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Rabu, 28 Desember 2016

2016 in Review | Your Favorite Posts and More

It's that time of year again. The time we take a look back at the last 365 days and contemplate the accomplishments we made, the failures we'd rather forget, and the goals that lay ahead. I have to say that transitioning into a mother of two has been quite the adjustment. London turned one this year and with that celebration I took a few steps closer to freedom. We still have milestones yet to come, but I've gradually been able to grant Amy West Travel more and more of my time again this year. I love having the privilege of being both mom and business owner, and through it all, I appreciate you my amazing readers sticking with me through thick and thin. Here's a look back at the best of 2016, and a glimpse into what 2017 promises thus far.

Top 5 Blogs of 2016

1. Houston Top 10 Family Travel

This spring we had the pleasure of partnering with Visit Houston and experiencing one of Texas' finest cities. Our kids got to taste Tex Mex, watch a Rodeo, blast off at the Johnson Space Center and get hands on at a Children's museum. We discovered how kid friendly this growing city truly is and really had a fantastic time. Catch the full story for the complete list of "must see" destinations. I learned from this post how much you, my readers, want to read about family travel. Because of the success of this post I have begun to adjust my travel planning to include more kid friendly destinations.

2. Tampa Top 10 Family Travel

With the success of Houston on my heels I was eager to accept Visit Tampa's invitation to visit. I specifically requested a kid friendly itenerary so we could bring you the best in family travel Tampa had to offer. We were not disappointed. So many great restaurants and attractions await. Get caught up on the entire post and find out what you have been missing from this bayside city.

decadent prawns from Salt at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Photo by Agnes Lopez

3. 9 Must Taste Southern Dishes in Jax

In addition to family travel you guys, like me, love to eat. I was pleased to see how popular this post on Southern Dishes in Jax was. How many have you tasted?

4. 5 Brand New Restaurants in Jax

Following suit with the Southern dishes post was this article and TV segment I posted on brand new restaurants in Jax. I also did a popular follow up of this post with 6 more restaurants. This will become a regular spot thanks to it's popularity. Thanks for choosing Amy West Travel as a trusted resource on where to eat. I'll keep doing that hard work of researching all these great new restaurants.

5. How I lost the Baby Weight

Ironically, after eating all that tasty food, you all wanted to know how I lost the baby weight. Falling into the fifth most popular spot is this post on how I lost my baby weight, which really is just a big encouragement to moms to relax, and take as much time as you want to be you and enjoy your kid. There is enough pressure on us to be perfect these days. Love the skin you are in and be proud of your body, which gave you the ability to produce a child. That is my message to you all when it comes to baby weight.

In other News.....

Here's what 2016 looked like for Amy West Travel by the numbers:

Blog Posts = 62 Blog Posts Including This One
TV Appearances = 22 Live TV Appearances including The Chat and River City Live (See all my on air segments on my Media page here.)

Freelance Contributions and Other advances:

Contributed to a group article for Huffington Post
Became an official on-air contributor for Wander Jacksonville, Jacksonville's official visitor information Network, launching in January 2017.
Came on board as a contributor for Where Guidebook
Named a top 10 Travel Trolley Best Luxury Blogger
2nd Year Contributing to 10Best.com
Began partnering with World Market as an on air lifestyle contributor in North East Florida
I'm pleased to report I'm now working with RewardStyle and LiketoKnow.It since July (if you notice my shopping widgets you can thank RewardStyle. More info to come soon on how to shop on my site.)

Looking Forward...

I don't want to give it all away but I will leak that we will be traveling to California in April of 2017 with our girls. This will be my first time to the West coast in two years, and we are super excited for our girls to experience this stunning part of the country. Aside from that, look for more trips to Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, and Georgia. We are looking at Chicago, New Orleans, New York, and a few destinations across the Atlantic as possible travel destinations. In the meantime I'll be bringing you more great insight on how to travel stress free with the family, where to find the best eats, and how to live life with style.

Thank you for your faithful reading and support of my site. Without you, all this would be for naught. Here's to another great year, and more adventures than we can all imagine.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Amy West behind the scenes at Orsay with Wander Jacksonville

Rabu, 30 Maret 2016

8 Do's and Don'ts for Traveling With Friends

three friends enjoying a getaway together

I've been on quite a few trips with friends and let's just say it can it can be an enlightening experience that changes the course of your life and brings you even closer to your BFFs, or it could potentially crush a relationship. As a professional travel writer I personally think it's a great idea to get away with friends and seek out new adventures together. However, before you go, you might want to keep these Do's and Don'ts in mind for a more successful journey.

