Graphic Tees, Sarasota Tidbits, & Homeschool Adventures

"Take me to the sea..." That's a quote I can fall in love with. In fact, my family and I anticipated lots of playtime along the shoreline when we discovered that Sarasota would be our new home. However, the red tide algae has plagued the gulf shores of Florida since June. Before moving to Sarasota, I had never heard of red tide.  Well today I'm sharing the little I've learned, taking you along for our most recent adventures around the town, during a not-so-typical homeschool day, and of course sharing a little fashion.
Sarasota Tidbits

Let's get to the sad news done first! Red Tide. There are a few theories of what causes red tide, ranging from pollution to hurricanes. However, I'm far too new and uneducated on the topic to form an opinion, or even attempt to explain it in detail. What I do know is that tons, literally tons, upon tons of dead fish were cleared from the shore lines. They died from a depletion of oxygen in the water caused by the agal release, and if you venture to the beach you may find yourself coughing, struggling with an itchy throat and even a dull headache. It effects some people more than others, but those with asthma and any other respiratory issues are advised to stay away.

My girlfriends that recently visited can attest to the oddity of red tide. I took them to 3 beaches and each one welcomed us with the pungent aroma of dying sea life and even a visual of a few dead fish here and there floating in the tide, as well as dark green to brown colored water.

Now, the locals tell me that this is the worst outbreak in over 10 years. They even say that normally when red tide hits you don't even notice it, so you should definitely keep Sarasota on your list of places to visit. Before we know it the waters will be clear and the beautiful landscape of Siesta Key and Lido Beach will be appreciated once more.

Meanwhile, we can't help but fall in love with Bayfront Park, the Ringling Causeway bridge, the Aquarium, the cultured, refined shopping at St. Armands circle, Selby Bontanical Gardens, the local restaurants and so much more.

So for now, we take short visits to the beach and then explore inland, while sharing our finds with you!

Spiffy Slide Knot Bracelet

Stylist Choker Necklace

Outfit Details

I knew what was on our agenda and dressed with the day's adventures in mind: Tervis to make a pledge that supports our ocean, the beach and the aquarium. I've waited for the right opportunity to share this tee with you and today is the day. The wave ring is also new, picked up from THE Sarasota Farmer's market that takes place every Saturday, which I'll be here soon! Everything else is shopped from my closet...here is the breakdown: 

Graphic Tee: Beats & Breath Designs by Jen Gainey

Ripped Up Jeans: Marisa Jills

Momentum Wrap Bracelet: Online, Local Spots: Sarasota Fleet Feet, Classic City Running

Wave Ring: Local Market

Colorful Bracelet: Premier Designs

Shoes: Good Old Toms

Tervis On the Circle & Homeschool Adventures

Not everyone loves waiting on line. Wink. Wink.

Tervis fell on my homeschooling agenda when I heard that they were giving away free tumblers if you pledged to reduce single use plastic. This fit perfectly with the lessons on pollution we've had in our Classical Conversations group and who doesn't love a FREE tumbler?? So before heading to the beach, we found our place in line at the shop on St. Armands cirlce! This is a place I'd typically choose for a girl's outing or a date night, but I don't mind taking the boys along for a specific event.

(Every 4Ocean bracelet sold pulls 1 pound of plastic of the ocean and shorelines.)

The line wasn't too long, though one of us didn't look too happy to wait. lol. I tried not to get overly frustrated when the boys didn't respond like perfect children. Duh! They fought about who would hold the phone while navigating our way around the circle. If I let it, these dumb little arguments can zap my joy and I become cranky and short. I worked reigning it in while we waited.

While signing our pledge I overhead the employees mention that there were only 20 tumblers left. Glad we went first thing in the morning. The store had only been open for 30 minutes!

#TakeYourTervis

Able to put the navigation arguments behind us, we left happier and ready for the aquarium!

Aquarium Pit Stop

Ok friends. Come on with us to the aquarium! There's lots to see here and I'm not going to make this post far longer than it already is, so don't worry. This is merely a highlight of our most recent visit. We love visiting the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and since we have 6 people in our family, a family membership pays for itself in one visit! Having a membership is great because it gives me the liberty to pop in and out at our leisure. It's also a great compliment to our science studies of vertebrates and invertebrates for homeschool. The boys had to choose one creature and be prepared to write a short paper on their selection.

Evan chose sharks...

Caden chose the otters...

They were appalled that I wouldn't spend $3 for them to experience a hurricane. Next time boys. Next time.

The sting ray pool is visited every time...

...as well the upper viewing deck of the shark tank...

Well, if you made it this far, thank you for joining us on our latest adventures in Sarasota. I'll continue to keep you posted on the red tide situation, as well as sharing Sarasota tidbits, homeschool adventures, affordable fashion for any age and a little bit of "crunchy" here and there. You're the best and I'm so very grateful for you!

Chrissy