Sun, Shopping, Sand, Surf, Sweat & Shamu: A Splashin Summertime Sabbatical at SVR!

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I truly dislike swimsuit shopping... I am looking tonight. I found a couple that I will order and give a try. Good thing at DC I will have at least the vest on!

Can you get Lands End in Canada? Best swimwear ever. So much to mix & match for every body style.

Sending you bathing suit wishes. I was not going to buy a new one, and I was at Macy's the other day, and low and behold, I saw a suit. Marked 84 dollars, down to 22. Fit nicely, so I have hope for you. Almost all the stores here have all beach stuff on clearance.

I order from Lands End and have it shipped here often. It's usually for ds so I've never looked at the swimsuits for me. I will now. I'm another that would almost rather go to the dentist than shop for swimsuits.

Ya know, it’s comforting to hear that others struggle to a certain degree with the whole swimsuit issue like I do. I mean, it doesn’t stress me out to the point of it being upsetting (I am finally beginning to settle in to that “over-40” mentality, where I start to worry less and just accept that I’m not going ever recoup my pre-child figure) but its maddening nonetheless. The selection of swimwear for my age demographic at our local mall is dismal at best, and I refuse to wear a suit that makes me look like a granny (no matter how stumpy and frumpy I am….it’s a matter of principle at this point!). Online is always a gamble, because you just never know how something is going to fit (true to size? Runs large? Runs small?) and often shipping to Canada is problematic. That said, the options from the US online retails are so much more expansive, I have been able to actually find a couple of suits that are not only kind of cute, but well within my budget as well. Thanks for the suggestion of Lands End…..its one store I didn’t consider before, and I know many folks who have been very pleased with their products. Its worth a second look!

We’ve been doing a lot of “looking back” over the last several weeks at my scrapbooks and albums from previous vacations (particularly with Sweetie, who is growing more excited by the day and wants to hear all about the places we’ll be visiting), and you know what has struck me in a very profound way? How OLD I am looking!!! I mean, the changes in Jake I expect….he’s grown from a child into a man since our first trip in 2009 to celebrate his 13th birthday. Steve, God love him, hasn’t changed hardly at all…..a little rounder, a little less hair, but otherwise, the same old Steve. I guess I still feel like I’m in my 20’s, so even though its logical and to be expected, its still a bit off-putting to see that I do indeed look my age. Almost makes me want to hide from the camera on this coming trip……but yet, the memories years later really are so sweet, wrinkles or no wrinkles.

I read a great blog post a few years ago that I bookmarked just so I could read it again and again when I need a reality check. It brings me back to really what’s important, and a reminder as to how (I hope) Jake sees me rather than how I see myself. If you have a few minutes, it really is worth a read for all the moms who are following along on this trip report. You can find it here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-tate/mom-pictures-with-kids_b_1926073.html

It’s a sunny but very cool summer day today, following our FREEZING day yesterday where we nearly set a record for rainfall (I actually warmed my hands over the toaster as I made my lunch yesterday noon....no joke). Still not very warm, though, and definitely nowhere near what I would consider “hot”. That Florida weather is going to seriously kick my butt the first few days we are there .

Time is marching on .

 

[Lynne G]

Aww. that's what memories are for.

And yep, my pre-kids body is no more. Thanks for the link.

You had me looking at pictures from our California trip. While I don't look any younger either, I have a hidden lime mickey head hanging from my purse in a picture from the San Diego Zoo. Only one time did a Diser say hi to me. I still use that purse.

DD now has contacts and hair cut shorter, so she looks so much older now, no more bangs either. Her soccer team didn't recognize her when she came back for fall soccer last year. (She's been a locks of love donator 3 or 4 times so far) DS is now taller than me and has a beard and longer hair. He's looking older too.

Sending some warmth. It's been cooler her too, in the 80's instead of the high 90's we've been having. August is coming soon - and I cannot believe the summer is more than half over already. Time does fly.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I have read that blog before and really liked it. As a childless female approaching middle age, I struggle with my body image, and especially when I notice all these changes that came on WITHOUT children. I can't imagine how I would have changed WITH them, and I definitely try not to judge other people's appearances no matter what. My Mom one year expressed a desire not to be in her swimsuit because "what will people think of me?" I asked her if she remembered even one person from even one pool from all her trips in her entire life that stood out to her as someone who "shouldn't be in a bathing suit". She couldn't remember a one. And neither can I, so I'll be wearing my swimming suit this trip, thankyouverymuch.

