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Jet Set Jiles

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Prioritize Yourself and What You Choose to Experience When Cruising (And in Life)

May 19, 2020

Here we are on horseback in Pisa before we rode off into the Tuscan countryside. Miles made arrangements for a surprise sunset picnic and we enjoyed antipasto, sandwiches of cured Italian meats, and the finest Italian vino. The space was magnificent with lights strung through the trees like in a movie.

When we were done eating Miles pulled a guitar out from behind the tree. I thought: what the heck are you doing with that you don’t know how to play the guitar. He’d been taking secret lessons! So sweet. He wrote me the most beautiful song about how much we mean to each other and his life didn’t truly start until he meet me. He wanted to surprise me with the song in Italy. When he was done playing a little Italian trio of old men, one with an accordion, came and played as we danced under the stars.

Oh. The magic of it all. Takes my breath away.

lol. Just kidding! We never made it to Pisa. . . .

We’d definitely do our day differently in the port of Livorno as well as a few other things on the cruise. And next time we cruise we will. You can read about our day in our postcard from last year (here). The post I’m writing today, as well as that postcard from Livorno, I write so you can learn from our mistakes as cruising newbies.

At the beginning of the cruise we were chatting to a fellow cruiser and mentioned that we had a rather unremarkable day in whatever Spanish port we were in. She remarked (in what I perceived to be the most uppity voice imaginable) “oh, no, I won’t get off the ship on this cruise until we reach Frrrraaaance.”

I admit, I wasn’t coming form a place of non-judgement and I fancied her to be a big time snob.

I was super judgy three days into the journey. Even if she was a snob, I was decades younger than her. A lot more spry. I shouldn’t have judged. I got hit with an energy crash like nothing I’ve ever experienced about a week later. I was all go – go – go. Let’s see everything!

Usually when Miles and I travel internationally we’ve got some time to adjust in the place we’d be staying in for awhile. On a cruise everything is changing daily so I didn’t want to miss a thing. Next time, one thing we’ll do differently is arrive earlier to adjust our body clocks before boarding the ship.

Another thing I’d do is really prioritize myself. Miles and I have a natural harmony with each other in everyday life and on our travels. Our needs and interests are really synced up.

On last year’s cruise, we were with my parents and I’ve been known to try and please everyone. Gotta make everybody happy. Well, on the cruise, all of my trying to make everyone else happy took it’s toll on me.

When we first arrived, my mother had made last minute reservations at Jacques. She was really excited about it. We did not have reservations scheduled for the day we arrived. I didn’t think it would even be an issue. I assumed we’d see them for a drink and we’d all go about our business either separately or together. Just go with the flow until we were adjusted.

Actually, going with the flow is really how Miles and I roll on trips. We do research and plan out priorities but we cultivate lots of room for spontaneity which works so well for us. It’s fun. We’re happy. And we get to see and discover things with childlike wonder and gratitude.

I digress. Back to the dinner reservation the first night on board. . . .

I did not want to go to Jacques. I did not want something scheduled. I just wanted Miles and I to naturally flow into into our adjustment. I wanted us to eat when we felt like it. Have some drinks if we felt like it. And go to sleep when we felt like it. Doing so would allow us to adjust naturally and quickly.

I knew that would be best but I did not say anything because I did not want to hurt my parents feelings. I was like a zombie at that dinner. I remember the food being good. I remember the atmosphere being good. I remember it was effort for me to make conversation. I remember I did not want to disappoint.

Don’t get me wrong, it was an amazing trip. But I regret not listening to my instinct. And the totality of my experience suffering for it.

Not listening to myself and what I believed would be best the first day for me. And as the days went on I did I continued to strain myself. I spent alot of time just short of feeling optimal.

Not bothering to nap, getting up early, walking, breakfast, social media + coffee time on the outside deck, touring each port midmorning into the afternoon, exploring, poolside to “relax” in the late afternoon, art class or photography class or wellness lecture, dinner, dancing, drinks in the lounge, and a night cap in our stateroom.

And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. Something’s bound to give.

The stop in Monte Carlo was pretty cool and I was really looking forward to that stop in particular. We were there overnight so you could explore for two whole days! The first day we signed up for an organized tour in Nice (about 30 minutes away) and went to a wine tasing with my parents. It was lovely!

Then we came back mid afternoon and shopped around Monte Carlo with Mummy. I’d wanted to get her an Hermes bangle for Mother’s Day. And I wanted to get while we were on the cruise so every time she looked at it she’d have a happy memory.

When we were ready to go back on board, the sea conditions were unsafe to tinder to the ship. We were delayed a few hours and made the most of it in a pop-up bar for the Grand Prix which was happening soon thereafter. Some rose and fine conversation later we could finally board.

