Back from Beachin'

Sunshine  + sand + some of my favorite people: the perfect equation for a super vacation. We recently had the privilege to spend seven, yes 7!, glorious days in Treasure Island, FL. It was terrific! 

But before I share the details, I must say I AM SORRY for my absence from my dear little blog. It's been a bit hectic around here. I was once told, you don't actually ever take vacation, you just rearrange time. If that isn't true, i don't know what is. I felt like I worked more to prepare to be gone and then I've been playing catch-up since we've got back home sweet home. Now I don't expect pity, because I got a killer tan (though I judiciously applied Bullfrog SPF 50) and some extra sleep between the two, but I wanted to acknowledge that I'd been neglecting Born Daily. 

I will make it up to you in the best way I know how:  all kinds of goodies! Coming soon, my pretties, coming soon... And as a token of making good on this promise, I give you the sunniest dessert I know: my very favorite lemon bars. I don't change a thing in this recipe. They're tried and true-- ooey, gooey, tart, and buttery.  Make them for an instant break from reality. 

Now, the details of our sunny getaway:
This trip was semi-spur of the moment. By semi, I mean we talked about it around Christmastime and then didn't revisit the thought until the end of May. But it worked out great.  In the planning process, we secured surprisingly, decently cheap airfare from Allegiant and stumbled upon a quaint beach cottage, just the right size, through VRBO. We went with most of the hubby's family immediate family (we missed dear Ashton, Henrique, and our sweet niece) but had extra time with his dad (Tim), mom (Tamara), sister (Brinkley), and brother (Gage), plus Brinkley's other half (Michael). 

It was our first test as a married couple with my in-laws/family and I think we all survived and thrived. Two thumbs up! It was nice to connect outside of our normal settings and enjoy the company. 

But instead of muddling along in words, let's live the trip again via photos! I hope these images give you a quick escape and brighten your day. I know I'll be revisiting them whenever I need a dose of peace and Vitamin D. 
Notice: lots of pictures ahead; your computer may load slowly. 

Chillin' until next time. -xo