Savannah, Georgia

What a beautiful, quaint town with so much history!  My BH (better half) and I visited Savannah, GA and absolutely fell in love with everything about it.  The locals are all friendly, there are so many stories for people to share, great antique shopping, the scenery is amazing, the nightlife is great, the squares around town are all beautiful, and the southern cooking is out of this world!!

Here are some photos from our trip and some of our favorite places!  Several of them are restaurants, because they were all absolutely delicious.  The great part about Savannah is that you can pretty much walk around everywhere, so you are able to enjoy the amazing food and then walk it off after.

One of our first stops was Forsyth Park.  You may recognize this from the movie Forrest Gump.  The fountain is beautiful and sits in the middle of the park.

Forsyth Park Fountain

We then decided to get a few drinks and appetizers at Moon River Brewing Company.  Their appetizers and specialty brewed beers were delicious.  Would definitely go back next time we visit!

Moon River Brewing Company-Goat Cheese & Leek Cakes...Amazing!

Later on in the evening, after walking around all day, we wanted to listen to some live music and relax.  We went to Jazz'd.  We had a great time talking with some of the locals and taking in the jazzy jazz sounds.

Jazz'd

The next day, we walked all around the town, through all of the various squares that are all uniquely different.  We went through this cemetery in Savannah that is over 300 years old. 

Bonaventure Cemetery

The historical homes in Savannah are stunning.  Several have been turned into museums and you are able to take a tour of the inside.  

The Beautiful Mercer House Museum

 While in Savannah, you Must check out Mrs. Wilkes.  They are only open from 11-2 Monday-Friday and there is usually about an hour wait…but, let me tell you, it is SO worth it!  My BH didn’t want to wait, and I finally talked him into it and he was very happy I did.  Warning:  it’s $16/person and it’s also CASH Only!  So, make sure you have cash on you!  You get a drink, unlimited southern food (BEST fried chicken Ever!), and dessert. Then, when you are finished, you bring your dishes to the kitchen J

The line outside of Mrs. Wilkes that we waited in for over an hour, but SO worth it!



Mrs. Wilkes!  BEST southern meal, Ever! 

Family Style Dining with so many sides to choose from and unlimited refills on everything

After all of the food at Mrs. Wilkes, we did some more walking and exploring.  This time, we went down riverstreet where there is always something going on.  The picture below is from the street in front, but on the other side of this building, it's a water view.  All of the businesses overlook the beautiful river in Savannah.  We went there every night to enjoy the scenic view.

River Street Place

The Old Pink House is our other favorite Savannah restaurant.  I have to say, the meal I had here was definitely one of my top 10 all time favorites!  The menu prices are a little more than the other places we ate at, but it was well worth it.  I had the Crispy Scored Flounder w/Apricot Shallot Sauce, Creamy Grits & Collards...AMAZING!

The Old Pink House

Our next adventrure was a romantic carriage ride after dinner. We learned a lot about Savannah history and several ghost stories during our carriage ride.

This was our last morning in Savannah and we were both so sad to leave.  We went for brunch at SoHo South Cafe before our drive back home.  The ambiance in this restaurant was very eclectic and fun!  I have never seen a place like it on the inside.  We would recommend this for breakfast/lunch as well.

SoHo South Cafe



Delicious Shrimp and Grits at SoHo South Cafe



Savannah, Georgia is one of the best long weekends we have had.  It was relaxing, peaceful, delicious, and full of new experiences.  We can't wait to go back!  This time, we want to go after Thanksgiving, when all of the holiday decorations are up.

Hope you are able to visit there as well.  You will Love it!

This is one of the many places that remind us it truly is Una Vida Bella! 

New Year Blessing

This was in an email that was forwarded to me today by my mother and I absolutely LOVE it!!  I know it's a few days into 2012 already, but I had to share!

As we bring this 2011 year to an end
And the 2012 New Year begins.

Let us pray that it will be
A Year with new peace,
New understanding,
New happiness
And an abundance of new friends.

