Been drooling over all the creative romantic ideas I've been discussing this month but not sure you can afford them all? Get a taste of the best in my "Ultimate Romance Package" giveaway. Up your game in the kitchen with two seats to a demo class at Publix Aprons Cooking School, enjoy an intimate tea time with your sweetie, or experience award winning entertainment while dining in style. It can be one big date night, or you can space it out and enjoy. The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day so don't miss out, enter now!
Looking for that grand gesture date night? I'm talking the ideal place to "Pop the Question" type of spot. Or maybe you are celebrating that special anniversary or just want to say I LOVE YOU in a great big way. Check out these great ideas for sweeping that special someone off your feet. A follow up to my "Romantic Ideas for Every Budget".
The best chefs in the region join forces in the most unusual locations to create a fine dining cultural experience like no other. Enjoy displays and performances by the best visual and performing artists in Jax. Tickets are hard to get, sign up for emails on their website. Events only happen about two times a year.
Click the images to below to read my full 10Best stories on Romantic Dining and Things to do.
10Best Romantic Things to do in Jacksonville
10Best Romantic Dining in Jacksonville
What romantic ideas do you love? Any bucket list items you plan on checking off the list? Let me know in the comments below.
I confess, I have a new obsession. Stephanie Kantis designer jewelry. Her stunning, wearable pieces of art make a statement as soon as you enter the room and the craftsmanship is top quality. Each piece is sculpted from bronze then dipped in gold or sterling silver. When I travel, what jewelry to bring is always the question. A great piece can make an outfit new, but too much jewelry can get heavy and cumbersome. Stephanie Kantis' luxurious pieces are ideal for travel as they are extremely versatile. Her classic necklace can be worn 15 different ways thanks to her signature "S" hook, turning one piece of jewelry into a wardrobe full of eye-catching inspiration.
Stephanie Kantis Jewelry Inspiration by Historical Decorative Motifs
1.Shimmer Earrings 2. Nobility Bracelet, 3. Coronation Small Chain Necklace/Bracelet Combo, 4. Wave Hammered Ring
1. Shimmer Earrings, 2. Coronation Small Necklace 3. Soleil Pendant
1. Paris Single Ornament Earring , 2. Classic Chain, 3.Pebble Pendant, 4. Swank Cuff
Shop the look below (open in browser if viewing on mobile) and see the entire collection on her website here.
A little inspiration from the clothes I paired with these Stephanie Kantis looks.
More great looks to come to inspire your travel and lifestyle wardrobe.
Suppose you wanted to escape the stresses of this world and trade them in for a quiet piece of earth where water meets sand, and sun meets sky? Suppose you wanted to let your worries drift away on the wind as you unplugged from technology and reconnected with the ones you love? Watch your fantasy become reality in Anna Maria Island at Mainsail Beach Inn.
During a recent family trip we experienced the charm and intimate backdrop that is Anna Maria Island. Frequently praised by multiple sources as one of the best islands to visit, we had to see for ourselves just what made this little island such a unique spot. Mainsail Beach Inn’s casually chic accommodations created the perfect setting in which to take in the scope of the island.
Home Away From Home
Anna Maria Island is a small island situated just south of Tampa next to Bradenton, Fla. Tucked away on the west coast of the island is Mainsail Beach Inn, a luxurious beach resort offering two and three bedroom vacation rentals. The Inn sits along miles of pristine white beach and boasts breathtaking views of the sunset over the Gulf. The island is quite residential which gives your stay more of a home away from home vibe putting you in a mix of island time, and the feeling of being cozy in your favorite place. Mainsail’s hospitable staff bring that concept full circle, getting you fully up to speed with all the homey conveniences of your accommodations and welcoming you in with freshly made cookies.
Enjoy the heated pool at Mainsail Beach Inn
Delight in the Details
From the heated pool, to the white sandy beaches, if you are looking to get active you’ve come to the right place. Take a kayak or paddleboard out for a turn and get close to nature watching for dolphins and sea life as you find balance on the water. For more adventure the island awaits. Parasailing, deep sea fishing, boat charters, and bike rentals are all within easy access on the island giving you plenty of opportunity to embrace the sun and connect with family through bonding experiences. When your day turns to dusk, gather around the table and challenge each other to a game or puzzle provided by the resort. From the inside out, Mainsail provides ample opportunity for you to explore the island and find the spark that brings the magic to your family time. We enjoyed a tour of the island and surrounding waterways through Seaduced Watercraft Adventures. Captain Larry regaled us with stories of the Island and its rich history and future.
Capture the Island Vibe
To experience the flavor of the island, taste the local fare at well known destinations like Beach Bistro (located directly across the street), or the Sandbar where you can secure a table right on the sand, or Mar Vista located on nearby Longboat Key. Make sure to visit AMI Donuts for their world famous made to order cake donuts where creations like Maple Bacon, Key Lime, and Sriracha tempt taste buds, not to mention raise a few eyebrows. When you are ready to bring home a treasure to remember visit the charming shops along Pine Avenue offering stylish island themed keepsakes. Walk one or both of Anna Maria’s piers and take in the expanse of the coastline and the crystal blue waters.
Timeless Style
Anna Maria’s community is committed to preserving the culture of the island and strives to keep that “Old Florida” style. You’ll find the skyline refreshingly empty of high rises, replaced instead by neighborly kindness and wholesome values. Mainsail Beach Inn’s dedication to that same philosophy makes them the ideal setting for your next escape.
Plan your next getaway for the Gulf Coast of Florida and discover the luxury, hospitality, and timeless charm of Mainsail Beach Inn, and Anna Maria Island.
It's that time of year again. The time where all the pressure is on our sweetie to come up with something super romantic to do. We so easily get caught up in "the usual", but how about bringing a little adventure and creativity in the mix? For that matter, don't be afraid to turn the tables and be the one to sweep your partner off their feet. If you are looking for some inspiration you're in luck. Try on one of these ideas I discussed on News 4 Jax this week. Worried about your budget? I've got you covered. These ideas start at as little as $1. Can't beat that!
During a recent trip to the Caribbean my husband (who is also an information security specialist) ran into the panic inducing situation of having his laptop switched during our security check in TSA. He didn't find out until we made it home. It was this situation that led him to write a blog about travel security on his website Elevation Expeditions. I brought those great tips to The Chat last week and shared with the ladies how to avoid disaster. Watch and find out how many you may already apply, and how many you need to start integrating into your travel habits.
I had two segments for my last visit to The Chat. The ladies wanted to learn more about easy packing tips. Watch me discuss quick and easy travel tips here.
If you were eyeballing that statement necklace by Stephanie Kantis, keep your eyes peeled for more. I'll be posting some outfit inspirations this week featuring more of her artisan pieces. Take a look at the craftsmanship here. (for those viewing in email you will need to open in your browser to see)
Been drooling over all the creative romantic ideas I've been discussing this month but not sure you can afford them all? Get a taste of the best in my "Ultimate Romance Package" giveaway. Up your game in the kitchen with two seats to a demo class at Publix Aprons Cooking School, enjoy an intimate tea time with your sweetie, or experience award winning entertainment while dining in style. It can be one big date night, or you can space it out and enjoy. The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day so don't miss out, enter now!
