TBW and I just got back from a few days relaxing in South Beach (Miami Beach, FL). We enjoyed a few days in the sun…a pleasant diversion from our winter routine. TBW gets a bit down during the short winter days, so a trip towards the sun seems to brighten everything. When Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

We especially enjoyed the South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour. Here’s the photo from their website.

We learned that the Art Deco buildings that began to be built in the 1930s were getting torn down rapidly in the 1980s. One woman, Barbara Capitman, spearheaded a movement to save the Art Deco buildings. In fact, she got almost one square mile of South Beach on the National Register of Historic Places. After that coup, changes could only come slowly and with much deliberation. It’s cool to see the results when someone strives to make a difference. Here are a couple of my favorite photos from the walking tour.

We did our share of shopping on this trip and I loved the mannequin heads pictured below. What a great way for the retailer to differentiate themselves and get us in the store.

Of course, I had to work lots of extra hours before we left and more when we got home, but it’s good to get away…even if only for a few days. Spring seems much closer now.