Peridot Skies: Vacations

Life Begins at the end of your comfort zone

October 30, 2017

Comfort zones are easy; that's why we stay in them so long. The "zone" always feels safe and, well, comfortable. As you all know, I’ve been silent for some time now. What you don’t know is that, for me, the silence has spoken volumes. Let me take you back.

Do you remember last summer when I vacationed in Key West and South Florida? I shared my favorite Key West resort, The Southern Most Beach Resort and Breakfast at the Breakers. I even extended my vacation by three days before flying home to Kansas. The beach called to me and I answered.

In the blink of an eye, I sold my house, downsized by over 50% and ended my relationship of 11 years. I empty nested, and left alone. . . all. by. myself. I moved into a condo on the water in Palm Beach, Florida and into the unknown. Boy, when I do it... I do it big! I knew what I needed; I needed to let go of the things and thoughts that were getting in the way of me living an authentic life. Life's dot to dots don't always connect in a straight line, that's why they call it a journey.

Know this, the people we surround ourselves with will either raise or lower our standards. They either help us become the best version of ourselves or simply discourage us. We all need people in our lives to remind us of our essential purpose and to challenge us to be better. In Florida, I could count my acquaintenances on one hand but the one that mattered was a 26 year friendship; a sisterhood really. Today, that relationship has ended as well.

Throughout my six month journey, people changed. But more importantly, I changed. I witnessed events and behaviors that were toxic. I gained a whole new understanding of the term "frenemy". I stepped back. In doing so, I was able to see what was broken. I made no fan fair, fuss, or statement of my feelings; I quietly pulled away, even to the point of passing her in public without her awareness. On several occasions, she mentioned that she could see I was slipping in my sharpness for details. No, I just wasn't allowing her to see that I was as sharp as ever. I purposefully did not have any clear conversations regarding my position. After all, it was a moot point. I know, I know, not my style, right? I just didn't need... or want to work on mending it any longer. I was done. Without the poisonous relationship surrounding me, I started to grow. Unfortunately, the growth didn't come without grief.

Oh, how I have grieved the past year. I grieved for a friendship that would not, as always thought, last a lifetime. I grieved for the mother role that I had lost as a result of empty nesting and the move. I grieved for my relationship of eleven years, my love, my best friend. I grieved for the life I had built for myself and my family in Kansas. Every day I would put on my favorite play list and walk the beach and when that was done, I would float in the water for hours on end. Surrounded by strangers, I cried millions of tears into that ocean. I needed to be alone without really being alone. That was what my soul needed.

Where am I now you ask? Simply put, I am in a better place. It has been a journey, and will continue to be one, but I know I am where I am supposed to be and I know I am here for the right reasons. You see, while I was physically in Florida for those 6 months, I could never get my heart to make the same transition. So, I packed myself up again and moved back to the Midwest. I close on my new house in a few days and I am already in my second month at my new job. I stayed in healthcare, so that at least went smoothly! I have missed you and my blog but know that stepping away was necessary. Would I go back and do it differently? No. I truly believe that things happen for a reason but now I am ready to come back to you! The emails, texts, pm messages and comments I've received are appreciated more than you will ever know. I have always loved this little corner of my world and can't wait to take you back to Peridot Skies. xo

October 30, 2017
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Southern Most Beach Resort

September 19, 2016

Beach

I am finally getting around to sharing the resort we stayed at while in Key West. This post is heavy with pictures but they are all necessary to help you experience the same wonderful time we had while on vacation. I did some research prior to our trip down to Key West and after checking out several hotels and wonderful places to stay I kept coming back to The Southern Most Beach Resort. I was drawn to the fact it was the southern most point, offered beautiful views and had great reviews for their service. We arrived with no reservations. Yes you read that correct, none!! I shared my thoughts behind this concept that you may read when I shared my Vacationing in Key West post.

Truly a resort atmosphere with lush greenery and well manicured lawns; we enjoyed all the amenities. The grass was so fine and soft, it was like baby hair. With multiple pools to enjoy while staying at The Southern Most Beach Resort, one being all adult, we opted for the pool with the bar. No surprise there. The staff would see to your every need and gladly delivered our cocktails directly to us while we enjoyed the pool. We informed them upon check-in we were celebrating my birthday and they offered us complimentary beverages! Yay for birthdays!

