Happy happy Monday, friends!
You guys, IT’S OUR LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!!!!!
It doesn’t matter that I’m 42 years old, I get just as excited about the last week of school today as I did when I was five. I love, love, love when school starts, and I love, love, love when it ends. We have a big week in front of us with #allthethings lined up as we wrap up the school year. Once again, we have TWO big transitions happening at our house. Smith is wrapping up middle school this week and Ashby is wrapping up elementary school. Can you believe it? Next year, I’ll have two high schoolers and for the first time since Kensington was in KINDERGARTEN, I will only have one kiddo at the elementary school.
Y’all, I blinked.
Where did the time go?
So big week happening over here and big vacation today for me to recap on my blog.
Today is PART ONE of our trip to Bali, Indonesia. Andrew and I wanted to do something super special to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, so we decided to visit one of our bucket list destinations. Bali had always been on our radar, and we thought it seemed fitting for this celebratory trip. We wanted to do something both relaxing and something cultural…and Bali checked both boxes. My clients have always loved traveling to this part of the world, and now I see why…it was everything and more. We are already excited to head back one day and hopefully this time, take the kids.
Ready, set, let’s recap…
We left DFW on Tuesday morning and flew to LAX before heading to Manila and then on to Bali. You guys, we have a new partner working with our travel agency that helps us find super affordable business/first class tickets, and it was amazing!!! I cannot rave about them enough, and I’m so excited to continue to use them for my own personal travels while also helping my clients as well. I know from years of experience that the long haul flight(s) in economy class is a big reason why many people can’t/won’t do long distance traveling. I’m really excited that we have this great option for our clients now.
So 14 hours on the airplane and then bam…
…we found ourselves at the Manila airport super tired and super excited. Only one more leg to go! Six hours later, we landed at midnight in Bali, headed to our resort, ate room service and went to sleep. We were oh so happy to be there!
The next morning…
…we felt like the vacation could officially begin 🙂 .
We stayed at The St. Regis Bali and LOVED every single thing about it.
Good morning, Bali. You know my thoughts on guava juice 🙂 .
After hitting the gym and enjoying breakfast, we were ready to head to the beach…
…details, details! For those who enjoy these things, here they are: WEDGES//COVER UP// EARRINGS//HAT.
So cute, right?!
My WEDGES come in two other colors too!
And the perfect BEACH TOTE too! You guys, it’s only $18!
We were SO EXCITED to be in Bali!
The pools at our resort were beautiful.
I loved the juxtaposition of the lush trees and flowers with the sand and sea.
We quite happily parked ourselves for the day.
Twenty years with this guy 🙂
Listen, without our four kids and four dogs, it’s just a bunch of pics of the two of us. Apologies! 😉
This girl was living her best life.
A few pics of inside our cottage. The ceilings were my favorite part!
I love the towel art…
…and…
…the tub art. Bahaha! I was seriously impressed!
We loved our space!
Speaking of love…
…I don’t know where else I’m going to wear MY SEQUIN SKIRT, but it was super fun to wear to dinner on this night.
After we showered and got ready for dinner…
…we strolled the gorgeous grounds…
…before ending up at the resort bar before dinner.
Isn’t it so cute?! They had live music too.
Every night, they had a traditional Balinese fire lighting ceremony.
It had music, dancers and then they lit torches all up and down the center of the resort.
This was a great way to enjoy our first night before…
…heading off to dinner at the resort’s traditional Balinese restaurant…
Yes, please!
We were tired and happy at the end of our first day 🙂 .
So, that’s just a little look at the beginning of the trip. I’ll share more details in the next post. Of course, I totally think you should all reach out and let Mix and Match Travel Agency book your next vacation. From Bali to Bermuda, Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, Asia…you get the drill, we would love to send you on an amazing land vacation or cruise (or river cruise!!). If you have questions and want to connect with someone about a potential trip, do not hesitate to reach out. We LOVE helping other people get on their bucket list vacations too. CONTACT US TODAY!
One last thing before we go, on Friday, we did a little giveaway where five lucky winners would each receive a copy of…
…Dr. Peter Attia’s book Outlive.
The winners are…
JESSICA KELM
KATHERINE ZENUS
AMY WADSWORTH
HEATHER CHIN
SALLY RATCLIFF
Congrats!! I emailed all five of you this morning. Please email me back ASAP to claim your prize!
Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Kristen Thompson says
Oh my goodness that looks amazing!! I’m so glad you had a wonderful time!
