Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!

Photo credit: y.caradec via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-SA

Two years ago, I mistakenly celebrated International Day of la Francophonie in July. Oops.

And then there was that moment when I wanted to see New Year's eve fireworks over the Eiffel Tower.

Turns out, that doesn't actually happen. :-/ There is only one day of the year in which you can see fireworks over the Eiffel Tower and that day just so happens to be today! When I'm here! In Paris! #DreamComeTrue :)

Bastille Day or La fête nationale is celebrated all over the world as a commemoration the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789. You can read all about the event here. Nearly 100 years later, the French people voted July 14th into a holiday to celebrate the unification of the country "with all the brilliance that the local resources allow" (Wikipedia).

On July 14th, in Paris, you can expect to see a Military parade which passes down the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, an air flyover, Fireman Galas and dance parties galore, and, of course, tons of fireworks set to classical music beginning at 11PM.

If you can't make it to Paris, you could visit one of the many other cities around the world partaking in the Bastille Day celebration or watch the fireworks show, live from France, online here.

However you feel like celebrating, be sure to keep the French in mind on their day of celebration. Eat a croissant for breakfast, grab that bottle of wine you've been saving for a special occasion, or research your 2017 Bastille Day vacation to Paris!

No matter how you spend your day, I hope it is wonderful.

Joyeux Quatorze Juillet everyone! :)

* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. Today's post was written in response to Bastille Day, because the French are awesome. Even if you aren't in Paris celebrating with me! ;)

** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)

Wordless Wednesday

EPCOT (London) in WDW Orlando, FL Nov. 2015

* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. Today's image was chosen in response to National Barbershop Music Day! 
** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)

Hot Air Balloon Festival

In this post, I talked about how travel is good for building your photography skills. I explained that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone encourages you to build creativity. How do you solve a problem when you find yourself in a new environment? Does being faced with a new location encourage you to see things in a "new light"?

Today, I'm going to challenge that perspective with pictures.

In 2013, I found out about a hot air balloon festival was happening just an hour north of my Atlanta-based home. Being the person that I am, I was all over it. I talked it over with Justin, and that morning we found ourselves awake and on the move at the crack of dawn to get to the site before the hot air balloons took off.

We even skipped breakfast.

If you know anything about Justin, you realize how brave of a move that was on my part.

You do not skip breakfast with Justin.

And coffee?

*shakes head disconcertedly*

But we made it. Hanger and all!

The parking lot wasn't very crowded. As it turns out, the balloons were going to be taking off from one of the more expensive neighborhoods in the vicinity. It was a bit confusing to find at first (who expects hot air balloons in a neighborhood?), but we found it! We arrived just as the sun was coming up… before many of the hot air balloonists had arrived!

Believe me! I was ready with camera in tow when the hot air balloonists did arrive!

One after the other, the balloons were set up. I think there were maybe 5-10 total? The balloons came together quickly and were sent up, up, and away quicker than you can even imagine… :)

One minute I was fighting the hoards of onlookers and looking for creative pumpkin shots (with hot air balloons in the background)…

…and the next, my camera lens was fogging up due to the frigid fall air that was making it difficult to get shots of the balloons in the sky.

After about an hour it became apparent that two of the balloons would never take …

That is when Justin and I decided to go find breakfast. At 8am on a Saturday we knew we'd be able to find somewhere amazing without having to worry about crowds! How lucky were we!

All in all, I think I got some pretty good shots and had a lot of fun seeing something different, located just outside of my hometown.

What do you think? Would you ever attempt to convince your spouse to wake up at early o'clock to attend and photograph an event like this, just for fun? Do you think small local events provide a good opportunity to see where you live from a different perspective? Have you ever had the chance to watch hot air balloons take off?

* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. Today's image and blog post were chosen in response to National Simplicity Day, because, in my opinion, going to see a hot air balloon festival is just traveling on a much smaller scale. It's … simple. :)
** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)

10 Emotional Beatles Songs for National Cheer Up the Lonely Day

When I was thinking about "loneliness" only one thing came to mind – The Beatles. Specifically the song "Hey Jude". It's a lovely song, but it kind of has a twinge of loneliness to it. Thus! Today I'm sharing ten favorite/emotional Beatles songs with you. The first few are more emotional and the last few are more happy. Of course I had to end with "all my loving" since I'm hoping all of you lonely people out there will feel "all my love" (and all of the Beatles' love too!) despite how lonely and sad you might be feeling today. (After all, it is Monday! Does anyone out there actually like Mondays?)

