Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

Blogging Milestones: Camels & Chocolate Turns 10

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Ten years ago today, I was sitting at my desk in Conde Nast’s Times Square location, plotting out my life. It involved moving to California six months later, something that had been in the works for a while, and also having more of a public space on which to tell stories. On a whim, I started a Blogspot and called it Camels & Chocolate, with little regard for long-term planning and zero idea what I was doing, but rather combining two things I loved: travel and food.

I had no idea I’d still be blogging on this little corner of the Internet an entire decade later. As someone who frequently adopts hobbies in haste only to discard them months later, this longevity is something that surprises even me.

And yet, here I am. Camels & Chocolate has allowed me an outlet for sharing my travels, new experiences and more, but beyond that, it’s brought so many of my best friends into my life. It’s also become an integral part of my business as a journalist, digital marketer and content creator.

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway
Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

To celebrate, I held a big 10-year blog bash this past weekend with 50 of my closest friends from the Middle Tennessee area, many of whom I met through this space (like Beth and Lindsay, fellow blogging OGs). I never had a housewarming, because truth be told, our house is never going to be “finished,” so this seemed the perfect excuse to have everyone over to our house nearly five years to the date after closing on it.

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway
Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

There was rum punch, there were pineapples, there were the flamingos, there was food galore—it was the most fun I’ve had in ages.

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway
Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

Travable Bag: The Best Day Back for Travelers

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway
Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

And I picked a luau theme because a) I love color, b) I am obsessed with pineapples and flamingos and c) I’M GIVING AWAY A TRIP TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. What’s the tie-in, you may ask?

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

Well, Universal Orlando Resort’s third park to open, Volcano Bay, very much follows a Pacific Islander theme, and I love me a good theme.

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

I also love giving away stuff to you guys, especially when it involves a free trip.

Contest is now closed. All you have to do to enter is follow me on Instagram and leave a comment below with your favorite post or memory from the past 10 years of Camels & Chocolate. It can be anything! There are no wrong answers. Once you’ve done both, click the appropriate Rafflecopter widget boxes that will officially enter you to win. You can also Tweet once a day through the contest end date  for additional entries.

The winner will receive one three-night stay at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s on-site properties plus two park-to-park tickets into Universal’s three parks. Note: This giveaway does not include travel, so you’ll need to be able to get yourself there (by car or by plane) and fulfill the prize within one year.

To get excited, you can read my past recaps of Universal goodness here:

Ella wishes she were eligible for the giveaway, because this adventure sounds right up her alley, she says.

Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway
Camels & Chocolate turns 10: A Universal Orlando Resort giveaway

But, there’s more! Travables sent us a couple of their awesome bags to give away to a winner. We’ve been loving using their backpacks for all our summer festival-going and park-hopping. We each have one and think they’re the perfect day back for summer travel and will ship a pair to the winner.

Travable Bag: The Best Day Back for Travelers

So, what are you waiting for? Tell me your favorite C&C memory!


 

PIN IT HERE

Planning a Luau-Themed Party
Planning a Luau-Themed Party
Planning a Luau-Themed Party
COMMENTS
  • August 1, 2017
    Muriel

    Happy 10 years! I’ve been a loooooong time reader as you know and my favorite thing about C&C is its authenticity, especially with the latest posts on how hard it is to be a writer! I love the monthly High and Lows posts as well since people think everything is *magic* due to pretty Instagrams. Keep up the good work as always! (Also, pick me! :))

    • August 22, 2017

      Thank you, Muriel! My SEO guy is all, “get rid of your Highs/Lows, they have no Google juice” and I’m all, “NO WAY, those are my favorites” because they’re real life 😉

  • August 1, 2017

    Well, my favorite memory is obviously meeting in IRL and becoming best friends forever and then forcing you to love my daughter and take ridiculously long road trips with our husbands and eat all the food and drink all the drinks. Happy 10 years! So, so proud of you!

    • August 22, 2017

      Hands down, the best part of having a blog—meeting you!

  • August 1, 2017
    Jillian

    What a fun party theme! I’ve been reading your blog for years! I love the posts about your home renovation. Plus, whenever I am going to travel somewhere, I always look for recommendations on your site!

    • August 22, 2017

      Thank you so much, Jillian! More home reno posts to come =)

  • August 1, 2017

    I’ll of course always be partial to your trip to Macon! 😉

    • August 22, 2017

      Obviously! Can’t wait for the next round 😉

  • August 1, 2017
    Kyla Shoemaker

    My favorite memory happened just the other week when I had the pleasure of teaching paddle yoga to you and Scott. I enjoyed our time hanging out on the water. And it’s led to our friendship!

    • August 22, 2017

      One of my most favorite recent memories, too! Next time, let’s do it with our pups =)

  • August 1, 2017

    Congrats to 10 years! Just over 5 years ago I was stalking Kristin through C&C as I knew I was going to start working with her on Semester at Sea. I was in awe of all of the travel experiences (especially trekking to see the Gorillas!).
    So glad we became friends and have had the opportunity to travel to so many great places together. I’m especially partial to the blog posts that involve me! haha

    • August 22, 2017

      Can you believe it’s been six years this week that we went on SAS! Ahhhh, where does the time go?!

  • August 1, 2017
    Lizzie Majors

    Congrats, Kristin!!! I love everything about your blog. I really love your posts about what you are reading. Also I loved the one about Kari’s wedding!!

    • August 22, 2017

      Thanks for reading, Lizzie (and for the recent book recommendation!) =)

  • August 1, 2017
    Lemon

    Obviously my favorite memory is when you wrote about my wedding. I’m awful like that. 🙂

    • August 22, 2017

      One of my favorite memories to relive—we’ve got that in common!

  • August 1, 2017
    Alyson Bennett

    I enjoyed your Florida Keys post. First but not last one I read. I drove through the area 2x since last week (there and back) and thought many times about your suggestions!

    • August 23, 2017

      That’s great to hear, Alyson! Thanks for reading!

  • August 1, 2017

    You were one of the first travel bloggers I followed years ago, so I can’t pinpoint just one. Sorry! But congrats on the milestone! =)

    • August 23, 2017

      Ahh thanks for sticking with me, Michelle!

  • August 1, 2017
    Kristin Davis

    Congratulations on 10 years! I’m new to your blog but I’ve been doing some reading and one of my favorites was the one on Bonnaroo! I’ve never been (wanted to!) but found it very exciting and fun to read about!

  • August 1, 2017
    Susan Harp

    I loved your Sicily Coastal road trip! I loved my time there and want to go back. I was happy to hear that the food was as delicious as it was back in the early 2000s.

  • August 1, 2017
    Erin F

    As a reader for 8 of 10 years, it’s super hard to pick a favorite post! But I think any posts from your semester at sea travels rank pretty highly. Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa are goal destinations for me. Congrats on 10 years!

  • August 1, 2017
    Christina Inman

    I love all ofyour trip reports, especially those in the south.

  • August 1, 2017

    Before we bought the Airstream, before we met you IRL, I read all your posts from your trip out west in your borrowed camper!! They were very helpful, and I don’t think I’ve ever told you that 🙂

  • August 1, 2017
    Kristin Fuller

    Love the blog! Living just south of Nashville I have learned about new restaurants and even used it plan out a friend’s (from Baltimore) trip! Maybe once the kids are older I can venture out to any one of the beautiful places you post!

  • August 1, 2017
    Kristin Fuller

    Love the blog and congratulations on 10 years! Living just south of Nashville I have learned about new restaurants and even used it plan out a friend’s (from Baltimore) trip! Maybe once the kids are older I can venture out to any one of the beautiful places you post!

  • August 1, 2017
    Sarah

    I’m partial to any puppy posts. But the thing I remember most is emailing you back in 2011 for recommendations in San Francisco and getting an awesome and complete response. 🙂 Not everyone does that.

    Congratulations on 10 years!

  • August 1, 2017
    Ashlee Johnston

    Your Bonaroo recaps are always some of my favorites!! Also love all of the Nashville posts–they’re perfect to pass on to my friends who come for a visit!

  • August 1, 2017
    Ginny Ellis

    My favorite memory has to be winning the Hyatt giveaway in 2011! Congrats on ten years!

  • August 1, 2017
    Ginny Ellis

    My favorite memory has to be winning the Hyatt giveaway in 2011! I’m also a fan of your Western US road trip. Congrats on ten years!

  • August 1, 2017

    Happy 10 years!! That’s an amazing feat and you have so many beautiful memories to show for it! My favorite post is the one(s) that are along the Emerald Coast / Gulf Coast. I lived down there for 5 years it was the perfect hideaway!

  • August 1, 2017
    Nickea

    I love your posts about Kentucky! Not only does it make me feel nostalgic for home, but also makes me feel proud that my home is represented so well! Here’s to another ten years! You deserve it.

  • August 1, 2017
    Emma Palmer

    I looooved your series on Ireland! I used it to help plan my honeymoon with my husband – so many great recommendations.

  • August 1, 2017
    Carly G

    I’m a dog person so the city dog posts are my current favorites, but I really love everything about your blog.

  • August 1, 2017

    Wow congratulations on 10 years! I have been following you for awhile and I really love your pictures. It was great to meet you in person and get to know you a bit! Here is to the next 10 years! Cheers! Oh and best giveaway ever, I hope I win hehe 😀

  • August 1, 2017

    Wow, congrats on the milestone! I love reading all of your posts about Southern USA because that’s where I’m heading on a road trip this fall!

  • August 1, 2017
    Rachel wenger

    I love your collaborations with Mayhem (aka FashionbyMahem). I love following both of you and when I see you are together and post about it – it makes my day!

  • August 1, 2017
    SuZanna vik

    Well, I already follow your insta- bc you’re insta awesome and I like learning more about my cool friend. I happen to especially like the post about picking your brain. Because 1-it’s super fun to say. Pick pick pick. Lol and 2- We had recently talked about it and it was interesting to hear your writing style vs conversing style on the topic. I also really enjoy your travel posts. I like your take on travel and it’s cool to see places I’ve never even thought of visiting.

  • August 1, 2017
    Lori

    Congratulations on 10 years! I love your book recommendations (we have similar tares in books), your review of Daigon Alley (you reviewed it just before we booked our trip to go) and your Bonaroo recaps! I love reading your blog and hope you continue writing for a long time!

  • August 1, 2017
    Anne Sabol

    My favorite posts are always about your trips to bonnaroo, it’s so cool you’ve gone so many times! Reading about it has made me want to go someday!

  • August 1, 2017
    Alicia

    Happy ten years. I’m not sure how long I’ve been following along, but it’s been quite a while and I love seeing all your travels and home life. While I enjoy seeing the Victorian renovation post and wait eagerly for each Ella post, I think my favorite moment(s) were when you worked with Semester at Sea. I hope to get to participate one day and I’ll definitely come back here to remind myself of your experiences.

  • August 1, 2017
    Alicia

    Ack! I typed in the wrong username for instagram-I listed @lenoirleon and it should be @alicia_leonard. Is there any way to fix it?

    • August 1, 2017

      No worries! I’ve got you down =)

  • August 1, 2017
    Monica

    Congratulations on 10 years!!!! I’ve loved following along your journey and really like your inspirational and motivational messages throughout your IG captions, they’ve kept me going as a fellow Blogger 🙂 Keep it going girl! <3 Monica

  • August 1, 2017
    Sara Davis

    I’ve followed for a while and love in SoCal. I love your North Cal posts especially Tahoe!!

  • August 1, 2017
    Kim Hobbs

    Loving your Canada blog right now as we plan our trip to banff/lake Louise

  • August 1, 2017

    I loved following your San Francisco adventures. Your home life felt like a very desirable destination!

  • August 1, 2017

    Happy anniversary! What fun it has been to read all your posts–one of the few blogs I still read religiously. 🙂 I have always loved your reading lists–can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken one of your recommendations!

    Here’s to another 10 years of awesomeness!

  • August 1, 2017
    Carol

    There are several posts you did that helped me plan my own travels (I think I even sent my non-blog-reading-friends one of your New Zealand ones to help get them psyched for our trip), but one that stands out as a favorite was when you appealed to the internet to help convince your sister that she should do a Semester at Sea. I loved reading all those comments and feeling like I’d found a community of like-minded, positive, adventurous people! At the time, I’d also been trying to convince some of my younger cousins to study abroad and I had a plethora of ready-made arguments!

  • August 1, 2017
    Melissa Haynes

    This is such a difficult question! Recently, I loved your Key West posts. I went years ago as a single person, but would love to go again with my husband!

  • August 1, 2017
    Anna

    Does it count if I say this blog post is my favorite?! It’s encouraging to see someone step outside of their (successful-Conde’ Naste!) comfort zone and pursue their passions. To be able to see the culmination of that hard work ten years later is inspiring-thank you for sharing and being an example for others to do the same!

  • August 1, 2017
    Elizabeth

    Even though I only recently discovered C&C my favorite posts are tied – Driving the Ring of Kerry, which helped me plan my recent trip to Ireland and Paris Je t’aime because as a lifelong Francophile, I can’t help myself.

  • August 1, 2017
    Michelle Grandey

    The Party you just had is my favorite!!! I haven’t read the others yet because I just now got so lucky to meet you. However, I almost bought your house several years ago but things didn’t work out and it didn’t happen. I was sad😔but I went to the house and wished for all of this. I saw good times and good taste for this house and if I couldn’t make it happen then I wanted someone that could. This is exactly how I wanted this house lived it with yoga, celebrations, and someone that knows it’s a never ending process but still is willing to take the journey!!! Now, I will start reading some more of your blogs!!:)

  • August 1, 2017
    Liz

    So since I know you, I’m honestly always drawn to the posts about your every day life: updates to the house, posts about Mayhem, the one about your dad and how your family has evolved and adapted to all of the change over the years. I’ve loved the few times I’ve gotten to spend around you and Scott and am always excited to see updates on yalls life!

  • August 1, 2017
    Bluesy Skinner

    Happy 10 yr. anniversary. I love your blog. I have never been to Florida but don’t know how that has happened living in Nashville for 25 yrs. cheers to many more, Bluesy

  • August 1, 2017

    Congrats on you ten year anniversary! It looks like you celebrated in style! 🙂

  • August 1, 2017
    Briel K.

