Vacation Planning

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Lately, I've been stuck on the idea of taking a family vacation. It may not be in the cards for us this year since we had to purchase a new car after Brian's Honda died 2 weeks ago. We have 2 weddings to attend this summer but I'm still hoping we can swing a small family vacation.

I'm not really sure where we would like to go but I do want to go some where close to the beach. Children like Jack with Cystic Fibrosis really thrive with the salty air at the beach. We live in northern New Jersey and the obvious choice is to go to the Jersey Shore but I've never really liked the NJ beaches. Nothing against NJ but every time I have went to different beaches I was not impressed with many of hotel accommodations, the trash on the beaches and it's just not for me. The beaches like Spring Lake (where we stayed when I found out I was pregnant) and Ocean Grove are beautiful but really expensive. I'm ready to experience a little something new but would consider if I could find something family friendly and affordable.

Brian and I love North Carolina. We have vacationed in Oak Island twice and really enjoy it there. The Oak Island/Wilmington area is one of my favorite places to visit. We usually stay at my families beach house but this year we are thinking of staying at a hotel. I hate imposing on others. The problem I have is it's a 12 hour car ride and Jack doesn't like the car so I really think North Carolina is not a good option.

I've also been thinking about the beaches in Delaware and Maryland.  Both aren't that far from us. I think 4 hours is my limit with Jack in the car. I've heard good things about Ocean City, Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach. I haven't been to the beaches in either so it's all new to me. I've been doing some research but I really hate searching for hotels or beach rentals. I always feel like they look great on line but no so much in real life.

Have any of you taken a toddler on a beach vacation?

Is anyone familiar with the beaches of Delaware or Maryland?

Beach Bag...

What's in my beach bag this season...
Even though I haven't been on the beach sine my bottom was planted on the pinks sands of Bermuda about a month ago.  Here is what I took along in my beach bag while we were away.

- Beach Bag- My all time favorite is my Vera Bradley! Its huge. It has pockets on the side for my phone and sunscreen.

- Towel, I always like bright colorful towels. When I'm floating in the ocean or taking a walk on beach its always easier to see your towel on the way back. I like to get mine in Home Goods. I just bought a Cynthia Rowley for $9

- Sunscreen!!!! We use 70 SPF and even with that we still got lots of color in Bermuda.

- Salt spray or spray conditioner. I don't know about you but when I get on the beach my hair turns a bit Medusa like!

- Flip flops! Some of my favorites are Havaianans and Old Navy...Did you get your $1 flip flops there this weekend? I did!

- A good summer read. I'm on the Fifty Shades bandwagon but I just can't seem to get through Freed. I'm kinda bored!

- A cover up! I'm not the most confident so a cover up in ALWAYS in order! I  always find mine for super inexpensive at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

- Sunglasses! To bad I broke my mine on our honeymoon and had to wear my husband's Oakleys! Not the most fashionable but I was still very grateful.

- Floppy beach hat. Its kind of exotic. My scalp no longer gets sunburnt. Thank the lord!

SPF lip gloss! I didn't pack this on our honeymoon and I paid the price. Holy cow, I woke up one morning with super swollen lips.

 Not a good look! 

I will NEVER forget to add that again! 

Bermuda Beach Honeymoon by kj2380 featuring sally hansen nail polish

Beaches of Bermuda

The beaches of Bermuda are simply amazing. We were lucky enough to see 2 beaches in the 3 days we were on the island. Snorkel Park Beach in the Royal Navy Dockyard was our first stop. This was a complete party beach. Nonstop music (til 3am), drinks and a party atmosphere. We happened on the beach by accident when we were touring the Maritime Museum. 

Horseshoe Bay was probably the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. I'm used to the crowded Jersey Shore beaches but Horseshoe Bay far exceeded my expectations. 

Oh and yes I did steal some sand for some DIY projects. 

Hello Summer

HELLO SUMMER!
It's been a while but its really nice to see you...

Source: tumblr.com via Laurrie on Pinterest

Sunscreen

Source: Uploaded by user via Melissa on Pinterest

Tinted skin

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Beach Towels

Bright Colors

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Sand between your toes

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Salt Water

Source: rufflesandpleats.tumblr.com via Hilary on Pinterest

Coronas with Lime 

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I swear I love everything about summer. I am so happy its here. I have already broken out the bathing suits (dreaded), gotten a little sunburn! Can't wait to enjoy every second of it!!!

What about all of you?
Do you love summer as much as I do?
What are your favorites?

Honeymoon...

If you have been following my wedding planning journey you probably already know I'm getting married in a few short weeks and have yet to plan my honeymoon. Yep, I am a complete failure.

To be honest the whole process was stressing me out. I really have a terrible fear of flying but I'm feeling pressured to fly. Originally I was set on a cruise. Brian's most favorite place to go is Bermuda so we had planned a 7 night cruise out of New York to Bermuda. Three days out at sea and the rest in Bermuda.

With lots of pressure I felt pushed to fly to Bermuda. Its only a 2 hour flight which in normal people terms is short...For me the lunatic its like a lifetime. I only wish I could make up my mind.

While I can't decide I'll just have to dream of some beautiful Bermuda spots like this one...

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Jeanne on Pinterest

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Source: rosewoodtuckerspoint.com via Allison on Pinterest

The more I look the more I fall in love.

Have any of you been to Bermuda? Cruise or fly? What are the hot spots?
Where have you went on your honeymoons?
How did you decide?

Thanks guys!
Happy work week!
Did you guys go immediately after the wedding?