I recently got a message from a customer letting me know that she had purchased a Georgia necklace for guy in a band that she likes. She said they just came out with a new song and he was wearing it in the video. I’m sure she was pretty excited and so was I! I watched the video and it was really cool to see it pop up here and there. Oh So ANTSY had made it’s first music video appearance. Pretty cool. I liked the song but had never heard of the band before. I wrote back to my customer and she filled me on on the band. Actually before I fill you in (just in case you haven’t heard of them) watch the video first.
You may now know that the name of the band is Home Free and they are an a capella group. So basically every single note and percussion sound you hear is all made with their mouths! Right?! Maybe you want to watch it again now. Super impressed. She also told me they won Season 4 of The Sing Off on NBC and the lovely gentleman wearing my Georgia necklace is Austin Brown. I hear through the grapevine that he’s been wearing the necklace all the time! It sure makes me happy and I can bet the gift giver too. It’s nice to see a well appreciated gift.
I had never been to a tropical location and knew that my next trip would involve blue waters and warm weather. We narrowed it down to Central America and finally chose Belize because we could lounge on the beach, hang out in the jungle and see some Mayan ruins.
Why can’t you stop talking about it?
The weather was so nice. Of course we had a few days that were cloudy and rainy but the warm nights sure made up for it! I really enjoyed being able to wear the same outfit through the whole day. I miss that from my time living in Austin. Also the water really is that blue!
When we first arrived we stayed on Caye Caulker and the general attitude on the island is to slow down. It was frustrating at first but once we settled into that mindset it was really calming and forced us to relax, look around, and enjoy the present.
I’m also a nut for tropical fruit so on one of the rainy days Walker and I went to one of the produce stands and I picked out a whole bunch of fruit. Then we brought it back to the place we were staying and tried them all. It might not sound thrilling but it was one of my favorite days.
Do you have a funny travel story?
While we were staying on Caye Caulker we took a day trip Ambergris Caye. We spent the day in the water and when we returned to the ferry and were waiting in line I was only wearing a long tank top and my bathing suit. I had been waiting for my bottoms to dry a bit before putting on my shorts and I figured while I was waiting it would be a good time to put the shorts back on. I reached in my bag and pulled my shorts out not realizing was that my underwear were still inside. When I went to put them on they fell to the ground. Typically this wouldn’t be a big deal-just bend over pick them up and no one is the wiser. BUT…they fell right on the foot of the young girl standing next to me. (oh the horror). For a split second I considered leaving them there and pretending they weren’t mine but I packed light and knew I’d need them later on the trip. So I bent down as gracefully as I could manage and picked them up mumbling something about if they were my bathing suit bottoms it wouldn’t be that bad. I tried to act cool but as the girl and her young friend began giggling (I mean who wouldn’t?!) I felt the embarrassment of my junior high self. In a perfect world we would have parted ways immediately and I could pretend like it never happened but of course we all were on the ferry together. As least they seemed to be over their giggle fit and I began to think of it as my funny travel story I could share. Also I learned a valuable lesson. Always take your underwear out of your shorts…just in case.
Any tips for someone traveling to Belize for the first time?
Yes! We were there for 12 days. We spent 5 days on Caye Caulker, 4 days in the jungle, and then 2 days back at the beach, and a final day near the airport. I would say 5 days on Caye Caulker was a bit too long but it was nice to have extra time to really and truly relax. After the island we traveled into the jungle for some adventures. My friend who traveled with us found this great place called Martz Farms (read more about that here). We all fell in love with the family and all they do for their guests. I highly, highly recommend a stay there.
How did you commemorate your trip to Belize?
While we were traveling I wore a Belize necklace and when I got back it was a great way for me to keep my memories close. We also bought a blanket while we were there and I love looking at it on our bed at home. And finally a little while after our trip I made one of my favorite meals from Belize for my friends (although it wasn’t nearly as good). It was a fun reminder of our trip and a way to share it with our friends.
When I first left my home state 6 years ago I had no idea how much I would miss it. When I first started OhSoANTSY I was really looking for a way to feel more connected to home and the people I love. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was certainly not alone. Through my journey I’ve met so many people who were also looking for reminders of people and places they love. I’m looking forward to sharing some of my stories and well as some of the ones I’ve heard along the way. First up is my love letter to my home state: Michigan.
What is your connection to Michigan? Why is it special to you?
I was born and raised in Michigan and I lived there until I was 25. It’s where my parents and grandparents are from. I was born in Grosse Point, Michigan. We lived in St. Clair Shores and Bay City before we moved to northeastern Michigan where I spent most of my years. My mom lives on the west side of the state and I went to college in Kalamazoo (WMU). My dad and I have taken numerous trips to the upper peninsula and each time I fall more and more in love with it’s uniqueness and beauty. My mom and I take an annual camping trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and even though we basically do the same thing every year I always find something new and I never get sick of the views. I have countless memories in Michigan and to me it’s one of the most beautiful places because it’s home.
I’m sure you have many stories but can you share a special memory?
When we were growing up my dad decided that instead of presents he would gift us a memory. Basically one of us would choose a trip and we’d go on it together. For my 18th birthday I asked to go on a family history tour of Detroit. I wanted to see where my grandparents grew up, where family members were buried, hear stories about what they did for fun, where they worked, and anything else that came up along the way. It was such an interesting day and it was so fun to try and visualize what Detroit looked like when my grandparents were growing up.
Any advice? Best places to see or where eat?
If you’ve never been to Michigan I highly recommend a visit. The summer is great because you can take a swim in a lake but the fall is beautiful when the leaves are turning. Watch at least one sunset or sunrise depending on which lake you’re on. The upper peninsula is a bit of a trek but there is so much history and so much to explore. If you make it all the way to Hancock, MI take a tour of Quincy Mine. Michigan also has some really great beer! I’m a bit partial to Bell’s because I went to school in Kalamazoo (where the brewery is located). Their beer garden in the summer would be a fun place to go. I could go on and on about all the places to see but the best thing is discovering and exploring for yourself. Although if you’re interested to know more just ask.
How do you represent your love for Michigan?
I wear a tiny gold Michigan necklace almost every day. Before I started wearing the necklace I bought a t-shirt with the great lakes on it. It’s still my favorite shirt to wear which is evident from the holes starting to form in the arm pits. Also I talk about Michigan all the time. Whenever I hear anyone say Michigan I nearly always butt in to talk about how awesome it is. It’s how I met one of my friends in Seattle. I heard her mention Michigan and we started talking, she ordered a Michigan necklace from me, and we’ve been friends ever since.
To shop more Michigan related jewelry and other states and countries head over to the shop.
