Category Archives: Vacation

My Surprise Overnight Trip to ……Helen

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My Surprise Overnight Trip to ……Helen

Easter weekend. My hubby really surprised me by saying that he thought we were in need of a break. We have both been working so hard lately, its been  a bit like ships passing in the night so to speak. To say that we are in need of a proper vacation is an understatement. But that idea will have to wait a while, so an overnight stay somewhere was his idea. His words were actually, “We are going tomorrow, somewhere tacky but we will have fun.” Now my husband doesn’t do tacky, so I didn’t believe him.

I asked a couple of questions, as he wasn’t giving anything away as to where we were bound. How far are we travelling? How long will it take us to get there? Have we been to this place before? Have you played golf there? The answer to all my probing questions was NO.

I had absolutely no idea where we were going until I saw a sign for…..Helen, no not a female but a place.

Now, I was completely surprised or should I say shocked, why? I had heard about Helen as my friend goes every year to the Oktoberfest. An Alpine village retreat in the North Georgia Mountains. It looked like a back drop from a film set. Tacky – well yes. I have to admit I thought hubby was playing a joke on me. It was quite bizarre and certainly not what I expected. As we drove through the town I really couldn’t quite believe my eyes.

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Not quite the Betty’s I used to know in York and Harrogate (UK), but the most quaintest of general stores I had ever been in, it was like stepping into a different century.

Lunch at Hoffers bakery to sample home cooking delights, before a glass of vino on the river, maybe this would not be so bad after all.

I spotted a store that was just up my street.

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Now this is a fireplace complete with cozy nook. Do I detect a sign for every wine/beer connoisseur? A little early for Oktoberfest maybe but I appreciated the thought. Maybe they knew we were in the vicinity?

After a quick change in our hotel. Off to the Bodensee restaurant for some german cuisine and of course a little imbibing.

Helen

Although out of season right now, it was certainly an interesting place. My husband wants to return at some point. Not sure if it was the river fishing, zip lining, water rafting, rambling or just maybe the beer fest throughout September into November that is the attraction?

My Surprise Overnight Trip to ……Helen



A weekend in Knoxville,Tennessee

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A weekend in Knoxville,Tennessee

This weekend the hubby and myself took a trip with a purpose to Knoxville, Tennessee. I say with a purpose because I was attending an Arbonne impact training event on the saturday. That left hubby with time on his hands to look around downtown Knoxville. Also to sneak in a couple of beers along the way!

What we did not realise was that it was college football weekend. Tennessee Volunteers playing Georgia State – aint that just an amazing coincidence?

Our hotel of choice was The Sheraton 4 Points. A relatively small hotel but perfectly situated, just 10 mins walk from downtown Knoxville where the bars, restaurants and shops were located.

Downtown Knoxville. A cool afternoon beer required!

Friday evening we met up with my Arbonne colleagues for a bite to eat at Chesapeake’s seafood restaurant – hubby declined the dinner invitation possibly feeling a little a little overwhelmed with all the oestrogen in the room. But he did join us for drinks.

The Impact Training Tour conference was exhilarating, very motivating and empowering. The speakers were excellent. We had a fabulous day. Shop the Arbonne catalogue. Look out for the holiday catalogue ‘Green To The World’

My fabulous Arbonne colleagues. That’s me in the middle faux lace dress from Phase Eight (UK),  nude patent pumps by GUESS

After the conference on saturday, hubby and I dined french style! He booked a small intimate restaurant called La Parigo.

A romantic rendezvous, just 11 tables. A glass of champagne followed by mussels in white wine with crusty bread fingers, veal, potatoes dauphinoise with a shared a bottle of Medoc. Just perfect!

Why so serious? – maybe after effects of the vino?

A view from the bridge, An open air Amphitheatre

Trade Fair & Conference centre with observational tower. Yes we did go to the top!

Knoxville by night.

We had an amazing weekend, our first visit to Knoxville Tennessee.

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Our Vacation in Sarasota Florida.

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Our Vacation in Sarasota Florida

We arrived in Sarasota post ‘Tropical Storm Debby’ at the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel just after lunchtime on the 27th June. To be honest we did not know what to expect as far as the weather was concerned. Certainly, not bright blue skies and sunshine. The weather forecast had predicted further rain until the following weekend!

Blue skies, sunshine, sand, sea and cocktails. Am I dreaming again?

The ‘On the Beach Hotel’ has motel style accommodation which, to be honest could use an update. The quality and choice of rooms/views varies as does the price per night. A  beach view is the best, but be prepared to share a very narrow balcony and little privacy. The food and service were excellent and the staff were in a jovial party mood! As well as the restaurant, there were snacks available at the beach bar and free nibbles form 4pm -6pm. Plus, with it being “Boat Race Weekend” additional outdoor BBQ food. A bonus was the concierge service that runs to St Armand Circle where shops, restaurants and bars are located. See further below.

A glass of chilled vino Madam?

Cest Moi!

CAbi Petal Top $69, Bree Jeans $89. Vegan friendly clutch - Open Sky $35. Sandals Nine West-Letitgo sale price now $49. Stella and Dot Bardot Spiral bangle $49 and earrings-Rio Chandelier now $24.96.

As it was a special birthday for our lovely friend J, here is a picture of the gift bought from Henri Bendel - The Heritage Buckle Bangle.

 

And then onto a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Marina Jack II. Visit the Marina on Sarasota Bay Front.