1. Do: Communicate Liberally

When it comes to travel with friends, you really can't over communicate. You need to discuss budget, what kind of experience you are seeking, and what your priorities are for the trip just to get started. This is especially important if you live in different places.

Don't: Be Vague

This isn't a time to worry about feelings. You need to discuss thoroughly so you are all on the same page. I speak from personal experience as a people pleaser, if you fail to speak your mind, no one will be happy.

2. Do: Share the planning

This is a trip you all share. If only one person does the planning you might not end up getting the experience you hoped for.

Don't: Assume your friend who likes to plan wants to be a tour guide

They don't.

3. Do: Be committed

This means you are purpose to be your best for the entirety of the trip from planning to take off and landing. Trust is vital. If your friends can't rely on you, it's going to be a rocky trip.

Don't: Be flaky

Bailing out at the last minute could ruin the entire trip for everyone involved. Losing your motivation mid trip turns you into extra baggage. No one wants to drag around someone who isn't into the trip.

4. Do: Choose your travel buddy wisely

Well travelled friends may struggle with a novice traveler if they aren't prepared to pace themselves and help their friend learn. Keep in mind your level of travel experience and be realistic about what kind of pace you intend to go with.

Don't: Overestimate how much your travel buddy knows

Make sure you are both confident in where you are going and what you are doing. A novice traveler may struggle with more insecurities on how to get around especially if there is a language barrier.

5. Do: Bring a positive attitude and good energy

Don't take things personally or make things personal when you communicate.

Don't: Be afraid to take time for yourself each day

Find your center and bring your best self to the trip.

6. Do: Be adventurous

Traveling is all about embracing the unknown and discovering new things.

Don't: Be afraid to step out of your comfort zone

It's important to know what kind of traveler you are (i.e. being an observer vs a doer) but part of the joy of traveling with friends is embracing your differences and trying things their way.

7. Do: Be Present

You choose to come on this trip with your friend. Try to be mindful and be in the moment.

Don't: Spend all your time on the phone talking to your significant other or announcing every detail on social media.

Take pics and load them later. Use your private time to communicate with your loved ones at home.

8. Do: Agree on what makes you feel safe

What one person thinks is safe may be frightening to another. Being in a strange place immersed in a new culture can be invigorating for some and set others off balance.

Don't: Downplay how your friend feels.

Respect is critical to relationships especially when traveling.

Do you travel often with your friends? Share your tricks and tips in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch me discuss this topic on The Chat

Rabu, 06 Januari 2016

9 Must Taste Upscale Southern Dishes in Jax

Looking for a taste of the South? Jacksonville is rising in the ranks for it's culinary talents and it's no secret that if you are looking for original Southern dishes prepared with finesse and delivered with sophistication and distinction, then the river city should be on your radar. Here is a round up of some of the Bold City's finest dining destinations and their take on elevated Southern dining.

1. Salt

Located inside the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Smoked Shrimp and Grits

A dish to remember, this dish features Crispy Prawns with Goat Cheese,

Shredded Phyllo, and Creamy Grits Flash Smoked for a theatrical finish that will leave you breathless.

Bonus!!! Recipe Here

2. Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails

Chicken + Waffles

A stand out dish in Jacksonville, if a local brings you to Moxie, they inevitably will tell

you to order this.

Fried Chicken, Savory Waffle Pudding, Maple Mousse and Pepper Jelly

3. Black Sheep

Korean Beef Short Ribs

For a fusion of flavors try Black Sheep's tasty dish including:

Bulgogi BBQ marinade, Logan Turnpike grits, Kimchi, Anson mills benne seeds, and soft boiled egg

The marinade is a Korean bbq style

The grits are straight out of Georgia

The Kimichi is house made with Napa Cabbage

Benne seeds from South Carolina

Soft boiled egg from Black Hog farm - East Palatka

4. Azurea

Cast Iron Seared Jumbo Blue Crab Cake

An elegant choice that makes a savory statement, I love the combination of:

Apple Cider Braised Collard Greens Charred Heirloom Tomatoes, Crisp Smoked Bacon

5. The Candy Apple Cafe' & Cocktails

Deviled Eggs

Always a guest favorite, each order comes with the "traditional", cobb,

and spicy hummus deviled eggs.

