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. 

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 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

12 Holiday Traditions to Share with Your Family

We all have our Holiday traditions. You know, those never fail "To Dos" we check off our list between Thanksgiving and New Years Eve. As a young family we are still determining what our traditions will be. A mix of my family favs, his family favs, and our own individual family favorites. Here's a round up of our current never fail traditions we have checked off the list the last few years. *Spoiler Alert. There are no elves involved. 

1. Christmas Card Photos

We established our own photography business in 2006. Family photos were one of our main sources of business so it was important for us to have great photos to showcase our work. Because our holiday season was always full of photo shoots, we got our family photos in early. Even though our photo business has dissolved due to the popularity of this blog, that tradition still stands today. We shoot early in October or before in order to get ahead of the rush. So don't be surprised to get our photos right after Halloween.

2. Gingerbread Reveal at 

One Ocean Resort and Spa  

Several of the resorts in our region create stunning Gingerbread creations. The luxurious One Ocean Resort is right in our backyard, and always hosts a festive reveal of their epic Gingerbread creation each year. For the last three or four years we have made it a point to be at the One Ocean Resort Gingerbread reveal to partake in the Christmas Carols, cider, and of course the Gingerbread Cookies. We've seen the elves at play on the beach, Santa relaxing in his room, and a giant gingerbread bakery. Who knows what we'll discover next year? 

3. Jammy Ride

The jammy ride was established in my household when I was a kid. It goes like this. 

1. Dress up in your jammies

2. Hop in the car

3. Go enjoy the Christmas lights 

There are several great places to discover lights in my area, but wherever you are, I guarantee you'll find them much more enjoyable in your p.j.s. 

 4. Gingerbread House/ and Candy Making

I'm not exactly sure how this became important. I think I was just desperate one Christmas season to entertain my energetic toddler so I grabbed at a gingerbread kit at Publix and boom, instant tradition. Now every year the Publix gingerbread kit is a necessity for our Christmas season. I really enjoy seeing how creative my big kid has become in decking out her house. London is still in the "eating the house" phase, so we'll see how creative she can be maybe next year. In addition to making our yearly gingerbread house, we have an annual baking day my mom and I established years ago that to this day holds true. Buckeyes (an Ohio classic consisting of peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate), and Chex Caramel Corn top the list of items we bake and give away. 

 5. The 12 Days of Christmas Bedtime Singing

One year we got this "12 Days of Christmas Book" when Sienna was like 3, as a gift. Every year after that, singing the classic carol has become a Christmas eason "must have" for us. We start at the beginning of December and sing it literallyyyyy everryyyyy night. At first you are kinda sloppy and can't remember the words, but by the end of the month we are masters and can sing it forward, backward, and in and Operatic voice! Take a listen and watch for yourself. Even London got into it this year. 

6. Christmas Movies and Books 

We have collected a nice array of Christmas books throughout the years. "The Night Before Christmas" is a must of course, "The Christmas Story" about the Nativity is for sure in there, and this retro book about Rudolph from my childhood also found it's way into our list. Books and movies definitely help create a spirit of magic during our season and can't be missed.

7. Bedtime Christmas Dance Party 

One of our newer ways to get our fill of Christmas music is the bedtime Christmas Dance Party. We are big into bedtime dance parties at this house. Add a Star Shower Motion light projector and some Christmas music into the mix and you have an instant disco! This a tradition I have a feeling will be returning year after year.

 8. Pause and Reflect 

It can be challenging to do, but it's so important. Taking a moment to pause in the middle of the Holiday Season and reflect on all our gratitude, and the magic of it all is for us, an absolute priority. This year we were so grateful to get away to The Horse Stamp Inn where we were able to unplug for a little bit and just let the kids be kids. It was priceless!

9. Give Back 

I'm so grateful that both side of our family established in us the importance of giving back during the Holiday Season. We are so grateful that all our needs are met. In our gratitude we know that it's important to give to those less fortunate. Some of our favorite ways are to:

1. Adopt a family to get presents for

2. Donate to Compassion International

3. Purchase gifts through Rethreaded, one of our favorite non profits.

By purposefully giving through one of these venues we try to expose and educate our children to give back.

10. Enjoy the Romance 

Christmas and New Years are two of the most romantic holidays to look forward to. The candlelight, the magic, the warm fuzzy feelings. It can be challenging to find the time to embrace that magic amidst the hustle and bustle of seasonal events and Christmas shopping. For us that time finally comes on Christmas Eve when the kids scurry off to bed. Mom and Dad stock up the presents, then we sit down to a romantic dinner just for two and make the most of the candle light.  

11. Party 

For me the highlights of the season are all the fun get togethers and parties that are taking place before year end. Whether its a Holiday Open House, a preschool music special, or a corporate office party, I just think it's fun to get all dolled up and mingle with friends and family. This year we even have a masquerade to attend. We'll be ringing in the New Year in style!

