Good morning from Jacksonville Beach!
Late yesterday afternoon, I did my best to assemble everything I think I may need during our upcoming vacation.
Packing is one of my least favorite activities, but it thankfully went by fairly quickly. I didn’t have to worry about cramming everything I want to bring into a carryon suitcase like I did for my last trip to Europe, so the extra room made it easier to pack. (Just in case you’re interested, here’s a former blog post I did about What to Pack for a Trip to Europe when you do have to fit everything in a carryon.)
Since I was all packed, last night, after a Junior League meeting, I decided to make the drive to my parents’ place. My parents will be watching Sadie while we’re away and I figured I could drop her off and spend an extra day in Jacksonville to help break up tomorrow’s travel time. I left Ocala a little after 8 p.m. and arrived in Jacksonville right around 10:30 p.m. My mom is in Raleigh at my aunt’s house at the moment, so my dad and I enjoyed some father/daughter time until we couldn’t keep our eyes open any longer.
I woke up at 5:55 a.m. thanks to a pup that had to pee and worked on setting up a few guest posts and giveaways for you guys while I am away next week. (I hope to pop in and blog from time-to-time as well, but soaking up Ireland and London will naturally take precedence. Woop!)
Ryan actually left for England on his work trip on Sunday night and I can’t wait to join him! I will be leaving late tomorrow and arriving super-early on Friday. Let’s hope I quickly adjust to the time change since Ryan has a decent head start on me!
Breakfast
Breakfast this morning came together fast because I wanted to have time to eat it while I worked on this blog post because I am hoping to make it to an 8:30 a.m. BodyPump class this morning!
I toasted two pieces of Ezekiel bread and topped one with peanut butter and the other with a smear of butter and a bit of strawberry jelly.
Plus fresh strawberries, dried fruit and almonds on the side.
Time to change for BodyPump! Best class everrr!
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Have fun! I’m so jealous of your trip 🙂 Plus that sunset is gorgeous!
Have a great trip! Galway is the best little Irish town. Be sure you packed your raincoat, too 🙂
I LOVE that bag! What a cute print! Packing is so much easier, in my opinion, when everything doesn’t have to be in one bag. I am terrible at packing light… Hope you have a great trip!
I can’t wait to read all about your trip! And that is pretty colorful for a fast breakfast 🙂
That picture of the beach is so beautiful! 🙂 I’m jealous of your trip! Have fun!!
That toast looks extra yummy today.
Have fun in Europe and safe travels!
I’m so excited for your trip! And for your parents to get to spend time with Sadie!
I’ve heard of Ezekiel bread…can you tell me why it is better for you? And have a super great time on your trip!
Wow you must be an awesome packer to fit everything in a carry on! I overpack like crazy even with a huge suitcase.
I feel like we don’t always appreciate Toast for breakfast anymore. That stuff is GOOD EATIN’.
Agreed!! I always forget about it but it is simple and yummy!
That breakfast looks amazing! I never think to actually eat dried fruit/nuts as a part of my breakfast, but it sounds like a great way to get in some extra protein.
LOVE your carry-on bag! May I ask where you bought it?
I actually got it at a Fitness Magazine event last year but it was from Target!
I should have known. Target is awesome! 🙂
It seems like every time you go to your parents’ house, you still eat really rounded and healthy meals. I think that’s so awesome that they are conscious of their health, too! Have a safe and fun trip to Europe 🙂
Have sooo much fun!! Your breakfast looks delicious and bodypump is my favorite!
Forgot to mention, we have Dove Self Tanning (gradual) in Ireland, so be sure to check it out and stock up while you are here 🙂 🙂
This is the best news!!!
Never been to body pump but sounds amazing lol. I love ezekial toast!
I am very jealous of your trip! I hope you have a wonderful time!
That’s my view every morning on my run! I love Jacksonville Beach in the morning before the crowds. Absolutely beautiful. Enjoy your trip!
Enjoy Bodypump!!! One of my favs! Breakfast looks yum!
Ahhh you’re going to have so much fun! A little jealous over here 😉
So excited for you and your trip! And that Jacksonville pic is gorgeous!
