Current Obessions

New Year. New Obsessions.
Anyone else obsess over some things too? Where you can't get enough! Or is it just me?
These are my current favorites that I can't get enough of.

L I P S E N S E | Probably my favorite makeup product thus far. I got so irritated using lip gloss because it was too messy. I hated leaving lip imprints on my mugs and anything
I ate  or drank. I always worried about it smudging or smearing across my face if the wind blew. With lipsense, I no longer have that issue and the color lasts all day. I order mine from Dressing Dallas. (P.S. I am hosting a Lipsense party on facebook- if you want the deets let me know! You can WIN some free lipsense to try!)

B O O T I E S | I am loving ankle booties lately.  You can dress them up or dress them down. Perfect for a casual yet comfortable wear all day. I am currently loving this pair from Shoe Dazzle. & If you sign up for VIP (cancel anytime) you can get one for $10 right now. Plus they have a ton of great sales under $10 right now. And as a member you get free shipping.

L U L A R O E | The hype is true. Once you buy one, it's hard to stop the obsession!  I just can't get enough. They are so comfortable and fashionable. I buy mine from Sasha or Megan and Crystal on facebook.

I N D I A N  C L A Y  M A S K | Since the New Year, I took it to myself to give myself more ME time this year. I am loving this easy Indian Clay Mask. It's all natural, and super easy to do. It takes no more than 15 total minutes. It pulls all the impurities, black heads and feels so fresh. Since I've used it, I've noticed major improvement on my skin. (Even my mom commented how great my skin looks.) All you need is this Aztec Indian Clay & Apple Cider Vinegar. I got mine on Amazon. (Get prime and get free shipping!)

What are you currently obsessed with?


*This is not a sponsored post. Please note that I use some affiliate links throughout my blog posts, however, all opinions and reviews are 100% my honest opinion and products I use.*

 

Is The Beverage Package Worth It On A Cruise?

The husband and I like to enjoy ourselves while on vacation--especially on cruises. When we were planning our honeymoon cruise back in 2014, we really contemplated whether or not the beverage package would be worth it for us. In case you don't know, if you are wanting the beverage package on a cruise, everyone in the room has to pay for one. You can't just have one person get it and mooch drinks off of them. (That would be too good to be true)

You may be wondering if it would be the right choice for you. It can be confusing going through the many details of the different variations of packages.  You may be asking yourself The Classic Package? The Premium Package?  Shelling out all that money all at once may seem really expensive, especially considering you’ve already put out the money for the cruise itself. 

 You need to keep in mind that not all cruise companies offer the same packages, and some companies do not offer them at all if you are cruising less than 5 days. You also need to decide what drinks you normally will have on-board. Are you more of a wine drinker or do you like to mix it up and have some cocktails and mix in a glass of wine for dinner?  Some cruises offer beer and wine packages which are cheaper than the premium packages that offer both mixed drinks and beer and wine. Also keep in mind that most cruise ships allow 2 bottles of wine per guest to bring on board. (You can also be sneaky and put your favorite vodka in a wine bottle and sneak it on.)

Check the price lists and compare. Most cruise websites will show you the price list. A glass of wine could be $12, cocktails $12, Beer $6. Keep in mind that does not include gratuities if you are purchasing as you go. A lot of the time, the beverage package includes the gratuities. In fact, I do not know a cruise that does not include the gratuities in the beverage package price. Those $1 tips could add up fast (As we learned on our honeymoon).

Most of the drink packages include bottled water. This was the most requested item. I always had a bottle of water on hand when exiting the cruise for our excursions and the amount of water I drank alone would have costed well over the daily drink package price.
Obviously the drink package price differs per cruise, but it was worth it for us.  We would have paid a lot more at the end of the cruise if we were to have paid as we went. For us it was well worth it to not have to limit what we wanted. The drink package include the sodas and juices as well so we were able to enjoy fresh orange juice whenever we wanted.

Cruises also offer Non-Alchoholic packages that include juices, bottled water and sodas. This may be the best for you if you prefer to stay away from alcohol or if you have children who would take advantage of the soda, water and juice. (You can always get a soda and bring it off the ship to enjoy during the day so you don't need to purchase any off ship)

It may seem difficult to shell out the money before hand (Although they do offer to add on the drink package on board) but for us it was well worth it and we ended up saving a lot of money in the long run. We were also able to try new drinks without the worry of "wasting" money on them if we did not like them. It's also more relaxing knowing we didn't have to worry about budgeting for drinks. We just hand over the card and it was taken care of.

If we were to break it down, we would have spent $30 more dollars or so per day if we were to pay per drink without the drink package. 

Additional Thoughts (Thanks to Savored Journeys for pointing these out)

• Something to think about when deciding if a drink package is worth it is the gratuity that is added to each drink without the package. An 18% service charge will be added to waters, sodas, and wine when you purchase. Most package prices either include the 18% service charge when you buy-- not per drink

• It’s a good idea to consider how many sea days and port days you have. If you are having a lot of port days, you may be better off paying for drinks as you go. Unless you want to bring a few bottled waters or sodas off the ship every day.

