Whether you’re attached or single this Valentine’s Day, Sadie would like to share something with you…
Her bedroom “come hither” eyes. Seductive Sleepy, no?
She’s feeling rather frisky for 7:30 a.m., huh?
Sadie had us laughing pretty hard this morning. You’d think she owns this place…
She’s a little love machine. 
Workout
My day started the way most weekdays seem to around here… at the gym! I did almost the exact same workout I did on Saturday morning, only much earlier. Ryan and I were up at 4:45 a.m. to sneak in some exercise before the day really starts goin’. We wanted to walk Sadie together before he left for work and I needed an early start so I can finish up some work before hitting the road around lunchtime.
Heading to Sanibel
I am heading to Sanibel Island today!
My mom, grandma, sister and I will all be staying on the island through the weekend and the guys, my aunt and cousin are joining us Friday through Sunday. I cannot wait for quality family time!
My grandma has reserved a condo on Sanibel Island in February for as long as I can remember and whenever our schedules allow it, we try to join her. I will still be blogging and working a bit since I have some freelance deadlines that I need to hit while I’m out there, but I have a feeling working on the beach is going to be pretty sweet! I also worked a lot this weekend, so I’m hoping my early efforts will allow for free time with the family and help this trip feel more like a vacation!
If you’re from Sanibel or Captiva and have any “must do” recommendations for us, please send them our way! We went last year and had a blast at the Mad Hatter restaurant and The Bubble Room and can’t wait to explore some more.
Breakfast
This morning breakfast was one of my favorite staples.
I made myself an egg white sandwich with cheddar cheese and raspberry jelly, plus a side of 2 percent Greek yogurt with added honey.
And coffee to wake me UP!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Question of the Morning
Just for fun…
- What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?
Though I love the romance of Valentine’s Day, I remember loving Valentine’s Day as a child just as much. My mom always made heart-shaped pancakes on Valentine’s Day morning. I remember spending hours decorating my valentine “mail box” that each student at my elementary school would place on their desk to collect valentines from classmates. So silly to think about it now, but it was a lot of fun!
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Awww Sadie is so cute, how can we resist?
Happy Valentine’s Day! Give Sadie squishes from her loyal followers, I think we’d all love to love on that dog if she’d let us 😛
My favorite memory of Valentine’s day was last year actually. I was at work, talking to my coworker about how my hubby isn’t big on making an elaborate thing of V-Day, and how it didn’t really bother me, but ya know, a little something would be nice…. and before I could even finish my sentence, the elevator doors open (I sit at the Front Desk) and off steps my hubbers with a huge bouquet of flowers.
Yes, my jaw fell, and I made some sort of sound like, “ufffgghhhuhhhhddd”
Huge surprise. And I LOVE surprises!
aww! 10 points for the hubby!
Have a blast in Sanibel. That sounds absolutely perfect right now! I hope you enjoy this time with your family!
thanks, katie! 🙂
Hah, I love the pictures of Sadie and the captions! She is way too cute 🙂
Have so much fun in Sanibel! It sounds like its going to amazing to get away for a while. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
I love the non-romantic aspect of Valentine too! I bought a single red rise for each of my single girlfriends today- spread the love!
YES! i sent valentines to my family and friends, too. spread the LOVE. 🙂
Since my birthday is on Friday and so close to Valentines day, when I was 8 or 9 my much older brother, who was away at college, send me two dozen preach roses! We are so close, and it was always hard for me when he wasn’t home a lot, so getting that from him for the combined celebrations was fantastic! Happy Valentines Day 🙂
Check out the Mucky Duck on Captiva. They have a cute outdoor bar and access right to the beach. It’s an AWESOME place to watch the sunset. (Parking is a bear though). Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is pretty good too.
Have a great Valentine’s Day!
I absolutely loveee Sanibel. It’s so beautiful out there! I was going to recommend the bubble room but looks like you already went there. Have fun 😀
Sadie is adorable!! My favourite V-Day memory is my mum always giving my sister and I singing cards and sweeties. Now we get gift cards, but she still does the singing cards to and it still totally freaks me out when I open them up and the noise starts!