I wish you Health…
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generosity so you may share…
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy…
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything…
That you so well deserve.

God Bless You throughout the New Year!

Thank You!

There is something so special about receiving an unexpected “thank you” card in the mail.   Even more surprising is a random “thinking of you”.  Imagine checking the mail and expecting to find the usual promotional flyers and bills…then voila!  You receive a sweet treat, an unexpected card from a dear friend or family member who is just thinking of you and wanted to brighten your day. 

In today’s world, everyone is so tech-savvy, they usually talk on the phone, send an email, or short text to keep in touch with people.  It only takes a few moments to write a little card and costs a few cents to send, but it is worth the time and effort to do this.  Sometimes it’s difficult to find the exact words to say.  Here is a site that gives you several ideas of phrases to express your gratitude:  Thank You Cards

This is one of my New Year’s Resolutions and I encourage you to do the same.  I already try to send Thank You cards as often as possible, but now, I am going to focus on sending random “thinking of you” cards to my family and friends. 

Take the time to send a card.   You never know how much it could brighten someone’s day! 

2011…What a Year!!

This has been one incredible year!  I wanted to take some time to reflect on all of the wonderful things that have happened:  30th birthday, engagement, travel, new babies, volunteering, and a wedding.  It truly is Una Vida Bella!!  I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

2/4/11:  I turned 30 with and was not one bit sad…too much to be thankful for J  Celebrated at Mazzaro’s (my version of Heaven on Earth!) & First Friday.

Mazzaro's for Birthday Lunch

Frank & I at First Friday in Downtown St. Pete

 2/19/11:  High Hopes in High Heels put on a successful 1^st NEDA Walk that was able to raise over $33,000!  Whoop Whoop.  The 2012 Tampa NEDA Walk is on Saturady, February 25, save-the-date!

The 1st Annual Tampa National Eating Disorders Association Walk at Al Lopez Park

2/27/11:  My best friend and man of my dreams asked me to marry him!!

He just asked me to marry him at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs!

There just happened to be a heart on the beach, too.  Perfect!

3/10/11:  Went on a family trip to Key West

Southern Most Point!

4/14/11:  Went with my mom and brothers to Hawaii…Amazing!!



Getting ready to snorel in Hanauma Bay, Hawaii!

 5/21/11:  Fun girl’s weekend at Post Card Inn!

Sunset at Post Card Inn on St. Pete Beach.  Beautiful!

5/26/11:  Celebrated the birth of my adorable nephew, Lian Michael J

Baby Lian Michael!

6/11/11:  Jacksonville for a work conference and my boys came with me.  We also visited St. Augustine and the Fountain of Youth so Alex could see all of the pirate stuff.  He especially loved the Pirate Museum!

Frank & Alex

Alex & I inside of the Pirate Museum

6/25/11:  Arrrrr…Pirate Party for Alex’s 7^th Birthday

Party favors for the little pirates

Make a wish!

7/1/11:  Beach weekend with my sweets

Picnic on the Beach at Sheraton Sand Key Resort

7/4/11:  Volunteered at Trinity Café with my then-fiancé.  What an incredible experience!

Volunteering at Trinity Cafe

7/13/11:  Mama Mia with my Mama!  My first Musical and I loved it!!

Mama Mia.  Love!

7/16/11:  Girl day!  Antique shopping in Mt. Dora & Lakeridge Winery with Summer.  If you have not been to either, you must go.

Overlooking the vineyards at Lakeridge Winery with Summer

7/30/11:  High Hopes in High Heels helps with Glam Jam at Shriner’s Hospital…Beautiful from the inside out!

Glam Jam Volunteers!

8/26/11:  Went to Miami with my boys to visit friends

Yako & Ibette on South Beach

Frank & I on South Beach

9/17/11:  Beach weekend at the Tradewinds with the family

My sister & brother in-law

Dinner at the Tradewinds

Hanging outside and enjoying the fun music

10/7/11:  I became Mrs. Luis, a wife, and step-mom.  Words can’t express how happy I was this day!! J

Mr. & Mrs. Luis!