What are your thoughts on the benefits of purchasing a drink package? Do you think buying the beverage package is worth it on a cruise? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

New Year. New You! Fit and Fabulous

Whenever I hear about New Years Resolutions the first thing that comes to mind is: Get In Shape. I always see the gyms jam packed with cars starting Jan 1 and then it slowly dies off by March and people stop going as much as they were the beginning of the year.

What if I told you that you can workout in the comfort of your own home and it won't feel like a chore. What if I told you that you will have a personal trainer and a group of empowering women as your accountability partners?  What if I told you that this program actually works and will not cost you an arm and a leg? (Plus you will have some lifelong online friends.)

Courtney is the owner and mastermind of putting together the Fit and Fabulous Club and Operation BootyCamp. She'll teach you How to beat sugar cravings, feel energetically fabulous and teach you how to meal plan while also providing some AMAZING easy recipes that are delicious!

I get it, you're thinking "Where can I find the time to workout with my busy schedule?"

I'm right there with you girl! Between balancing my day job to running my own online business, it's hard to find that extra time to take care of myself. But that's just it. Courtney helps you organize your time and schedule and fits in the workouts that work for YOU. My favorite part is you can keep up to date with your workouts through her own app personalized just for you. It comes in handy when you are vacationing or on the go and don't have access to a computer.  I also love following her on Instagram where I can stay up to date with NEW workouts, Inspirational quotes, cute workout outfits, amazing products and more!

 You can also keep up to date on her blog where she posts tips, recipes and more!

Photo: Courtney Bentley

There's a few AMAZING plans you can choose from. I signed up for the fit and fabulous 30 day challenge and am LOVING it.

• Monthly Fit and Fabulous Club ($9.95/month)  

              You won't even notice the $9.95 charge every month especially when it's for YOU.

• √ INCLUDES: Quick, Effective Workouts Plans to Get You Motivated and ON Track with Follow Along Videos, New Plans Added MONTHLY
• √ INCLUDES: Access to a Workout Library with HOW TO's and Tutorials 
• √ INCLUDES: Private Member Forum to Support You on Your Journey and Hold you ACCOUNTABLE- Make friends, get coaching from me and SUPPORT! 
• √ INCLUDES: Meal Plans, Recipes Guides and Meal Prep Tips, New Recipes Added MONTHLY 
• √ INCLUDES: Live Streaming Q+A/Mastermind Every Week, Connect with Other Members and SLAY your business 
• √ BONUS:  Access to Jump start in 10 Day Challenge Meal Plan and Workout Program to Set You Up for SUCCESS 
• √ BONUS: Access to any program I create through the time of your membership
•  √ BONUS: Access to a Smartphone APP with your Workouts, Check ins and Messenger with ME!

• Fit and Fabulous 30 Day Challenge 

• √ INCLUDES: 30 Day Muscle Toning Workout Program Easily Accessed through a Smartphone App  
• √ INCLUDES: 30 day Fat Burning Meal Plan  with over 100+ Easy Recipes to Use
• √ INCLUDES:Official Fit and Fabulous Guidebook 
• √ INCLUDES:Coaching Support from ME as your Coach
• √ INCLUDES:Private Group with girls just like YOU to support you and keep you motivated. 
• √ INCLUDES:Daily Email with Motivational Quotes
• √ INCLUDES: Check In with Office Hours, Coaching Call 

• Jumpstart 10 Day Challenge (One time fee of $19.95- Less than $2 a day for 10 days)

• √ INCLUDES: 10-day Meal Plan (downloadable PDF) so you can learn how to eat for health & weight loss
• √ INCLUDES: 10 days of video workouts so you can learn the fastest, most effective methods for getting in shape
• √ INCLUDES: 10 days of Motivating reminders directly from me, sent directly to your Inbox, so you can keep up your momentum, even on tough days
• √ INCLUDES: Access to the Fit & Fabulous Jumpstart FB Group so that you can create a network of like minded people to support you while you make this important change
• SPECIAL BONUS: An ongoing recipe guide for you to use after the 10-Day Jumpstart so you can keep achieving your fitness goals long after you've completed the Jumpstart step-by-step program

If you aren't sure what the best option is for you, come join the Facebook group. Meet some new friends and accountability sisters and lets all help each other get motivated again! Honestly, what do you have to lose?

Are YOU ready to join me? 

Comment your 2017 goals this year. I'd LOVE to hear them!

*BONUS* Get a FREE glittered sports bottle to use if you sign up for ANY of the fitness plans courtesy of Showered With Design.

(Just pay shipping and handling) 

Leave a Comment when you sign up with the plan you chose and your Instagram handle.