Why visiting Castaway Cay will change your life.

LAST (but never least) STOP: CASTAWAY CAY! 

Each time I visit Castaway Cay, I have withdrawals after. 

Whether its the moment the cruise ship is pulling up in the port or we are watching the ship pull out, the day goes too fast. 

There are so many elements of Castaway Cay that make everything better.

1. That view though!

2. BBQ and BANANA ICE CREAM.

3. Serenity Bay - island paradise for adults 21+ older.

4. The gorgeous blue ombre waters make the perfect selfies.

5. Hideaway Bar for pina colavas.

I mean this is only my top five. If you love hanging in a hammock, exploring and relaxing in the waves - than you'd love Castaway Cay. There's the adult side of Serenity Bay + there's the family beaches including a spot for teens. - than this is the place for you. 

I will add that this visit was probably the stormiiest visit with the darkest clouds. The waves were much choppier and rougher, and the water was way colder than usual. Not my favorite visit but still one of my favorite ports above all! 

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Castaway Cay will change your life. Sure, that seems corny but this place can make you happier, relaxed and less stressed out when you arrive. It always feels like time stops when I am there and I am in the glimpse of paradise! 

Disney FANTASY Cruise (Nov 26 - Dec 3, 2016): Days 4-6: Grand Cayman, Jamaica!

Hello! I apologize for the delay in sharing the last few days of my cruise. First, I want to wish all of our current soldiers and our Veterans a huge THANK YOU for your service. I appreciate their time serving our country, earning our FREEDOM. <3


Secondly - let's get into it. This post might be REALLY long but I hope you like it!


Day 4 - Grand Cayman Islands. This was the first port I've been to that you can't just walk off the ship like normal - you have to ride a smaller tugboat to the islands off your boat. It's a different experience but it definitely gives you pictures of your ship in the ocean! We had decided to do a tour (in A/C) of Grand Cayman and our tour guide was awesome! I had no idea that there Governor is appointed by the Queen of England and protected by Great Britain! I loved the downtown vibe of Grand Cayman - and how cool was it to visit a public beach with chickens roaming? 10 years ago, they had a bad hurricane and all the chickens ran free and they left it that way.

What I love most about Grand Cayman is that its easily accessible - you can go back whenever you want from Florida and it doesn't have to be on a cruise ship.

I feel like this is definitely a port I would like to explore again in a different way. Being that we love history, there were some excursions that would have touched more on their history and I would loved it! It's definitely an idea to keep for future cruises.

NEXT STOP: (Historic) Falmouth, Jamaica! 

Jamaica is a beautiful place. There are so many ports in this country to stop in and Falmouth is so majestic. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw mountains in the distance! Jamaica has a new Margaritaville right inside the port. It's free to go to and there is souvenirs, food and a swim up bar in the frigid waters. Part of my cruise traditions is that I find an ornament on every port that we visit. Each time I decorate for Christmas, I can revisit these locations from our honeymoon in San Antonio and most recently, Jamaica!

Sorry for the long wait on this post. Hopefully it makes you excited for your next cruise, or feel curious about visiting Jamaica! So many more ports I can't wait to visit and share with each of you!

I am making a separate post about Castaway Cay today also and I have a few posts that I am going to be sharing soon. Thanks for sticking around! I am excited to share pictures from our recent trip to DC last month and we also booked another cruise for this year.

Disney Fantasy- Day THREE: Cozumel, Mexico!

Happy belated Easter, friends! I do love getting my classic Easter treats,which are Cadbury Eggs & Peeps, honestly. However, I also love Easter because I love Jesus, and I am a big fan of Him - giving His life for me, to replace all the stupid choices I make because He loves you & I THAT much! Easter is a beautiful day to celebrate redemption, freedom, love and my faith. After an amazing sermon at church, I spent lunch with my family, laughing, sharing and eating delicious food. 
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I have to say I was pretty excited when we booked our Disney Cruise and it included Cozumel, Mexico. My parents had taken me to Mexico as a baby so obviously I don't remember much. ;)

There is a lot to explore in Cozumel. There is the all inclusive beach side for families, there is the historical walking tours and there is of course, sticking around on the beach. My husband & I love choosing the historical side of destinations. So, after comparing the options and the price tags involved, we chose to do the Chocolate Tour + Mayan Walking tour (Adults only). There was one for families but this one was cheaper I believe. When you book your cruise excursion with Disney, they give you a ticket in your room of where to meet for that port. We met in the Walt Disney Theatre, with several other groups of people. 

