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Daytona Beach Tanger Outlets

Daytona Beach Weekend Day 3 was ALL ABOUT our visit to the new

Daytona Beach Tanger Outlets

We arrived around noon and wasted no time visiting the shops

First stop was Kirkland’s

Obviously we had a good time at Kirkland’s.

Next stop was a shop that I haven’t experienced called Dress Barn.  The name isn’t all that pretty, but the prices are.  And the staff was very helpful and courteous.  I was especially impressed with the young lady that assisted me.

Now there is something about the word CLEARANCE that screams to me and I am immediately drawn to the back of the store.

And there I go…Cute dress and handbag.  I walked right past them both as the CLEARANCE sign screamed on and those yellow Capris I’ve been looking for… FOUND THEM!Next stop… UM…

Lee Wrangler Vanity Fair Outlet.      I’m still having trouble grouping this trio, but we found some useful items in this shopa handy dandy Nautica Cap.

And… Rainbow Dash and Princess Peppa.  I am a SUCKER for My Little Pony and anything else that Lydia likes!I have Always been an Express Fan.  Every time I walk through the doors of this shop I begin to covet (tears)

After a quick stop to pose with this

Pink Sugar BearWe checked into Old NavyIt used to be that I could walk into an Old Navy store and find something that I thought I had to have right away.  This time LB found something he had to have… Summer Shirts on Sale!  Blue/White striped, Pink, White, and Multi-colored checked Oxford Men’s shirts.  Although I did not go into the crowded dressing room with him, I did eventually see the shirts on him and love how they look.  The deals at Old Navy were great.

And I eventually came across these pretty little shoes marked WAY down.  The shoes at Old Navy are very cute, and even more cute when you find them on sale. (LB practicing with the camera features again)

We spent A LOT of time in Old Navy, then headed to another shop The items in this shop are just as pretty as can be.

Nearly all of the tops in this store are priced at $38 except this oneBy the look on my face you can see that I wasn’t sure about it because it is very poofy, but I bought it anyway because LB said I shouldI would have spent more time in Francesca’s because there were so many pretty things to see, but it was getting late and there was one more stop to makeThere’s that word again

We wound up our shopping adventure at the Daytona Beach Tanger Outlet around 3:30 PMIt was a shop till you drop kind of day!  And I’d spend any day doing the same!

Daytona Beach Weekend

The weekend came early for LB and myself when I was happily able to take half a day off work Friday.  We had originally planned to head to our Daytona Beach destination on Saturday morning, but a last minute decision to add an extra night to this mini-vacation resulted in a drive down on Friday afternoon.  We packed, kissed Elvis goodbye, and headed south.  After only one stop for a Chik-Fil-A diet lemonade, we arrived at the Hampton Inn and began making plans for the evening.

Eventually deciding to stop at Racing’s North Turn, we enjoyed hot wings, salad, and musical entertainment by a group calling themselves “Parallel”

Day 2

Saturday morning began with breakfast at the hotel then picking out a lounge chair by the pool.  The weekly Saturday pool part at Hampton starts at 12:00 with D.J. Drew and his pool party playlist.  The Hampton Inn Daytona Shores Oceanfront is a unique hotel.  The general manager Sandy (shown above in the coral colored dress) has put together a weekly summer pool party including a cookout (all you can eat burgers, hotdogs, chips, and drinks).  At a designated time during the pool party, she has the kitchen and cleaning staff out for introductions and an amusing dance to the song “Hot Hot Hot” by Buster Poindexter.LB and I enjoyed some pool time during our visit.

And he enjoyed trying out the picture taking features on his new phone.

Typically the summer will bring with it afternoon showers.  This Saturday was no exception.  When the wind blew my hat off of my head I decided it was time to pack up and go to the room.But the day was not over.  The summer shower ended and it was time to get ready to go out for the evening.   The Daytona Beach FL Bandshell Live Summer Concert Series hosts tribute bands every Saturday night.  This weekend featured a band called Wholigans.  I probably don’t need to elaborate at this point… just click the link and check out their website.  We enjoyed the show and shared a Mahi-Mahi taco from Sloppy Joe’s, then left the venue to do the unthinkable… walk back to the hotel.

