Forever LoveLee

Category: Lifestyle

  • Discover Zanzibar: 10 Unforgettable Experiences You Can’t Miss

    Discover Zanzibar: 10 Unforgettable Experiences You Can’t Miss

    Welcome to Zanzibar, a stunning island off the coast of Tanzania that boasts an incredible blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. I recently embarked on an unforgettable experience of a lifetime to Zanzibar for my 40th birthday celebration. The journey was truly remarkable and I wanted to share those experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a relaxation enthusiast, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Here are 10 must-do experiences that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

    1. Stone Town Tour

    Start your journey with a tour of Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, marvel at the intricate wooden doors, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets. We visited the Slave Trade exhibit and it’s history was so overwhelming and sad. However, don’t miss the chance to visit the first church in Zanzibar and the old fort to delve into the island’s fascinating history.

    2. Sunset Dhow Cruise

    Experience the magic of a Zanzibar sunset on a traditional dhow cruise. Set sail from Stone Town as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Sip on refreshing drinks, enjoy local music, and watch as the island’s coastline transforms under the twilight.

    3. Cave Swimming

    For a unique adventure, head to Kuza Cave on the Jambiani coast. This hidden gem offers crystal-clear freshwater pools perfect for a refreshing swim. The cave’s serene ambiance and natural beauty provide a tranquil escape from the bustling beaches.

    4. Sandbank Picnic

    Embark on a boat trip to one of Zanzibar’s pristine sandbanks for a day of sun, sea, and sand. Enjoy a picnic on the powdery white sands, surrounded by turquoise waters. Snorkel in the shallow reefs, sunbathe, and relish the serene beauty of this secluded paradise.

    5. Snorkeling in Mnemba Atoll

    Mnemba Atoll, a marine conservation area, is a snorkeler’s paradise. Dive into the clear waters and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. This underwater adventure promises an unforgettable glimpse into Zanzibar’s aquatic wonders.

    6. Swimming with Turtles

    Visit the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond in Nungwi, where you can swim with these gentle giants. Learn about conservation efforts while enjoying a rare opportunity to interact with and feed the turtles in their natural habitat. This was my favorite adventure because it was soul nurturing to be with the turtles

    7. Visit The Rock Restaurant

    Perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, The Rock Restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. Accessible by foot during low tide and by boat at high tide, this unique restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes with panoramic ocean views. Be sure to make a reservation for an unforgettable meal.

    8. Secret Garden at Emerson Spice

    Hidden within the walls of Emerson Spice Hotel in Stone Town, the Secret Garden is a lush, tranquil oasis perfect for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, surrounded by fragrant flowers and exotic plants. The garden’s serene ambiance and gourmet cuisine make for an enchanting dining experience. We endulged on a delicious seafood feast that was very flavorful and fresh.

    9. Clear Kayaking and/or Jet skiing

    For a unique and immersive experience, try clear kayaking or jet skiing in Zanzibar’s pristine waters. This activity allows you to explore the underwater world from the comfort of a transparent kayak, giving you a front-row seat to the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Unlike traditional kayaks, clear kayaks offer unparalleled visibility. As you paddle through the calm, turquoise waters, you can see colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and even sea turtles gliding below you. It’s like having a personal window to the underwater world. It was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep paddling.

    Conclude your Zanzibar adventure with an early start to your day and head out to the pristine waters surrounding Mnemba Island. Known for its resident pods of dolphins, this area offers a high chance of spotting these playful creatures. Watch as they swim alongside your boat, leaping and diving in the crystal-clear waters. It’s an exhilarating experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. We even hopped in the waters to observe them in their natural habitat, but they kept swimming away from us.

    Zanzibar is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. From historical tours to marine adventures, each activity offers a unique glimpse into the island’s charm and beauty. Plan your trip now and immerse yourself in the wonders of Zanzibar!

    *Note: I hired a tour guide to book each experience which also included transport to each experience and airport transfers. It was the best decision I made for this trip because we did not have to worry about what to do day-to-day or transportation.

    Conclusion:

    Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Stone Town or diving into the crystal-clear waters of Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar promises an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the island’s diverse offerings and create memories that will last a lifetime. Check out more of my travel adventures here. Also, watch more of my Zanzibar adventures on my Instagram here. I created a “Tanzania” hightlight pinned at the top of my profile. See you soon, friend.

