Before all of the weekend fun begins, I wanted to share a quick rundown of some random things I’m loving this week in your usual Things I’m Loving Friday blog post. As always, I’d love to read a little bit about something that is making you smile in the comments section if you’re in the mood to share!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
We had the chance to take Chase to Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota on Wednesday morning and he loved every second! Watching his eyes light up when he saw the fish, sharks and sea turtles was so much fun and since I’ve always had a genuine interest in sea life, I thought the whole experience was really neat and interesting as well. Chase couldn’t get enough of watching the sharks and Squirt, his favorite sea turtle, who seemed especially interested in Chase, too! I’d happily go back for another visit soon and really loved learning more about marine life.
- Toasted Coconut Clusters
This sweet and crunchy snack is incredibly addicting and incredibly tasty! I discovered it at my in-laws’ house this week and cannot seem to resist grabbing handful after handful of it when I’m craving a little sweetness. As a big-time coconut lover, it’s right up my alley and almost reminds me of an oat-less granola of sorts. I kind of want to try recreating the crunchy coconut clusters at home, too! (Apparently they bought this bag of deliciousness at Costco if you want to give it a try!)
- Nathan Benderson Park
Yesterday afternoon, we took some time to soak up the sun and walk around the big lake at Nathan Benderson Park, a community park in Sarasota that’s also home to a 2,000 meter sprint rowing course. I loved feeling the sun on my shoulders as we walked around the lake and chatted away. During the three-mile loop, we spotted two large gators in the lake (one swimming and one resting on the shore) which was pretty cool but also a little unnerving! Stay safe around the water, my Floridian friends!
- Family Time
Nothing makes me wish we lived near our families more than the time we spend together! It’s hard not to feel envious of those who live close to their families (especially after little ones enter the picture!) but we definitely try our best to treasure every moment we have with our families when we do have the chance to visit and spend time together. Seeing Chase with his great grandmother is so special and I love seeing Bubbee light up and get an extra burst of enthusiasm and energy when she sees her great grandson. It means so much to me to see Chase with his grandparents and great grandma and I’m so, so glad we made the trip down to Florida to visit!
- Friday Flashbacks
20 Minute Treadmill Interval Workout (A fast and sweaty workout that makes the time fly by!)
Easy Deep Dish Quiche (This easy deep dish quiche recipe is worthy of a special occasion but easy enough to make for a simple Sunday brunch with loved ones.)
Question of the Day
What is one thing that you are loving this week?
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OMG scary about the alligators!!!! I guess that’s Florida for you, but still freaky nonetheless!!
So glad you are having such a nice time with family!! Mine is all in AZ, wahhhh. We see my parents about 3-4 times a year though which is nice.
One thing I’m loving this week is my husband being home more! He recently starting working for himself and does a lot more from home now. But, that means we can play tennis mid-morning on a break! 🙂
Enjoy the rest of your time in Florida!!
Those gators would completely terrify me! That looks like a beautiful park though. We’re planning to take our little guy to the Houston aquarium this summer when we visit and I can’t wait. I’m glad you’re having such a good week in Florida!
Chase and the turtle is too sweet, what a shot! My family lives a few hours away and I love that they’re close enough to see often, but would love to have everyone together. We have such a blast together!
If you like the coconut clusters you should try Made in nature cinnamon coconut chips! They are soooo good and only 5 grams of sugar for a 1/2 cup and made with minimal ingredients! I’ve seen them at the Fresh Market and Amazon. They have an espresso flavor too 🙂
oooh! i’ll look for them!! thanks for the tip!
Yikes! That gator is no joke. We are going to Myrtle Beach for Easter, and we plan on taking my son to Alligator Adventure. I think he will love it……and I much preferred the contained gators myself!
Have a great weekend Julie!
OMGeeee I love those coconut clusters! I put a handful in some lemon Noosa yogurt and it’s the perfect mix-afternoon sweet fix!
I FEEL like coconut is making a comeback– seeing more new treats with it lately! This week I am loving chicken jerky– such a great snack or part of a meal and super satisfying!
I put on my first pair of maternity leggings this week… and WHOA I think I’m going to live in them now. So that’s what I’m loving 🙂 Also doing a gender reveal cake on Sunday so I’m super excited for that!
