My Ocracoke Top 10 - Redux.

No matter how much I wish somethings would stay the same... they never do. The kids are growing up faster than I can keep up with, technology is changing every day... and Ocracoke is no exception.

Shortly after My Ocracoke Top 10 post, I received a tweet:

@reelbuzz: @magic2go I hate to disappoint you but AT&T cell phones now work on #Ocracoke

SAY WHAT?!?!?!

Yes, I guess this is "progress" and most likely a great benefit to travelers (me included).

But, I have to admit that just a little part of me is sad. I was really looking forward to my #9 - No Cell Phones in the list of top 10 things I'm looking forward to. Yes, it will be easier for work, parents, family and just about anyone to get a hold of me while we're gone. That has its benefits... Plus, I can tweet and Facebook now (I NEED to make you all jealous, don't I??).

Somehow, we'll adjust. Somehow we'll find a way to put down the phones and convince a 13-yr old not text all day long. I'm not sure how... but we will...

So, here it is.. my new a replacement for my No Cell Phones:

#9 - Pelicans, Dolphins and Crabs! Oh my! There isn't anything more exciting than catching a glimpse of the sea- and shore-life along the Ocracoke coast. Its an unusual break from the hares, squirrels and chipmunks we get to see daily. Dolphins are so magical - getting a glimpse of one swimming by is truly a treat. The Pelicans with their over sized gullets are so entertaining. And, the crabs, well, to be honest.. they just amuse me. I love to watch them scurry along the sand and into their sand holes whenever the slightest danger or shadow passes by... I can't really say how many hours I've spent just watching their perpetual motion...

My Ocracoke Top 10!

If you've followed along with my blog in the past, you know that I have a love for Ocracoke - the ocean, the sand, the island itself. Small, remote and untouched by mass commercialism - Perfection in my mind!

As our vacation quickly approaches, there are so many things I can't wait to experience again. Here are the one's I've picked as my top 10 - although you know I may just have to add a 11-20 post, and a 21-30 post and a - well, you get the idea!!

#1 - Sand, Sun & Surf - Seriously. Ocracoke's main attraction is the beach. It goes on for miles and miles (or Niles and Niles - if you're a fan of Disney's Jungle Cruise). The white sand, shells, and water are so beautiful on the island - that's why it was Dr. Beach's #1 Beach in 2007. BUT, that's not the only reason we love it - we love that we can DRIVE on the beach... which leads me to #2...

#2 - Beach Driving - Yup, Ocracoke is THE reason that we have a Jeep. The very idea of letting air out of the tires, finding a beach access and driving out to the solitude of the sand (without a top or doors!) is the very thing that makes the Jeep so important to us!

#3 - Breakfast - Yes, vacation is a week to splurge... on breakfast! Its a tough decision: Do we go for a daily visit the Ocracoke Coffee Shop? Or perhaps we swing by Dajio for an al fresco meal of Creme Brulee French Toast?

#4 - Ferry rides - No roads to the island. No bridges. No way to hop in your car and just drive onto the island. The only way to reach this secluded bit of paradise is by ferry - or by very small airplane. Of course, due to #2 we choose the ferry.

But, even if the ferry wasn't a necessity, it would be my transportation method of choice. The ferry ride just brings with it a sense of serenity and detachment from every day life that's so vital to vacation...

#5 - Family Time - It seems every year is just a little bit different - maybe our vacation will include hang-gliding, paddle boarding, kayaking, kite-flying, surfing... oh, who knows! The possibilities are really endless.

I'm really looking forward to what this year will bring. I love that we'll be spending time with hubby's parents. Its so great to spend a whole week of downtime chatting and enjoying each other. And with kids, who knows what adventure they'll lead us on next. I'm sure this year will include horseback riding. And, maybe, just another little surprise adventure that mom has planned.... stay tuned for more info on that later...

#6 - Biking around the Island - Last year, I did some running, but this year we're bringing bicycles. Hey, I'm up for something new- so why not. I'm really looking forward to exploring a bit more of the island this year - just by peddling-power, not foot-power!

#7 - Ride the Wind Surf Shop - Our trips to Ocracoke just aren't the same without a daily trip to Ride the Wind. Maybe its time to just browse the surf wear. Or maybe surfing lessons for the kids. Or a paddle board rental... it doesn't matter - we'll be there!!

#8 - Lighthouses - Lighthouses dot the Outer Banks. They've guided sailors through the Graveyard of the seas over centuries. These days, they add a little history AND a little romance to our vacation...

#9 - No Cell Phones - That's right. We'll have 0 bars. ZERO. Thank you AT & T. I'm serious - no sarcasm. I LOVE my iPhone. With a passion. But a week of forced separation = heaven. Yes, I can do it. I'll step away from the phone. I'll talk to people in person. I'll use a regular ole' camera instead of my phone.. and I won't even worry about if the ringer is on. It won't be.

#10 -Hush puppies - Nothing else needs to be said. Just order them. Daily. Seriously.

AHHH... Come on vacation time! Island time can't get here soon enough!

