Weekend Highlights

This weekend was one of those that was good for the soul. It truly is amazing what a little salt air, lots of sunshine and evenings full of laughs with a group of people that I am so {so, so} thankful to be able to call family now can do to make you feel like you hit the reset button. The past few weeks have been consumed with fear, tears and praying endlessly that my sweet and selfless Dad would be okay. I am not going to share all the details but what I can say is that I can't thank everyone enough for their love and support, our prayers have been answered and Dad will be back on his boat and cooking up a storm in no time.

My sister was in town visiting my Dad for a few days and I was excited to learn that her flight on Thursday was delayed and she would miss her connecting flight {selfish, I know}. But we were able to spend the evening catching up, getting a pedicure and sipping on a delicious rose. All the things that sisters love to do, right?! :)  

 

On Friday afternoon, we headed to Morehead City to spend the weekend with TC's family. After a day on the boat, happy hour was next on our agenda. It included all my favorites - Pimento Cheese and Texas Caviar for appetizers, a vodka and cranberry in the prettiest glass and the cutest cocktail napkins.  

On our way home, I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture of my favorite Rocksbox necklace that I received in last week's box. Loren Hope's Palmer Necklace in Crystal is my absolute favorite. I love a versatile piece that I can mix and match with any outfit!

I hope everyone's week is off to a wonderful start! 

Summer Bucket List: Greenbrier Vacation

On my Summer Bucket List, I mentioned that we were taking a family trip in the middle of July to The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. The Greenbrier Resort is also known as America's Resort because it was the gathering place for the nation's most influential and powerful families in the early 1800s. During the Civil War and World War II, the hotel was used as a hospital and military headquarters but what's even cooler than that is underneath the hotel is a bunker that was built for the U.S. government in case of a war. When you visit, you will have to take a tour of the bunker. 

The resort is famous for the lavish and bold decor by Dorothy Draper. She used a lot of vibrant colors and oversized patterns to make a {signature} statement. We spent hours walking around taking pictures of all the rooms that were decorated in style along with the gorgeous flowers that lined each and every walkway which made the outside of the resort just as picturesque as the inside.  

The weekend was filled with exceptional food, afternoons by the pool overlooking the beautiful golf course, rounds of golf on The Old White TPC which is home to hosting the Greenbrier Classic and {of course} a little pampering at the spa. After a weekend like this one, returning to reality was rough.

If you follow me on Instagram {stephaniechalk08} than you've seen these additional snaps taken from my phone. I have to admit that I wish we were getting ready to pack our bags to head north for another weekend in White Sulphur Springs! :)

Our Honeymoon in Grenada + 1st Anniversary Trip

As I sit here trying to narrow down the destinations for our 1st Anniversary trip, my mind instantly goes back to our tropical paradise where we spent 7 days of pure relaxation. Grenada is located off the Venezuela coast and is widely known as the Spice of the Caribbean. The white sand beaches, crystal clear water, unspoilt landscapes, and the mountainous rainforest are just a few reasons why we loved our time there. Not to mention, the hospitality that we received from some of the friendliest natives has us wanting to return as soon as possible.   

We stayed at Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa which has been newly renovated and was a truly extraordinary resort. On the property, there are 10 restaurants and bars that had delicious food and lots of entertainment throughout the day and evening. We enjoyed a lot of the activities that were on-site as well - beach volleyball, bocci ball, paddle boarding, kayaking and of course an afternoon was spent at the spa.  

Our humble abode for the week was the bottom right suite where we had the most breathtaking ocean views every morning and gorgeous sunsets at night. I was one happy wife! :)

This view from our balcony never got old. I spent many mornings here with a cup of coffee and a good book in my hand. Now, if only I could convince TC that we should book our Anniversary trip back to this beautiful, little island.  

It's going to be difficult to beat that trip but I have my eye on a few places for our Anniversary and would love your help! What other destinations should I consider?

The Ritz Carlton at Amelia Island, Florida 

This adorable VRBO property at Rosemary Beach, Florida

Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel