Something New and Sparkly: The Vacation of a Lifetime

 Fabulous Felt Hibiscus Barrette

Dress: Nicole by Nicole Miller for JCPenney

Shoes: Bucco, Kohl's

Bag: Betsey Johnson, Macy's

Hat, Candie's, Kohl's

 Fabulous Felt Parrot Barrette

Blouse: Merona, Target

Skirt: Boscov's

Shoes: Qupid, Ami Clubwear

Bag: Loop, Marshalls

Sunglasses: Cloud Nine, Ocean City

Fabulous Felt Iris Barrette

Tee: So, Kohl's

Jeans: City Streets, JCPenney

Shoes: Journeys

Bag: Chinese Laundry, Bloomingsales Florist

Fabulous Felt Seashells Barrette

Tee: Wet Seal

Skirt: Necessary Objects, Annie Sez

Bag: Krystala Creations, Etsy

Shoes: BCBG, Macy's

The other day I saw a rerun of The Simpsons in which Bart is so disenchanted with the seemingly pointless  drudgery of everyday life that he decides to escape it all via a cruise.  Such a vacation is, of course, too expensive, so the whole family pitches in by selling old stuff to pay for it.  The Simpsons are soon having the time of their lives.  Homer and Marge are having "before you [the kids] were born" fun, Lisa connects with kids who are just as intellectual as she is, and Bart is so happy that he makes a phony broadcast about a crisis on shore, forcing the cruise to keep on cruising.  Just as in the classic Christmas Every Day, bliss quickly turns to battle as people fight for food and other resources.  Bart is finally forced to fess up, and everyone returns to the daily grind.  The episode ends with an old Bart in a hospital bed surrounded by pictures of his carefree younger self.  Bart looks at the pictures and smiles, showing us that, however fleeting, it's the good times that define our lives.  

So, what's the link between all that and these barrettes?  On the surface, not much save for the vacation factor (if seashells, parrots, and exotic flowers don't scream getaway, then I don't know what does).  Beneath the surface, a nod to cutting through the red tape of laundry and grocery shopping and other such trials to pursue something that makes you happy.

Who knew that Bart could be so deep?