NAPLES PT. 2 {+PINEAPPLE LIME COCKTAIL RECIPE}

 {coverup-tj maxx}

 

{birthday dinner outfit: skirt-Express, top-Charlotte Russe (old), shoes-DSW}

 

 {the Yabba Rita at Yabba's!}

 

Sigh sigh sighhhh...

Most of these pictures are from my birthday. It was the most perfect day (well, keep reading)-I woke up to Billy making me breakfast, including 3 massive chocolate covered strawberries which were delicious. We took a boat cruise (that we've taken 3-4 times now, so fun!) around Naples Bay and to the Gulf for an hour and a half, which was exactly how I imagined spending the day.... sunshine, water, cocktails, and on a boat? Sign me up for this every year!

The dolphins followed our boat for a couple of miles and were showing off like crazy! It was amazing. 

Later on, Billy went to use the restroom at a local outdoor shopping center while I waited in the parking lot and all of a sudden I turn around to him calling my name holding his left hand with 2 or 3 bloody towels (and I mean, completely soaked) and blood dripping everywhere all over him and the ground. I ran up to him, asked him what happened (he was SO calm-which confused me even more!), and that's when he told me the glass on a door that he was walking out of shattered all over his hand and his hand went through the glass!! There was only one worker there who didn't really know what to do...she did point me in the direction of a small first aid kit, so I cleaned him up a bit (and got the bleeding to stop, go me!), but he had a huge deep cut on the top of his hand and we knew he should go to Urgent Care to see about getting stitches. So, off we went to Urgent Care to get him fixed up and an hour later (it wasn't busy at all-phew), he came out with 5 stitches ready to go!

We went to Yabba's on 5th Ave. for my birthday dinner and celebrated back at our place with an ice cream cake afterwards. It was such a great birthday (you know, besides the U.C visit)...thank you Billy for being such a trooper and caring about me on my day even though you were hurt! That's love. ;)

The remainder of our trip was exactly what you're thinking-relax on the beach/pool, indulge in yummy food, repeat. That's what vacation is all about anyways and it was exactly what we needed!

{More Naples Recommendations:}
+Boat cruise, thru Pure Naples (Groupon has excellent deals)
+Yabba's, dinner on 5th.
+Mangrove Cafe, dinner on 5th
+Tommy Bahama's, excellent place for lunch (get the blackened fish tacos!)
+Doc's Beach House, cute casual spot for lunch/dinner by the harbor

Lastly, when we got back, my parents had us over for a belated birthday dinner this past Sunday! Every year they let me pick the menu from dinner to dessert and this year I chose a taco bar. Well, my stepmom went above and beyond and made the most AMAZING summer drink recipe that she found in the June issue of the Rachel Ray magazine...

I thought I would share it today because it's on the healthier side and it's so refreshing! We all loved it, and I'm actually thinking about making it this weekend. That good.

Pineapple-Lime Cooler

via Rachel Ray magazine, June issue

+4 cups pineapple chunks, plus more for garnish

+1/2 cup lime juice

+6 tbsp. agave syrup

+1/2 cup tequila (optional)

+ice

+lime wedges, for garnish

Directions: In blender, puree half the pineapple, lime juice, and 3/4 cup water then strain into pitcher. Repeat. Stir in agave syrup and tequila, if using. Pour over ice and garnish with pineapple chunks and lime wedges. Serves 6.

Cheers! :)