Lands End: Swimsuit Confidence Review

I can't believe I did THAT! Yea, I guess that's not really true. I can believe I did that. I mean, sure, why not? You only live once!

Yes, I'm talking about THE photos. You know which one's I'm talking about.

The BATHING SUIT ones....

And, now, since I've had a chance to try out the suit, I thought I'd give you my review of it.

First, I was lucky enough to have my choice of suits at Lands End. The folks there were so great! I picked out three suits, and the next thing I knew, one was in the mail to me. I anxiously awaited my package - which one would I get??

I couldn't wait for the delivery man to get here - I had to greet him at the door and grab the package. Yes, patience is not my strong suit. I ripped open the box, and saw that my third choice was in the box. After a few seconds of disappointment (hey, I knew my first choice was out-of-stock in my size, but a girl can hope anyways!), I smiled and ran to try it on.

You know, when you're on the beach, wearing those tiny strips of fabric, they have to fit your body just right. Part of having Swimsuit Confidence is feeling good in your skin, but another part is feeling good in your "second skin" as well. Sometimes, you might just get a little lucky and the first suit you try on is it - its perfect: Love at first sight. Most times though, finding just the right piece of clothing (swimsuit or otherwise) takes a little work. It means trying on not just one suit - but maybe 20. Or 50. or 100. 

Yes, its a pain. Its not fun. I mean, who really wants to try on 20 suits going... "Nope, that's not it." or even "NO WAY, that's REALLY not it!". Frankly, I can't even tell what size I really even wear in a swimsuit. I always need to grab the size that I *think* I need... plus one size up AND one size down. You just never know what will really fit!

But, its so worth it... to find that perfect suit that makes you feel good. That fits you just right and gives you the confidence to get out there on the beach and play with your kids.

Unfortunately, as soon as I slipped the top on, I realized this wasn't the suit for me. It just didn't fit across my chest quite right. The liner kept pulling up and showing itself. Every time I wiggled just a bit, a little more liner showed... I was sad - the quality and feel of the suit is so nice, I wanted to LOVE it. Its so cute - I just wish it fit my body better. I know that this suit would be perfect for so many women - I wish I was one of them!

So, since I had felt how great the Lands End suit was and knew the potential for THE suit was there, I had to run over to our local Sears this past weekend. I needed (YES- NEEDED) to see if they had the other suits I liked in stock. AND, guess what - they did. I picked out a couple of colors and headed to the dressing room. I LOVED them! They are now on my "wish list" for the next time I feel the urge to shop! Those will be the ones I proudly wear out onto the beach!

Thanks Lands End! While I don't love the suit I have, I am sold on the quality and materials. I might have quickly overlooked these suits in the past, but from now on, they'll be stop #1 when I'm shopping for my next bathing suit!

PS. In exchange for participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week Lands End provided me with the suit in these photos. Thanks Lands End!  

I Have Swimsuit Confidence!

Can I do this! Yes I can!

Seriously though, after a few minutes of second guessing myself, writing this (and the last couple) posts has actually been fun. Figuring out just how to take some photos in our waterless backyard was an adventure that was filled with laughs AND with quite a few deleted photos...

But, in the end, the photos that are the best are the REAL ones... you know, the ones that portray real life. Like reading a book...

Or hanging out on our new deck...

Or sitting by the fire table, catching a few rays and enjoying a few minutes of quiet...

You know why those are the best? Cause its just a real photo. Of a real woman. Yes, I have a mom's body - after all, I do have two stretchmarks... Um, I mean two children and many more stretch marks. But that's ok.  Those stretchmarks, the extra few pounds I can't seem to shed, and those spots I still work hard to re-shape at the gym aren't going to stop me from getting out and enjoying life in my bathing suit. I'm going to be right out there on the beach, swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding and maybe even surfing. Nothing is going to stop me from loving my beach time! Not even a bathing suit!

If you'd like to participate and join the fun of National Swimsuit Confidence week, here's one way you can tweet along:

Join Lands’ End to Celebrate National Swimsuit Confidence Week and Tweet Each Day!

Join Lands’ End each day May 23 – 27, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST and participate in a series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter. The weeklong movement was created to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes as well as educate and inspire them to embrace their swimsuit beauty and have fun this summer. Each day Lands’ End will give away 10 Lands’ End Swimsuits, 10 Lands’ End Beach Towels and announce exclusive swimsuit promotions!

Each Day – May 23 – 27, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDST
#landsend
@LandsEndPR

PS. In exchange for participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week Lands End provided me with the suit in these photos. Thanks Lands End! 

Swimsuit Confidence... bring it on! Well, maybe... wait a minute...

Just WHAT did I get myself into??!?!?

Sure, it started innocently enough. Pretty much. An email popped up from some great folks at Lands End: Do I have swimsuit confidence? Would I be willing to post a photo of myself in a bathing suit to show how women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful in their bathing suits?? HECK Yeah my inner woman screamed. I can do this - I'm not ashamed.