Let me say that again…

WALK back to the hotel

That’s me with my chair in tow, about to complete a 5.5 mile trek back to Hampton Inn.  My take on this:  I have logged MANY miles on the treadmill or through a mall, etc., but walking on the beach is a totally different experience.  My calves are cursing me as I type this post.

The walk back was long, but I’m happy to say we made it.

Along the way we encountered a cookout on the beach (grill and all), a pair of glasses, a cover band, and this sea serpent: someone spent a lot of time on this fella… and I appreciate the effort.  He was pretty cute.

The walk back was moonlit and I am happy to have enjoyed the beautiful night at the ocean shore and conversation with my LB.

He likes to arrange for adventure and fun… and that is typically exactly what we have.

Daytona Beach Weekend Day Three involves shopping and deserves a post all its own.

To Be Continued

Posing in Italy!

My life is exciting, but I haven’t been able to make time to visit ItalyCinque Terre, Italy, Manarola, Liguria, Rock, Sea (source)

I have just recently started my blog… only three months ago TODAY!  It has been a lot of fun and more work than I imagined… more like a second job than a hobby or pastime.  Last week I enjoyed a summer vacation trip to Captiva Island which I covered in this blog, and wrapped up with a visit to the ER.  It was at some point during the ride to the hospital that I realized how SHORT life really is.  My thought during that ride was that I was on my way out, like my Daddy who was just slightly older than me when he left this world on November 23rd 2001.  I am much like him, so it is no wonder that I assumed I would meet the same type of end.  I may still do that, just not on June 3rd 2017.  I am proud that I am so much like him.  But I am pleased to say that I’m not finished here yet.

As I was flipping through Instagram during my lunch break today, I noticed ANOTHER person that I follow posting photos of herself in Italy.  It seems to be a trend to pose for a picture of yourself in Cinque Terre.

Happily, I am taking shots of myself in my bedroom!  Alive and well

… and wearing my beautiful White House Black Market blouse that LB purchased for me in March of this yearalong with my FAVORITE black sandals

and all the Brighton jewelry any red blooded American girl could ask forLimitless Heart Limitless Heart Charm Bracelet

Contempo Medium Hinged Banglemy bracelets are retired.  The above pictured are similar

Thank you Jesus

Sanibel Outlet

On the final day of our Captiva Island Vacation, LB brought me to the Sanibel Outlet Mall.  The place caught my eye as we were heading out of town, on our way home.  It was the bright blue roof shouting for my attention, and yes, I am frequently motivated by the superficial.
We parked at the end of the complex and walked to the first retail establishment.  LB was much more excited about G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet than I, but I did enjoy his enthusiasm, and, of course, his company.  A shout out to the store manager who was engaging and charismatic and the employees were all very friendly and helpful.
LB enjoyed trying on jackets, vests…

and SEVERAL pairs of shoes I enjoyed taking his picture

I found one pair of cognac wedge sandals that I especially like and ended up purchasingAnd LB took the opportunity to snap several shots of me trying them on for size.  I kinda like the red ones too.

We checked out and continued our excursion

Van Heusen is another store that I was not familiar with until this visit. As we were making our way to the store, a small group was leaving, each with stuffed shopping bags under each arm. That piqued our interest.  Just inside the doors were racks with sale signs that read $15 each and $9 each.  The $15 rack was loaded with white pants and capris. The Superstretch capri and crop pant. For $15, I couldn’t resist. You can look at them in black and gray here, but you can’t touch (shop) until you “find a store”.

There was a quick run through Banana Republic, GAP, Famous Footwear, Rack Room and Samsonite, but no purchases.
A visit to these websites will reveal savings on purchases. Currently Banana Republic has 35% off and free shipping on orders over $50. GAP offers 40% off and Free shipping on all orders with the code: WARMER. Famous Footwear offers up to 40% off sandals and free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Rackroom offers BOGO 50% off 2nd pair.
The last stop was LOFT.

