Friday Favorites: My Favorite Ways to Reclaim My "Sanity"

"Friends, sun, sand and sea, that sounds like summer to me." - unknown

And that certainly describes our first full on summer in Florida. The schedule was unpredictable and my hospitality was warmly put to the test. Back in Georgia, I dreamed of ways we could improve our space for efficient entertaining. Those prayers for proper "feng shui" were answered in our now open floor plan. The Florida home was a hive of activity boasting boys who hooted, hollered, ate and slept within its walls. Add in guest from out of town and you get a full on bed and breakfast. 

What sweet memories we made this summer! I felt blessed beyond words, but the introverted side of me rallied against the mayhem. My desire to create was non-existent and personal goals were forgotten.  I didn't know which way was up! Pay bills? Am I supposed to do that? I don't know about you, but this makes me crazy. Though the internal warning signs rang loudly, I felt powerless to control the events, kid responsibilities, etc. 

So my friends, today's Friday favorites is all about my favorite ways to reclaim my sanity so to speak. Even if I was "forced" to do so in a way I didn't expect! Now before I delve right in, allow me to share my favorite outfit of the week. 

At this point a modicum of structure is back in place and consequently, I'm inspired to create in my closet, even in the most casual of ways.  So I hope you can join the casual train on a mini-adventure to downtown Sarasota for lunch and gelato with another look at my favorite overalls, styled with a new top!  (Psssst...these tops are currently on sale!)  

 Lucky Brand Overalls/Lace Up Front Top/Cleobella Scarf/Altru Goods Tote

The top matched my Cleobella Scarf perfectly! Meant to be. ;) 

 Gelato-Go - The Tiramisu my friends....so good!!!

 Lucky Brand Overalls/Lace Up Front Top/Cleobella Scarf/Altru Goods Tote

My Favorite Ways To Reclaim My "Sanity"

Time To Myself

Remember when I said I felt powerless to change our schedule? My frustration came to a head when the week of our family getaway was upon us. Unexpected turns in our teen's schedule made it look like once again there would be no break. BUT God...that overloaded scheduled working against me imploded and I was forced to be alone for part of the weekend.

All of a sudden, I had time to myself because one parent had to stay back with the teens to man the fort - And those teens were gone most of the time. I didn't realize how desperately I needed this!   

Adventure & Veg Out Time

I ventured around town, visiting local boutiques and eating lunch out by myself (See MONDAY'S post for details). That evening I watched the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants while consuming a bowl of salad and a slice of peach pie.

I still felt off but I noticed my thoughts were quieter. The next day we joined my hubby and the younger boys in Ana Maria Island. It was the most rainy weekend, but that too turned out to be the best thing for me. 

More Comfort Food

While in Ana Maria I ate bagels shipped directly from New York every Friday. Oh how good they are!!  Glen and I slipped away for lunch and then I went out again to get them for our family breakfast!  

Whole Wheat NY Style Bagel with Veggie Cream Cheese, Tomato & Turkey.  Delicious!

Walks In Nature
No explanation need, right?

Read the Day Away

Here's where the constant rain became a blessing in disguise. With no desire to swim in the rain (my younger boys did!), I perused the small library at the condo. Grabbing a fiction book, I laid on the couch for most of the afternoon and got lost in a story. I don't even remember the title. Maybe it was The Sapphire Widow...

The next morning, I sat out on the dock, sipping my coffee, journaling, reading my Bible and more fiction. Just thinking about it makes me feel at peace.

I'm so thankful for how things turned out. God provided much needed downtime, quiet etc and I didn't even ask for it! I'd like to say that next summer I will plan better with intentional times of quiet etc, but sometimes it really is out of our control. So, I'll do my best and trust the rest up to the One who is truly in control.

What are you favorite ways to reclaim "sanity"?