I was just reminiscing about my wonderful trip to Naples and thinking what I like so much about it. Thinking... there is not a ton I do NOT like. But here are a few "cons" below the "pros"....
What I Love About Naples
Amazing weather (but see below)
Gorgeous beaches
Yabba Island Grill
Bayside Seafood Grill
Coconut Jack's (new one!)
Sweet Treats ice cream
Crispers soups & salads (notice a trend on the food?)
My parent townhouse on the lake
The lanai (I have probably overdone this one, but I just can't get enough)
Pools & lounge chairs
Endless fruity cocktails
Sunshine
Slow, easy, breezy relaxation
What I Do Not Like About Naples
Humidity
Sirens daily (that's what you get in a retirement town)
Eating way to much (ok, that has nothing to do with Naples)
The distance between California and Florida
The darn time zone change
Ok, that's not bad. At all. I guess you can see, the "pros" win.
Thanks Naples. Oh- and Mom & Dad too.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Naples Pics
Just a few snapshots from Naples with Mom & Dad.... I wanna go back...
Bayside Seafood Grill
Mom in the ocean on Marco Island
Vanderbilt Beach
Daddy
On the boat cruise...
Our version of a Bud Light advertisement in paradise
My favorite view from Mom & Dad's lanai
Bayside Seafood Grill
Mom in the ocean on Marco Island
Vanderbilt Beach
Daddy
On the boat cruise...
Our version of a Bud Light advertisement in paradise
My favorite view from Mom & Dad's lanai
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Naples Wrap Up
Oh!!! How could I forget~!? Mom and I also went to the spa for fabulous 80 minute massages on Wednesday.... maybe in my relaxed state, I simply forgot to add that to my blog post that day. Wow. Oh- and one more... Dad's grouper, veggies and everything else he made was wonderful. Great way to round out the day. Yummy. Thanks Pops. Sensational day in Florida.
So, onto the last day and a half.... Thursday- after another workout (to be sure I can consume as many calories as possible during each day) we made our way to Marco Island.... lunch on the bay at CJs (tasty blue cheese chips- I find them everywhere I go) and then some time at the beach. Nice beach. Last ocean day. Boo hoo. Water was warm enough for Mom to get in. That is a tough task. Mom does NOT like cold ocean water. We ended the last night at one of my favorite Naples haunts- Bayside Seafood Grill- upstairs, overlooking the water on Venetian Bay, outdoor bar with live entertainment. Great. That surely wrapped up a wonderful vacation.
Friday came quickly with one last breakfast out at Toast and some quick pool time (catching some final quick rays) before I had to head to the airport. Sad. And not looking forward to 8 hours on a plane. But, it went OK and now I am home. Rather easy trip, if I do say.
Naples was wonderful as always. This annual (hopefully more in the future) is always grand. Something about that place gets me every time. Some people believe it's "too slow"- but maybe that is just my style. Miami has it's time and place- but I am a slow-paced-Naples girl. Pics to follow soon.
Thank you Mom, Dad & Southwest Florida.
So, onto the last day and a half.... Thursday- after another workout (to be sure I can consume as many calories as possible during each day) we made our way to Marco Island.... lunch on the bay at CJs (tasty blue cheese chips- I find them everywhere I go) and then some time at the beach. Nice beach. Last ocean day. Boo hoo. Water was warm enough for Mom to get in. That is a tough task. Mom does NOT like cold ocean water. We ended the last night at one of my favorite Naples haunts- Bayside Seafood Grill- upstairs, overlooking the water on Venetian Bay, outdoor bar with live entertainment. Great. That surely wrapped up a wonderful vacation.
Friday came quickly with one last breakfast out at Toast and some quick pool time (catching some final quick rays) before I had to head to the airport. Sad. And not looking forward to 8 hours on a plane. But, it went OK and now I am home. Rather easy trip, if I do say.
Naples was wonderful as always. This annual (hopefully more in the future) is always grand. Something about that place gets me every time. Some people believe it's "too slow"- but maybe that is just my style. Miami has it's time and place- but I am a slow-paced-Naples girl. Pics to follow soon.
Thank you Mom, Dad & Southwest Florida.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Un-Planned Vacation- Naples
I have now been in Naples, Florida, with my parents, for the past 5 and a half days. This was meant to be a relaxing, unplanned, kick-back vacation. And it has been just that.
Here is a recap of what has transpired thus far:
Arrived Friday night to 75 degree plus weather and went out for a casual dinner
Saturday, slept in, went out for breakfast, hung out at the pool, sat on the lanai with a cocktail, and went out for seafood dinner
Sunday, slept in, went to the gym, went out for lunch on the bay, did a little sight seeing, back to the pool at dusk, and ordered pizza for a TV night at home
Monday, slept in, went to the gym, went to the beach, and went out for some appetizers and dessert
Tuesday, slept in, went out for breakfast, went on a boat cruise on the gulf, cooled down in the pool, went bar-hopping for a few cocktails, and picked up soups & salads to bring home for dinner
Today... slept in, went to the gym, went out to lunch, went to the beach and now sitting very relaxed on the lanai
See a pattern here? I love it. This is just what I need. Less than 48 more hours of this left and I have to go back to reality, but for now.... time still stands still in Naples. Sunshine. Warm weather. Exercise. The beach. Cocktails. Good food. Ocean air. All is well in Southwest Florida.
