I'm Dreaming Of Warmer Weather

It has been so cold here in South Carolina.  We even had a white Christmas, which hasn't happened in over 45 years.  The snow is slowly melting away, but the temperatures are still pretty chilly.  I am ready to go somewhere warm, with beautiful beaches so I can get my feet wet in the ocean water.  I told Junior he needs to look into west palm beach real estate, not to buy anything, but to find a rental place where we could stay for a few days. Brandi has been asking for years to go to the ocean, and I think this year we might actually do it.  Well, I say this year, but I really mean next year, seeing as how there are only two days left in this year.

Either way, I am looking forward to some down time with my family.

Cottages

 For my mom's birthday last May, my sister's and I surprised her with a trip to Tennessee.  The four of us, and one of my aunts, paid to rent a little cottage for a long weekend.  It was the first time I have ever stayed in a house like that, and it was so much better than staying in a hotel.  We had full run of the place, using the kitchen to cook all our meals, and the kids had plenty of room to run around and play, without us parents worrying about how much noise they were making. 

One night, one of my sisters and I scared the snot out of my other two sisters and my aunt.  They were sitting on the front porch, and it was close to midnight.  My other sister and I sneaked around from the back of the house and made some scary noises.  They all jumped up screaming and ran in the house.  It was so funny.

I would love to be able to get all of my sisters to rent a holiday cottage this coming year so that we can all be together again.   Two of my sisters live pretty far away, and I usually only get to see them once a year.  I would love for us all to spend a weekend together, especially around the holidays. 

I guess that means I need to start saving my pennies.

I'm Stressed And In Need Of A Vacation

 Right now, my head feels like it is going to explode.  I am stressed, and I can't seem to relax.  I took ibuprofen this morning, and it didn't touch my headache.  A little while ago, I took two Excedrin migraine pills, and nothing.  I hate when this happens. 

I think the only thing that is going to help is to get away from it all.  I need to forget about Facebook bullies, little kids getting violent at the bus stop in the mornings, getting reviews posted before deadlines come and go, and mostly, I need to get away from this computer.  Staring at this screen isn't helping my headache at all.

I want to go camping.  I want to swim in the lake, fish a little, and relax beside a fire.  We can look into rv rentals or simply pitch a tent; I don't care either way.  I just want to be in a place where time means nothing and there is nothing planned.  No deadlines.  No bedtimes.  No bus stops.  Just relaxation.

Is that possible?

Planning Next Year's Vacations

The kids have finally figured out that we won't be camping at all this Summer.  As much as we wanted to, financially, we just can't do it.  But, we are already planning next years family holiday, and it looks like we might be taking a few trips.  

I really want to visit an aquarium.  It has been too many years since I have been to one, and my kids have never been.  There is a big one in Atlanta, and I think that is where we are going to go.  Right now, we are planning a long weekend away in February, as long as it doesn't snow.  Brandi also wants to go to the beach, so we are trying to figure out the best time to go there, too.  I want to go in May, when it will be warm enough to swim, but too cold to be "in season", which means we should get a good deal on a hotel. 

We are also going to book a week at our favorite campsite for next Summer.  I figure if we book, and pay for, all of these trips in February when we get our tax refund, there will be no excuse not to go.  For the rest of this Summer, though, we will just continue to enjoy my mom's pool, and maybe squeeze in another mountain trip.

We'll just have to wait and see.

California, Here We Come. Or Not.

 I have been getting letters in the mail recently from the kids schools.  This year, they will each be in a different school, which is going to make registration day a little hectic.  Or at least that's what I thought.  Turns out Ryan registers a week before the girls do, on August 3rd.  That is less than a month away!

I don't know why Summer is going by so fast.  As of yet, we haven't been on vacation, and we don't have any plans to do so.  Junior was talking about booking a couple of nights at the Holiday Inn Palmdale CA, which would be great if we lived closer to California. Unfortunately, we live on the opposite coast, so booking any type of Palmdale Lodging would be crazy.  I do not fly, so we would have to drive there, and that would mean at least three days in the van.  The gas alone for the trip could bankrupt us! 

However, visiting California would be awesome.  There are so many places I would love to visit, and my kids would love to put their feet in the Pacific Ocean.  Brandi has been bugging me for year to take her to the beach, and I hear that California has some beautiful ones.  We could stay in lancaster ca hotels and relax for a week or two.

Or, we can stay home and plan some day trips to places a little closer to home.  I hear the South Carolina coast has some nice beaches, too.

Where To Go On Vacation

How do you decide where to go on vacation?  Like most people, I have a destination in mind if I ever win a dream vacation contest.  I would want to go somewhere with crystal clear water at it's beaches, with temperatures in the low 90's all the time.  It would have to be somewhere I could drive to, because there is no way I would ever get on a plane, so Hawaii is out. 

