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?
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Omg I would love to be in some warm sunshine right now- it is so darn cold here this morning! Have a great weekend.
We do the same thing when our Abbey is dreaming. It is so cute and funny!
Just a head’s up, and it might just be me (computers and all things “online” hate me), but I just tried to order something off WP and your discount code was invalid…
Have a great weekend!
Oh thank you!! The code should be PBSALE25 — just updated the post!
Is it really Friday again already? Crazy! I’m loving treating myself to a lazy Friday of watching my lectures online from home instead of heading to class (shh, don’t tell!).
It always cracks me up when my dogs have active dreams! They make some of the craziest noises! Rest assured, you are not the only crazy dog parent out there 😉 Happy Friday Julie!
One thing I’m loving right now is the promise of a weekend. It’s been a long week haha. I’m ready to unwind.
Hope you are able to relax this wknd, Chrissy! 🙂
The beach looks beautiful, the pot looks delicious, Ralph has the right idea and that pic of Sadie and Ryan is so cute. Our Golden makes the cutest little noises when shes “gettin’ em” in her dreams. Enjoy your wonderful vaca!
After fighting off a cold this week, I’m definitely loving kombucha! It took some time to find a brand that didn’t have too much sugar. I landed on GT’s Multi-Green! Delicious!
Looks like you’re having a great trip!
Have you ever noticed any quality issues with clothes from White Plum? I ordered a pair of leggings and they ripped after only wearing them once! I’m really bummed and so far their customer service has been pretty disappointing.
that sunshine! the beach! I’m living vicariously through your beach vacay. so ready for the spring and warm weather!
Things I’m loving~the dream of that adirondack chair! I actually have one made of skis and I love it!!
Also, new fav=Panera caramel latte!
Loving the look of that bowl & the giveaway is amazing! Shame I’m in the UK 😉 x
Hahaha we totally encourage my dog to “get that squirrel” during her dreams too. Sometimes she full-on barks and it’s adorable.
I love that nail polish color in your lollipop pic. What is it?
I wish I could remember!! I got them done at a local salon and all I can remember is that it was a gel OPI color 🙂
Was there a bike path or did you have to use the road? That’s quite the journey, I think that’s a lot of fun and time to chat.
For 90% of the ride we were on a path— it was great!
i’m loving my heart white plum top i ordered a few weeks ago – perfect for valentine’s day! it’s gray and has a big black heart with sequins – and the price was awesome!
Omg that sleeping puppy! Too cute. You’re making me crave sand and sunshine!
I’m loving that today is the day I get to see 50 Shades of Grey! I bought tickets over a month ago and have been getting more and more excited as it got closer to today!!
I am loving some cold weather here, and hopefully snow soon!
The beach looks beautiful and your bike ride sounds amazing! February is the perfect time to get away for a vacation!
I know what you mean about sea salt! It totally changes cooking with salt! I am a huge fan of that stuff, I buy it in the bulk section of Whole Foods most the time but I may have to try out this Oliviers & Co!
Loving girls night! Me and a group of friends met for happy hour last night before a pre-screening of the 50 Shades of Grey movie. I won’t say too much about it – but the night was still fun!
Your family vacation looks wonderful! I hope you continue having a great time!
Also, Sadie is the cutest thing ever 🙂
I’m loving: glimpses of spring weather, Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter, and using Lavender essential oil to help heal a cut I have. I saw a coworker use it once, and it helped heal really quickly, so I thought I’d give it a try!
Have a great weekend! 🙂
I’m jealous of your mostly warm sunshine! We have negative wind chills today. No thank you, is it spring yet?
My favorite thing this week is my new yoga (pajama) pants that I got at Target – so comfy!
I’m loving this post on building other women up. So many women have been inspired by it. I want to spread the love more.
http://skinnyfitalicious.com/3-ways-build-women/
oh my goodnes, that beach shot looks perfect.
When we vacation to Topsail each year one of my favorite things to do is enjoy a long morning bike ride. Something about biking at the beach makes it so special. I love those huge lollipops as well. I haven’t purchased one in years because I know how horrible they are for you. My pup has active dreams and I love when I can feel him kick and is muffled bark 🙂
That first photo makes me so happy to look at! Love the bright colors and sunshine. Have a great weekend!
