Tap, tap, whoosh, whoosh, grumble, grumble…
…those are the sounds of our rainy beach day. The rain clouds have interrupted our plans to go to the Destin Marina today so we are having a glorious day of relaxing, reading and listing to music of Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Robert Randolf and The Family Band, Marvin Gaye (got to get funky every once in awhile), Bob Marley, The Black Crowes, and Keb ‘Mo (just to name a few). Ahh…((content sigh))…I love vacation…please don’t ever end!! We are so happy with our condo and plan on making it a regular destination spot in the future (see end of post for more details). It’s so peaceful and quiet here. I’ve slept well every night since we’ve been here, which is nothing short of a miracle. We’ve enjoyed lazing around in the mornings, soaking up some rays, reading, shopping, eating dinner on the beach at The Crab Trap, Capt. Dave’s, and Pompano Joe’s. The food has been absolutely delicious. I think I’m going to turn into a bowl of clam chowder if I eat any more…but oooh it’s so good! It’s been a glorious vacation and certainly one that will live in our memories for a long, long time. We’ve had so many moments of looking into each other’s eyes and smiling with our souls. That’s what I love about vacation. We don’t have deadlines, chores, work, errands, and stress to cloud our vision of each other and our love. Don’t get me wrong, we are a very, very loving couple and very much enjoy each other’s company every day. But when we are on vacation we are so silly and loving. I swear if there was a secret camera allowing you to watch our daily silliness you would roll about laughing until you tee-tee your pants. Thankfully you can’t see us so we can retain some of your respect. 
Alas, today is our last day of laying about doing nothing. Tomorrow we pack up and head back home. While I don’t want this bliss to end I am ready to get home and get back to work. Wha?! Who am I kidding? I’m just trying to talk myself back into it so it’s not such a shock to the system when we return.
Well, I must wrap this up so we can make a very difficult decision…where do we want to eat tonight? I think we are going to try this place. We’ve heard good things about it and it’s just down the road a bit. We have to be back by 7pm because tonight is our big TV night! We may be on vacation but we can’t miss our shows–My Name is Earl, The Office, and ER –so we must plan accordingly. Life is tough down here in margaritaville. Wishing you well and I will write again once we get home and settled. I have so many pictures to share with you! Take care dear friends!
* If you want to see the condo we stayed at then go to www.oceanreefresorts.com. Search on the following criteria: Location - Beaches of South Walton, Type - Condominiums & Townhomes, and then check-mark Gulf Front. Then find Blue Mountain Villas. We highly recommend it!
Greetings from the beach
Hello! Have you given up on me? I apologize for the loooong delay of updating you on my activities. I have been a very, very busy bee! Between designing my first purse pattern, making birthday gifts, doing laundry, packing for our vacation and running tons of errands I found myself without much time to write you, dear friends! I’m happily writing to you from Blue Mountain Beach, Florida in a very comfy chair overlooking the ocean. Ahhhh…my heaven. Last Thursday we headed south to Destin, FL for my sister-in-law’s wedding. It was on the beach during the sunset and it was absolutely gorgeous! She was a beautiful bride, the weather was perfect and everyone was so happy. I wore this lovely dress by Vera Wang — it’s from her new collection offered at Kohl’s. I bought the black dress with the blueish/gray ribbon. I really loved the cut of the dress and the fabric was dressy, yet simple chic. I loved it so much that I bought the ink colored one too! Hey, if you find something you love then buy it in all colors, right!? I’ll share some photos when we return.
We’ve had a wonderful time so far. Until today the weather has been perfect and we’ve enjoyed spending time with family, eating seafood and watching the waves. Yesterday we went to Seaside, FL for a little shopping in the town’s square. Josh bought me a gorgeous pair of earrings at this store and I bought a blue starfish paperweight. Check out their glass chandeliers - AMAZING! Then we went for a margarita (or four!) at Bud and Alley’s on the roof deck bar while watching the sunset, which was heavenly! I can’t wait to show you the pictures! If you are ever in this area I HIGHLY recommend you add this to your itinerary. It’s the most beautiful little beach town and the view at Bud and Alley’s is incredible. The only rough spot in our trip so far was the first condo we stayed at was not very nice so we moved to another one (which is perfect!) and the Red Tide moved in so our allergies have flared up. Otherwise we’ve had a wonderful, relaxing time and I never want to leave! Which leads me to asking for volunteers to pack up all our belongings in Nashville and bring them to us! Anyone!? Okay, you can all come!
The last time I updated you I made the Crimson Swirl Purse. I absolutely love the design. It’s such a comfortable purse and it holds so much stuff! I made another one in black twill with velvet paisley designs and red suede lining. It was gorgeous! Where is the picture? Well I finished it just in time before we left so I didn’t have enough time to schedule a photo op. And it was a gift for my aunt Jane so it’s in Toledo, Ohio. But don’t fret - I promise to make another one because I loved it so much. This week I am using this down-time to decide on the final tweaks to the design and naming it. When I get back this purse is number one on my production list so I’ll be able to share many pictures with you soon. I really think you are going to love it as much as I do.
Well, I’m going to return to my “rough day” of reading magazines and watching the waves. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! Sending you happy beach vibes! 
Crimson Swirl Purse
I’m happy to announce the purse I have been working on is finally finished!! And I really like it! I love the fabric — it’s called Crimson Swirl. The handles are made of black suede - very soft and cushy. It hangs very comfortably on the shoulder and it tucks right under the arm. And most importantly it holds a lot of stuff! Click here to see photos.
What do you think of the design? Any comments are welcome!
I’m going to tweak the design a bit more to make it easier to construct — the original pattern for assembly is ridiculously difficult. The next one I make will be made of corduroy. Still trying to decide on a color. Any votes?