This Wild Amazing Life

Musings of a passionate, always curious, 25 year old

I Won A Trip to Cancun!

If you follow me on Instagram (which I would love for you to if you don’t) then you probably know that I spent all of last week in Cancun! As someone who loves to travel but has never made it to Mexico, I was so excited!

The story of how this trip came about is pretty crazy. Last September, while I was still living in LA, a group of friends and I were audience members on The Kelly Clarkson Show. We got to see Kristen Bell and it was an absolute blast!! Crazy enough that day the whole audience won a trip to Cancun — still in shock over it. While flights were not covered, The Kelly Clarkson Show + NBC arranged for each audience member to have 3 complimentary nights for 2 guests at the Marriott Cancun Resort which is so generous!

I knew no matter what I had to go because I mean…it was basically a free trip… who doesn’t take advantage of that?! I ended up taking my very best friend Rachel and we were able to use airline miles to get us there for almost nothing, which gave us plenty of money to budget for food/drinks. We also ended up booking an extra night and I am so glad we did.

1st Day: We decided to catch a 6am flight on Monday morning from Birmingham to Miami to Cancun because we wanted to have as many full days as possible. While it was painful to wake up at 4am, it was so worth it because we arrived to the hotel around 1:30pm and had the rest of the day to explore the hotel, go to the beach, and hang at the pool! Our first day we made zero plans because we weren’t sure how we would feel. After checking in, we unpacked our bags, changed into our swimsuits, and went in search of lunch! We ended up eating lunch at the Sacbé Beach Shack that is literally right on the beach complete with great cocktails and delicious Mexican food. We then made our way to the pool where we were hit on by pilots that were very gross and pretty much convinced me to never ever date a pilot 😂 (story time in another blog post…maybe). That night we made our way to the Lobby Bar at the adjoining hotel — the JW Marriott — and split an order of calamari over delicious margaritas! We were in bed early though after getting up so early we were exhausted.

2nd Day: To be honest the second day is a somewhat of a blur simply because we were so tired the day before, we don’t even remember falling asleep! We slept in till around 10:30am, then made our way to the pool where we hung out for most of the day. The pool had a swim up bar which you know we took full advantage of. We laid out, read our books, ate nachos again, and enjoyed the cool ocean breeze while we sipped white wine. Truly a dream. We got ready for dinner and had a delicious spread of different sushi rolls for dinner. We finished the night having beer at the hotel’s sports bar — which was hilarious. The hotel had two tech conferences in town which made for incredible people watching.

3rd Day: Our third day was spent almost exclusively at the pool. We did end up booking 80 min massages at the hotel which were AMAZING. Expensive yes, but one of the best massages I’ve ever had. Worth every single penny. We then got dressed and had a delicious Hibachi dinner at the resort! We topped off the night having margaritas back at the Lobby Bar where the great people watching was at an all time high.

4th Day: For our last day we started the day off with breakfast at the HANA Polynesian restaurant that included a delicious buffet and a full breakfast menu — everything was sooooo yummy! We then decided that our whole day was going to spent by the pool. We both finished our beach reads, enjoyed the sunshine, and soaked up every min. The night was finished with dinner at the Gustino Italian Grill in the JW Marriott which was an amazing way to end our trip. I had the best lasagna of my life, a live violinist played while we ate, and the staff could not have been more kind or attentive. Cannot recommend this restaurant enough!!

We ended our trip on Friday where we flew home and felt the post-vacation blues HARD. Travel back was definitely trickier this time because customs in Miami took FOREVER. Note to self: make sure to have at least 2.5 hours when traveling back in the USA because you never know how long customs and security will take.

This vacation was one of the best I’ve been on in a long time and I cannot recommend taking a vacation that is focused solely on resting. While there my biggest concern was what drink I was going to order and how long I wanted to spend in the pool…aka the dream.,

I cannot recommend The Marriott Cancun enough. The staff was absolutely fabulous. Every single person on the property was incredibly kind and helpful for whatever we needed. To check the resort out click here!

Hope you enjoyed my travel diary! Where should I go next? Do you have a vacation planned for this summer? Comment and let me know!

