Tag Archives: vacation

Jul12

Geneva On The Lake Getaway

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Geneva On The Lake Getaway

Hello!! A few weeks ago Johnny got an invite from one of his coworkers for us to join him and his partner for a Fourth of July weekend getaway at Geneva On The Lake. They rented an Airbnb right on the water, had a spare room, and said the more the merrier. We happily accepted the opportunity for some fun in the sun and had the absolute best time! The last and only time Johnny and I had been to GOTL was for a work event for my dumb old boss and it was the freaking worst. To go back there in good company and actually enjoy the sights was a gift because I didn’t realize how awesome it was when I was punching the clock in misery lol. 😀

^^^ Hell yeah!!!

Johnny and I headed to our getaway as soon as I got home from work on Thursday and arrived at Geneva On The Lake in about an hour and a half. The travel traffic for the holiday weekend was blessedly nonexistent and that was great because we couldn’t wait to start our mini vacation. The Airbnb that our friends rented was seriously perfect. It was cozy, quaint, and was like having our own private beach. After getting settled and having a quick tour, we decided to hit the boardwalk for drinks, dinner, and visiting an awesome arcade bar.

The boardwalk at GOTL is the cutest and I would love to go back and explore it more. It was old timey, bursting with color, and bustling with activity between the shops, restaurants, and snack booths. It felt like going back in time and enhanced the vacation vibes even more. No stuffy offices, no chain stores or eateries, just quirky local establishments. It’s exactly what Johnny and I like! After stopping at a bar for a bevvie, we decided we were famished and went to a lovely beach side restaurant. They had the best Peach Sangria I have had in a long time and their pierogie platter was to die for! Once we finished our meal, we headed straight to an arcade bar for more drinks (Hey, it was a vacation!) and ALL of the skee ball before calling it a night. And, as per ushe, Johnny and I totally crushed at skee ball which is our all time favorite. I wish we had one in our house!

The following day was Fourth of July and our plan was to hit the beach for the day, head to the boardwalk, and watch the fireworks over the water. We made our way to the actual beach area of Geneva On The Lake and there were no parking spots in sight. Rather than make endless loops trying to find a place to park, we just headed back to the Airbnb and made use of our own slice of paradise instead. We brought chairs, coolers, and beaucoup sunscreen and spent all afternoon on the water. There wasn’t another person in sight and it was absolutely wonderful! It sure beat being in an endless sea of people and I didn’t want to leave! However, there came a point when all of our sunburns got too bad to ignore so we packed up and went inside. (As a side note, my sunburns were BRUTAL so I’ll be in my closet for the rest of the summer!)

We hung out at the Airbnb for a bit and freshened up, then we made our way back to the boardwalk for the rest of the evening. We, once again, had an incredibly difficult time finding parking which ate up a ton of time and ended up finding the last spot in an entire lot. It was a miracle! After playing some more games at the arcade, it was about time for fireworks to start and we just stayed where we were for a while to watch. It was spectacular and the most amazing way to commemorate our mini vacation!

Geneva On The Lake might have only been an hour and a half away but we felt like we were on another planet entirely. It was just the getaway Johnny and I needed and I would love to plan a long weekend trip for us this summer. I’m thinking Hocking Hills for sure!

How did you spend your holiday weekend? Where is your favorite weekend getaway spot? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun22

Garlic Gift

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Garlic Gift

Hello! For mine and Johnny’s birthaversary gift, we decided that we wanted to celebrate with a big family lunch at Olive Garden. We went this past weekend and had the best time eating like kings and enjoying all of us (Sans my big bro and family who live out of state) being at the same place together. It really was the perfect gift! Not only did we have a simply wonderful outing, but my dad presented me with one final prezzie before we parted ways: A total blast from the past product from our family vacations to Asheville, North Carolina. Check it out:

My family vacationed in Asheville in 2016 and 2019, respectively. One of our favorite things to do on family vacations is visit farmers markets and local shopping centers and we would go to the same gigantic market every time we were in the area. There were countless booths peddling their wares but we were primarily interested in one lone vendor: Joy’s Gourmet. Joy’s Gourmet features all kinds of delicious canned goods like salsa, pasta sauce, and salad dressing. Their piece de resistance, however, is their garlic spread. All it took was one taste of the samples at the booth and we were hooked! My favorite is the Chipotle and Sundried Tomato spread and we would stock up on them to bring back to Ohio.