No purchases during this visit, but plenty to dream about. If you visit this site today, you will be able to enjoy the 50% off FLASH sale OR $25 off your entire order.

Summer Vacation 2017

Vacation is such an anticipated time in my life!  This year summer vacation 2017 began on May 31st and continued through June 4th.  The event itself starting in St. Augustine with the concert at the St. John’s County Pier (which I posted about here) and culminating in Captiva, Florida on Florida’s beautiful west coast.  LB and I left our hotel in St. Augustine on Thursday morning and headed south.  We arrived at Captiva Island late Thursday afternoon, checked in to Tween Waters Inn Island Resort and Spa, and headed directly to the beach.

Toes in the water…

Beautiful ocean… shells… sunsets… a tropical paradise

 Life is good today!

The suite was beautiful

Some of the furniture reminded me of a collection that I became very familiar with during my time at Liberty Furniture.  I was so sure it was the same collection that I did some investigating.  Sure enough… it was the Thomasville Bridges Collection.  I searched it online, but it appears to have been discontinued.  I’m not able to find any pictures from my Liberty files which is not surprising.  It wasn’t one of my favorites.  But seeing the collection in our suite brought back memories of furniture days gone by.

Later that evening, LB took me to enjoy my most favorite cuisine for first dinner on the island.  Cantina Captiva served us the best carnitas (pulled pork) fajitas I have ever had in my life!

There are dollar bills stapled to the ceiling and walls which is quite interesting to say the least, and the food is delish!  Adiós and Vaya con Dios

It may sound like we ate constantly, but on occasion we split breakfast, skipped lunch every day, and split dinner every night.  Gotta watch those calories!  Speaking of calories…

Day Two

started with breakfast at the Captiva House.

LB’s breakfast sandwich

Kim’s Greek Omelet

and COFFEE!

and then we continued with a tour of the grounds

We spent the day on the beach.  I love to collect shells and LB is kind enough to keep them in his pockets.  We didn’t take any pictures (since LB had shells in his pockets and no room for his phone) during our 2 mile walk on the beach to Andy Rosse Lane.  There are shops and restaurants on this little street.  One restaurant in particular is the Mucky Duck which is at the end of Andy Rosse Lane, on the beach.  There is typically live music in the evenings and LB and I were intent on checking this out.  After doing so, it was decided that we would have dinner at the Mucky Duck that evening, which we did… and enjoyed a seafood platter… which we split.  It is worth checking out if you are ever on the island.  If you do, hopefully it won’t rain so the live music isn’t cancelled.

(source)

Dinner was good

And just like that… it was the end of day two of our summer vacation 2017

Vacation Day Three

began with a trip to the ER.

Yep.

All I am going to say about this is I had an episode unlike any I have ever experienced.  This event cost us at least eight hours of vacation time and probable medical bills.   I’m sorry to say that I can’t post the pic of me on the hospital gurney with medical apparatus around me and wires/tubes attached.

I’m just too vain.

The good news is, I am still here to tell about it and my heart is in good shape.

When I was finally released, I was more exhausted than when I checked in.  And (believe it or not) we hadn’t eaten anything in almost 24 hours.  It was time to get back to the resort, take a nap, take a shower, and (you guessed it) find something for dinner.

We enjoyed dinner at the Crow’s Nest Beach Bar and Grille

and a new dress (that I didn’t get a picture of (due to extreme discombobulation).

Vacation Day Four

The trip home involved a stop at the Sanibel Outlet which is documented here.

Happy Birthday to Me

My birthday celebration actually began on May 31st at the St. John’s county pier.

Every Wednesday night beginning in May and continuing through September at Music by the Sea, there is a catered dinner and musical entertainment event at the pier.  LB and I attend every chance we get.  This particular event was catered by Amici’s Italian Restaurant and entertainment provided by one of our favorite local groups The Committee Band.  We split an entree that included eggplant parmesan and penne pasta while relaxing in the pavillion prior to the concert.  While waiting for the concert, the resident DJ “DJ Dan”, honored us with tee shirts including us in The Danighan Gang. 

