@PlanetBrandee, LIVE from Florida! (Part 3)

Reconnecting with friends, riding motorbikes, and Thrift shopping at Daytona!

The waves are crashing, the salty air is refreshing, and the heat of the sun is beaming down on my shoulders like the embrace of an old friend. I’m nestled in a grove of palm trees overlooking the ocean and am enjoying my final days here under the blue skies of Florida. Yes, it’s hard to believe this fantastic trip is already winding down, but after such a freewheeling wanderlust adventure, it’s time to head back to New York City.

Today though, I’ll have a motorcycle ride along the shores of Daytona and another jaunt through local shops searching for some kitschy finds and souvenirs to take home to friends and family.

First stop: Nova Street Goodwill

Naturally, THE place for vintage and kitsch has been, and always will be for me, Goodwill. With the help of friendly employees, (thanks Elizabeth M!), I found a wedding platter perfect for repurposing and a silver tray set for the tea table I’ll have at an upcoming event. The housewares section here was off the wall amazing. It was a treasure trove with tons of kitsch, from velvetesque Elvis-inspired memorabilia to a shag throw that I WISH I had enough room to tow through TSA. BIG thanks to the sweet staff who made Nova Street Goodwill one of my fave shopping experiences to date!

Second Stop: The shores of Daytona

I’m taking another motorcycle ride with friends along the shoreline and enjoying the exhilarating feeling of wind whipping my hair, a bookbag full of thrifted goodies and the joy of spending time with great people. High-fives, spirited conversations about life, and long bear hugs wrap-up what could be the sweetest trip I’ve taken in a long time. Although travel is an adventure, and new places are fun, staying connected with friends, old and new, is really what makes my treks so incredible. For me, it’s not just about the things we acquire or the new things we instagram, it’s about re-connecting and finding value in small, truthful and simple things in life.

Final destination: Flying back to NYC

As I board my plane, that all too familiar sense of nostalgia for a place I’ve come back to after so many years sets in. Having lived in Florida many moons ago, it was a bitter sweet hello and goodbye and it makes me reflect. I don’t know if there’s a name for this emotion, but it’s like saying goodbye to someone you know you’ll see again, even if it takes a long while. I do know that I have a massive takeaway though. From diving into blue ocean waters to dining on delicious seafood and shopping like a madman, this has been SUCH an excellent adventure!

After we taxi, my plane begins ascending. Below me, I see strips of sand and I know, maybe sooner than later, I’ll be back to the Seminole state for another dance under its sun.

There’s much waiting for me back in Manhattan, a new video series, a website launch and even an colorful and utterly mind blowing rooftop engagement party, (shhhh-that’s STILL for another blog!), so get ready because in June it’s all systems go and you don’t want to miss it! Stay tuned for my next blog where we discover some seriously fun adventures! Follow my treks on Twitter and Instagram @PlanetBrandee – till then, see you on the streets!