These garlic spreads are absolutely divine and I would put them on everything – sandwiches, pasta, as a dip with crackers, etc. My family would savor every bite once we returned home after vacation and the last time I had this spread was after our last trip in 2019. Until this past weekend, that is! A few weeks ago, my dad called me out of the blue to ask if I remembered Joy’s Gourmet and I said did I ever lol. He still gets emails from the shop and informed me that they were offering free shipping, he was going to place an order, and wanted to get me a few jars for my birthday. This was the last thing I was expecting him to say and I was blown away by how thoughtful it was. He remembered that these garlic spreads were my favorite thing on the planet, saw an opportunity, and went for it! ❤

After our lunch, my dad delivered the goods and it was the cherry on top to an already amazing day. This has been the best birthaversary ever!!

What is your favorite thing to do on vacations? Are you going anywhere exciting this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov10

Lil Red Jacket OOTD Bloopers

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Lil Red Jacket OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Lil Red Jacket OOTD! I don’t know about all of you, but I have been So. Freaking. Tired. I feel overworked and over stressed and by the time last weekend rolled around, I was over it. Other than a lovely dinner out with our favorite downstairs neighbor on Friday, Johnny and I did a whole lot of nothing. The only thing in my books was taking pictures on Saturday and I was able to rouse Johnny from the coach to accomplish my goal. Like the blog husband he is, he went outside in his pajamas to make it happen! #blessed I was definitely looking as yikes as I felt in these shots:

Best blurry pals!!!

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Yoohoo from the parking lot of Timber Top!

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TFYM when you’re going to have a mental breakdown

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Lmaooo what is this?! YIKES.

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Looking like a total derp…

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And ROCKING it, obvi

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Clearly ready for Johnny to give me my phone back!

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Being self employed has so many perks and, to me, there is nothing better than being able to do my own thing every day. The downside? When I don’t do my own thing every day, I don’t get paid. I am the absolute WORST at taking time off for myself. Legit the only times I do are when I am sick or during family emergencies so it’s never particularly a fun day off lol. As a major positive, I adore my jobs and am happy to give my all each time I punch the clock. I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that I can’t freaking wait for holiday breaks, though!

After an exhausting handful of weeks, I pulled up the calendar on my phone and decided to give myself something to look forward to… plotting my Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks (and dinner plates, let’s be real!). Normally, I don’t take lengthy breaks during the holiday season. This year, I am treating myself baby!! I have mapped out my vacations to give myself the time and permission to do whatever I want. Whether that be lounging for two days straight, hang outs with friends, and staying up and sleeping in late. Just the promise alone of a work free agenda has been intoxicating and it really perked me up. 🙂

I am in the holiday home stretch. In a handful of weeks it will be sweet freedom and I am motivated to cross the finish line to the best of my ability and enjoy a much deserved rest!

Is it hard for you to take time off of work? Do you have plans for your holiday breaks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

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From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

Europe’s coast is a patchwork of beautiful landscapes, cultures, and views. From the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs to Ibiza’s beaches, a trip to these iconic coastlines is a chance to relax, explore and sunbathe. Each has its magic so whether you’re a beach lover or an adventurer this guide will take you through some of Europe’s most iconic coastlines and what makes each one special:

1) Amalfi Coast, Italy:                                                            

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy that has been a favorite with travelers for years. Famous for its villages like Positano and Ravello, the Amalfi Coast has cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can eat fresh seafood, shop in charming boutiques, and enjoy views from cliff-top terraces. Whether you’re wandering the narrow streets of Amalfi or lounging on the beach with a good book the area has the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear for a dip in the blue waters!

2) Costa Brava, Spain:        

In northeastern Spain, Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and fishing villages. From the French border to the bustling city of Barcelona, this region has something for everyone, especially when planning a road trip never to forget. Spend your days on beautiful beaches like Cala Montjoi with its turquoise waters and cliffs or take a leisurely walk along the coastal paths that reveal stunning views of the Mediterranean. Costa Brava is also steeped in culture with Salvador Dalí’s surrealist art and the medieval castles of Tossa de Mar giving a glimpse into the region’s history.

