Vacation Snapshots

I'm back from a wonderful vacation in Fort Lauderdale. I haven't had a chance to upload many photos yet, but you can get a sneak peek at vacation snapshots over at Bedknobs & Baubles.

Bon Voyage

This afternoon, we head to Chicago in anticipation of tomorrow’s flight to Fort Lauderdale. I’m looking forward to oceanside mornings and afternoons exploring … and absolutely no computer. Although, I’m sure I’ll be on Instagram.

See you next week!

On Bedknobs & Baubles: photos of my new Kate Spade purse, the swimsuit I can't wait to wear, and snapshots from last weekend.

Fort Lauderdale Recap, Part Four

Just a few more Fort Lauderdale memories until I'm officially back to reality - just in time for a short staycation later this week. You can never have too much time off to unwind, right?

Fort Lauderdale Recap, Part Three

Topping my itinerary was an airboat tour on the Everglades - mostly because I was intent on coming face-to-face with an alligator. We were the last visitors of the day at Everglades Holiday Park and unexpectedly enjoyed a private tour on the wetlands. The best part? We were attacked by an alligator. Seriously. One of the gators we spotted in the distance submerged himself to swim closer, coming up to the surface periodically before ramming his body against the boat. As it turns out, alligators are normally passive, but it was mating season and there must have been a desirable female nearby.

Fort Lauderdale Recap, Part Two

Why travel by plane, train or automobile when you can take Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi? For $20, bring your cocktail* aboard the boat and meander through the canals of "Venice of America," cruising by multi-million dollar yachts and equally expensive luxury homes. This certainly wasn't a time-efficient means of transportation (it took an hour to travel about three miles), but it was a way to get acquainted with the city - with the opportunity to hop off at any of the stops along the way.

*A generous shot of rum added to a Starbucks vanilla bean Frappuccino is delightful.

Still more to come!

Fort Lauderdale Recap, Part One

Our trip to Florida had been in the planning stage for only three weeks before our flight departed bright and early on April 11 en route to Fort Lauderdale. The promise of 80-degree weather and $208 tickets were too enticing to pass up. We had spent hours researching hotels near the ocean and settled on the Birch Patio Motel - just two blocks from Fort Lauderdale Beach and wallet-friendly. (The vintage keyfob was icing on the cake.)

Given our emphasis on finding a beachside hotel, it's not surprising that spending time on the Atlantic was a priority. After a post-flight run to the liquor store (they don't call it Fort Liquordale for nothing), we headed to Fort Lauderdale Beach where I happily obtained a light, sunkissed glow as a souvenir.

There's more to come!

Lazy Daze

I've been suffering from "vacation brain" all week. It's hard to get in a deadline-driven mindset when the biggest challenge of last week was locating an umbrella cocktail (which turned out to be an impossible task). I reluctantly unpacked my suitcase this morning and brushed away the few remaining grains of sand. Here are a just a few hazy memories of Fort Lauderdale before I inundate you with photos and stories next week.