Our Trip to Rosemary Beach, Florida

I'm linking up again with Erika, Andrea and Narci for the Friday Favorites!  I love reading everyone's favorites too!

Last week we did a last of summer hurrah to the beach.  It was so nice to get away from real life and hang out as a family.  Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Seaside were all so dreamy.  Those little towns are charming and so chic.  We can't wait until the next time we go, except not in August, because it was hotter than the surface of the sun!  

At least they are looking the same way, even if it's not at me!

A rare moment of cooperation

Here are a few pictures I took.  I do have some of me in them but they are usually selfies because it seems I'm the only one who likes to take pictures.  These little towns are just made for photo ops.  Every where you look there is a row of bikes, beautiful architecture and of course the stunning white sandy beaches.  

Oh Carolina and her teenager attitude!

We rented a condo from vrbo again and it worked out well.  There were so many great options to rent in this area and affordably priced to be in such a convenient location.  We were on a pretty strict budget so we had to be very creative about meals.  We did one trip to the grocery store to get fruit and veggies because my kids can't live without them.  Usually at dinner, we got the kids meal and then two other meals for us to share.  

We definitely loved dressing the part with the  preppy beach vibe.

The best thing we did all week was to rent bikes.  We got some beach cruisers with the child carrier on the back.  They were super fun when you started going but we felt so unstable especially with the extra weight on the back.  I thought I was going to crash into some people!

Carolina and Nico could play in the sand all day long.  I just kept looking at them and treasuring how little they are right now.  I love that they are content and excited to be looking for seashells, jumping over waves and building sandcastles.  Carolina is starting kindergarten next week and I can hardly bear that she is growing up.

Carolina's photo session in her twirly Alice & Ames dress!  

We tried to make this a vacation with some other friends but we planned it too last minute.  It would be so great to take along some other family or friends and make memories with them too.  Besides, it would be so awesome to go out to eat sans kids for a date.  Let's be honest about dining with kids, that is rarely easy!

In downtown Seaside waiting the 90 minutes to get a table for dinner.

It was a great way to end the summer.  It's nice to have a week before school starts and get settled again besides doing the mountain of laundry!  We might go here again one day but we like to see new places too!  Any suggestions for family friendly vacations?

Friday Favorites // August 4, 2017

I'm linking up again with Erika, Andrea and Narci for the Friday Favorites!  I love reading everyone's favorites too!

{ 1 }

This sippy cup is so good.  One day I took a drink out of Carolina's plastic sippy cup to see if it was cold and I couldn't believe how bad the water tasted!  My kids have been drinking nasty plastic flavored water their whole lives.  This one keeps the ice cubes in there forever and the water cold.  The only problem is that this one is pretty small.  Definitely get the next size up.  I'm waiting for a sale to buy another one for Nico and probably for myself too because they don't leak when I throw them in my purse.

{ 2 }

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale has officially gotten on my nerves.  I should say I have gotten on my own nerves.  The website and shopping experience was so glitchy that I ordered multiple sizes and colors of things instead of being able to try them on in the store.  I have been to the store several times and it just seems like the salespeople are fed up too.  I love Nordstrom but I think that this sale makes everyone stressed out.  We act as if it's the only time we shop the whole entire year.  Last call! Prices go up!  Fire sale!  I mean, I think some perspective is needed.  

{ 3 }

It's almost back to school.  This is going to be the shortest summer in history for me.  My baby is going to kindergarten and I can't even take it!  And my baby baby Nico is going to be in school 2 days a week.  I don't even want him to go.  Boo hoo!!

Carolina went to a birthday party where they put makeup on her.  That was the first time she wore makeup and she made sure you could see that blue eyeshadow!

{ 4 }

Around here, I have been shredding things, selling things and cleaning things out! This is the picture of the office.  I finally went through so many files.  

Yesterday, was books.  What is up with all these books I haven't read?  I mean, it's time to read them or let them go.  I like to keep books I love but it was time for me to be realistic about what I will read again.  

{ 5 }

This candle is so amazing.  They are even better than Voluspa or Capri candles.  I got the lavender but there were other amazing scents too.  Check out the website.   The girls also post designer handbags for sale that were donated to them.  There are some great deals on there! 

The candles are made by teenage girls rescued from sex trafficking so you are doing good in the world by buying them.   Houston is a major hub for sex trafficking and many of the girls are underage. This organization gives them jobs and confidence to find another job eventually.