Weekending: Disney

Happy Monday!

I hope your weekend was a good one!  We're back from our few days at Disney and it's back to the regular  routine around here.

We had a great time in Orlando and the weather was great the whole time, which is always an added plus!  Our surprise worked out great  the kids were totally caught off guard and were grinning from ear to ear when we told them we were going to Disney, it was such a cute moment!  To be a kid again... with cool parents, of course ;)

This was the first time ever that we stayed at the parks the whole day.  Usually we would break some time in the afternoon so the kids could nap and then go back.  But, now since no one naps anymore, we enjoyed the parks the whole day, and even park hopped which was both fun and exhausting.  Our feet were killing us by the end of the day.

We got to do way more than usual because we were on the go most of the time, but I liked it that way!  We went to the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT two days in a row, which was fun and delicious and I even ran into Pamela!  It was nice getting to meet another blogger friend!  She was so sweet, I'm bummed we didn't get a picture together!

We stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, it was our first time staying there - it was so cute and I love the island feel that it had to it. It also had a ton to beaches with hammocks, which the kids loved.   Next time we'll need to stay longer so we can explore a bit more, we literally only went to the hotel to sleep.

The rest of the weekend once we got home was spent just relaxing and doing some laundry.  Disney takes a toll on you, especially when you're lugging two kids, and a double stroller! It was nice to just veg for a day and a half.

What were you up to this weekend?




Linking up with Biana

Charleston: Where We Stayed | Two Meeting Street Inn

I almost forgot to write about the awesome Inn and bed and breakfast that we stayed in when we went to Charleston.  It was such a magical place with the most beautiful architecture - it's one of the most photographed homes in Charleston -  and there such a great story attached to it.   It is called Two Meeting Street Inn.

My favorite thing about Charleston was the history.  Knowing and thinking about all that went on, on the very streets I was walking on.  Two Meeting Street Inn holds no exception to the history.  The Inn has a great story to it: "According to tradition, Waring Carrington, a successful Charleston SC jeweler, experienced love at first sight when he saw young Martha Williams in the late 1800s. The two were married in 1890 in a celebrated society event for which 2500 invitations were sent. Fittingly, the bride's father, wealthy merchant George Williams, bestowed an incredibly beautiful wedding gift on the newlyweds. This gift, presented on a rose colored pillow, was a check for $75,000 to be used for the couple's new home at the corner of Meeting Street and South Battery, one of the most desirable locations in Charleston, SC. This gift would be generous even by today's standards in the depressed post-war South, the loving gesture was truly extraordinary. Little did George Williams know that his gift would one day become the honeymoon destination for future newlyweds seeking a romantic getaway at an exquisite Charleston bed and breakfast. In 1946, the mansion at 2 Meeting Street was purchased by Minnie Spell Carr, aunt (and great aunt) of the current owners, who established a guesthouse. The Spell family has been welcoming guests to its elegant Charleston home ever since. The guesthouse eventually became Two Meeting Street Inn, now known worldwide as a symbol of the city's grace, beauty and hospitality. Today the historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast is owned by Mrs. Carr's youngest nephew, Pete Spell."

Isn't that story awesome?  Imagine being given that as a wedding present?  To add to the story, the bride's in-law's sent the newlyweds to Europe for the two years that their house was being built as their honeymoon and to shop for furniture for their new place.  Pretty awesome right?  Her parents also didn't live far from her.  Their home was four houses up the street from Two Meeting Street Inn, it is now known as the Calhoun Mansion - a 25,000 square foot home (Two Meeting Street Inn is roughly 10,000).  Her father was one of the very few wealthy people during the Civil War which is why he was able to afford such an extravagant gift in such a troubling time.

We cannot say enough good things about the Inn.  The staff treated you like family - they downright spoiled you.   There are only 7 rooms, so you're given the utmost personal attention They were all friendly and fun to talk to, and the breakfast was outstanding every day!  The Inn was situated right by the Battery and there was such a beautiful view.  My husband loved going for runs along the Battery.  Stores were only a walk away even though the Inn is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  I kept saying to my husband "can you believe someone LIVED here?"  It was pretty awesome!  If we ever go back to Charleston, which I hope we do, there's no other place I'd rather stay, we loved every minute!  I definitely think I left a piece of my heart in Charleston!


*I was not compensated anything for this post, we just really loved where we stayed!

Charleston Recap

Happy Monday friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend!  We had an anniversary party for my aunt and uncle that was 70's themed which was pretty fun!

I'm so excited to recap Charleston for you all... or should I say y'all :) - we really had such an amazing time and since we've been back, we keep talking about going back.  It left a special place in our hearts.  This is super long so if you make it to the end, bless you. 

