Friday Favorites – Sharing What I am Grateful for…
Hey there and Happy Friday! I wanted to try something new this week, and share a little bit about what I am grateful for in a new series here on the blog called Friday Favorites. I know, we’ve all seen this before but, usually it’s sharing life-changing, must have products.
The goal with this new series is to recognize the moments in my life that made this week great. Because acknowledging the blessings you already have in your life can truly change your perspective (for the better). So, in a sense this series is a little self-serving but, I hope it inspires you to take a moment to see the good in your life too. Even if it takes a little bit of searching…
Lord knows we’ve all had (and will have) those seasons in life.
If you’re into Chill Hip Hop Instrumentals then check out this playlist. It’s what I listened to while working on this post!
She Sells Sea Shells By The Sea Shore...
This past weekend, our little fam traveled east to Port Jeff for an afternoon of fun. We started out at the Explorium (I’ll share more on the Explorium in an upcoming post), and then headed over to the shore because the weather was just that good. Seriously, it was a brisk 60 degrees, which was a respite from the 20 – 30 degree days we’ve been experiencing here on Long Island.
Pay no attention to the fact that the next day, the temps dropped to the high 20’s with a steady snowfall throughout the day. Believe me, we were all confused by this turn of events.
Truthfully, we spent about 15-20 minutes on the shore. The girls happily collected seashells (there were tons!), while Justin and I soaked up the sun and stared out across the sound. But, because Justin wore a t-shirt, he got cold, and fast. We all know that 60 degrees in the winter hits differently than in the spring.
But, those few minutes were grounding (being by the water is so calming), and put a little pep in our step to help us trudge through the rest of winter.
I am so grateful we have endless opportunities to visit the Sound and the Ocean shores here on Long Island.
Homeschool Read Aloud
I have to admit…I saw the movie BEFORE reading the book. But, while I enjoyed every second of Eddie Murphy playing Dr. Doolittle, the book does it way better! The girls and I are in love with The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle. I often find myself looking at the clock deciphering whether or not I have the time to read another chapter (I always do).
We borrowed this book from our library, and as always, I suggest you do the same. But, this is one I will be purchasing for our own personal library. The chapters are short, engaging and allow your imagination to run wild. There’s no doubt why this book (published in 1922) is considered a classic.
Valentine's Day Brunch
Before we left for San Diego, I took an unusual amount of pleasure in hosting the smaller holidays – like (subsidiary) Easter, and Valentine’s Day. We even took on Christmas Eve one year. And, it turned out pretty well. Except for the fact that I had the virtual fireplace on and everyone felt way too hot for most of the evening, lol.
This year, I wanted to host a small gathering again. Even though Justin’s sister and my brother are out of state, I still wanted to get our parents together for an impromptu Valentine’s Day brunch.The day of love should be about recognizing everyone you truly cherish in your life, am I right?
Well, despite the fact that I had no idea that it was Super Bowl Sunday, everyone was happy to be here (and promptly left before kick off).
Side note: the BEST halftime show I’ve seen in a long time!
But, the photo you see here is one of many Sadie took on my phone. I’ve got some of her foot, her stuffies, and then a whole bunch like this one here. And, yes Mom, this was the best one for all of us (Justin’s not pretending to pick his nose), lol.
I am grateful that moving back home has afforded us opportunities like this one, to get together with family.And, that Sadie is turning into quite the photographer. Even if my mama heart is breaking, because my baby is growing up.
An Unexpected Uber Eats Delivery, Friday Favorites
It was Valentine’s Day, and I was sitting at my #quaratinedesk, much like I am right now. Well, that’s when I saw the UberEats driver searching for our front door. There was a chance he was headed to our neighbors house but, imagine my surprise when a pink bag from a local bakery was left upon our doorstep…
When I reached for the bag, I noticed who the delivery was from…
My sister in law (Justin’s sister) and brother in law on the west coast. They sent the girls treats from an award winning bakery a few miles away. But, make no mistake, I indulged too. Yep, you see that cupcake on the right? Lower level? Well, that was mine, and it was soooo good. I’m pretty sure the chocolate covered topping was filled with cannoli cream. And, while I am not traditionally a cannoli fan, this cupcake was absolutely delicious!
I am grateful for my family. You should have seen the impact this gesture had on the girls this Valentine’s Day.
Winter in Westhampton Beach
Okay so, a couple of weeks ago I shared about our family seal watching adventure. Well, the girls wanted to see if we could get a little bit closer to the action, aka see a seal’s face up close and personal. So, of course, the research began…
I found out that Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton Beach is a seal nesting ground. So naturally, the hunt was on. Listen, I am no Steve Irwin but, I’ll try my best to deliver.
I promised the girls’ hot cocoa, and being that it was a 30 degree day, that hot cocoa was well deserved. So, before we headed over to the beach, we stopped by North Fork Roasting Co., and I made good on my promise. My order? The homemade chai latte, and Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffin. Yum!
Though I wish the chai had more spice to it, it was by far the best chai latte I’ve had on Long Island thus far. Share your recommendations for the best chai latte on Long Island in the comments below!
Curious as to whether or not we found seals? Well, I will share more on that in an upcoming YouTube video…
I am grateful for the freedom that our homeschooling schedule allows. We went on this little adventure on Wednesday morning, and in the words of Varvatos Vex, it was glorious!
Now, it’s your turn! Take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for this week.
