This past weekend I made a quick trip to Florida and boy-oh-boy was it worth it! I was hesitant to spend the money on a flight (did anyone follow my decision making on Twitter?) since I was just in Florida last month but I am so glad I decided to go. Four days of sunshine, ocean swims, and shopping trips (not to mention meals cooked by my parents and nightly ice cream snacks), made me feel so spoiled. I’m so grateful I had the chance to go!
photos by me
Where would you go for a four day escape?
I’m now back from the most beautiful week of sun and sea in Maine and I’ve got surfing on the mind. I’ve only been back on home continental turf for less than two days- but how I could easily slip back into the curl of the ocean’s waves.
Not surprisingly, I’m interested in bodyboarding since I spent the week perfecting catching waves on Ogunquit Beach. Bodyboarding is easier to master than bodysurfing since you use the board to help catch the wave and ride its curl. Bodysurfing involves your body riding the wave with your head pointing facing down and your hands extending in front of you like an arrow as the wave propels you forward. Both are fun, and while I’m slowly picking up the tricks of the bodysurfing trade, bodyboarding is proving to be a lot of fun.
What’s your ocean sport of choice?
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Well, well, two weeks sure can fly by! How have you all been? Thanks to those of you who continued to visit the blog and who said hello on Twitter while I was away.
I had a most excellent vacation in Florida over the last two weeks – I soaked up plenty of sun (yes, I wore sunscreen), swam every day, did “some” shopping, and ate delicious meals. Today’s photos are a bit random but there you have it – it is Monday after a vacation after all!
My family has been a fan of Madeira Beach ever since I was 6 or 7 years old. I loved being there as a kid and I still love it after all these years. It’s one of the few places I can completely relax. It’s easy living and the people are nice. In addition, the Gulf of Mexico is gorgeous, the beach is well-maintained, and the sand is squeaky clean (yes, it actually squeaks!). My friend Shannon and I stayed at Ocean Sands – the best place in Madeira as far as I’m concerned (and not just because it’s white).
As with many beach town shops, the clothing is bright and bedazzled. I managed to find one white t-shirt at John’s Pass.
I wish I counted the YOLO sightings over the two weeks we were in Florida. Every other person seemed to have it emblazoned on their t-shirts.
We also saw some interesting signage in our travels…
At first we thought the sign (above) spelled “right” incorrectly. But then we realized that maybe the sign was supposed to say “straight”. Maybe. Either way, it amused us.
This isn’t how we spell pretzel in Canada.
Finally. Way to go Marshalls for this little touch in the dressing rooms.
I wish we noticed this sign (above) last year – we were pretty much attacked by seagulls as soon as we stepped foot on the beach with our ice cream cones. This year we knew better.
We had some fun with an underwater camera. And we definitely stayed within the limit.
Above: Will you be my girlfriend? Yes. No. Maybe. I guess the girlfriend said yes!
Below (same car): Cutie driving.
I’m not sure what they teach in driving school down south but I’m 100% sure it’s fully unsafe to sit on a lawn chair in the back of a pick-up truck.
Stay tuned for a review of our stay at the King & Grove Tides South Beach and some photos from Miami.
If you can’t make it to South Africa…
photos by Mathilde
photos by Corie & Jeff
but crave a South African vibe in your living space…
then West Elm’s recent collaboration with South African designers and artisans might be just for you! The collection of ceramics, textiles, furniture and home accessories has been growing in popularity since it hit the marketplace just a little while ago. Some of my favourite pieces are white (duh!) and they are simple, structural and functional.
Mick Haigh oversize serving bowl, $63.09
Potter’s Workshop napkin set – black shields, $21.39
Ceramic Matters candleholder, $63.09
Anthony Shapiro pillar candleholders, $84.48-$105.87
Source dining chair, $212.81
Pedersen + Lennard hooks, $12.81
Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars. Some items are not available for international shipping.
Many thanks to Mathilde, Corie and Jeff for allowing me to use their photos from their trips to South Africa.
Thinking of leaving it all behind for a summer escape? Why compromise on the comforts of home when you can take them on the road with you in this fabulous motor home by Vario?
Aptly named Perfect, this motor home model includes air conditioning, a full bathroom, luxurious finishes and – wait for it- a garage in the rear to take your Smart car with you. So when you do arrive at your destination you can park big daddy and slip away like an action film trick aboard your zippy compact wheels. So you never have to walk-!
It’s priced at $1.4 million, but really- who cares. It’s perfectly insane and I’d love to experience it.
