Summer•2017•Okinawa

Hello, friends and family! We made it back to Okinawa after spending the summer back in the states. We had a wonderful time in Alabama and South Carolina with our wonderful family and friends.

The kids started fifth and sixth grade on Monday, so we’re adjusting and getting back into our little groove. I just wanted to share a few pictures from last week and this weekend.  We got out and enjoyed Naha and a park near the house.  Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

XO,

Jessica

The first day of fifth grade!And Sixth Grade!

The summer of dabbing!

Ava puppy shopping.

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Okinawa Sunsets

This never gets old.

Sydney

Hello friends and family, I hope you all are well and enjoying this beautiful weather.  Today’s post is from our trip to Sydney in January for New Year’s and Cole’s Birthday.  This trip was our first trip off the island for the kids and I since moving to Okinawa.  It was nice to get out and see some new scenery.  In January it’s summer and the peak of tourist season in Australia.  The weather was sunny and warm, just right for shorts and t-shirts, much like Okinawa.  The locals were friendly, the country was clean, and there’s so much to do, I highly recommend adding Australia to your bucket list.

IMG_5672Day one we hit Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach and walked the cliff-top trail to Bronte Beach, about a 30 minute walk.  Known for its dangerous rips and amazing surf, it was beautiful.

IMG_5680Bondi Beach

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IMG_5725Watching the surfers.

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IMG_5742Bondi Seafood Market

imageBeautiful fresh fruits.

imageGelato

imageI couldn’t resist snapping a picture of these lovelies.

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Ava found her happy place.

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imageMeat market in the center court of the mall.

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imageThis was our first trip to McDonald’s in over a year, this cool gadget sure beats standing in the long lines.

IMG_5745Amazing mosaics on the benches at Bondi Beach.

IMG_5756St.Mary’s Cathedral

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imageA close up of the Opera House tiles.

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IMG_5848Bamboo trees in the botanical gardens.

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imageThe family on a sidewalk between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This was our camping spot for six hours with thousands of others, waiting patiently for the fireworks to begin.

imageThere were seven barges in the harbor and along with the Sydney Harbour Bridge all loaded with fireworks, it was magical and the kids loved it.

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The crazy crowds leaving the harbor.image

imageFeatherdale Wildlife Park

imageA mother and her little one.

imageFun times feeding the wallabies.

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Sydney was amazing, I would definitely go back, maybe try their winter season next time around.  Next stop, Cairns to check out the Great Barrier Reef. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.  Take care and have a wonderful weekend.

Jessica

Welcome to Okinawa

Konichiwa, or good evening from Japan!  We have been here for two weeks now and adjusting to the time difference, kids are in school, we have a home and are meeting some wonderful people.

Our first trip off base, we decided to check out a popular site, American Village.  You would be amazed by the shops and restaurants: Red Lobster, Sbarro, A&W just to name a few.  My favorite shop was American Depot, a used clothing store, basically an American thrift store.  This store had everything from flannels, afghan, cowboy boots, to used Birkenstocks, you name it they had it, all made in the USA.

imageimageOur first stop, American Depot.

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imageUsed Happy Meal toys for 280 yen, approximately $2.80.

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imageUsed Birkenstocks, anyone?

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imageThey had rows and rows of old leather jackets and US military fatigues.

The drink machines have quite the variety of beverages, some are more elaborate with noodles and food selections not seen in the states.

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imageNot bad for a cold coffee, but definitely not Starbucks.

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imageWhat is first thing you order when dining out in Japan, cheeseburgers, of course!imageimage

imageToes in the sand with my precious family.imageWe finished our day at the Kadena Marina a few miles from our house.  The weather was beautiful, not a bad way to end our day of exploring Okinawa.

Thank-you for following my blog.  I hope to start posting more now that I have gotten most of the boxes out of the house.  Take care and have a wonderful week.

Jessica

Seaside on Highway 30A

After checking out Alys Beach last week, next up is Seaside.  This community is known for its tin roofs, pastel paint and picket fences.  The cottages are strung along 80 acres on the Gulf of Mexico, located between Panama City and Destin.   Seaside is a pedestrian-scaled beach town with 423 residences, 42 specialty retail shops and 12 restaurants and eateries.  Established in 1981 by Robert and Daryl Davis.  Most of the homes are rentals listed below, the homes for sale start at around $1.5 million,  so start saving for your little slice of paradise.  Check out the links attached below to book your next vacation at the beautiful town of Seaside.

via  www.cottagerentalagency.com  This is a balcony shot, notice the lovely pastels and the lookout balconies on many of the homes.

via  www.flickr.com/photos/slicesof30a/5198593151/in/photostream  A sky view of the town center and shops.  On Fridays in the summer through late September they have movies under the stars on the Amphitheater Lawn.  So bring your blanket and lawn chairs out to enjoy these great films.