3) French Riviera, France:        

The French Riviera or Côte d’Azur is all about glamour and luxury. Along the southern coast of France, this beautiful region is home to glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. The beaches are lined with beach clubs and restaurants so you can sunbathe and people watch. You can try water sports like jet skiing or sailing or simply relax on the sand with a glass of rosé in hand. The views of the Mediterranean, the nightlife, and the cultural experiences make the French Riviera a must-stop on your coastal journey.

4) Ibiza, Spain:        

Famous for its nightlife and beaches, Ibiza is the jewel of the Balearic Islands. This island has the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Spend your days on iconic beaches like Playa d’ Bossa or Cala Comte where you can sunbathe at beach side bars. As the sun sets, Ibiza becomes a party destination with world-famous clubs like Pacha and Amnesia drawing crowds from all over the world. But the island also has peaceful spots like the charming village of Santa Gertrudis where you can eat local food and enjoy art in a quiet atmosphere.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the towns, or party the night away this coastal journey has it all. So pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr30

Hawaii Haul

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Hawaii Haul

Hello!! In mid April, my mom, dad, and brother went on a guided vacation to Hawaii. This was their dream trip and we were all thrilled that they got to go on such a wonderful adventure. Although I was happy for their fun in the sun, I was missing them something fierce. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for them to come home as soon as they left! Prior to their departure, they asked all of the family what kind of souvenirs they might like. I answered with jewelry and my history buff husband wanted something from Pearl Harbor. I am pleased to report that my travelers delivered! Check it out:

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When I visited my family after they returned, it was like a mini Christmas on the dining room table. It was laden with gifts for the kids and grandkids and it warmed my heart that all of us were thought of no matter how far apart we were. Johnny received some guitar picks and a model of the USS Arizona Memorial. He was SO excited to build the model and when I returned home from work the following day, he was almost done with it already. In fact, he enjoyed the build so much that he plans on buying more from the brand. Both the picks and model are proudly displayed on our knick knack shelves.

For my gift, I got exactly what I wanted – a stunning necklace and earrings! I am loving the shell necklace and it will be a fabulous accessory this summer. I am going to wear it wrapped as a bracelet and the pretty, neutral palette will allow me to wear it with anything and everything. The piece de resistance, however, was the earrings for sure. The delicate gold cutouts of sea turtles blew me away and they are also highly sentimental. Sea turtles are my brother’s favorite and what he was most looking forward to seeing. Like the necklace, these earrings are going to enhance any outfit and it will be like a hug from my family every time I wear them. ❤

My family had the best time on their trip and I had the best time welcoming them home. I call dibs on next vacation!!!

Do you have any vacations planned? Where are you going? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar21

She Sells Seashells

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She Sells Seashells

Hello!!! I work as an Independent Provider for people with special needs and specialize in community inclusion and daily living skills. I have worked in the field for almost a decade and all of my clients new and old will always hold a very special place in my heart. It is the best job in the whole world and I am so thankful to have assisted so many amazing families. It means so much to be trusted to provide quality care and I deliver nothing less every day at work.

Whenever I can’t see my clients due to vacations or days off, I miss them terribly! My days feel so off without my normal shifts and all smiles and I couldn’t wait for one of my clients to return from a family vaca. I know for a fact this young man was missing me too because he collected seashells on the beach just for me and proudly presented them when I saw him again:

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When I was given my seashells, I seriously almost cried. I was SO touched that my client took the time out of his vacation to search for shells that he thought I would like. He was completely right, because I LOVE them. He told me that they have to drive to the beach next time because all of the shells that he wanted to bring me wouldn’t fit on the plane! I cannot wait to find a pretty jar to house my shells in and display it on my knick knack shelves so I can see them and smile every day. ❤

Between three jobs, I am a busy lady. However, I will never be too busy to see my clients; I simply could not imagine my life without any of them! It brings me such great joy to teach new things when I am at work, but every day, I am the one who learns something new. My seashells will serve as a reminder to always be thoughtful, generous, and kind – just like the dear young man who gave them to me. I am the lucky one to even know him and feel proud to continue to grow as people together!

As the weather in Ohio remains awful, I will be on the beach in the sunshine every time I see my seashells. Always turn your face towards the sun and have the best day, darling friends!

Where is your dream vacation location? Who has seashells on display in their home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Feb20

Surprise Vacation

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Surprise Vacation

Hello!! After writing about my desire to achieve a better work/life balance, I had the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is. However, it wasn’t for a great reason. Unfortunately, my parents tested positive for Covid last Tuesday and I genuinely have no idea where they got it from. Thankfully, both of their symptoms were quite mild and they are on the up and up!

