Family Fun at the Fair

Last Friday, we surprised the kids by pulling them from school early<i> (a rarity for us!),</i> and whisked them to the State Fair of Texas. The Fair is known as one of Dallas' signature events, and has taken place virtually every year since 1886! I grew up going to the fair with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/hi-sugarplum.html" target="_blank">my grandfather</a>, so when we moved back to Texas, it was so special to resume the tradition with my kids.<br /><br />The train makes everything more fun...especially when it drops you at the front gates of the Fair!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15419386826_43c2b3492f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2944/15255880047_3a22256b05_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Big Tex, a talking, waving, 55-foot cowboy greets us, and we take the obligatory picture with him.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15419372646_000aee4808_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Everything is bigger in Texas, right? Including the Fair....with everything from a 300,000 square foot Auto Show, a 212-foot ferris wheel <i>(the largest in North America...and something I'll never ride again!)</i>, BMX stunt shows, pig and ostrich races, a full barnyard, and every conceivable fried food. Seriously...even fried Coke and fried butter!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15439256731_66836e55c6_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The barnyard isn't just pigs and rabbits...the kids can pet and feed baby kangaroos, giraffes, camels, longhorns and zebras.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="559" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15255735920_743dce7909_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15255839798_60ccc1460d_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We tried a few of this year's unique foods, but we always go back to good ole Fletcher's corny dog.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15442098812_a6c284d3ff_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yep, those are jockeys on ostriches. Did you know they weigh 450-pounds!? <i>(The ostrich, not the jockeys.)</i><br /><i><br /> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15439255231_81d7cae61d_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15439256581_a99a8978f8_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15439257401_567a7ee337_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15255832738_ecf93168dd_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We spent the afternoon touring the shows and exhibits, but my favorite is when night falls...first the parade, then the midway lights up like Vegas.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15255835478_c7eb50492f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Sugarplum sticks to the easier rides with Sloan, and Jackson and I hit the vomit-rockets.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15442446655_b22ce10988_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15255871637_f8e1f089a0_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15419364826_8d65450d3b_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15442445785_cca17d67cf_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15442095522_39e1f7cfc9_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xap1/10175180_1546055308941908_1111375129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xap1/10175180_1546055308941908_1111375129_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, and everyone was still all-smiles on the 10pm train home! Thanks for the memories, Big Tex, see you next year!<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | State Fair of Texas" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15442110472_da0c18b51f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't my kids look so cute? To be sure they'd be comfortable for the long day, they both wore their favorite <a href="http://bit.ly/1oNwkQU" target="_blank">Tucker + Tate</a> shirts. Along with <a href="http://bit.ly/1s9YzhN" target="_blank">Mini Boden</a>, it's my favorite kid's line. The clothes are well-made, they launder great, and the kids agree they are soft and comfy. Which is high-praise, because you know how kids are about scratchy clothes!!!<br /><br />I was comfortable in an outfit similar to this one...shorts, a <a href="http://bit.ly/10Kg0uI" target="_blank">gray hoodie</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/1nbOj83" target="_blank">jean jacket</a>, and <a href="http://bit.ly/1s9yAqP" target="_blank">sneakers</a>...and kept my hands free by carrying <a href="http://bit.ly/1nbOqk6" target="_blank">a small crossbody bag.</a><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 550px;"><div style="position: relative;"><img alt="Casual Weekend" border="0" height="458" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/36iuvYzwvdHxErpNnwnr9Q/cid/136822274/id/2k0vtEdO5BGZyOmqNxsv_g/size/c550x458.jpg" title="Casual Weekend" width="550" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Do you visit the state fair in your state? Have you ever tried fried butter...I'm here to say, it's dang good! </div></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Shop the Post}</b> <br /><div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="313768"><script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');</script><br /><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML='Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.'" src="//assets.rewardstyle.com/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><i>** This post is written in collaboration with Nordstrom for Tucker + Tate. All opinions and queasy stomach are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors! **</i>

Family Fun at the Fair

Last Friday, we surprised the kids by pulling them from school early (a rarity for us!), and whisked them to the State Fair of Texas. The ...