1. "Hey Jude"

2. "Twist and Shout"

3. "Blackbird"

4. "Yesterday"

5. "In My Life"

6. "Let It Be"

7. "The Long And Winding Road"

8. "Here Comes the Sun"

9. "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"

10. "All My Loving"

What are some of your favorite Beatles' songs? Did I include your favorite in my list? Is there any song you think I should have included in this list that I didn't? What song would you share to cheer up the lonely?

* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. Today's post was written in response to National Cheer Up the Lonely Day.
** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)

10 Day Trips from NYC to NJ

Earlier this week Justin and I ventured off to NYC and Jersey City for a fun July fourth celebration. A part of the planning I decided to do a bit of research and find out where the most fun would be had – where in New Jersey (but within public transportation distance of NYC) could we "be a kid again" or have an ice cream sundae because, y'know… #BeAKidAgainDay and #InternationalIceCreamSundaeDay.

Luckily, the two go together particularly well. How can you not "be a kid again" without an "international ice cream sundae"?

(Any idea how one has an international sundae?)

Anyway! On to the list!

Photo credit: shinya via Visualhunt / CC BY-ND

1. ice cream in Jersey City.

But not necessarily international ice cream. Because duh.

Lynn Hazan created an awesomely fun list of 10 ice cream spots I'd more than willing to try.

Photo credit: vanou via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

2. Eat at the Surf City Megabar in Jersey City.

Yes you have to be dressed appropriately when arriving after 6pm, but supposedly the views of Manhattan at sunset are gorgeous and you can sit anywhere you like – whether that's on the beach in the sand or at a table looking out the boats. As much as I, as an adult, think I would love this place, I'm certain my inner child would probably like it almost as much as ice cream!

Photo credit: Kramchang via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

3. Play (or tour) the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton.

Looking to see art come to life? Want to photograph your own interpretation of a famous art piece? Explore the grounds and become one with the art.

Photo credit: PMillera4 via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

4. Duke Farms in Hillsborough provide fun gardens to explore that get your out of the city and into the country.

Stop to smell a flower or two, walk through grass as high as your knees, scream when you see an Eastern garter snake, be super still when you spot a white-tailed deer, and learn more about the heritage of the farm and the green initiatives they are implementing to make the 2,742-acre property as earth friendly as possible.

Photo credit: Wasabi Bob via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

5. Daydream at the Great Falls of the Passaic River.

A short trip by bus, train, or taxi, the 77ft falls can be accessed via the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park or viewed from Haines Overlook Park on the south and Mary Ellen Kramer Park on the north.

Photo credit: wallyg via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

6. Visualize the street art of Columbus Drive in Jersey City.

Then walk it and see it for real. Up close. In person. Because why not?

Photo credit: divovich via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

7. See the Old Red Mill in Clinton.

This looks like it would be especially lovely in the fall, but I would be willing to visit any time of year!

Photo credit: mmatins via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

8. Feel like royalty at Kip's Castle Park in Montclair.

A medieval-style mansion built in 1902 on 10.5 wooded acres overlooking the unmistakable beauty of the New York City skyline, the "castle" itself is not open to the public, but the park it is in is…

Photo credit: Dougtone via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-SA

9. Take a walk through downtown Princeton.

Maybe you are already out of college and could never have afforded to go to Princeton in the first place, but that doesn't have to stop you from being a "college kid" again and exploring all that there is to do in this college town full of beautiful natural elements and history.

Photo credit: ny156uk via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-SA

10. Savor the beauty of the the Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank.

Located next to a marina, you can watch boats come and go, snuggle up next to your sweetie and see the sun set, or participate in one of the many events that take place in the park. Truly, it seems like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!