12. Go to the Beach

For Floridians, it's a welcome tradition to seek out the sand on Christmas day. No, we may not be wearing our bikinis, but we'll soak up the sunshine just the same on December 25th. Sometimes we get a cold front and you'll see us decked out in our puffy jackets, but more likely than not the weather will take a turn for the warmer side and may just hit 80 degrees. I'm not going to lie. I don't hate it:)

These are just a few of our favorite traditions. I'd love to hear yours in the comments below. 

Make it a Magical Day!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

How to Style Family Portraits

It's finally fall and if you haven't already, it's time to start thinking about your family portraits. I'm not uber traditional when it comes to the holidays, but after years of being professional photographers and working with hundreds of families, one thing there was never a question about was doing our own family photo for Christmas Cards. What to wear is always the question, but this year I spotted the "It" dress early and I'm happy to say we already have the Christmas Cards in hand to send out and it's not even October (patting myself on the back)! Here are a few tips for planning your style for this year's portrait. 

Where Will You Display?

The first thing you need to think about is where you plan on displaying your images. If it's just for your card then you have a lot more choices for wardrobe. If you plan on putting these up on your walls then you need to think a little more strategically about the colors you are going to use. This year I knew we were going to put these images on canvas and hang on the wall. We don't have any pictures of London on the walls yet and I wanted to incorporate her into our gallery. 

Choosing a Color Scheme

We live at the beach and our little cottage has a of neutrals. I wanted soft colors that reflected the coastal lifestyle but would also blend in with our decor. I ultimately decided to go with soft pastels in teal and pink. The exact shades didn't have to match perfectly. As you can see, we are in the same color spectrum without having the exact shame shades. Also, and this is very important, you need to choose colors you know look good on you.

Deciding Where to Shoot

In our neck of the woods it's a little cliche to shoot at the beach. It really never gets old, but we try to mix it up from year to year. This year we came back to the beach because I wanted the location on display in our beach home. I envisioned a dramatic scene to add romance to the images, so we chose a more remote beach location to create an epic scene. When deciding on location consider the time of day and lighting. Assuming you are working with a professional photographer, they will likely know the best local spots to shoot and the best times of day. A common issue is that popular locations may be busy with tourists and locals. It's a good idea to choose a weekday if possible to cut out some of the background traffic. This is another good reason to shoot earlier in the season because it starts getting dark earlier in October and November. By the end of the season and closer to the holidays you have to shoot outdoors around 3pm in order to get anything good. 

A Few Tips 

• Avoid patterns and stick to solid colors. Patterns will draw away from your faces.
• Make sure to feed kids (and Dad) before the shoot. This can dramatically effect attitude during the shoot. 
• Consider kids bed times and try not too shoot so close to nap or bed time if possible. 
• Nature will be nature. Consider having a rain date in mind in case of weather. Also, for beach locations, you may have to deal with a considerable amount of wind. We had a lot of wind for our shoot, and I hated it. It can ruin everything. So know the risk and plan accordingly. This is a good time to wear your hair up. 
• Less is more. When choosing your accessories, don't over style. Too many accessories make an image heavy and distracting. It may look good on a fashion post but not hanging on your walls.
• Don't be afraid to get moving. We loved shooting families chasing their little ones and having fun together. For this shoot my husband wanted to dip me. How fun are these shots? 
• Don't be afraid to go on pinterest and pull your favorite poses and pictures. Your photographer will appreciate knowing what you are going for and what you like as far as style, lighting, and formatting. 
• To save money shop Groupon for canvases, Christmas Cards, and photo books. I have found Canvas on Demand, Shutterfly, and Picaboo on Groupon and they are some of my preferred vendors. 

Tulle Dress (I'm wearing Medium) - Over the Knee Boots - David's Shirt (Similar) - London's Pink Lace Dress (Similar) - Sienna's Blue Eyelet Dress (Similar) 

Let's Go Shopping

So where did we get our outfits? Well, you might be surprised to learn that my dress and boots were the only new pieces. My husband's shirt was from Brooks Brothers a few years back and my daughters dresses were hand me downs that just happened to be perfect. I really gained inspiration for the entire shoot around my dress. I spied it online at Anthropologie about a month ago and thought it was the perfect family portrait dress. The tulle is soft (and not puffy), and I knew it would move well in the ocean breeze. Really this dress would go with just about any location since it is so neutral and a classic silhouette. I chose the boots from Nordstrom to add a more distinct look.

What are your favorite photo tips? I'd love for you to share in the comments below.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Special thanks to:

Tara Clemons for helping us with the awesome photos

Rio Hair Studio for my trendy new cut and color
Guana Beach for the gorgeous background

Laugh at Yourself

We may make it look easy, but know that family pictures are just as challenging for us as it is for everyone else. Fortunately you really only need 2 to 4 good images which  we thankfully scored even though our kids weren't feeling it, the wind was crazy, and it was still a little early to shoot. Here are a few of our outtakes. I know you are laughing with us not at us right? 

Those eyes though...

