Give Me All The Spanish Moss

 Hello! Though we moved into fall, a quick weekend getaway gave me one last taste of summer. And what better way to savor one last taste than on an island decorated with trees, graced with Spanish Moss? This gem of focal interest and tranquility is practically in our back yard.

Welcome to bits and pieces of the historic district on Jekyll Island, though I must attribute this post and the pics to my supportive and adventurous friends...

It was nearing the end of the day and we had just completed a 2 hour kayaking tour, when the history buffs decided to take a detour of you guessed it - historic Jekyll Island. While taking in the sights, one friend narrated internet findings on who purchased and sold the island throughout the years, what prominent families settled there, etc, etc.  This added charm to an already beautiful drive, making our impromptu detour well worth the extra 30 minutes. ;)

As we passed by an inn, an old chapel and even a horse and buggy, one of my adventurous friends said that we should come back and take blog pics! There was very little day time left, but I'm not one to turn down such an offer so we rushed back to the house. I quickly threw on my dress, mussed up my hair and added a few accessories. No time for a shower. We scrambled out the door hoping there would be enough daylight to grab a few shots.

I felt silly at first, and worried about taking up their time with my hobby but they insisted. We traipsed all over that area, giggling as we went. 

I wanted to get in this Cinderella style buggy, but chickened out. You see how close I ventured. I bet the driver would have let me if I'd had the nerve to ask. Wasn't it enough that I was lounging and posing for any and all to see?? There was no nerve left. ;)

Give me a rocking chair and I'm good to go!!

Outfit Breakdown:

Fringe Kimono: Similar (on sale!), Vest Option /Dress: Local Boutique: Marisa Jills/Shoes: Rack Room Shoes: Rock & Candy (Rack Room Shoes)

Linking up with Michelle's Paige, Spread the Kindness, Not Dressed As Lamb, Elegance & Mommyhood, Fashion Should Be Fun, A Pocket Full Of Polkadots, Nancy's Fashion Style

I close with a few selfies with my compadres, as well as a few snippets from the weekend...

Driver on the left, photographer on the right...

****Kayak Tour With Turtle Tides****

Out on the open sea - sort of ;)

Shark Tooth "Beach"

Our tour was scheduled for 4pm. The guys at Turtle Tides were professional, friendly and of course knowledgeable of the area and how to work a kayak, so beginners are welcome. They were also the only rental company we could find that would give us a discounted group rate. Though we only saw part of one manatee (some said they saw his snout), the experience was great. For me, it was enough to be out on the water, enjoying the beautiful sights.

****Driftwood Beach****

Definitely not a beach I'd want to set up camp at, but it's great for a stroll or climbing trees.

Public Beach

There was limited beach space, due to the recent hurricane but we made the best of it and camped up by the rocks.

Quick Thoughts on Group Trips...

1. Determine ahead of time if this is going to be a trip for complete relaxation or a trip to do everything. Regardless of which you choose, be willing to go with the flow.
2. Relax and enjoy the time. Sounds simple, but many of us don't know how to slow down.
3. If you're at the beach, you don't have to put in a lot of effort. Let the sun's natural glow be your make up and don an easy, comfortable dress. However, don't forget the accessories.
4. Women tend to overpack and that includes food. Let the organizers plan out a food list or your counters, cabinets and fridge will be overflowing. lol. 
5. Get a great money sharing app like Venmo. It's secure and will make paying for gas, groceries, dinner tabs etc a breeze! Bonus: the ca-ching of the cash register when some one sends you money is so satisfying. 
6. Don't be wishy-washy like me. If you signed up for an event ahead of time, stick with it. (I did stick with it, but I waffled a little. That's an annoying habit for the planners of the group.
7. If it's a bigger group, bring an interactive game to get you all together. The quiet ones may only talk if they've been prompted, and they always have great things to say!

Well, my friends I do believe I've said quite enough. Have you been on any girl getaways lately? I'd love to hear about it and if you have any tips to add to the list above!

Chrissy

Beach Getaways: Part 1

This is my ultimate favorite beach wear. Ripped up jean shorts, comfy, casual sneakers, a cardigan for the night chill and a hat because there's no time to waste on my hair. Honestly, why do I even bother to pack several outfits?? I only end up wearing these shorts with different tops.

Outfit Breakdown:

Hat: Khol's 

Striped Tee: the Limited

Shorts: Old Gap jeans that I cut off

Shoes: Vans (similar)

Purse: Gift

Linking up with Elegantly Fashionable. Cuz I'm so elegant. Also linking up with Beauty 101 by Lisa.

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This year my family and I are blessed with a few trips to the beach!  Under our belt so far is a quick spring break getaway,  a couples trip to Seaside for a birthday surprise, and a big family trip with grandma, siblings and their children. I'll highlight the first two today. :)

****Without the kids****

SEASIDE: I still can't believe this one happened. A trip with friends; without our boys. Yeah. That was not on my radar.


How cool would it be to wake up and think you're on your way to a nice dinner outing with friends, only to find out you're actually about to be whisked away to Florida for a long weekend trip to Seaside...with a group of your friends?? Well, that's what one friend experienced because of his super cool wife (and a few helpers). 

After recovering from our nerves and he from he shock, we ate a quick dinner and hit the road. From start to finish, this was such a great trip. 

The place we stayed in was beautiful. All ten of us would hop on our rented bikes and ride around like teenagers. We ate out, but enjoyed staying in just as much. We sat on the beach all day and did nothing.  And we'd visit. I'm not gonna lie. I missed my boys, but this trip was fabulous. Simply fabulous. 

Hush Puppies for the win

Our room!

I know. Why the john?? I thought it would be funny to pose by the porta-potty. However, as I prepared to lean up against it there was a sudden clunking sound, indicating that this facility was, in fact, occupied.  Apparently, one of the builders was on break. My friend snapped a pic and we rode quickly away, laughing at my ridiculousness.

Lost with no children to look after

****With the kids****

PONCE INLET

Look how much our eldest enjoys hanging out with us.

On our second getaway, I was able to unplug and enjoy my husband and children without distraction.  They played, explored and were rewarded for their efforts. Just look at all those starfish! Have you ever seen such an abundance??  (Don't worry. All but one starfish were returned to their rightful place.)

My husband and I are learning that quality time requires intentionality, as memory making moments can slip through our fingers. I'm so glad summer is here and I'm praying that we make that most of it!

Chrissy