Good morning! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We’ve arrived in Florida and are trying to unbox and get settled as much as possible. Here’s what else we were up to this past week!
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What We’ve Been Up To
I’m combining a few usual sections here today, as our home projects and actual life seemed to blur together this past week! Early in the week, we were wrapping up all last-minute packing tasks. Wednesday evening, we picked up the UHauls (a 26′ truck and an enclosed trailer we could pull behind our SUV), had dinner at Roja with our BFFs, and then got to loading the UHaul Thursday morning.
We had hired a two-man crew to help us load the UHaul (thru UHaul services). We hired them for four hours, thinking that would be plenty of time. But it’s always such a Tetris-like puzzle trying to maximize space so loading takes so much time. They were able to completely load the 26′ truck and then we had to load the trailer ourselves with the help of our brother-in-law, which took about four hours after they left. Lesson learned – we should have booked them longer than we needed.
We had to leave some items behind because they just wouldn’t fit and/or we decided we didn’t need to bring them along. Thankfully, we rented the house back for the full month, and we’re heading back this coming weekend for our friend’s birthday. So, we’ll be able to wrap up everything else (and weren’t as stressed about it on moving day) when we’re back next weekend. I then have cleaners scheduled for the following week!
It definitely wasn’t easy leaving this house we called home for so long! And even more difficult was saying “see you soon” to family and friends that really made this home so special to us. Lots of hugs (and tears)!
Friday morning we left bright and early, loaded up with coffee from our BFFs. Our brother-in-law drove the 26′ truck, while we towed the trailer with our SUV. Kurtis did all the driving while I managed the cats. They all did really well this time around, but it’s a constant job, since they want to move where they’re sitting/sleeping/etc. I’m basically along to cater to their needs and my comfort level is of zero concern to them 😉 I always sit in the backseat so I have easier access to their kennel. Bailey usually sleeps down at my feet and the other two change locations every 10 minutes or so. Ha!
We drove the first 12 hours on Friday and made it to Franklin, TN for the night. We then finished up the trip bright and early Sunday morning. We arrived around 2:30 (thanks to a lot of traffic headed this way) and met the unloaders. We hired two guys on this end, as well, to basically bring everything into the rooms where we had everything labeled. I was trying to unbox as they unloaded, but by the end of the night it was pretty clear that was a losing battle 😉 Going from nearly 6,000 square feet to nearly 2,000 square feet is not an easy task (even with tons of purging and donation runs)! We also brought some items I plan to take over to Hola Beaches, so the single stall garage is a bit of a mess, as well. But we’ll get there!
We asked my brother-in-law what we could do for him in an effort to thank him for all his time and effort with this move. He really just wanted a few extended days in Florida with some golf and to hang out. A pretty easy ask! Sunday the guys had a morning tee time followed by lunch and watching football. I spent that time unboxing as much of the house as possible. I got rid of a lot of boxes but we still have a ways to go. The cats got to break in their new “catio” and I think they’re really loving it already!
I also got my office 50% of the way unpacked, but at least I could set up my “desk”. I’m using a 6′ folding table for now, as the desk I ordered doesn’t arrive until January, and the new buyers of our home purchased our old desks. Bailey was happy to see me back into a semi-routine!
We’re so happy to be here! Beach people for life! This top is a recent favorite, and so perfect if you’re in a climate that has a bit warmer temps for fall!
MY OUTFIT DETAILS (basically what I could find at the top of boxes, not a coordinate look 😉 ): Block Print Top | Sweatshirt | Raw Hem Cropped Jeans | Sunglasses
Here’s the hero of the trip – our brother-in-law Pat! Sunday night, we headed down to the beach to watch sunset and grab some dinner. The locals always swear October is the best month here, and we’re quickly seeing why. There are far fewer tourists, the water is warm, and the sunsets are spectacular!
Absolute beauty everywhere you look!
