Bahama Mama Time // Nassau, Bahamas

After a perfect day of sailing, our fist destination on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas was Nassau, Bahamas. This was not my fist time at Nassau, so except to be able to enjoy the nice, sunny weather I was not overly excited about this stop. However, even with my lack of enthusiasm( it was really hot, so I was much more happy by the pool with a pina colada) we ventured off the ship to roam the streets of Nassau. I do have to say, my favorite part about this city is the brightly colored buildings. Instead of the boring whites and grays I see at home, here the buildings are bright blue, pink, green, and so on. It makes it more welcoming to walk around. There was also a small festival going on so there were a lot of people native to the city dressed up in amazing outfits for that!

Other than that there was't much to Nassau. There isn't much to do other than shop, and the shops aren't all that great. They're either really expensive (Cartier, Burberry, Rolex, etc.) or very cheap and not great quality(straw market). If you want to go into the straw market just a fair warning its hot, crowded, and full of counterfeit merchandise. I don't like tight places so it was a definite no for me!

If you want to get off at Nassau I would recommend catching the ferry(its only $4 per person) over to Paradise Island, which is where Atlantis is. You can get a day pass and it will be much more fun and safe than walking around the few "tourist" blocks on the main part of Nassau. While the day pass is a bit expensive ( its about what you would pay for a day at Disney) its totally worth it!

Nassau was ok, but not my favorite. I'm interested to see how tourism is affected there once Americans are allowed to go to Cuba. Nassau will need to up its game to be able to compete with that. If you find yourself in this area, my suggestion is Nassau no, Paradise Island yes! 

Stayed tuned for my last post about the cruise where I wrap up with Coco Cay! xx Ashley

Bon Voyage // Royal Caribbean Cruise

As I sit here on this particularly cloudy, cold day that is trying to pass by as "spring weather" I can't help but wish I was back on what seemed like a truly magical trip with Royal Caribbean. Now this was not my first time cruising with them, and will definitely not be my last. Royal Caribbean has perfected the cruising experience for their guest from the moment you walk onto the ship, right up to when you sadly have to wave goodbye. They truly make you feel at home throughout your entire stay. All their staff is extremely friendly and will go above and beyond to meet your needs. The crew member whose was responsible for my room knew my name and greeted me within the first minutes of getting to my room and every night he made these cute towel animals!

The ship itself was a sight itself. This time I cruised on the Enchantment of the Seas, which is one of the smaller and older vessels in the Royal Caribbean lineup, but I was not disappointed at all. While some of the larger ships I had been on had a  bit more glitz and glam, this ship was still had enough to keep me busy. There were 3 pools, clubs, lounges, and even a rock climbing wall if you so desired.  The Enchantment of the Seas was fully loaded with everything I wanted including food, pools, shops, oh and did I mention food!

If you want delicious food, delicious food is what you're going to get. My mouth is watering just thinking of their mashed potatoes( I think I ate my own body weight in matched potatoes alone, they were that good). There was always plenty of food from their buffet style restaurant, The Windjammer, or their snack stations by the pool. For dinner there was the formal dining room which had an amazing wait staff, and equally amazing food!

Overall I would recommend Royal Caribbean to anyone thinking about cruising in the future.  They have impeccable ships, delicious food, and amazing staff, and lots to keep you entertained, there's nothing more I could ask for!

Keep your eyes peeled for some posts about the locations I went to while on the cruise, they'll be coming soon! xx Ashley

Airport Essentials

Today I have a quick 3 hour flight so I thought it was fitting to show a few of the things I bring/ wear to keep me from going insane on the flight! For me on flight essentials are what are going to keep me fresh, cozy, and entertained. I'm currently reading 13 Reasons by Jay Asher and I'm really enjoying the unique POV in this story. When that fails to keep me going I'll write in my journal or watch a movie. Airplanes tend to be extremely drying so I make sure I have moisturizer and a good lip balm. I also have a makeup bag to quickly put on some makeup right before we land. 

Outfit wise I keep it simple and comfortable. Its still cold where I live so I'll bring a jacket, but other than that its all about achieving the highest possible comfort level. For me that's leggings, a yoga workout top, and vans which are easy to slip on and off when going through security (no one likes that person that takes forever to go through security because they  made poor outfit choices which take forever to get on/off). Slip ons are easy and comfortable. Also no jewelry because you'll just have to take it off ( and then once again people will side eye you for your bad planning). 

Hopefully this will help a little on any future travel plans you may have! xx Ashley 

Style Crush // Vanessa Hudgens

In honor of Coachella this weekend I thought it only seemed fitting to have my first style crush be the queen of Coachella herself, Vanessa Hudgens. From her festival style to everyday outfits Vanessa rocks the bohemian look like no one else. Most of her outfits consist of patterns, light colors, and  loose materials that seem to flow in the wind perfectly. 

Here are a few Vanessa inspired outfits that will hopefully let your inner bohemian goddess shine. 

A few key pieces to add to your wardrobe to get a more Vanessa vibe in your outfits. Stores such as Free People, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Madewell are great for a Bohemian vibe. 

Madwell Top // Overalls // Free People Sandal // Free People Cuff

Crop Top // Mango Kimono // Anthropologie pants // Nordstrom Sandal // UO Necklace

Shorts // Top // Free People Boots // Clare Vivier cross body // Madewell Necklace

Festival Season // Inspired

This weekend kicks off festival season with my favorite music festival, Coachella! I am patiently awaiting the sightings of some of my favorites from last season who seem to nail the festival vibe especially Vanessa Hudgens, Danielle Bernstein, and Kylie Jenner to name a few. They all bring very different styles to the festival, from bohemian to edgy rocker, and rock their own unique style!

Until we see who is rocking what this festival season, here are a few outfits I put together to get your ready for festivals this season!

Whites + Stripes

        

It's finally starting to feel like spring, so its time to break out the summer wardrobe. The light blue and white stripes paired with a sleek pair of white jeans felt light and bright for welcoming spring!

J. Crew (similar) / Zara Jeans / Sperry Slip-On / Kate Spade necklace / Revlon Gumdrop / bangles

Easy Treats // Bird's Nest

Making these bird's nest snacks is super easy and a very cute treat for Easter/Spring! The best part is it only requires about 15 minutes of actual work!Hope you enjoy these sweet treats!

What you'll need:
1 pkg of shredded wheats
1 chocolate bar (about 1 1/2 cups worth)
1 bag mini chocolate eggs

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate. I wanted to keep it simple, so I put my chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute    and 30 seconds, then stirred it until is was nice and smooth. 

2. While the chocolate is melting crumple up the shredded wheat in a large mixing bowl.

               3. Add the melted chocolate to the bowl of shredded wheat and mix them together. You want to do this step quickly so the chocolate doesn't cool before they are mixed.4. Once fully mixed together take a spoonful and place a round drop on a tray covered in parchment paper. Once on the parchment paper, using the back of the spoon, make a small indent .5. Add 2-3 chocolate eggs into the middle of the nest.6. Allow to cool in the fridge for about 45 minutes, or until firm. 

Once cool take out of the fridge and enjoy your treat!