That being said, when I think of my Mom I think of her big smile, her generous heart, and her perfect calves . Seriously, she has the best calves ever! I don't think of weight or wrinkles or anything like that at all. And I love having pictures with her. If one of us would leave this earth before the other (which is likely), these pictures are going to matter.

You're right, Florida is going to bake you once you get down there in EIGHTEEN DAYS! I hope Sweetie is ready for your family vacation!

 

[bankr63]

It’s a sunny but very cool summer day today, following our FREEZING day yesterday where we nearly set a record for rainfall (I actually warmed my hands over the toaster as I made my lunch yesterday noon....no joke). Still not very warm, though, and definitely nowhere near what I would consider “hot”. That Florida weather is going to seriously kick my butt the first few days we are there .

Time is marching on .

You know, I was driving into work yesterday wondering what that funny "smell" was in the car (no it wasn't THAT). I have automatic climate control and don't you know that the heat had actually come on in the car... in JULY!!! Don't think that has ever happened to me.

I think that we all need to get our "German" on when it comes to swimsuits. I was on a vacation in Venezuela many years ago in an area frequented by Canadians and Germans (and that was it - I don't know why there seemed to no other nationalities there )

Anyway, we noted that it was very easy to tell the difference between the two. Canadian men and women wore modest tasteful swimsuits, that covered more than they revealed. The Germans - well they all wore string. Didn't matter age, or condition, the more skin exposed the better. There was one guy on the beach who had so many rolls that we weren't actually certain he was wearing a suit

Anyway, I'm just sayin' that it didn't seem to bother any of them how they looked, and after a short while, it really didn't bother us either. I'm not proposing that WE all start wearing string (I tossed my last speedo out when I was around 20), but we could all be just a little less self-conscious about our body image.

 

[grantclaire]

Gina we just got back from shopping in Erie PA, bought swimsuits for the 3 of us at JC Penny, 50% off and love the no sales tax! Cruising on the Fantasy this xmas. Has gotten easier as my 2 oldest kids both girls are away working and at University. Remember when the DW would have to make a day of it to buy herself and the 2 girls suits! It is great to get in the water, my DW's two sisters, do not even try anymore to go swimming. It will be a great summer to go to Orlando, had to wear a hoodie on my walk last night. Cannot wait for your trip reports!

 

[tristyp]

I am caught up and "officially" subscribing(no more stalking for me)!! I love your trip plans as we are doing the same with lots of rest days to relax. I was so tempted to purchase the Discovery Cove deal but I couldn't justify with already spending $1700.00 on Disney tickets for the five of us. The thought of another $1000.00 I couldn't wrap my head around. We are definitely visiting Aquatica though thanks to your pics and advice. The exchange rate doesn't help and I am sure you are feeling the pinch this year compared to last.

We are also going to eat in some of the time partly to save some money but partly to keep our sanity from the kids driving us crazy at restaurants

I just got the entertainment book so I am hoping to find a few coupons in there.

Hope the rest of your wait flies by.

 

[momof2n2]

I order from Lands End and have it shipped here often. It's usually for ds so I've never looked at the swimsuits for me. I will now. I'm another that would almost rather go to the dentist than shop for swimsuits.

In the US we can return to Sears stores.
I seriously ordered over $400 worth of bathing suits for myself with free shipping, tried them all on in my own room, and took about $325 back to Sears.

 

[momof2n2]

You know, I was driving into work yesterday wondering what that funny "smell" was in the car (no it wasn't THAT). I have automatic climate control and don't you know that the heat had actually come on in the car... in JULY!!! Don't think that has ever happened to me. I think that we all need to get our "German" on when it comes to swimsuits. I was on a vacation in Venezuela many years ago in an area frequented by Canadians and Germans (and that was it - I don't know why there seemed to no other nationalities there ) Anyway, we noted that it was very easy to tell the difference between the two. Canadian men and women wore modest tasteful swimsuits, that covered more than they revealed. The Germans - well they all wore string. Didn't matter age, or condition, the more skin exposed the better. There was one guy on the beach who had so many rolls that we weren't actually certain he was wearing a suit Anyway, I'm just sayin' that it didn't seem to bother any of them how they looked, and after a short while, it really didn't bother us either. I'm not proposing that WE all start wearing string (I tossed my last speedo out when I was around 20), but we could all be just a little less self-conscious about our body image.