The pictures I've included are waiting in line, walking through til we met up with our driver. I remember seeing the Starbucks sign, thinking - COFFEE! However, the location ended up being too faraway after 6+ hours of walking that day. I simply had no energy but it would've been amazing to have Starbucks in Mexico. ;) 



After waiting for what felt like eternity, we were able to leave the ship to head out to our excursion! We walked towards the mall, where we met up with our tour guide, who intro'd himself as an authentic Mayan. I don't remember his name, but he was so lively. He showed us all over the city, filling our heads with stories from childhood, facts and jazz. I honestly don't remember everything but I loved looking out the window, watching a different part of the world, all the people, all the trees and bright colors weave together. I've never seen the Mayan ruins but I remember studying them in school before. The price we paid for our excursion included admission to the Mayan Ruins location, and the Mayan Cacao Company as well as feed us lunch! 

I remember seeing the port and absolutely loving the feel of it. Clouds and sky seemed to touch the top of the buildings. The water was a deep blue outside of the ship, and I felt like I had blended in with the locals for a split second. 


Cozumel, Mexico is a different experience than what I originally thought. I felt like I had walked these streets before, and it felt very familiar. The sunshine shone brightly, and I felt the heat. The bus did have a/c which was a help. However, I wore jeans and I wish I had worn capris as not to be too forward, I got heat rash for the rest of my cruise. It was no bueno, so painful and awkward :(

I enjoyed seeing the Mayan ruins up close, It is a lot of walking but hearing the stories and seeing what you've studied made it worth it for me. I definitely got some sun though. I think that by joining the chocolate tour, and with this tour created a package deal. I was able to see Mexican artwork, sculptures and artifacts, and hear how chocolate was created - at first when the Mayans discovered cacao - and it was not sweet, they supplemented flavor by adding cinnamon, sugar, and honey. We tasted samples and it was delicious. There is a gift shop of various types of flavors. They didn't accept the credit card I had so I wasn't able to get more than the sample.. All of these are beautiful to me and I always enjoy these types of sights. It also gives you an experience so when you return - you can explore other parts of the city. 


When you first encounter the park where the Mayan ruins are, you are strongly encouraged to take a picture that you can purchase after the tour.

As previously mentioned, after our tour - we were treated to authentic Mexican cuisine. However, please don't repeat my choices. I layered different flavors all over my meat and tacos not thinking this will be spicy, maybe go slow. I bit right into a pepper and I feel like the next 20 minutes were a long hallucination. I was so thirsty, I felt like my brain and lips were on fire. They did not have water but flavored drinks which were not refillable. So, if you are not a huge Mexican food fan or not familiar with their spices, don't rush! At least I know now! ;) 


                  

                  

Overall, Cozumel taught me alot. I re-appreciated my love of history and what had happened there, centuries ago. I am a fan of learning when I travel. I learned not to go crazy with new flavors too fast, otherwise you will burn your mouth and brain. I learned to not wear jeans on a hot day in Mexico. 
And I learned that I am a fan of chocolate, preferably sweetened. 

Before you head back to the port, remember - you're on vacay and you should get those obligatory "That's me by my cruise ship picture in Mexico!" pictures. My husband & I are big fans of this - we do it every vacation! 

  

Thank you for stopping by. I will be sharing hopefully Day 4 this week: GRAND CAYMAN! 

DAY 2: Disney Cruise Line, Fantasy (11.26.16-12.3.16) **

Happy Friday. Figured since I don't feel great that I'd continue sharing about our Disney Fantasy cruise. Today I am sharing about our second day/DAY AT SEA.

I will mention that this cruise we did the week long couple pass at the Rainforest Room. We'd seen a video on YouTube and figured after all the excursions we were planning at our ports - we'd want to get pampered. I recommend if you do this - do it the FIRST DAY! They only have so many week long passes available and they will turn you away if there's none left later.

To give you a better idea of what the Rainforest Room entails - WATCH HERE! 

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Each room gives you a different type of rainfall. There are 3 different types of saunas. You have access to your own jacuzzi at the front of the ship which comes useful when you visit all the ports.
My picture is when you relax on the hot chairs, warm as can be after your done with your spa treatment. I fell asleep a few times but it is super cozy with or without a robe. <3

Our second night was considered elegant and we dined at Animator's Palate. One of our favorites as it resembles a paintbrush, and the walls are covered with your favorite black and white versions of all classic Disney characters including the drawn versions. The best part of the food is that you can get steak or you can get the special. And the desserts? OMG. On point!