Our room was a Ocean front balcony king room. The balcony opened up to the ocean and offered a wrap around view of the water. Other than the soothing sounds of the ocean it was a nice and quiet area. We enjoyed chocolates on our pillow at turn down, and friendly service by everyone on the entire resort grounds.

What a gorgeous way to wake up to the day with views like this.

This balcony was directly across from ours and shows you how nice the wraparound porch is and opens to the ocean.

Our favorite place to be..... pool side with pina coladas!

You can bet we are already planning a trip back to The Southern Most Beach Resort. Man, I miss these views.

September 19, 2016
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Breakfast at the Breakers

September 02, 2016

arm party

I am down to my final outfit from my trip to Palm Beach and I saved this one for last. On my last Sunday Morning there we went to The Breakers for breakfast. It was a gorgeous morning and who doesn't love eating Oceanside? The setting was fabulous with the breeze coming in from the water and of course the landscaping and grandeur of The Breakers was a treat. We enjoyed an omelet with avocado and toast; there may or may not have been a few mimosas. Our morning was spent exploring around the grounds before heading off to the pool for my last full day in the Florida sun. My tan has faded now since I have been home but I still have good color! We didn't want to show up looking like pool bums so we dressed for the setting and this brown ombre' sundress was for sure a favorite of mine. I love when a sundress has a bit of movement to it and just the right amount of hemline to be fun and summery. Sometimes being short has big advantages.... like sundresses that are the right length, rather than tall gals that can't find them long enough!

I love.... I mean absolutely love this Ashley Pittman chain and pendant. The pieces are individual so you can mix and match pendants as I did here with my Cold Shoulder dress, and also here in my Summer Sun dress. I love the weight of the chain; it's heavy. You know I love unique pieces and this round stone encrusted pendant is right up my alley. Love it. I can't wait to style these pieces for fall too!

Style Tip: Wear a bandeau bra with strappy dresses that have wider necklines. A racer back bralette or halter bralette would fight with the straps and neckline of this dress. This allows for the details, and in this case, the keyhole to be the focal point.

Dress options here and here // Bandeau // Celine Sunnies // Ashley Pittman Necklace c/o // Ashley Pittman Pendant c/o // Ashley Pittman Earrings c/o // Ashley Pittman Bracelets c/o // Gold Sandals

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

September 02, 2016
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Pink Tie Dye Sun Dress

August 29, 2016

Beach

Happy Monday, we made it through the weekend! As my vacation was coming to an end, we attempted to visit all the favorite spots in and around Palm Beach. Worth Avenue being one of these spots. The shopping is comparable to Rodeo Drive; just with prettier views of the ocean in my opinion! All of your high end designer shops are on Worth Avenue as well as some darling boutiques. I actually love the small boutiques and what you may find that is not as easily spotted on so many other fashionable woman. This dress is a boutique find. I spotted it in the window and dragged Gayle in and she agreed it was darling and looked like me. I love the print somewhere between a tie dye and a batik.

If you remember before I left on my trip, I shared my new Mezzi Cosima bag on my instagram, (follow me on instagram here if you don't already) and all the features this little cross body holds. Like a blue tooth for your phone, and a mini speaker to play your music. It even has a light inside to see in dimly lit locations. But what makes this bag the coolest is it's ability to fully charge your phone up to three full times! So if you're running low on juice because you have snap chatted the entire evening.... (we did several times) no worries, just plug your phone into your bag on the go and charge up! I have been a fan of the entire Mezzi line for a while now so to finally own one is awesome!! I now want to have the Mezzi Carezza bag too!

Dress // Bandeau // Sunnies // Mezzi Bag // Sandals // Necklace similar // Earrings // Bracelets (Favorites) //

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

August 29, 2016
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Blue Tank Dress with Cosabella Lace

August 23, 2016

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Happy Tuesday. I am still in full summer mode and as I go through all my vacation pictures I am really not ready to say goodbye to summer anytime soon. We have had some unseasonably cool temperatures; morning lows 59 and 60's! It's flat out scary to think fall is so close. I have always loved summer and the warmer temperatures, but I do love fall once it is on full swing. Let's hope I still feel that way this year after such a fabulously warm time in southern Florida. When you think of layering you generally tend to think fall or spring. Think cardigans and blanket scarfs. Well today I am layering in the heat of summer and I love it!