6. Flying Iguana

Dirty South Taco

I want to personally thank Flying Iguana for taking everything I love about Southern comfort food and putting it in a taco. Yum! The Dirty South Taco is loaded with:

Fried Green Tomato, Black Eyed “Peaco” de Gallo,

Pimento Cheese Sauce, and Baby Arugula

7. Jaxon Social

Red Fish Creole

Jaxon Social scores and A+ with this tasty Red Fish dish. Enjoy pan seared Blackened Red Fish, served over home made Asiago Cheese Grit Cakes, topped with Crawfish Tails and Southern Creole Cream Sauce. Devine!

8. Gilbert's Underground Kitchen

Fried Green Tomato Sliders

I enjoyed these tasty fried green tomato sliders over brunch in Fernandina at Gilbert's Underground kitchen. The made from scratch Pimento Cheese reminded me of my childhood and added just the perfect zing and creaminess to these tiny sandwiches.

9. Vernon's

Taste of Sawgrass

Sawgrass Marriott signature restaurant Vernon's has recently undergone a major shift with the addition of Executive Chef Joe Natoli. Chef Joe has done his research and infused tons of local ingredients and regional flavors into the seasonal menu. A fine example of the Southern influence is the Taste of Sawgrass which features:

Buttermilk Biscuits, Pickled Local Vegetable, Pimento Cheese,

Boiled Peanuts and House Charcuterie, Datil Peach Marmalade Spread

Seek out these fabulous dishes before they are gone. These upscale dishes are seasonal and may not be available year around, however I have faith these incredible dining destinations will find a way to please your palate regardless of season.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Get the App! Take my tour with you when you visit with GPS My City
Take the Tour Here

Watch me discuss these dishes on The Chat here.

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .

Jumat, 24 Juli 2015

His and Hers Weekends Away | Amy on The Chat

Ready for a weekend away with just the girls? I know me too! I think every group of friends should go like the gals of Sex and the City and jet set off somewhere exciting on a regular basis. At least once a year when possible. As life moves on and we start to build our families and change, it's important to stay connected to those relationships most valuable to us. What better way than to escape the stressors of our every day and journey together somewhere new. Last year I put together a few ideas to inspire. I'm back this summer with a few more ideas, and guess what guys, I thought of you too! Time to get planning. One of these exciting adventures awaits.

His and Hers Weekends Away

Snorkel in the 35,000 gallon tank at the RumFish Grill at Guy Harvey Outpost in St. Pete Beach

Can you imagine snorkeling in this 35,000 gallon aquarium at the Guy Harvey Outpost?

1. St. Pete Beach - His
Guy Harvey Outpost

Celebrate all things fishing and ocean inspired
Cutting edge seafood at RumFish Grill
Restaurant also features a 33,500 gallon aquarium guests can snorkel in
FL resident specials beginning end of August through Christmas with great discounts on Jet packs, Paddle boarding, Spa services, Parasailing, and merchandise
Ask the concierge about booking diving, fishing, golfing, and snorkeling

Amy West and friends at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Nibble on something tasty at High Tea when you stay at Jekyll Island Club

2. Golden Isles - Hers
Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Featured on my blog last year when I enjoyed a girls trip with 3 friends
Enjoy Massage in room
Nibble on something tasty with High Tea every afternoon
Picnic on the beach
Find new treasures at charming Southern boutiques nearby

Experience timeless luxury at The Brazilian Court Hotel

3. Palm Beach - Hers
The Brazilian Court

Chic Iconic Boutique Hotel
Ranked #1 Hotel in Fl by Conde Naste Traveller in 2013
Celebrities like the Trumps, Kennedy’s, and Pullizer’s have stayed there
Great packages including “One More Night” offer – where guests who book two nights will receive their third night free, offering a savings up of to 33 percent off with rates starting at low as $149.
A quick stroll from Worth Ave - famed shopping
Spa and Salon services at the Frederic Fekkai Salon & Spa including a 24kt gold moisturizer

Play both impressive courses at TPC Sawgrass

4. Ponte Vedra (Staycation) - His
TPC-Sawgrass

Rates from $287 per person, per night – based on double occupancy

One round on THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass
One round on the Dye’s Valley course at TPC Sawgrass
Two-night stay at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
“Floating Hole Challenge” at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
$50 credit to be used towards food and beverage at the Sawgrass Marriott (per room)
$25 TPC Sawgrass gift card to be used at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse (per player)
Bag tag welcome gift on day of THE PLAYERS Stadium round
Complimentary storyteller tour of the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse
Complimentary transportation to/from the golf course

Universal features four amazing on property hotels

5. Orlando - His or Hers
Universal Resorts/ Parks

Bring out the kid in you and have fun
Four different on property hotels to choose from
Universal is a whole new park with more attractions than ever before (check out the new raptors just added), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
New attractions coming soon Skull Island Reign of Kong (2016), Sapphire Falls (a new resort 2016), and Volcano Bay a new waterpark (2017)
Tons of nightlife at City Walk where you can party, see a show, eat amazing food, and karaoke

Can you imagine yourself on the ultimate weekend away? Discover a new exciting destination and reconnect with your favorite friends, or make new ones.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Chatting it up with the lovely ladies of The Chat

Watch me discuss these exciting destinations on The Chat talk show.