What I’d Wear To Coachella

Ahhh Coachella. The infamous music festival that has filled my Instagram feed for what feels like a month now. I won’t lie that I feel serious FOMO seeing all the posts…but then again another part of me is like “why does that look so fun and also so insanely miserable??”

If I’m being honest with myself, I can never go to Coachella. I have the worst allergies ever I think with all the dirt and dust in Palm Springs I would have to be admitted to the hospital. But a gal can dream!

Yes the lineup at Coachella is one of the most important aspects, but in my brain the fashion is what comes first. Combine the fascination and allure of NYFW with the desert, throw in a ton of influencers and celebrities, and you have Coachella!

There are zero rules when it comes to the fashion at Coachella. You may see someone looking perfectly “normal” with their denim shorts, graphic tee, belt bag, and sneakers — aka something I or they would most likely wear any given day. Or you may see someone who is wearing a sequin romper, fishnet tights, thigh high cowboy boots, with pigtails and sparkles all over their face. I love it! Fashion is meant to be lawless which is what makes it so inspiring.

When I envision what I would wear to this years Coachella, the vibes are bright, giving early 2000’s vibes, and full of 2022 trends like crochet and psychedelic prints. Unless the look requires cowboy boots, sneakers are the vibe for any of these outfits because #comfortiskey.

I put together this fun collage of fun picks from ASOS that I think would make amazing Coachella outfits! I personally love the idea of pairing the white crochet set, with the metallic cowboy boots, and throwing some butterfly clips in the hair. Anything that I can wear cowboy boots with I am a fan of.

If I think of my *ideal* Coachella lineup here’s who I would have: One Direction (because in my mind their breakup was stupid), Lizzo, HAIM, Drake, Taylor Swift (because duh), and Rihanna. But since I am allergic to everything, a gal can simply dream of Coachella…

So all in all, I love clothes, I love Coachella fashion, I love the idea of Coachella, but in reality it weirdly sounds awful and super fun and I’ll never go!!

All of the items in the collage are linked too, just click on the image!

Guide to Fredericksburg, TX: Food + Wineries Edition

There is no place like home, and for me there is no place like my hometown of Fredericksburg, TX! Growing up in this tiny German town was a dream. A German Stars Hollow, if you will. It’s a quintessential small town where you know everyone and everyone knows you. I know or have some connection to almost every business owner in town, which I love because it makes me feel very important when I tell people I know the owner of such and such — ;). With a population right under 12,000, and tucked in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, it really was the perfect place to grow up. My family lived there for almost 20 years and while we are no longer there, it will always be home. I always try to go several times a year just to check in, eat at my favorite places, and feel the warmth of home.

Now, in the last 10 years, Fredericksburg has become much more of a tourist destination than ever before. It’s a great place for families, wine lovers, bloggers, bachelorettes and more. It is a wonderful place for a weekend trip and as a native/forever local, I feel that it is my duty to give you a guide!

FOOD

Breakfast

1. The Old German Bakery

If you are looking for a true Fredericksburg staple to start the day off, look no further. The Old German Bakery (once called “George’s” back in the good ol days) is the best place in town for breakfast. I grew up eating the German pancakes, they are light, fluffy, and served with lemon and powdered sugar — YUM. You will find The Old German Bakery in the perfect location, right on Main St., the perfect area to walk off your breakfast.

2. Emma + Ollie

A little off the beaten path of Main St., Emma + Ollie is a must-stop spot while in Fredericksburg. Owned and operated by chef Rebecca Rather, there is truly nothing on this menu that will disappoint. Go for breakfast or go for lunch, either way you will be glad you made the stop. Be warned though, it is a very popular spot and more often than not there will be a wait. They do not take reservations so get there early and be prepared to wait. Promise it is worth it!

3. Sunset Grill

If you’re looking for a true “local’s spot” this is it. But be warned, the food is so good you may want to hit this place up twice while in town!! The Huevos Rancheros are delicious and the Carmelized Banana French Toast will make your mouth water. Sunset Grill almost always has a wait, so make sure to check the website before going and join the waitlist!