Oh man. No German for me. LOL. I hide under Rash Guards now. Love me those Rash Guards!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

You had me looking at pictures from our California trip. While I don't look any younger either, I have a hidden lime mickey head hanging from my purse in a picture from the San Diego Zoo. Only one time did a Diser say hi to me. I still use that purse.

I have often thought of putting a LGMH on my purse for our trips, but for some reason, never seemed to get around to actually doing it . I guess maybe the likelihood of me running into another Diser at our offsite attractions is pretty low, anyway.

I am glad to hear you guys are getting some warm (if not your customary hot) weather . Temps in the 80s would be a heat wave for us! Ah well, at least we are saving some $$s on air conditioning.

That being said, when I think of my Mom I think of her big smile, her generous heart, and her perfect calves . Seriously, she has the best calves ever! I don't think of weight or wrinkles or anything like that at all. And I love having pictures with her. If one of us would leave this earth before the other (which is likely), these pictures are going to matter.

You're right, Florida is going to bake you once you get down there in EIGHTEEN DAYS! I hope Sweetie is ready for your family vacation!

Now THAT was beautiful . You are absolutely right, pictures are so very precious once our loved ones leave us. I treasure every photo I have of my dad, whether his hair was messed or his shirt untucked. And in some ways, those pictures mean even more than the traditional, formal shots where we are all stiff and posed.

Sweetie is getting super pumped . She just started a new part time job, so she has been socking away her hard-earned cash so she can shop till she drops at the outlets. I think the reality is setting in that its getting SO close!

You know, I was driving into work yesterday wondering what that funny "smell" was in the car (no it wasn't THAT). I have automatic climate control and don't you know that the heat had actually come on in the car... in JULY!!! Don't think that has ever happened to me.

I think that we all need to get our "German" on when it comes to swimsuits. I was on a vacation in Venezuela many years ago in an area frequented by Canadians and Germans (and that was it - I don't know why there seemed to no other nationalities there )

Anyway, we noted that it was very easy to tell the difference between the two. Canadian men and women wore modest tasteful swimsuits, that covered more than they revealed. The Germans - well they all wore string. Didn't matter age, or condition, the more skin exposed the better. There was one guy on the beach who had so many rolls that we weren't actually certain he was wearing a suit

Anyway, I'm just sayin' that it didn't seem to bother any of them how they looked, and after a short while, it really didn't bother us either. I'm not proposing that WE all start wearing string (I tossed my last speedo out when I was around 20), but we could all be just a little less self-conscious about our body image.

Munro, you have the BEST posts . I almost choked when I read your description of the roly German fellow . And I am so glad you clarified the smell....because living with two guys, yep...that smell was exactly what I thought of first!!!

Gina we just got back from shopping in Erie PA, bought swimsuits for the 3 of us at JC Penny, 50% off and love the no sales tax! Cruising on the Fantasy this xmas. Has gotten easier as my 2 oldest kids both girls are away working and at University. Remember when the DW would have to make a day of it to buy herself and the 2 girls suits! It is great to get in the water, my DW's two sisters, do not even try anymore to go swimming. It will be a great summer to go to Orlando, had to wear a hoodie on my walk last night. Cannot wait for your trip reports!

You know, we have yet to visit Erie and experience their no tax shopping! We keep tossing around the idea of a getaway at Splash Lagoon, but for whatever reason, we always end up scrapping the plans in favour of a Niagara getaway. I will have to put it on the travel bucket list for 2015. Jake would absolutely be in heaven .

I am caught up and "officially" subscribing(no more stalking for me)!! I love your trip plans as we are doing the same with lots of rest days to relax. I was so tempted to purchase the Discovery Cove deal but I couldn't justify with already spending $1700.00 on Disney tickets for the five of us. The thought of another $1000.00 I couldn't wrap my head around. We are definitely visiting Aquatica though thanks to your pics and advice. The exchange rate doesn't help and I am sure you are feeling the pinch this year compared to last.

We are also going to eat in some of the time partly to save some money but partly to keep our sanity from the kids driving us crazy at restaurants

I just got the entertainment book so I am hoping to find a few coupons in there.

Hope the rest of your wait flies by.