    Happy anniversary! I wish I could remember how I started reading your blog or even when I first started!

    You’ve had so many good posts over the years but my favs are probably the book posts. I also liked the US road trip you guys took and any National Parks posts! The Semester at Sea posts were always interesting too. Plus many more (I may not know when I started reading but it’s been quite a long time! Haha)🙂

  • August 1, 2017
    Rebecca McKinney

    I loved reading your interview with Candace from Sprinkles Cupcakes. I am also a lifetime lover of cupcakes!

  • August 1, 2017
    katie

    The post I remember the most is “Missteps in Germany: How Garmisch Redeemed Itself”. It goes through all the emotions of travel, and isn’t sugar coated and all positive. It is nice to read how you handled your travels when they have gone less than ideally.

  • August 2, 2017
    Danielle Gillespie

    My favourite memory is what drew me to your site to begin with – your stories of your circumnavigation. I also have really enjoyed reading about your reno and think your blog is really well rounded, so there’s always something fun and refreshing, while also being practical and well-versed. Your blog inspires me to follow our dreams of world travel (we’ve since completed a Southeast Asia backpacking trip) and we are now planning our own circumnavigation someday in the next few years. Thanks for going after your dreams and sticking with it, it shows us that all things are possible! Congrats on ten years!

    • August 2, 2017

      I love hearing that, Danielle! Congrats on following your own dreams =) I would LOVE to do another circumnavigation, I’m just not sure I could leave Ella behind for another four months. That part was brutal! I think they should allow dogs on the ship 😉

  • August 2, 2017
    Will G

    This is definitely my favorite post!

  • August 2, 2017
    Katie K

    Awesome giveaway! I adored this post from last fall (https://www.camelsandchocolate.com/2016/10/belgrade-serbia/). I hope to get to Belgrade this year!

    • August 2, 2017

      I hope you make it there, as well! Serbia is so awesome!

  • August 2, 2017
    Lauri Gigstead

    I enjoy all your posts but especially enjoy the ones when you travel with your family. We are a family of travelers and have always said, “The more the merrier.” Your writings got us to rent an apartment in Paris this past June and it was the best thing we ever did! Thank you, keep up the inspiring stories.

  • August 2, 2017
    Audrey Arthaud

    I am a relatively new follower and found you through Fashion by Mayhem (cutest little girl EVER!) I also recently moved to Knoxville so for me my favorite posts of yours are the ones that feature things that are relatively close to us, either a day trip or a weekend trip! You inspire me to get out and enjoy my new surroundings!

    • August 2, 2017

      She really is the cutest little girl EVER—and so smart, funny and articulate, too. I actually met Team Mayhem through my blog when she was still 1, so yet another example of the power of online media: creating friendships =)

      I’m so glad you found your way here, Audrey, and I hope you love Knoxville! I was actually there twice in June (all my family on my mom’s side is from Knoxville) so I have some big orange country posts scheduled for next week!

  • August 2, 2017

    Congratulations on ten incredible years! I love following you, Scott, and Ella through social media and your blog; I would carry your bags and be Ella’s nanny to go on any trip with you. It is tough to just pick one, so I’ll pick two… your posts about Savannah and the Florida Keys were both so amazing I cannot pick a favorite! I follow you on Instagram, but when I was filling the page out the screen closed. My Instagram handle is @hopsartain.

  • August 2, 2017
    Danielle Faulkner

    Congratulations on 10 years! I love all of your diving posts. Gives my husband and I tons of trip ideas since we became certified last year!

    • August 2, 2017

      Oh, congrats, Danielle! What a fun way to travel together. Diving with Scott is one of my favorite couples’ activities to do =)

  • August 2, 2017
    Christine

    I’ve enjoyed reading your road-tripping around the south posts… I’ve lived in Charleston and now live in the middle of Bourbon country so they’re great references for shorter trips!

  • August 2, 2017
    Emily Pack Fair

    Happy 10 years! I enjoy following all of your adventures and living vicariously through them! It’s hard to pick a favorite, but Ive narrowed it down to all of the ones about the house, every Bonnaroo, and the ones from Kari’s wedding (especially the one to her on her wedding day). These blogs help me catch a glimpse of home. I hope to see the house in person someday now that we are closer to home.

    • September 17, 2017

      I can’t believe you guys moved back! And here I am signed up to run the Fargo half marathon next year 😉

  • August 2, 2017
    Amber Blair

    Hello! I found you through Mayhem on instagram and found your blog through your instagram. I love that you post daily snippets on instagram. My favorite entries on your blog are your house renovations, but I have also been reading your Nashville posts as well. My man person’s dad lives in Nashville and we are planning to visit in the fall. I really want to take a graffiti tour when we come down!
    Thank you for such an open and warm blog to read!