I just wanted to order room service and lay in bed. I did not listen. I got on the merry-go-round of people pleasing, not want to hurt anyone’s feelings, not wanting any negativity. I ended up going down to the Terrace Cafe. Papa was on board waiting for us for hours. I felt bad about that. I sensed my mother wanted us to all eat together. And I knew Miles wanted to go to the restaurant and visit. So I went.

I went and my body finally said enough. We were in the Terrace Cafe. And I just felt so strange. Exhausted I guess. It was like I was shaky but not. Like I could literally pass out right where I was standing. I knew I needed to eat so I grabbed a slice of pizza which was the quickest thing I could get. I went to the table thinking that if I got it in me I’d be fine then could go get something “real” to eat.

I choked the little slice down. Got up and left them all there. I made it to our stateroom and I crashed with the balcony doors open to the most magnificent view of Monaco and the Riviera’s gentle sea air breezing in (it was seriously the most beautiful view to fall asleep too). I thought I’d sleep for a couple hours and Miles and I could head to the bar for a couple drinks. Not so. Not that night.

I did not understand the totality of the cruising experience — and the need to pace yourself. That, and my fear of upsetting my parents and dealing with that reaction, caused me to be the one that suffered and miss out on a day and a half on my birthday cruise. I did not get to get off the ship in Monaco the second day. And that is sad for me.

Here’s the real deal: Some ports are better matches for you than others. Plus the ship is f·a·b·u·l·o·u·s with so many offerings and amenities. All that, coupled with the fact that you’re dealing with a finite amount of time on your cruise, means you need to prioritize what you choose to experience.

Yes indeedy. Prioritize. Prioritize what you choose to experience. And remember to prioritize yourself.

Lots of love! Here’s to happy fabulous travels in the near future!

xxx – Jennifer (+ Miles)

p.s. If you’re not already, please follow our adventures on Instagram! We get lots of positive feedback, and it makes us super happy to provide some inspiration to help others live their best life in their hometown and on their travels. 

 #jetsetjiles

Bon Voyage, Crusing, Luxury Travel

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Bonjour! Welcome!!!

Fasten your seatbealts! We're wayshowing just how playful, magical, and lighthearted life can be on this beautiful blue planet and beyond! 🌎 We're unlocking more fun, bliss, beauty, serenity, gratitude, luxury, blessings, and magic on Mama Gaia — and that means in your life too! 🧚🏻‍♀️ We're so glad to be part of your orbit!🛸 Sending you bunches of divine bright light✨, and bippity boppity booing tons of blessings and unconditional love your way! 🪄💕 xxx😘 Gigi, Miles & Mia Chou Chou🐾

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Pip Pip Cheerio!

Did ya know “pip pip” mimics the double honk you’d here on a motorcar in the early 20th century? It's an upperclass British coloqualism for farewell.🎩 I learned that because we're Downton Abbey superfans! And Miles and I visited Highclere Castle — the real life Downton in Yorkshire.📺 It was one of the best days of my life! Full of intention, serenity, gratitude, luxury, playfulness, and beauty.🧚 Pure magic!🪄 Just like life is supposed to be.♥️

I love you! Pip pip. 😘 Gigi

jetsetjiles

All done peopling today. Ni night. 😘 All done peopling today. Ni night. 😘
And we’re home! Safe and sound in the Furcedes! And we’re home! Safe and sound in the Furcedes! 🐾💕

••••••••••••••••••••
#yorkie #yorkielife #yorkielove #furcedes #mercedesbenz
One year after our 1st Route 66 road trip. I think One year after our 1st Route 66 road trip. I think I’ve got the packing down. Then I shop! 😂 

Swipe to see the Chou Chou making sure she’s coming along! 🥰

••••••••••••••••••••
#roadtrip #roadtripusa #travelcouple #divineunion #yorkielife
We were wrapping things up at the @fourseasons las We were wrapping things up at the @fourseasons last year on the way to our Route 66 adventure! Great spa day overlooking the Arch. And Miles and I had a fab Sunday brunch. And the Chou Chou had a special breakfast in bed! 🍳❤️🐾

•••••••••••••••••••••••
#luxuryresort #thefourseasons #travelfam #luxuryresortandspa #traveltherenext #dogsthattravel #yorkielife #spoileddogs #saintlouis #stlouisarch
“What’s going on?” I can feel the question i “What’s going on?” I can feel the question in the field as I consciously dropped off social to be more present during our trip to visit Grandma in the American Heartland. 

We’ve been staying with Grandma at her place. Taking her to her favorite spots. And watching lots of Hallmark movies (Miles brought his headphones so he could watch his own stuff on his iPhone. 😂). 