Lunch

1. Woerner Warehouse

Woerner Warehouse, or as locals call it, “Woerners”, is one of my all time favorite spots. Every time I am in town I always try and make time for their Pesto Chicken Pizza. The portions are big and perfect for splitting, and you will want to leave room for dessert here. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, both lunch or dessert! The key lime pie is my personal favorite, along with their ginormous cookies!

2. Fredericksburg Brewery

If you are looking for a genuine town staple, here you go! The Fredericksburg Brewery is a classic Fredericksburg spot. When my parents moved our family to Fredericksburg back in 1995, this was the first place we ate and even when we go back to visit we love to make a stop here! Classic German cuisine and award winning beer, this is a great place to spend an afternoon. Plus back in 2012, Ryan Gosling was spotted here!

3. Vaudeville

One of the poshest places in town, going to this locals favorite spot can make you feel like you’ve been transported to New York — in the best way. Upstairs you will find a gorgeous shop, perfectly set up for you to peruse while you wait for your table. Vaudeville does require reservations and you will want to make them as soon as you can to ensure that the list does not fill up. It is a great spot for lunch or dinner located right in the middle of Main Street.

4. Clear River

Clear River is a Fredericksburg staple. I spent many afternoons after school, many off campus lunches, and birthday parties here growing up! It is owned by family friends, and when I think of Fredericksburg, I think of Clear River! They are known for their amazing baked goods and ice cream, making it a perfect stop for an afternoon pick me up! My favorite item on their menu is the iced sugar cookie — truly I dream about these cookies. Their Mexican vanilla ice cream is insanely good! You truly cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.

5. Hill and Vine

Hill and Vine is new on the Fredericksburg dining scene and quickly it has become a town favorite! Just perusing their menu makes my mouth water! As far as ambiance and delectable dishes go, this place is a winner. I’d recommend the sausage and cheese board to start, and if you go at happy hour, try the “Snake In My Boot” cocktail for the perfect taste of Texas. All of their dishes are fantastic so no stress that you will pick the wrong dish!

Dinner

1. Hondo’s On Main

Located right on Main, Hondo’s is the best place in town to sit back with a cold margarita and listen to live music. Named after Hondo Crouch, Hondo’s is well known in town as being a watering hole for both locals and tourists! Word to the wise, their burger will change your life, and that paired with their Mayor’s Margarita! But be warned, their margaritas are TALL and STRONG!

2. Alamo Springs Cafe

Be prepared for one of the best burgers you will ever have. Just the drive there alone is worth it! You’ll be driving through the backroads of the hill country, where you are sure to see fun Texas wildlife like deer and cows (my personal favorite). Known for having the “Best Burger in Texas”, combined with a cold beer on a summer day, this is a must see spot!

3. Hill Top Cafe

Hill Top Cafe is a Texas Hill Country legend as far as restaurants and incredible atmosphere go. Started in 1980 by musician couple Brenda and Johnny Nicholas, this spot combines several of my favorite things: creative delicious dishes paired with live music and an atmosphere with unforgettable character. It is located about 10 miles north of Fredericksburg and it is a smaller venue so prepare before you go! If you’re going for dinner I recommend the crab cakes or the shrimp mytilini!

4. Granite House

Granite House describes their food as “quality but not fussy…with a New Orleans flair” which I LOVE. Sign me up for a night here connecting with friends over their southern fried green beans paired with the Tennessee hot chicken and their “Texas Maragtini”. Granite House is a happening and popular spot in town so be sure to get on the waitlist on the website before going!

5. Otto’s

Started in July 2013 by local couple Evelyn and John Washburne, Otto’s has truly made a name for itself as a Fredericksburg staple. Serving authentic yet incredibly creative German dishes, the menu is seasonal so you are sure to try something new each time. If you are a wine or foreign beer connoisseur, then Otto’s will be your heaven. Their extensive wine and beer list cover wine and beer from all over the globe!

