The Nightingale

My mom, so graciously, dropped off a mound of books for me to read a couple of weeks ago. I love to read and hate to admit that it had been a couple of months since I actually picked up a book.

It was no surprise that half of the books were World War II related since it seems we are both intrigued with anything during that time. My grandfather fought in the war as a Paratrooper which he never liked to talk about so I am always drawn to stories to get a glimpse of what he and those he was fighting for endured during that unthinkable period in time.    

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah was the first one I started reading and I finished the book in two days. I was totally immersed in this fictional story set in wartime France. 

Philadelphia Flower Show "Lights, Camera, Bloom"

This year the Philadelphia Flower Show was celebrating the movies with a huge Disney influence.

I was back and forth if I wanted to make the drive to attend and finally experience what so many have been raving about (mainly my mother). Last minute I made the choice to go and I brought dragged Jer with me. He is such a good sport. 

When we arrived we were not expecting the overwhelming amount of people that were there. It was insane. 

Our first mistake (and we made many) was that we did not purchase the tickets online before we left. We would have saved a little bit of money (a whopping $2.00) but would have saved so much precious time by not having to wait in line for our tickets. 

When we entered the actual "show" I was a bit disappointed because I thought I would have been overcome with smells of spring and all I could smell was popcorn. 

I was, however, impressed with the time and effort it must have taken to pull some of the exhibits together. The Cinderella Wedding exhibit was truly stunning. I was drawn to the English gardens and could totally see myself living in Serendipity. 

The crowds, for me, though were just too much and it was difficult to really appreciate all of the exhibits because you were constantly being pushed and shoved. I so wanted to see the Nightmare Before Christmas but the line was ridiculous. If you are planning to go next year I would highly suggest to go during the week when it may not be as crowded or try going early morning.

Dreaming of Spring

It has been ungodly cold here the past month or so and feels like every other day it decides to snow. I, personally, love the snow but on the other hand despise the cold. 

My perfect scenario would be 70 degree weather with a picture perfect layer of snow on the ground. I had a dream the other night of just that and it was heavenly.

Favorite Travel Destinations: Turks & Caicos Guide

There is no denying the fact that the one place I continually long to return to is Turks & Caicos. 

This destination holds a special place in my heart. This is the place where we said our vows. It is the place where we adopted our fur baby. It is the place where the moment I step off the plane I instantly feel at home.  

It is also the place I recommend everyone to visit, at least once. 

Late Date at The Circular

Trying to get a reservation for dinner the Friday before Valentine's Day seemed next to impossible. But, my friends, nothing is impossible and I found one at the sweetest place on earth...Hershey (hotel).

Now, I have been to the Hershey Hotel for multiple spa days but have yet to try any of the restaurants at the hotel.  So when The Circular had an opening I thought why not give it a go. 

We arrived and had a brief wait which meant multiple photo ops in front of the fountain in the courtyard because one is just never enough.

Destination Wedding: Turks & Caicos

When it came time to take the plunge and finally get hitched after many years together we knew exactly the destination where we wanted to say our vows. We wanted a very small intimate wedding with just close family and friends and zero hassle.

We visited Turks and Caicos three times before and we absolutely fell in love with the island. It was the perfect location for us.

We chose the beautiful Seven Stars Resort on Grace Bay to stay and exchange our vows. I can not say enough great things about this resort and their wedding department. They made planning a breeze.

The day of the wedding we just lounged at the beach until it was time to get ready for the main event. 

For hair and makeup I heard so many great things about Sheque Perfection and she did not disappoint.  I had a major situation happening on my forehead (every brides worst nightmare) and she made "it" virtually invisible. 

Photo by: Brilliant Studios

Happy Birthday Jer!

I have a confession...I really suck with words. Especially when it comes to the mushy I love you, you mean everything to me type of words. Even when we get into arguments Jer will say "I think you meant to say it like this." Really, did I? 

Every birthday I always try and come up with something deep and meaningful to describe how much I love this man.