Jumat, 26 Juni 2015

Best Babymoons | Amy West on The Chat

If you are an expecting couple, or know someone expecting you may have heard of a Babymoon. What exactly is a "Babymoon"? It's the last big hurrah before baby comes. It's a chance for the expecting couple to escape and spend some dedicated time focused on each other. Bringing a baby into this world is a gift. One that changes life as you know it. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate and prepare than to escape the every day norm and find each other anew amidst eye opening experiences. Recently I revealed my Top 10 picks for 10Best.com and visited The Chat talk show to discuss the top 5. Catch the highlights here.

1. Coconut Bay, St. Lucia

All inclusive resort.

Adult only wing available or family wing available.

The resort is full of excitement, or head off site for one of their amazing excursions around St. Lucia.

2. Scrub Island Resort, British Virgin Islands

Marina and Spa

World Class food

Vacation Rental Style accommodations including full kitchens

Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding

Sailing school, and boat charters available

3. Sea Ranch Lodge, Sonoma California

Located on the Pacific Coast not too far from wine country

Remote and tranquil

Miles of hiking available

Relaxing Massage

Whale Watching

Great food

The Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach

4. The Shores Resort and Spa, Daytona Beach

The only AAA four diamond rated resort in Central Florida

Newly remodeled, a shining jewel in Daytona Beach

Signature S'mores on the beach

Plenty to do around including shopping, museums, and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

5. Salamander Resort, Middleburg Virginia

30 min from DC

In the heart of Virginia Horse and Wine Country

Great shopping in the area

Amazing Spa

Highly praised fare

To learn more about the Top 10 read my full story here

read my full story here

Take away: Whether near or far, look for destinations that create a unique experience and have a strong sense of place. Many great destinations feature packages just for Babymooners so make sure to check out their packages section. You may score credits for the spa and restaurants at the same rate you would book anyway.

Tip: If you plan on getting prenatal massage check ahead and make sure they have therapists certified in prenatal massage and request what their policy is. Many spas will not work on women until they have reached their second trimester.

Have you been on a Babymoon? If so share your experience in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Amy West on The Chat discussing baby moons.

Watch me discuss Best Babymoons on The Chat

Senin, 22 Juni 2015

Fashion Cravings | Outfit Post | Featuring Anthropologie

Amy West fashion and travel blogger and host

Now that I'm nearly eight months pregnant folks, I get a lot of the typical pregnant lady questions. "How far along are you?" "When are you due?" "Having a Boy or Girl?" And let's not leave out, "Any special cravings?" With my first daughter I craved spicy and tart foods like salsa and key lime pie. Pretty fitting since munchkin is quite the fiery spirit. With this baby girl, I've been craving more creamy and sweet foods like mashed potatoes, tarimisu, and after this shoot... the delicious Dulce de Leche Milkshake from Corner Taco in 5 Points. But what about fashion cravings? Read on to find out more about what I look for when I shop for maternity wear including these must have pieces from Anthropologie.

Just because you need a few new items, doesn't mean you have to break the bank to stock up. Whether pregnant or not pay attention to store sale cycles. Holidays, are a great time to stock up as they usually feature great sales and further reduction on clearance items. Shop smart and look for deals and steals. A little creativity can go a long way.

Tell me what your favorite fashion cravings are in the comments or shoot me a line at info@amywesttravel.com

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Photography by Aimee Dodds

Hair Color and Cut by Rio Hair Studio

Style Suggestions

Bordeaux Jersey Swing Tunic • Bordeaux • $58

Oh baby by motherhood secret fit belly convertible pants - maternity • Oh Baby • $35

Jill Schwartz Tiered Tassel Pendant Necklace • Anthropologie • $19.95

Blu Bijoux Gold Crystal Pyramid Stud Earrings • Blu Bijoux • $24

Pavé Spear Ring - Rose Gold • $34

Zinnia Split Ring • $39