What I Wore (to the beach)

Summer is almost over.  Teachers in our district are contracted to return next week!  It was a shorter summer than usual, so I really tried to pack it in.

One goal was to reaaaaallllly clean the house.  Actually, organize and purge.  And that happened.  I got rid of so many things, including lots of clothing.  At the end of my purge-fest, I vowed not to purchase any clothing over the summer.

Then we scheduled a vacation (goal number two).  And I came across this bathing suit that I had to have....... 

Promise broken.

Did I really break a promise though?  Do swimsuits even count as clothing? 

This retro inspired one piece was my one big purchase of the summer.  And while it was a splurge, I don't regret it.  

I mean, everyone needs a swimsuit that makes them feel like a movie star, right?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and....

Naples, Florida

For the last few summers, I have longed to take a vacation.  But we are terrible planners.  And it just didn't happen.  This summer started off no differently.  Then one Monday morning we got up, went to the Allegiant website, and booked a trip.

Finally beaches and palm trees would be in my future.

I was a little skeptical of booking everything (down to the car) on one site, but after the fact, I would do it again and again.  Everything went so smoothly!  We even got a free upgrade on our rental (and it happened to be a brand new Challenger ~ which is my current car crush).

Naples, Florida was everything.  

Dolphins, alligators, pristine white sand beaches, dinner on the beach at sunset, sailboat excursions, airboat swamp tours.....

We enjoyed lots of beach time with our pick of spots (it wasn't crowded), lots of great food, the pier, and a few fun boat excursions.

I could go on and on. 

We will definitely go back.  And we would definitely use the Allegiant site for booking again.  This trip cost less than one plane ticket to Hawaii (which is where we went on our honeymoon).  We had no issues with reservations or flights.  Our hotel was amazing too!

This trip went beyond my expectations.  It was more than I could have hoped for.  I am so thankful we were able to go.

We love Naples, Florida (hit play for more photos)........

(You can find my bathing suit in the slideshow HERE.)

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Linking up with......High Five for Friday, Friday Favorites, Insta-Friday annnnd....

Cream Cheese Pesto Spread

Ever need a quick, easy, go-to appetizer for parties?

I've got you covered.

This recipe fits the bill.  It is SO tasty.  And it makes for a pretty presentation..........

 Cream Cheese Pesto Spread

(original source)

8 oz. package of cream cheese
1/4 cup of pesto
1/4 cup of mozzarella
1 small tomato, diced
Triscuits or French bread

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a baking dish with foil.  Place the brick of cream cheese in the center of the foil.  Top with pesto, mozzarella, and tomato.  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted (but the cream cheese is still holding its shape).  Carefully transfer the spread, keeping it in the foil, to a platter.  On the platter, surround foil with crackers or slices of French bread!  It will spread easily with a butter knife. 

*My scalloped bread was made by baking refrigerated French bread dough in a Pampered Chef bread tube. 

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A friend introduced me to this recipe years ago, and it has been a party staple ever since.  It can be thrown together in NO TIME!  Clean up is minimal!  

And I can promise you, there won't be any leftover.

Linking up with:   The Chicken Chick, Inspire Me Please and....