We literally had the boat to ourselves, fine dining, great company, perfect weather. It was pure heaven.

Mr & Mrs Stylebyladyg. I am wearing Chico's travellers maxi dress $99

We had the most wonderful time, highly recommended.

If you have a taste for the more sophisticated palette, you have to take a stroll around St Armands Circle. Set amidst a tropical paradise, St. Armand is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants.

Before our departure back to Atlanta we had a great vantage point from the sea view balcony for The Sarasota Lido Beach Power Boat Race. The beach was packed throughout the day as holiday makers and Race Boat fans staked their claim to the best beach spots in which to watch the race as these million dollar boats powered their way  across the sea.

This was ‘Our Vacation in Sarasota Florida’

More pictures.

Feeding the Flamingo's "Birds of Prey!"

Baby Alligator

His larger relative was in the pond behind the Keeper!

Hope you enjoyed the Sarasota tour?

Where are you going on vacation this year?

 



Florida Vacation: Destination Sarasota

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Florida Vacation: Destination Sarasota

Well my bags are packed and we are almost ready to go.

But Tropical Storm Debby is threatening to spoil our long weekend!

Dilemma, do I take with me flip-flops or wellies, a wrap or a mac, sunscreen or an umbrella, or just hope and pray?

I never travel light, but then again as I am getting older my toiletries and cosmetics half fill the suitcase, be warned ladies – it happens to us all!

My proposed travelling outfit.

Peach cotton and satin knotted top MNG Mango (size small) at JC Penney. $25

Cuffed Cargo pants. St John at JC Penney $20

Straw Beach bag – old from the UK

Flip-Flops Sperry at Macy’s $50 no longer available on-line

Packable Straw Roll Brim hat similar by Nine West at Macy’s now $17.99 reduced from $24.99 original price $34.

Please let the storm pass, I am itching to get to the beach!

Florida Vacation: Destination Sarasota

Sarasota Beaches

 

Sarasota pure relaxation

Hopefully my next post will be from Sarasota Florida!

Have you arranged a summer vacation yet?

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Do you have any tips for travelling light?

 



Summertime: Beachwear Inspiration

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Summertime: Beachwear Inspiration.

In the Northern Hemisphere summer begins– astronomically/technically– at the moment  of the summer solstice, June 21. The solstice is when the sun reaches its  highest altitude in the north, the Tropic of Cancer

In other words, time to think about summer holidays & dressing for the beach. I read somewhere that women would rather go to the dentist than go swimwear shopping. Personally I have no aversion to going to my dentist. Therefore, this is an easy decision to make for me – Dentist wins anytime.

Why is that?

1. Body shape and body image. 2. The fit and style of swimwear, I am somewhat ample in the breast department but small on the hips & 5′ 2″ in height.  3. I am also 50+ in the age department, but could still look reasonably good in a bikini, although I am moving more to considering the one piece swimsuit or Tankini.

Here are a few items purchased over the last couple of years. The tankini fits the best of all but…. so boring!

Complete with matching cover-up dress – that makes me feel twice my age!

A plethora of beachwear. These are the best of the bunch in my closet.

Cerise straw beach bag (old) high street boutique from the UK. Top left: Pink floral halter neck bikini by Liz Hurley (Hawaii). Top right powder blue bandau bikini by Lucky Brand (Hawaii). White Lace coverup JCPenney. Black dotted bikini/frilled bottoms Macys - (old). Blue sarong Primark UK (old). Tropical bikini with skirt style bottoms JCPenney - last year (more suitable for a 20 something year old!). Flips flops by Sperry Macys (current).

I always seem to buy the wrong thing and end up with too small a bikini top that I am forever adjusting, to make sure it’s still in place. One piece swimsuits are often too long in the body for my frame. Also, do you find that trying on beachwear in the store is so uncomfortable? Whether, it’s the lighting or the mirrors I don’t know. That’s why I am looking online. Returning items can be a pain, but at least you are in the comfort of your own home and not competing with a bunch of androgynous teenagers that frankly could wear anything!  Did you detect a hint of the green-eyed monster making an appearance there?.

Here is a little Beachwear Inspiration.

Refinery 29 latest offer is $100 Off Sun-Spashed Beachwear Perfect For Your Next Jet-Setting Vacay… Or Backyard BBQ with Soleil Blue - designer swimwear & cover-ups by Melissa Osabash.

Modcloth also have a range of vintage one piece swimsuits that are worth a look and reasonably priced.

One of my favourite sites has to be ASOS for choice, style, price, speed of delivery and easy returns. Here are some of my picks for swimsuits, cover-ups and dresses. What I also loved was the mix and match range of swimwear designed for every size and shape.

Pour Moi Fiji Halter Swimsuit $62.97

 

Ted Baker Underwired Striped Swimsuit $107.71

 

Asos Midi Summer Dress $62

ASOS Summer Dress With Swing Hem in Blue or Pink $41.43

 

ASOS Maxi Dress in Aztec Print $53.02

 

Freya Marimba Cape Kaftan $59.65

 

River Island Cream Lily Print Maxi Kaftan $58

ASOS Feather Print Beach Kaftan $58

How do you shop for your holidays/vacation?

What is your experience shopping for beachwear?

Do you have a favourite store/designer/outfit?

 

Acknowledge: ASOS,Soleil Blue,Wikipedia



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