Marcie... I have "Pata de Vaca" trees & seeds - color purple. I can send you a couple. I had white but I lost the tree with a previous years frost storm. Is there anyone who would trade purple for other color(s)?

First -- many congrats on the A+! Very impressive, you little over-achiever you! I'm so glad to hear your trip was a success. It certainly was well-deserved. I can;t wait to get back to the Cape in a few weeks. I always go to Chatham, on the "elbow." I've seen most of the Cape several times, but have never explored the Hyannis area. I think I will this time and also take a ferry over to Martha's Vineyard for a day. I'd also like to poke around Sandwich, too. Of coure, I want to loll on the beach, too! I may have to stay an extra week. I either stop in Mystic or Stonington on the way up or back. I like to drive through Newport and take the drive around Ocean Drive. So glad to hear the doggies did well. So sorry to hear that school starts soon, although I think you secretly like it since you are excelling! Glad you are safely home.

When we were married, we spent our honeymoon on St. Croix. and decided to visit other islands on subsequent vacations before finding the perfect place. Our next vacation was at Caneel Bay on St. John. We couldn't believe that we found the perfect spot on the second try, so we went elsewhere the next time. St. John was, in fact, the perfect island, so we kept coming back. Too bad that Caneel is no longer, and the other big hotels lack that charm. We enjoyed exploring the island, hiking and snorkeling. Low key, no night life, although I understand there is some night life in Cruz Bay, if that's your thing.

Ugh.. bummer on the dual voltage hair dryer and the CC hassles. I didn't have my beloved makeup on my trip OR my round brush. It was the things I used the morning of my departure that didnt make it to my luggage. I don't do a lot of primping-- but what I do do is apparently critical to my self image. I didnt feel like my best self any day we went out and about. Translation: I am more vain than I thought I was! Thanks for sharing your experience with the Bric's Bellagio! TJ Maxx and/or Marshalls has a number of pieces from the same line but in the cream and black colorway. I was tempted but I don't think I like the cream and black as much. Did you use the laptop pocket on this trip? I don't know that I would use it but curious if you think it is a good upgrade? Also thanks for sharing how well the Ella bag worked out. I have bought and returned an Ella bag twice. It is a little larger than I'd use regularly but I have a few trips coming up that I think it would be great for. Now to decide which of the many colors/patterns to get. I have a few months to think about it! Sorry to hear that you had issues with the new shoes/boots! The vionic boots worked for me right out of the box-- now I wasn't walking miles in them but I was walking in them! So glad you had a backup! I did wear my newly gifted Uggs a few days on my trip-- I had no issues but i am not sure Uggs count as "shoes" lol. I got my booster a little closer to my departure than I had planned (caught a stomach flu the day before my appt). I did get it 5 days before I left -- and I am glad to say no sickness on my trip! It did weigh on my mind on my 2 flights. I won't cut it so close for my next booster! I am excited to see your photos -- I think most cities are at their prettiest during the holidays!