Dominica

Welcome to Dominica. This beautiful island is located in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean. It is a lush island overflowing with nature and natural beauty. It is very undisturbed and is the perfect escape for the active individual. Hiking is the only way to see several of the island's unique sites. If water sports are more your thing, diving, snorkeling and whale watching are a few of the main events. We stayed at Jungle Bay on the Southeast corner of Dominica. This luxury resort offers guest a wellness and adventure vacation. 

During our time in Dominica, we had some memorable adventures. I hope these pictures give you a sense of the unique beauty this paradise has to offer. 

The tour guides and locals kept referring to the Champagne Beaches. I was confused because there are basically no beaches in Dominica. This volcanic island has mostly rocky shores. What I eventually learned was the Champagne bubbles are underneath the water. Best seen while snorkeling, these water bubbles come from the ocean bottom via volcanic springs. Here I am floating over the warm bubbles, they really tickle the skin!

When Christopher Columbus discovered Dominica, he returned to Spain and explained his discovery by crumpling a piece of paper and putting it on the table. It was the best way for him to describe the landscape of Dominica. 

This spot is called Scottshead. It is at the Southern point of Dominica where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet. 

The country is basically a Garden of Eden. Every fruit and vegetable can grow here due to the consistent warm temperature and rainforest moisture.

Interesting fact. Over 25 Centenarians (people over 100) live in Dominica. That is one good blood line! 

Lots and lots of waterfalls.

Hiked to the Boiling Lake. This 6 hour round trip hike was the hardest thing I've done physically in a long time. It is the second largest "hot lake" in the world boiling at 200 degrees. 

Thank you Dominica for your undisturbed beauty, genuine kindness and love for life. 

Old San Juan

Vacation. Now I travel, but I have not been on a proper vacation in a couple years. Like a proper stay in a hotel, go to another country, allow myself to be pampered vacation. We have gotten into a routine of going away for Christmas as a family and I LOVE this. Paris was two years ago, this year we ventured to the Caribbean. The first stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico. We only had about 24 hours to enjoy, but it was just enough to take in the sights, tastes and sounds of the city. We woke up early and set out, I was in love with the colorful hues of both the buildings and natural scenery. 

Old San Juan boasts a number of historical sites. Two of the main attractions are the Castillo de San Cristobal and the San Felipe del Morro Fort. It is free to walk the grounds and a small fee to go inside. 

We stopped in for a small breakfast before heading onto our next destination. Mallorca is a traditional Puerto Rican bread used for sandwiches. If you like sweet and savory this ham, cheese & egg Mallorca would receive two thumbs up. 

Adios Puerto Rico!

Naturally Ginger

Goodbye 2014...Bonjour 2015!

So, a year ago I posted my 14 for 2014. These were 14 things that I wanted to accomplish in 2014.  You can read about them here. Reflecting back, I accomplished about half of them. I'd say that is pretty good.

Instead of doing 15 for 2015, I have decided to continue to work on accomplishing those that I did not achieve or even attempt. I don't think that I'm going make any new resolutions for the coming year. Instead of accomplishing tasks, I just want to change my mindset. I want to take on a "The Best is Yet to Come" mentality. To me, this means always choosing to see the best in every situation. My goal is to wake up each day and truly allow God to use me to do His will. This year has been tough, but it has also been incredible. In the year to come, I want to choose joy in the tougher moments and I encourage you to do the same.

We truly live a blessed life. Don't forget to see the beauty in the little things, they are everywhere.

My NYE Look: (Blazer: H&M (similar here) / Top: ASOS (simliar) / Skirt: Shishi / Tights: Similar Here / Shoes: Banana Republic)

How much do you love this beautiful planner?! I know everyone uses their phone to keep track of life, but there is something special about writing down day to day life. My friends at Horacio Printing have combined faith, goal setting and encouragement into a gorgeous daily planner. I highly recommend grabbing one for 2015! 

Happy New Year! 

xoxo Naturally Ginger

Photos c/o Diane Rodriguez