via  www.flickr.com/photos/bbordelonphotography/3001778510/lightbox/ The Coleman Pavilion.   Robert, the co-founder, envisioned the pavilions as open gateways to the ocean shared by everyone living and staying in Seaside. The beach pavilions mark the end of every street, beckoning beachgoers to play in the waves, build castles in the sand or relax in the sun. And after a long spell at the beach they stand ready to welcome them back in again.

via  www.vrbo.com/277572  Imagine watching the sunset from this porch with your closest friends or family.

via  www.cottagerentalagency.com  This one is perfection,  love everything about it!

via  rentals.cottagerentalagency.com    Southern charm around every corner.

via www.jennysteffens.blogspot.com

via  www.vrbo.com/362199  This home is equally beautiful on the inside, click the picture to view the interior.

via  www.ciaonewportbeach.blogspot.com  The homes range from small one bedroom cottages to houses that sleep multiple families.  This one is adorable.

via  http://rentals.cottagerentalagency.com/rentals/SeasideRentalsResults.aspx?UnitID=82&Page=0&bedrooms=3

via  www.rentals.cottagerentalagency.com/rentals/SeasideRentalsResults.aspx?UnitID=465&Page=0

via  http://rentals.cottagerentalagency.com  Most of the homes have a screened-in porch on the lower level and open air porches or balconies on the upper levels.

via  www.vrbo.com/362199

via http://rentals.cottagerentalagency.com/rentals/SeasideRentalsResults.aspx?UnitID=265&Page=0

via  www.30arealestateguide.com

via  http://rentals.cottagerentalagency.com/rentals/SeasideRentalsResults     This is a simple, traditional kitchen that is completely opposite the kitchen above it.  There are all style types to suit you and your family’s needs.

via http://rentals.cottagerentalagency.com

via  www.vrbo.com/277572

via  www.vrbo.com/583373   Adorable bunks for the kiddos, I’m partial to the patriotic gingham.

via  www.vrbo.com/356710

via  www.vrbo.com/557305

via  www.vrbo.com/583373

via  www.outsidetheboxseasidefl.com  This ultra-modern kitchen looks amazing.

via   www.vrbo.com/583373

via  www.vrbo.com/422939  Imagine this at sunset, not too shabby.

via  www.vrbo.com/422939  Every detail gorgeous!

via  www.vrbo.com/422939

via   www.seasidefl.com/real-estate/#top  This picture is from a one bedroom home that’s for sale,  check out the genius space planning.  It’s Beach Front Cottage 12 , 1BR/1BA ,  784 sq. ft.  priced at $1,595,000.
via  www.vrbo.com/259633  This would be a nice little getaway after a long day at the beach.

via  www.vrbo.com/259633  Such a sweet room for a group of little girls to feel like princesses.

via  www.outsidetheboxseasidefl.com

via  www.flickr.com

via  rentals.cottagerentalagency.com

via  www.vrbo.com/422939  Check out this private residence with a nice little heated lap pool.  Click the picture to view the interior and all this home has to offer, it’s amazing.

Hope you enjoyed this post and taking a peak into these beautiful beach homes.  Next time you’re in the area, take a ride down highway 30A and soak up the sites or better yet, rent one of these beauties.

Highway 30A Beach Beauties

The beautiful homes found on 30A inspired me put this blog post together.  Being from the south and having lived in the panhandle area for three plus years this highway of upscale communities is packed with sites and activities for your family to enjoy.   If you are not familiar with the area and are visiting Eglin AFB or Tyndal AFB, this is definitely a must for a road trip.  The shops and restaurants are extraordinary and the water is a beautiful crystal blue.  You will not be disappointed, Alys Beach first stop, beware of  eye candy overload.

Alys Beach is a new urban community that has joined Bermudan architecture with the gracious private courtyard living. The homes posted below are mostly rentals, click the picture for details.  There are a few available for purchase in the 1-8 million plus price range,  a girl can always dream! via  www.tutudivine.com via www.alysbeach.com via  www.alysbeach.com/amenities/caliza-pool via  www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/25-moongate-court via www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/223-north-somerset-street via www.pinterest.com via www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/251-north-somerset-street via www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/30-north-charles via www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/75-governors-court via www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/251-north-somerset-street via  www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/38-whitby via  www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/30-north-charles via  www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/49-governors-court via  www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/30-north-charles via  www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/100-north-charles via  www.vrbo.com/482496 via  www.alysbeach.com/rental-properties/84-nonesuch-way via www.alysbeach.com via  www.alysbeach.com/alys-beach-availabe-homes/c6-140-charles-street via  www.alysbeach.com/alys-beach-availabe-homes/f3-22-whitby-court via  www.alysbeach.com/alys-beach-availabe-homes/a1-16-seven-wells-court via  www.alysbeach.com/alys-beach-availabe-homes/f3-22-whitby-court via  www.alysbeach.com/alys-beach-availabe-homes/c6-140-charles-street Hope you have enjoyed taking a look at Alys Beach, if you are ever in the area stop by and take a stroll.  Next stop, the lovely Seaside community.  Thank-you for reading my blog, please share and pass along with your friends.  Have a great week! Jessica

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