Vacation

Summer•2017•Okinawa

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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

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This never gets old.

Yomitan Pottery Village 

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If you’re looking for a fun day of exploring Okinawa you should definitely give this place,Yomitan Pottery Village, a few hours of your time.  Cole had a day off last week, so I thought I’d share a few pictures from this fun find.  You may want to wait until the weather cools off a bit, there’s said to be around 45 artists working in the village, so plan to do some walking.The Pottery Village was simple to find with google maps.

Yomitan Pottery Village

2653 Zakimi, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0301

https://goo.gl/maps/KgqyjXCWMRG2

Hope you enjoyed the pictures from our day out and about, and add this place to you list of things to do before leaving the island, you won’t be disappointed.

Have a great weekend and thank-you for stopping by my blog!

Jessica

Spring Break In Tokyo

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Hello, friends and family, I hope you are all well and enjoying this lovely spring weather, though it already seems like summer here in Okinawa.   This post is from the first few days of our trip to Tokyo, over spring break.  It was our first time visiting and we were excited to check it out.  Hope you enjoy the pictures, I will share the rest of the trip with you in another post.  image

The Tsukiji Fish Market was our first destination.  It’s said to be the largest fish market in the world. The market opens at around 4 AM, if you get there early enough they give out tickets to the first hundred who want to watch the tuna auctions.  These fish can go for the price of small car, we didn’t make it that early.  It was still a site to see all the different vendors selling any and everything related to seafood and the preparation.

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The freshest of sushi prepared in front of you.

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A happy customer.

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I saw this gentleman on Pinterest when I was researching our trip.  He was so cute and had to be approaching his 90’s, he appears to be leaning over the stove, but he had severe kyphosis.  There was a nice crowd around his kitchen, I’m sure his ramen was delicious.

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This soup looked and smelled amazing, and from the look of the long line waiting I’m sure it was.

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These are large rice rolls usually mixed with a type of meat, often Spam, and then wrapped in seaweed.

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Ava and I tried these, they looked and smelled so yummy.

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Seaweed and Seasonings

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imageCrowded side streets near the fish market.

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Chocolate teeth and all, makes for perfect ending to a fun day at Tsukiji Fish Market.  Definitely worth a trip, if you’re in town for a few days check it out.

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These trees were loaded with blooms, when the wind blew it looked like snow.

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The park had groups of businessmen and women taking their lunch break.  We had a picnic and soaked in the view.

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These ladies were taking care of the gardens at the park, all decked out in their aprons and hats.

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Beautiful pink dogwoods reminded me of home.

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The azaleas were also in bloom.

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Burning some energy after our picnic.

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Daddy’s girl!

We were fortunate to experience the cherry trees in full bloom, they were so beautiful. Hope enjoyed the pictures, more coming soon, just too many to post at once.  Enjoy the rest of your week.

Take Care,

Jessica

Sydney

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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.

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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

Ryukyu Lantern Festival

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Happy New Year to all my friends and family, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with loved ones.  We had a nice, quiet Christmas on the island this year and headed to Australia to ring in the new year and Cole’s birthday.

This past weekend we decided to hit the first Yomitan Lantern Festival at Murasaki Mura Theme Park.  It’s about a twenty-minute drive from the base and took us about an hour to cover the grounds.  It was a perfect cool night to stroll through and check out the colorful lanterns.  The kids really enjoyed it and they food and crafts for everyone to enjoy.  The festival will last through February 21st, lanterns are lit from 18:00-22:00.  Admission is 6 yen for adults, 5 yen for junior and high school students, and 4 yen for elementary children.

For more information and directions click the link below.

http://www.japanupdate.com/2015/12/ryukyu-lantern-festival-2015-adds-to-charms-of-murasaki-mura/

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Yomitan is also known for its amazing pottery and they have pieces available for purchase.

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Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog.  Next up I hope to share pictures from our travels to Australia.  Have a great week!

Jessica

Custom Built Home Tour

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Hello all, hope this blog post finds you doing well and enjoying the beautiful October weather.

I’ve been in South Carolina now for about two months waiting on my husband to finish up his training in Oregon.  While here I’ve  enjoyed checking out a few sites in the area.   It’s no surprise, Charleston is still my favorite, the city is full of historic homes and sites.  If you’ve never been you need to add Charleston to your list of things to do.

While checking out the area I found a building company owned by Richard Jackson.   The company is Jackson Built Custom Homes it’s based in Daniel Island, South Carolina.  This builder has amazing taste, the homes are beautiful down to the smallest detail.  Their website has home tours that leave you wanting to see more.  I am not affiliated with this company in any way, but just thought I would share one of their house tours.  Click on the pictures for more details and contact information.

This screened in porch with fireplace has to be my favorite along with the kitchen.  A great room for watching a little Alabama football.

I think most women have a dream kitchen, this one is pretty close to mine.  The white cabinetry with Carrara marble and three windows centered over the sink, overlooking the back yard are amazing.  The copper hood, the cabinetry, the ceiling details, the beams, all show what wonderful craftsmanship this company puts into their homes.

 This butler’s pantry has an abundant amount of storage that will eliminate any clutter in your kitchen.

The dining and living area are open to one another.  The neutral color palette is timeless and not to mention great when decorating for the holidays.

The built-ins and molding are beautiful, I can just see a fire burning and my Christmas tree sitting in the corner.

Hope you enjoyed taking a tour of this beautiful Jackson Built Custom Home.  If you are ever in the Charleston area check them out.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Jessica

Provence, France

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If you are looking for a dream vacation across the pond I’ve found a few stunning rental properties that might suit your fancy.  Take a peak and get your passports ready.

This lovely home is in the heart of the Alpilles of Provence, Le Grand Mas .  The six bedroom home will run you about 1,100 euros or $1,400 per night. The home is minimally decorated allowing the architecture and views to speak for themselves in Provence’s most highly sought after region.  This provencal house of old stone, surrounded by a great pool house and gardens, is just a short walk away from the center of Saint Remy de Provence. It stands in a flourishing and manicured park of olive trees and roses. The sublimely decorated home boasts modern amenities and gorgeous scenery.

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Provence is most famous for its striking, fragrant lavender fields which bloom in early summer.  Other notable destinations include the Roman city of Arles, the city of Avignon with its famous medieval bridge, the Pont d’Avignon, and Les Baux de Provence, a fortified hilltop village.  On the coast of Provence you’ll find the fishing village of Cassis, where you can take a boat tour of the harbor.  Further west you’ll find Marseille, France’s oldest city and an important trading port throughout history.

Amphitheatre – Arles France

Avignon’s famous medieval bridge

 Cassis, France

The next home is equally beautiful, the main house offers great views of the Massif d’Etoiles. Guests have access to most of the estate including the tennis court, swimming pool, gardens and olive groves.  The house sleeps 12 and runs  about $2,000 per night.

Hope you have enjoyed taking a little peek at the lovely Provence.  The homes shown above have clickable links for more pictures and details about the properties.

Thank-you so much for following my blog.  Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your friends.

Jessica

 

Seaside on Highway 30A

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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.