Spring 2024 - Carrying On At Home
Hey Peeps,
When I embarked on this newsletter journey, it was fun and exciting. Even when we were out of town in February, I was eager to resume upon our return. But as life often does, it threw some curveballs. March was a whirlwind of chaos in my world, and April was no different with my daughter's birthday, family emergencies, and a multitude of commitments. The newsletter got delayed, but it's a testament to the fact that sometimes, life's unexpected turns can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
I'm not that girl, though. This isn't about excuses but embracing renewal, spring, and the promise of a brighter future. It's about moving forward in the sunshine, undeterred by the rain storms of yesterday.
Yours Always,
Britt
Slight Change
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Slight Change 〰️
What did I learn from this little endeavor?
A monthly newsletter is ambitious.
So instead, seasonally will be the way to go for me. 4 Times a year, I'll put out Carrying On at Home, so that way, when life gets a little off kilter, I'm not kicking myself feeling like I could have, and should have done a better job.
Anywhoo… Back to the Business of Travel
After a fantastic sailing trip on the Disney Magic with my husband, where we enjoyed the luxurious amenities, world-class entertainment, delectable dining options, and the Disney touch, we've been low-key chilling out at home. Little day outings have been the way alongside local attractions that are just easy and accessible. We all know (or you should) that the vacation mindset can happen anywhere you go.
However,
Recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on a delightful solo adventure through the Mi Book Hop. From now through May 27th, 2024, you can pick up a free bingo board and visit various independent bookstores across the state, supporting reading and local businesses. Being my adventurous spirit self, I turned it into a personal challenge, visiting 5 bookstores in a single day and taking on little challenges as I went. It was a day of pure rejuvenation, a chance to reconnect with myself and indulge in my love for books. I highly recommend this unique experience, although, be warned, the temptation is real. I filled up my TBR list and somehow did not come home with 50 books, even though I wanted to! You can find more information about the Book Hop here.
Other Easy Weekend Outdoor Fun…
It's that time of year when I LIVE outside. It's all about enjoying the sunshine and getting through the last few weeks of the school year. May is hard because, mentally, I'm already in summer, but physically, we're still stuck in the spring, waiting for a changeover in the schedule. Nonetheless, there are tons of things to do.
My Favorites:
Hiking at PJ Hoffmaster Park with the doggie. There's a bunch of trial options, and honestly, it's ever-changing. The best part is ending at the water for a little beach stroll. Free, leisurely day out.
Running the Dunes at the Lake Harbor Park. I'm not good at it, but those giant sand dunes beckon. It's always good to see who can make it up and down without falling in the sand. Cardio for the win!
Evening strolling at Pere Marquette Park. It is so close to our house, and I do this one often. Just a lovely walk along the boardwalk, watching the waves crash in.
Seeing the Butterflies at Frederick Meijer Gardens. I am a fan of the yearly membership to the gardens, no matter where you are. Seeing the seasons change through the wildlife and plant fauna brings a level of serenity that is unmatched by much. I adore it. We saw the butterflies in the gardens during the spring, and it was a fun day trip overall. Pack a lunch and go meander.
But the D23 Convention in Anaheim is coming soon!
I love going to D23. It gets the creative juices flowing. Plus, there is something about being in the company of amazing cosplayers and fun things coming to the Disney bubble; the excitement and enchantment get me right in my soul. When we went in 2022, I cried multiple times. All tears of joy and happiness, but it hits me right in my core. I am SO happy to be going back this year. I think people get so hung up on schematics that we forget to release that inner kid, stop worrying, and have a good time. This reminds me of that. Imagination and Dreams are essential; whatever I can do to foster mine, I will.
Now, on to the nitty-gritty. Outfit planning. I plan to use what's in my closet and mix/match, but I want to do some fun, cool looks because August in California is HOT.
So far, I'm thinking… Donald Duck (I have the cutest blue and white striped dress with shorts attached; rompers are my jam, and Donald earrings I got on clearance!)
…and my other half is attached to the idea of dressing up as Kronk and Yzma from the Disney movie 'The Emperor's New Groove '. I'm thinking of wearing a black shorts romper, with purple jewelry to match Yzma's color scheme. What do you think? Any other ideas or thoughts? Sound off; I want to know!
And…
For my daughter's 14th birthday, we decided to stop doing so many things and focus more on experiences. There is just so much life to live out there in the world, and we want to be able to expose her to as much of it as humanly possible. It's hard and doesn't come without challenges and sacrifices, travel agent or not, but you are only a kid once and might as well enjoy it.
So, we gave her a binder with 3 different vacation options for this birthday. She got to pick the trip, weigh out the information, and pick the dates. We're starting and ending the year on a Disney cruise as we embark on the Disney Dream for a Very Merrytime Cruise to the Bahamas this December! This special cruise is filled with holiday cheer, including a visit from Santa, festive decorations, and themed activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Disney Christmas has been on my bucket list forever, so this feels right! Don't worry; I'll add all the details to the blog when the time comes. .
Spring Basics:
Wrapping up the news each month, I'll share my basics. The basics are the things I love for the month and why I adore them. Think about what I'm reading and wearing, places I love to travel to, my playlist, and just the month's vibe. So, without ado...
Reading - I did a thing and ventured into the world of BookTok. Some books get WAY more love than they are worth. So while I had this read on my mind, by no means had I committed, then my sister went, have you read the Court of Thorns and Roses series? You'd love it. I was skeptical. Taking stock here, I just started reading romances. I don't read fantasy books. Well, and these bad boys are THICK. I'm talking about book one, which is all 650 pages. That's a commitment. Anywhoo, So I'm on book 5.....I'm an addict. The storyline is so intriguing, and I have such an immense physical reaction to each one of their distinct behaviors, like yelling at the book like it's a T.V. screen and getting up at 4 am to squeeze a couple of chapters in. For real, I'm hooked. 10/10; the hype is worth it.
My favorite hotel this month, The Dewberry Charleston, is beautiful and a dream to work with. I recently had a client stay there for a birthday gift to herself and absolutely could not have had a better time. As the travel agent back home, I can attest to the beautiful relationship I forged with the staff to ensure everything was spectacular. Wanna go? I know a girl who can hook you up.
Watching - I am rewatching Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Yes, the cartoons and I are a thing and always will be. The music, though, in the series is outstanding. Plus, a black girl scientist who is a superhero whose family owns a roller rink is dreamy. Also, the Gilded Age on HBO is the most dramatic of pleasantries mixed in history and so much snark. Polite snark. I'm here for it. Period films still have me in a complete chokehold.
Listening - I have been repeatedly playing the Cowboy Carter album while I skate (it's roller skating season), and I'm into it. Just a smooth vibe in the evenings. Love it song to song.
Try Me - Roller Skating Outside. No, it's not new for me, but it's a love I have rekindled. I need new skates and am entirely teaching myself some tricks, but it's such a way to relax after the day. Give it a shot.
Spring in a nutshell, fresh blossoms, a little tranquility, and a whole lot of embracing leisure when I can before the whirlwind of summer adventures unfold.
