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Love: Love

She loves the beach and swimming especially when the heat and humidity get out of control this time of year.

I've taken up learning Tennis! I'm a person that enjoys breaking things down to learn the foundations and tennis is very much a lot of that. I'll practice for at least 90 minutes a day. When I get on the court it's like shutting out all the noise around my brain and focusing on the sound of the ball and getting in position for where it's going. I can't explain it. Some may say distraction; but, I find myself studying it to improve my tennis skills.

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Christmas in South Florida

Today we are getting ready for some nasty weather on the weekend but otherwise it's been blissful.

I've been up to a lot actually, glad you asked. For over the past 2 years I've been learning Spanish and I love it. I'm up to 3000 words and getting a grasp on sentence structure. It's not as simple as just translating word for word from one language to another there is a way to form specific structure and use their way of communicating. It comes in very handy where I live. Learning Spanish has opened up my world and if you are looking to learn a foreign language I highly recommend using Duolingo, which is a free app but you can get premium if you feel you must pay for less commercials.

In addition, I'm also renovating the house quite a bit. February is phase 2. There are so many little decisions that come up for every little thing but I find I enjoy it. We are living in it while construction is happening so it's messy and you have to be okay with things being out of order. If I can get through that it's not so bad. Again the payoff at the end is worth it.

Happy Holidays

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Daily Face Skin Care

HI Everyone!  I hadn’t blogged much during the pandemic and mostly cultivated me time.  Honestly, I’m so close to my family now because of it and for thank I’m thankful.  

I’ll jump right in with one of the ways I pamper myself and that’s skincare.  Once a week I like to apply a facemask but on a daily routine I use a few products I’m impressed with. 

First,  I use Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - I like how it minimizes pores and makes my face feel soft and smooth.  

Next I apply hyaluronic acid serum to soothe my skin. I like how it quickly it  hydrates and plumps up my skin. 

Finally, a moisturizer which can vary but lately I’m happy with this one.   

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The Next Mile

This tree frog in the Peacock Bass’ mouth is right on.  It’s that unexpected surprise.  Prince charming is smirking!

The last post I wrote during the pandemic was right at the beginning and now that we’re into it I can see a shift in my life.  It’s like that time when I ran the Gasparilla race and I thought I was further along than I actually was. then my friend said, “there are more miles to go before we make the turn back.” 

Each day isn’t a given. It never was.  I’m calling people more instead of visiting them.  Relationships have been tested.  I’m  a better cook than before; in addition, I make cakes once a month to celebrate living it.   I especially find myself getting up for sunrise and walking at sunset.  I rarely miss it unless it’s storming.  Enjoy the day more, each part of it even the messy part.  Be more deliberate.  Take my time and appreciate it longer.  

Find something that makes you happy and look forward to it each day.  Think about it throughout the day before it even happens.  

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Quarantine

2020 has gotten weird man!

We are obsessed with hygiene products and take out food.  I'm use to cooking most meals but again being forced to is a whole different ball of wax.  When this is over I'm going to be a regular at more places.   

Spending so much time at home means my dog is getting ALL the attention, baths, grooming, and playtime so she is very happy.  

In other news, I have gotten quite serious about sidewalk chalk art and gardening. My lawn and garden are better maintained.    There is never a lack of projects in the yard and just when I think it looks better I realize how much more it needs.    

This white bird apparently blooms where it gets watered.  Wherever I want I bloom.  Top done.  Bottom BOOM!  Now I need to thin it out better.  

I hope you are doing okay.  

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January

I don’t have a catchy title for this entry.  January works for me.  I’ve been absent quite a bit on the blog this past 7 months for reasons; but, lets just say 2019 was tough.  There were broken clavicles, hips, heart procedures and more and that happened over a span of a very short time with 4 of our clan.  The healing is taking longer than anticipated and it’s been rocky.  So, all I can muster is putting on music and soaking up the bright blue sky.  

Saffron Arancini (pictured top) 

Fall Squash soup 

Steak frites and sirloin burger 

I think this is better to look at than my images of therapy.  All plates are served at On Swann in Tampa. 

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Bartaco and Shopping

Hi there! Today, Mr Vine and I went to get his gauze bandage removed from his repaired broken clavicle.   He is recovering well and off all pain medicine for a week now.  I call him Titanium and play that song at least once a week.  Physical therapy workouts begin next month.  He has a great Orthopedic surgeon that I highly recommend if you live around here and ever need one.   

After the appt we went to Bartaco for lunch and sat next to the outside heaters to stay warm as we downed a few tacos.  The plantains are seriously the best!  

It’s perfect weather here with chilly 55 degrees at night and sunny and 74 during the days; therefore, I need to get the chimney swept at home and firewood stacked.  I found a place and scheduled for next week.  Then, I just need to get the mantle all ready for decorating for Christmas.  

Rock shrimp, Baja, one secret taco (fried chicken) and the duck which is a smoky delicious blend of heaven in my mouth. 

and for dessert we finished with the Chocolate and churros.   

Next we strolled around the area and shopped for presents.  

Hope you have a great day! 