The dragonflies were out in full force yesterday and it was pretty incredible to see. That sunset wasn’t too bad either 😉 This spot is where one of the dune lakes flows to the gulf, and the reflection is always so pretty! I dont’ know how this could ever get old! I was so excited to run into my old blogging friend Heather at dinner! She’s on vacation with family and we hadn’t seen each other since our last time in NYC together for Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker event. Such a fun surprise!
That about wraps up our week! I’m hoping to start posting fairly regularly again, in between all the unpacking and organizing. There are also a lot of incredible sales going on right now (more on that below) since Amazon announced a second Prime Day that starts at midnight tonight! Despite the warm weather and nearby palm trees, retailers are switching into holiday mode, and I’m here for it!
We’re eager to get settled and into a routine here in Florida. Its been a hectic few months for us since we made the decision to move back in late March. As I mentioned above, we’re headed back to Omaha this weekend. We’ll fly back with our brother-in-law, I’ll stay for two days, and then Kurtis has some meetings he needs to attend there the following week. But after that, I’m hoping we can really start to make Florida feel like home. We love it here so much! Thanks for bearing with me these past months and all the chaos of my schedule. But I feel confident that my content from here will be much more consistent and I’m excited to share even more ideas and designs with you!
Once we get a smidge more settled, I share some images of our new home. They still haven’t started our new build yet, so I’m pretty sure we’ll be in this house for at least another year. We’re already looking into some budget-friendly upgrades we can make to maximize the smaller spaces (and lack of storage) so I’ll be sharing that along the way as well! I’m also trying to be better about being more active on my Instagram, and sharing real-time updates as they happen. We’re considering this move an adventure and are just so happy and grateful to be near the beach full-time now!
Top Sellers Of The Week
Following are the top sellers of the past week across all of my channels. Links to each item are below the graphic.
BEST SELLERS (each number is clickable): #5 | #4 | #3 | #2 | #1
In Case You Missed It
Following are the posts I shared over the past week, in case you missed some days!
Following are the most read blog posts of last week (excluding any of the new posts already mentioned above). Many times this includes old posts that are popular on Google or Pinterest.
Recent Buys & Sales
Following are some sale from the weekend that have carried over and are still going strong!
- AMAZON has a number of daily deals happening now! You can shop their site here.
- ANN TAYLOR is offering 25% off your purchase with code CELEBRATE. You can shop their site here.
- ANNIE SELKE is offering 20% off in-stock rugs for two days only with code ELEVATE. You can shop their site here.
- ANTHROPOLOGIE is offering an additional 30% off sale items in their sale section thru tonight (prices update at checkout). You can shop their site here.
- BALLARD DESIGNS is offering 20-70% off sitewide! You can shop their sale here.
- BODEN is offering 25% off when you spend $150+ with code F7Y3! You can shop their site here.
- GAP is offering 40% off full-priced styles with code TREAT, an extra 50% off sale styles with code GOSHOP, and an extra 10% off regular-priced styles with code ADDIT. You can shop their sale here.
- J CREW is offering 40% off your purchase as well as an extra 60% off sale styles with code SHOPFALL! You can shop their site here.
- J CREW FACTORY is offering 50% off sitewide, plus $10 off every $50 you spend with code MUCHMORE! You can shop their sale here.
- KIRKLANDS is offering up to 60% off their site. You can shop their site here.
- LOFT is offering 30% off your purchase with code LOVEU. You can shop their sale here.
- LULULEMON has added a bunch of popular items to their sale section. You can shop their site here.
- MADEWELL is offering an additional 40% off sale styles with code FALLYALL. You can shop their site here.
- MARK & GRAHAM is offering up to 70% off select sale styles as well as up to 40% off bags and accessories. You can shop their site here.
- MARSHALL’s has a number of deals sitewide plus free shipping on orders of 89+ with code SHIP89. You can shop their site here.
- MICHAELS is offering 30% off one regular priced item with code 30AORPI1010. You can shop their site here.
- NORDSTROM has a number of new items added to their sale section. You can shop their site here.
- OLD NAVY is offering 50% off pants and 30% off your purchase – no code required. You can shop their sale here.
- OVERSTOCK is hosting 72 hour flash deals sitewide! You can shop their sale here.