As is customary, my birthday began with a phone call at 7:52 AM from my sweet Mama.  Because I was in a hotel that rendered my cell phone useless [No Service] I missed her call.  She went right to my voicemail.  When we left the hotel this is the message I retrieved:

“(singing) Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you (laughs) Happy birthday Dear Kim… it’s too early in the morning, but I wanted you to know I love you.  God bless you. You’re such a joy to have Kim.  I love you with all my heart.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday, spendin’ it with the one you love.  When you get back we need to have cake.  And biscuits.  I’ll talk to you later.  God bless you Darlin’.  I’m so thankful there’s you.  Bye.”

I am blessed beyond measure to have such a precious Mama who loves me so much.

I listened to that message several times.

LB had other surprises planned.  He brought me to Cathedral Drive and let me pick a restaurant for brunch.  I thought the Greek restaurant would be a nice treat.  We walked into Athena Restaurant and I immediately noticed the specials posted.  One special was Salmon Eggs Benedict.  Yes please!

Those are grits on the side.

LB had hashbrowns

After brunch we strolled [it is a vacation day, after all] down to St. George Street and visited one of my favorite St. Augustine shops, H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes.  LB was recalling a post from April when I mentioned a blouse that I loved.  He brought me to H.W. Davis and found that blouse

along with another that was just as cute

He bought both of them for me! Oh Happy Day!  Not one, but TWO Clara Sunwoo blouses!  LOVE these!  This has definitely been a day to remember thus far.

The birthday gifts continued

These bracelets were purchase by LB more than a month ago from a Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry party hosted by my coworker Geraldine.  LB logged onto the website that was assigned to her party and selected the Silver Star Fish Bracelet and the Two Tone Silver Razzmatazz Bracelet.  I was not at all surprised at his GOOD TASTE!  But very surprised by the presentation as I had completely forgotten he participated in this event.

There was also an adorable little bracelet that I picked out myself on April 2nd that LB decided I could wait till my birthday to have.  This pearl bracelet with starfish and sanddollar charms is from Fresh Produce and I shared it on this post. 

So cute!

Believe it or not there was ONE MORE!  I absolutely loved it and feel it deserves a post of it’s own.  I’ll be presenting this particular birthday gift from LB soon.  Stay tuned.

Obviously a birthday is Not all about gifts.  LB knows I love pretty things, but he also knows how to make me happy in ways that do not get filed under Material Girl.  So he took me to the beach and let me put my toes in the sand

Afterward

We split smokin’ Carnitas Fajitas at a delightful Mexican Restaurant

To all of my FaceBook friends who wished me a happy birthday… I Had a GREAT day.  Thank You!

 

Boutique Finds

Today as I retrieved this handbag from the back corner of my closet, I remembered my annual trip north to see the fall colors peaking.

It is a pretty little Coach look-a-like that was purchased in a cute little boutique in Dahlonega, Georgia.  Sadly, I can’t remember the name of the boutique.  Happily I do remember the trip to Dahlonega, Georgia on our trek through the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We enjoy this trip every year and Dahlonega is often a town that we visit.  What is captivating about this town is the Gold Rush Days event.

Gold Rush Days are always held the third full weekend in October.  It is a Festival when thousands come and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold.  There are over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gathering around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event.  The Festival includes a Parade, a Festival King and Queen, and a Festival Grand Marshal.

It is a fun day of site seeing, people watching, and, of course, shopping.

The boutique had moved when I revisited, but there remain plenty of shops and places to dine in Dahlonega’s Historic Downtown Square.  The Dress Up boutique has a locations in Dahlonega and is another worthwhile shop to visit while at Gold Rush Days.

 

This year Gold Rush Days will take place on October 21, 2017 – October 22, 2017 in Dahloneha’s Historic Downtown Square.  Maybe we’ll see you there.

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