Tap tap... is this thing on? Every time I say I'll start showing up here regularly again life just happens. The holiday season was hectic (of course), then I lost a loved one unexpectantly which put my head space in a place that was anywhere but showing up here or on social media, and then life of course just picked up more steam again. I'm doing ok now, but needed some time without all the noise.
But there are lots of beautiful things happening, Lil' Miss leveled up in competitive gymnastics (our poor wallet!), and looking forward to fun travels. And right now... it's all things Olympics! What am I going to do once the closing ceremonies happen this weekend? Sigh.
Let's rewind back to Christmas morning, and always remember that al fresco dining in December and January will never ever get old.
Santa surprised Lil' Miss with the desk and the tv she was asking for (NOT the cell phone... she has no idea she's not getting one of those for a verrrrry long time). She also opened up the Barbie Game of Life which we enjoyed playing outside by the pool. I must note that we have paid for old man winter. He swooped in with a vengeance a few weeks ago and gave us lows in the 20's overnight for multiple days in a row, and it took us a while to crawl out of the lows in the 30's. A lot of people lost trees, landscaping, grass is brown everywhere etc... and most of us don't even own a proper winter coat anymore. I moved away from that mess for a reason. Ha!
A few days later, friends of ours threw a 6-7 themed holiday party which the kids LOVED. It was fun to catch up and we played a lot of games that got super serious! I broke out my shimmery maxi skirt which was made for all the holiday (and Valentine's/Galentine's Day fun).
New Year's Eve was quiet and cozy at home. I have absolutely zero interest in going to a big party anymore to ring in the new year, and would rather sit by the fire and watch movies.
Lots of fun campaigns in the books kicked off in January, starting with an amazing all you can eat brunch at Delaney's Tavern. Lil' Miss was there for the chocolate fountain and I was there for their lattes with house made vanilla syrup. Yum!
A few weeks later, we enjoyed the soft opening event for ND Wellness Center. A step and repeat, small bites, open bar, lots of healthy samples, and a tour of the beautiful new facility made for a fun evening while Lil' Miss was at practice.
I've also been enjoying some of the goodies in my Christmas stocking, and am loving the glow fromthis illuminating primerand am completely obsessed with the Sol de Janeiro body cream. I totally get the hype now. Clean ingredients, incredible scent, and yes I'm noticing results. YES please!
Day trips to Universal are always a good idea, including these pretzels and views of Hogwarts Castle. Our annual passes include the express lane after 4:00 p.m. so we always make a point to go for a spin on Hagrid's Motor Bike.
Another fun collab brought me to dinner at Corazón by Baires, and brought Emily as my dinner date. We enjoyed catching up, she loved the sushi bar, and we both loved the tableside Fettuccini a la Ruota. Chef's kiss!
More meals enjoyed al fresco in-between cold snaps were a must, and a burns so good campaign with the new Reform Fitness pilates studio. I felt that workout for a week! SO good!
Last weekend, Mardi Gras kicked off at Universal so we enjoyed the parade before Kaskade took the stage. We had seen him live back in 2015 at SunFest, so it was amazing to see him again and this time introduce him to Lil' Miss who was dancing her heart out.
Just 3 more sleeps until Christmas! December has been a whirlwind as per usual, and I can't believe it's almost time for the big guy to shimmy down the chimney. We've been busy with gymnastics meets for Lil' Miss, celebrating a dear friend's birthday, and squeezing in all the festive things.
Mangoni Italian Market Pizza always has the cutest pop ups, and their Christmas Nostalgia pop up menu did not disappoint. We made the 40 minute drive to check it out, and Lil' Miss had her first hot cocoa of the season.
The next weekend, it was time to watch her compete in the state championship meet. Her team not only took home the 1st place banner, but celebrated an undefeated season. Great way to kick off her first year on competitive team. She's still the queen of bars, and brought home the silver medal in her age group.
The next evening, we ventured out in the rain since we had booked tickets to Leu Gardens' Dazzling Lights event. Thankfully, we were able to purchase ponchos and a cozy sweatshirt because we of course showed up completely unprepared for the weather. The forecast showed warmer temps and some light rain here and there, but the temps dropped and the rain never let up. We made the best of it with some hot cocoa, and thankfully I had an umbrella.