  • August 2, 2017
    Angela johnson

    You’re pup in the lei is the cutest ever!!!

  • August 2, 2017
    Ris

    I love all your posts about Morocco. They were definitely useful when I was convincing my husband we should go there for our honeymoon, and we had a blast!

  • August 2, 2017
    Kelsey T

    My favorite memories are always when you share about your daily life (beyond traveling) and your house rebuilding. It is so relateable!

  • August 2, 2017
    Sarah

    Perhaps my favorite posts are when you highlight things to do around Nashville, it will definitely be helpful when I make a trip back someday!

  • August 2, 2017
    Anne

    I loved following along with your Semester at Sea experience. I had really, really, wanted to do Semester at Sea as a student, but found out about it too late for it to fit well into my coursework. And, you went to Ghana! Which is one of the few international destinations that I visited before you. 🙂

  • August 2, 2017

    Woohoo! Happy 10 years! My favorites have been when you covered West Virginia because it’s so close to home for us, yet I haven’t done much there- AND love all the Florida posts! Great for future reference.

  • August 2, 2017

    Can I cheat and say our trip to Cuba???

  • August 2, 2017
    Michelle Marlowe

    I love the Semester at Sea and Europe Posts!

  • August 2, 2017

    This deserves a HUGE celebration! BTW, if I win the giveaway I am coming all the way there to pick up Ella and take her with me. Oh, and my favorite post of yours? One of the latter ones – No, you can’t pick my brain. Because I sooooo feel what you say!

  • August 2, 2017
    Sarah

    Long time reader – love your Semester at Sea posts. Such a unique experiences!

  • August 2, 2017
    Kacie J

    Congrats on 10 years, Kristin!! My favorite memories were from Semester at Sea where I had the COOLEST bosses ever – you , Paula and Josh. I miss the old crew (including Scott, of course) and love following your exciting travels 🙂

  • August 2, 2017
    Carly Williams

    Congratulations! My favorite are the city dog posts… I especially loved the one in the Georgia mountains!

  • August 2, 2017
    Andrea

    Congrats on 10 years! Thanks for all the insights you’ve provided and recommendations you’ve made — I’ve definitely used them in my travels. My favorite posts were your trips to Montana. I love it there and when I need a fix, I’ll go back and reread them 🙂

  • August 2, 2017
    Shawna Locke

    Congrats on 10 years! Other than living vicariously through your adventures, my favorite blog posts are the book recaps. You’ve turned me on to a lot of great books and authors (and also steered me away from a few book bombs)!

  • August 2, 2017
    Alanna

    I love the home renovation posts! And any industry behind the scenes posts.

  • August 2, 2017

    Love all your trip posts. I have always wanted to go to Italy so those were some of my favorites. Also, loved your recent posts on Eastern Tennessee. I don’t live far from there and I really enjoyed your tips on the Smokey Mountains. Congrats again on your blog turning 10.

  • August 2, 2017

    I love that you reminded me of why I miss Savannah! Those posts are the best!

  • August 2, 2017

    Happy 10th Birthday, Camels and Chocolate! What a milestone! My favourite posts have to be the ones you wrote on your anniversaries with SVV – I’m talking about the early ones, the ones with the title of the anniversary year. Sometimes I just randomly read them if I don’t have anything else to catch up on… does that freak you out? :p

  • August 2, 2017

    I am a relatively new follower and discovered you a few months ago when I was looking for inspirational travel blogs as I figure out my own blogging spin (which is akin to beauty meets wanderlust). I love that you seem real and super fun and I think we’d be friends in real life. 🙂 I also love your book recaps. And my parents live outside of Nashville so I love your posts about Tennessee and they really inspire me to get to know the area better!

  • August 2, 2017
    Susan H.

    I enjoyed not just one, but your entire series on your cross-country trip in your in-laws’ trailer. I live in California and yet I have not visited some of those sights which are just a few states away. Hopefully soon…

  • August 2, 2017

    Congrats on 10 years! I’m so glad I discovered your blog years ago but it makes it hard to pick a favorite post. I think I’ll go with your trip to Lexington, KY because I realized then we had so many similar interests. We’re gonna make a joint beercation trip happen one day 🙂

  • August 2, 2017
    Delaynie

    Congrats on 10!! I’m a new reader but I’ve done a borderline-unhealthy amount of archive deep diving to catch up 😉 my favorite so far has been your info on Savannah, because I never wanted to visit until I read about it here and now I’m dying for a trip!

