SHE: Went to the Beach

Hey Y'all,

Summer is coming to an end. Our area schools started back this week. Boo! It always seems to get here too soon!! Don't you think so?   I was never one of the mommas that was happy to see it end.

Last week I went on to the beach with my girl and sweet son in law. Traveling with adult children was awesome!  The weather was great, the food so yummy and the company was the best. No one had to be entertained and no one needed a nap (although naps were taken).
We really enjoyed just being still and relaxing.  Andrew set our area up on the beach early each morning and we enjoyed it all day. Going up for lunch or a quick cool off. 

My favorite place to be at the beach is in my sand chair at the edge of the water with a book.  Our water was a little rougher than usual and the waters really washed up on the shores. Even flipping my chair around and dousing my Kindle with a little water and sand. But that is the risk you take sitting that close to the waves.  And to me, it was perfect. It always seemed to rush forward when I was least expecting it, but I was so appreciative of the relief the cool water provided.

Did you catch that I even got to read? 3 books! A while back I asked for some suggestions for my trip. There were so many to choose from.  I like an easy entertaining read, nothing to deep or heavy at the beach.  I read these:

 "Same Beach, Next Year" Dorothea Benton Frank

"The Hideaway" Lauren K. Denton

&   "The Summer House" Jenny Hale

Each was a very entertaining and quick read. With laughs and a few happy tears. If it doesn't grab my attention, I am likely to not finish it.  Have you read them?  I recommend them all. Sweet stories with happy endings. 

I am thankful to be home but so enjoyed our trip! Here are a few tips to share for your next beach trip...

Baby powder really does work wonderfully to get the sand off of you.

Put your sunscreen on before you put on your swimsuit, less likely to miss spots.

Unplug- we all need to do this more! I checked my phone at lunch and around dinner when I knew my Hubby would be calling me. (He doesn't care much for traveling ~ we may get him there next year). The rest of the day was spent listening to the ocean.

Bring a few options for reading or puzzles.

Pack less... you will never wear all the items you pack and it definitely helps

with carrying your luggage in/ out and laundry when you return home.

Hope you have had a fun summer! The weather should cooperate a little while

longer, but once school starts... I say bring on FALL.

xoxo,

Amy

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SHE: Loves A Good Book

image via Bing

Hey Y'all,

It's summer! Have you planned your vacation / staycation?  Mine is later in the summer so I still have some time to plan. But one of the most important things I enjoy purchasing for my trip is a new book or 2.  I am in absolute heaven sitting in my beach chair right at the edge of the water with a great book.  I do on occasion get in a little too far and have the water wave right up over me and my chair, but the cool water feels amazing so it's no biggie.   

Do you read "books" or do you read on a device? Kindle, tablet or phone?  I really like real books, but use my  Kindle too. It is great to use as the sun doesn't affect the screen quality.  And like I mentioned before ~ I tend to get washed over by the waves so not the best place for my phone or tablet to be.

image via Bing

As far as what I normally read, I tend to read a variety of books- love story, mystery, thrillers...But a  beach trip beacons a certain type of storyline for me. I enjoy a quick read, it has to grab and keep my attention. If it takes too long to get interesting or has too many characters, I'm out. Nothing too graphic or scary or too sad. Give me a funny love story and I am good to go.  How about you? When I started looking into what I wanted to read this summer I of course Googled "best beach reads of 2017".  I got so many suggestions. Here are just a few.... 
This is the only one I have picked out so far ~   Same Beach, Next Year
Best Beach Reads
Summer 2017 Best Books
Summer 2017 Must Read

Good luck finding your perfect story. Let me know what you plan to read and I will be sure to let you know which ones I select.  Do you reread favorites? I will share some of the books I reread on occasion one day soon.


xoxo,

Amy









*this post contains affiliate links, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

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SHE Travels to Destin, FL

Hey Ya'll! This past weekend Andrew and I took a quick trip to one of our most favorite places - Destin, Florida. If you've never been, you need to plan a trip. The sand is like sugar, the water is crystal clear, and the people and restaurants are fabulous. During our time we simply relaxed. 

Image via Google

We arrived on Friday, and the weather was gloomy and cold (I'm talking 60 degrees and we should have packed warm clothes, cold). Thankfully the weather warmed up, and it was sunny by Saturday morning! During the day, we could either be found on the beach or on our porch enjoying the weather. We are big fans of utilizing the beach services offered. Instead of lugging chairs and umbrellas to and from the beach each day, (and transporting them and 7 pounds of sand back home) we opt to rent beach chairs and an umbrella. I love to be outside in the sun all day, but my fair skin just can't take the beating, so an umbrella is a necessity! The gentlemen who set up the chairs and umbrellas each day are awesome. You tell them where you want to sit, and they will have your spot ready for you each morning. Just grab a good book, some sunscreen, and a towel and you will be set for the day! I actually  barely left my chair once I started reading Harper Lee's, Go Set a Watchman. I'm almost finished and have loved it so far.

Once evening time rolled around, we would get ready for dinner and head out to our favorite spots. We are huge seafood lovers, and will do our best to eat it every night we can. Our go-tos are Pompano Joe's and The Back Porch. Both are located on the beach and allow outside dining, my favorite! If you aren't crazy about seafood, but don't want to rely on a chain restaurant for dinner, try Callahan's. They offer a little bit of everything, and it's delicious!

Andrew enjoying Pompano Joe's

If you are not crazy about the beach or want some nighttime activities, there are plenty of other entertainment options in Destin. There are two large shopping areas, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, as well as Destin Commons. This year we only made it to Destin Commons. The set up and shops are my favorite, especially at night when all of the night lights are on and music is playing. Or you can venture to the Harborwalk Village. There are shops and restaurants, and so many neat family activities, like watching boats coming in and out of the harbor.

Destin Commons, Image via Google

Today we are heading home, and tomorrow we will face the realities of work and routine again. We are excited to see our fur babies but sure will miss frozen, fruity drinks and the warm sunshine. Happy Tuesday!

xo ~ Brittney

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