I mentioned my new found Cosabella racerback bralettes when I shared my Cold Shoulder dress with you. Today I am showing you all the pretty little details; not to mention the back views. I love the delicate feel of my dress and paired with the lace it's a feminine look for sure. I knew that pairing this gorgeous chunky Ashley Pittman necklace would be the perfect statement necklace. Made of hammered brass links intertwined with horn, it is stunning. My earrings, also Ashley Pittman, are lightweight and so versatile. I love accessories that work across different seasons as well as able to dress up or down. These are the perfect statement earrings.

Dress options here and here // Ashley Pittman Necklace c/o // Cosabella Racerback bralette // Ashley Pittman Bracelets c/o // Ashley Pittman Earrings c/o // Celine Sunnies // LV Bag // Gold Sandals // Lipstick

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

August 23, 2016
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Cold Shoulder

August 19, 2016

arm party

When traveling to a climate that is different than yours you tend to play the guessing game with what to pack. You think of what would seem to be ideal for the beach climate, and hot temperatures but inevitably you still run the risk of looking like a tourist; something I avoid at all cost. The only over packing I did was with my shorts and tanks. I didn't wear a single pair! Summer dresses are the way to go and so comfortable. This cold shoulder dress is perfect for the beach environment. It is breezy, lightweight, and has a fun bell sleeve.

Style Tip: When wearing a cold shoulder or off the shoulder dress or top add a bandeau or bralette for added coverage and a wee bit of support. Note: these are not intended to replace your full support bras. They are merely an added feature to your outfit while giving you a little coverage. The beauty is there are no straps to keep covered and they don't slip down like a traditional strapless bra would. I love the Cosabella racer back bralette and bandeau in a multitude of colors. I shared one look on my instagram here with the back details of mine. I own several of each and ordered a few more. You can never have enough of a selection!

Cold Shoulder Dress // Bandeau // Hat // Sunnies // Ashley Pittman Necklace c/o // Ashley Pittman Pendant c/o (Option) // Ashley Pittman Earrings c/o (Similar) (Options) // Ashley Pittman Bracelets c/o // Lipstick // Gold Sandals

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

August 19, 2016
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Vacationing in Key West

August 18, 2016

Beach

While I have several other outfits to share with you from my trip to Key West and Palm Beach, I want to share with you today a little of the trip itself. As I have mentioned before, Gayle and I have been best friends for over 26 years. We were married within a few months of each other, we were pregnant with our second child within 4 months of each other, and well believe it or not, got divorced within a year of each other. So when we talk about what we have been through the other can truly relate! Through the years there have been many girl friends of ours that have wanted to capture the essence of our friendship. Weather it was with one of us, or their own friend, we couldn't duplicate it for them. A treasured friend who knows you is something everyone should have.

We have taken many girls trips over the years. There were road trips to Dallas a few times and Atlanta, and then we took other trips to Las Vegas and Acapulco, not to mention the numerous times we traveled to Mexico City and Taxco. When we first started talking about me coming to visit Palm Beach a road trip was almost immediately in the plans. Both of us beach lovers.... it only seemed right to go south to Key West. We weren't settling on Key Largo or Islamorada either. We wanted the full trip down to the southern most point! It was only a four hour drive too! I flew in and we spent the first two days in Palm Beach. Early Monday Morning we headed out on our road trip! If you follow me on snap chat then you saw what a trip it was too!! The one constant in our relationship is laughter; there is never a shortage of it. We enjoyed the scenic drive across all the causeways and bridges and arrived in Key West before noon. We had no reservations and only a plan. Typical us!

A little travel tip: If you show up in a resort location and walk in for a room the chances of scoring a great bargain is almost guaranteed. Here's the thing, you walk in and ask for a room and they check availability. Once they tell you there is a room you can begin to deal with them. The room would have been empty without you as a walk in so to book with you is better than it remaining empty! We ended up with a full ocean view room in a mini suite with a wrap around balcony for less than half price! Not a bad deal at all! We even had our resort fees and parking waived and complimentary beverages pool side for our stay! I will share the resort we chose in another post.

We spent three days and two nights in Key West and it was wonderful. We enjoyed Duval Street in the morning for a stroll and breakfast, the pool in the afternoon, and then back down Duval street for dinner and people watching! It's a great place to people watch!

For sunsets it doesn't get any better. You get to watch the sun rise over the ocean horizon and then it set in the evening dipping into the ocean again.

People line up about 45 minutes prior to sunset to watch this beautiful display and you can see why. There is something magical to watching the sun set into the ocean.