We got in on Sunday (the 13th) around 10:30 am, nice and early so we can enjoy the city a little bit more.  We got our rental car and headed straight to our bed and breakfast  Two Meeting Street Inn - which I will post about soon - the place really deserves it's own post - it was beyond awesome!  After checking in, we walked down to Poogan's Porch for brunch and a glass of bubbly of course.  Poogan's Porch is such a cute restaurant!  We sat on the balcony to take in the beautiful street and the great weather - it was in the 70's and sunny the whole time we were there - perfection!  I had the Fried Green Tomato BLT with crab remoulade - DELICIOUS!  My husband had their "famous" fried chicken salad which he enjoyed.

After eating we walked back to the Inn to get situated and a take a much needed nap - we had been up since 4:30 a.m. and went to bed at 1 the night before - yikes!  When we woke up we freshened up a bit and went downstairs for tea time.  Once we were finished we walked around a bit more before heading to Hanks Seafood.  I loved my dinner there.  I still wasn't that hungry after my huge sandwich at Poogan's so I kept it light with their local clams and a glass of red wine.  The clams were absolutely delicious and hit the spot!  My husband had their salmon I believe, and he said it was cooked perfectly!

Monday we decided we would go to Boone Hall Plantation.  We took a tour of the inside of the home and then took the trolley around the plantation which was pretty cool!  It's still a  working plantation and locals come year round to buy produce.   After doing that we toured the slave cabins that are onsite.  Wow!  That's all I could think.  The slave homes have been there since the 1700's and were inhabited until the early 1900's.  It was crazy walking in them and thinking of all the sadness that at one time took place right on the ground I was walking on.

After Boone Hall, we ate lunch at Tommy Condons - it's an Irish place with great beer and good casual food.  I had their fried oyster basket and my husband ordered a burger.  And if you're thinking that I always order seafood, you're right haha!  I'm a seafood lover and why not order it in Charleston when you're right by the water!

After lunch we decided that we wanted to drive around Charleston and check out some homes (Realtor.com addict here!).  So we went to West Ashley and drove around the prettiest neighborhood.  I love seeing where people live and what neighborhoods look like when I travel.  I feel like I really take in the place I'm visiting.

We went back to the Inn, rested a bit before heading to 82 Queen for dinner.  The restaurant is beautiful with twinkle lights everywhere.  It was packed as it was Restaurant Week, so we waited a bit.  I would say I was most disappointed with this meal, and it was probably my fault as I wasn't 100% sold when I ordered.  I had their pork loin and it was a little too dry for me - see?  I should've stuck to seafood ;). My husband raved about his jambalaya though, he still says it was one of his favorite meals there. 

Tuesday was such a fun day!  We walked along rainbow row and took a carriage ride (courtesy of my mama who arranged one for us) through downtown and the battery.  It was so beautiful and so interesting to hear more of the history of Charleston.  I never knew I loved learning so much about history until this trip.  It was so fun for me and I was taken by the cobblestone roads, old homes,  Market Street which has been an operating market for over 200 years and even the cemeteries.  Crazy to think of all the history that happened on the streets I was walking on way before I was ever in existence.

We at lunch at Cru Cafe which was recommended to us and this was probably one of our favorite meals!  The restaurant was PACKED.  You can't usually get in without a reservation even for lunch!  It was described to us as a "five star restaurant with a 3 star budget" - sold.  After lunch we walked down to Waterfront Park and took in all of the prettiness.  We saw Ft. Sumter from afar and dolphins were in the water - it was truly beautiful.  I also got to see the Pineapple Fountain and of course in true tourist style took a bunch of pictures!

In the evening I met up with Shelby and Ally at Bin 152 which was SO fun!  I loved meeting them, they are as sweet and friendly as they come across on their blogs.  It's funny because people say when you meet other bloggers it's like meeting up with an old friend and it was so true.  We talked like we have known each other for years... which I guess we kinda have :).  We missed Jillian and Cait though - next time!

Wednesday it was time to pack up and go.  We were so sad to leave, but I'm pretty sure we'll visit again!  We loved every minute of our vacation in Charleston!

What I'm Packing: Charleston!

Our Charleston trip will be here before we know it and in true woman fashion, I have already mentally prepared what I'm packing.  I'm SO excited for this little getaway and can't wait to see all of the beauty that is Charleston,  and eat at all of the great restaurants!  The timing of our trip couldn't be perfect - we are doing during restaurant week AND beer week - perfection, right?

Seeing as we're going to be doing a lot of walking and sight seeing, I'm keeping my clothes light and airy, aside from one pair of jeans that I may bring.  My plan is to wear dresses and flip flops everywhere since it's still going to be pretty warm when we go.

Here is what I've mentally picked out.  The camera is a new present from my husband for our anniversary.  He knows I've been wanting a DSLR for a while and he surprised me with this one a few days ago, it's a must to bring to snap some pretty pictures!
 

getaway by kidsandcabernet featuring a hinged cuff bracelet

I'm hoping that this is good and comfortable enough for all the walking we're going to do - I also bringing a pair of sneakers in case it rains.... but lets hope it doesn't! :)

For those who have been to Charleston, or places that require a lot of walking - am I missing anything?


