Vacation Prep: Stuff To Do

Our vacation is getting closer and I am pretty good on the packing (meh, yeah ok),,,

Now my attention is focusing on some fun stuff to do while we're away.  Yes, we'll be on the beach quite a bit and yes we'll be at the water park the other quite a bit!  There is just more that we will need to have on the back burner to do!

This year we aren't going to our regularly scheduled destination.  I could totally sit down and bawl my eyes out over that but I will be a big girl and say:

This year we're going to be in the other Carolina for some fun at that place that that show on CMT made popular a few years ago....

Or that place that got it's fame for all the biker dudes and broads who come out once or twice a year to be oh so cool...

Yep we're going to be in the vicinity of the lovely Murrells Inlet.

It is actually a cool little place but not one I have ventured to more than three times in my total existence.  So naturally that makes this post convert itself into a Pinterest Five post.  The search term?  Murrell's Inlet.

I love how this popped up first because...I have had a couple dinners there.  What's even better?  It is good!  So maybe I'll add this to one of the places to dine when we go out for dinner.

Brookgreen Gardens - I have wanted to visit this place for quite a while but never did it.  I'm thinking this could be the year.  It is so beautiful!  Plus, the kids would enjoy it too because they can run, run, run!

I saw this and my husband immediately popped into my mind.  He loves goats.  I'm kind of over them because we had a ton when I was in my teenage years.  Anyway, Goat Island may be an enjoyable stop for the hubby and kids and yes even myself.  

The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk - I'm told to visit it at dusk.  This is a spot of lots of restaurants and quaint little shops.  

And finally - my favorite little town in SC is Georgetown and guess what - it isn't too far from Murrell's Inlet!  This town is just the epitome of a sweet southern salt air town.  The hubby likes it too...time to take the kiddos!

Packing (It All In) 101

We are prepping for a short beach trip and this girl is kinda like...

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If you know me then you know the beach is my happy place.  This year we have two family trips planned - this short one with my mom and her husband and another one in August.

As an OCD list maker and habitual over-packer I thought this time I would go as minimalist as possible.


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I know, I know - it is insane.  When you have kids (or are super high maintenance or OCD) you tend to go overboard on the luggage you fill with everything from your home.  My mission this trip is to only take, wait for it, three bags.


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Yeah, I'm trippin' on my new found less is more skillage.

OK here are my bags...

Bag Numero Uno

This bag holds the clothing.  The clothing for four human beings.  If we were all a 4T I would pack like this for every single trip I go on.  However, we are a 4T, 10/12, 6, and 28...

Since we'll only really be away for about two days total everyone gets to pack two outfits.  Outfits in this blog post means clothes you would not wear on the beach.  These outfits are also known as not bathing suits.  Each family member also gets to pack their pajamas, underwear (I realize you were wondering haha), and two swim suits.

Since the condo has a washer and dryer I'm not worried about taking multiple pairs of shorts, shirts, extra suits, etc.  A washer and dryer is so liberating when it comes to packing your family...seriously.

Bag deux or dos or number two.

This bag is the very important bag.  Well wait, the first bag was important too because clothing is kind of necessary if you want to be decent.  This bag is important because it holds our toiletries.  Deodorant is NOT optional...and neither is shampoo or oral hygiene toolage. So yes we will be clean.

Also in this bag are our chargers because what is life without cell phones, tablets?  I mean we're not quite Amish yet!

The LAST bag.

Inside this beauty you will find sunscreen, books, snacks, and one toy of each child's choice.  This may be known as the sanity bag and more properly labeled the beach bag.

What I'm not mentioning...

I have decided that each kid can take a backpack of things to do in the car for the four hour ride down to the coast.  Earlier in the summer I made some "school binders" for each bambino.  My daughter asked for cursive writing sheets and third grade prep.  My son has an alphabet workbook and sheets to work on writing his name.  Plus, a pack of crayons a piece will allow them to be all creative and draw and color.  Check out my Pinterest boards for more of this good stuff.

Being on the beach means drinking like you're in Margaritaville.  We'll have our cooler in tow.  It isn't a bag cooler so does it really count?

Does the what I'm not mentioning section negate all my other stuff in this post?  OH man.


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Well this brings me to my Pinterest 5 for this week!

Mini Vacation Packing Tips  was my search and here are the five I wanted to pass along!

12 Packing Hacks You Need To Know
I really love the idea of using press and seal to keep your jewelry organized!

7 Things You Need to Always Pack
Common sense stuff that we often overlook when we're packing.  No need to pack the whole medicine cabinet or First Aid kit anymore!

If you are traveling with kids this is a fabulous idea to reward them for patience!
I will be using this really awesome system to help my kids get through the ride.  They are pretty good little travelers but this will make it even smoother of a drive/ride!

