• Home
  • About
  • Contact

Tell it to your Neighbor

  • Art
  • Finds
  • Experiences
  • Home Ideas
  • Thoughts
  • Shop
    • SHOP MY #NSALE
    • Shop My Instagram
    • Shop My Favorites
    • NCL Mother Daughter Favorites

Archives for April 2015

family date, the Mommy, the Tourist, Travel, vacation | April 10, 2015

Recommendations for Seaside!

Last year around this same time we didn’t have any plans for the summer.  But somehow before the Summer was over we went on three amazing vacations that I’ve been wanting to share with you.  I’m telling you this because it’s never too late to plan a vacation and it is so important to take time off, tell it to your neighbor.

So, the first of the 3 vacations was to Seaside Beach, Florida.  I fell in love with this magically simple but luxurious place on 30A! If you’ve seen The Truman Show then you’ve seen Seaside.  It is a thoughtfully designed community along the beach and centered around a thriving town square with everything you need in walking distance.  While we were there I kept thinking, “this is how life is supposed to be!”  Here are some of my recommendations for the destination:

1. Getting There.  If you drive and if you’re driving from Texas, research the traffic in Mobile, Alabama.  Depending on the day of the week and time you are traveling, the tunnels in Mobile are known to back up, so try to find alternate routes if you don’t want to delay your vacay.  Also, this On-The-Go Drawing Kit, unavailable online but I still see them at Target, was a midway road trip surprise our kids loved.  It could easily be put together on your own in a zippered pouch with a doodle book, skinny markers, colored pencils and a sharpener.  #crayonsmelt!

 

2.  Arranging your stay.  You could find a house to rent through VRBO but I recommend the convenience of the on-site rental company, Cottage Rental Agency.  Their welcome swag bag was SWEET! The name of our cottage was Gentle Breeze and it was perfect for our family of 4.

3.  Chair rental.  You might give some serious thought to splurging and renting chairs and umbrellas on the beach from the Cabana Man.  There’s a pretty big climb of stairs up and over the sand dune to get to the beach and you’re hands are already full with a cooler, sand toys, beach bags…  Pamper yourself and arrive to an area on the beach all set up for you by the Cabana Man.

4.  Food Trucks.  I have picky eaters, so I loved this.  To feed my family, I could get a grilled cheese for my daughter at The Melt Down on 30A truck, chicken fingers for my son at Barefoot BBQ and my Husband and I could get whatever we want, too!  And then we can all eat together at a picnic table and get #BlueLips from shaved ice at the Frost Bites truck.  Like a food court at the beach that you can walk to from your cottage! PS-We saw Tony Romo in line here!

5.  Handcut Fries from Pickle’s.  One of my favorites from Seaside was the fries at Pickle’s, I think I had them three times while we were there.  The seasoning is perfect and my Husband has the same opinion.

6.  Charlie’s Donut Truck.  My kids are in their PJs here because at Charlie’s the early bird gets the worm.  Charlie’s Donut Truck at Alys Beach is a little bit of a drive from Seaside, but so worth it.  I’m a donut person and these donuts were delicious!

7. Duckies.  This toy shop was so FUN!!!  Best one in the area!

8.  Go Exploring.  Drive through beautiful Alys Beach and check-out Rosemary Beach.  Or just go to visit and have a treat at The Sugar Shak!

9.  The Amphitheater.  A big open green space for kids to run around in by day and concerts by night.  The Barefoot BBQ truck uses frisbees as their plates, you get to keep them and the kids can throw them around, genius!

10. Ono Surf Shop.  It was around Father’s Day so we got Joseph a Boogie Board he had his eyes on at the Ono Surf Shop.  Great selection of gear and sporty swimwear!

11.  Sand Toys Bag.  Find and use a mesh pop up hamper for the sand toys.  Ours was from Ikea but I can’t find it online.  The sand just falls out and everything dries quickly.

12.  Bring Puddle Jumpers or Life Jackets even for the not-so-little ones.  The water advisory was a Red Flag the whole time we were there.  I had to give up on riding waves because I ran out of strength and the water beat me up!  Kinda scary.

14.  Scooters! (previous post) Bring them from home so the kids can get around easily and it’s a small thing to pack compared to a bicycle.  However there is convenient bike rental!

If you’re looking for a vacation where you can go to the beach everyday and take a nap every afternoon and then walk to dinner, Seaside is your vacation spot!  And it’s never too late to schedule a vacation or a staycation at home.  Stay tuned for posts on our other 2 destinations!  And in the meantime, if you’ve been missing recommendations like these, I do mini “TITYN” posts on Instagram all the time, see you there! Or you could go straight to the links on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page!

 

2 Comments - Leave Yours


Hello Neighbor! I’m Erica Smith and this is where I share discoveries and tell a few stories!