Hahah Sadie is to cute! Happy Valentines 😀
Have a fantastic trip and don’t work TOO hard! 😉
This year some of my really good friends, sent their friends Valentine’s. Here I was thinking it was their wedding invitation. Totally a fun surprise!
haha sadie is so stinkin cute.
the best valentine’s day memories were when i was little… my mom would get us all little gifts with candy, vday socks, headbands, shirts, etc. i was always so excited to see what she got us. some day i’d love to do that with our kids!
Sadie is too cute… my pup did not want to get out of bed this morning either. My dad has always sent my sister and me flowers for Valentine’s Day every since we were little. Now I’m 27 and married and I still love getting flowers from my dad… it’s always been a special memory!
Sadie is absolutely adorable!! Your week sounds like it is going to be lots of fun! I think I asked this before but maybe you didn’t see it, but your sandwiches always look so good! I was just wondering if you use the mini bagels or the regular?
These are Alternative Bagels… they’re not mini, but they’re not as huge as regular bagels. Last weekend I used Thomas’ regular size wheat bagles. I don’t discriminate and typically buy whatever wheat bagels are on sale.
Working on the beach is amazing! Sometimes a little distracting, but I guarantee you’ll enjoy it!
That second picture of Sadie made me laugh out loud! Dogs are so funny.
I love making Valentine’s Day cards! I made an awesome one for my husband and then I made two for a couple of my friends today! They’re kinda silly….
http://washingtondandc.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-valentines-day.html
One of my favorite Valentine’s memories is one from college. Sophomore year, my friend’s mom who lived pretty close to us had us to her house for a girls Valentine’s dinner. She had goodie bags all prepared for us, decorated little champagne glasses filled with candy, and gave us a speech on why as long as we have friends we didn’t need boys! It was super cute and I always think back to that 🙂
Athena, that sounds like an AWESOME way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and your friend’s mom is brilliant! I’ve had boyfriends for valentine’s day and I had a husband for many Valentine’s Day’s (not anymore though, divorced for many years!) But my favorite Valentine’s Day memories are with my mom, sister, my kids and gir’s night’s out back in college. She gave you some very smart advice!
Bridgette
that is so neat!!
Oh you have to have breakfast at THE ISLAND COW! I grew up in Sanibel and my boyfriend and I always make a point to stop by on our baseball spring training road trip– the cow is awesome and funky and they give you delightful little muffins!
Having an amazing card box was KEY – I always wanted to have the best homemade valentines too. 🙂
How fun to have a girls’ weekend at Sanibel!
I had a really great Valentine’s last year when I arrived home and found a huge basket of all my favorite desserts from different bakeries around town– carrot cake from one, chocolate cake from another, grocery store sheet cake (my FAVORITE! :)), etc. It was really cute that my Valentine had gone all those separate places. 🙂
My favorite Valentine’s Day was with my now ex-boyfriend at a Toby Keith concert…I’m not really big on Val’s Day so I loved that we could celebrate, but not in an overly gushy way – everyone was happy!
Incidentally, his parents live on Sanibel in the winter and I wanted to also recommend the Lazy Flamingo for lunch if you like oysters! Enjoy!
It’s my favorite because it’s so bizarre – getting a can of beef stew and a potted plant from my students’ karate instructor. I brought it home and put it on the table in our dorm…my roommate and I had a good laugh every time we walked past it.
I love V-Day and always have. My mom and dad used to always give me cards and candy (waiting for me before school), and I always felt so special and loved.
The first year that my boyfriend and I were dating, he had my roommates sneak him into my room and he left a heart-shaped bowl filled with green and blue M&Ms on my bed and tulips on my bedside table (my favorites!). It was so sneaky and wonderful, and I loved him for it (still do!)
You should go to the Island Cow for breakfast/brunch/lunch. It’s a fun atmosphere and has really great food (not very pricey)!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Best Valentine’s day memory was when we were seeing each other long distance (West Coast/East Coast Canada), and I somehow, magically got to go home to see my man for Valentine’s Day.