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What I’ve Been Eating

I haven’t posted one of these in a while and I had a couple people as me so here I made a sheet pan of vegetables which included broccoli, slices of red pepper, brussel sprouts, butternut squash and prosciutto slices.  Only added olive oil salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a scoop of hummus or lemon and olive oil with apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the mix.  

I make these pineapple an spinach smoothies nearly everyday as a mid day snack.  I still eat 2 eggs for breakfast and some berries on the side.  

This is my  standard chicken salad that has T of mayo, T fresh dill, celery stalk, pepper, and walnuts and a the last minute I added raisins. It’s not areal lunch without a chunk of pineapple. 

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Crochet Top Tye-died Maxi Dress

Summer is a season that is both great and hot.  Even though the rest of the world thinks Florida is a hot house most of the year the truth is cities up North are just as hot and more humid than mine.  For the times I do find the occasion to get a little dressed for something I like to grab a maxi dress for several reasons; breezy and light, cover my skin from the sun, adds more style than shorts or linen slacks.  

This dress has the cutest lined top and the light material flows easily with a side slit on one side.  It’s also under $30 here grab it while its available! It’s 16% off online. 

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Kicking off my summer with this new kimono wrap and its on sale.  I had to have the palm trees naturally but there are other colors as well.  This time of year the living is easy and we get out early on the water to soak up the beautiful day.  I live on beach cover-ups this time of year so you will begin seeing more of them. My hat is from 4 years ago and I don’t go anywhere without it.  It is ideal for boating days for these reasons; it is not a hat that blows off my head even when its windy, it is UVA protective, and the wide rim keeps my face shaded.  The hat is from Sunday Afternoons 

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Spring Workwear

Today I wanted to show you some work wear pieces that I find helpful.  This grey sheath dress is great for more formal business day in front of clients.  I add color with my shoes and handbag or keep it matching grey depending on my client.  

On days I have to work in the chilly server room I like a log sleeve top that  covers me well and this is soft like butter.  It drapes soft over my skin and it’s still feminine for the days I like to have a softer look.  Honestly, I have too much black and grey in my work outfits and I’m trying to soften the look with this top.    “Florals for spring, groundbreaking”, Right!

This top is perfect for layering a jacket over and if I can find the link I will add it soon.   On hot summer days it will be ideal for walking in and out of the building since it can be in the 90s at times. I’m also linking the pants here.  I’ll wear a matching jacket with it or a white jacket and nude pumps. 

I hope this gives you some looks that work for your job.  Banana Republic is one of the main places I shop or Ann Taylor for work wear.  I need a polished look for the office.  On weekends they have sales that I wait for.   I don’t like paying full price for them when I can wait a few days and get them half off or more. 

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Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Here are my thoughts on doing a seasonal capsule wardrobe.  It helps me stay focused on what I need in my closet versus what I don't.  For me, I find it works when I separate each season because it allows me to utilize colors I prefer and not stick to the same palette throughout the year. It allows me to rotate my clothes regularly and makes it seem like a new wardrobe each season. I don't have an expensive budget and I don't need one.  I have a simple look and though some may call it basic, I call it functional and real.  I have to take the climate into consideration because it's tropical and the beginning of sweaty season.  To make it easy and feel comfortable I have plenty of cotton shirts that I can wash often.  

Once I choose the color palette for the season I know what is lacking and what, if anything I need to add in order to make it work.  For Spring, the softer colors come out to play and I can choose my Spring capsule in 5 minutes.  Though I don't consider myself a minimalist it allows me to organize better and shop with a purpose.  A seasonal capsule wardrobe does not include any special occasions, hobbies attire, or accessories.  Dresses are great for special occasions and I still find I stick to the color palette. There is room to add to the pieces but think of it as a tool to begin building with.

Here are the outfits:  1

outfit 2

outfit 3 - I only changed accessories

outfit 4

outfit 5 

outfit 6

outfit 7 

outfit 8 

outfit 9 

outfit 10 more layered look 

outfit 11 bonus round 

The t-shirts are from Target, jeans from Abercrombie, tank top from Loft along with the mint chinos.  Shoes are all Clark’s.  Black purse Target.

Taupe purse Dooney and Bourke rainbag

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Spring Capsule Sandals

This is what I'm working with this Spring season.  The Clark's taupe flats are new this year but the others have been around.  The rose gold are from last year.  This is not my complete collection of Spring shoes but I like to post a basic shoe capsule for each season and I was overdue.   I should have included sneakers but that is a different post entirely.  

Flats are a must for everyday but I wear my cork wedges for dresses or cute slacks.  These are excellent to wear because of the mostly one level height.  I've looked for a pair of caramel espadrilles that are comfortable but had no luck so far. The ones I've tried on have felt like I was walking on two boards and I won’t do that to myself.  

I’ll be posting my Spring capsule wardrobe this week so please check back on Monday. 

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Not your Ordinary White Shirt

Don't be fooled into thinking this is an ordinary white t-shirt.  This is the sheer, drapey, slinky version and it's cool to wear during the warmer days. It's a staple in my closet and I love it.  If you don't like tops that are to shear you can wear a cami underneath or a nude color bra.  The struggle is real when it gets hot in Florida so I don't layer much. If you are going out at night; however, I would wear a camisole underneath to dress it up even more.  