Realistically, I could see loading up my family and driving north, then spending a few days in New York Hotels.  My kids have been bugging me about seeing The Statue Of Liberty, so we would check that out while we're up there.  I also want to take them to the top of the Empire State Building.  I remember the first time I went there as a child.  I was petrified to go up. Once we got to the top, though, my fears disappeared because it was so beautiful. 

We also have the option of going west, and visiting some Las Vegas Hotels.  I just worry that there won't be much for the kids to do, because none of them are old enough to gamble just yet.

I guess we could also go south, and stay in Orlando Hotels.  We could visit Disney, and Sea World.  I also have family in Florida I haven't seen in a while, so we might find a way to do a mini family reunion of some sort.  No matter what we decide, I think we'll have fun just being together.

Or at least that is what I am hoping.

It's That Time Of Year

We have almost made it through our first week of Summer vacation.  The kids are staying up later, and then sleeping in later in the mornings.  This works well for me, because I like to stay up late and then sleep in, too.  In fact, last night, I stayed up until I got Junior up at 2:15, and then I went to be.  I was up before 9, which wasn't fun, but it was still about 7 hours of straight sleep, which was nice.

Junior and I have been talking about when he should take his vacation this year.  He gets three weeks now, but we will only use one week over the Summer.  We decided that because of money, or the lack thereof, we are going to do a local camping trip for a few days.  The kids will love it, and I will enjoy relaxing for a few days with no internet.  Junior will be in heaven because he will get to fish all day and night.

We also talked about what we would do if we didn't have to worry about money.  My first thought was Hawaii, but I am petrified to fly, so we would have to go somewhere we could get to by car.  Junior said we should head to the west coast, since neither of us has even been. I checked out some Mission Beach vacation rentals and  San Diego vacation rentals, and was able to find some pretty cute places to stay.   Having recently rented a house with my sister's for our weekend getaway in Tennessee, I can weigh the options between staying in a hotel or a cabin/house.  A hotel has room service, but a house has a full kitchen and more privacy.  That said, do I really want to be cooking while on vacation?  I don't think so.  Besides, money is no object, so why not stay in the nicest hotel I can find?  And if we like it nice enough in California, we could check out a San Diego property management company about finding somewhere to live permanently.

Who am I kidding.  I love it here in SC, and that's where my family is.  Vacationing is one thing, but I don't think I'd ever move away.

The Joys Of Camping

Almost every year, Junior and I take the kids camping.  We usually go to the same camp ground, and we try to always get the same camp site.  If any of you are regular campers, you know there are good sites and there are bad sites.  The camp site we like is right on the water, with a little beach where the kids can walk right into the water to swim.  Some of the sites have a drop to the water, and we try really hard to avoid those.

A couple of years ago, my mom gave us an awesome tent for Christmas.  Last year when we camped, the kids and I slept in it and Junior hooked up an air conditioner to it.  I didn't think it was possible to do that.  I always assumed that only motorhomes could keep you cool while camping, but I was wrong.   We slept so good in the cool tent, I didn't mind that I was sleeping on the ground.  Well, maybe I was sleeping on an air mattress on top of couch cushions, but still.  I wasn't in a bed, and I still slept like a baby.

We are hoping to camp again this year.  I love being able to get away, and not have to worry about anything.  We're just hoping that this year, Kasi stays out of the fire pit.

Escorted Vacation Packages From Cosmos

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Cosmos. All opinions are 100% mine.

I think I mentioned a few posts ago that I want Junior and I to take a vacation together, without the kids. I was doing a little more research on affordable vacations, and found www.cosmos.com. Cosmos offers escorted vacations at affordable prices. In fact, right now they are offering nine different vacation packages for under $1,000. With my fear of flying, though, none of these packages are right for Junior and I. Not to worry, though, because they not only offer overseas vacations, they have local packages, too. In fact, I found a trip I would love to take. It is a trip including Historic Trails & The Blue Ridge Mountains, which begins and ends in Washington DC. That is just a few hours drive from where I am in South Carolina.

You can find other Special travel offers to places like Paris and Italy. No matter where you go, though, there is no need to worry about planning your days and making sure you find the time to see everything each city has to offer. Cosmos does all of that for you. They make sure that your vacation is worry free, and all you have to do is go along for the ride, and enjoy the sites. The packages I looked at ranged from one to two weeks, and they were all reasonably priced. You can Request a free travel brochure, and see for yourself all the things that Cosmos has to offer.

A Second Honeymoon?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, Florida. All opinions are 100% mine.