Almost had it. What are you doing Londy? 

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Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

6 More New Restaurants in Jax You Must Try

Lately it seems a new restaurant is popping up almost every week here in the River City. It's one of the perks of my job to keep up with these new additions. Currently new restaurants are opening at such a rapid rate, I can barely give them all a taste before reporting on them. I consider that a great problem to have. Here are my latest finds to add to your must try list. 

1. The Bearded Pig BBQ
San Marco

The Bearded Pig has opened in Jacksonville's historic San Marco neighborhood to much fanfare. Recently named one of Jacksonville's most family friendly restaurants, this BBQ joint features a fresh modern interior and open backyard for families to relax in. Food is served a la carte in the Texan way. Order your meat by the pound and stock up on fresh sides, Southern desserts, and local brews. 

Photo provided by Coast

2. Coast
Amelia Island

Coast is the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island's most recent update to it's award winning list of restaurants. Serving up Modern American Coastal cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Coast gives the resort guests a casual atmosphere to dine on fresh local seafood, and Southern staples. Mayport Shrimp, Chicken and Waffles, and Cherry Plank Salmon stand out on a menu full of locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the newly updated dining area, or sit outside on the Terrace and take in the beauty of Amelia Island's pristine coastline. 

Picture sourced from This Chick's Kitchen 

3. This Chick's Kitchen
Jacksonville Beach

Chef Rosaria Anderson brings her fresh concept to Jacksonville Beach in the form of This Chick's Kitchen. Modeled after the European concept of in home pop up restaurants, This Chick's Kitchen boast's an intimate setting to enjoy elevated cuisine fresh from the farm. Touted as one of Jacksonville's "Best Kept Secrets", you'll enjoy the daily made from scratch menu as Chef Anderson serves up highly technical dishes created with a whole lot of heart. 

Photo by Amy West

4. American Gator Club 
Ponte Vedra Beach
Check out my full review here

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa introduces their newest addition in the form of patio restaurant American Gator Club. Handhelds and small plates dominate the menu along with colorful cocktails that refresh the palate on a hot day. Fresh Southern inspired dishes tease the tastebuds with a selection that emphasize local ingredients. Gator Tail Tacos, reinvented Cuban Sandwiches, and hearty salads provide ample selection for all types of foodies. 

Picture by Amy West 

5. Brixx Pizza 
Brooklyn - Unity Plaza

Wood fired pizza, fresh salads, signature cocktails, and tasty small plates make Brixx Pizza a must taste destination. This family friendly restaurant is the newest restaurant to call Jacksonville's trendy Brooklyn neighborhood home. Taking up residence in Unity Plaza, Brixx Pizza is a casual destination with a creative menu. 

Picture provided by Wicked Barley

6. Wicked Barley
Baymeadows

Wicked Barley recently opened their stunning brewery in Baymeadows right on the water. Boasting a large selection of their own ales, Wicked joins a growing craft brewery scene on the River City. The menu is small yet full of variety with Garlic and Ginger Fries, Onion Rings that will have you day dreaming about them for weeks to come, and a delightful selection of Brats. Pulled pork, pizza, and burgers can also be found on the menu creating a great selection you'll want to pair a stout glass of craft brew with.  

Picture provided by Wicked Barley

Any new favorites I'm missing? I always welcome your comments and new finds! Give me a shout and your favorite may be featured next. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West


www.amywesttravel.com 

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Looking for more? Here are more new restaurants to try. 

Watch me discuss these new restaurants on The Chat



Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Boho Beach Days | Featuring Anthropologie

Summer is creeping to an end, but if you're a Floridian like me, you may be looking forward to several more months of sunshine and sand. I have a closet full of go to cover ups and sundresses, but when I saw these flowy beach pants I knew they had my name written all over them for my next outfit post. 

Most folks flock to the beach on the weekend, but when you live at the beach, it's all about those week day nights. With half the usual tourists lining the shore, there is plenty of room to spread out and run free. Our kids love playing in the tide pools and bringing out the hoola hoop to practice new tricks. 

These beach pants from Anthropologie live up to their name. Extremely light weight and cool, they also dry very quickly after getting wet. I love the tiny pom pom fringe, so on trend this season. The t-shirt is from Anthropologie as well and is amazingly comfortable. I love the detailing along the neckline and the pin tucking in the back. 

 

The scarf was a great accessory, and a handy cover up for the little on after we shed those sandy clothes. Sometimes you plan to go swimming, other times you plan to go for a walk. Who are we kidding though? Children will always end up wet and sandy at the beach. 

Beach Pants - Red T-Shirt - Sunglasses - Boho Necklace - Scarf/Sarong - Girls Swim Suit (Similar) - Earrings (Similar)  - Bracelet (Similar) - Lip Color 

What's your go to beach ensemble? Love hearing your style tips in the comments below.

Until then...

Enjoy the journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Special thanks to Tara Clemons for taking the photos
and
Rio Hair Studio for keeping my locks on point

Shop the Look

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.