Nashville Adventures: Let's Give 'Em Something to Talk About

Friends, as I've mentioned in recent posts my Sarasota life went on pause for a trip to meet five other bloggers in person, for the first time, in Nashville and I'm finally spilling the beans on this great memory. So, whether this fabulous city is on your list of places to see, or you're open to new possibilities, pull up your bootstraps and saddle up. I've got some tantalizing tidbits to share with you! Now, there's no way to hit all of Nashville's delights, but we sure did try our best. 

Sharing BIG News on the Blog Today

Hey friends! Once again, I'm sitting in the hotel lobby, plunking away at my computer keys happy to finally share my news on the blog.  I've wanted to share sooner, but the days became flurries of activity leaving me without time and energy to get on the blog!

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

Black & White Ensemble, Travel Outfit & Premier Adventures

Hello! And let's hear it for more adventures today.  I've recently returned from our Premier Designs Convetion in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. It was two (full) and a half days of learning, inspiring and encouraging. I've been with Premier just over a year and this was my first convention.  I won't gush on about how much I loved it or overload you with all the details. Instead I'll share my aha moment from observing the women I met or heard speak.

It was one of our last sessions...My brain was almost complete mush, with my mind beginning to wander more frequently. I'd pan my eyes around the convention center from time to time, foot propped up on the empty chair in front of me and chin resting on my knee.

That's when this thought begin to form in my mind...

Success does not discriminate.

Nope. Not even a little.

Young or old. Big or Small. Single Gal, Single Mom, Married with kids. Stay home mom or Gal with full time job and work on the side. Disabled or not.

I noticed that those who were achieving their goals had a few things in common...

• They work hard.
• They trust the beautiful heart of the company.
• They are consistent no matter the circumstances.
• They care about people more than their next sale (hallelujah - direct sales can be obnoxious).
• They don't quit because they believe in what they are doing and what they have to offer others.
• They remain (and continue to remain) true to who they are; not comparing themselves with how others make it work.

So what am I going to do with this dawning of a new thought process for my hot mess of a self? Well, I'm not quite sure yet. What I can tell you is that I'm going to start on my negative thought patterns that are unhealthy and untrue.  Everyone. Everyone has something to offer those around us and sometimes throughout the world!

Some have suffered greatly and have over come more than I could ever imagine...Below is a picture of our group with Joni Eareckson Tada, a beautiful woman who became paralyzed after a diving accident in 1967. She is known for being a mouth artist (say what?!),  for starting the Joni and Friends ministry that reaches out to the disabled, and much more! We bumped into her after dinner in town and her sweet husband took this photo for us!

One more!!! This beautiful couple shared their story one evening...while her 6 month old baby was sleeping in the next room, she suffered a brain stem stroke at the age of 26, followed by a 2 month coma, which resulted in 2 years of brain rehab!  Tears streamed down my face as I listened to their story of hope and healing in the midst of tragedy. They've written a book called "Hope Heals" and speak at various venues. If you're interested in hearing more you can check out their website...HERE.

Ok, if you're still reading I'll put an end to my typings with a big thank you to Premier for exceeding their goal to inspire, encourage and challenge!

Meet my roommates and newest friends...

Making new friends was my favorite part of the weekend for sure! (Side note. This was my first time officially meeting my roommates. That can be intimidating, but they made me feel at ease immediately and welcomed me right into the fold!)

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: WHBM (old)/Hat: Khols (old)/White Denim: Entourage Clothing/Shoes: GAP (sold out)/Jewelry: Premier Designs

Linking up with Classy Yet Trendy, Elegance and Mommyhood, High Latitude Style, Weekend Wear Link Up, Fancy Friday Link Up, Shelbee On The Edge, Fabulous Friday Link Up, Living On Cloud Nine

Alright, I close today's post with some pictures I took throughout my fun weekend.

Necklace Layering Fun

I got spoiled to a fun lunch with my Premier "Mom" and "Grandma" ;)

I've known Brooke since high school. She has been in Premier for over 12 years and I joined her team in 2016!

Our Night On the Town...

