The beach!
Without a doubt, that’s what I’m loving most on this beautifully sunny Friday morning!
I am popping in today from our family vacation on Sanibel Island and even though I’m trying to do my best to unplug, relax and immerse myself in family fun, I still wanted to chat with you guys for a little bit and share your weekly Things I’m Loving Friday post where we all chime in and talk about what we’re loving most each week. Please feel free to join in the fun in the comments section of this post!
Have a great weekend, my friends!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Long Bike Ride with Leslie
Yesterday my sister and I went on a 3+ hour late morning bike ride. We made it from Sanibel all the way to the end of Captiva Island and back and couldn’t get over how perfect the weather was for a ride outside. It’s been a little too chilly for bikinis at the beach so far, but biking in crops and a long-sleeve top felt fantastic! Since 100 percent of the biking I usually do takes place on a spin bike, it felt fantastic to actually go somewhere during a ride and you know I’ll never complain about gorgeous ocean views!
- Lazy Flamingo Seafood Pot
On Wednesday night, we headed out to the Lazy Flamingo, one of our favorite casual seafood restaurants on Sanibel Island and immediately ordered “The Pot” to share. The Pot is a Lazy Flamingo staple and clams and oysters are cooked with spices, onion and celery. It’s fantastic!
- Ralph, the Napping Dog
I had to include this photo of Ralph in today’s post because it instantly made me laugh when I saw it on Pinterest! He’s adorable and absolutely hilarious. Plus, I kind of feel like I look like him when I sleep, so we’re obviously buddies.
A few months ago, I featured an Oliviers & Co. giveaway on the blog and highlighted some of my favorite finds from their site in the blog post. Though I stand by my previous favorites, I must say that there really is something incredible about their sea salt. Ever since I had the opportunity to try it out back in September, I’ve been using it in various recipes and dinner dishes, but it is kicking some major butt when I use it in my morning scrambled eggs. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure I’d taste much of a difference between regular salt and this “fancy salt,” but when I began cooking with Oliviers & Co. sea salt, I truly noticed an increase in flavor. I make my scrambled eggs with the salt, one or two wedges of The Laughing Cow cheese and freshly ground pepper and am amazed at just how tasty such a simple breakfast can be!
- Whole Foods Lollipop
I call these lollipops my “favorite road trip candy.” They last forever which makes them the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on a long car ride. When I found the thick lollipops at Whole Foods, I was so happy because I didn’t think a brand out there made them without some of the artificial ingredients I’ve found in the other brands you can buy at craft stores, gas stations, etc. Unfortunately I forgot to jot down the brand name on the label before I left for Florida, but you can typically find them near the cash registers at Whole Foods.
- Sadie’s Active Dreams
I’m convinced there’s nothing cuter than Sadie dreaming active dreams. Ryan and I get such a kick out of her when she’s fast asleep and we see her little legs start moving and her jowls start puffing up as she makes little squeaks and barks. Of course we’ll say ridiculous things like, “Go get that squirrel, Sadie,” and encourage her dream adventures even though she can’t hear us. Yes, we are obsessive dog parents, but I know there are a handful of you out there who are dog crazies as well, so I had to share this one today!
White Plum, one of my favorite affordable online boutiques, is currently featuring one heck of an amazing giveaway on their site right now and asked if I would help spread the word. When I heard what the giveaway entails, I was blown away! They’re offering a free wardrobe to one winner worth $1200 of product! The giveaway runs through February 22nd and you can enter through their website by simply joining their mailing list. Also, just in case you feel like doing a little shopping, they’re offering 25% off to all PBF readers with the use of the code PBSALE25 through February 18. (Note: This giveaway shout out is sponsored by White Plum, though I am not receiving any affiliate commission from purchases made using the coupon code.) Happy shopping!
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
Stephanie says
After kicking off the week with strep throat and then continuing the work week dealing with my difficult boss, I am loving my support network of family and friends who help keep things in perspective and encourage me to follow my heart. Also, the amazing two dozen roses I got from my boyfriend today at the office!
dallaswoodburn says
Have fun at the beach, Julie! Love your photos. This weekend I’m looking forward to hanging out with some fantastic kiddos tomorrow for the classes I teach, a Valentine’s Day date with my sweetheart, and giving a brief sermon about my dear friend Celine at church on Sunday. http://daybydaymasterpiece.com/2015/02/13/fabulous-friday-45/
Stacy @ Sweating Tulipz says
Watching my dogs have puppy dreams is so mesmerizing! It brings the hugest smile to my face listening to them whimper and watching them flex their toes. I do sometimes get nervous they could be having a horrible puppy nightmare about a dog fight or someone stealing them, but I always wake them up if that’s the case! 🙂
Bike rides at the beach are also one of my favorite things. You can go for the entire day and not even realize it because of the great constant breeze!
Enjoy your trip!
Emily @ Sweet Summer Smiles says
I love to go bike riding, especially when I’m at the beach! Can you believe that all winter the weather has been warm enough to go for a swim except this weekend?! It’s so cold! I hope you have a great time with the fam despite the cold!
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles says
Ohmigosh! Seriously…could Sadie be any cuter?! That pic is adorable! I love her pajamas! And, I’m definitely going to need to check out those lollipops.
kristen says
I need to try those lollipops!
Check out my new post: http://www.runonoatmeal.com/
Christina Valenziano says
I love Sanibel! My whole family and I go there almost every year and we always have long bike rides like that. So fun.
Amber says
I am so jealous! My mom lives in Fort Myers and Sanibel Island is one of my favorite places
Angie W. says
I grew up in Ft. Myers and just got married at Tween Waters Inn on Captiva….one of my favorite places in the world! Try to get to Mucky Duck and The Bubble Room!
Emilie Burke says
I love your blog (found it through BlogLovin’!).
I just wanted to say how glad I am to have heard about the White Plum giveaway. In the past 18 months, I’ve lost almost 100 lbs and had to completely rebuild my wardrobe. In December, though, my car was stolen with all my clothes that I own inside. I’ve had to rebuild in a wardrobe in the last couple of months and it’s been so tedious on my college budget.
Fingers crossed!!