Happenings This Week


My birthday week has come and gone in a flash. On Monday we returned from Islamorada in the Florida Keys feeling refreshed and ready to take on the work week.

Tuesday was my birthday but it was back to work like any other day with tons of catching up to do all week.


Since all of my birthday celebrations were done over the weekend, we had a quiet night at home. K cooked up a nice dinner - grilled grouper and asparagus - with some wine.

I opened some cards and gifts received in the mail and one very sspecial gift from Andrea that literally blew me away!


The package was filled with so much thoughtful, super creative and customized items sent with love from Andrea because she's such a gem!

On Wednesday I shared a Gift Guide for Her with some cute gift ideas for birthdays or the holidays.




On Wednesday night I had all intentions of catching up on reading and commenting on blogs and going through my emails to get all caught up. I even had my Nassau Cruise recap 3/4 way done to be posted yesterday but I came home to internet and we were told they couldn't send a tech out to fix the problem until NEXT WEEK TUESDAY! The blogger in me is livid because I use my evenings to focus on blogging and my husband is pretty much screwed since he has a home office and needs the internet to do his job. I think that's bat shit crazy it will take them a week to fix the internet that went out for no apparent reason.

On to brighter things...

On Thursday Sarita featured a Christmas Q&A featuring yours truly where I talked about some of my favorite Christmas traditions and share one of my favorite party pleasers. - the Holiday Cheese Ball.


Today is now Friday after a roller-coaster week and I'm now wondering how boring my weekend is going to be without having internet at home. I'm going to need a glass of wine to calm down my lividness. I'm not even sure if lividness is a word but you get my point and I'll leave you with this piece of advice for the weekend...


Enjoy yours!

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Girl Friend Gift Ideas


Rose Gold Drusy Gift Set
I love the Drusy collection from Kendra Scott. I own a silvery drusy bracelet but the rose gold pieces are gorgeous.


Orca Chasertini
Who said adults can’t have a sippy cup and one that keeps your cocktail cold for hours so you don't feel the need to chug down the drink. Perfect for a holiday gift or stocking stuffer.

So incredibly soft and comfortable for working out, wearing out & about, or just lounging. I can't get enough of these leggings.



CHI Blow Dryer, Flat Iron, and Styling Set
I initially saw this set on Groupon for only about $100 but it was sold out before I decided to purchase it for my sister. Sephora and Ulta have similar gift sets that are perfect for gift-giving.

The set includes:
1” Hello Beautiful Hairstyling Iron
Chi Silk Infusion
Pink thermal mat 
Pearlized White Rocket Hair Dryer
Chi 44 Pink Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Hello Beautiful carry all bag with sequin trim


Naomi Double Ring in Rose Gold Drusy
Gorgeous ring to pair with the Kendra Scott necklace above. I've always wanted to try one of these double rings.




Thank you for all the birthday love yesterday and even a few amazing surprises in the mail! I couldn't be more thankful for meeting such amazing ladies. I feel blessed to have crossed paths in your lives via blogging and form true friendship! xo


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Islamorada Weekend Vacay


I've been dreaming of going to the Florida Keys for a few years now and K decided to make it happen for my birthday this year. The last time I visited Key West was over 10 years ago for spring break so another trip was well overdue. We found a gorgeous resort on Islamorada which is a slightly easier drive as opposed to driving two more hours to get to Key West.



We left Orlando just after lunch but hitting Miami traffic added an extra hour onto our trip so we finally arrived around 7pm just in time to grab some dinner and have a drink at the Tiki Bar on the resort property.
 

Our hotel on the beach was gorgeous with so many amenities, water-sports, and a few restaurants to chose from. I woke up on Saturday morning to this gorgeous view perfect for sipping on some coffee before getting our day started.

Saturday was a bit overcast so we drove around and explored the island. We found a huge art market and bought some local art for our house and for gifts, we ate some of the best seafood and drank (too many) frozen drinks.







The frozen Key Lime Daiquiris were to die for!


Sunday was a beautiful day despite the weather forecast not being favorable, it turned out to be a sunny and gorgeous day. We had brunch at a cute local spot on the bayside of Islamorada. Multiple friends recommended this spot and it didn't disappoint. I had the shrimp and grits with a pineapple mimosa but the scenery was just the best.




We spent the rest of Sunday relaxing on the beach at our resort and of course enjoying another Key Lime Daiquiri.







We're making the drive back home today and my heart is so happy for finally making it down to the Keys to enjoy a little tropical getaway with my hubby. Couldn't ask for a better birthday gift!


Joining the lovely Biana.
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Birthday/Holiday Wishlist Items

For most of this year, I've been focusing on saving money to decorate our new home (which has finally come together) so I barely did any shopping but with my birthday just around the corner as well as Christmas, I've come up with a few wishlist items.


I've started collecting charms for the Pandora bracelet my best friend gave to me in June so when my MIL asked what I wanted for Christmas, I said a Pandora charm and told her to surprise me with one of her choice.



Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Crossbody
Color: Plum
Crossbody purses are the perfect travel buddy and I adore this color.

BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Flat Iron


I'd love to get facials and massages more regularly and since my back has been giving me severe problems for the past 6 months, I think a membership would be the way to go.


I've had this exact pair for the past several years but at this point they're very worn with scratches on the lenses but I'm clearly so attached to them that I'd love a replacement pair.

I think the most exciting gift of all is that we're taking a long weekend vacation down to the Keys to celebrate my birthday. K planned this trip and I can't wait to relax and enjoy!

  
Sorry I haven't been able to read all your blogs or respond to comments this week. My laptop charger got some water damage last weekend leaving me with a dead computer. Way to feel helpless and useless in the evenings when I usually dedicate my time to blogging. 

I should be back up and running this weekend with a computer so I'm looking forward to reading your posts and catching up on all the blogland happenings.


I hope you have the best weekend!

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'Tis The Season Home Decor


Most of my holiday decorations are on the traditional side with lots of red, green and gold tones. This year I went against the grain and added some beach/coastal themed decor to my collection.

 Have you walked into Home Goods lately? At least the location in Florida is beached out so it's hard not to leave without some sparkly holiday goodies.

Titles are clickable

Coastal Holiday Wreath


I did find this gorgeous wreath at Kohl's and knew it was going home with me but I have some other holiday decor faves to share that aren't of the beach variety.

 


"Be Merry" Gold Rim Stemless Wine Glass Set

My Christmas tree is up and mostly all of my new and old decorations are set out but I have to admit I've been procrastinating with hanging the 100+ ornaments on our tree. The goal is to get it done before my family arrives for Christmas. LOL

How's your holiday decorating coming along?

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Weekend Cruising


I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

If you follow me on Instagram or SnapChat (emilyalisonb) you might have seen that I was on a cruise over the weekend. I didn't go snap crazy but I shared one or two sites and scenes from our 3-night cruise to the Bahamas.

This cruise was initially scheduled for the weekend when Hurricane Matthew hit Florida in October so it was cancelled but luckily we were able to get another date booked.


It was a relaxing, fun, and hilarious company trip since my coworkers are a blast to hang out with and we have some serious comedians in the group.


The only bummer was that our shore excursion to go jet-packing was cancelled the morning of the tour but we made up for it and I have so many highlights to share.

We are arriving at the port this Monday morning around 5:30 am and I have to head straight to work around 7:30. Pray for me!


This trip was so much fun so stay tuned for a full recap coming soon!

How was your weekend?

Joining the lovely Biana.
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