  • August 2, 2017

    CONGRATS ON 10 YEARS! Seriously I love lurking your site when I’m planning a trip or just trying to be a nosey friend :). Keep doing you, girl 🙂

  • August 2, 2017
    Julia Levin-Rector

    I’d have to say your wedding recaps – I can’t believe I’ve been reading this long! Oh and of course any Charleston posts 🙂 I love seeing other people’s perspectives and tips on our city! Happy 10 years! xo – Julia

  • August 2, 2017
    Elizabeth Cortese

    My favorite so far is Volcano Bay because that’s what drew me in. I can’t wait to read more. 10 years is a lot of reading to catch up on.

  • August 2, 2017
    Ann-Marie

    Congrats on the anniversary! I love keeping up with your blog and really appreciate when you write about books. I love checking in with your reading lists. I also really loved the running post a few months ago.

  • August 2, 2017
    Ginny

    I’ve been reading for years, and I’ve loved all of your posts! I especially love the posts you’ve done about being a writer. When I first started reading your blog I was a recent English/French graduate with no idea of what I would end up doing, but (after a series of very lucky breaks) I actually ended up writing for magazines! I love it more than I ever thought I would love a career, even though I’m just starting out and mainly write for local pubs. Your advice via the blog has been invaluable (as has your honesty about your frustration with everyone thinking they could easily do your job—I’ve had so many friends express the same sentiment). Anyway, love your blog and all you do!!

  • August 2, 2017

    I LOOOOOVE that so many people’s favorite memory in all 10 years of your site is meeting you in person. I couldn’t agree more. Although, I haven’t met the pup yet. That may have to be my 20 year fav when our pups meet. I have loved watching your journey too. I honestly can’t remember when we both came onto each others radars, but we have changed and grown as artists and people so much these past years (how many kids did I even have?! At least one for sure!) I can’t wait to see where the next 10 years take you!!! Oh and your underwater photos! You ALMOST have me convinced to scuba. Almost.

  • August 2, 2017
    Molly Vander Jagt

    I only found you (and the blogosphere in general) a few months ago… but congrats on 10 years!! I loved your post from back in May about NYC and staying at The Plaza! 😍 What a hotel!

  • August 2, 2017
    Allison B.

    I am new to the blog, but have loved each read so far!! That sweet little Ella makes me smile! Your recent Key West trip has me planning for next year. My first stop will be the Key West Key Lime Pie Co.

  • August 2, 2017
    Steve Weber

    I like your trip to Macon the most!

  • August 2, 2017

    I love to travel! It’s always a memory. Especially when there is candy involved!

  • August 2, 2017
    Kristin

    It’s so hard to pick just one moment from all the years that I’ve followed your blog. I do love anything from Europe, especially from Germany!

  • August 2, 2017
    Britt

    Happy decade-aversary! I don’t know that I have one favorite post, but I have loved utilizing all of your travel-related posts when looking for things to do in new-to-me places -especially all of the NorCal posts as I moved to the Sacramento area just over a year ago, and the Scotland posts as I am heading that way in March 2018! Congrats!

  • August 2, 2017
    Nora Leary

    My favorite memory – ALL things Rwanda! I’m so glad I got to meet you, hear how a successful travel writer gets off the ground, and dine out in Kigali! I love following all of your adventures!

  • August 2, 2017
    Rachel

    My favorite memory is when you traveled to Auckland.

  • August 3, 2017

    I’d say my favorite memory from the blog was contacting you many years ago asking for tips about the Bay Area, you gave me awesome places to visit and things to do. I’m glad I was able to meet you even if it was for a few minutes. Happy 10th C&C!

  • August 3, 2017
    Julie Fischer

    Anything from Semester at Sea, especially How to Cross the Road in Vietnam 😊

  • August 4, 2017

    Woot! It’s a fantastic time when I travel. Loved the Iceland blog”this clueless nomad” It’s always great to read about exciting trips.

  • August 4, 2017
    manda

    I liked the Taj article

  • August 4, 2017
    Avril Lawson

    Happy 10th birthday 🙂 I haven’t lived in the US for very long and being a keen traveller I want to get out and about and see as much of the country as I can. One day I came upon your blog and I love the chatty way that you write and the interesting, more off-beat places that you describe. I have saved copies of the places you go to give me inspiration for my travels. My first cross country trip is going to be for a few days in Savannah. Following you on Instagram now too! Best wishes Avril

  • August 4, 2017

    Oh girl, I’ve been reading for way too long! I guess my blog is getting up there in age too, maybe 8 or 9. Your early posts about work as a travel writer helped me figure out how to do it. Keep it up!

  • August 4, 2017
    Jessica

    Too many good posts to name just one! I will say that I have emailed out links to particular posts to friends traveling to any number of places (specifically in the South) and your blog is always my first stop when I’m laying out my itinerary for travels- most recently to Savannah!