It's sold out but I found a similar one here.

and a less pricey one here

Also my new handbag is under $30 and it's the ideal size in a crossbody and it holds my wallet, phone and glasses inside.  I like not spending much on handbags especially when the rainy season gets here and it looks similar to an expensive quilted handbag.  

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Stripes and Dots

With the sun heating the days up this past week I’ve been living in cooler tops such as this linen tank from Tommy Bahama which is several years old now.  It’s a classic so it never goes out of style.  Here is a similar top I paired it with a light circle polka dot chambray skirt from Anthropologie.  This skirt has a vintage vibe with rivets on the folded over pockets.. 

 It’s fun mixing patterns when you keep the colors similar.   Again, the skirt is about 5 years old so it’s not available anymore.  It’s a keeper which I like and it has pockets to hold quick items like car keys in and such. 

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Loft Favorites

I tried on more than I’m showing you here but I only bought these pieces.  I find chinos really fun for work and I’m very comfortable wearing them all day.  The color is mint and its pretty for Spring season this time of year.  Hey, I live in Florida so spring is February here.  It has been 85 lately so it feels more like July and I’m hoping it will go back to 74 soon. 

This was the pair of jeans that caught my eye from the window and I’m really happy with them.  Simply put, these jeans were a must have for me I like a well fitting pair and comfort is a must.  I bought these during the Presidents day sale and both pants were under $45 each.

I’ve linked all of these above for your convenience to shop. 

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Quitting Caffeine

First I want to show you a couple of outfits I tried on this week from Tommy Bahama.  This is a comfortable dress for just about anytime on vacation or resort wear. 

The white pants are linen as the top and it’s one the reasons I like this store as much as I do.  Linen is warm weather desirable when you need to dress a bit nicer than my usual t-shirt and denim cutoffs.  I’m in a small here and didn’t feel the fit was right.  The extra small felt restrictive getting it on over my head and shoulders and the complicated top did unfurl in the neckline but I was confused as to how I would get it tied without assistance.  Blame it on my lack of caffeine still and I’m okay with using this excuse all week because it was hard.  

Please excuse the out of focus pic here but I loved this palm odd the shoulder chambray dress.

The striped pants are another great linen pant especially if you like neutrals to pair it with.  I wear more white and tan in spring/summer.

If your not interested in reading my victory over the drug called caffeine skip this next part. 

Giving up Caffeine

Last weekend, I decided to go cold turkey and get off caffeine.  I used it to be more alert at the office but now I'm taking my life back.   I didn't like the jump in my heart rate and the headaches I had to get through when I missed a cup.  I was a daily caffeine drinker and I had no idea my addiction was so strong.  My intense headaches would begin in the afternoon if I ever for some reason had to miss a cup.  

So how did it feel? I drank plenty of water that day and I started to notice little things like my appetite went down.  Caffeine is a stimulant.  I also noticed my energy took a dive.  Make that, MAJOR DIVE.  Most of my energy was coming from the morning ritual.  I could not imagine lifting weights ever again and it worried me how lethargic I was.  Instead, in the late afternoon I needed a nap.  By that night I was feeling worse.

The side effects of withdrawal from caffeine: loss of appetite somewhat very low energy massive headache and by 8pm migraine (this is where i took Tylenol just in time before it got much worse) loss of balance nausea wanting to vomit no light on all evening or night went in to the bedroom at 8 pm and closed the door

Now: I'm working out again and feeling other positive side effects.  I'm not stressed during my day thinking about everything all the time.  The inflammation in my body has gone down.  My gut is calm. My mind isn't racing.  And, I finally feel awake again. Dream recall is incredible.  I sleep deeper and wake up  refreshed.  

History Remember high school, kids gulping down coke in order to stay awake. Followed by University and guess what time my Calc class began? 8am. So it didn't take me long before I was joining the rest of the caffeine junkies. Professional bikers swarm to the coffee shops in order to have energy for a 50 mile ride.  At my CrossFit box they have offer cold brew coffee.   People are heavily relying on it to perform well.  

I've done a couple of whole 30′s in the past couple of years but you can drink your coffee black.  I never gave coffee up because of the rat race.  Now, I put myself first and I feel like I got my life back.  My appetite isn't crazy with cravings such as sweets.  My skin is better.  My taste buds are improved.  

I was prepared to feel alone going through it;  however, I was really surprised how many people had gone through what I did.I wasn't alone at all.  I'm glad I did it and I've cut the cord forever.  I no longer buy anything with it at all. If I want a hot drink I have herbal tea and I can personally recommend chamomile to ward off headaches. When I need a boost of energy I juice my usual 3 carrots and 1/4 an apple.  It gives a energy naturally. 

What about you?  If you decide to abstain take it easy the next 2 days at a minimum.  Four days is what it took me to deal with aches and pains n addition to the massive headache on day one.  I’m so glad I stuck with it.