Staycation

We are back from a whirlwind staycation at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The wanderlust is for real right now, but getting away for a few days at a local resort was just what we needed. The beautiful pools, the lakefront beach, unplugging from every day stress, and quality time with the fam was amazing.

**I also want to preface this post with I realize perception is reality. Looking at pictures from our weekend getaway, you don't see that we are mostly outside, stay distant from others, and wear masks at all times unless swimming or sitting down to eat. Or all the vitamins, sanitizing wipes, and soap I packed for us - and how I wipe down everything in our room before we begin unpacking. Even pre-pandemic I did this in hotel rooms and on planes. I was THAT person holding up everyone boarding the plane because I would wipe my seat, tray table, and arm rests before sitting down. Not sorry!

Dress {only $15} | Pearl Barrette

Our room featured a balcony with views of Disney Springs, and Lil' Miss slept comfortably on the pullout. When traveling by car I always bring her toddler pillow and a blanket from home, and we just use their sheets.

Bathing Suit | Cover Up {only $20} | Hat | Sunnies

We spent our first day enjoying the resort, and all of their amazing pools. We found some loungers under a pergola on the beach and enjoyed relaxing in the shade in-between swimming and Lil' Miss running through the splash pad. 

A couple trips down the slide (I'm forever the big kid waiting in line for the slide!), and swimming through the caves that connect the pools and under the water falls were the highlight for sure.

One of the perks of a staycation is that friends can stop by and join the fun! One of our best friends who we haven't seen in a while spent some time with us by the pool. Catching up is always good for the soul isn't it?

We enjoyed ourselves until the sun was setting, and Lil' Miss kept swimming while the outdoor movie came on and was enamored with the popcorn stand to compliment the movie. She is still talking about her popcorn in the pool.

Since we spent so much extra time in the water, we decided to stay on site for a quick dinner. There was a live musician which had Lil' Miss dancing like a champ until her pizza arrived. Promptly after finishing her pizza she fell asleep in my husband's lap. Great day indeed. 

The next morning, we grabbed a quick breakfast from the market downstairs and headed off to SeaWorld to use our annual passes before they expire. We were surprised by how busy it was when we arrived, and it took a while just to get into the parking lot. Then we saw a huge line wrapped around a few times just to go through the temperature check before going into the park so we decided to leave, and head to Aquatica which was also busier than we expected. We were super spoiled the past several times we went to the parks with how quiet it was. Well folks, the crowds are back! 

We also tried going to Disney Springs later on for dinner, and sat in a ton of traffic before all the signs changed and said that they were at capacity. 

After a few trips down the water slides and a trip around Roa's River Rapids we left and went back to the resort to enjoy the pools and grattos there. I'm glad we did because as we were leaving we saw huge crowds trying to get in, and realized that the water park was also at capacity. 

Dress 30% off | Sandals in Sea Shell Pink

After a failed attempt of going to Disney Springs (they were at full capacity) we had a nice dinner and headed back to the hotel where there was a fun pop-up ice cream bar. Lil' Miss was excited to say the least! 

Lil' Miss had to say goodbye to Merlot - the official lobby ambassador which she called "my birdie" each time we walked by all weekend. She got a kick out of the bird saying hello back to her, and also saying his own name "Merlot". Such a cute idea for greeting guests as they arrive at the resort. 

Let's talk about this adorable Unicorn Luggage - hands down the BEST $35 I've ever spent! She's obsessed with it, and loves that she can drag her very own suitcase when we travel.

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A Juice Box for Adults

Ever since we've been home this past year, I've been more about convenience. Target Drive-Up instead of wasting over an hour in the store grocery shopping (ahem and picking up things I don't need) - yes please! Amazon Prime to re-stock household items and order birthday gifts for friends and family - also a big YES! So why wouldn't I get excited about wine being shipped right to my door? 

Top {similar} | Skirt | Copper Wine Chiller | Double Ring | Necklace

I was excited to learn about a Florida wine start up called (yay local!) that offers a wine subscription box called Juice Box. Each shipment features two Sommelier selected bottles a month, plus an interactive wine tasting game. Perfect for an at home date nights or your next girls night. 