Usually, I am at my parents house almost every day of the week for work or just hanging out. Of course, that wasn’t a possibility while my parents were sick and I miss them and my brother terribly! The first day I couldn’t come over, I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself and the free time that fell in my lap. I felt bad all week that I was lounging in the comfort of my home but I also knew that there was nothing else to be done until there were negative tests all around.

During my Surprise Vacation, I caught up on my sleep a lot. Since the beginning of the new year, I have been waking up between 4:45 and 5 every morning to take care of the bunnies, get myself ready for work, work from home, then go to my other job. It was exhausting but necessary, especially as I started a new online gig. During my break, I was able to sleep in until… Drum roll, please… SIX O’CLOCK and it was awesome! I didn’t know how much I needed that extra sleep until I actually got it and it was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself. The extra sleeping in sessions also made it much easier to get up early again when I had morning clients.

I got a lot of work done online during my staycation and I also had time for extra cleaning, cooking, and enjoying some TV time before Johnny returned from work. You already know I watched lots of Hoarders while Melvin and Penelope romped around their bunny-proofed area. I also binged the first half of the new season of You in one afternoon flat. I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that and it felt so good to have a binge-watching session with a show just for me. Also, can we please talk about how freaking crazy that show is? Lol freaking Joe Goldberg, dude.

As wonderful as my mini work vaca was, I was ready for it to be over each day because I missed being able to hug my parents and brother. I can’t wait for negative tests so I can get back to my normal schedule feeling as refreshed as I have been in weeks!

How do you relax during time off? What did you think of the new season of You? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

Going To NYC? Check Out These Tips!

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Going To NYC? Check Out These Tips!

New York City is a bustling metropolis full of endless possibilities. It can be overwhelming for first-time visitors or even those who have been before. With a little planning, you can make the most of your trip and see all that NYC has to offer!

Why Take a Trip to New York City:

New York City is a vibrant and exciting city. It has something for everyone. New York City has an incredible amount of cultural attractions, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the World Trade Center Memorial. There’s also the Agora Gallery Reviews to look at too.

It also offers plenty of shopping opportunities in places like Times Square and Fifth Avenue. The city has many opportunities to experience delicious food thanks to its vast range of different cultures. There are also plenty of outdoor activities for those who enjoy being active outdoors such as Central Park or Prospect Park.

Planning Your Trip:

The first step to any good trip is planning. Decide what you want to see and do in advance so that you can make the most of your vacation. New York has something for everyone, from art and history lovers to foodies and shopaholics. Do some research to figure out what sights and activities are a must-do for you. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, you can start booking tickets and making reservations.

Getting Around Town:

New York is a big city and getting around can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the layout. The best way to get from point A to point B is often by subway, as traffic can be brutal during rush hour. If you’re not used to subway systems, don’t worry! It’s actually pretty easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Buy a Metrocard in advance so that you can reload it as needed and make sure to keep track of which subway line takes you where. Another great way to get around is by walking. Many neighborhoods are quite compact and easy to explore on foot. Plus, this is a great way to soak up the unique atmosphere of each one! Of course, hailing a yellow cab is always an option when you need it. Just be prepared for high fares during peak times.

Seeing the Sights:

There’s no shortage of things to do in New York, so it’s important to prioritize based on your interests. For example, if you love art, plan to spend some time at one of the many world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art. If history is more your thing, take a walk through Central Park or visit Ellis Island. And of course, no trip to NYC would be complete without seeing iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty!

By familiarizing yourself with the layout of the city and prioritizing based on your interests, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time exploring everything that NYC has to offer! Safe travels!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug16

How To Prepare For An Electric Vehicle Road Trip

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How To Prepare For An Electric Vehicle Road Trip

It’s not unusual to have some anxiety concerning electric vehicles and whether you can rely on them or not for long distance travel. However, they are a great eco-friendly option if flying is too expensive or you want to go by road. And with adequate planning, you could drive your EV for hundreds or thousands of miles. If you partake in the American tradition of going on a road trip during the summer, here are four tips to prepare for an electric vehicle road trip:

Properly plan your route:

Road trips are all about sightseeing so be sure to learn the best times to visit your destinations, like Colorado, according to weather and seasonal events. And, of course, mapping out EV charging stations! Manufacturers continue to improve their EV route planning tools but are still lagging behind Tesla in this aspect. This is why it is always best to find a good route planner to help you set your EV route to your destination. It is better to be prepared than surprised when taking a long road trip. Fortunately, a few freemium route planning tools allow you to enter your vehicle and charging state and input your desired destination and battery percentage. The tool will do the rest and advise the best route to use. You can pay a few dollars to activate advanced weather and traffic data features. Using an EV Charging APP can also be extremely beneficial as it will direct you to charging stations along your route to keep your travels stress free.

