May 2025 Round Up

Friends I really really tried to get an April Round Up blog posted but time got away from me as we prepared to set sail the first week of May on a truly amazing vacation sailing across the Atlantic Ocean on the Disney Fantasy for two weeks. This was the first extended trip that me and my husband have taken together in over a decade was a 15th wedding anniversary present to ourselves to make up for was a kinda lackluster honeymoon. I don’t think I can adequately describe the feeling of waking up for a week straight and seeing nothing but the brilliant blue ocean around you and a complete detachment from my daily routine except to say that I didn’t realize how much I needed to get away until we did it. I also realized that a) I would easily be very comfortable on one of those 3 month cruises and b) I would easily be very comfortable being a Disney Influencer if I lived in Florida…neither would be great for my wallet but I could easily do either LOL.

One thing that was amazing was how many people we talked to on the boat that were also planning on taking the trip back across the Atlantic in the fall! I was certainly jealous of them – and I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t already thinking when we could take that trip with the boys because as much as we loved having the time alone I couldn’t help but thinking about all the things the two of them would have enjoyed and how much I can’t wait to take them to experience other countries. Luckily we have another cruise already booked this winter for the four of us so I won’t have to wait too long….and I know that before I know it I’ll be packing things up again! Over the last few years I’ve really been trying to up my travel game so here are some of my favs that have made all the difference:

Away Luggage – sturdy and the different colors make it easy to find your bags
Metal Hooks – these hang off the balcony for drying bathing suits
Towel Clips – keep towels from blowing away + make it easier to find your chair
Mini-Bogg Bag + Water Bottle Holder – the perfect pool and plane bag!
Hoka Sneakers and Flip Flops – I have awful ankles and these make days on my feet bearable
Packing Cubes – I have one color for each boy to keep things easy
Vaccuum Pack Bags – bring the pump with you and vacuum seal your dirty laundry for the trip back
Bloom Chic Dresses – LOVE these for excursion days; super comfy and cute
Charging Block – I keep this and dozens of extra cords on hand
Portable chargers – Must have for being at Disney and constantly having to check your itinerary on your phone
Bag Weigher – This is on my “To Buy” list to take the stress out of bag weight limit restrictions
Althea Cross-Body / Belt Bag – I loved that this could be worn either way and hand PLENTY of room for my phone, charging block and credit cards without feeling bulky

Upgraded my earring collection with these acrylic storage stands
Organized my bedside table
Re-sized my wedding rings
Applied for new passports for the boys
Changed the fridge lights
Bought an Echo Spot for the Playroom
Changed the patio lantern holder to a metal version
Bought new Euro Shams and a new duvet cover for my bed from the Pottery Barn Outlet

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Scallops with Parmesan Orzo
Cauliflower Toast
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos – I only want to eat my Taco shells this way now!
Carrot Cake Cookies – BIG HIT!
Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Rack of Lamb Persillade
Pistachio Cake with Pistachio Buttercream

Almost every day on the cruise we attended a drink tasting and came away with some super tasty ideas that I’m excited to try out at home (which is another way of saying I can’t wait to find someone who will make them for me because I have zero bartending skills!)

Lemon Pie Martini – Made with Stoli Vanilla, Limoncello, White Chocolate Liquor AND Whipped cream! This was an insanely creamy and delicious after dinner drink
Elderflower Spritz (also called a Hugo Spritz) – Made with Elderflower Liquor, Prosecco, Club Soda and Mint – We had this first in Epcot and then on the boat; it’s sweeter than an Aperol Spritz and super refrshing
Alternatively – we got to try this pre-made version called Croft Twist at a Sherry Winery in Spain and I am on a mission to find or ship it to the states!
Espresso Martini w/Chocolate Bitters and a touch of salt – The touch of chocolate and salt made one of my favorite drinks even better!
BONUS – If you find yourself on a boat with free soft serve ice cream and love Iced Coffee do yourself a favor and fill a cup with both + lots of ice and you will have the perfect sweet and creamy drink.