(The photo above is my own)

(The photo above is my own)

Very Similar Coverup from Stitchfix, c/o Luna, Shops Around Lenox, Atlanta//Marc Fisher Gladiator Sandals// Straw Clutch from ShopBop//Blue A/X Watch c/o Armani Exchange//Roman Numeral Gold Bracelet c/o The Peach Box// Jensen Bell Photography, Amelia Island, FL

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We did this shoot late afternoon on the beach and it was just so gorgeous and relaxing…as you can tell, I am enjoying this! Being able to kick my shoes off and frolic through the sand made for a nice day! There were so many cute little kids walking around with their parents & this one little girl looked up at me and then at her mom, and said, “…look mom, it’s a real-life model.” Ha! She made my day- I don’t think I have ever been called “model” before, but I will certainly take it! Even on my “best” days, I still feel like a goof in front of the camera and rarely feel model-esque, if that is even a word.

I try my best to relax and remember that most of my readers appreciate seeing what something looks like on a “normal-sized” woman. We all have our good days and bad days — I usually don’t have the option of re-arranging a shoot because I am having a bad hair day or feeling bloated. I just have to go with and and try to have fun. I have a new-found respect for photographers and actual models…it is so much harder than you think to look natural and find good lighting! 

OK, now for the “cheesy” part…I know this is a fashion blog and people don’t come here for deep inspiration, but I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite,

Beach Date Ideas:

*Sunset Walks on the Beach…I know you are rolling your eyes, but don’t knock it til’ you try it! Pack a little picnic basket with wine and appetizer and roll out a blanket; or, do like we do, and take the pup with you for a little stroll. Ginger loves the water so a bath always follows!

*Sunrise Breakfast on the Beach…on the same token, get up an hour early, grab your blankets and coffee and head out to see the sunrise. It is the perfect way to start your day and there is nothing like cuddling up under a warm blanket and seeing the sun rise!

*Pick a New Restaurant…we always fall into the trap of going to the same old restaurants time and again. On this trip, we tried a new place, and it was amazing! Plus, it is always good to mix it up and try some place with a new vibe! Split a bottle of wine and enjoy the dessert!

*Rent a Boat for the day. or take your own out, in our case. Being out on the water is so peaceful and you can literally get away from it all and have quiet time. We bought a little fishing boat last year and take it with us everywhere there is a place to put in. Plus, it is one of my husband’s favorite outdoor hobbies, so he can have his fun before we go shopping:)

*Go Kayaking,  Canoeing, or some other water adventure. The intercoastal waterways around Amelia Island and even North Carolina are perfect for this! 

*Stroll Around Downtown Before or After Dinner. One of my favorite shops in downtown Amelia is a little Christmas shop that has Christoper Radko ornaments year-round; there is also this fudge-ice cream shop that is a must. They have so many different types of fudge and I take it home and put it in the fridge for later! If you don’t like fudge, you are really missing out on life! My husband does not care for PDA, but I force him to hold my hand, at least for a few minutes!

*Spa Date:  There is a fabulous spa at the Ritz Carlton at Amelia. They just renovated it a few years ago, and it is now 12,000 square feet of fabulous! There is also a private spa pool and jacuzzi just for the spa guests, so when you are done, you can hang by the pool and have lunch together. Yes, please!

~Whatever Your Plans, Have Fun and Forget about the World for a While~