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That Time I Made a Video About Blogging

Well <i>that</i> weekend flew by way too fast!! I guess it's an indicator that we really enjoyed it...I just wish we could have enjoyed it a little longer. Truthfully, I still haven't caught my groove since school started almost a month ago. I wonder if back-to-school has the same frenetic pace on rustic islands? As much as I'd love to head back to Vieques, I know living there wouldn't allow the crazy-cool opportunities as presented to me here. Like filming videos about blogging.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10518157_345003992291510_67965832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10518157_345003992291510_67965832_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />One of my favorite blogger networks, <a href="https://izea.com/rAEc" target="_blank">Izea</a>, wanted to film video bios on some of their creators, and asked if I was game. Because of <a href="https://izea.com/rAEc" target="_blank">Izea</a>, I've been lucky enough to work with brands like <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/04/trip-report-old-san-juan.html" target="_blank">Puerto Rico Tourism</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/06/ice-cream-sundae-cones.html" target="_blank">Breyers Ice Cream</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/02/diy-marble-tray.html" target="_blank">Elmer's Glue</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/03/reeses-peanut-butter-brownie-bars-with.html" target="_blank">Reese's Peanut Butter Cups</a>...so of course I said YES! Plus, I thought it'd be fun to see what filming a video was like.<br /><br />So what was it like?! A lot of work! And equipment! And saying and doing the same thing over and over. And over again. But at the same time, so much fun. An amazing crew from Austin arrived bright and early, and because it was a rare rainy day, they brought even more equipment than usual.<br /><br />We started with the interview portion...which was videoed and recorded for sound. It took me awhile to get used to the microphone...apparently I do a lot of wild arm waving when I talk. And how about I remembered I was mic'd up <i>(that's fancy TV slang)</i> about halfway through going to the bathroom!! That wasn't embarrassing. #sarcasm<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="569" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/15217270965_899dfa5d60_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />They wanted to film me creating a project and post from start to finish...so I chose a simple craft that didn't require a lot of steps, or wait time <i>(like spraypaint projects).</i> They recorded me gathering supplies, walking through the house with supplies, laying them out, photographing them, creating the project, and picking my nose. Just kidding...but really, they used still cameras, video cameras, and even a go-pro camera to film and shoot me at every stage of the project. And I reenacted each stage approximately 87 times. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="689" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/15030680308_462f73acd5_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="465" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/15030475959_9337d96bfa_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/15030679758" title="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="616" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/15030679758_cc89b17fe5_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/15030679848" title="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="653" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/15030679848_5802689cf9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/15194228556" title="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="412" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/15194228556_5513970e58_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I couldn't believe how much patience they had for the whole process...not to mention all the technical skill that goes in to each set-up. We had a great time, and I was so inspired to spend the day with Jo and Miguel, who are wildly creative in what they do. And their biggest job was after they left...in editing down all that footage into a fun, two-minute video!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/15194228426" title="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="613" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/15194228426_19d1b2afaf_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My outfit: Top (<a href="http://bit.ly/1ANED4q" target="_blank">similar</a>) | Necklace (<a href="http://bit.ly/1uxKR8H" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1tU1nks" target="_blank">Jeans</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1C6Ynn8" target="_blank">Belt</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The entire shoot took nine hours. Yep, NINE! Clearly I was exhausted and in no position to cook dinner...so I took these cuties out for tacos. It was a great day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/15030679978" title="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Video Shoot behind the scenes" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/15030679978_cb1d6d2cba_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I'm not really sure what <a href="https://izea.com/rAEc" target="_blank">Izea</a> plans to do with the video, but it was a fun experience, and I'm so glad I went for it! Hopefully you'll keep reading this blog after hearing my voice...why is it so hard to listen to yourself talk!!?? And don't even get me started about the goozle that's suddenly appeared under my chin...when did that happen?! Mr. SP dies laughing every time he watches it...apparently my awkwardness and little shrug at the end is 'so classic Cassie.' Whatever that means. It was embarrassing saying that tag line 87 times!!! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7RBOKoeI64E" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br />The pom-pom pillow is an actual project I created and photographed, so I'll share the post and tutorial with you later this week. I think it's safe to say my career as a video-blogger ended as soon as it started! Sugarplum, out!

