Destination Vacation

Life is about making memories, not diamonds.-Chris Riotta

Have you seen this article in your newsfeed about spending money on experiences instead of things? It's been my philosophy the past 8 years of marriage. Instead of swapping gifts for holidays,we usually invest our money on trips. There was a long period of time that I didn't fly so I found my favorite spots to drive. Recently, I've put my fear of flying and now I'm scouting out my next vacation spot. Alison from Rockin' and Lovin' Learning and I want to know your spots.

Where do you LOVE to vacation?  
and I would like to know if you 

are you willing to give up your secret spot?

Let's Talk!

Gosh, this is hard so I'm going to name my top 3 spots in no particular order.

I guess I will start with Asheville, North Carolina. We have been vacationing here for the past 8 years. My husband and I go up for Fall Break and then the week of Thanksgiving because it happens to be our anniversary. We love sleeping with the windows open and building a fire. It even snowed a few times which was a treat for us. In Florida we NEVER see snow. Have you been to this funky little town in the Blue Ridge Mountains? They have the best weather, food scene, music/arts, and tons of beautiful landscapes.

Must See: The Biltmore Estate , BlueRidge Parkway, Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Contest

Must Eat: Biscuit Head, Limones, French Broad Chocolate Lounge

My next vacation spot is Malibu, California.  When we are here we do hit Los Angeles for the sight seeing but return to the peaceful scene in Malibu. Once again I love the weather. 75 degrees in Summer is HEAVEN for me.  I'm used to temperatures past 100 with tons of humidity. 

Must See: Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, Third Street Promenade 

Must Eat: Cafe Habana, Nobu, SunLife Organics

My last spot is the Disney Fantasy. I finally convinced Randy to go on a cruise with me. He was hesitate because he doesn't like  crowds. He deals with a lot of tourist so when he vacations he wants it somewhere quiet. Guess what? He LOVED it. You can relax and not worry about a thing. The Adult Only section is where we hung out the entire time. Great place to relax. They also have the best gym and spa. I *might* have taken a nap in the heated lounge chairs daily. We loved everything about the Fantasy. Great rooms, great entertainment, great food, great spa! I'm already trying to book one for the fall. 

Must See: Aladdin Play,  Fireworks, Rainforest Spa heated lounge chairs

Must Eat: Palo ( Try the konk kooler from Castaway Cay)

This linky will be open until August 10th...one month.

#destinationvacation

An InLinkz Link-up

Saturday Snapshots and a Fabulous App

Happy Saturday! I've been on vacation for 10 days but it's coming to an end. BOO!  We leave California tomorrow to head home. I'll be back at school starting Monday so hopefully I'll start posting some school pictures. Right now I'm enjoying my last day with the view of the Pacific Coast. Hope you enjoy the pictures. At the end check out my favorite new app where you earn money just by posting pictures. 

While in LA I always visit the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Their McCarthy salad is my favorite salad in the ENTIRE world. It's like a souped up Cobb. 

 Sugarfina was a beautiful candy shop. I love their displays

  I had no idea that this car was worth 2 million dollars. No wonder everyone was stopping to take pictures. 

Pinkberry is my favorite. This watermelon cooler was so refreshing.

Book Tour for Grumpy Cat. I had to look it up to see what the fuss was about. :) 

Great shopping at the Malibu Country Mart

So long LA! I hope to be back soon. 

I also wanted to tell you about a wonderful new app called USLIKEY. I'm seriously addicted to joining their challenges! Best part is you earn money for taking pictures.  You share cool products, places, or foods that you like while earning money and gift cards. I promise you will LOVE it. This weekend the challenge is posting pictures of #weekendfun. I was one of the lucky winners last weekend and won $25. They send the money straight to paypal or there are other options. Run... go check it out now!

If you join, please let me know so I can follow you. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Saturday Snapshots

I'm really starting to get sad that summer is almost over. I've really enjoyed taking pictures this summer of loved ones and friends. I had so much fun shooting this colorful beach wedding on Tuesday. I hope you will join me this week by linking up some of your favorite moments from this summer. It's always fun for me to see other snapshots.

My favorite part of taking pictures is the interaction with the families. I enjoy just hanging out with them for an hour. It's so much fun! I LOVE capturing the little moments. I do not pose them that much. All of these children were absolutely precious.

Do you instagram? Come follow me so I can follow you. It's my favorite way to connect!

An InLinkz Link-up

It's BACK....

Happy Saturday!!!!

Saturday Snapshots officially started back today.  It's been so long since I hosted this linky so let's talk about what it's ALL about.  Saturday Snapshots is about your remembering moments in your life. 

It is about capturing, documenting, and preserving all that is important to us. So start snapping so you can link up on Saturdays!!! Don't forget the small details of everyday life. Even though I haven't been posting on my blog you will always find my recent snapshots on my instagram account. I guess you can say I'm a little addicted. 

I'd love for you to link up pictures of your summer bucket lists, classroom makeovers, family vacations, etc. One way to be a better photographer is practice. I love shooting at different perspectives. Try not to only shoot at eye level.  I know it's the easiest perspective but everyone can get that shot. I would love to give you a challenge this week ...get down or get higher!  Link up on the blog or on instagram with the hashtag #saturdaysnapshots to be entered into a Saturday Snapshots giveaway. I'll be selecting a winner each month of a snapshot that really grabs my attention. You will get a special surprise box coming your way. June is almost over so I'll be selecting a winner on Monday June 30th. 

I hope you enjoy some of my recent snapshots. I can't wait to see yours!

I had the honor of being this girl's first babysitter. What a cutie!

These ladies knew how to party. Most of these sweet girls are family friends.

Don't be afraid to get down low when taking snapshots!

Sweet nieces!

I could spend all day with these cuties!

This was a wedding I shot last weekend.  I choose to get higher.

Stand UP for Autism. My nephew is on the spectrum so I can't wait to support this year's Autism Benefit at Angelo's Steak Pit.

Don't forget to snap shots of small scale details.

Yay ....it's summer! I'm so glad because now I can get my craft on! Monday Made It keeps me on track.

Be sure to link up here and or on instagram with #saturdaysnapshots

An InLinkz Link-up