Robin says
Enjoy your end of school year for all the kiddos! Bali looks like it did not disappoint (LOVE St. Regis properties, btw) and 20 years is something to celebrate BIG!!
Wondered about those heels with the sequin skirt?? They are so cute
Thanks!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you! We have worked hard on our marriage, and we both feel it should be celebrated too. Those heels are crazy old. I actually think Smith was like 2 or 3 when I bought them for a trip to Hawaii. I love them still 🙂 .
Jessica says
I love your bikini top. What is the brand? I love the textured look to it!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was SO COMFORTABLE that I bought two more in different colors!! https://shopstyle.it/l/cbyIi
Elspeth says
What a beautiful first day! Thanks so much for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sheaffer says
WOW! Gorgeous pics. The resort looks like y’all rented it out for yourselves!!! What a dream!
Tina Shroeder says
Hi Shay! Wow looks like a beautiful trip! I am a skin cancer survivor much like yourself and wondered what you thought of the UV index in that part of the world? I’d love to lay out on a beach and enjoy myself, but I’m nervous to be out in the sun! Cheers to the end of the year!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so very thankful you’re on the other side of your cancer diagnosis!! I don’t know what I think about the UV index? It seemed normal/not too strong? They had (and we used often) umbrellas as well to provide shade while at the beach. It was lovely.
Erika Slaughter says
That resort looks AMAZING!!
Kelli says
Beautiful resort! Happy belated anniversary!
Rita says
Being Australian, Bali is where Australians probably holiday the most at. I’ve never had any desire to holiday in Bali, however, looking at this resort may have changed my mind.
Mix and Match Mama says
There were so many Australians there! Our tour guide said that’s the #1 country his clients come from.
K.K. says
So glad you’re back!! And this looks amazing!
Katherine Zenus says
Yay! I’m so excited to win the book. 😁 However, I didn’t receive an email from you. Can you check and resend? I can’t wait to dig in!
Mix and Match Mama says
You should have one! I just sent it! If you check again, and it’s not there, email me please, and I’ll get it ordered. mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com
Katherine Zenus says
Got it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! Congrats!!
Kate says
What a great trip! I’m feeling conflicted about summer this year! I LOVE summer but I have a rising senior and my hearts just not ready. Seriously don’t blink!
Debbie says
Can’t wait to see more pics. It looks SO beautiful!!!
Kara says
Can you link the bracelets in the brown cover up pic?! They look so cute and beachy! thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re these all weather bangles! I love them! https://budhagirl.com/
Monica Beth says
That sequin skirt is just so much fun! I love it! I can see you wearing it on your next girls trip! Curious…what do you wear as a handbag when traveling on plane, going through airport, etc. I have a simple nylon crossbody that I absolutely love and can even carry a sweater or jacket in it as it’s roomy but roomy and very light weight. I’m not sure it’s great for safety though nothing has happened and I wear it in the front. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that skirt so much!! Okay, when I travel, I only use my tote bag (not a cross body). It sounds like you have the perfect bag though!!
Beverly says
Bali looks amazing. however, teacher’s salary can’t afford vacations. Once again, I can’t open any of your links due to safesearch. I wish you would list brand names for shoes & clothing so I can find these great things to purchase. Safesearch blocks any questionable things. I can’t even access my dentist as he’s an oral surgeon and oral sets off the porn alert. But I can access him with just his name.
Love the wedges, they look comfortable.
Your kids end early. My school ends june 13 for student and june 14 for teachers. Still a few weeks to go.
Mix and Match Mama says
Beverly, if you ever have any questions about anything from travel (we send so many teachers on vacations!) to specific items on my blog to truly anything, email me! You’re such a valuable part of this community, and I would be happy to send you info/links/whatever you need! mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com You’re close to that finish line!!! I hope the end of the year goes smoothly!!
Cris says
Shay, you really are lovely! How kind that you are always willing to go above and beyond for your readers!
Laura says
What a beautiful place. Is it an all inclusive resort? My sister has been to Bali and absolutely loved it.
Mix and Match Mama says
I was gorgeous!! No, it was not all inclusive.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Bali and your hotel both look AMAZING!!!! Loved today’s post and I can’t wait for the others! Congrats on 20 years!!!