A Weekend Get Away Check List
I love how this list remembers eye care!  I am always afraid I'll forget my "eyes"!

14 pieces to pack (Ladies)
I may or may not use this for this trip but the next - for sure!  Great, light pieces that can be stretched for ten days.

xoxox-
Amanda

The 1st Day of Summer 2016

Good morning (or afternoon or evening)!  I'm so excited that today is Monday - eeek wait! I worded that incorrectly, maybe?  I want to say I am so excited that today, being Monday, is the first day of summer!  Yes, my season has officially begun and that means we all need to celebrate.

I plan to bring in summer with a few outdoor projects, lunch by the pool, swimming, a slushy for the kids, VBS (yep, another!), Southern Charm, Real Housewives of OC (woo hoo they are back!), and a sipper on the porch.

Now to the meat and potatoes of today's post:

And the search was:  Summer Solstice because First Day of Summer just pulls up school crap and we are so removed from school crap right now that I don't want any in my vision.  Please and thank you!

This was an interesting grouping of pins...


1.  Witching hour



Well I'm not a Wicca follower but I can be a witch at times.  This all popped up and I was like oohh how cool I should put some lavender, and lemon in my cleaning supplies for this week.  Then I was like - wait a minute is this Glenda the Good Witch or Linda the Bitch Witch?  Anyhoo, if you're interested in all that paganism/Wicca/etc stuff then you'll find TONS of pins when you punch in summer solstice.  I love Jesus, y'all just need to know that.

2.  Cake by the ocean - not in that way the song means...



So here's the deal - I noticed, after reading the pagan stuff, that all of us take some pagan traditions and apply them to our celebrations of summer.  This gorgeous cake is just an example.  Yes, it popped up for summer solstice and does that cake look great or what?  Rosemary, lavender and honey cake....

3.  Nothing says summer like July 4th?



I think we're about two weeks from Independence Day but Pinterest and I guess eBay think you need to start planning right this minute for your July 4th fun.  This pin is actually a food item pin for the 4th of July.  I kind of like that inflatable buffet...

4 - I agree!



5 - Have a drink on me



This is a Summer Solstice Collins and it looks pretty fabulous with lots of lemon and vodka.

SO I have to know - how are you welcoming in summer?


xo -
Amanda

Pinterest 5 - All For Your Dad!

Father's Day is coming up this weekend and I'm broke.

Not even gonna lie, girl.

I'm broke.

If I didn't have bills to pay and gas to buy then I may have something all worked out but I don't and that hurts my feelings.

Please note: I did tell my hubby that he would be getting a gift in July instead of June for this day to celebrate his role as a dad.

Also, I do have a nice plan for Father's Day.  Since he has been working like crazy lately the kids and I are going to grill out on Saturday for him *if he's off work* and on Sunday they are going to hang out with Nana while the spouse and I go on a canoe trip.

So see...I may be broke but I'm thinking ahead and planning!

This was also the topic of my Pinterest 5 search this week...

Father's Day...when you're financially limited.

1 - Beer Coasters - Because your dad is still 22?  If you're dad is living alone then heck yeah.  From a female's perspective - no.  My only exception is if they are meant to be pulled out for football watching parties and cooking out.  Otherwise, no thanks Pinterest.  

2 - Cute

I really like this probably because I have two younger kids and it fits my husband to a T.  If you're awaiting a paycheck you can probably pull this together for less than $5.  It is the thought that counts.

3 - Sweet toothed dad

My dad loves sweets but he says he doesn't now so whatever.  My husband hates sweets but loves to grill like most dudes (total assumption but I have met a lot of men that love to grill in my life.)  I thought these cupcakes were a cute way to celebrate the dad who is also the king of the grill.

4 - A card that made me smile.

I love all the shirts that have a little cooler on them and say - Don't hate me because I'm a little cooler.  I laugh every time.  Now this play on words has me smiling!  I know several men who are fixated on lawn mowers so this is just too cute and your kids could make it!

5 - Pinterest is so smart.

When I type in Fathers Day Gifts no money I get this.  And yes it is neat how it is a key chain with all these cool screwdriver ends and a bottle opener but it is also $20+ and then you figure in shipping.  I do like this and all but we will hold on to it for a little while longer.

So what is your go-to when your pay check is a week away and the day for dad's is in thirty minutes?  And what is your sweet fella getting this year from you?  Share away sweeties!

Other Father's Day Posts up this week:

Meals for Dads!

xo -

Amanda

Summer Celebratory Prep!

Summer is here but school is still in...for another day!  We are all about celebrating the end of 180 days in the classroom.  Last year we decided to host a little pool party with friends and this year we plan to do it all again!

