A Break At The Beach

Took an un/intentional break

Jan 06, 2025

I’m back and I truly missed this space and writing. Before the holiday, my posts were sparse due to the overwhelming noise around me, leaving me little to talk about. I'm still figuring out how what I want my voice to be without forcing it. I realize I need to create a plan for the upcoming year and would love your input on what topics you’d like to see from me, so please share your thoughts below!

art by Blakley Made and Light by Urban Electric

During the holiday break, my family enjoyed nearly two weeks at our beach house in Seaside called “The Daffodil”, named after Thomas’s dad's favorite poem. Thomas and I purchased this property a couple of years ago and renovated it. Although it's small, I adore it! Located on the edge of Seaside, FL, one of the first planned communities in the U.S. and the filming location for The Truman Show, our home was among the first built when Seaside began in the 90s. It sits along the Rosewalk, a winding path of twisted oaks, giving it a treehouse vibe by the beach.

I opted for a simple design, painting the house a soft peach pink (Parchment by Benjamin Moore the same shade as Sunday’s room) and featuring pink terrazzo floors in the bathrooms, hardwood throughout, white shiplap walls, and cozy furniture. The kitchen has rose-colored tiles paired with white oak cabinets, embodying a fresh take on old Florida. I chose hand-painted pink flower mugs and shell-shaped bowls, even selecting living room chairs that remind me of shells, embracing my Florida roots.

This house is a family retreat, mostly enjoyed in the winter and on Mother’s Day, while we rent it out the rest of the year. I cherish winter at the beach, it’s when my hometown truly feels like mine. The beaches are serene, sunsets are more vibrant, and sunrises inspire hope for the future. A little secret: October and November are the best months to be at the house.

Every morning, we strolled to Blackbear, which is divine, and then headed to the green space where English could run and play. English made plenty of friends while Thomas and I enjoyed our coffee and chatted in Adirondack chairs. One of my favorite days was when we rented bikes and rode to Grayton Beach to visit my family gallery, The Zoo Gallery. It felt like a dream come true to bike between beach towns with my family.

I felt good about my packing job for this trip. Is there anything more fulfilling than being on vacation and feeling great because you packed perfectly?