And just like that! Be Nice to NJ week is over, with what I think to be a great list of places to take day trips when you are visiting NYC. Or hey! What about just taking some time to visit NJ for it's own sake? If I can come up with ten places within a short drive/public transport of NYC, then surely there are far more if you are willing to explore the whole state!

What do you think? Will you be celebrating any of the non government holidays today? A yummy ice cream sundae? Playing video games (or coloring?) like you did when you were a kid? Planning a fun trip to NJ?

Have you been to any of the places on my list? Will you be including them in future travel plans?

Linking up to City Trippers Mummytravels.com and Wandermum.co.uk

* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. Today's post was written in response to National Be A Kid Again Day, International Ice Cream Sundae Day, and Be Nice to NJ Week.
** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)

IWSG

Paris, France May 2014

Every month I participate in IWSG or the Insecure Writer's Support Group; however, my insecurity seeps into many other layers of my life and is not just worrisome when it comes to writing. I worry about saying the right thing, doing the right thing, and not accomplishing enough. #WhatAmIDoingWithMyLife?!? So, beginning last year, I started listing the things I was accomplishing each month and the goals I hoped to achieve as part of my IWSG challenge. After all, it makes no sense to talk about what makes you insecure if that just leads to more insecurity. Why not be productive with your life? …with your time?

The following lists contain what I have accomplished during June and what my new goals will be for July. At the end of the post, I've got some awesome inspiration that I encourage IWSG readers to watch and consider. Maybe it will make you smile? Maybe it will spark an idea? … or push you to accomplish more sooner? Whatever it does, I sincerely hope it encourages you as you begin the process of getting through July. Good luck in whatever your goals are for this month! :)

June Accomplishments –
✗ Research & finish July travel.
✗ Contact Jawbone about replacement Up3.
✓ Read one book.
✓ Take car in for warranty service.
✓ Something cultural. (Biltmore Estates Memorial Day fireworks, Helen Hot Air Balloon Festival)

Additional Successes –
✓ Visited a new beach! (Hunting Island, SC)
✓ Survived a morning with a 5 and 3 year old! (One wore PJs under his clothes to school and the other wore snow boots to zoo camp… in Georgia… Survived is definitely the word I'd use!)
✓ Finished June blogging 3 weeks early!
✓ Blog design updates: Did you notice any?

Future July Goals –
• Read at least one book.
• Cultural experience! (July 4th fireworks in NYC, Bastille Day in France)
• Contact JoTotes about broken bag. :(
• Talk to Chase about opening a new checking account.
• Change Visa Venture card to free version. (We now have Citi Double Cash Back Rewards card.)

Encouragement & Thoughts –

Your Turn –

In the comments below, feel free to share your monthly goals with me. Did you accomplish what you set out to do in June? Did you fall behind? What do you intend on doing better or differently in July?

* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. The image for today's post was in response to National Kissing Day! Go kiss someone you love!
** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)

48 Hours in Panama City Beach & Port St. Joe/Port San Blas

Photo credit: SeeMidTN.com (aka Brent) via Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC

Two years ago, Justin and I went to explore Panama City Beach and Port St. Joe/Port San Blas with his family. We had just gotten back from our first ever vacation in Europe, and this trip was the perfect excuse to help fill the travel planning void I was experiencing upon our return.

That Friday afternoon, a week after Memorial Day, Justin and I packed up two days worth of belongings and set out for the five-hour drive from Atlanta. Before making it to our destination we had to pass through the CST time zone and back into the EST, throwing our mental clocks off balance, as well as stop for a quick dinner at a weary-looking hole in the wall barbecue joint that called itself "the best". (It was meh.) Finally, at 10pm that night we arrived to our destination.

Panama City Beach

view from our room at the Holiday Inn Resort

Where We Stayed:

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort, which was actually a lot more fun than I expected. Our room had a view of the ocean and pool. The hotel was very upscale providing lots of little "extras". One of my favorite extras was the strawberry and pineapple infused water you could get out near the pool. :) They also provided water infused with lime and lemon, sweet tea, coffee, and gave us a coupon for 2 free drinks from the hotel bar. Every day there were a ton of activities near the pool including nightly movies, Polynesian flame throwers, a DJ during the day, a kids water park, and poolside pizza and Hawaiian ice you could order. Honestly the things you could pay for and the entertainment options were endless with this particular hotel. Even if you decided to provide everything yourself, the hotel rooms all offered balconies with a view, huge rooms, and home size fridges for your convenience. While the rooms were pretty expensive, it was definitely fun having access to any amenities we could want.