Ensure your EV is 100% ready:

Electric cars are still more expensive to acquire than conventionally powered rivals but often less expensive to maintain due to economical home charging. This doesn’t suggest that EVs are maintenance-free. Aside from the usual tire rotation, cabin air filter, and wiper blades replacement, it can be useful to take your EV through the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. It is best to allow trained technicians like Infinite Electric to handle EV checks to guarantee you get the most from the car.

EV driving tips:

There are several strategies to increase your driving range. For example, the ‘eco-modes’ accessible in most automobiles can help you improve your car’s efficiency by limiting how much power it receives. Accelerator and brake usage have been linked to this. Like diesel and petrol automobiles, the more force you use, the more energy is consumed, decreasing the car’s overall range. Keeping this in mind can help you to drive attentively and increase your mileage until it’s time to make a stop at an EV Car Charging Station.

Have a backup:

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The latest EVs are designed with advanced technologies to guarantee you don’t run out of power on the road. For example, some feature a huge orb over a map displaying how far you can travel before the next charging station. You also get several warnings before you run low. However, chargers are likely to be in use, especially when you don’t arrive early. In some cases, they may be broken or faulty, so it is best to have a backup in case the first charger is unavailable. Some websites or apps like ChargeNet can tell whether the station is in use or has a problem and enable you to plan ahead of time.

Of course, backup plans aren’t just limited to charging stations. You never know what problems you will encounter during your road trip so it is a good idea to enter a search for “tow truck in Roeland Park” (or the area you are traveling in). Having this backup plan in place is important for the safety of everyone on the trip should you get in an accident or the car breaks down.

The above are some top tips before taking your EV on a summer road trip. Have fun hitting the open road – eco-friendly style!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jul18

Fun Summer Activities For All

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Fun Summer Activities For All

With the summer vacation still in full swing, you may be busy thinking of ways to keep the children entertained through the summer. There are countless ways that you can do this and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune – many places will offer deals regularly to save you money. Take a look below for some amazing ideas for summer:

Theme Parks:

First on our list is theme parks! Most people enjoy the adrenaline rush they get when they attend theme parks. You could make it your mission to visit all of the theme parks around your surrounding areas by going to one per summer. Make a list and tick them off as you go. If you are venturing out with all the family, then make sure everyone is aware of what they can and can’t go on. You don’t want any last minute tantrums when the children aren’t tall enough for a ride.

Aquariums:

Something that is both amazing and relaxing at the same time is aquariums. They are full of marine life that you can spend hours watching. Watching these beautiful fish and mammals swimming around can bring you a feeling of utter peace and tranquility. Being closer to nature has this effect when you take it all in. Taking the children along to an aquarium means that they can attend the talks and feeds throughout the day. This is a great educational experience for children and they can learn all about marine life and how to play their part to keep it safe.

Museums:

If you want to do something that involves being quiet for a couple of hours, then how about a museum? Children love exploring museums and you are bound to have a couple nearby that you can take them to. This doesn’t just have to be art museums, you could also take a road trip to the natural history museum or the science museum. Both of these have exhibits that will keep the children entertained and in awe for hours on end. A lot of museums offer free entry during the summer break, which is a great way to save money.

Bowling:

Bowling can be fun and competitive for the whole family. Many places are giving families great value deals over the summer. One such example is Bowl. Dine. Unwind. Family Fun at your local arcade. The great thing about bowling alleys is that you can now wear your own shoes. Provided these are not high heels or open toed. A lot of people were very self-conscious or grossed out about the bowling shoes so many refused to go. This development means that they have opened themselves up to everyone now.

Summer break is the perfect time to make and capture memories that you and your family will remember for years to come. Have fun with the above ideas!

Featured Image By: Pexels