If you want to enjoy a holiday for two, whether it is a weekend retreat or honeymoon destination there are several great places to consider visiting as a couple. Consider a few of these hotspots for couples the next time you are planning a trip for two and want to make the most out of your holiday together. When considering a getaway you should always go on hotel comparison sites to check you are getting a good price on your accommodation.
Malta
British tourists love this destination, and with just cause. The smaller island of Gozo is similar to the Maltese islands, and feels like an undiscovered territory as not too many travelers are familiar with it. From Malta, Gozo is a 20 minute ferry ride away, yet feels like thousands of miles away. From renting a private villa for two, to staying in an all inclusive resort hotel, you are sure to enjoy this holiday retreat destination.
Caribbean
St. Martin to be exact is one of the nicest, most exotic island retreats to consider. Le Galion beach is a must visit destination when traveling, ferry rides, and destinations like Pinel island are sure to make for an exotic, romantic trip which you aren’t soon to forget.
Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is another one of the most beautiful, exotic beach retreats you can possibly visit when choosing a romantic holiday retreat for two. Crystal blue waters, Bavaro Beach, golfing destinations, and all inclusive resorts are found on nearly every corner of the amazing island retreat. Although there are dozens of worldwide retreats and destinations for you to consider visiting, for those who want romantic, and exotic tied into one, you can’t go wrong with any of these destinations. Regardless of what time of the year you are planning on taking this holiday retreat for two, the great weather, clear waterways, and amazing views are sure to make for an exceptional holiday getaway for two anytime.
When we think of summer, we think of holidays. But they rarely include our dogs. Instead, we leave them in the kennels as they wait patiently for our return. This is unfair, but unfortunately dogs are not suited for airplanes or hotel rooms. But, do you have to go on holiday to enjoy the summer? Can’t you enjoy it at home with your pet instead? You certainly can. Here are just a few ways you can enjoy the sun with man’s best friend.
Gio and Vinny
A Trip To The Beach If you have a beach nearby, you can always go and enjoy the sun closer to home. You can take your dog with you and let him run off on the sands into the distance. He will love dipping in and out of the cool water, and it is also quite fun to see them swim over the waves. Although you should be careful how far in your throw it or you may find yourself on a rescue mission. Also, do not forget to check the temperature of the sand before you let your dog loose. If it is too hot on the back of your hand, it is too hot on his paws. If the weather is hot, enough you can join him for a swim, and it does not have to be the beach. You can take your dog anywhere for a quick paddle.
Hillwalking Rather than just walking your dog around town, why not take him on a trip into the countryside? You should always try to be adventurous and take more challenging routes. As long as you pack well you can journey as far as you like. We do recommend you get a light for his collar though because mist can fall quickly on mountains. Before you go, check the rules of the area where you are walking your dog. You may not be able to let him off his lead in certain areas. You could consider making it more than a day trip. Take your dog camping and enjoy the outside world together. But do remember to check your dog for bugs and bites when you get back. You can stop this problem before it occurs with a good flea treatment. A flea spray is easy to use and acts as a strike on fleas before they set up home on your pet.
A Good Play Dogs love a good mess around, but admit it, so do you. You love throwing the ball just as much as he loves catching it. You can treat both yourself and your dog by shopping for some new toys to play with this summer. You could buy a big ball that floats so that it is easy for him to find when he is playing in the water.
Bird Watching
Once you have had a walk or play with your dog, you can settle down and relax. You could take up birdwatching because dogs can be trained to sit outside quietly with their owners, watching the wildlife. Or, you can watch from the window. Dogs can learn to love this quiet and peaceful activity just as much as humans do.
We hope you find these ideas helpful and love having your dog at your side this summer.
This week we are celebrating is Holy Week. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of my Christian faith.
The picture below is a Last Supper sculpture located outside Groom, Texas (near Amarillo). My hubby and I visited the site last fall while we were on a road trip to the American Southwest. The site includes several sculptures that tell story of the Jesus’ crucification and is maintained by the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries. It turned from a warm to a cold and rainy day when my husband took this picture; but it was worth it.
Let’s take a look at the Last Supper story in the scriptures.
Photo by JT Last Supper Sculpture in Groom,Texas
1 Corinthians 11:17-34 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Lord’s Supper
17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.
Jesus didn’t have to go on the cross; but he did it for you and me. He loves us so much that he gave his life for us.
Can you believe that it is August already? My friends’ and colleagues’ kids are starting school soon while others will be going back in a week. Well, there is still time to get that vacation getaway before summer gets away from you. I feel the humidity outside and the heat.
If you had a fantasy getaway, where would you go?
How about Las Vegas — the city that never sleeps. I envision styles for you if you ever plan to go.
Fantasy vacation where you and the hubby are flying into Las Vegas for a quick, three-day weekend. You can stay at the Aria at Citycenter. Aria is a destination in itself, featuring over 4,000 rooms, a multitude of restaurants for every taste bud, a spa and salon, and awesome entertainment options including Cirque du Soleil.
aria at citycenter
When you get up in the morning, you want to look cute, but effortless. I went for the layering effect with the jacket, jeans and blouse. Even though Las Vegas is warm, it may be cool in the cafes when you are getting some breakfast before you start your day. The jacket can always be taken off as the temperature rises. I went for the gold with the accessories and added a pop of color with turquoise necklace.
