Caribbean Cruise: Key West

The first stop on our cruise was Key West. I have been to Key West several times before on vacations to Florida. I love the vibrant Caribbean inspired homes that make you question if your in the United States instead of the Bahamas. Key Lime Pie is also one of my favorite desserts and no one makes it like Key West! The stop at Key West was a major factor in us booking this cruise.

We started the day exploring Mallory Square which was right nearby the port.

Then mom and I hopped on a trolley tour of the city. I have done trolley tours of Charleston and Savannah as well. I think it is one of the best ways to learn the history of the town while exploring the sites.

Old Town Trolley

Key West Lighthouse

We hopped off at the southernmost point. This is one of the most photographed thing in Key West. So much so that there was a short line to snap a picture with it.

 After some photos, we decided to walk and explore the area. We ended up at a popular restaurant called Blue Heaven. Since it was Easter Sunday the place was packed. We skipped the two hour wait and snagged a mini Key Lime Pie for the road. It was the perfect little size for a morning snack! 

We hopped back on the trolley and enjoyed learning more about the city. We jumped off again to grab some more Key Lime treats at Kermit's Key Lime Pie. They sell dark chocolate covered Key Lime Pie on a stick. This little dessert has my vote for being the best Key Lime Pie I've ever had. The combination of tartness and super sweet is divine.

Following my second treat of the day, we got back on the trolley one last time and completed our tour of the city. What is great about this tour is that you can get off at a stop and board again as many times as you would like. Also, if your staying on the island the second day tour is free! I took the complete tour twice getting off at interesting stops along the way. I learned new facts and stories with each guide and was never bored! But really, how could you get bored of this scenery?

Truman's Little White House

Have you ever been to Key West? What is your favorite spot? Mine is Fort Jefferson which was a built after the war of 1812 and used in the Civil War. (It was a Union Fort!)

Summer Shred

Hello lovelies, hope everyone's Monday is going well. Mine ended with me almost passing out while giving blood. I had to get some blood work completed after work which required me to fast beforehand. I'm not sure if it was giving blood, fasting or a combo of both but I was pale as a sheet!  Pale is not a good look for me at all! I have never been the type to give blood voluntarily and this just reaffirmed my aversion. In college, I never weighed enough to give blood so I had never really tried. I have tried giving blood a few times recently but was never able to. I want to work my confidence up to try again.

Today  I started a new fitness challenge hosted by Bobbi at NHerShoes called Summer Shred. It's a four week fitness plan that includes daily workouts and meal plans. I have been struggling to workout consistently and eat clean since coming back from the cruise. This challenge came at the perfect time to get my butt in gear before the cruise!

I completed the first workout today and I was astonished how sweaty I was just after the second circuit.  I am so exited about doing a lot more strength training in the next four months. The workouts vary from full body workouts to interval training. I will be sharing updates and check-ins on Instagram.

Five on Friday

{One} Drinking Lately. I have been cutting back on sodas since the cruise. On a cruise, you have to pay for sodas at pretty steep prices. Mom and I did not get a drink package so we just skipped sodas for a week. I craved one once or twice especially late at night. It really made me realize that I don't need sodas. Since I am missing the flavor of sodas I decided to give sparkling water a try. My current favorite is Perrier pink grapefruit.

{Two} Snacking On. Still on a huge fruit kick which is no surprise. I found raspberries on sale this week and have been eating them with my breakfast and lunch each day.

{Three} Wishlist Worthy. This Anthropologie dress has stolen my heart. I adore Anthro and find that the few pieces I have from there have lasted the longest and are still in style years later. I now live less than 10 minutes away which is very dangerous for my bank account.

{via}

{Four} Currently Reading.  I picked up this recipe book on a recent trip to Target. I love Cooking Light Magazine. Healthy recipes that feature only five ingredients are right up my alley. Hoping to start trying some recipes for dinner next week!

{Five}Around the Corner. Our pup Charlie has been on a little vay-cay this week. We were out of town all last weekend and I felt bad leaving him alone so he went to visit with my parents.  They reported that he had the time of his life enjoying being outside all the time and they even took him to the beach last Saturday. He is coming back home today and Joe and I may have planned out night around dog centered activities. We are those dog parents. I'm looking forward to our apartment being not so quiet now that he is home.

Charlie and Chloe out on the water last weekend. 

Happy Friday!