A Key West Christmas

Our first Christmas in Key West began with a picture with Santa and a very festive Conch Tour Train at the KWPD Toys for Tots kick off party.

Decorating for the holidays with a coastal twist was fun and exciting with blue and white lights, ornaments, a starfish wreath (custom made by me!), blue and white accents, some sand and sea glass.  Evan sent off custom made ornaments to our families up north sending them warm Holiday Wishes from Key West.  He also got to ride on the KWPD float in the Christmas Parade, stopping for a photo op with his on-duty dad. 

We took a tour of the towns spectacular lights on the Conch Train and finally enjoyed the lights at the Key West Historic Seaport and the Lighted Boat Parade. 

There was something to see and do everywhere we went and Key West really knows how to get into the holiday spirit even though its mostly sunny and warm.  Looking forward to next year to enjoy some more of the holiday festivities. 

Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

Photo Card

Warm Balmy Wishes Holiday

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Reflections

Looking back I have learned you never know where life is going to take you.  I never would have guessed I would be living on the water in Key West one day, although I had always dreamed of tropical breezes, palm trees, sand, sun and being close to the ocean since I was a teenager.  Although I miss the company of my family and friends dearly, I cannot say I regret moving to Key West.  There is no better place for reflecting, relaxing, and inspiration.  We can take the boat out whenever we want and explore and enjoy the vast waters around Key West and the Florida Keys.  It changes daily, between the ever changing water, sun and clouds, never ceasing to amaze you.  Nothing can replace the joy and happiness of watching a little boy with a keen eye spot and get excited about all the creatures in and around the water. 

What I really reflect on is how life can change in an instant and it keeps moving whether you want it to or not, much like the water and waves of the ocean that surrounds me.  There is a lot of ocean out there and there is a lot of life to live.  Always take opportunities and never wonder, what if?  You can always look back and say, well we tried that, but it didn’t work, let’s try something new.  I wake up every day thinking I really live here, wow.  It wasn’t easy getting here, our family has overcome a lot and accomplished even more to make it work, but we love it every day.  I am so proud of the road it took to get here and the path we have yet to follow.  I look forward to continually be inspired by Key West, its community and the waters that surround it. 

The Begginings of a Coastal Inspired Nursery

 After many months and changing my mind many times, I have started gathering items for our baby girls nursery.  The main colors are bright (pool) blue and yellow featuring starfish, mermaids, shells and other coastal accents.  It's bright, whimsical, modern, girly and coastal.  What to name this new look? 

Back to School- Arrrgh!

~Pirate Lunchbox from CompanyKids
~Pirate Backpack and water bottle from Children's Place.
~Pirate shorts and Bonefish shorts from Children's Place. 

Project: Chalk It Up!

I am not sure what possessed me to do this project.  I originally just wanted to repaint to coffee table white or gray to add some coastal whimsy into our décor.  But then I decided to make the top of the table more kid-friendly by adding chalkboard paint!

Phase 1:  I sanded the finish to give the paint something to “stick” to.

Phase 2: I painted the whole table in a leftover light gray paint from another project.

Phase 3:  Following the instructions on the chalkboard paint, I painted the top of the table.

And that’s it the whole project took two days due to allowing the chalkboard paint to cure for 24 hours.  I think it turned out great, I don't know who likes it more my 4 year old son or my 27 year old fiance!

Project: Custom Art on Canvas

I had a completly different post planned for today, but after completing this project yesterday, I just couldn't wait to share.  I needed something above the bed to give our bland walls some color and anchor the room a bit.  Honestly, I can't believe this painting turned out as well as it did and I am very happy with the results.  I am ready to make hundreds, so who wants one!?

Illuminate!

This is a project that was actually done by my sister-in-law as Christmas gifts and I am so jealous that I didn’t think of it because it is so “me” and I love it!  They were definitely a big hit with the family on Christmas Eve.  First of all it begins with one of my favorite things a glass Ball canning jar.  There are so many uses for them and they have such a great look.  Not only that but they also hold up pretty well when dropped (don’t ask how I know, but my middle name is definitely not “Grace”).

She started with a set of battery powered mini string lights.  She covered the not so pretty battery pack with glittery blue ribbon so the on off switch was still accessible as well as the batteries.  Inside the jar were blue and white and silver small ornaments with sea shells.  She arranged the lights around the shells and ornaments and tied a big glittery blue bow on the outside. 

The fun thing about this is it doesn’t have to be just for Christmas.  Combine craft store sea glass and shells for an everyday coastal look.  They also make great centerpieces for a party.  The possibilities are endless.  I plan on getting a case of jars and some lights and seeing how many designs I can come up with!

Greetings from Key West!

After a lapse in posting we are finally settled in our new place and what better a place for coastal inspiration than Key West, FL!  My new home.  A new home means new décor, new projects, new paint and new organizational challenges.  A new home in Key West means exploring a fascinating coastal history, unique shops with even more unique artists, many new culinary experiences and restaurants to try, great Key West events and festivals and of course awesome pictures!  From my new home in Key West, I look forward to posting pictures of our new place and information on all the activities, restaurants, museums and shops I intend to visit.  As well as share new projects and ideas, all inspired by my love of the coast of course.