         

                    

                    

                                 

Day 2 was when I had the coconut leche cake and I want to remake it myself. It's been a few months and I can't get it outta my head. That plate is called, Sweet Temptations - which features 3 desserts, all smaller portions. But if you want more than one dessert - DO IT! You're on vacation! I did it a few times. & I was super thrilled to dine with my best friend/husband - he was such a stud that night :D

And after dinner, we headed to the Walt Disney Theatre for our show. This is an every night deal, based on when you have dinner and every night is a new show. We came back after to change to hit up the Serenity Spa to relax with the perfect ocean breeze.


If you've never been on a cruise, this is what you will walk into that evening. Your room stewardess will clean the room and leave you with a towel animal with two Ghiradelli chocolates. The most creamy, too small pieces.

But this was our SECOND NIGHT! Thanks for visiting, and our third day is all about COZUMEL, MEXICO :)

Enjoy your weekend! <3

UPDATE: Disney Fantasy Cruise - November 2016 [Day ONE]

Hello again. I finally ripped off the band aid and just jumped right back in to my blog. It's been a really long time but you have to start somewhere so here we go. I am not going to make promises of when and how often I'll blog but just know that it's going to get back to more often, hopefully.

Mini update:
Since I last blogged, I switched teams at my current university from VA/FA to Education as a Registrar.

I sailed with Disney for the fifth time and simultaneously, our first week long cruise. More on that below.

Today was actually a big day for my family. Years ago when my husband and I were dating, almost engaged and starting our lives together - we had adopted two pups. One is a schnauzer named Coco, and the second is a gorgeous purebred Beagle named Lucy. They are ironically six months apart, we adopted both of them in Kansas, and for one that is still trying to be patient when God will bless us with children of our own, they are my furry children. This week, we had to be grownups and realize that our lifestyle was no longer a good fit for Lucy. She's been a part of our family for almost 7 years, and while she has been blind for 2 years, Today, I met her new family and while my heart is cracked in various places, this new family will give her the love and attention she needs that we just couldn't give her. We've tried this path a few times before but the families we met just didnt pass my inspection and they weren't good enough. I am so blessed to know that Lucy will be loved on, cared for and given a great deal of attention all the time. I already miss her but its a new normal for all.


Now for the main event. Let's chat all things Disney.

Right after Thanksgiving last year, my husband and I got to experience a different type of cruise. A whole week long vacation. Because writing about 7 days is a lot, I am going to break this up and share about each day in it's own post.

Today: Day one: Embarking the Disney Fantasy.

The Disney Fantasy is a beautiful ship, and when its marketed as a Christmas cruise, you know Disney will pull out all the stops. When we first walk on the ship, we get asked our family name so that the crew can introduce us as we walk into the lobby atrium. There are lots of other families on-board, exploring the ships and the different areas but the thing that I see first is the giant chandelier and the ginormous Christmas tree.

This time we did it right. We didnt carry our bags with us and were able to sit down for lunch without having a lot of luggage all over the place. My favorite parts of cruising is always that first meal on the ship because you're getting a sense of energy from all your fellow cruisers and after what feels like a lifetime - you get a buffet of food, All different kinds. And you get to stare out to a beautiful highway ;) Dream come true. It's always my favorite because just the process of getting there. We only live an hour from our port of choice, but with traffic, parking at a cruise parking lot, taking the shuttle to the port, going through security and getting your room key and actually ending up on the ship finally - its a process that can easily stress you out. While my husband and I haven't been blessed with kids, it actually makes me glad that we dont have kids yet because it feels so chaotic with just two of us. But I am also excited for when we get to have kids and take them on their first cruise. :)

I love that cruise ships have areas just for adults. I love kids but I love time away from hearing them scream bloody murder out of being entertained. Plus we can always join the family area of the ship when we want to eat, get icecream or watch a Disney movie while they're swimming. On the Disney Fantasy, there are various points to lounge, enjoy hot tubs and pools but there is another pool that makes you feel like you're being rained on while you soak and relax. It was my favorite discoery that first night to find and start my cruise off that way. \

All in all, our first night onboard was just as special and relaxing as we needed. The views of sailing away into the big blue ocean and catching a sunset while on a cruise is just a magical experience I never want to forget.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you will stick around for the next few days as I unpack all the memories of that amazing week. Cruising is our absolute favorite, I am always looking at cruises and always planning our next one. :) <3  

Why your value is worth more than you think.