Welcome aboard! So glad to have you along.....feel free to join in wherever you wish (its so much more fun than lurking! ).

As offsiters, we always find good value in the Entertainment Book. We always buy it on sale, so the car rental coupon always more than offsets the cost of the book. Any other coupons are all pure savings .

You wont regret giving Aquatica a try. Its awesome. Roas Rapids is like no other water feature, anywhere.....its my favourite attraction in the park!

In the US we can return to Sears stores.
I seriously ordered over $400 worth of bathing suits for myself with free shipping, tried them all on in my own room, and took about $325 back to Sears.

Interesting. I would be curious to know if we can do the same here in Canada. That would make ordering much less risky (we have a Sears store right here in our local mall).

Oh man. No German for me. LOL. I hide under Rash Guards now. Love me those Rash Guards!!!

I am looking for a rash guard for Big Steve. So far, I am having a hard time finding something to fit my large fella. Our stores dont carry the vast variety of sizes that we find in the States. We may have to wait until we get to Syracuse or Orlando to see if we can find him one. He burns so easily, I thought it might help save his pasty white skin!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Oh, and I should mention...I finally got the parking pass mess straightened out with Discovery Cove.

6 emails, 7 phone calls, and at least 10 different staff members later, but a new pass was finally issued.

That, my friends, deserves a little dance!

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Oh, right!! You are flying from Rochester . Jealous that you are going to get there a smidge before me!! We'll be in Syracuse while you are arriving in Orlando.

Your kids must be getting SUPER excited!

I was kind of thinking of hauling the suitcases out next weekend, too. Steve will be working night shift all weekend, so I should have some extra time to spend sorting and organizing. I might have to keep them in the rec room, though, so as not to upset Patches. She seems to know that the suitcases mean Mom's going to pull a disappearing act very soon....which generally activates her "cattitude"

My daughter keeps asking to help pack!! Poor Patches! Funny how animals just "know"!

Can you get Lands End in Canada? Best swimwear ever. So much to mix & match for every body style.

Yes we can. My girlfriend got a great suit from Lands End in Ottawa, I know you can order on-line. It's an option Gina, but I hear you on ordering bathing suits on-line, figure it won't fit properly, or they won't cover the parts you want covered!

In the US we can return to Sears stores.
I seriously ordered over $400 worth of bathing suits for myself with free shipping, tried them all on in my own room, and took about $325 back to Sears.

Ooooh, now that's a good idea!!!!!!

Oh, and I should mention...I finally got the parking pass mess straightened out with Discovery Cove.

6 emails, 7 phone calls, and at least 10 different staff members later, but a new pass was finally issued.

That, my friends, deserves a little dance!

Yay!!!

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

I just have to say, THIS WEATHER WE ARE HAVING IS RIDICULOUS!!!!!!! I can't WAIT to get to warmer weather!!! THIS IS NOT SUMMER, not to me!!
17 days!! I'm counting with you Gina!

Ok, I feel better now!

 

[dennise]

Gina you found a super cute bathing suite last year, I think it was red and white, I hope you post pictures of the new ones. I am not vain, but on my bucket list was wearing a bikini before I turn 65. I bought one, and an extra bottom that covers from thigh to waist. I have worn the skimpy one in my own pool, when I am by myself and it is dark. I did wear the top, which covers all, along with the second bottom on our trip to Florida and was way overcovered compared to the Europeans. I had to chuckle at Bankr63,I was sitting at the pool, people watching, there were two ladies sunning themselves, very skimpy tops and I kept looking at one of these ladies because I couldn't see a bottom until she stood up, two triangles with string holding them together. I guess I am a bit too conservative. I don't like the granny suits either(I have 7 grandchildren).

 

[dennise]

Items from Land's End can be returned to any Sears in Canada.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I just have to say, THIS WEATHER WE ARE HAVING IS RIDICULOUS!!!!!!! I can't WAIT to get to warmer weather!!! THIS IS NOT SUMMER, not to me!!
17 days!! I'm counting with you Gina!

Ok, I feel better now!

Vent away, girlfriend! I am right there with you!!

I had the seat warmer on in my car again this morning. Yesterday I wore a winter sweater. It felt like late September yesterday evening, as the breeze blew in the windows and we waited for the rain to arrive. It's CRAZY!

