I’ve been daydreaming about a Caribbean vacation ever since the Travel Channel taunted me with a special on the top 10 resorts in the Caribbean. I drooled and cooed over the crisp linens, poolside bars, fresh fish, flowing cocktails, and hot stone massages. The whispering breeze, lazily swaying palm trees, powdery sand, and sapphire blue waters put me over the top. I’d love to whisk my family away to Virgin Gorda, Caneel Bay, or Aruba. Bird and Deal have somehow been clued in to the wonder that is Atlantis in Paradise Island (aptly named, no?), but we’ve been ignoring them telling them it’s 20,000 leagues out of our league. They would love to frolic in the kids’ club and splash around in unabashed glee, while Mac Daddy and I would happily lounge by the water’s edge with a full drink, belly full of cockles, and the luxury of giving in to heavy eyelids. We might even be fit for an ad campaign and hold hands across our beach chairs. We’re a cliche kind of couple.
Alas, this dream vacation isn’t happening. The oppressive heat and brownish waters of my local town have shattered the daydream that the Travel Channel lulled me into. I’m left with mosquito ridden jaunts around the lake, fishing for tadpoles with a makeshift butterfly net, and picnicking on peanut butter and jelly at tables graffiti dressed with proclamations of high school love. AJ + TC clearly went to town with a pocket knife and a Sharpie. While I get my bloomers in a tizzy over the prickly heat of summer, I warm my cockles daydreaming of the Caribbean’s lush tropics and blue bays. And I’d be lying if I didn’t daydream about sporting some fantastic maxi dresses and a ribbon hat in every color from the San Diego Hat Company (my new fave!). And this is one rare occasion I wouldn’t even dream about shoes. These red painted toes are plum perfect to squeeze deep into the warm white sand.
Well, the Caribbean ain’t happenin’, but I can still throw on a great dress and a hat while I sip a fruity drink. Luckily I have a vivid imagination.
In the Tropics
2 ounces Malibu rum
2 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce lemonade
2 ounces sparkling white grape juice or Prosecco
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add rum and juices. Give it a stir. Plop in a few slices of whatever fruit you have on hand (I used frozen strawberries and blueberries).
Now sit back, close your eyes, and dream about resting in the lap of luxury at a Caribbean resort. Just don’t let Billy Ocean butt in and ruin the mood.