Islamorada | Vacation Day Two

After a long first day of driving, we slept in and took our time heading out. Our first stop was a place everyone had recommended--Robbie's. It's a restaurant/tarpon feeding place. These fish were... massive.

I just love this picture.


The boy leaning over for some up close fishy shots.




How frightening!

This was a random woman who was brave enough to actually get her whole arm in the fish's mouth. Apparently they don't have teeth. My boy said it felt like sandpaper inside the fish's mouth. Either way, he had some scrapes afterward on his hand!

Just had to show off my hot pink nails... I'm ridiculous.

After feeding tarpon, lounging around at the pool and fishing, we got ready for dinner at the Lorelei. Again, a highly recommended spot so we had to check it out. It was perfect. We had a table in the sand and ate bacon wrapped shrimp, lobster bisque and shared another soup. Mmm. The sunset was beautiful.

Day Two was a lovely success. I was really not wanting to leave the Keys at this point!

Effortlessly

Remember that blog entry I wrote recently... I said I try to keep my blog optimistic and motivational. Well, not every day is sunshine and roses. I am in a Sister Hazel mood today. I love this song. Cue the cryptic lyrics and silly photos (courtesy of We Heart It).

"Effortlessly"

I won't be so hard on me today
I start to take myself so seriously
Shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly
It shouldn't be so hard to keep it together
It shouldn't be so hard to say the right things to you
It shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly

Weightless worries fall away
Wasted pools of energy
I want to know I want to breathe

It shouldn't be so hard to be inspired
It shouldn't be so hard just to write this song
It shouldn't be so hard to be wrong or to agree
It shouldn't be so hard to change the world
It shouldn't be so hard just to change your mind
It shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly

I won't be so hard on me today
I start to take myself so seriously
Shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly

Effortlessly
I want to know
I want to breathe
I want to simplify my needs
I want to live inside this moment
And just be effortlessly
Just be
I wanna be effortlessly
I want to be

Krystal's Kudos: {Crazy Shenanigans}

Every Tuesday I will be giving "kudos" to a lovely lady blogger that deserves some recognition for being innovative or just plain amazing.

This week I pick Blogger's most amazing commenter ever, Jen @ Crazy Shenanigans. Besides being totally rad, she shows a genuine interest in reading the blog posts of her followers. She always leaves a comment and she always keeps up to date with her favorite bloggy girls. I think that deserves some kudos, don't you?

Let's get to know her!

Name: Jennifer
Age: 26
Location: West Virginia

Blog: Crazy Shenanigans
Pets/Kids: Currently none of either.
Describe your blog in three words: Crazy, fun and eventful! {Editor's note: Yes, yes and yes!}
Tell us about your weekly meme: The only things I really post on a weekly basis is Theater Thursday. Every now and then when I feel like telling one of my worst date stories I do that on a Saturday and call them What Not to Say/Do on a Date.
How did you come up with it? Theater Thursday was a natural thought because I love movies. The bad date stories... I figured someone should laugh at them. lol

What is your ideal day? A day with great weather, grilling out and being with friends on vacation.
What was your favorite vacation? As much as I love Vegas, I'm gonna have to say my recent trip to Los Angeles.
What are some of your quirks? I'm goofy, random and I can skill just about anyone in movie trivia.
Favorite color: Green
Favorite Restaurant: Local- Fat Pattys. Nationally- Macaroni Grill.
Hobbies: Traveling, knitting, shopping for vintage clothing.

Favorite thing about yourself: The fact that I can laugh about anything.
What does your room look like (color scheme, theme, etc.): My walls are a pale yellow, white curtains and I like to think it's pretty serene.
If you could have dinner with 2 people (dead or alive) who would they be: Marilyn Monroe and Keanu Reeves.

What is your next “big splurge”: I'm getting the new iphone.
What is your favorite joke, quote, or saying: "Forgive your enemies but never forget their names." -JFK
Share a silly story: I go to Vegas usually once a year. On my 2nd trip there Cher was doing her show at Caesars. Well after a long night of drinking.... juice. We saw her walking through the casino (of course surrounded by her entourage) but I thought it was a great time to scream, "Cher! Can I braid your hair?"
Share a random fact: I hate sauce on pizza.

If you feel like you deserve some "kudos," be sure to email me! :)

Catching up on some awards | Survey

Thank you for all the love lately! If you gave me an award and I never re-posted, please let me know!

First up, the Versatile Blogger award from Let's Win!

With this one, I am supposed to list 7 things about me and pass it on to other deserving ladies.