I received a delish Pinot Noir from France and a Rosé from Argentina which were enjoyed on the patio with all of our extra sunlight in the evenings. Hello spring, we love you.

Are you ready to try your first Juice Box? Use code greenfashionista20 to receive 20% off, and all you'll have to do is sit back and wait for two Sommelier selected wines to arrive direct to your door to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. 

**This blog post is in collaboration with Vinya, however all opinions are my own.

 

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Strawberry Fields

We rang in spring at a local farm picking our own strawberries, and I still have The Beatles' Strawberry Fields Forever song in my head. It was abnormally chilly for the first day of spring in Florida, and the wind was whipping but we had a great day. As I'm writing this I was just talking to my mom up in Connecticut, and it's 5 degrees warmer there than it is here right now. Craziness! 

We were given our own row to pick the strawberries, and it was fun watching Lil' Miss find the good ones to pick and also squeal when she saw the "bad ones". We picked a few pounds to bring home, and then went inside the barn for a wine tasting and some dessert since they also have an onsite winery and bakery. A strawberry shortcake for Lil' Miss and some local wine for us. We purchased two bottles, and watched Lil' Miss play her heart out on the playground. She is still talking about the tunnel slide and the giant tire swing, two of my favorites when I was a kiddo. 

High/Low Sweater | Faux Leather Leggings | Seamless Crossback {only $15} | Crossbody Bag {similar} | Superstar Sneakers in Metallic | Sunglasses | Toddler Sneakers in Mauve Sparkle

Sunday was even chillier than Saturday and decided to add in some rain. So, we hung around the house in comfy clothes, I did a quick virtual Bar Method workout, and started packing for our little getaway next weekend to a local resort. It feels SO nice to break out our luggage even though we're not going anywhere far. The wanderlust is for real right now! 

Cropped Leggings {40% off} | V-neck Tee {50% off}

We still haven't re-painted the master bedroom as you can tell by the paint chips still hanging up in the background. Hello real life! I went through the "paint everything gray" phase a few years ago and we left the family room gray since there is an avocado green accent wall at the far end, and the kitchen is also still a light gray since it has a light green undertone. But, we recently re-painted the dining room and the guest bathroom - both of which are now a light powder blue. And the master will be a champagne color to brighten up the space. What are some of your favorite paint colors?

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Cheers to You

To all the beautiful and incredible women around the world - I hope you had a wonderful International Women's Day on Monday. This week I want to cheers to YOU, and to women uplifting and supporting other women. 

Have you ever heard of Empress 1908 Gin? They're now pouring worldwide, and challenge us all to live colorfully! Their gin is all natural, micro-distilled in small batch copper pot stills, and is handcrafted using eight carefully selected botanicals. Then they add a signature blend of black tea served at the Empress Hotel and butterfly pea blossom, an exotic herb that balances the traditional citrus notes of gin with a warm earthiness which gives it the natural indigo color. It's the prettiest gin I've ever seen! 

Hop over to their cocktail recipe page for lots of fun and beautiful inspiration to jazz up that home bar we've all been using this past year. I chose to re-create the Orange You Glad which is just like an adult creamsicle - yes please! Orange you glad it's almost spring? Please excuse my dad jokes...

Ingredients

2 oz. Empress 1908 Gin

1/2 oz. of lemon juice

1 oz. of orange juice

1/2 oz. of vanilla infused simple syrup

Add a splash of soda water and an orange slice as a tasty garnish

Directions

Shake the orange juice, lemon juice, and vanilla syrup on ice.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with fresh ice

Layer the Empress 1908 Gin on top

Add your garnish!

After capturing the Insta-worthy photos of this beautiful cocktail, stir it and begin sipping.

I had a lot of fun mixing up a few new-to-me concoctions, and love the new addition to our at home bar cart. The gin itself is such a beautiful hue, and all of the floral and citrus notes have me thinking of all things spring time. I also decided to whip up what I feel is the perfect Easter Brunch drink - The Empress 75

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 oz. Empress 1908 Gin

3/4 oz. of lemon juice

1/2 oz. of simple syrup

Add a splash of sparkling wine and a twist of lemon as a tasty garnish

Directions

Shake over ice, and strain into a chilled flute then top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.

**This blog post is in collaboration with AspireIQ, however all opinions are my own.

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