Gina you found a super cute bathing suite last year, I think it was red and white, I hope you post pictures of the new ones. I am not vain, but on my bucket list was wearing a bikini before I turn 65. I bought one, and an extra bottom that covers from thigh to waist. I have worn the skimpy one in my own pool, when I am by myself and it is dark. I did wear the top, which covers all, along with the second bottom on our trip to Florida and was way overcovered compared to the Europeans. I had to chuckle at Bankr63,I was sitting at the pool, people watching, there were two ladies sunning themselves, very skimpy tops and I kept looking at one of these ladies because I couldn't see a bottom until she stood up, two triangles with string holding them together. I guess I am a bit too conservative. I don't like the granny suits either(I have 7 grandchildren).

Was it this one you were thinking of?



I absolutely ADORED that suit! I almost cried when the fabric deteroriated after a couple of months in the YMCA pool . Believe it or not, I bought i from Walmart of all places (can't get it here in Canada though...I ordered it from the US side, had it delivered to Syracuse. Its the brand name "Catalina"). It fit me perfectly. And the price was ridiculously cheap (which is good, when swimwear doesn't seem to last very long for me with the chlorine abuse at the Y).

I see they have other styles still available online (though selection is waning as the summer marches on), so I might just order another, especially since I'm pretty certain on the sizing.

Items from Land's End can be returned to any Sears in Canada.

That is so good to know! Thank you!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

A couple of to-do's marked off the list this morning....

Kitty's pedicure and vet check-over is booked for next Tuesday .

My hair appointment is secured for a couple of days before we leave (personal rule, "though shalt not go on vacation when gray hairs are showing").

I have an additional item or two to check into this morning ..... I will be back later with more info on that.

 

[grantclaire]

Gina, were are you planning to shop? My teenagers always liked the Premium Outlets on Vineland, my DW likes the Florida Mall and Downtown Disney.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, were are you planning to shop? My teenagers always liked the Premium Outlets on Vineland, my DW likes the Florida Mall and Downtown Disney.

Jake's #1 favourite is the Nike Clearance Store on 192 in Kissimmee. We will go there at least twice (probably more on a two week trip....heaven help me ). We have found AMAZING deals there on every vacation. Thank the lord for large luggage.

We always visit both Premium Outlets (Vineland and International Drive). The Vineland location doesn't have Under Armor, unless they have changed since last August. The I-Drive location didn't have Lululemon. That reminds me, I must check the store directories to see what's new since 2013.

We will visit the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores too. They are less busy than the Premium Outlets and super close to the Vistana, so its hard for me to find a reason not to stop there (other than the fact that we do a ridiculous amount of shopping!!).

The Florida Mall is also a vacation tradition. Jake loves Champs. M&M World is fun for photos.

We normally hit Downtown Disney at least for an evening somewhere along the way, but with all the construction this year and the reported parking woes, I think we'll give it a pass. I am not sure it will be worth the aggravation.

 

[Portugal1000]

Loving your report. So many things I recognize in myself. I had my highlights done on Saturday as we leave exactly a week today. Wanted to give myself time incase it went horribly wrong (it didn't). Found a great swimsuit a while ago, so now I have it in 3 colours plus one I didn't even use last year which still has the tags on! So that should be fine for my 23 night trip. We literally swim every day on holiday. I always see ladies wearing the most flattering swim suites and I never see them in the shops.
After reading the blog about photos, I really must be in some this year, I hate photos of me but I am going to make an effort. My son always asks why I am not in any photos and I always say because I am the one taking them. Very sad when I think about it now.
Getting so excited especially as the weather in England is just glorious so putting us in holiday mood.

 

[Lynne G]

Jake's #1 favourite is the Nike Clearance Store on 192 in Kissimmee. We will go there at least twice (probably more on a two week trip....heaven help me ). We have found AMAZING deals there on every vacation. Thank the lord for large luggage.

And since I was showing my kids on Google Maps where the go kart place was, they saw the Twistee Taste shop was right near the karts, and the Nike Clearance Store was just down the street. I guess you can bet which 3 places we will hit on 192 before heading to the Portofino.

I tend not to buy too many clothes when we're on vacation, as we pay no sales tax on most clothing purchases at home. Which reminds me, the UnderArmour outlet is having a back to school sale this week-end, so we may be outlet bound this week-end. My DD gets a kick out the fact that you can see the 2 nuclear reactor towers right next to the outlets. That outlet place also has a Vera store.