MAUREEN C WERNER says
Shay, The photos of your trip look beautiful! Congratulations on 20 years!! I think that is sooo wonderful and I know you and Andrew put God first in your marriage and that is definitely been a blessing to you both! I would love to put Bali on my bucket list, but for now I am planning a Florida trip for my large family! Can’t wait to introduce the ocean to my younger kiddos! (I have 4 that have never seen the ocean in person yet!) Have a great start to your summer! Can’t wait to see your Bali Part 2 post!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Enjoy your family vacation!!! Your kiddos will have a BLAST!!!
Darcy says
Can’t wait to read about the rest of the trip! That resort looks amazing.
How exciting to have the new partner with flights too! Economy is wonderful when on a budget, but as my husband and I get older the small comforts first class and business bring make a difference. 🙂
Alissa T says
Curious to know your thoughts on Indonesian food! My husband spent several years of his childhood in Jakarta and he’s introduced me to Indonesian food – it’s so yummy!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m not sure if there is a distinct difference between traditional Balinese (which seemed to be what they always called ours) and “Indonesian”, but at every turn, we loved it. It reminded me a lot of Thai food which we adore!
Anne says
Hi Shay! Welcome back from a wonderful trip. Curious how you typically handle IF and fitness while traveling, especially on trips like this that are more about relaxing and slowing down?
Mix and Match Mama says
I give myself lots of grace and flexibility when I travel. I worked out every day except for one (we had to get up super early on one day, so I skipped my workout). I ate more than normal (hello, vacation food is the best!) and only fasted between dinner and breakfast (so more like 11 or 12 hours). I was easy on myself so that I could enjoy every aspect of the trip.
Anna says
Hi! I have a question about what you do on such a long flight? I love to read and I can watch a movie but that takes up maybe 4 hours and then there would still be 10 left?! LOL! In the past I have been careful to book long flights overnight so I can just sleep (thanks to a prescription from my doctor for just such a thing) but curious how you fill the time? 14 hours is long! Thank you, I love following along on your trips, they are so inspiring! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh, it’s long. On the way home, we had one (10 hour) and then a second (16 hour). I read and read and read and I prefer to binge watch series instead of movies (I find that holds my attention more plus, they’re longer). On this trip, I binged several seasons of Below Deck. I also try and really sleep. I bet I slept at least half the time on every long haul flight.
Grace says
The hotel looks amazing! For some reason, that cup of coffee looks amazing along with the guava juice. It really looks like paradise. Looking forward to more photos! Cheers
Faith says
I admire your ability to travel and be adventurous. That is not me but I am learning life is short. Happy anniversary and kudos for taking the trip. We are semi-empty nesters…..girls are adults but still college age not fully living on their own. So it’s getting back to where we started…..just the two of us. We celebrate 25 years in October and planning a trip as we speak – visiting the north eastern part of the US since we have never been. Thanks for sharing!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Happy (almost!) Anniversary to you too!! I hope you have the BEST time!! I bet you will see some amazing foliage!
Carol says
How beautiful! And I have to say, I bought and wore this hat on a recent cruise and I got all the compliments on it — both on the ship and later in my photos. Such a great, packable and comfy hat at a GREAT price point. Thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
That hat might be my find of the year! I absolutely cannot get over how well it holds up trip after trip!
Carly says
Congrats on 20 years Shay! Looks like an amazing trip. How does this new partner work with business seats? Do you still get your miles? Miles + business class travel are soooo important to me as a part of travel. Also, was this the off season in Bali? This resort seems so reasonably priced!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, you may still get your miles using this company, so it’s win-win! May is actually the beginning of the high season (they just got out of the rainy season). It was wonderful!!
Joanne says
That looks incredible!
Margaret says
Congrats on 20 years! Can you tell me what color your beach hat is? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Mine is “khaki”. I am so happy with that hat!
Kacy M says
Happy anniversary!
Sally Ratcliff says
Woo hoo!! I’m so excited to win a copy of the book! Thank you so much!! Love reading your blog and seeing all your adventures.
Jenny N says
Congratulations on 20 years and it looks like a wonderful start to your vacation! Marriage is hard and 20 years and 100% something to celebrate!!
Lynn says
I love that you have a new partner working with your travel agency! Now you just need somebody to help clients find the best way to redeem their credit card points and miles for more affordable travel, even on business and first class seats!
(It’s me. I could be your “points and miles girl” 😉😆)
Mix and Match Mama says
We often help clients use points! We can totally help you use your airline points (Andrew and I use ours all the time!). We can help you accrue points on hotels, cruises, etc too.