The next morning, I met up with some of my favorite girls to celebrate Emily's birthday over a delicious brunch. The prettiest mimosa tree for the birthday girl, and lots of catching up.
We had a quick day date to Universal to enjoy Grinchmas and some rides before checking out the cutest wintery pop-up at Helena Modern Riviera appropriately titled Après Ski. All the cozy mountain lodge vibes and themed cocktails.
Fast forward about a week, and we squeezed in another quick date night while Lil' Miss was at gymnastics for our annual visit to one of our favorite speak easy bars that transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the holidays with a themed menu. I decided to be extra that evening, and broke out this velour dress and the heels that are so pretty they must be worn but only if there is parking right outside and I don't have to do a lot of walking. Yes, we all have a pair of heels just like that.
Cozy nights in wrapping gifts by the fire, and al fresco dinners in the middle of December are a few of my favorite things!
Another trip to Universal, but this time with Lil' Miss when she had an early dismissal before her winter break. Some butter beer, and lots of rides while wearing our matching Marauders Map shirts. And Hogwarts is looking magnificent as always.
We've already been back for a few weeks from our trip to the mountains in Tennessee for Thanksgiving break. And here I am finally getting around to recap the fun. Tis the season to be busy!
We rented the cutest cabin in Gatlinburg, which was set at the back of a cozy community and had it's own outdoor hot tub and a loft for Lil' Miss. She loved having her own bathroom and even a mini arcade in her room.
We loved the full kitchen to make breakfast and coffee in the morning and enjoy out on the deck. Coffee in the hot tub each morning? Yes please. In the evenings, we enjoyed the fireplace and of course... you guessed it... the hot tub.
Guys I've been trying to branch out from my millennial skinny jeans, and it is hard. I just feel so frumpy, and definitely prefer a more tailored look. Since I hardly wear jeans in Florida, it's not the biggest problem but still...
On our first full day we paid the outrageous parking fee for Downtown Gatlinburg, and walked around, had lunch, did some wine and cider tastings and then headed up the chair lift to Anakeesta. Hot cocoa was our first stop then we sat down to enjoy the views while listening to live music before the sun set. Our first mountain coaster was up next and then we did the treetop skywalk.
The next morning we enjoyed some local coffee from Bloom and Berry, and of course the hot tub before heading out for our first hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Lil' Miss brought her new bear from Anakeesta which she immediately named Bear-e-my like her Uncle Jeremy. Bear-e-my went on all the hikes that day, and also had a spot at dinner that evening.
After hiking we stopped at the cutest general stores with sweeping views, played some games, and then headed on to a winery and then to dinner. But not before stopping to ride another alpine coaster!
The only morning we left the cabin for breakfast was on hiking day 2, and we enjoyed Flapjacks Pancake Cabin which was worth every bite! Just the fuel we needed before hiking.
My little Flo-Grown baby was too chilly! I keep trying to tell her she doesn't know what real cold feels like, and there's a reason we live in Florida. Ha!
Quick outfit change to head to dinner in Pigeon Forge, and I finally broke out my new off the shoulder sweater dress. I had no idea that this area was so casual. I don't think I saw anyone else in a dress or skirt the whole time, and usually felt a little overdressed. Next time, I'll stick to just comfy clothes and jeans. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy taking some of these pieces out for a spin!
We were sad that our last morning came so soon, but whipped out our matching Cabin Crew tees for a family photo in the cabin. And then.... as we were packing up we had a visitor. A very big visitor.
Our only bear sighting the whole trip! He moseyed on through the stream that ran under the deck of our cabin, and then decided to stop and plop himself nearby. Thankfully, he moved on by the time we needed to load up the car and hit the road. The perfect send off!
I had wanted to stop at the Biltmore in Asheville on the drive home, but the admission prices were outrageous since they were decorated for Christmas. So, we ended up stopping at a local winery nearby and having lunch while enjoying the crackling fire.
