Diving // The World's Best Dive Sites

I have never been diving but I hear it is a life changing experience. Although, I am not sure I would be able to get over my fear of sharks! All over the world, there are numerous locations known for their amazing diving spots. Take a look at some of the following!

Costa Rica - Cocos Island

The journey is far, but it promises beauty. The island is said to have inspired Jurassic Park. The waters are filled with hammerheads and white-tip reef sharks and are usually frequented by experienced divers.  The island is beautiful and only stretches four miles!

Australia - Magnetic Island

About five miles offshore from Townsville in Queensland, Australia, Magnetic Island offers wide range of diving options. There is plenty of amazing marine wildlife to see and even dive to the world-famous S.S. Yongala wreck. A fantastic dive to see marine and coral life!

Belize - Ambergris

The water here is teeming with life and is home to the famous "Blue Hole" which is a 350ft deep circular hole in the ocean where you can dive down. The water is full of rays and hammerheads. You will see hard corals, sea fans, shellfish of amazing variety, and even may spot a manta ray! 

Micronesia - Truk Lagoon

In the early 1940's, an entire Japanese fleet sunk in the Truk Lagoon and remains there as an underwater museum. The wrecks can be seen by snorkelers, but best explored by scuba. Definitely a must see for those who love diving and seeing new things! 

Scotland - Arran

The Island of Arran, which is twelve miles off the coast of Ayrshire in the Firth of Clyde offers breathtaking scenery and even more superb dive sites. It is teeming with seals and dolphins. You may also see Orcas and a wide variety of shellfish! 

There are dozens of other great dive sites around the world, these are just a handful of the beauty diving  offers!

Tourists Scams // How to Avoid

When traveling you MUST be careful and observant of your surroundings, because you may fall victim to one of the many tourist scams.

Fake Police: A street merchant may put something on your wrist or around your neck, then when you try to give it back, they complain that you are trying to steal it. A uniform policeman-- who is fake–happens to be passing and threatens to arrest you if you do not pay. Be very careful when shopping on the streets of foreign countries, because this happens more than you would think!

Fake Valuables: A vendor may try to sell you a "designer purse" or a "diamond necklace" at a fraction of the going price. These are all scams. While many people will travel JUST to buy the knock-off products, just be careful.

Distraction Theft: Someone may distract you (ask you for directions, help with map...) while an accomplice picks your pocket or goes through your bags. There are dozens of variations of this so be cautious.

Taxi Tricks: When you jump in a cab and ask to go to a specific location, the driver tells you that it is "closed" but offers to take you to a "better" one. At best, the new place is a long trip and will cost you more money.

The Fake "Gift": A street musician hands you what appears to be a "free" CD, asking yo to listen to their music, and after you have it in your hands and are walking away, demands payments even after you try to return it.

Photo Finagling: Someone will offer to take a picture of you and your family with YOUR camera. They then run off with your camera. Be very careful with people walking up and offering to do this!

Fake Friends: You meet a group of friendly locals at a bar or cafe and join them. After a while they leave to use restroom or make a phone call and never return. You are stuck with their bill.


While there are many people who could actually be wanting to help you take a picture and there may be that street musician who wants to give out free music for FREE with no strings attached. But you have to be careful no matter where you travel!

Hot Wedding Trends // Summer 2014

This summer has brought some great trends in the wedding industry. I love seeing all the new color palettes, especially rose gold!

(By the way, how GORGEOUS is this dress!) 

Rose Gold and Layered Neutrals

Peach was a big trend this spring and summer, which brought the attention to more muted but gorgeous neutrals. Champagne and sage grew in popularity along with rose gold accents. The colors are very elegant up against a white table cloth. Definitely loving this trend!

Bold Patterns

White and blue patterns are very in this summer. So is embroidery. This summer is all about the cocktail hour, so why not spice up the usual white table cloth clad reception tables with fun and vibrant patterns! Animal motifs, wooden accents, and hanging elements are popular as well!

Jeweled Bouquet

Think flowers are the only way to go? Not anymore. Brides have added some sparkle to their wedding day bouquets. Brooches, family jewelry, pearls, and hat pins are among the wedding bling!

Local Fare

The "eating local" movement is in full swing, especially in Birmingham. Brides are starting to get in on the action. Looking for locally sourced ingredients in the food encourages a fresher fare that can make a wedding meal much tastier and unique!

Charity 

While many brides love grabbing that registry scanner and finding a great set of china to scan, the socially conscious brides are choosing to ask for a different kinds of gift. Charity contributions are being added to the registry list more and more! I love the idea of adding the choice on the registry!

Last Minute Trips // Fourth of July

Can you believe that it is already the week of the fourth of July? This year seems to have flown by! 

I am usually a HUGE planner and when I travel I like to have things booked weeks in advance. But for those spontaneous travelers or even the procrastinators, it is not too late to find a great vacation spot for the fourth of July weekend!

Enjoy fireworks, s'mores, and kid-friendly activities at all of these great locations!

St. Pete Beach, Florida

TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

Gorgeous beach front property with plenty of family-friendly activities. The fourth of July brings carnival games, cookouts and music! Entertainment is included in the hotel cost! There is even a HUGE slide on the beach. How can you not enjoy that!?

Litchfield Park, Arizona

Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

You can't go wrong with a four-diamond golf resort and spa! The resort hosts picnics and BBQ on the fourth and even the days prior to the holiday! Great fireworks, pools and waterslides for the kids! 

Blaine, Washington

Semiahmoo Resort

Beautiful lakefront resort full of kayaking, whale watching, and fishing! All-American! Watch an outdoor movie or even roast marshmallows on the beach! Celebrate the fourth with pony rides, fireworks, a parade, and burgers! 

Whitefield, New Hampshire

Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa

Fall in love with this eco-friendly resort that overlooks mountain ranges and hiking trails! There are pie-eating contests and campfires galore! Bring in the fourth with a traditional family barbecue with a firework finale!

Dubois, Wyoming

Triangle C Ranch

This dude ranch is the real thing! Hiking, fishing, hunting and the real cowboy way of life! This is a great place for the kids and it will bring the cowboy out in you! Ring in the fourth with a rodeo and old fashioned BBQ!

Pine Mountain, Georgia

Callaway Gardens

This resort puts on a variety of shows for the holiday. From fireworks to live music and even a circus! Enjoy the weekend while you play mini-golf, swimming, rock climbing and a floating playground! There is a beach party on the fourth so make sure you do not miss that!

Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July! God Bless!

All-American Vacations // Best of 2014

Want to get a true taste of America and marvel at the nation's natural wonders?

Well here are some all-American vacation destinations just in time for the Fourth of July!

Black Hills, Dakotas

Want remote, rugged beauty with a heaping helping of Americana? Then heading to the Dakotas should be on your summer schedule! Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorials are some of the largest mountain carvings in the world. You may see buffalo, prairie dogs, deer, and maybe even wild horses! This is a great trip to explore these historic sites!

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Looking for a gorgeous body of water and a great place to hike? Crater Lake National Park is the place to go. You will not see a body of water this blue at many places. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and craters. You can try your hand at fishing or enjoy a picnic with a gorgeous view!

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Nantucket is just off the coast of Cape Cod and is full of New England charm. You will find great restaurants, eclectic shops, and stunning beaches. Find a quaint inn to stay in and you will feel right at home in Nantucket!

Everglades National Park, Florida

Going to the Everglades is a very unique experience. You will encounter subtropical plants, birds, and rare wildlife. You may even see a manatee. Take an airboat tour and make sure to keep an eye out for alligators and crocodiles. This is a must to add to your bucket list!