The coconut clusters sound so yum!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying family time and I hope your MIL is feeling better.
I have a question if you don’t mind. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in May and I would like my mum to come around the due date and stay for 2-3 weeks to help out. We live in Australia, and she lives in Germany, so we have to plan everything now. My husband is a bit reluctant having my mum over for the birth/straight after, because she is a midwife and he feels like she could take over. If I remember correctly, your mum came to stay and help shortly after Chase was born and is also a nurse…? Did you feel like you could still find your feet as new parents? TIA
Ahh! Scary about the alligators! So glad you’re enjoying your time in Florida with the fam!
We have an aquarium in Baltimore I’ve ALWAYS wanted to visit. Looks so fun and I love marine animals. Enjoy the rest of your FL visit!
Oh I will definitely have to look in to these coconut clusters! I have been adding unsweetened shredded coconut to a bunch of stuff lately–even my curry! Yum!
I hear ya about distance from family. We’re in Denver and most of our family is in eastern Kansas. Makes it hard sometimes but we do get a lot of visitors which is nice!
I LOVE quiche! My mom makes this when I go home to visit.
Something I’m loving this week – homemade granola. I made a hug batch and keep finding myself wandering in to the kitchen, opening up the jar and munching on it dry.
Happy Friday!
The photo of Chase and his Great-Grandmother is precious. That is wonderful that he is getting time to bond with her. I hope the rest of your time in Florida is wonderful <3
I actually loved my runs this week. I am training for my first 8K which is this coming Sunday and I felt really strong during my latest 3 miler – despite having to run in the pouring rain 🙂 Looking forward to completing the race this Sunday.
Have a great weekend!
Glad you are having such a good time in Florida! And that Chase loves the aquarium so much. I am still fascinated by them at 25 years old! I am loving the fact that I get to go to a nearby city to visit my little sister at college this weekend 🙂 Have a great day! <3
Awww I love the picture with chase and his great grandma so special! We only have one remaining grandma between my hubby and I so we try to spend as much time with her as possible!
Hi Julie! Oh yay for Mote Marine! I went on so many field trips there growing up just south of Sarasota. But perhaps the best aquarium I’ve been to is the Monterey Bay Aquarium — when Chase is older you guys should bring him to California for that hehe. And I FEEL YA on living far from family … seeing as I’m in the SF Bay Area, and my fam is in Florida. But, at least we always make our time together valuable when we visit. Have fun!! 🙂
Seriously nothing better than family time! I need to pick your brain sometime about when ya’ll made the move to Charlotte – how long did it take Ryan to land a job there since you guys didn’t LIVE there or really know anyone? We’re working on a big move ourselves but I’m starting to get frustrated with my husband’s job search, ha! I just want it to happen NOW 😉
Those coconut clusters look amazing! My hubby doesn’t like coconut so I’ll get them all to myself 😛
I am loving the weather today in Charlotte! It was pretty gross yesterday, but today it’s sunny and breezy <3
We have a pond and gators in our backyard just like that photo. Good thing we have a fence!
I am loving the weather lately. I have been enjoying the pool here in Tampa!
We love Mote Marine! We got family passes for Christmas this year. My daughter is only 11.5 months old I love seeing the different things that catch her attention each time we go. Can’t wait to see her running around like Chase! Nathan Benderson is a favorite of ours too. Did Chase like the playground?
I am loving your miso baked chicken this week! I made it on Sunday and my husband and I ate it in various forms for four straight dinners. I rarely cook with meat but it was easy, healthy, and delicious!
I’m so glad you liked it!!! <3 Thank you for letting me know!
The aquarium looks like it would be lots of fun – and not just for kids. I hope the next trip to the beach is more successful!
I loved going to my local aquarium growing up, and I just know Chase is going to have fantastic memories of this as you continue to visit throughout his life!
I am loving my Gilmore Girls shirt! Check it out on my blog! Cheesy but I love!
Ah! I LOVE Mote Marine. My sister and I used to go to their shark camp every year when we visited my grandparents as kids.
It’s so fun!!! We loved it!