SeleneByMarialyn

I have been eager to sit in front of the computer, uninterrupted, and pour my thoughts out. These past ten days have been a whirlwind.

Our family spent a much-needed week vacationing in Wilmington, NC. There is something about salt air and ocean waves that really grounds me. Plus, I have a soft spot for North Carolina after being stationed there.

Ironically, I was so miffed when I got my orders to the East Coast. I had big dreams of Hawaii, Okinawa, the West Coast—anywhere but North Carolina. Twenty years later, I’m dragging my kids five hours across state lines to experience the beaches I once wasn’t thrilled about being sent to. Funny how life works.

For weeks, my husband and I had been ships passing in the night—high-fiving and doing kid swaps so the other could attend social events, run errands, breathe, etc. Needless to say, quality time had been pretty much nonexistent.

Because of that, we made the deliberate decision not to pack our vacation full of activities and instead focus on spending quality time together.

We even managed TWO child-free dates in one week. Say what?! That is seriously unheard of. We were lucky if we managed two dates in two months before my mom came along.

Thank you, Millie!

Much of our vacation was spent bouncing between the beach and the pool, and it was absolutely glorious. So, I don’t have too much on the vacation front to divulge, except to emphasize that vacations don’t have to be bogged down by complicated itineraries.

Going somewhere you enjoy with the people you love is enough.

However, on one of our dates, we dined at an incredible local restaurant, Indochine. It checked all the boxes for us: great food, great service, great atmosphere. So, if you find yourself in Wilmington, please do me a favor and check it out.

Just a few tips if you’re going to visit: CALL AHEAD! They don’t take reservations, and they are incredibly popular. If it’s too hot or raining, the outdoor seating may not be available—and honestly, you want to sit outside.

I truly appreciate a venue that offers a full sensory experience. I love being immersed in the sights, sounds, and pleasant smells of a place. It elevates the entire experience, and Indochine delivers on all fronts.

Another spot that deserves recognition is Out Of My Closet clothing consignment. It strummed my thrifting heart.

Talk about a treasure hunter’s dream.

I scored three quality Anthropologie pieces and honestly could have found even more goodies if I hadn’t been pressed for time. Shopping Out Of My Closet is akin to shopping in your best friend’s closet—if you had 100 best friends.

Each vendor has their own designated closet, and there is such a great variety of styles, pieces, and sizes that I truly believe there is something for everyone.

My favorite score? A pair of bright red Anthro pants covered in cherries.

So fun!

While our vacation might seem boring to some, it was perfect—and exactly the kind of break I needed before diving headfirst into party planning.

And if you’re curious how the party turned out, you’re in luck. You can read all about its glory and my utter exhaustion by the end of it.

Wishing you well until next time.