More Discoveries Here:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

New Posts by Email

Popular Posts

  • Moon Garden
  • Slurried Brick
  • Coffee Cart at Home
  • Fall Feather Wreath
  • Service Series: Self-Serve Laminators
  • Wild Kratts Birthday Party for a Girl

Find It

The Archives

  • ►2018 (3)
    • ►September(1)
      • Texas Bluebonnet Award 2018-19 Books: A Visual List with Links
    • ►July(1)
      • Nordstrom Anniversary Kids Clothes
    • ►February(1)
      • Best Morning Ever Mug
  • ►2017 (14)
    • ►December(7)
      • Books Ship Quick
      • "All The Rage" for the Girls
      • Candles That Smell Like Home
      • 20 Favorites for the Guys
      • Kids Club Membership
      • Brickheadz for the Kidz
      • Let The Gifts Begin
    • ►November(1)
      • Semi-Cyber
    • ►October(1)
      • Haunted Gingerbread Houses and Cheers to Small Parties!
    • ►August(1)
      • My Favorite Lunch Box and Why
    • ►July(4)
      • Settling In 2 | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Settling In | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Back To School for Him | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Back To School for Her | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
  • ►2016 (3)
    • ►July(1)
      • 3rd Annual Shopping Experiment
    • ►May(1)
      • #TITYNBUILDSAHOUSE + Invitation
    • ►January(1)
      • Start Here
  • ▼2015 (8)
    • ►December(1)
      • Not Your Typical Gift Guide
    • ►September(1)
      • The Fall of Unfinished Business
    • ►August(1)
      • These Are My Keepers
    • ►July(1)
      • Shopping Experiment Take Two!
    • ►May(2)
      • Summer Style Shape Up Giveaway!
      • Just A Few Things About Grand Cayman
    • ▼April(1)
      • Recommendations for Seaside!
    • ►January(1)
      • the SALE is This Weekend
  • ►2014 (41)
    • ►December(4)
      • The Art of Decluttering
      • 5 Tips to Help Your Holiday
      • Free Shipping: Who's got it and for how long?
      • Insta-card Round Up
    • ►September(3)
      • New Finds in Round Top
      • More Talking = Less Shame, More Hope
      • How To Give a Baby a Bath
    • ►July(3)
      • Shopping Experiment
      • United Colors of Wimbledon
      • Emma and I
    • ►June(2)
      • Here We Go Again!
      • A Few Birthday Party Tips
    • ►May(9)
      • Scooby-Doo Meets Batman Party
      • A Few Memorial Day / Summer Discoveries
      • My Sister's Big Top Party
      • Wild Kratts Birthday Party for a Girl
      • Mickey Mouse Orange Party
      • A Gift From...
      • What I Want for Mother's Day
      • Big Kid's Sand and Water Table + Update
      • TITYN DIY Night - Painted Antlers
    • ►April(6)
      • Sunday Takeaway
      • "Modern Goods For Happy Occasions"
      • Uptown Park's Lifestyle Blogger Series: Spring Edition
      • The MVP of Baby Gifts
      • 10 Steps to Easy (and Fun!) Bookcase Styling
      • Easy Easter Bunny Wreath
    • ►March(5)
      • Round Top Round Up Plus...
      • First-Ever Kite Festival
      • Very Important Post
      • Instant Oscars Party
      • World's Championship Bar-B-Que 2014
    • ►February(5)
      • Glass Knot Trend - Luxury vs. Mega Steal
      • The Crafting Box
      • Travel Edition: TRAVAASA Austin, Texas
      • Cookie Cake: Swedish Heart
      • My Clutter Recovery
    • ►January(4)
      • The Train Trunk and More
      • Inspired by a Fresh Looking Desk
      • Sevenly
      • My Sister's Post
  • ►2013 (88)
    • ►December(8)
      • The Clutter in My Mind
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Easy Christmas Cookies
      • Best Kid's Watch Ever
      • Free Shipping for Christmas Delivery
      • Old Tradition New Spin
      • Tiptus Finds
      • Stargazer Lights
    • ►November(6)
      • It's Clear to See
      • Fall Feather Wreath
      • A Nod to The Nod
      • Nutcracker Ready
      • Step It Up!
      • Numbered Cake Sparklers
    • ►October(4)
      • A Wedding on The Prairie
      • Great Party Supplies Stat
      • Dancing Crows
      • The Prairie By Rachel Ashwell
    • ►September(7)
      • Fun Halloween Finds
      • Instagramming From Round Top
      • Here Comes the Funny... Boom.
      • Now I See Me
      • Drug Store Favorites
      • Driving Around Again
      • Moon Garden
    • ►August(7)
      • Easy Mickey Mouse Invite + Free Template!
      • Preschool Separation Anxiety
      • A Creative Pep Talk
      • Red Sands Ranch
      • Thread
      • Cake Bunting in a Jiffy
      • Highlights from New York, New York
    • ►July(4)
      • A Nice Frame Ready-To-Go
      • Birthday Campout Inspiration
      • A Bunch of Stuff for Kids