Thanks to Mom & Dad for providing this. A girl could definitely get used to this lifestyle...
Here is a recap of what has transpired thus far:
Arrived Friday night to 75 degree plus weather and went out for a casual dinner
Saturday, slept in, went out for breakfast, hung out at the pool, sat on the lanai with a cocktail, and went out for seafood dinner
Sunday, slept in, went to the gym, went out for lunch on the bay, did a little sight seeing, back to the pool at dusk, and ordered pizza for a TV night at home
Monday, slept in, went to the gym, went to the beach, and went out for some appetizers and dessert
Tuesday, slept in, went out for breakfast, went on a boat cruise on the gulf, cooled down in the pool, went bar-hopping for a few cocktails, and picked up soups & salads to bring home for dinner
Today... slept in, went to the gym, went out to lunch, went to the beach and now sitting very relaxed on the lanai
See a pattern here? I love it. This is just what I need. Less than 48 more hours of this left and I have to go back to reality, but for now.... time still stands still in Naples. Sunshine. Warm weather. Exercise. The beach. Cocktails. Good food. Ocean air. All is well in Southwest Florida.
Thanks to Mom & Dad for providing this. A girl could definitely get used to this lifestyle...
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Pre-Valentine's Day
As I sit on the couch with my coffee and cozy sweats on this lovely Saturday morning, I notice cheesy romantic chick-flicks, one after the other, on Lifetime and Hallmark for Valentine's Day weekend. I chuckle because I have always thought, "I think Valentine's Day is stupid. Just another Hallmark (ironic based on above comment) holiday."
But, I confess, I love the colors & hearts, the feeling of joy the holiday evokes, I do send cards to friends I love, I buy red-and-pink-foiled candy for my candy bowls... I just don't get the hype about having to go out for a romantic dinner or this being the one time you tell someone you love them or buy them jewelry- shouldn't that just be a random thing throughout the year?
Not trying to be cynical and I know love-sick-birds would say I am.... but I am a Birthday and Christmas girl all around. I am not saying I won't acknowledge the fun of Valentine's Day- just don't think it should be the one day of the year when everything else is forgiven and the one day love is pronounced. In my mind, that should be different random days throughout the year so you know it's true and not forced. That is true love, is it not?
With that said, I sure would love some flowers (just not cheesy, cliche red roses!) and maybe some candy :)
But, I confess, I love the colors & hearts, the feeling of joy the holiday evokes, I do send cards to friends I love, I buy red-and-pink-foiled candy for my candy bowls... I just don't get the hype about having to go out for a romantic dinner or this being the one time you tell someone you love them or buy them jewelry- shouldn't that just be a random thing throughout the year?
Not trying to be cynical and I know love-sick-birds would say I am.... but I am a Birthday and Christmas girl all around. I am not saying I won't acknowledge the fun of Valentine's Day- just don't think it should be the one day of the year when everything else is forgiven and the one day love is pronounced. In my mind, that should be different random days throughout the year so you know it's true and not forced. That is true love, is it not?
With that said, I sure would love some flowers (just not cheesy, cliche red roses!) and maybe some candy :)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
On the Mind of a Crazy Girl
Ya, feeling a tad bit crazy today.... maybe it's being overwhelmed that is making my head spin.
A few thoughts on the brain today:
6 conference calls in 1 day is too many. Simply just too many.
However, I am thankful that speaker phones exist for said conference calls.
It's really difficult to drive by a Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors without stopping. They are very far and few between these days, ya know. Can't pass up a classic.
Speaking of Baskin Robbins, "Peanut Butter & Chocolate" and "Daiquiri Ice" are amazing.
It is ok to watch the Super Bowl simply for the commercials. And Tom Brady.
Madonna's still got it at age 53.
It's really nice to find a $100 bill in your pocket when you least expect it.
It's ok to go to bed at 8PM once and awhile.
Sparkling wine solves ALOT of problems.
Kitty lap cuddles are simply the best.
Despite what many people have states, Katherine Heigl does make a pretty decent Stephanie Plum.
Ok, that will do it for this Tuesday. Now back to a few more conference calls.
Ta ta.
A few thoughts on the brain today:
6 conference calls in 1 day is too many. Simply just too many.
However, I am thankful that speaker phones exist for said conference calls.
It's really difficult to drive by a Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors without stopping. They are very far and few between these days, ya know. Can't pass up a classic.
Speaking of Baskin Robbins, "Peanut Butter & Chocolate" and "Daiquiri Ice" are amazing.
It is ok to watch the Super Bowl simply for the commercials. And Tom Brady.
Madonna's still got it at age 53.
It's really nice to find a $100 bill in your pocket when you least expect it.
It's ok to go to bed at 8PM once and awhile.
Sparkling wine solves ALOT of problems.
Kitty lap cuddles are simply the best.
Despite what many people have states, Katherine Heigl does make a pretty decent Stephanie Plum.
Ok, that will do it for this Tuesday. Now back to a few more conference calls.
Ta ta.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Final Sundance 2012 Pics
Another shuttle trip to the movies
Cast of "The Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Me at Sundance Resort
Shannon & me at Sundance Resort
More at Sundance Resort
I just may try out for the next Olympics
And Shannon too!
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