Sundance Square

My outfit was red, white and blue for our patriotic service, but I had to change my shoes, ditch the scarf and throw on a hat (the Texas heat was worse than GA heat). Sometimes it is comfort over fashion!

Travel Wear - I LOVED this Outfit - So Comfy!

Outfit Breakdown: Jumpsuit (GAP), Black Tank: TJMaxx, Shoes: Clothes Mentor, Hat: Khols, Jewelry: Premier

Who is that guy???!!! Total photo bomber!

And Finally!!!!! These are pictures of gals I cornered for a picture because I thought they were just too darn cute!!!

Have a wonderful day my reader friends! I hope you are inspired and encouraged to keep at it!!

Chrissy

From Ponce Inlet to Bradenton: When Plans Go Awry

Hello! Today's post is brought to you from Sarasota, Florida and my outfit is simple.

White Dress with my go to sandals.

I found this dress off of Target's clearance racks last summer for under $20, but I here are a couple Target has going this year.

I could have walked around St. Armands Circle all day. It may be one of my favorite shopping centers to window shop. I say window shop, because everything is expensive, but taking in the landscaping, sculptures etc was a treat all in itself. There are local boutiques, as well as your familiars, such as: Soma Intimates, Lilly Pulitzer and the Walking Company. Of course restaurants are in full variety. Apparently, Columbia Restaurant, has been in business since 1905 and is world famous. Sadly, I had not the time to stop and eat there. Even if you are limited on time, this location is a treat for all the senses!

********

But why St. Armands Circle? Why Sarasota? Our usual vacation spot is on the other side of Florida at the lovely Ponce Inlet.

Well that is an easy answer. Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, the condo became suddenly unavailable. Have you ever had your sleeping quarters fall through at the last minute? This was a first for us and we went back and forth about whether or not we should do a staycation or attempt to reschedule everything.

A few days after receiving the condo news my dad, who just recently visited, called and invited us to stay with him in Bradenton, Florida. Well, that seemed coincidental. My husband and I discussed the idea and decided to shave off a couple days from our original departure and go for it.

In addition to visiting my dad, I contacted my cousin and the hub's aunt and uncle, who all happened to be in route. Why not visit them all?

The day before we left was comically stressful. The van overheated. One teenage son was making last minute plans to visit friends via text while I was out running errands for the trip and we wanted to get as much time in with my brother and his family while they were staying at my moms. Should we still go???

Well, our friends offered to trade their SUV for Glen's truck for the week. My brother and SIL took care of teenager while I watched my nephew and I managed to get everything packed. There was nothing left to do but go. We even stopped at SPLAT on our way out to have cupcakes to share. And so our adventure began...

Our first stop...visit Uncle Russ and Aunt Annie.

The boys helped with dinner, hunted for lizards around the yard and even fished in the pond out back. We had a wonderful time and Aunt Annie is a fabulous cook. Already we were thankful for our plan change, as we hadn't seen them for years.

Next up...Bradenton

This is where we spent the bulk of our time. The boys camped out on the couches and floor in the living room, while Glen and I occupied the guest room. Each day we picked a different beach to visit and walked around the pier and then played on the beach. We visited Coquina Beach, Manitee Beach and Ana Maria Island. They were all fabulous! The boys (including Glen) fished off shore, as well as off the peers and caught loads of catfish. The younger ones played in the waves and hunted living sea creatures. Here are some highlights...

Pit Stop at Two Scoops Ice Cream shop located on Ana Maria Island. GO there! It's affordable and delicious.

One evening we walked around Marina Jack's in Sarasota, Florida.  That was so nice. There were plenty of boats to look at as you walked casually around the circle. In addition, there are restaurants right off the water and a park for kids to play at. I saw quite a few folks hanging in hammocks in the trees. That looked fun.

On our last night, we loaded up the car and drove from Bradenton to Tampa for our last stop. Her husband had to scoot out early to go to work on Saturday, but we were able to visit for awhile that evening. The boys made friends with the family pitbull. I won't lie.  I was nervous!

We made the best of the unplanned circumstance and ended up with new adventures and new memories! Have you ever had vacation plans fall through at the last minute? What did you end up doing??