  • August 4, 2017
    Debbie

    Congrats on 10 years! Amazing!
    My favorite Camels & Chocolate memory is reading about your recent trip to Budapest with your family–you were there the week after my Mom and I went there for a girls’ trip. I felt like I was sitting down with a friend and comparing memories (of course, you didn’t really get to hear mine, but still…)

  • August 5, 2017
    Kate

    My favorite post was A Day In The Life on Semester at Sea (and really all of the SAS posts). I was a student on SAS years ago and it’s was sparked my love of travel and adventure!!

  • August 5, 2017

    I loved the Volcano Bay tour since I know some of the people involved in the opening of it.

  • August 5, 2017
    em

    I’m a fairly new reader (within the last year or so) but I’ve loved reading the Semester at Sea posts!

  • August 6, 2017
    Elaine Luxton

    Wow how exciting, Ten Years! Looking forward to more fabulous posts.

    • August 6, 2017
      Elaine Luxton

      Sorry hit enter too soon. I love all the Semester at Sea Posts.

  • August 6, 2017

    Your dog is adorable!

  • August 6, 2017

    Happy 10 years blogaversary! I really loved your post about traveling on the PCH (https://www.camelsandchocolate.com/2016/05/santa-cruz-california/). Inspired serious PCH wanderlust 😀

  • August 8, 2017
    Kim Henrichs
  • August 9, 2017

    OMG! I looooooove your watermelon rice crispy treats! Such a cute party. Wish I lived in Nashville so I could come visit! Looking forward to seeing you down here for the holidays.

  • August 9, 2017
    Megan Jicha

    One of my favorite memories associated with Camels and Chocolate is your post: WHAT YOU’RE WORTH: WHY CONTENT CREATORS SHOULDN’T WORK FOR FREE. I still remember it because it came at a time in my career when I needed to exactly that: realize my worth. Because of this post, it helped put me on the career track I’m on now. I want to thank you for bringing that self worth and positivity to my life.

  • August 13, 2017
    Kenya F

    Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! That’s amazing and a long time in the blogging world! My favorite post is “Meeting Desmond Tutu in South Africa” Not only is South Africa is one of my dream trips but for you to be able to go there and meet Desmond Tutu must have been a magical experience! Cheers to 10 years and another 10! I love reading about your travels and blogging tips.

  • August 13, 2017
    sdadolf

    Congratulations on the 10 year anniversary. I enjoyed reading the series on Ireland, it sure brought back great memories of my trip there.

  • August 14, 2017

    Happy 10 year anniversary first of all! I’m a newer follower but already obsessed with your blog! I loved your Ireland stories! It brought back memories from my honeymoon!

  • August 14, 2017
    Melody Keasling

    Happy anniversary!

    I have enjoyed all of your blog posts but I think my favorite has to be when you started running again. I am a huge fitness person and I felt that I could relate to it.

  • August 14, 2017
    CarolineK

    Yay 10 years! I loved following Semester at Sea posts!

  • August 14, 2017
    Brittany McCauley

    Congrats!! So happy for you! Love your style & appreciate your suggestions and tips!

  • August 14, 2017
    Christie

    I’m an animal lover, so I love your City Dog posts! Happy 10 years!

  • August 14, 2017

    Huzzah! Happy 10 years!

    Honestly, I don’t have a favorite moment, but a comment I think will make you smile: every time we book a trip somewhere new, C&C is one of the first places anywhere on the inter webs I consult to see if you’ve written about it already. Move over Lonely Planet!

  • August 14, 2017
    Laura Walters

    I love your posts and your adventurous photos!

  • August 14, 2017
    Lora Aboulmouna

    I love all your home renovation posts especially the ones that include Ella. However, I’d have to say my favorite post is in regards to your sister’s wedding 😉 I hope she also sees this so I can get some brownie points.

  • August 15, 2017
    Mary H.

    Happy TIN years! 😉 I’ve loved so many of your posts but believe it or not, I especially loved the recaps of your sister’s engagement and wedding.

  • August 15, 2017
    Wendy Bishop

    As a former broadcast journalist, public relations professional, tourism marketing coordinator and now online copy writer in Knoxville, my favorite post is “What Your Worth: Why Content Creators Shouldn’t Work for Free”. I found myself relating to this post on so many levels and needing to keep this message in mind in many different aspects of my life. I also love your travel posts, especially about my adopted hometowns of Knoxville and Nashville. Thank you!

  • August 15, 2017
    Sarah Mayer

    The posts about your road trips through the south were very enjoyable to me.

  • August 15, 2017
    Patricia Mathisen

    My favorite is seeing you lift up small communities, so maybe not one memory but your style. Keep it up, lady.

  • August 15, 2017
    Tracie Cooper

    I love the Food for Thought: I Survived #Whole 30- twice. It was super insightful and I am definitely interested in giving it a try very soon.

  • August 15, 2017
    Joyce Harrell

    THe series on Iceland was my favorite. We finally went there this spring and LOVED it!