Wineries

1. Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten

All I can say about Pontotoc is this: get the sangria and thank me later. On a hot summer day or even in the dead of fall, the sangria at Pontotoc is my favorite in the whole world. Even including the places I’ve been to in Barcelona! It is located on Main St. but can easily be missed if you aren’t looking! Stop here for happy hour and then walk down the block to Hondo’s for dinner!

2. Signor Vineyards

Signor was an accidental find one weekend while I was visiting home, and ever since I love to try and stop each time I’m in town. Tucked away off of 290, you will feel like you have landed in the Italian countryside. The people are incredibly friendly, the wine is divine, and the surroundings are stunning/perfect for photos!

3. Becker Vineyards

Not only does Becker have their vineyard right outside of town off of 290, but if you can’t make it to the property, they also have a wonderful tasting room right in town on Main St. Becker Vineyards holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first wineries in the area, becoming a local favorite, and it is where I had my high school prom, haha! Make sure to grab your glass of wine and walk around the gorgeous property that showcases the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

My hometown is one of my favorite places in the world! If you visit please let me know, I hope you have the best time!

Easter Dresses!

It’s wild to think that Easter is just around the corner — wasn’t it just January?! Time truly flies! I love Easter. Ever since I was a child, Easter has been one of my favorite holidays. Sometimes while growing up Easter would fall on my birthday which delighted young me so much — double the celebration!

I don’t love Easter because of the candy, the bunnies, the easter eggs, etc. — although that is all super fun! I love it because of the story, that Jesus who died on the cross, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. (That’s clearly the cliff note version haha!) but still!! What a GLORIOUS thing to celebrate! That Jesus died for our sins but then rose from the dead to show us that through Him we can have eternal life WITH Him!! It’s amazing, wild, incredible, totally bonkers and wonderful.

But following that, my second favorite thing about Easter is the outfits! Easter dresses have been a tradition, especially in the South, for generations. Putting on your best to celebrate this incredible day!

I always wait till the last minute to try and find a dress but not this year! I’ve put together a group of beautiful dresses from brands that are size inclusive and range in price. Just click the outfit collage below!! (Sadly my dress shown in the above photo is sold out — but I’ve linked similar ones!)

Happy Easter Dress Shopping!!

Ummm…I Started My Own Business??

Y’all.

I did it. I *officially* started my own business. Signed the papers, paid the fees,…This Wild Amazing Life is now an LLC!!!!

*cue the confetti*

This might seem somewhat random to you, so let’s go back a few months..

It’s no secret that I have been pretty MIA from my blog for the last few months. On January 4th I tested positive for Covid and on January 18th I lost my job…because I wasn’t able to do my job while having Covid. It’s a messy, weird, incredibly unjust situation that I’m just now getting over. It took me into a deep deep dark depression where I truly didn’t know what the point of my life was. There is a deep level of grief that comes when you lose a job and I don’t think we talk about it enough. You feel ashamed, like a failure, and all of a sudden your livelihood has just been stripped away from you.

What time, therapy, and some really good cry sessions have taught me is that while I really enjoyed most of my coworkers, the company I worked at was/is deeply deeply toxic. Willing to throw anyone away at the smallest inconvenience without a moment of grace. If anything losing this job, feeling the weight of rock bottom, pushed me to realize my worth in an even greater sense.

So fast forward to now, almost two months since losing my job, I am *finally* taking the leap towards a dream I have had for several years…starting my own business and brand!!

“This Wild Amazing Life” is no longer just my Instagram handle or the name of my blog, but is a full photography, design, and social media management company!! I’ve done freelance on and off for many years but never fully “established” myself, but now I have!

My hope is to launch “This Wild Amazing Life” into a full brand one day that would include my full photography, design, and social media management services, along with continuing my Youtube channel and a possible podcast?? and maybe a book down the line?? I have so many ideas I feel like my brain is a hamster on a wheel — hah!

But for now I am just thrilled to share this news with you all! Going forward my blog will remain the same, same look, more content etc. it will just be an attachment of the overall “This Wild Amazing Life” brand.

A new website will be coming for my business and once that is up and running of course I will share that with you all!

As always thank for your love and support both on here and on my instagram. This life is truly WILD and AMAZING. Here’s to new adventures!

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