  • How to Become Debt Free

    How to Become Debt Free

    Hey Lovelies! I’m so excited about becoming debt FREE! Today, I want to share with you my spiritual and practical journey to becoming debt-free and building wealth. Grab a hot cup of tea, because we’re about to dive into a transformative lifestyle that’s not just about money – it’s about aligning your finances with your faith and values. It’s been emotional for me on this journey but today I’m embracing Debt-Free Living. In this post are the steps and strategies I applied to achieve Financial Freedom and create wealth.

    Backstory on My Desire to Become Debt-Free

    Let me start by saying this: My financial journey is a spiritual journey. I made a vow to God and myself that I would faithfully tithe my first 10 percent to the ministry and asked God to show me how to get out of debt. I meditated on this scripture from Deuteronomy 15:6: “The Lord your God will bless you as he has promised. You will lend money to many nations but will never need to borrow. You will rule many nations, but they will not rule over you.” This verse became my guiding light, reminding me that financial freedom is not just a dream but a promise waiting to be fulfilled.

    My journey to wanting to become debt-free started in 2019 when I did the “Live Richer Challenge” with Tiffany Aliche. One of the exercises in the book is to calculate your net worth. That exercise uncovered that I was over $200,000 in debt. I know you are thinking “Whoaaaaa!” As terrible as it sounds, I thank God for that exercise. It was an eye-opener seeing the state of my finances in black and white. I immediately cried and felt called by God to transform my financial situation.

    Step 1: Pray/Tithe

    Start by surrendering your finances to a higher power. Whether you call it God, the Universe, or something else, invite divine guidance into your journey. Commit to tithing your first 10 percent and trust that God will show you the way. My local church started a “Tithing Challenge”. I had never faithfully tithed before starting this challenge. My faith was tested in so many ways but I really trusted that God would provide. I began to tithe my first 10 percent of my income and every since then I have NOT lacked in my finances. God continued to increase my territory and my income because I trusted that he would provide for me and my family.

    Step 2: Budget

    Next up, it’s time to get REAL about your money. Sit down, crunch those numbers, and create a monthly budget that aligns with your goals and values. Track your income, expenses, and debt payments religiously – this is your roadmap to financial freedom. I used a very basic budget sheet (my son calls it “a lil budget sheet”) every month to track my finances. You can access a copy here. Also, Ramsey Solutions has a free net worth calculator here.

    Step 3: Increase Income

    Now, let’s talk hustle and creating additional streams of income. If you’re serious about getting out of debt, you’ve got to be willing to put in the work. That might mean getting a second job, freelancing, starting a side hustle – whatever it takes to boost your income and accelerate your debt repayment journey.

    Personally I was already in the Air Force reserve with an additional stream of income. However, I needed to increase my income even more if I wanted to expedite getting out debt. I became a content creator. I started out doing this as a hobby and began to make money working with major brands that I use every day like New York & Company, Spanx, The Lip Bar, Body Complete RX and many other partnerships in exchange for free products. If you want to know more about becoming a content creator, I’ve created an e-book that gives you the secrets on how to make money online as a content creator. Grab your copy HERE.

    Step 4: Develop a Debt Repayment Strategy

    One of the most effective strategies for paying off debt that I used is the snowball method. Start by listing your debts from smallest to largest, then focus on paying off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on the rest. Once that’s paid off, roll the amount you were paying on the smallest debt into the next smallest debt, and so on. It’s a snowball effect that gains momentum with each payment – before you know it, you’ll be debt-free!

    Create goals. Make the vision plan and clear. Below is my actual Goals in 2021. ALL of it came to fruition.

    Step 5: Avoid Taking on New Debt

    Last but not least, commit to a debt-free lifestyle by avoiding the temptation to take on new debt. I back-slid a few times, but do as I say not as I do, Mmmkay. Cut up those credit cards, resist those impulse buys, and prioritize saving for the things you want instead of relying on loans and credit. Use cash, I used the cash envelope binder method to avoid using my credit cards.