Here we go:
(1) I am blissfully excited for the upcoming year.
(2) I don't feel pretty unless my nails are done.
(3) I tan easily.
(4) I love hot pink.
(5) I am mildly addicted to Swap-Bot.
(6) I *love* stationary. Want to give me a give? If it's made out of paper--I want it.
(7) I am a true Macy's girl. I can't help but adore that silly stre.

Passing it on:
(1) Wandering thoughts of a Scientific Housewife
(2) Jessie Lynn Smith
(3) On the Brink of Something Beautiful
(4) You Will Won't You
(5) Crazy Shenanigans
(6) Analyze This
(7) West Sac Honey
(8) Miss Ashley in Mississippi

Next up, the Blogger with Substance Award given to me by Jessie Lynn Smith.

The Rules:

Thank the blogger who awarded it to you & sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five (5) words.

Random | Personal | Optimistic | Motivational | Networking

• Random: I try to post my thoughts as they come. Nothing is ever really planned.
• Personal: I'm honest and while I like to do reviews/giveaways, I try to keep things personal on these parts.
• Optimistic: You'd never catch me sharing a sad story or something about a day when I felt down. I feel like my blog should be uplifting and keep me cheery.
• Motivational: Going along with the last one, I want to blog to keep motivated about my goals and my future. I feel like keeping track of certain milestones will amp me up for crossing another task off my To Do List.
• Networking: I wasn't sure what to exactly "call" this, but I really love reading all of your blogs. I love your pictures, reading about your weddings and educational successes, I love following along in your professional stories... interacting with everyone on Blogger has been great. I have learned so much about, well, everything!

Passing along to:
(1) Domesticated Bliss
(2) Cream & Cotton
(3) Brown Eyed Belle
(4) Linny's Vault
(5) Interesting, Old, Vintage Postcards (I love postcards and she shows off some neat ones!)
(6) Fourth Grade Nothing
(7) Kim Db

& last but certainly not least, Kellie has a cute little survey up and I wanted to play along.

1. What are some nicknames people have given you? Nothing that I know about!

2. What is your dream job? I like what I'm doing, but anything in communications and media is fine with me.

3. Do you prefer the beach or the pool? I love the beach, but we are having a nasty stingray season on our coast.

4. What's one thing about you that might surprise us in learning? I don't think anything should surprise you all.

5. What has been your favorite place to visit? My last trip to the Keys will certainly be memorable.

6. Do you have any pets? If so tell us about them. Technically I live with two dogs. One is my boyfriend's fiancee's (I gotta get used to saying that!) that is a Weimaraner mix and is about 7. He's VERY hyper. We adopted a Chow / Akita mix puppy in January and it's about seven months old now. He recently broke his leg because he's so clumsy and we think he has a wonky eye. He's fluffy and adorable though.

7. Do you have a secret talent? What is it??? No secret talents that are remarkable. I'm just *me.*

8. What is your favorite food? I adore Mexican.

Islamorada | Vacation Day One

I have *finally* caught up on all your lovely blogs and while I may not have commented, I hope you know that I care! :) One thing at a time. Of course you'll have to wait for the best story since it happened on our last day, but here's my vacation recap. I'm already dreading going back to the grind tomorrow.

Our trip to the Florida Keys | Day One

We woke up ridiculously early (well, I couldn't really sleep anyway!) and headed out on our drive to south Florida. After about a four hour drive, I tried to navigate Downtown Miami. It wasn't so hard, but it certainly wasn't fun. I thought my city had bad traffic--it doesn't compare to the craziness of Miami. My trusty iPhone guided me to South Beach and we parked to check it out. We hadn't planned to stay long (wanted to get out before rush hour), but considering I had never been to Miami and I'm a true Floridian... I had to see what all the hype was about!

Atlantic Ocean

South Beach seemed pretty quiet for a weekday

We had drinks with view at Wet Willie's
(We have these back home too, but I really wanted a nice frozen drink!)

It was cool to see all these historic buildings that I had seen in pictures and television before.

I loved the history of each building.

We had lunch at this seafood place on Ocean, and I looked on my foursquare to see what was nearby. The nearest spot was supposedly the "Jersey Shore House." I asked the hostess about it, and she was like "Ughhh! I hate them!" but she mentioned they film across the street "all the time." While I didn't see any Jersey Shore characters, I did "check in" to their house on foursquare and walk by!

After stuffing our face (and drinking the most delicious mango tequila frozen beverage of some sort), we hit the road for Islamorada. Two hours later we were checked into our hotel and on the road (again!) to have drinks with an old friend in Marathon (she was vacationing the same week).

