My paternal grandparents spent most of their life hopping on and off of boats but lived in Orlando, Florida. Visiting them was always one of the most fun things we did as a family! The many trips to Disney World along the way didn’t hurt. They finally gave up on “landlocked living” and since they wanted a low key and quiet type of coastal living within Florida. (My Grandpa always says he will never cross the border for living.. the Florida border.) With 49% of the population on the island senior citizens, the fit was perfect!
I take after my Grandma in many ways and I learned many things from her growing up. Nails must always be painted. Accessories are the best outfit addition. Fashion is matching outfits. You can never have enough PICTURES and how to really strike a pose in a picture! Growing up I was called “little Dave” because I am a striking resemblance of my father! I found baby pictures at her house and thought it was me, only to be told it was my dad! That must have been why I started wearing big fashion statement earrings at age 5! (See pic below.) They have always shared a special, and quite eerie, connection. Not only did I inherit their similar looks but the “eerie traits” as well. My grandma swears she can communicate telepathically to me and scary enough, it worked once! I randomly picked up the phone to call her one day and she answered with, “IT WORKED!” My dad somehow always knew what I was thinking and it always scared me he had some sort of wire tap in my head. I obviously never got away with much…
It’s a different vacation down to Marco than it was 15 years ago, as my grandparents have slowed down quite a bit. No more boat rides and beach days with them but the memories somehow get better. The talks get longer and the stories pour out more. Perhaps, since I am older now, I can understand to cherish their stories more. (Even if they go on and on and on.) Every time we visited when young; she painted our nails, played in her closet and looked through old pictures. Now when I visit she passes down shoes, clothes, swim suits and hats just like playing dress up! Sometimes you can tell she got it at the local thrift store for $5 last week, but sometimes they are treasures like she gave me on this trip! After wearing tie headbands (and a few neck scarves tied as headbands) over my stay, she was surprised they were back in style! I told her I love them because I hate my hair in my face (old gymnastics curse) and I love the simple accessory of it. She brought me back to her room to show me bags and bags of her neck scarves that she wore every day to work in the 70’s & 80’s! Of course, she had one to match every outfit. She decided it was time to part with them and asked if I wanted them! I’m so excited to honor her with these vibrant and beautiful pieces! I am sure you will be seeing more of those on here.
Must have beach essentials! When going on a beach vacation, I hardly ever do my hair and I just love all these products to create that perfect beach wave. They are so easy to pack in a carry on since they come in travel sizes. I have had sun damage on my skin and lots of scaring from sensitive skin and I cannot recommend Rodan & Fields more for protecting your skin! Feel free to reach out to me for any advice on what products may help your skin. I use the unblemish and the step 4 is an oil fighting sunscreen, which is perfect for day to day!!!
Grandma’s neck scarf collection take 1! I am not sure when, why or how cactus because a fashionable print, but I LOVE IT!
Shop Stacy: Cactus Top / Or This / Or this
Shop Stacy: Pink swim top / Pineapple Bottoms / Wrap
Marco has the calmest water! There are hardly any waves, which makes floating around in it so easy.
Shop Stacy: Kimonos / Hat
Having a beach wrap to tie on quickly is a must! It is great for your walk home and not wanting to get your cover up dirty. I also love to throw it on for a more modest photo or simply to hide any over exposed skin to the sun! Linking some fun ones below!
This swim suit is the cutest! I love the ruffle detail all around!
Shop Stacy: Pink Swim / Shorts
I was laughing because my Grandma, Grandpa and my mom all had cameras out. I literally didn’t know who to look at. I wasn’t kidding when I said my family loves photos! You can always bet on them to get a few fun candids!
There are a few fantastic hotels but the main attractions are the beautiful high rise condos!
We used to take the boat here years ago but it is still our favorite place on the island! With a full outdoor bar, live band and beautiful sunset view of the water it never lets us down for a good time. CJ’s on the Bay
It is so hard leaving them, especially as time goes on and you never really know God’s plan to take them home. Family is everything to me and I am lucky to have one heck of a good one! Austin and I cannot wait to continue on their legacy for many generations to come! I hope you all take time to visit those important to you and absorb all the memories and laughs you can! I sure did enjoy trip!
Salut, SA!
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