My wedding anniversary is coming up in June. It will be my fifteenth.

That's a lot of years!

I have been thinking a lot lately about how Junior and I have never been away alone since the kids were born. I think our upcoming anniversary will be the perfect time to change that. I have always wanted to stay at a bed & breakfast, and I found a really romantic one in St. Augustine called Carriage Way. It will only be a half a day drive at most, and we can enjoy a weekend alone, with nothing to do except enjoy each others company.

The bed & breakfast itself is located in the heart of the historic district, and is within walking distance of museums, fine dining establishments, and carriage rides. What is more romantic than a horse drawn carriage ride along the water?

The rooms at the bed & breakfast all have private bathrooms, some of which have old fashioned claw foot bathtubs. I have always wanted to soak in one of those, surrounded by lots of wonderful smelling bubbles. I am relaxing just thinking about it.

I hope I can talk Junior into going. I think we deserve a vacation to ourselves. I mean, it has been almost fifteen years.

Spring Break Next Week

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

The kids are out of school next week for Spring break. Junior took a his vacation that week too, so everyone will be home, and there will be no alarm clocks blaring at 2:15 and 5:15 every morning. It's going to be so nice to get more than three hours sleep at a time. We don't really have anything planned, because we weren't sure if Junior's vacation days would be approved. If we had known a few weeks ago, I would have planned a trip to Branson, and stayed at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.

Why Branson? Because it is close to Silver Dollar City, and this weekend is one of their Family Spring Break Days. This part is family friendly everyday, and I know this because I saw a television show about the Duggars, and this is somewhere they enjoy going, and we all know that they have very strict requirement about what they do with their family.

I also wanted to try out this new ride they have called RiverBlast. Just look at how much fun the kids are having in the picture, and we all know that I am a huge kid at heart, and that I would love something like this.

I should probably also point out that there are lots of stores and boutiques for those who prefer to shop over going to amusement parks, and golf for the men who find that an enjoyable sport. All of these things are within driving, or walking, distance of the Hilton Branson Convention Center, which makes this hotel the perfect place to stay.

But, since I couldn't plan ahead, we are going to spend next week close to home, maybe taking a day trip to the mountains. I will, however, be planning a trip to Branson soon. That water ride is calling my name!

Fun For Everyone

What is your favorite vacation activity to do with your kids?

I know some of you will say amusement parks, especially if your kids are older, like mine. I was about 16, I think, the first time I went to a real amusement park, and it took all my courage to get in line for that huge roller coaster. In fact, it was the first summer that particular ride was open, and it was great! We went back several times over the next few years, and I always made sure I rode that ride.

I have been thinking about taking my kids to ride some NJ Amusement Rides this spring, and I heard a rumor that there will be a new ride at Morey's Piers. I am not sure if it is a roller coaster or not, but I am sure the kids will enjoy whatever it is.

I like the fact that I can save 35% during their Spring Sale. I know it will not be cheap for the five of us to go, so saving any amount of money is a blessing. It also helps that my sister lives in New Jersey, so we can crash at her house instead of a hotel.

I mean, how can she turn away family?

The City Of Love

I was researching vacation destinations, again, and this time I was focusing on Paris. I have always heard that this is the city of love, where you can take moonlit strolls and enjoy romantic meals. I know girls dream of having their significant others propose to them in this city. When I think of Paris, I think of love.

That said, I think this would be the perfect place for Junior and I to go to for a second honeymoon. We could stay in different Paris Hotels and take in all the sights. Of course, this would have to be a virtual second honeymoon, because we do not have the money, or the time, to take such a luxurious vacation. Plus, I am still afraid of flying.

All you men out there should consider taking the loves of your lives there if you are planning a proposal. I bet it would be really hard for her to say no.

Out Of The Way Getaways

I know I have been talking a lot lately about getting away from the everyday, mundane things and hitting the road for a nice little getaway. I have been researching different destinations online, and have come to realize that I really do not want to visit a major city. I am sure that all the Hotels In Rome are wonderfully luxurious, but I want something more than a nice hotel room.

I want an experience I will remember.

When Junior and I went on our honeymoon, we had no destination in mind. We just packed a few days worth of clothes and hit the road. We ended up in the mountains of North Carolina, visiting every little hole in the wall place we could find. Our greatest find was a tour of an underground cavern. At one point I was scared to death, because we were on this tiny little metal walkway that went over a bottomless pit, and there was no where to turn around, and we were stuck while the guy spoke about what was beneath us. I about had a panic attack! But, it was an awesome experience, and I don't think we would have found this place if we had a moment by moment itinerary.

Sometimes spontaneity is the way to go.