We passed out early; it was a long day of driving! I'll have more recaps as the week goes on. =) Thank you for all your congrats and messages. It really means a lot to me.

Islamorada: A Quick Review

Oh wow... vacation, vacation, vacation! It was great. We drove down to Miami's South Beach, spent 4 days in the Florida Keys (mainly Islamorada) and hit Ft. Lauderdale Beach on the way home. I will give very detailed reviews throughout the week, but first... I have to share with you the best souvenir that I got to take home.

If you follow me on Twitter, you've already heard... but I got something sparkly!

Well, I had to say "yes" to get it, but of course I was going to! =)

All the details will follow, but that's my vacation in summary!

Krystal's Kudos: {Kelly @ Confessions of a Law School Dropout}

Every Tuesday I will be giving "kudos" to a lovely lady blogger that deserves some recognition for being innovative or just plain amazing.

This week I picked one of my first blogger buddies (if I can call her that!). Kelly @ Confessions of a Law School Dropout has always had an appealing blog, and most recently, she packed up and moved from Boston to Texas! What a ride. Anyway, this favorite blogger of mine has taken a mini break to re-coop from her move and get a j-o-b but she still deserves *kudos* for being so fantastic. Go follow her and leave we warm wishes for when she returns. =)

Name: Kelly Marie
Age: 23
Location: Houston, TX
Blog: Confessions of a Law School Dropout
Pets/Kids: 1 furbaby, West Wing
Describe your blog in three words: just my life


Tell us about your recent move: I lived in Southeastern MA my entire life, in fact I've lived in the same house since I was 2. My husband recently got into the graduate/PhD program at the University of Houston so here we are. He took the Uhaul and hooked up his car to a trailer; my best friend came in the car with me and West Wing who we put in a car seat. 3 hotels and 2000 miles later we made it!

How are you dealing? I'm a pretty outgoing, so I don't mind it too much. I have no job so that's really hard dealing with right now. Also, it's hot like really hot, so that I'm getting used to. If my family and friends could just come and move down here I would be much, much better!


What is your ideal day? Sitting by the pool with a good book and a frozen drink and then coming into the AC to see my beautiful husband,Bruce and energetic pup & then grabbing a bite to eat!

What was your favorite vacation? Our honeymoon was probably my favorite vacation, but we also always go to Falmouth (Cape Cod) every year and I look forward to the next year the day after I get back!

What are some of your quirks? I'm super talkative like I won't shut up especially when I'm nervous or we become really close friends AND I'm super awkward, especially when I first meet people unless there is drinks involved and then I become less awkward and more talkative...

Favorite color: Hot Pink!! LOVE it, it is so fun and girly!!

Favorite Restaurant: Bugaboo Creek..Hubs and I call it The Lodge :)

Hobbies: I would say most definitely, blogging. Writing of any kind, really & reading. I also collect TV series on DVD and love watching movies.

Favorite thing about yourself: I think my eyes are my best physical feature, but I like that I'm an open person, there isn't much I won't tell you and I think that helps make/keep my friendships because it makes me a good listener in return.

If you could have dinner with 2 people (dead or alive) who would they be: Lucille Ball because I was obsessed with her when I was a little girl (she was a hoot!! yupp, you read that right, I said hoot) and even used to collect I Love Lucy memorabilia and probably Reese Witherspoon because she played Elle Woods (hi, hello Elle Woods I pretty much thought I was you growing up..until you know I dropped out of law school, no big deal) and I'm pretty sure she is a Gamma Phi Beta although now I'm not sure because I got different answers when I was re-researching her.

What is your next “big splurge”: Probably a house!! :) <--insert happy, crazy, awkward dance here

What is your favorite joke, quote, or saying: "This is life not heaven, you don't have to be perfect" - from the movie Gia.

Share a silly story: So this happened on the trip down here from MA and I actually posted it already on my blog, but it needs to be relived. I believe we were in Mississippi..BFF and I were on one of our 2 hour bathroom breaks (for us and the pup). BFF was in the restroom and I was walking West. All of a sudden I hear a barking, and I spotted this dog walking towards us at a distance. Oh cute, I thought to myself until the barking becomes louder and it starts GALLOPING towards me. Yes, this old 80 year old dog started charging me and West. I started freaking out and quickly began to walk to my car..then I picked up West and started RUNNING to my car, jumped in and started laughing so hard I was crying and it turned into this manic little episode. BFF came out of the gas station, looked into the car window and knocked on the window. When I told her what happened she began dying laughing after I pointed out what the dog looked like..I'm pretty sure the dog was geriatric EXCEPT that it really was charging at me. Yes, it had a collar on but that doesn't mean it can't be a mean dog..right?

