Do you know what I miss more than anything? Living next to a beach! We lived in California for many years and were just a short 3 minute drive from the ocean. It was always such a nice little break in the day to hop over to the beach and enjoy the salt air.
The California beaches weren’t my favorite though! The Pacific is WAY too cold for me and the sand isn’t the most beautiful either.
My favorite beach is by far in Florida. I have spent time on the eastern coast, and the western part! When my husband was stationed in Pensacola, we spent the majority of our time on the beach.
One of my favorite vacations is when we went back to visit a few years ago. It was so fun being back to the place we were at 18 and getting to see it from a new perspective. We ate a ton of seafood and soaked up all the ocean air. I cannot wait to go back again.
This year probably won’t contain much travel since my husband is going through some intense training. So, until then, I love reading about others adventures and vacations.
My friend, Emily from Martini’s and Bikini’s takes some FANTASTIC trips. She also is lucky enough to live in the warm climate of Florida so she definitely gets to enjoy some amazing activities on warm, sunny days. Plus, she is a bulldog mom like me 😉
I asked her a couple of questions about her upcoming vacations and summer plans!
1. Living in Florida means you have warmer weather most of the year. What are your favorite activities to do on a beautiful, sunny day?
We have so many options to choose from depending how warm it is. Going to the beach, laying out at the pool, or walking around the Farmer’s Market on Sunday are probably on the top of my list. I love the fact that Orlando has so many dog-friendly restaurants so we like taking Lola out with us for brunch if it’s not too hot out. We also had fun going to the different Disney parks last year but those annual passes have expired so we’re considering purchasing Universal Studios passes for the upcoming year.
2. Where is your favorite place to take a weekend trip?
We’ve been mainly trying to visit new cities/towns to see and do as much as we can but my favorite repeat weekend trip has to be Siesta Key Beach. It’s definitely one of the prettiest beaches in Florida and my in-laws live close by so we have a place to stay and can bring Lola for the weekend.
3. Do you and your hubby enjoy being at home on the weekends or getting away?
Both equally. I naturally live with the travel bug and always want to explore new places while I can but having a quiet weekend at home is always good for the soul.
4. Are there any upcoming vacations you have planned this year?
We have a ton planned for this year already. Here’s a sneak peek: Nashville, Jamaica, Toronto, Denver, and a few small weekend trips around Florida.
5. What is currently on your summer wishlist (for the home or for yourself!)?
Tough question. I haven’t thought that far ahead! In terms of living, we plan to start looking at purchasing a new house so I’m looking forward to that! In terms of spoiling myself, probably lots of cute swimsuits and cover-ups, even though I feel like I have too much! OK final decision: probably a really cute and good quality pair of flip flops.
Here is a picture of her sweet girl Lola…I know her and Ruger would be good friends!!
In honor of warm, sunny days ahead we wanted to have a giveaway to help you get ready for it! A $50 Amazon gift card is the perfect way to do so! I don’t know about you, but I am a total amazon addict. They literally have everything and it keeps me from having to actually go shopping! (which I love!)
Good luck!!
P.s if you are interested in having a feature like this with a giveaway, visit my sponsor page! Stats have already grown more since those numbers were posted!
Have a great week!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Ahh I would love to be on a warm sandy beach right now!! Crossing my fingers for the giveaway!!
Christina :: Simple and Delish
Me too!!! Especially after all the bad weather here, I would really love a nice vacation!
It’s gorgeous here on the Bay! Doors are open and I hear the waves rolling onto the shore. Come and visit! 🙂
That sounds wonderful!!! I miss living next to the beach. It was always so relaxing!!
It’s been many years since I’ve been to the beach. I went to Padre Island in S Texas. I’d love to go again. It must be invigorating to live near the sea.
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
It actually has for me too, I am sad to say! My husband and I went to Corpus Christi a few years ago for a weekend trip. Living my the ocean was always so nice, I miss it for sure!
I would love to take Cocoa on a beach walk. Something about being near the water is wonderful!! How cool to have dog friendly places to eat. It would be so fun to take Cocoa.
I know! That would be awesome. I know Ruger would get a kick out if it for sure!
Definitely dreaming of a beach vacay too! And hiiiii Emily! Awesome giveaway ladies <3
Green Fashionista
Thanks girl! Oh meeee too! That would be amazing right now!
Hi Alexis… Wonderful picture of you and your hubby! I haven’t been to the beach in ages, although I’m not more than 30 minutes away from “a beach” – not one of those relaxing resort ones. I found a location called “Pebble Beach” but it’s not the golf course; the “sand” are finely pulverized and very smooth pebbles, about the size of arborio rice grains. Very different walking in that stuff. One day, I will make it to an East Coast beach… maybe Florida, maybe Maine… or somewhere in between. I’ve also heard great things about Padre Island, too! Take care of you! XO
Hi Laurie! Padre is definitely pretty. I haven’t been in years, but we always enjoyed it. Florida is definitely my favorite beach in the US…you just can’t beat the soft sand and clear water! I hope someday to venture off to the Caribbean though because I know that is amazing!
I love this post and seeing my cutie Lola starring on someone else’s blog! Wishing everyone luck for the giveaway! Amazon is seriously my best friend. LOL
Oh me too! Amazon is my one stop shop for everything!
Wow, so neat you’ve lived on both coasts! I’ve always wanted to visit Pensacola, but we did visit Destin all the time when I was a kid, and it was one of my favorite vacations! 🙂 Also, I love Emily! 🙂
Destin is pretty too! Pensacola is unusually beautiful for the Gulf Coast…it has the best beach!
I love the beach too – I was born beside the beach in Australia I think that is why. I haven’t been on a holiday in so long so would love to go anyway at this stage.
I bet Australia has gorgeous beaches! I have always wanted to go!
I have not been to the beach in years, came kinda close when we went to Hawaii but not really, I like the idea of the beach I don’t like the way sand feels when it gets all over you, never have mum remembers when I was a baby I would scream bloody murder if sand got on me.
Yeah, that is the one bad thing about the beach…Sand everywhere lol
We can all pretend we are living near the beach through her. I always wondered what that would be like to live so close. Thank for bringing some summer to Party at My Place today.
I really miss living close. It was always so nice just to pop over to the beach anytime I wanted. Now, I lived 6 or more hours away from one, and it’s not even a good one! yay for summer! 🙂