Mother's Day at Vizcaya

Dress: French Connection via Consign of the Times // Cardigan: Target // Shoes: Melissa Shoes // Bag: Francesca's Collections // Sunglasses: & Apparel // Bracelets: Candles and Confetti // Earrings: c/o Benevolent Jewels // Lipstick: Revlon

Happy Mother's Day!

Yesterday my mom and I went to Vizcaya for their "Orchids for Moms" event. For my out of town readers who may not know, Vizcaya is the magical, grand Venetian estate that belonged to James Deering of International Harvester. This is where he spent the winter months and lavishly entertained guests from all over. The mansion sits on prime Coconut Grove real estate and overlooks Biscayne Bay. It is one of old Miami's greatest wonders-- hell, possibly the most beautiful place in Miami, period. I hadn't been to Vizcaya since I took my 15's pictures back in 2005-- and actually, my mom and I bumped into the photographer in the cafeteria! He remembered us and was such a sweetheart, even took a selfie with us.  Lol

Fou dans la Boue at Anne's Beach

Bathing suit: Victoria's Secret // Hat: Target // Clutch: Kate Spade // Sunglasses: LOFT // Bracelets: J Crew, JustFab

This day was so fun, you guys. Marion and I had just eaten at the Morada Bay Beach Cafe and then we headed to the only beach at Islamorada, Anne's Beach. Honestly, it is crap. Miami has hands down the best beach in FL, possibly the country. But in Anne's Beach the word of the day was "fango," or "boue." That's Spanish and French for "mud," respectively. You see, Marion's English is coming along, but my spoken French is awful. But since she also knows Spanish and I couldn't translate "mud" in French, I tried the Spanish word "fango" but that didn't work so I just consulted with Google Translate and learned a new French word: boue! Seriously, so much boue. The sand is pure fango! You try to go in and you just feel yourself sinking into the sludgy earth beneath you. Not a pleasant sensation whatsoever.

So while we were there we had tons of fun taking all these pictures and then some. How cute is Marion's Kate Spade watermelon clutch?? It's the perfect little summer statement piece and inspired me to just start jumping out of nowhere. Lol. 

Looking forward to our next adventure, Marion!

You can follow Marion's picturesque Instagram feed here (@m4liami).

April Recap

Biking Around Town // Baseball-Inspired // Boho Spring Meets Coastal Chic // Islamorada Day Trip

Two shorts, two hats, two sneakers, two espadrilles-- April was nicely balanced!
I'm glad I got four outfits up. My goal has always been six a month but when I'm swamped at work four is definitely good enough.

I have been in a really big emotional rut since October of last year... Well, really since before that but October was when things got even worse. So ever since I've been trying to apply some behavior activation to my life as if I were my own client to get me going and out of my head. This month I was pretty active and had lots of fun bike-riding, seeing with friends and family, and going to the beach. My Instagram reflects these good times.



I also shared my genetic ancestry results from 23andMe on DNA Day! That was a fun post for me to write.

     


     
I have such high hopes for May-- it's like a make it or break it month for me.
It's also my birthday on the 15th, and then I am off to Europe on that Mediterranean cruise! Three weeks away from work. I will visit Dubrovnik, Croatia and walk where Cersei unfortunately took her walk of shame, I will go to Athens and roam where ancient Greek philosophers once stood, I will visit Florence and think of the Medicis everywhere I go, I will walk on Pompeii streets and imagine the Vesuvian horrors those poor souls witnessed right before their death, I will marvel at the Roman Colosseum and Sistine Chapel for the second time in my life, I will see Provencal beauty and then Gaudi's architectural works of art once more. Needless to say, I CANNOT wait!

So welcome, May. I hope you don't disappoint.

Linked up: How I Spring // Tuesday Fashion Party