- POTTERY BARN is hosting their Warehouse Sale, with up to 60% off tons of items. You can shop their sale here.
- REJUVENATION is hosting a Warehouse Sale with up to 40% off tons of items. You can shop their site here.
- RUGS USA is hosting their Early Fall Blowout Sale with up to 75% off rugs! You can shop their site here.
- SERENA & LILY is offering 20% off sitewide (including sale) with code HOMELOVE. You can shop their sale here.
- SUMMERSALT is offering up to 60% off 1000s of items sitewide! You can shop their site here.
- TARGET is offering Black Friday deals NOW, including price-matching if the price falls at a later date on their site. You can shop their site here.
- TJ MAXX has a number of deals sitewide and is offering free shipping on orders $89+ with code SHIP89! This pair of dining chairs is back in stock! It’s the armless version of the ones we have in the pool house, and a great S&L look for less! This gorgeous rattan cabinet is also back in stock! You can shop their site here.
- TORY BURCH has a number of new items in their sale section. You can shop their site here.
- TUCKERNUCK has a bunch of cute items in their sale section. You can shop their site here.
- WILLIAMS SONOMA is offering up to 75% off clearance items. You can shop their site here.
- WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME is offering up to 75% off clearance item. You can shop their site here.
- WORLD MARKET is offering 10% off curbside and store pickups to members (it’s free to join)! You can shop their site here.
I hope you all have a great week!
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Lori R. says
Congrats you two! Thank you for sharing pictures of your road trip and details I know how nerve wrecking a long distance move can be to plan and orchestrate…and you did it with photos! Glad the cats have become somewhat better road trippers😉 love your new home and the catio, clearly they luv it!
Looking forward to see how your new beach life unfolds, enjoy!
Sarah says
Thank you so much Lori! They were definitely troopers, and helped relieve some of the tension at times. We’re excited for beach life too!
Caroline L says
Thank you for sharing and congratulations on the move! I’m impressed with how much you’ve been able to post and share with everything you’ve had going on. I’m very happy for you guys and can’t wait to see what you do with this and the next house in Florida! Enjoy those gorgeous sunsets and amazing beach! Do you know young house love? I think they’re close by you 😁 Good luck with all the unpacking. Thanks for taking us along!
Sarah says
Thank you! And yes, I have met John and Sherry and I believe they live about 15 minutes away from me 🙂
Laura Nickelson says
Laura
Kim says
Welcome to Florida! So glad you are here! 😎
Sarah says
Thank you so much! So excited to be here!
Anne Davis says
PLEASE register to vote there before this election!!!
Sarah says
We were actually planning to go today but it was closed for an in-service day. We’ll be going later this week!
Linda Grubbs says
Happy for you to get this move under your belt! After next week you can REALLY consider yourself Floridians! Love the Catio for the kitties…looks like they love it too. Looking forward to more stuff from you…but you really do get a “pass” for a while. (unpacking and all) SO happy for you “beach people!!!”
Also I was happy to see that you live close to John and Sherry (Young House Love) they seem like terrific people!
Sarah says
Thank you so much Linda! Lots to do still, but so happy to be here 🙂
Sue says
You made it, so happy for you!
Sarah says
Thank you so much, Sue!
Linda Swysgood says
I am stunned by your failure to even mention the hurricane. it is tone-deaf and shallow.
Sarah says
Hi Linda – I have mentioned the hurricane multiple times, in both blog and Instagram posts. Of course I am concerned for them and know people personally affected by it and continue to pray for all of them. Please don’t make the assumption that isn’t the case if I don’t bring it up in every blog post.
Linda Swysgood says
Interesting. I have a home in Fort Myers. I read your blog every week which is sent to email and I have seen no mention of it.
Sarah says
Here you go if you’d like to read it, in the first full paragraph (posted back on 9/28): https://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/wednesday-watch-list-383/. I’ve also posted several times on Instagram stories. You have my prayers, and I hope you and your family & friends are safe and rebuilding goes well.
Linda Swysgood says
As that was the day of the hurricane, I missed that one.