We keep our get togethers very small and informal.  With that being said, I decided I wanted to be a bit more party fun and not so here's the pizza there's the pool - have fun.

Of course in true ABW fashion I used Pinterest for some fun ideas and here are the five I love....

Pin (from Babble)

This is it.  This is how I am greeting our sweet guests.  I mean c'mon how low key can you get?  A cooler of ice pops, a tray of snacks, and a homemade sign with balloons.  Yes!

Isn't this sweet?

I have to make these.  I know, I'm sugar free, but the kids aren't.  They still have sugar in their diet and c'mon y'all this is a day to celebrate!  (Blue icing is a total turn off for me.)  Just in:  My daughter said:
C:  Mom those are cool but um I want brookies.
Me:  But these are so festive!
C:  Brookies mom.
Me:  Ok ok.

Why yes, I believe I'm checking into this!

We always have a beach ball at the pool.  I know the girls will want to swim, jump, laugh, splash, but why not have some games on tap for that lull between giggles?

So maybe I just want it for me?

So this is pretty cool.  Apparently a kinder teacher made a DVD of the school year and she compiled these songs to use!  I censor what my kids listen to so I want to do the same for guests at our party.  This is a safe list of good music to enjoy the sunshine and water to.

Interested in these pins?  Then go check out my Pinterest boards by clicking the link on the sidebar!

Then It Was June!

I love this month of the year so much!  Please keep your "Christmas is six months away" comments to yourselves.  I'm all about shorts, tanks, swimming, and sunshine for the next three glorious months.

What does June mean to me?  Well....

Bible schools fire up!

My kids are already registered for two.

School ends for my big kid 

Eeek only 6.5 more days to go.

Hello summer camp 

My daughter LOVES camp!

Swimming, swimming, swimming 

And you say: duh, duh, duh!

The kitchen closes and the grill opens 

Do you like to grill?  I'm feeling burgers right now!

Lazy mornings return 

Ahhhh I love lazy mornings but seriously with camp there are no lazy mornings!

I will not turn on the a/c, I will not turn on the a/c, I will not turn on he a/c

Not until we hit 90.

Reading in the sunshine and falling asleep 

Best.ever.

The smell of sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic is my favorite!  What about you?

Father's Day 

We always have a fun day celebrating dad.  I'm working on planning out something fun to do now.

What does June conjure up for you?

And now...

Always good to know! Are you going to hit up a local farmer's market?

This was part of Johnny Cash's highly publicized love letter to June Carter Cash. Not sure if this pulled because of her name or because of this being the wedding month.

Do you keep a journal? Here are some prompts for the month. They could be great blog fillers for when writer's block hits too!

Slightly adorable here! This is a little shepherd's hut and these folks are renting it out. Very cute.

She would have been 90 today.

Girl's Beach Weekend (Pinterest 5)

Time for another installment of Pinterest 5!!!  The day of the week I plug in a word or phrase or holiday or whatever to Pinterest and share the first five things that pull up from the search!

This week my phrase was Girl's Beach Weekend!  Why?  Because my bestie and I are beach bound this weekend.  No babies, no sports events, no screaming, no crying, no laundry.  Just two girls off to lounge by the pool and laugh.....a lot!

So what did Pinterest say fits best for the weekend ahead?

This is a wine slushie!

Well well....so this concoction is wine, smirnoff, strawberries, and who knows what else.  Sounds very yummy but also very sugary...eeeeeek!

Well that is the goal!

This came up in my search but the tags on it are bachelorette party.  Well of course none of that pertains to us old married hotties but ya know the shirt totally fits us to a tee.  I also immediately thought that these were for a Luke Bryan concert.

If we were going about an hour north of where we are actually going...

Here is a North Carolina thang.  In Wilmington, not where we are headed, this little choco-holic donut place exists and you can get insane donuts.  I plan to break my detox a little here and there but not over anything quite like this!!!

Hey hey this is useful!

We will only be gone about 36-48 hours so I'm packing super light.  A couple bathing suits and a couple maxi dresses is what I'm thinking.  Of course when it comes time to pack I'll pack what I just stated and then a couple pair of shorts and shirts and an extra pair of shoes or two and ya know.....over do it.  A girl needs choices <wink>!

Well aren't you smart Pinterest.

I didn't search with the words Myrtle Beach in my keywords.  However, we are headed to Myrtle Beach so this was wild.  Our game plan is to lie by the pool/beach and get our sun on (don't worry I wear SPF) and do some shopping and eating and have a little lady like drinks.  There is always the risk of wanting to do something different so maybe we'll venture around Horry County for a little bit.  (But I doubt it!)


Are you going on any fun quick trips with your bestie this summer?!?!?  Share it!