Share a random fact: I'm obsessed with going to see musicals and I want to see at least one a year for as long as I can and if I have a daughter take her once a year with me. So far I've seen: Cats, Grease, Chicago, The Lion King, Rent, Legally Blonde:The Musical, and Wicked (IDK if the Nutcracker or the Rockettes count, but I've seen both of those too!) Oh and I love Diet Dr. Pepper :)

So there you have it! Our third installment of Krystal's Kudos. Want to be given "kudos" for something that you're doing on your blog? Email me at Krystal@Krystalskitsch.com

Sizzlin' Summer Giveaway: DreamyLocks Headbands

I've died and gone to headband heaven. Oy.

DreamyLocks was kind enough to send me an assortment of their products for review and I'm way into them. Living in Florida makes my hair go a little berserk so I like having some headbands handy to tame the frizz fest or to hide some hair gone wrong. Let's take a look at some of the pretty hairpieces that I received:

Black French Bow Headband

I wore this one today to work. It's very lightweight and the bow material is silky. It hasn't bothered my head at all--it's not too tight or too loose. It's *perfection!*

So Sweet Headband in Black

The detail on this is beautiful, but since my hair is dark you can't really tell. Let's check out the pink one:

So Sweet Headband in Pink

It's very girly and I could see myself wearing this one to work. The beads are secured firmly to the headband and the material of the bow is also silky and smooth.

Black Organza Rose Headband

I can't wait to wear this one out and about! I'm loving how delicate the rose is and how, again, it's all very lightweight. The material may be soft and sweet, but the product is certainly durable. I am not worried about my rose suddenly becoming wilted.

I also received beautiful fuchsia elastic pony tail holders. I love that these are basic but they add a little fun to my wardrobe. I'm usually caught with a plain black one on my wrist.

Buy It: Visit DreamyLocks to browse their selection of hair ties and headbands. You can score free shipping with a minimum $20 purchase in June. Use coupon code FREESHIP at checkout.

Win It: So, to celebrate the first day of summer (and the "official" start of when my hair needs to be controlled!) DreamyLocks is going to give one lucky winner her choice of *three* snazzy headbands!

How to Enter: Visit DreamyLocks and sign up for their newsletter. Leave a comment here when you have done so.

Extra Entries:

Remember to leave a *separate* comment for each entry!

• Sign up to follow DreamyLocks on Twitter
• Tweet this giveaway: Beat the Heat: Enter to win @dreamylocks #headband #hairband at Krystal's Kitsch @KrystalS http://www.krystalskitsch.com
• Become a follower of Krystal's Kitsch via Google Friend Connect
• Leave a comment with your favorite DreamyLocks product
• Blog about this giveaway (five extra entries; please leave five comments!)
• Add my button to your blog (five extra entries; please leave five comments!)

Headbands aren't just another trendy fashion accessory. They will keep your hair looking perfect and polished in the humidity. Take it from this Florida girl, sometimes a headband is just necessary! :)

Giveaway ends Monday, July 5th at 11:59 PM EST and the winner will be announced Tuesday morning on July the 6th. Giveaway is for US residents only. Winner will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to reply to my email. Remember, if I don't know your email and it's not in your profile... you can't win!

*I received headbands and one set of hairties in exchange for a review and to host a giveaway. No other compensation was received.This post is based on my own personal opinions and experiences. This contest is open to those 18 and over that live in the United States. I will use random.org to select my winner and notify her via email. The winner has 48 hours to provide shipping information.

Summer Swap @ All-American Jess

I'm not sure what it is about this year, but I'm *way* into swapping! This swap was hosted by All-American Jess & it was a summer themed swap.

My partner, Janna, sent me a *sweet* package of some summer essentials:

Two pairs of comfy flip flops and a Life is Good shirt.

And life most certainly is good nowadays...

*Yes, I finally caught up on all blogs in 1 hour and 45 minutes! I wanted to give a shout out to Brown Eyed Belle for having an uber cute blog crush on me!



She has a pretty fab blog and is currently hosting a giveaway (along with another one of my favorite bloggin' chicas Aly), so be sure to check it out (And, no, I'm not getting bonus entries for this, I'm just promoting some sweet ladies!).

*Yes, there will be a lot of posts today! I have to get all my reviews/giveaways up before I head south!

*Yes, I will miss reading all of your lovely blogs...but a girl needs a break!

*Last Call: My Sunglass Warehouse $20 gift card giveaway ends *tonight!* There aren't that many entries, so your odds are good! Check it out!