Safe travels to you! My husband is from England, and we have found that if you stay up all day and don’t nap when you get to England (hard, TRUST me), go to bed around 6 or 7 and wake up at a normal time the next morning, the jet lag is not bad at all. It’s almost worth staying awake for over 24 hours – I don’t sleep on planes…
Yeah body pump – teaching a class tonight of the newest release 85!!
Just finished 72. I would love to try the new one!
Hey Julie, have a great time on your Ireland / UK trip. I am from Manchester, England and can assure you that the weather here is very cold at the moment!!! It’s apparently been the coldest March on record for years! Hoping the milder Spring temps will arrive very soon.
Have fun.
I am so jealous that you get to go to London and Ireland! I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go there! I’ll be living vicariously through your photos! Have so much fun! Also, I love that carry on. Where is it from?! I’ve been searching for new luggage, and that is cute plus I’m sure it’s easy to spot!
I take body pump classes here at my university and I love them! This week is Spring break so the instructor is out of town. I have been trying some of your circuit workouts and I am loving the variety! They are fabulous! Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!! Sounds so fun! And that’s a SUPER cute bag!
Ohhhh I want to go to Ireland!! I know you’ll have a blast and can’t wait to see the pictures!
Julie do you have a gym membership that lets you go to body pump wherever you want? I’m dying to try a class but don’t have a membership. Wondering if I can pay by the class…
Also, please eat and drink some wonderful goodies while you are away! I can’t wait to hear about the local cuisine!
hi maureen! i am a member of a gym chain that allows me to visit locations in other areas for free as part of my membership. (well, i think i get 15 visits a year for free or something like that.)
I’m so excited for you, I’m sure this will be an amazing trip! I’ve never been to Ireland but I’ve always dreamed of going (and magically meeting a gorgeous Irish man… Haha)
That breakfast looks great! Enjoy your vacation!
Get a lot of waterproof clothes, whole Western Europe is super rainy these days! Wish you a nice flight!
Have a blast abroad and safe travels! I LOVE bodypump…I attend at 5:45am or 5:30pm two-three times per week…it works every thing and I love it! Also, have you ever tried a PB cup/or peanut butter flavored coffee that you like? I found one on amazon but wanted to check with the PB Queen first:)
~Liz
I’m so excited to hear about your trip!! Your breakfast looks delicious too. Have a safe and amazing time in Europe!
That sunrise is gorgeous! It is my dream to wake up to the ocean every morning 🙂
Have a safe trip, can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back!!
Eeeek! Ireland, here we come! hahaha. I’ve never even vicariously experienced Ireland so I’m excited to hear about your updates, Julie. And I have to point out that your bag is super cute and unique! Where did you get it?
thanks ellie! i got it at a fitness magazine event last year. it’s made by sonia kashuk and it was sold at target.
so excited for you & your travels…and nothing better than daddy & daughter time! Safe travels pretty girl :]
I feel like Ireland is THE spot to go to lately – I keep hearing about people traveling there and how beautiful it is. I hope you have a blast!
Ps. LOVE that photo at the top of your post.. I’m a sucker for sunset/sunrise pics. 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful safe trip!! And looooove the bag!!
have a great trip!
So exciting!!! Can’t wait to see photos of your trip 🙂
I am looking forward to your Ireland recap posts. We are going on a trip to Europe next summer and I am already having a hard time keeping it cool!
I loooove Ireland! Such an amazing place. I have so much family there. Have an amazing trip!
Have a fabulous trip Julie!!
I’m so jealous of your trip! I know you’ll have an amazing time!
1. It looks beautiful there! So jealous. 2. Your breakfast is very pretty. I wouldn’t mind eating that! – That is all.
What a gorgeous sunset!!!!
I’m so jealous of your travels! I’ve always wanted to see Ireland. I hear it’s so gorgeous, but my hubby hates flying. I think Ryan isn’t a huge fan either, but at least he faces his fears!
If you need any extra guest posts let me know!
You are going to have an amazing time! Cannot wait to hear all about it. Please post often and entertain me while I’m off on medical leave. (I broke my ankle running on Monday!)
i’m so jealous! and yay body pump!
http://www.runningathousandmiles.com/2013/03/post-half-marathon-workouts.html