Have a great Wednesday!

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Charleston I'm Coming For You!!

Yesterday we finally decided to plan our trip to Charleston next month - we're going for our anniversary!!  I'm SO excited!  I've been wanting to go to Charleston for such a long time!  And we'll be kid free, which also will be nice :)

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I can't wait to walk through the historical streets, eat at some of the delicious restaurants, and take some tours! 

 

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Ok locals, or friends that have been there before - what would you recommend seeing and doing?  What are the top restaurants you recommend?  We'll be in the city for three full days.  I know I'd like to do the Palmetto Carriage Tour and I'd love to tour the Boone Hall Plantation - any other must sees?

Can't wait to hear your suggestions!

Travel Bucket List

Oh the places I'd love to travel to.  Before we had kids we traveled a bit, but nothing major - we went to Portland, Oregon a few times, on two cruises, trips to Key West and Orlando were done yearly - but that's basically about it.  Neither of us cared that much about traveling at the time, we were young and dumb I guess.  Now we have the desire to travel and explore more but it's a little harder with kids.  But in time, I'd like to cross off a few places on my bucket list.


Charleston, SC

I don't think Charleston needs an explanation - it seems like it's BEAUTIFUL and not to mention there are so many fun restaurants.  We'd love to visit and walk around and take in all of the sights.  I also love all of the history that's there.

 

Santorini, Greece
This has been on my bucket list for YEARS it seems like such a gorgeous place.  Crystal blue water, and all of the white homes on the beach - not to mention I love Greek food - basically heaven on earth!

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Paris, France
The city of love!  Who doesn't want to see the Eiffel Tower in person, especially at night?  And I want to be a total tourist and put a lock on the Pont des Arts

Bora Bora, Tahiti
Isn't the name Bora Bora enough?  I mean, the CRYSTAL blue waters and the cute water bungalows with glass floors so you can see the beautiful fish at any given time.  Priceless!

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Italy
I can't pick one specific place in Italy, because I'd like to see it all!  I know I'd love it - from what I've seen it's beautiful and you can't beat the food!

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Napa Valley, California

A wine lover's (me!!) dream!  Napa is one place that I WILL go to one day.  I can't wait to visit all of the vineyards/wineries and taste all of the delicious wine.  The sad thing is my mom and sister went a few years back and I so would've gone with them, but I was pregnant so there was no use in me going!  But one day it will happen and I will be as happy as a clam I'm sure :)

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Have you ever visited any of these places?  What's on your travel bucket list? 

Linking up with Kate

Punta Cana Recap

We decided that for our 10 year anniversary we'd book a special trip.  We have wanted to go to Punta Cana for many years, and for some reason never got around to it, so we decided that we should go there to celebrate. I've been to Dominican Republic many times - my family is from there, but this is the first time I have been to Punta Cana and stayed at a resort.  Our best friend's anniversary falls around the same time as ours so we decided to make it a group trip - which was such a great idea!

We stayed at the Hard Rock Resort, which was all inclusive and absolutely STUNNING!  The grounds were so lush and beautiful, and the rooms were spacious and had jacuzzi tubs in the middle of the room.

We really just wanted to relax while we were gone so we didn't do any excursions.  We laid by the pool a lot, had two couples massages, got my hair done, ate fabulous food and drank many drinks and one of the most memorable parts was having a fish pedicure.  It was one of the most amazing (and ticklish) experiences and I'm telling you, my feet have never been softer.

We had such a great time, so many memories were made and lots of laughs were had - it was exactly what we needed.  We came back feeling so refreshed and it was nice to enjoy eachother' company without any kids around.  Can't wait for another couple's trip!

All About Me

Since I'm one of the newer "kids on the block" I figured I would tell you a few things about myself so we can get to know each other a little better :)

one:  I'm 29... I cant believe I'm in the last year of my twenties - crazy!  And for the record, when people ask how old I am I just may be 29 for a few more years ;)

two:  If I could go anywhere in the world on vacation it would have to be Santorini, Greece.  I mean, have you seen how insanely gorgeous it is there? I would love to spend a good 10 days there going in the ocean, seeing the sights and eating the amazing food - totally soak it all in because it would probably be a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

three: I have been married for 9 years.  We got married during a hurricane (fun right?) it was chaos but it definitely gives us extra memories and stories.

four:  My favorite show of all time is Friends.  I still crack-up every time I watch the show and can even talk some of the parts out.  The show is a classic, I never get tired of watching it.  Some close runner-up's would be How I Met Your Mother, Parenthood, and Gilmore Girls.

five:  I'm a girly girl through and through.  I love purses, nail polish, and makeup.  In fact, the one of the things that I really miss about working,  is getting dressed and putting cute clothes on with makeup and a matching purse.

I'd love to hear a few things about you! What is your dream vacation spot?  Did you have any natural disasters during your wedding?  What are some of your favorite TV shows?