Viva Las Vegas Breakfast glam
After breakfast at the Cafe, it’s time to check out the boutiques and shops.
Aria Cafe
Crystals mall is right next to the hotel. You would have to take a day just to browse all the shops that include Tiffany’s,Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Jimmy Choo to name a few. The water features along with the trees and plants are a must see.
I included a second style sheet of a great day look that will keep you looking fabulous. These Guiseppe Zanotto wedge sneakers will be stylish and comfortable walking all day long.
Pile on the bracelets, hoop earrings and add a pop of color in the necklace and handbag.
Style Sheet Two: Daydreamer
Night out with the hubby in Las Vegas
After coming back to the hotel from a day of walking the Vegas strip and shopping; it is time to relax a little and get ready for dinner and a show.
I would recommend dinner at Lemongrass for some stir fry garlic vegetable with Thai iced tea. Sounds delicious!
Lemongrass Restaurant at Aria
The outfit below is perfect for seeing the Jersey Boys show. I saw the group with the hubby on a Caribbean cruise and the show is fabulous.
“The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is ubiquitous. Whether or not you realize it, you’ve heard their songs on the radio, in TV commercials, movies or covered by a contemporary artist. Their repertoire of hits like, “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is ingrained in American pop culture. The story behind those songs and the group is just as endearing.” (Vegas.com)
The look: A 50s style with this sleeveless a-line cherry print dress because we are going to see the Jersey boys.
Las Vegas Dinner Nights
The hair would be in an up-do chignon and add a couple of sprays of the fruity, floral fragrance called Fabulous perfume by Isaac Mizrahi.
The three day weekend is styled right and oh so gorgeous.
Pray that everyone is having a joyful holiday season.
Mirimichi Golf Course
Visiting Memphis in November was a weekend to remember. My hubby and I had the opportunity to visit the Mirimichi world class golf experience. As a part of the JT Memphis weekend contest, I received two rounds of golf at Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi Performance Learning Center and Golf Course.
The Mirimichi golf course was named 2013 best golf course in Tennessee on Golfweek magazine’s 2013 Best Courses You Can Play.
I must admit that I have not golfed since high school. I thought to myself, I don’t know how to play golf, however we were interested in taking a tour of the Center and the course.
Well, we were in for a great experience.
Mirimichi Golf Learning and Performance Center
What does Mirimichi mean? When I looked at the brochure, it read.
“What’s in a name? When making this decision, curse founder and world-renowned entertainer Justin Timberlake went back to his roots. “Some of my heritage is Native American. I thought it would be fitting with all the eco-friendly features of the course to find a name that reflects that heritage. Mirimichi means ‘place of happy retreat,’ and that is what the experience at our golf course is all about – a place to enjoy time with family and friends. Come share our Mirimichi.”
The golf course is about 25 minutes from the Peabody hotel where my hubby and I were staying. It was great to see more of what Memphis had to offer. When my hubby turned the corner to go into the golf course it looked so serene and beautiful. The sign that said that Mirimichi is the first Audubon certified gold course in the United States caught my eye because I am all about preserving nature and wildlife.
Also, added bonus Mirimichi is open to the public.
When we parked at the Performance and Learning Center and got out of the Jeep, we were welcomed by Deb Peterson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Mirimichi. She was very gracious and introduced us to the staff. Justin’s mother had her hand in the decorating of the center and it was really well done.
We were given a brief overview of what each staff person does at Mirimichi and were handed off to Instructor/Assistant Golf professional Bobby Cochran.
He was very nice and really works with the experienced golfer as well as the novice.
JT and Resident Mirimichi golf pro Bobby Cochran
Mirimichi offers a comprehensive swing analysis system, sponsored by Callaway, that determines what kind of equipment you need to be effective on the golf course.
I had some misses but finally hit the ball on my last swing. My hubby hit the ball to register on the screen, so that was a lot of fun.
Bobby showed us how the Callaway system can be used to improve your swing technique.
JT and hubby with Justin Timberlake bag photo op
This game is not easy and your technique plays an important part of your success. The one pic below where Bobby is helping me, I really am not trying to hit him. Ha Ha!
Bobby has great form.
Bobby Cochran showing how to find your form with the proper equipment
Jennifer Jordan, the Lead Golf Instructor, showed us the practice facilities where you can fine tune your swing, all year long. She and the other instructors are on hand to teach anyone how to play golf, whether it is the beginner who never picked up a club before; to the person who wants to improve his or her game.
Practice range
After getting brief overviews of what the facility has to offer from Bobby and Jennifer, it was time to go out on the course. Dustin Green guide gave my hubby and I royal treatment and was so informative.
Tour of the Course
We boarded the cart and proceed to find out more about each of the eighteen holes.