      • Master Overhaul: Before and After
    • ►June(6)
      • Thank You!
      • A Platter Big Enough For Three
      • Summer Foodie Finds
      • Easy Homemade Father's Day Cakes
      • Slurried Brick
      • Minnie Mouse Birthday Party, Part 2
    • ►May(10)
      • To and Fro Swim School
      • One Hundred Winner!
      • One Hundred Posts Celebration and Giveaway!
      • Sneaker Secret
      • KEA-I-AY (pig latin)
      • For My Mom
      • Dining Room Rug
      • Minnie Mouse Birthday Party, Part 1
      • Waiting for Wind
      • Floral Workshop
    • ►April(8)
      • Welcome Home Baby
      • Southern Floral
      • Travel Edition: Punta Mita and The St. Regis
      • Jumping For Joy
      • Round Top Report Spring 2013
      • Best Slip Ever
      • The Headband Bowl
      • HC by JA at JCP
    • ►March(7)
      • Fresh Flowers for the Door
      • Master Plan and Inspiration
      • Gorgeous Easter Eggs
      • An Easter Basket For the Years
      • Free Advice
      • How To: Round Top, Part 2
      • How To: Round Top, Part 1
    • ►February(11)
      • Oscars Party
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 4
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 3
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 2
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 1
      • Be A Hero
      • Be Part of the eClub
      • Happy Valen-tine's Day
      • Classroom Valentines Plan
      • Good Night Sleep Chart
      • Service Series: Cut It Out!
    • ►January(10)
      • Fore The Love Of Golf
      • A Hug and a Kiss
      • Styling a Glass Cabinet
      • Service Series: Self-Serve Laminators
      • Coffee Cart at Home
      • Service Series: Same-Day Custom Notes
      • A Steamer Superb!
      • Wedding Inspiration
      • Thinking about Rodeo Tickets?
      • Obsessed with the COLOR BAR*
  • ►2012 (56)
    • ►December(7)
      • New Year's Solo Cup Chandelier
      • Merry Christmas, Neighbor!
      • Toddler Christmas Activity
      • Santa's Tool Giveaway - Winners!
      • A Tool for Santa (That's You) - GIVEAWAY!
      • Big Battery Operated Lights
      • The Tree Is Up and It Is Good!
    • ►November(8)
      • The Kids' Remote
      • Split Second Elf Ideas
      • Give Sleep
      • Christmas Tree Intervention
      • Snowman Wreath, Dip Baby Dip
      • Crash Course on Nutcracker
      • No Need to Drill
      • Diaper Rash Wipes
    • ►October(9)
      • Happy Halloween
      • Inspiration Board
      • Pedicure for Two
      • Art Full Circle
      • Elf on the Shelf or Skeleton in the Yard?
      • Guest Bedroom Design, Everything on Sale
      • A Rapunzel Party Without Getting Tangled
      • Birthday Morning Surprise
      • Plato del Niño
    • ►September(9)
      • Headed to Round Top
      • This Song Moved Me
      • Halloween Solo Cup Wreath
      • There's A Spider on Your Head!
      • Thirst Be Gone, Mosquitos Be Gone
      • One Dollar Tuesdays
      • The One and Only Scooter
      • Think Outside The Jewelry Box, Part 2
      • Labor Day Sale
    • ►August(11)
      • Free Gift Wrap
      • Cake For Breakfast
      • Travel Edition: La Jolla, CA
      • Mama's Got a Brand New Chair
      • Celebrate Good Times
      • Ice Ice Baby
      • Think Outside The Jewelry Box, Part 1
      • Hooked On Bundts
      • Black and White Trim
      • A Step Above the Fill-In Invitation
      • MadBox Update
    • ►July(10)
      • From Danger to New Hanger
      • Lunch Box Madness
      • Travel Edition: Jackson Hole, WY
      • Cottage Bathroom Renovation
      • Swedish Nursery
      • The Everlasting Bag
      • Game Changer, The Puddle Jumper
      • Paper Lantern Chandelier
      • Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness
      • Coca-Cola + Navy = Patio Redo
    • ►June(2)
      • Best Pool Bag Ever
      • American Flag Wreath

RSS My Sister’s Blog

  • Loving Lately
    Floral Top: Ilan, Tulle Maxi Skirt: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Green Dress: Rhode, Pink Dress: English Factory, Floral Dress: Saloni, Crochet Top: Sea, Sneakers: Nike, Denim Shirt: Frame, Red Top: Gigi Knitwear, Blue Tote: Naghedi NYC, Pink & Red Dress: AMUR   Continue reading >>

Currently on Instagram

The best gift tomorrow will be a boy turning 12! ♥️🥳

These streamers took me years to find. Years searching on the internet even though they were right under my nose! My Mom used to use them at every birthday, she’d throw them all over the chandeliers. They were messy fantastic! I finally figured out they are called Serpentine Throws or Streamers. And when you call them by the right name you can find them everywhere! 