That Time I Made a Video About Blogging

Well that weekend flew by way too fast!! I guess it's an indicator that we really enjoyed it...I just wish we could have enjoyed it a l...

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25 Things I Learned on an 11-Day Vacation to a Rustic Island

I've loved every trip I've ever taken...even road-trips one town over...but most times I don't have the desire to go back to the same spot twice. I'm always anxious to see new places. But something grabbed hold of us when <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/05/trip-report-island-of-vieques.html" target="_blank">we visited Vieques in March</a>, and we weren't quite ready to let it go. It felt almost like unfinished business. So Mr. SP and I decided to forgo our annual kid-free trip this year, in favor of returning to the rustic little island in Puerto Rico, as a family.<br /><br />In <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/travels.html" target="_blank">all the years of traveling with Mr. Sugarplum</a>, most of our trips have been between four and seven nights. When we travel to Europe, we do stay a little longer, just to make it worth the travel time, distance and expense. But since this trip required four tickets, we booked the absolute cheapest days...which meant we'd be gone 11 days!<br /><br />I was a little concerned if it would be too long...Vieques and our rental house is pretty far off the grid...no air-conditioning, no fast food, no street lights, no television. There are only two gas stations, and they run out regularly. There are a handful of tiny groceries, and the main source of fresh food is a weekly farmer's market. <br /><br />But it was absolute heaven on earth! Most vacations, by the time you start to relax and unwind, it's almost time to head home. But with this many days, the laid-back pace became a way of life. We all easily adapted to the simple ways and fewer options. I learned a few things on this trip and thought it'd be fun to share them in lieu of my typical Trip Report. Don't worry, it's mostly shallow and trivial little nuggets. #whatelse<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{25 Things I Learned on an 11-Day Rustic Island Vacation}</b></div><br />* I'm fine going 10 days without makeup, a hair dryer, curling or flat iron. In fact, I loved it. As long as I was wearing a hat and/or sunglasses. And avoided looking in the mirror.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="833" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/15188005971_b815a1e5bd_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10610992_761138013928127_1605230195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10610992_761138013928127_1605230195_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />* However, it's not advised I go 10 days without tweezers. A fact I wasn't aware of until we got home, due to that whole no-mirror policy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="549" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/15004566668_bd6c65c819_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* I can go 10 days with no TV, cable or movies, but I can only go 2 <strike>hours</strike> days without checking <a href="http://instagram.com/cassiesugarplum" target="_blank">InstaGram</a>. Max.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="482" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/15190958782_b7c6298c3e_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* Renting a house on vacation is kind of like being at home...you're still doing laundry, washing dishes and feeding little people. Except your attitude about it is better.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="452" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/15004566238_abcec34b50_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-f.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10617148_653754318109557_1970905254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-f.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10617148_653754318109557_1970905254_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />* As much as I love fashion, it was so freeing to only have a handful of swimsuits and a couple of coverups to choose from each day. And you saw how I made <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/09/travel-tip-1-dress-3-ways.html" target="_blank">one dress work for the rest of the time</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10610966_557238611047300_1406558428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10610966_557238611047300_1406558428_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />* And speaking of swimsuits, after about the 5th day, I stopped caring if my bathing suit top and bottom coordinated. As long as my lady bits were <strike>mostly</strike> covered, all was good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10598603_1497920447119050_1199842628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10598603_1497920447119050_1199842628_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />* There is nothing better than a tattered paperback, a hammock, and a cool trade wind. Well, maybe throw in a cold beer or glass of wine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="399" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/15004357930_0e3a18fa0b_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />* I can also live without air-conditioning, as long as said trade winds are blowing. Once you've given up fashion and presentable hairdos, humidity doesn't seem to hold the same negative power.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="509" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/15004566398_c54f534ffb_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* I read several books, and really loved Tina Fey's <i>'<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056898/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316056898&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=K2IS2OPZEMJ56YJW">Bossypants.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hisug-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316056898" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />'</i> I'm convinced she and I should be best friends. It was also a relief to know I'm still capable of reading books not sold exclusively in the smut department.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/15004357010_8e4ab43def_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* As <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/organized-coffee-station.html" target="_blank">addicted to the Keurig and Nespresso machines as we've become</a>, there was something meditative about the process of making french press coffee each morning. However, it's not recommended that I drink more than 1 cup of the delectable Puerto Rican French Press coffee.