My sweet step-son!

10/8/11:  Frank & I left for our amazing honeymoon cruise!  Flew to Puerto Rico, took a cruise to St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and St. Maarten.  Such an incredible trip!!

One of the formal nights on the boat

St. Lucia.  Beautiful!

 

St. Thomas.  Gorgeous and fun shopping!

2011 has been Incredible and I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!  It truly is una vida bella with many blessings to be thankful for!



Hola! Una Vida Bella!!

So, I decided to start a blog…

I love reading blogs, but never thought that I would be writing one.  Lately, I have just been so thankful for all of the beautiful blessings and things in life…my husband, step-son, family, friends, job, health, travel experiences, delicious meals, gatherings, sunsets, etc.  There are so many beautiful things in life, I wanted to start a blog that is a happy place with all of the wonderful things life has to offer! This leaves my space open to many different possibilities and topics, but I think that’s okay and hopefully you will to!

I thought for my first post, I’d list some of my favorite things and let you get to know me a little better.

Family & Friends

I have two brothers who are 8 and 10 years younger than I am and I love them to pieces!  I have incredible parents who always motivate and support me with my dreams.  My husband and step-son absolutely complete me.  My in-laws (who are mostly pictured here) are incredible!  I never knew that marrying someone would extend my family so much and I would feel so welcome to the family.  I have always heard people talk about “the in-laws” and I never really wanted to have to deal with that…luckily, my new ones seem to be the added bonus that goes with this new incredible marriage! 

My other very important family member is my fur-baby, Scooby Doo.  He’s a hound mix that I rescued from the Humane Society while in college…we have been through a lot together.  I can’t help but smile whenever I see him smile…which he does often! 

Our Wedding Day

Scooby Doo

Travel

I absolutely LOVE to travel!  I have been to several countries including:  Spain, France, Turkey, Italy, and Greece and I can’t wait to add more to the list.  One of my favorite travel memories was riding a donkey in Santorini, Greece!  Now, how many people do you know who can say that?!  While visiting St. Kitts during our Honeymoon cruise, I was able to hold a monkey that wore a diaper…he actually sat on my head!  I know that I’ll be talking a lot more about traveling and sharing some of the places I have been in this blog with recommendations of things to do and places to go…so, lots more to come!

Riding a Donkey up the Mountainin Santorini

Monkeys in St. Kitts!

Wine & Food

I look forward to trying new restaurants, eating at new places while traveling, and wine tastings!  I think my love for food stems from my mom and grandmother’s amazing cooking.  I must admit that my mom is somewhat of a gourmet cook and there is nothing better than one of her delicious meals!  I plan on sharing lots about food and wine and hope that you enjoy!

Delicious Gelatto in Rome, Italy

My mom, who we all call Petunia, cooking up a storm!

Volunteering

I feel I am blessed by God in so many ways, it makes me want to give back and help to try to make a difference in the lives of others.  In 2009, I co-founded a non-profit organization, High Hopes in High Heels.  This is a passion of mine to help like-minded, positive women join together and work with various charities in our community.  We currently have about 60 members in our organization and it continues to grow.  I think it’s very important to give back…it helps to make you complete and to find una vida bella!  I look forward to sharing more about ways to get involved in your community.

High Hopes in High Heels

Event Planning

I love to host a party and will find any excuse to invite people over and have a get-together!  There is something so special about having friends and family over in a comfortable setting with delicious food/drinks that compliment the scrumptious conversations.  I have planned several weddings and absolutely love it!  There is nothing more amazing than helping to make a couple’s wedding day dreams come true.  Parties are always a great way to get people together and create lasting memories!



Decorations for a winter wonderland party I planned



I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about me and some of the things that make my life…una vida bella!  I look forward to sharing so much more with you!!