's all about class, elegance, tradition and sophistication.

Angel Rivera

Daniela

http://www.theknot.com/





The Bridesmaid Dress:

You have to go with red!

Jim Hjelm Occasions

http://www.jlmcouture.com/



The Flowers:

Red Roses.......could there be another choice?

The Bridal Bouquet

Bridal Bouquet: Floral Designs by Megan O’Malley and Sarah Widmer, Lafayette

Photo By: Angela R. Talley Studio, Carmel

Heidi and Michael's wedding in Indianapolis, IN

www.theknot.com



The Reception Centerpiece

Floral arrangement by: Daryl Murchison Design

Photo: Zontini Studios

Megan and Curt's wedding in Houston, TX

www.brides.com

The Cake:

Cake: Ana Parzych Custom Cakes, Cheshire, CT

Photo By: Antonis Achilleos

www.theknot.com

Kentucky Wedding Favors:

Mini Maker's Mark Favors

http://www.spiritfavors.com/

Dirty Old Horseshoe from Churchill Downs

can be purchased at http://www.atasteofkentucky.com/

Jockey Silk Chocolate Sucker

can be purchased at http://www.atasteofkentucky.com/

Mint Julep Cups

http://www.beau-coup.com/

Rose Seed in Gift Box

http://www.treebeginnings.com/

Please share your Kentucky wedding ideas!



Today, She Married a Prince

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge far exceeded the expectations of most.

Photo courtesy of AFP

photo link: http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Prince-William-marry-Kate-Middleton/ss/events/royals/031802royalfamily/#photoViewer=/110429/photos_wl_uk_afp/b15641ac04dd1a75645e0aedf71ab4ac

She chose a dress, reminiscent of Grace Kelly and presented herself with complete class and elegance. I had feared she would appear in a high fashion, modern gown. I was beyond pleased to see her present herself as a princess, evoking every girl's vision of a fairytale. 

The ceremony somehow seemed intimate and focused on family unity. I thought the most charming moment was when Prince Harry turned to see Catherine walk down the aisle while his brother faced forward. Then he whispered to Prince William, perhaps telling him how extremely beautiful she looked.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Photo courtesy of Reuters

photo link: http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Prince-William-marry-Kate-Middleton/ss/events/royals/031802royalfamily/#photoViewer=/110429/ids_photos_wl/r3930292372.jpg

I loved every moment of the Royal Wedding, but I am unsure of what to say about Princess Beatrice's hat.

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

photo link: http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Wedding-Guests-Arrive--Westminster-Abbey/ss/events/royals/042911westminster/im:/110429/481/urn_publicid_ap_org_f6d57a8349124445ac29636b4867610d/

Easter Pics

I am a few days late in posting Easter pictures, but it has been a VERY busy week. We had a wonderful Easter Sunday, enjoying family and great food. Of course, we were so excited to see my niece Carsyn in her Easter attire. She actually had one wardrobe change during the course of the day. She is still a bit too small to hide/hunt Easter eggs, but she did fully enjoy her Easter gifts! I can't wait until she is old enough to enjoy a whole Reese's egg.

She looked so cute! Unfortunately, I didn't get any good pictures of her dress and it was absolutely beautiful! However, you can see some great pics at my SIL's blog here .

It's as if she's saying, "Hi Guys! I am having a WONDERFUL Easter!"

A picture after the wardrobe change. She loves to smile for the camera!

It is just amazing how one little girl can make our lives so much better. She brings our

entire family so much happiness.

Hope everyone had a great Easter holiday!