Where We Shopped:

The Florida House offers feminine Free People style clothing – jewelry, dresses, flip flops, skirts, and tops made with crocheted material, lace, tulle, and using pastel colors perfect for keeping you comfortable, cool, and stylish at the beach. Don't expect cheap tourist prices though; dresses began at $50.

The Shadow Box provided some unique coastal shabby chic pieces and antiques, mostly in the turquoise and white colors you expect to see at the beach with a few seashells and fun beach sayings thrown into the mix. Prices, as you would expect from this kind of store, are not thrift store friendly.

A non-profit created by and for local artists, Floriopolis is an art gallery with every type of art you could ever imagine for sale including paintings, photographs, homemade cards, and the owner mentioned they are considering adding an outdoor area soon as well. If you have children, be sure to look into the art classes they offer. I imagine there can't be a better way to take an art class than at the beach!

Where We Ate:

Andy's Flour Power was packed from the moment we pulled into the parking lot, ten minutes before it opened. The bakery and cafe provided delicious breakfast options just a bit different from what was provided at the numerous local Waffle Houses. I can only recommend what I tried, but what I tried was good. :) We had a dish of potatoes and peppers topped with cheese, ham and eggs along with a croissant and some strawberries.

The Farmer's Market at Grand Lagoon and Captain Anderson's, open on Saturdays until 1PM, is certainly a great place to shop for locally made goods and foods, but Justin and I found it to be the perfect place to grab a bite to eat as well. One particular vendor was selling homemade barbecue, cole slaw, and fresh ice cream. This lunch made by locals was far better than anything we could have (or did) get at any other restaurants we ate at while we were on vacation. I highly recommend checking this out if you are in the area and can be convinced to leave the hotel! :)

Port St. Joe/Port San Blas

Port St. Joe at sunset near the marina

Port Saint Joe and Port San Blas are where you go if you want the more scenic views of the gulf, and if you don't mind bugs. Panama City Beach has strong waves that just keep coming and thick sand that you sink down into, but it also has an enormous amount of tourists. The ports on the other hand are more protected with less "true" beach access.

If you are going to this area for vacation, you'll need to find a vacation home for your stay; the areas are so small that there isn't a whole lot of room for hotels. Restaurants and stores are few and far between. You can expect to find your choice of Winn Dixie, Piggly Wiggly, CVS, and Goodwill. When you do find local restaurants, the food isn't quite as good as what you might find in a more touristy location, and the prices for that food are astronomically high. A better option would be to bring your own food or go fishing if you have access to a pier or a boat. Also, be sure to get gas before venturing onto the island of Port San Blas. If you forget, you may have trouble returning home. :)

Where We Ate:

Ronnie B's Steakhouse and Seafood was one of the few restaurants in Port St. Joe, and you could tell by how crowded the restaurant was. Yet, still, they had room for our large group. (It probably helped that Justin and I arrived a little late, so that I could photograph the sunset at the marina.) The food was expensive, but it was good for what we got. I had no complaints about the steak, salad, or potato that we ordered.

The Sand Bucket Smokehouse & Grill is a cute little restaurant on the island of Port San Blas. The barbecue is good and the experience going is fun. There wasn't a crowd when we had lunch there, and service was good. The restaurant was exactly what you would expect to find on a small island without many people. Here you will find barbecue and the traditional sides. While I wouldn't go out of my way to visit, if you are in the area, it's definitely a fun little lunch spot to visit.

What is your favorite beach in Florida? Do you prefer crowded, touristy beaches or do you like to go to beaches less visited? If you've been before, do you think there is anywhere in Panama City Beach or Port St. Joe/Port San Blas that I should have visited?

* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. Today's post was written in response to National Bikini Day (because you see a lot of bikinis in PCB!)!
** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)