When I went to Sanibel, we went to the Lazy Flamingo resturant/bar at least twice! It was really good 🙂
Sadie is precious! Lordy! Fave v-day memory would have to be waking up to two of every Lindor truffle, it was a yummy breakfast and a very lovely post-chocolate spree nap.
My favorite valentine’s day memory has always been buying myself a big box of chocolates, and enjoying them guilt-free while watching movies or bad TV. Even though I now have a Valentine in my life, I still love my little tradition!
my favorite memory is valentine’s day in elementary school where everyone would bring cards and candy… so fun!
My favorite Valentine’s memories are from elementary school. The suspense of wondering what the cute boy will give you and trying to decipher its cryptic, cartoon meaning 😛
Happy Valentine’s DAY! What a great way to do it–on an island! SOunds awesome 🙂
My fav memory is yes, decorating those mailboxes and getting tons and tons of valentines from friends!
My mom and I go every year to Sanibel. We like the Blue Giraffe for lunch, and Metaluna’s had some good Italian food (not too expensive). Also, the Over Easy Cafe has some yummy breakfast options and there are some cute shops next door. (Of course, like the others said… Island Cow for the experience – it’s busy though… so show up early or see if you can make reservations).
What a fun trip you have planned! It is especially nice you can enjoy some girl time with your family before everyone else arrives 🙂 I have never been to Sanibel, but I hear it is beautiful!
I agree, my best V-day memories are probably from grades K-3, when we’d go all out decorating the “mailboxes” and give each other those cute tear away valentine’s. So much fun 🙂
Have a great “mini” vacation even though you might have to work. Where did your get your coffee mug with your initial on it? I need one. LOL. Thanks.
anthropologie!
Before my husband and I started dating he asked me to be his Valentine and I said no. He is 5 years older then me and when I was 18 (i had just moved to a new city and started college) that seemed like A LOT older. I was a little nervous to start a relationship with him even though I had a pretty big crush. He still drove to my apartment super early in the morning, which was out of his way for work, and left roses on my car. His car was getting worked on at the time so he rode his motorcycle and by some miracle the roses were not ruined! We have been married for 5 years and have shared many romantic moments but that is definitely my favorite Valentine’s Day memory :).
love this story!
My favorite memories are like yours – decorating our shoeboxes to be Valentine mailboxes. I remember the foil, red & pink construction paper, glitter, fun cartoon character cards – I was just saying last week at work that I kinda miss that (even though I’m 29!) 🙂
Have fun on Sanibel! I’ve never been, but would like to – I’ve heard of several people who go every year & love it.
My favorite valentine’s day was when my boyfriend made me dinner and then a special dessert named after me (Jordan) using fruit that started with each letter of my name. It was really really delicious! and SO SWEET!
Hey Julie–have a great time on the island–I grew up there. Best place ever. As far as restaurant recommendations go, I would highly recommend the Lazy Flamingo for lunch (did you guys already go there last year? I can’t remember) and The Jacaranda for a fancier dinner. AMAZING food. Pinocchio’s Ice Cream would be a good stop for you too since you’re an ice cream lover! Mad Hatter and Bubble Room are fantastic as you already know. Someone further up in the comments recommended the Mucky Duck (or “The Duck” as the locals call it, haha) – and I agree! They have a great outdoor atmosphere. You can order outside and share a bucket of Coronas with your family on their picnic tables and play the ring-toss game.
The other thing I might recommend, if you guys haven’t done it before, is renting bikes to tour around the island. If you really wanna get crazy, you can rent a surrey – four person, four wheeled bicycle thing – really looks more like a car, actually. They’re a RIOT. When I was little my girlfriends and I would save our money and pool it together to rent one once a year during summer break and we’d wreak havoc. It was hands down the best day of the summer. I think you guys would find them very amusing as well 🙂
Have a wonderful time!
OH MY GOSH! i want to do the surrey!!! this comment made me laugh! and thank you for all of the recommendations. do you have any favorite dishes at the jacaranda?