Dustin Green showing me the different types of grass
The land is so beautiful. Dustin showed us the different types of grass and how it stays the different shades of green all year long.
Mirimichi Golf Course
Interesting notes I learned about Mirimichi
Each hole has a specific Indian name
All the plants at Mirimichi are native to Tennessee.
Native Plants
“Mirimichi has state of the art irrigation and drainage systems that recycle rain water and maximize water management efficiency.”
Mirimichi is not only a golf course but a place that practices eco-friendly, they even have its own plant food. It would be great to see this kind of natural plant food and weed/grass control in the stores. I personally do not like using products with harmful chemicals so it would be good to see more eco-friendly products.
Mirimichi is Golf Environment Organization (GEO) Certified. This certification is based on sustainability in protecting the land and wildlife.
The deck area overlooking the course was an idea of Justin’s mother, I can see it has a woman’s touch. This is a venue for golfers and non-golfers to enjoy whether it’s a band coming to play for an event or taking a break after a round of golf.
The deck area
Dustin really took time with us out on the course to give us background on each hole. I felt like I have known him for years because he was so personable and really knew his job well.
He really is passionate about his job.
Dustin with award
The Mirimichi Performance and Learning Center and Golf course is a beautiful place to see whether you are a golfer or a non-golfer. You will enjoy it. I know my hubby and I did. Dustin said that he oftens see wild turkeys and deer in the early morning.
One of the views of the lake from the Mirimichi Golf Course
I would like to thank I Love Memphis, Deb, Bobby, Jennifer and Dustin for a wonderful tour of the Mirimichi Center and golf course.
JT fans listen up, hear the horns now! (Justin Timberlake, that is.)
Have you been waiting for the chance to see JT in concert? The opportunity has finally arrived. ALIVE Magazine has teamed up withI Love Memphis to give give one blessed blogger and one blessed reader a chance to win a getaway trip to JT’s hometown, Memphis, for his upcoming concert and other fun activities.
This is so exciting!!!
THE PRIZE PACKAGE
2 Night Stay at the famous Peabody Hotel (November 17, 18)
2 Tickets to Justin Timberlake (November 18 at FedEx Forum)
A round of golf OR lunch and private tour at Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi Golf Course
Tickets to your choice of local attractions like the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Graceland, Sun Studio or the Stax
Museum
To enter the concert giveaway please click here. The winner will be announced Friday, October 18th. The winner will receive tickets to the Justin Timberlake concert as well as other attractions.
Memphis is a town that never sleeps and there is so much to do. I have been to Memphis and I still have a list things that I still want to do and see when I go back.
I am a foodie, so I have to get some barbecue. Yummy! Doesn’t this look mouth watering? Reminds me of when my family would barbecue in the backyard for holiday; but when I go to Memphis it will have their flair.
“Memphis barbecue is a delicious but complex culinary club that includes secret recipes, regional pride and kitschy vernacular. In Memphis look for barbecue, BBQ, Bar-B-Q and Bar-B-Que just to name a few.”
I have been to Corky’s, but I have to go back to try the pulled pork. That famous Corky’s barbecue sauce comes in so many different varieties that my taste buds always want to go back for more.
The Civil Rights Museum is one of the must see places to visit in Memphis. Housed at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King’s assassination, the museum examines the struggles and victories of Dr. King and other civil right’s activists.
The Memphis Botanic Garden offers a haven of both natural serenity and fun for the family with its My Big Backyard children’s area, farmers market, plant sales, paths and Japanese garden. The Botanic Garden is also home to the summer concert series, featuring top-names of today and yesterday. Last year, my hubby and I saw Duran Duran perform at the Garden during their North American tour. It was an awesome show, one that I won’t soon forget.
I am an advocate for animals, I have to go see Shelby Farms. The animals are so cute.
As the largest urban park in the United States, Shelby Farms Park is home to not only a herd of American Bison but also bike trails, horseback riding, running trails, playgrounds, and a lake. This is right up my alley because my husband and I love to be outdoors.
If you have ever been on a boat ride there is nothing like a cruise down the river. Riding on the American Queen would be a real treat.
Oh my goodness! Rocking to Take Back The Night as I am dreaming of dancing on the American Queen while seeing the sun setting. I went to Memphis on a dinner cruise and it was so romantic my hubby and I had such a good time. To read my article on the review of the cruise and trip please click on MEMPHIS.
If you have not been to Memphis to enjoy this great city, click here to enter the giveaway for a chance to win free tickets to the Justin Timberlake concert and other attractions. Winner will be announced on Friday, October 18th.
Okay lets rock side to side now and dance to Take Back The Night. Can you tell that’s my favorite? I am hearing JT channeling MJ.
* Official Rules for Giveaway *
Promotion is only offered to Missouri residents who reside within the St. Louis area. Only one entry per individual will be counted. Winner(s) will be contacted by ALIVE Magazine and have 72 hours to contact ALIVE Magazine to claim their prize. After that time, winner will be disqualified and another winner will be drawn.
Disclaimer
I have not been paid to write this article. However, I do have a chance to win the trip to Memphis.
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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