The Traveling Gypsy

Don't you love how we decorated the house with beach towels? 

One advantage of being a work at home mom is the ability to travel upon a moment's notice. Just as soon as I bounced back from my post-vacation depression, my friend called and invited the kids and I to stay a few days at her house in Longboat Key, FL. So without even thinking about it, we packed up and hit the road. We had the BEST time hanging with her family. The kids played until they passed out. We relaxed by laying in the sun, watching movies, and playing games. I won $6.00 with a bit of beginners luck playing Farkle, which is super fun if you've never played! During a rain delay, we rode to St. Armand's Circle for shopping, ice cream and cupcakes.

Upon our return, I had enough time to unpack, do some laundry and re-pack. I left again Friday afternoon to head to Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa for a MOPS retreat. We are reading and discussing the book not a fan, which is a must read for every Christian in my opinion. I feel so blessed to have these friends and fellow mothers in my life. What a wonderful support system!

This week the traveling gypsy will be headed to the JW Marriott in Orlando. The husband has a trade show, and his gypsy and children will be enjoying they lazy river pool! Have a wonderful Sunday!

The Bounce Back

Dress & Shoes: Old as the hills, Cardigan: J. Crew, Bag: Betsy Johnson, Jewelry: Mixed

Today I made a step towards my comeback, I actually accessorized with something other than sunscreen and a floppy hat. It felt good. I think I just needed a couple of days to realize that I am going to make it through the summer with the kids at home. As a matter of fact, I have been researching things to do that won't cost us a fortune but keep them entertained. I am planning out our calendar with work days for me, and then days off to keep the kids as busy as possible. Luckily our local theater offers free summer movies, we have passes to our children's museum, Busch Gardens, Sea World, and the water parks. That should be MORE than enough fun to fill the schedule, make the summer fly by super fast, and leave me tired but unscathed. What are your favorite low budget activities to do with your kids over the summer??

Post-Vacation Depression

The REAL family photo! Ha ha

What a wonderful week! I am sad to say that I have just a touch of post-vacation depression. Downloading the pictures makes me want to jump in the car and head back to Vero Beach. Un-interrupted family time is few and far between these days, and I absolutely treasure it! Waking up whenever, walks on the beach, playing cards in the middle of the day, and laughing until our tummys ache. I can't wait until next year! 

Hello From Vero!

LOVE the morning walks on the beach

In case you were wondering, my dad is sporting this summer's hottest men's
accessory, the seaweed necklace! Hee Hee

Running, cannon balls, and shopping for fresh bread at the farmer's market! 

Well hello there! Today was my favorite kind of Monday....a vacation Monday! I am so blessed to be on vacation this week with my family. We have been having the best kinds of fun, such as eating way too much, playing cards, riding waves, and laughing at each other. I think this is year 31 for me at the Driftwood Inn, and I love it. It's not 5 Star by any means, but it is 5 Star in my heart. I actually do love the rustic beach feel. It is so neat to see the same people each year and watch their families grow. I hope you all are having a fabulous start to the week, and I will be checking in as often as I can pull myself away from my beach chair! :)

Proud Moment!

Tank & Gold flops: J. Crew, Skirt: Halogen, Jewelry: Mixed

My baby girl graduated today! What a proud moment! I can't believe that she will be headed to Kindergarten in the Fall. This little one is quiet the miracle baby as we went through so much to have her. We lived through the pain of three miscarriages before this little Angel made it into the world. But, God had a plan....and it was good. She is perfect, and such a blessing in our lives. The next proud moment will be on Thursday when my other daughter graduates the 5th grade. So much happening, but we are so excited! In other exciting news, this new skirt that I adore is a product of the Nordstrom 1/2 yearly sale! SCORE!!! :)

The Faceless Thrifter

Top: Gap tank, Necklaces: Stella & Dot, Skirt: Goodwill, Flops: J. Crew

Inspiration found at Target! 

So the thrifter remains faceless today, but we all know it is me! I didn't have time to set up the tripod, and the toddlers haven't quite mastered the camera yet. I found this skirt brand new with tags at Goodwill for $5.00. I was thrilled! So many asked me where I found it, and it is so funny to see their mouths hang open when I tell them Goodwill. Get on the thrifting wagon people...it's a great ride!

So I have an awkward story to share and it's an original. I found myself needing a pedicure before my girls weekend at the beach, so I went to indulge. While drying my perfectly polished toes, a complete stranger asked me to reach into her pants pocket to pull out her wedding bands. It was the most uncomfortable feeling I have ever had. Thoughts ran through my head very quickly and it went a little something like this:

"Do I have to? Is she crazy? What if I reach in too far? How can I get them without digging around in her pocket? Can I say no? Will I look like a rude snobby "B" word if I decline?" 


So, I did what one does under pressure and folded. Imagine me digging in a complete stranger's front pocket, and her shifting around trying to help me grab them. OH MY GOODNESS! I am still in shock! But hopefully, you got a good laugh to start your weekend off right! So tell me, what would you have done????