I could kill for the beach right now!! Jealous!
My birthday is today so I’m ready to enjoy the weekend with some of my best friends and a few margaritas!
My birthday is today so I’m ready to enjoy the weekend with some of my best friends and a few margaritas!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Excuse me while I just dream about being at the beach right now. I am ready for summer like something serious!
We call active pet dreams, “Twitchy Dreams”. Our cats are hilarious when they dream and twitch and growl!
Have a great vacation! Love your warm looking pictures.
So jealous of your vacation! A bike ride by the ocean sounds so perfect right now! Enjoy your family time!!!
I am totally with you on the active dreaming! Whenever our dog is having an “active” dream, I always stop what I’m doing and just watch. It is so so cute!
Well now I’m loving that sleeping puppy. Who could resist that!?!
Your pics and descriptions of Sadie convince me my pup Manny is part Vizsla. He burrows under blankets, loves to cuddle and sleeps just like Sadie! So sweet! My husband and I def tell Manny to get the squirrel when he is dreaming like that.
Love your blog! 🙂
Aw!! Dogs really are the best 🙂
Hi Julie,
I’m loving the nail polish color where you are holding the whole foods lollipop,would you share the color with us.
Thanks,
Linda
Hi Linda! I cannot remember (the pic is actually from over Christmas break)– I do know it was a gel color by OPI!
Ditto for the doggie dreams. Love those. Sometimes our “talk” while they dream. From one obsessive dog parent to another. Enjoy your trip!
My family used to go to Captiva the week before school started every year. My brother and I would rollerblade all over the place, and my parents would rent a boat so we could go sand dollar diving. I wore my first bikini and Captiva and also got my first blistering sunburn (which popped in science class on the first day of school, yuck!). So nice to see photos of such a beloved place again!
Love Captiva so much!!
That photo of Sanibel Island looks like the Outer Banks in NC and boy do I miss it!
We are dying to get there this summer!!
Loving the stretch in the evenings here! Bright now till about 5.30 pm! Bring on the summer and the long evenings!
Oh I am so jealous that you are at the beach! How fun!! Right now I am loving the warm winter we are having in Utah! It gives me spring fever 🙂
I love it when my dog has active dreams. It’s adorable when she starts to bark quietly in her sleep and her paws start “running”! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
I am loving my 60 second chocolate chip mug cookie. Things are getting out of hand here!
Glad you are enjoying your trip! I am headed to CA this coming week and can’t wait for some 70 and 80 degree weather. Definitely beats the 18 we are at here in Chicago today.
Ralph the napping dog, I love it! Haha! I’m loving that my hubby and I are going out to dinner tonight and my dog turns 2 on Sunday! (I may or may not have bought her a present).
Of course, the beach! I don’t blame you – that would be my favorite thing too. This week I am loving my new Erin Condren planner. It just arrived and I’m excited to organizze. Lol. Have a great weekend!
Sorry it is so cold here! I’m sure it will be back to normal on Monday or Tueday. Don’t forget to,go to the Bubble Room.
We went to the Bubble Room this afternoon! The cake was just as delicious as ever!
The beach looks so nice! A cold front is moving in this weekend. My pup has active dreams too…it is so cute when the run in their sleep and make little ruffs!
So jealous of your beach time! I wish I was near the ocean! This week I’ve really been loving evening sunset runs with my pup. Since I’m tapering for my marathon, it’s been fun to take him out with me for a few miles after work! Especially since the sun is staying up longer!
Have a great weekend!
What leggings are you wearing in the car? I’ve been looking for some in that colour for ages!! Thanks lady! 🙂
They are Splits 59 and I bought them on NordstromRack.com! 🙂
I’m jealous – I’d love to be on a beach right now too!
so jealous of your vacay! We went to sanibel last year in February for our baby moon and it was great! I’m sure you’ve been but timbers has great seafood! We went twice for dinner during our trip. Their key lime pie was out of this world too. Have fun!!
I’m loving the beautiful weather in the Bay Area as well as the new grill my hubby and I have been using for dinners this week! Have fun with the fam! 🙂