    Once I paid off all my credit card debt, the last piece of my debt was student loans. I have worked in public service for years in hopes that once I made 120 consecutive payments my student loans would be forgiven. I used to tell folks “My student loans are for the LORD! Ain’t no way I’m paying all that.” It felt like this was the longest part of my journey. In 2024, by my Father God in heaven, my student loans were 100% forgiven. $64,000 in student loan debt GONE. I danced, cried and shouted for joy. God is so GOOD!

    Conclusion

    Remember, it takes discipline and sacrifice to achieve financial freedom. For me, it meant joining the AF reserve, starting a blog for extra income, missing family events and working weekends while others were off. I had to grind hard, even when I didn’t want to, to show the Lord I was willing to do the work – and he did the rest.

    Now, I am living my DEBT-FREE, retired, dream life traveling the world and not worrying about looming debt. (NO car note, NO credit card debt, NO loans, NO mortgage, NO I-owe-you’s)

    So, to my lovely peeps who are striving to be come debt-free, let’s keep praying, budgeting, hustling, strategizing, and staying disciplined on this journey. Remember, it’s not just about the money – it’s about living a life of abundance, purpose, and freedom. If you have any questions or need any advice please don’t hesitate to email me. Also, share this blog post with others. I want to see us all live in financial freedom.

    Until next time, stay LOVELY, stay faithful, stay focused, and stay debt-free!

  • The Best Clothing Subscription Box and Why: Nordstrom Trunk Club

    The Best Clothing Subscription Box and Why: Nordstrom Trunk Club

    I feel like everyone needs a clothing subscription box. Nordstrom Trunk Club works for every budget and makes shopping easier. Everyone has clothes in their closets but not everyone likes to shop. 

    I recently got the best clothing subscription box and I shared some of my favorites from the box on Instagram because it has been amazing for me and I think it might be great for you as well. 

    Let’s get into the Nordstrom Trunk Club subscription box and why it’s the best!

    The Nordstrom Trunk Club

    So about a month ago, the Nordstrom Trunk Club subscription box was delivered directly to my doorstep. I could not wait to open the trunk and try-on the items I received.

    Before I unboxed it I thought that it was going to be just like any other subscription box. I mean at that point it’s hard to tell. Then I actually got to open the box and man o man did it change my mind.

    Feature #1 Saves time shopping

    My favorite thing about The Nordstrom Trunk Club Box is that is saves me time shopping. I love shopping just as much as the next woman. However, spending hours in the stores just doesn’t fit into my busy schedule at times.

    I have tried other subscription boxes expecting them to have the style of clothing I like. Unfortunately, none of them actually worked that well for me. 

    First, you take the a quiz to share your various preferences and sizes. he quiz will ask you about preferences like colors and patterns that you don’t want to see, your price range and budget, and the desired fit of your clothes. You’ll also share all your clothing, shoe, and underwear sizes.

    Second, you will have an online stylist. You should have an opportunity to tell your stylist a few general categories you’d like to focus on for your first trunk. I asked for bright, summer dresses and crop tops, as well as simple, fun shorts. Having an online stylist will save you so much time and hassle of having to go from store-to-store to find the perfect look for a special event or even everyday work wear.

    Feature #2 Items for every budget

    I tried the Nordstrom Trunk Club kind of expecting it to save me time shopping. However, I did not expect it to have items for every budget but it did. Which for me is the stand out reason I will continue to use Nordstrom Trunk Club

    See personally I haven’t found another subscription box that has name brand clothing (like Versace) that fits my personal style as well as this. Once you receive your trunk you have five days to try everything on and decide what items you want to keep. I immediately and excitedly dove into my trunk and tried everything on.

    Send back everything you don’t want to keep and only pay for what you do. 

    Thanks to the prepaid shipping return label and pieces of tape provided to you by Nordstrom Trunk Club, it’s easy to return your unwanted clothes in the same box. You can drop your box off at FedEx or drop it off at a Trunk Club or Nordstrom location near you, whatever is easiest for you. 

    There is a $25 styling fee for the service, but it’s waived if you purchase anything from your trunk.

    So if you are looking to update your wardrobe or a subscription box that has clothes that actually fits your style then I highly recommend trying out the Nordstrom Trunk Club.

    Click here to take a style quiz and Get a $50 credit to try it out for yourself.

    Have you ever tried a subscription box? Leave me a comment and tell me which ones you’ve tried.