This morning, after I got the beauty sleep I needed to function -- I live streamed church. I have heard about this church through my friend, Emilee, who ironically I went to middle school with years ago. Over the course of our lives that took separate paths, we lost touch. I think the irony here is that when I started noticing the ministry, The Lovely Project, which was founded at Northwestern Orlando Community church a few years ago -- I finally had the light bulb moment. This is the ministry that God has led me to where the sole purpose is to mentor, invest in the lives of and encourage/inspire the girls in our communities. I am now praying about how God wants me to get involved as this is the ministry I wish I had when I was growing up.

Sometimes there are messages that we listen to whether they are at church, on billboards, from our friends/family, or the news even that we know we needed to hear it for our own mental health. That was how I felt this morning while live streaming, and to my surprise, the pastor speaking was Dr. Crystal Evans, who is one of the pastors at Northwestern Orlando.


Her message filled me with encouragement and hope to be perfectly honest. I have been feeling so down lately as I've been having medical issues on top of my chronic congenital issues. Part of me has been angry at God as the congenital ones I did not sign up for and the ones that have happened in the last month -- I would have never wanted to face and confront them. Now I am seeing them in a different light. God knew that I would have to deal with this heartache and He still promises to hold me tight as I keep my trust and faith in His timing.

I really thought that my the time I was thirty, I would have at least two kids. I would be in the job I love, traveling the world and making lots more money.

While not all of these dreams are true, like the being rich at 30 and having kids, I am reminded that my worth in God is not only what I wanted for me, but what He has planned for me. It's about sharing what He has done in my life, keeping my faith in Him and remembering my value. He is going to reward us by In the world we live in, we're told that our worth and value is based off our jobs, our houses and how we prosper in society.

That's not how it is valued with Jesus. He values our worth by using it to help the lives of others who find themselves in the same situation. I know that while extended family and friends wonder when kids will be brought into the picture. I thought by now that kids would be in our lives but it's more important that I wait for His perfect timing.

So understand that your value isn't what car you drive or how much you make in a year. With Jesus, it's about how you give back and love your neighbor, how you live your life to impact the lives of others for Jesus, and lastly, investing your value in ways to glorify Him. <3

I've been wanting to get back into blogging and posting but after today's message about evangelism, and what this really means to me -- I wanted to share what's been on my heart and reflect on it.  Here's hoping your week is fantastic, full of good sleep and happy in all adventures you find yourself doing.

- Jess

Why we're a #DisneyCruise couple (before we have any kids!)

It's no surprise that since we went on our first Disney cruise 4 years ago that I am quite simply enamored just with cruises but with Disney cruises also.

Each time I go on a cruise, the convo always seems to feel like this, especially if its with someone who doesn't know me as well.
Friend: What are you doing on your vacation?
Jess: I am going on a cruise!
Friend: Oh, cool, what ship?
Jess: Disney!
Friend: ::insert awkward stare at ceiling:: minutes later: oh, cool.

Yeah, you called it - that obvious elephant in the room. I don't have kids and I love Disney cruises. Yes, Disney is geared towards families with kids. Yes, that's not my current family dynamic. BUT - here's why I Disney cruise. It has nothing to do with THAT.

1) I love kids. I grew up around kids and when GOD is ready to bless us with that next step, though we are very excited and praying for that to happen sooooon - it's gonna happen.

2) I love Mickey! My husband & I are both avid fans of Disney in general. We go to the parks often. We buy Disney souvenirs for our home and for each other.

3) We love time together on our cruises. We've been married for 5 years in June. But we are the very best of friends and while we enjoy soaking up the time on the ship ONLY for adults - we do welcome the trips and memories to make with our future kiddos on the family sides.

4) We are both kids at heart. Each of us get excited about the features and benefits of what Disney offers us on board like new movies on the ship, the chance to meet the characters & see Mickey at dinner, and the fact that you can order Mickey bars for room service. Each cruise is such a fantastic getaway and while we don't have kids -- we hope that will be changin' soon.

So, there you have it. In case you were curious why I Disney cruise and yes, we're that couple at dinner that doesn't have kids at our table or kids in our room or kids with us -- it's the type of cruise that honestly fits us just fine all the same.