The Glorified Summer Camp Counselor

We have been doing a lot of this!!! 

My fishes swimming behind me. They have been in the water the entire month!

Our day at the Highlands Aquatic Center in Largo, FL. AWESOME!!!

The view from our bedroom balcony. This will be missed. :( 

Our 10 Year Anniversary Photo

Something I will miss the most, the kids greeting daddy! Not having the commute has been so nice!

Except for the small bit of work I do over the summer for Crescendo, I feel very blessed to have time off to spend with my kids. For the past month we have lived in Clearwater, FL to be closer to my husband's job. It has been beautiful, and wonderful in so many ways. BUT.....I have to confess I am exhausted!!!! There is so much to do and so many fabulous parks, city water parks, etc. I feel like a camp counselor. Whoever says being a stay at home mother isn't a real job, is clearly delusional.....or hasn't tried it. Every day the first words out of my 4, 5, and 12 year old are, "What are are we doing today?" I have broken up nearly 20 fights, dished out more snacks than I thought humanly possible, and helped solve a dozen arguments in the past 24 days. We really have been on the go, non-stop but it has gone by so fast and I can't believe this will be our last week here. 

My husband and I had one small break in between, celebrating our 10th anniversary in St. Petersburg. Absolute. Bliss. On top of the wonderful weekend away relaxing by the pool, being treated to a massage, and eating delicious food.....I was gifted a $100.00 visa gift card! This was on July 12th and I haven't spent it yet. One thing that I have learned during this yearlong shop fast is that when you get a treat such as a gift card, your hoard it. I promise to let you know the winning purchase when it happens. 

An update on the shop fast, I am still holding on. During this month away I have only been tempted by a beautiful vintage clutch at a thrift store, and a lovely maxi dress hanging on the clearance rack of a local surf shop. Sadness. BUT, the good news is I didn't cave. 

My favorite part of this month is the last picture above. My husband being home in time to eat with us every night, and the kids greeting him at the door. Man I have missed that one simple pleasure. It kinda makes shopping seem silly, when your eyes are opened to the true happiness in your life. The gift list continues: 

252. Vacations with the entire family

253. Water smooth as glass

254. Sunrise walks on soft sand

255. Smells of breakfast from local cafes

256. Pancakes and toppings

257. Delicious cupcakes with cute names

258. My daughter's freckles

259. Morning runs with boardwalk views

260. Family traditions

261. Donut runs

262. Carts full of groceries

263. A heart full of happy

264. Sand in my sandwhich

265. Shade of a tree

266. Fish

267. Beach rentals

268. Neighbors

269. Fireworks

270. Boat rides

271. Watching my children play with their daddy in the water. 

272. Sand toys

273. Bagel shops

274. Cakes cooling

275. Free Slurpees

276. Rooftop sunsets

277. Anniversaries

278. Greeting daddy at the door

279. Sailboat views form bedroom windows

280. Dry clothes from warm dryers

ToAdorn, Yes!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ToAdorn for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you are like me and you are constantly looking for a way to shop for trendy items at a price you can actually afford,  you must check out ToAdorn.com! ToAdorn is an exciting place where vendors and buyers connect fo find super deals on boutique style fashion, accessories, and home decor. Every day at 12am they post new deals, and you must purchase quick because each deal only last a few days. 

I love that they have everything from clothing, to vintage style necklaces, fashion accessories, and wall decor.   Right now they even have super cute lipstick phone chargers, and super chic touch screen pens in a variety of colors. Whether it is accessories for the home, or fun items to wear, they have it all! ToAdorn teams up with the best vendors around to feature the latest trends with prices as much as 75% off!  There's no better, or easier way to purchase items you have been seeking, at a price you actually afford! Just be sure to act quick, as items go fast and they are only available for a few days. 

You can sign up for daily updates, and you will want to be sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest deals! 

You can visit the ToAdorn website by clicking on the hyperlink to browse their fun items, and read more about how this site works. 

One item I have been swooning over is this crystal studded necklace and earring set from Cozy Couture. At $6.99 how can you pass that up? The deal is only available for 2 more days, so scoop them up quick. This set would be perfect with a summer dress, or jeans and your favorite T-shirt! 

So, make sure to visit ToAdorn, and sign up for your daily updates, and be sure to "like" them on Facebook! 

A Change of Scenery

Happy July! This month we opted for a change of scenery closer to my husband's office in Clearwater Beach, FL. We figured if we can't be with him, we may as well join him! My favorite part about this beautiful place is it is only a short drive for him, and we will get to see him more. Can you say family dinners?? YAY!

Feeling pretty darn blessed to have this opportunity and experience. In between working from my satellite  office here, I plan to keep the kiddos busy with the beach, picnics, museums, and sightseeing. If you have any suggestions for fun things to do in Clearwater please fire away!