#birthdaydoor #birthdaytradition
#notetoself “…the more we stand in awe of Him #notetoself “…the more we stand in awe of Him the less we’ll stand in judgment of others.” - @bobgoff 🌎🤩

Have y’all seen the @expedia Super Bowl commercial with Ewan McGregor? The ad of course is trying to get me to go to their site and travel but I like that it FIRST is trying to convince me to not spend on STUFF! It feels like they are putting my purpose before my money and I’m just going to believe that because I love it! 🙌 

The photos above are all mine and have all been taken since the last Earth Day. They are all #nofilter and if you swipe left you can see their location. Also my file for this post has 76 photos 😆 so it was hard to narrow down to the annual nine! Keep swiping for bonus Planet Earth!

#borntocreate #inawe #creator #earthday2022 #undistractedbook #lovedoes #bobgoffquotes #lessstuff #moreplaces #thankyougod
Easter snapshots 👆 and my notes from @thejohnst Easter snapshots 👆 and my notes from @thejohnstephens’ message we streamed from @levyparkhouston (because we didn’t want to leave our lovely family breakfast to get ready in time to be early enough to find a seat at @chapelwoodumc 👌):
•Created to value and focus on the intangibles.
•Set your heart on things above.
•Live in the light of the resurrection, that’s what Easter means.
•The WORST things are NEVER the LAST things. ♥️

I started listening to/reading the Bible back in February. It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole adult life. I’m following a chronological Bible in a year plan, listening to cliff notes and trying to finish faster than the whole 365 days. It is a struggle and I can’t believe I’m actually doing it! 😫💪🏼 I’m on day 64 and I just looked up how far I have to go before I get to the event we celebrated this past weekend. I have to make it to Day 274 for the first mention of Jesus and Day 319 for the resurrection. My friends and family have heard me say quite often, “I can’t wait to get to Jesus.” And I’m also looking forward to the New Testament on @audible because I found a version read by @johnnycash! Now if I’m going to make it to Jesus and Johnny I’m going to have to change up what I’m doing for the Old Testament. Do y’all have any recommendations on audible? I’m looking for the impossible: a voice that’s captivating and storytelling but not dramatic and cheesy. And a version that’s easier to read in general. Any help in the comments below would be great for all to read! 👇 Thank you and Happy Easter! 🙏🏼

#easterinthepark #chapelwood #bibleinayear #imnotatheologian #easter #theyearofthedonkey #thelegendofthedonkeyscross #easterbasketsforever
Houston, we have a @buffcitysoap! I’ve been driv Houston, we have a @buffcitysoap! I’ve been driving to @buffcitysoap.pearlandtexas because I’ve been hooked on their Narcissist scented laundry soap and dryer balls since my cousin’s daughter introduced us to it in Dallas last Thanksgiving. (Thank you, Lane! @tsno06) Now it’s just a drive to The Heights and I’m already scheming for a soap making party. 🧼 Go check it out! 👃🏼@buffcitysoap.northheights  #buffcitysoap #htown #houstonshops #titynshops
This was her Christmas gift from 2019! When we gav This was her Christmas gift from 2019! When we gave it to her she was 12 years old and she thought it would be hard to Wait For It until July 2020! 😆 How about March 2022?! Worth the wait to see Hamilton live a 2nd time. She was still in awe! 🙏🏼 And if a mask 😷 had not been required I might have put one on anyway because It’s Quiet Uptown and I didn’t have a tissue. 😭😭🤧🤧🥺🥺 

#hamiltonmusical @hamiltonmusical @hobbycenterhouston #waitforit #itsquietuptown #americanhistory #alexanderhamilton @joseph_1_smith
We’re in New Mexico and happened upon the oldest We’re in New Mexico and happened upon the oldest church structure in the U.S.A. in Santa Fe! Circa 1610! 😲

If you’re interested in traveling to New Mexico, I started sharing our trip highlights in my stories and will continue to share when I have a chance. What I’ve shared so far is saved to my highlights on my page.☀️ 

#springbreak #santafe #newmexico #santafenewmexico #tityntravel

Copyright © Tell it to your Neighbor 2022 · design by Alpine Lane