Today was the first time we went to Terra Bloom. And we spent the afternoon. Doing a bit of gridwork. But this trip isn’t about gridwork. It’s about Grandma! 💕

That said. When we were at Terra Bloom. I got a clear message, sitting on the veranda, in the cold, sipping decaf, overlooking the Mighty Missippi, that were to come back for the month of March. So there’s that. 

Some of you know this. Some of you are new. So here’s a bit about Terra Bloom. . . . 

Terra Bloom is a house I bought and renovated 15ish years ago. It became a family home when I got called back to Virginia — which was essentially me getting called back to fulfill my divine union destiny with Miles, who was in Old Town waiting to meet me. lol. 

Terra Bloom is built on what was once a Native American enslavement camp. I did not know that until a few months ago. 

It used to be very overwhelming for me there. Now, I able to live in a state of serenity. But it can still be very intense at times, to say the least. But not today. Not this trip. 

The house, Terra Bloom, the land, the history, and the wisdom is very significant in the tapestry of what we’re doing now as we bridge to the 5th dimension and beyond. And Indigenous roots are extremely potent and powerful in a past life that Miles and I shared where we were again in divine union and grid working. 

It’s all beyond fascinating! And a little mind blowing. 

More on all this later. But for now, back to Hallmark!

😘 Gigi (Miles & Mia)

••••••••••••••••
#gridwork #divineunion #indegenous #nativeamerican #lightwork
Here’s to being extra! 🐾❤️ Here’s to being extra! 🐾❤️
Yep! 🐾 Yep! 🐾
Not how I saw the Reel going. 🤭 Not how I saw the Reel going. 🤭
I got to spend time with two special fellas today! I got to spend time with two special fellas today! Monte did my doo.🙌 And then Miles took me out to show me off!💕

I’m a grateful gal! 😘

••••••••••••
#montedurham #hairdo #oldtownalx #visitalx #gratefulgal #frenchfood
Love you so much little girl. And love your daddy Love you so much little girl. And love your daddy so much too! Youz my favorites! 😘
Christmastime breakfast in bed! We also started In Christmastime breakfast in bed! We also started Ina’s new cookbook. Savoring every page. We waited two years for it. 

Happy days everyone. Hope you get pampered with a breakfast in bed soon. Sending lots of nourishment and love. 💕

😘 

p.s. How much do you love the Ina giggle?!! 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••
#inagarten #breakfastinbed #christmasbreakfast #yorkiesofinstagram #foodnetwork
Repeat: Abundance is my birthright. Prosperity, we Repeat: Abundance is my birthright. Prosperity, wealth, good fortune, blessings, and love flow effortlessly to me. ❤️

😉 

😘 Gigi
We did it. We baked! And they’re yummy! I’m so We did it. We baked! And they’re yummy! I’m so proud of us. 🥰🤭

Recipe for Aunt Sheila’s Carrot Cake Cookies on the blog! Also known as Oatmeal Carrot Cookies. Or some people call them Reindeer Cookies because they leave them out for Santa’s Reindeer. 

😘 Gigi Miles & Miss Mia

••••••••••••••••••••••••
#reindeercookies #carrotcakecookies #oatmealcookies #webakedwithlove #coupleinthekitchen
Believe!
😘 Gigi 

•••••••••••••••••••
#affirmationpositive #miracles #magichappens #hny2023 #to2023andbeyond #spiritualteacher #lightleader #lightworkersofinstagram #believe #tedlasso
Happy Neat Year 🍾🥳🥂 Happy Neat Year 🍾🥳🥂
Happy New Year! Wishing you all a fabulous 2023!!! Happy New Year! Wishing you all a fabulous 2023!!! 🥳🍾🥂

😘Gigi, Miles, & Little Miss Mia
♥️ ♥️
Emily in Paris meets the Reface App. So. Much. Fun Emily in Paris meets the Reface App. So. Much. Fun. 😘
This is another one of those Reels that I really d This is another one of those Reels that I really did just for us. A snapshot of our holiday. And a big part of it was watching Emily in Paris! lol. And I love this song! 

We hope you enjoy the glimpse into our world. And I sincerely hope you make some Reels and posts just for you! 

Memory making is important. And it’s really nice to look back at the memories that you made! 

Sending Christmastime love! 💕🎄

😘 Gigi, Miles & La Petite Mia the Sugar Plum Fairy

p.s. That’s my head band. We couldn’t find Miles’. C’est cute, no? 🇫🇷 🥐🍾
Happy Christmas Friends! Here’s a Reel of our Happy Christmas Friends! 

Here’s a Reel of our day. We created it more for us than the Gram. A memory of a special day! And special days are important! Look for them. They’re not always when you’re jet setting the globe! 

Sending lots of Christmas love and blessings your way! 😘
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Repeat: Magic, love, blessings, play, leisure, luxury, abundance, and light are an effortless part of my everyday life. I am grateful for my many blessings. And I send blessings and love out to the world. Dismiss