I haven’t been to the Jacaranda in a very long time (since freshman year of college, I think), so I don’t have any particular dishes to recommend. I glanced at their menu just now, though – http://www.jacarandaonsanibel.com/menu.html – and everything looks delish. They’ve been on Sanibel in the same location for 20+ years and it’s a legendary place 🙂
Also here is the bike rental website, with a picture of the surrey, in case you really do decide to do it! I know the pictures would be priceless! http://www.billysrentals.com/bikes/bike-special/
Have fun! Can’t wait to keep reading your recaps!
I think my fondest Valentine’s Day memories were from elementary school too. I loved picking out the conversation hearts for each person’s valentine…had to make sure I wasn’t giving the wrong idea with the verbiage of some of those suckers. I also loved the V-day double date with you and Ryan 🙂
me too! that was one of my favorites!
OMG I LOVE SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA!!!!!! Ahhhh I’m so jealous! My friend has a condo on Sanibel and I used to go down there with her for spring break some years during middle and high school. The Bubble room was definitely our favorite restaurant! You should also check out the Mucky Duck! I have a cute sweatshirt from there and often get stopped when I’m wearing it by people who recognize it! Oh, and go to Pinnochio’s ice cream! We would love to walk there and get ice cream and walk back with it!
Hmm, one of my favorite memories was before my boyfriend and I were together – we hadn’t even officially revealed we liked each other.. I was in grad school and when we had talked a few days before V-day I’d mentioned I had no plans and was going to get myself of cheapo Trader Joe’s wine (aka “2 Buck Chuck”). On Valentine’s Day, much to my surprise, I got a bouquet of red roses delivered to my apartment, with a note that said they were to go with my 2 Buck Chuck. 🙂 Corny but adorable and I remember I couldn’t stop smiling that he’d taken the time (he was busy/Active Duty mil) to make my day more special.
In 5th grade my dad had a crosage delivered to the school for me. I was sooooo proud.
Oh, this is so sweet! I got a little teary at the thought of how adorable that is.
Yea, when my dad delivered me a birthday cake in high school I was on top of the world!
aw, how sweet!
Three years ago today was when my husband proposed, it’s my favorite valentines day memory. This year was pretty awesome (we celebrated it yesterday) he surprised me with flowers and a gift card to get a manicure : )
His gift is on it’s way, whiskey stones to keep his whiskey cold but undiluted, I think he’s going to like it!
I read your blog everyday but have never commented. But today I just HAD to! My family has been going to Sanibel every Spring Break for the past 50 years (with me for the last 23!) Its truly my favorite place on earth!
If you’re up for a little adventure, I suggest going to Ding Darling and doing the kayak/canoe scenic paddle through the inlets, you’ll see lots of birds, possibly manatees, and dolphins.
And definitely try to get to the Pink Flamingo for dinner. If you like oysters, they have a great raw bar along with other island dinner staples! Have fun! Looking forward to reading about your fun trip.
how fun! i definitely want to go to the lazy flamingo!
OMG! I love Sadie :). Dogs have the best “sleepy eyes”. Happy Valentine’s Day to you guys.
awe i love this post. sadie is so funny!
Ooo I love Sanibel and Captiva! You must go to the Mucky Duck! (http://www.muckyduck.com/) We went YEARS ago and still talk about how fun it was. Loved the Bubble Room too! Have fun! =)
I also recommend the Mucky Duck! Might be my all-time favorite restaurant. I’ve been going to Captiva/Sanibel my entire life (we stay on Captiva, though) and we always go at least 2x a trip. If you like shrimp, you can’t beat the shrimp sampler. GREAT place to watch the sunset and the wait staff is awesome – they play funny practical jokes on customers all the time; ask for a window seat! 😉
Island Cow is another must-do — it’s good for all meals but I would recommend going for breakfast if you’re just going to go once.
As far as other activities, Captiva Cruises does a fun dolphin cruise that leaves from South Seas Resort.
man! everyone is saying great things about the mucky duck! sounds like a must try!
Have so much fun in Sanibel! I am looking forward to reading about it. We are taking a family vacation to Captiva this summer (my aunt is actually getting married there!)!!
*Over Easy Cafe