I'm A Food Junkie

What makes a vacation memorable? Is it the excitement of visiting a new place? Is it the comfort of re-visiting a favorite destination? Is it the food?

Okay, for me it would be the food. What else would you expect from this girl? Whether it is staying in New York Hotels or fancy foreign places, if the food is bad, I will not remember that vacation fondly. It's no secret that I like to eat, and that most of my memories revolve around food. Of course. most of our vacations have been local, because we can only afford to go for a few days at a time. I would love to taste foreign cuisine, and I have been reading a lot about traveling on a tight schedule. If we planned right, we could fit a lot into a one week vacation.

I bet the food in Southeast Asia is amazing. I just hope they don't serve cat. Those rumors aren't true, are they?

Cheese

We love cheese.

That's a funny statement to make, I know, but it's the truth. I love any white cheese, especially mozzarella. In fact, it is one of the things I can not keep in the house, because I will eat it all. It's in the same category as chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter ice cream; I only buy it on special occasions.

Junior is a huge Cheddar fan. Sharp, extra sharp, mild, it doesn't matter. He loves them all. I can buy a one pound block when I grocery shop, and it will be gone in a day or two. This love of cheddar cheese led me to look into places we could go where he could enjoy the best cheddar in the world. I did not know it, but staying in London Hotels puts us close to the perfect place to sample some of the best cheddar in the world, Somerset, England.

I think Junior would enjoy that more than a week of fishing!

New York, New York

Have you ever taken a walking tour?

I have been reading about these, and I am liking what I have discovered. Basically, you meet up with a guide, and together you walk around a major city, taking in the sites. From what I understand, these are one on one tours, so you are not required to keep up with a group. If you want to stop and have lunch at a little cafe you just passed, you can. If you want to take 20 pictures in front of a beautiful church or garden, you can. If you want to skip something that doesn't interest you, you can. In fact, you can do just about whatever you want to. These tours start outside of New York Hotels, or San Fransisco Hotels, and they are a great way to discover a city. I wouldn't mind doing a walking tour of New York the next time I am visiting up there. I have been in the city so many times, especially around Christmas time, but I always feel like there is so much more to the city that I have yet to discover.

And I want to discover it at my own pace.

When In Rome...

I have a big anniversary coming up this year. In June, Junior and I will be married for fifteen years. Some days it feels like we met yesterday, and some days it feels like we have been married forever. Today is one of those forever days.

I think it might be time for us to take a vacation, just the two of us. We have never been anywhere alone, except for our honeymoon. I would love to check out some Rome hotels for a romantic Italian getaway, but I am clueless about travel. Luckily I read an article that contained a bunch of tips to make an Italian getaway not only easy to plan, but affordable as well. There best tip seems to be booking early, and I am guessing that three months in advance isn't early enough to get a great deal on an awesome hotel room. Besides, I am afraid to fly. This means we would have to go somewhere we can drive to, so I was thinking of maybe booking a room in the hotel where we stayed on our wedding night. The problem there is that the hotel is no longer in business. It is now an apartment complex.

Maybe I'll just ship the kids to my mom's for the night, and Junior and I can enjoy some alone time. It's been a while since we have had some of that, too.

Vacation To Florida?

I want to go to Florida. I want to take my kids to Disney while they are still young. I was in my early twenties the first and only time I went, and I loved it. But, I imagine I would have loved it more if I had gone when I was younger. I have a grandmother who lives in Florida, as well as an aunt and a few cousins, so I am sure I can stay with one of them for a night or two. I just hope I don't end up needing an Orlando Auto Accident Lawyer while I am down there. It would really stink if we got into an accident and needed to hire an Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer. I mean, we had enough excitement on our last vacation when Kasi fell onto the fire pit. I am hoping this time we can just enjoy ourselves, and not have to make another trip to the emergency room. I would hate to have to find a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer if something bad were to happen, and things were handled badly.

Maybe we'll just skip the whole thing and stay home.

Renting A Vacation House

Junior and I are trying to decide what to do for vacation this year. He is all for another year of camping, and as much as I love it, too. sometimes it's nice to do something a little different. I would love to look into vacation rentals, maybe on a beach somewhere. Of course, there would have to be fishing close by, too. I know getting a hotel rooms for all of us for any length of time is going to be expensive, and I think I would rather stay in a vacation rental. I know I would have to cook for us because there wouldn't be room service, but with the diet we are going to start, it is probably better that I cook anyway.

There are so many luxury vacation rentals available this time of year, and we live fairly close to the ocean. I say fairly close, because we could probably see the ocean in about five hours. I also know for a fact that vacation homes are available all along the coast, because my sister and brother have both taken advantage in the past. I bet they will have some great recommendations for me.