  • August 15, 2017
    Tonya Flores

    I love love your “Traveled to Iceland” vlog. I would love to be able to go there and experience all the greatness.

  • August 15, 2017
    layken

    Congrats on 10 years! I have loved watching the house transformations – you are your own Joanna Gaines!

  • August 15, 2017

    I love your blog of wizard world and coverage of updating your house. I also enjoy the yoga in all the places 😉

  • August 15, 2017
    M

    I love seeing the progress on you house – it is coming together nicely! Recently I’ve been enviously reading about your SUP. A favorite recent trip was Manchester, UK. I was there for a day and definitely want to go explore further.

  • August 15, 2017

    Congrats on 10 years girl! Love getting to go through your blog and reading about your different travel experiences and tips! I loved reading your solo in Iceland blog because I recently ended up doing the same! Can’t wait to read more future posts, keep it up!!👏🏽

  • August 15, 2017
    Kathryn

    I started reading your block after seeing it referenced on Instagram by Mayhem (paper dress brilliance!) and have loved it ever since. Real talk, legit revelry, so refreshing! Happy 10 years!

  • August 15, 2017
    KateB

    I live when you get together with Mayhem. That’s how I found you so it’s fun to see you together.
    Also, your recent trip to the Keys has been added to my travel list.

    • August 15, 2017
      KateB

      Love. Ugh!!!

    • September 17, 2017

      I love that! All three of the Mayhems (+ Moxie!) are the best kind of people. I actually just posted our Nashville adventures on my blog this weekend!

  • August 15, 2017
    Carol King

    I have followed you since we stepped off our floating home in December 2011. SAS is my favorite memories with Camels&Chocolate. Seriously though, too many great posts to pick 1 as a favorite. I do have a special place in my heart for your renovation posts. I love seeing your updates! Cheers on blogging for 10 years! Here’s a virtual toast to at least 10 more!

  • August 15, 2017
    Katie Hartman

    I loved your blog post on Universal, actually! I just moved to Florida so I liked learning about fun activities I may easily do near home.

  • August 15, 2017

    I love all your tropical travel stories, but my favorite may have been your pieces on Lexington, KY. It’s my hometown and it was really interesting to see it as a travel destination!

  • August 15, 2017
    Madison

    Congrats! Started recently following you on instagram and I loved the recent florida keys adventure. It made me want to visit! Orlando is good too though!

  • August 15, 2017
    Ashton Blackman

    I’m relatively new to your blog and Instagram but my favorite was your May 2017 highs and lows! It was so exciting (and a little exhausting😳) to watch all the amazing adventures you had. I loved all your time spent with friends (drinking and hiking and yoga) but my FAVORITE story was the hell hole night in Las Vegas. The hair in the shower of The Flamingo made me laugh out loud and gag! I was so glad when you left😊 Thank you for the chance to enter and for letting me along for the ride as you blog and Insta your beautiful life!

  • August 15, 2017
    Lauren C

    The Knox Rocks has been one of my favs. It’s great seeing my hometown through others eyes.

  • August 15, 2017
    Betsy

    I stumbled upon your blog as I was preparing for Semester at Sea a few years back. I used your posts as guidance as I made plans for my own journey. I especially appreciated the how to pack for SAS post, as I was particularly lost at the time and didn’t have a real good idea of what I needed. I have been an avid reader since then. Congrats on 10 years!

  • August 15, 2017
    Christine

    My favorite memory is when I won tickets to the bourbon festival in East Tennessee !!!? The hubby and I had so much fun !!!

  • August 15, 2017
    Laura

    I have enjoyed so many of your posts – all make me jealous I can’t travel more. But I’ve gone back to your “what I read” posts a couple of times for book suggestions. 😀 Thanks!

  • August 15, 2017
    Ashley B.

    Happy 10 year blogaversary! There are so many great posts from over the years that I’ve found helpful and inspiring for planning my own travels. I especially love all of the Semester at Sea coverage! My dream would be to teach on the ship one day!

  • August 15, 2017
    Brooke

    I ❤️ that C&C is raw, honest & adventurous . It’s like exploring new things all the time! I love to travel, experience new things & meet new places & people all along the journey! Btw, Key West looked amazing! 🌊🏝

  • August 15, 2017

    First congrats on your 10 the blog anniversary. I just completed 1st and I am so inspired. My one memory of a camel will be the first time i sat on it with my brother in Mumbai at a beach. It was a lot of fun and was special as my dad was there with me.

  • August 15, 2017

    Wait i saw your blog first on insta and have been following since always! Love your pictures and your insta stories. Hope you come to Houston. Hahha and the camel story there was my mom brain

  • August 17, 2017
    Tony

    Congratulations

    I wish you more fun and all the best.

    Cheers.
    xoxo

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