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="746" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/15168006216_e6bd15abb2_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* My patience-level with the kids is directly related to the length of my to do list. The fewer things on my plate, the more patience I have with them. Also, when they have my undivided attention for a span of time, they are more likely to enjoy time alone, as well. #profound<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="478" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/15004460018_3917220d9b_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="425" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3880/15191036745_e03b059a6a_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />* For me to actually do nothing, I have to remove all opportunities to do something. #busybody<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="679" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/15004471697_790fc4af3b_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* I will never again question Pamela Anderson's acting abilities, because running with style and grace in to the ocean takes real skill. I never managed to do it without tripping and face-planting once the water was more than ankle-deep.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="670" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3926/15004358840_eddb22acb5_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* Mr. SP will talk to <i>anyone</i>. For an extended period of time. I don't know if it's because he's truly interested in others, or if he was just desperate for conversation with someone other than us.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a-dfw.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10597425_1539558966263750_705235694_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://scontent-a-dfw.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10597425_1539558966263750_705235694_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="460" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/15168007096_1357cffbd0_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* Puerto Ricans are the kindest, most universally-attractive people of any we've encountered on our travels.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="642" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/15004460738_7043edd9d9_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* I'm not bothered by large cockroaches. As long as they are dead and laying feet-up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="551" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/15004548989_0ba604774f_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* Nail polish can fade and bleach out. By the end of our trip, my pink nails looked like I'd added a top coat of Liquid Paper.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="482" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/15190958782_b7c6298c3e_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* To live a minimalistic, simple life on a rustic, rough-around-the-edges, Caribbean island, you still need a big pot of money.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="690" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/15004767067_40ea0f7083_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="461" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/15190958262_61bba4cce1_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* Ripe plantains grilled in butter are life-changing. And people are super-impressed when you serve them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="437" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/15004458928_7ae440429a_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* If losing your top every time you body surf were an Olympic sport, I'd have the gold medal wrapped up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="489" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/15191038125_5dbb6dbbb4_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* When I get to heaven, after rejoicing with Jesus and all the loved ones that arrived before me, I'm going to ask God why he created no-see-ums. And mosquitoes. And why they loved my son so much.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="407" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/15004358180_f6bc0943a7_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* Okay, so 10 days with no TV was a bit of an exaggeration. #Impronetoit Mr. SP and I caved on day 8 and huddled around the laptop after the kids went to bed, and marathon-watched <i>The Killing</i> on Netflix. Wowza, that's a good show!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="544" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/15191330655_d51ec3b196_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* My daughter is growing into one of the bravest people I know. And that makes me so proud and excited for where that will take her, and also scares the crap out of me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="492" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/15004576557_00254d78a8_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="445" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/15004756228_971fa1e64f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />* I had some kind of preconceived notion that once our son turned 13, he'd turn into a surly, disinterested teen overnight. Now I know I underestimated him. He is thoughtful, engaged, and grateful. He also has a seriously nice head of hair. #priorities<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="433" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/15191143455_4bca15f725_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />* I have such a profound sense of gratitude for this life and family I've been gifted, and feel absolute contentment and happiness to be right where I am, with these precious people.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="470" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/15004566598_1d34c1a25d_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Okay, so I got a little sappy at the end of the list...but that's what 11-days of unplugging will do for you. I'm working on keeping some of those lessons with me now that we're back, and creating a less hectic life for us year-round, not just on vacation. Did you have any epiphanies...real or trivial..about yourself or your family this Summer? Do you think you could leave civilization behind for 11 days?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Vieques, PR" height="383" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/15168006686_5bc75551dd_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />For more details and travel tips for traveling to Vieques and Puerto Rico, check out these posts:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/04/trip-report-old-san-juan.html" target="_blank">Old San Juan</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/04/trip-report-el-yunque-national_22.html" target="_blank">El Yunque Rainforest</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/05/trip-report-island-of-vieques.html" target="_blank">Vieques Island</a></div>

25 Things I Learned on an 11-Day Vacation to a Rustic Island

I've loved every trip I've ever taken...even road-trips one town over...but most times I don't have the desire to go back to the...

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