So a few minutes later, after browsing the Lands End website and selecting a suit, I sent a note back - I'm CONFIDENT! I can do this! It'll be so much fun!

Then, I stopped... and thought... and thought... UM, WHAT did I just do??? Me, in a bathing suit? For the whole world to see?

So my internal pep talk began. Self, I say: I am not afraid to relax on the beach.. or go surfing, stand-paddle boarding, or kayaking in public. Yes, in public. And I don't mind. That must count for something. Seriously, how bad could putting a picture of me on the web in a bathing suit be...

SEE, its not that bad - here's one now:

Guess you'll just have to wait til tomorrow and the start of National Swimsuit Confidence Week with Lands End!

If you'd like to participate and join the fun, here's one way you can tweet along:

Join Lands’ End to Celebrate National Swimsuit Confidence Week and Tweet Each Day!

Join Lands’ End each day May 23 – 27, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST and participate in a series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter. The weeklong movement was created to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes as well as educate and inspire them to embrace their swimsuit beauty and have fun this summer. Each day Lands’ End will give away 10 Lands’ End Swimsuits, 10 Lands’ End Beach Towels and announce exclusive swimsuit promotions!

Each Day – May 23 – 27, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDST
#landsend
@LandsEndPR

PS. In exchange for participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week Lands End provided me with the suit in these photos. Thanks Lands End!

National Swimsuit Confidence Week with #LandsEnd

 Yup, its almost that time of year - SUMMER VACATION!

Of course, as soon as school is out, we'll be heading for the beach. That's right, we're packing up the bathing suits and heading to Ocracoke again this year - our idea of paradise!

But, yes, I did just say those words so many women fear: Bathing Suits! Come on, gals! There is no need to think about a full body suit, scuba suit, or even a neck to toe cover-up. Just don that suit and get out there and have fun!

A perfect way to build up some of that confidence (and maybe win a free bathing suit in the process) will be to join Lands End for National Swimsuit Confidence Week! Here's how:

Save the Week to Tweet! – May 23 – 27, 2011

Join National Swimsuit Confidence Week and Save The Week to Tweet

Announce and Display Your Swimsuit Confidence for a Chance to Win a $500 Lands’ End Gift Card

Celebrate women of all shapes and sizes and inspire them to have fun this summer by
taking part in National Swimsuit Confidence Week. Lands’ End together with 21 real women
from Curvy Girl Guide (www.curvygirlguide.com), will launch the first National Swimsuit
Confidence Week May 23 – 27, 2011. You can be a part of this nationwide effort to inspire
women to get off the beach chair this season with confidence.

Here’s how you can participate:

Get the Twibbon – Go to http://twibbon.com/join/I-Have-Swimsuit-Confidence-2 and
display the “I have swimsuit confidence!” Twibbon on your Twitter profile photo. Send
a tweet to @LandsEndPR proclaiming “I have swimsuit confidence!” #landsend for a
chance to be entered to win a $500 Lands’ End gift card – winner announced May 27.

Participate in a Week of Tweets – Mark your calendar each day May 23 – 27, 2011
from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST so you can join in the series of National Swimsuit
Confidence Week events on Twitter. Follow @LandsEndPR and tweet at #landsend.
We will be announcing exclusive swimwear promotions, giving away great prizes and
inspiring women to embrace their swimsuit beauty.

Bloggers Join the Movement – On May 23, 2011, 21 women from Curvy Girl Guide will
show off their swimsuit confidence by posting a photo in a 2011 Lands’ End Swimsuit.

Spread the word, join the movement and embrace your swimsuit confidence this summer!

A momentous day...

Yes, I know... It's been a while. But since you're all my friends, I'll just pick up where we left off... like maybe I was just on vacation (instead of overwhelmed with work, family, friends and more!)...

So, as I was saying .... :)

Motivation for exercising can be tough. Lately I've been hitting that mental road block: Its just not FUN. I want FUN. I WANT FUN! So, after a couple of weeks of laziness, I'm picking back up those exercise habits.

AND, I'm adding some variety. Yup, get this -- I got a Bike! No, not a motorcycle. One I have to pedal. One I have to balance on and exert some effort! Now, this doesn't sound like a big deal really. Lots of people ride bikes. BUT, to be honest, I've always hated it. Maybe its because I grew up in Pine Rock Park - get it? Pine = Woody, Rock = Rocky & Hilly, Park = Well, who knows about one really, but I think it was a Native American for "land that goes uphill both ways". Or, maybe its because I had no one to ride with. Or, maybe its because I just rode a cheapo, generic, bike that I had no clue how to use...

Whichever reason(s) it may have been, I'm turning over a new leaf. Yup, I'm trying cycling. Hey, I've been told variety is the spice of life, so I'm going for it!

After anxiously waiting for the arrival of my new bike, its finally here! And I've gotten to try it out. My hind bones can attest to that! Ya know what, it wasn't so bad. I'm even starting to think where else I can bike to...

Lets cross our fingers! Maybe I'll actually enjoy this !