Floridian At Heart

I haven't been to many states, but Florida is by far my favorite one that I've been to. My parents have had a timeshare down there since before I was born, so I've been there many, many times. Even though we stay in the same area each year, it never gets old. I still always look forward to it. We stay in the Orlando/Kissimmee area near all the parks and touristy attractions. I'm a tourist at heart, and I love all the tacky novelty stuff that Florida has to offer. I will go in every single gift shop if I can.

Of course I also love the parks themselves. I've loved Disney my whole life, so it's always kind of magical and exciting to go to the Disney parks. I have to admit that there's not much to do at the Disney parks now that I am older, but I still enjoy the atmosphere and joy it brings. My favorite park is Universal Studios, though. I'm more of a fan of the Islands of Adventure part than the Studios part. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, so of course I completely geek out when I get to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I just want to live there. No, seriously.

[Dress: ASOS
Shoes: Payless]

[I love wire trash cans and how this park has them.]

Alright, so maybe not right in the Wizarding World (oh, who am I kidding?), but I would like to live in Florida. Chris and I drove down there last summer and stayed for a week. It was the first trip that either of us had ever planned and paid for on our own. It's one of my proudest accomplishments when I think about it. During the trip, I realized that I feel like I was born in the wrong region. I felt like I belonged more down in the South. I love warm weather, fresh air, open fields, sweet tea, palm trees, porch swings, farms...just general country life. Sounds like the South, doesn't it? I just remember thinking as we drove through the Carolinas that that is where I belong. I would love to live down there, and I plan to make it happen someday.

Naturally, when I saw this dress, I had to have it. I had my eye on it for a while, and then one day it was on sale, so I snagged it. It's perfect for many reasons: it says Florida on it, there are flamingos on it, there are bright colors, it's a good balance of tacky and chic, and the shape is great. Baby blue is not one of my favorite colors, but this dress is so good that I don't even care.

I am lucky enough to be able to go back to Florida again in November. My friend and I have decided to go. We haven't booked anything yet since the prices are still all wacky, but it's all going to come together soon. I'm hoping I'll have it all booked by October. I can't wait! We were originally going to go in October, but that's my favorite month and right in the middle of my favorite season, and I didn't want to miss the fall. I realized I'd be super bummed if I missed out on my favorite time of the year. Plus I think it'd be better to go in November when it gets even colder up here so that we can escape to the warmth. :)