Friday Favorites + $325 Nordstrom Giveaway

Can you believe Thanksgiving is already next week? My favorite time of year is about to kick off which means many busy weekends ahead until the end of the year. We have our first Holiday party to attend on Saturday night but otherwise it should be a fairly low key weekend.

ONE:
This week we had our annual potluck at work and there was over 20 dishes plus the dessert table was out of control. It was hard deciding what to chose! I made a delish broccoli salad (recipe coming soon) to add to the spread. I posted some potluck dish ideas yesterday if you didn't catch it.

TWO:
I was putting my wish list together for the Holidays and my birthday in December and stumbled upon this 2016 Blog Planner from Amazon. I know they have free printable ones but it would be ideal to have everything recorded in one book and you can always go back and see what you've done in previous weeks.

THREE:
On Wednesday I went out for a happy hour girl date at our favorite sushi spot downtown to celebrate JQs birthday. It was fun catching up and getting our sushi fix.

FOUR:

We received these Wellness Petite Treats from Chewy.com and they are probably my favorite treats to date. Turkey, pomegranate and ginger are a unique blend plus they're healthy and grain free which is important when choosing treats for Lola.

FIVE:

For the next week, I'm teaming up with Pamela from Sequins & Sea Breezes and 20 other fab bloggers to give away a $325 Nordstrom Gift Card right in time for the holidays! The more ways you enter, the more chances to win! The giveaway end on Friday, November 27th at midnight and the winner will be announced on Monday, November 30th. Good luck!

Hosted By:

Sequins & Sea Breezes

The Gorgeous Co-hosts:

Cheshire Kat Blog | B Loved Boston | Champagne & Suitcases | Going The Distance | Love & Bellinis

Green Fashionista | Kids & Cabernet | Pink & Fabulous | From Here To Eternity | Martinis & Bikinis

Pink Persistence | Miss in the Midwest | A Memory of Us | The Sequin Notebook | Birdie to Be

MakeupHER | Christina Lea Loves | The Wandering Weekenders | Medicine & Manicures | Meet @ The Barre

$325 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway

Joining my fellow Floridian blogger Amanda from Meet at the Barre for some Friday Faves.

Best Friend Shenanigans & Some Faves

This week I got to spend some quality time with my BFF from Monday night to Thursday. I still went to work while she got errands and shopping done during the day but we hung out in the evenings, cooked healthy dinners and drank wine. On Wednesday which was her last night, we went out for some happy hour drinks and sushi at our favorite sushi spot downtown. After dinner we went home and, in true form, killed a large bottle of wine while chatting on the patio and cracking up over old memories. Let's just say, Thursday morning was a rough one heading out for work. lol I also blame that on the super strong martinis they served us at dinner.

I was also really sad to tell her goodbye on Thursday morning since we may not get to see each other for another year. On a brighter note another girl friend and her boyfriend arrived late last night from Trinidad and we're going to spend the weekend entertaining them so I'm really looking forward to that!

Now on to some of my favorites for the week and joining the lovely Amanda for her weekly linkup.

Favorite Recipe:

Biana's Naan Pizzas look beyond amazing and the perfect way get your pizza fix without the major guilt factor. 

Favorite Shopping Finds:

Clearly I have a thing for bows...

Floral Bow Back Dress

Black & Mint Bow Bikini set

Favorite Quote: 

More Finds:

Trader Joe's Triple Cream Brie with Wild Mushrooms is to die for!

I've been on a serious salad kick over the past week and my BFF picked up Marzetti's Light Balsamic Vinaigrette (which is gluten free) to make dinner on Monday night. So good! 

Favorite Funnies:

Every. Single. Time. We end up having scrambled omelets. lol

Happy weekend lovelies!!

Sushi Hot Spots in Orlando

Shari Sushi Lounge
621 E Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801

Shari is my #1 pick for sushi restaurants in Orlando. I've been frequenting Shari for over 5 years and it's a great spot for girls night out or even date night. Their rolls are delicious and the best part is they have happy hour 7 days a week from 5 to 7 pm offering their specialty rolls for only $4.25 along with select wines and cocktails. The volcano roll and JB roll are a must try!

Sushi Pop
310 W Mitchell Hammock Rd
Oviedo, FL 32765

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Kabooki Sushi
3122 E Colonial Dr

Orlando, FL 32803

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Amura Japanese
55 W Church St
Orlando, FL 32801

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Seito Sushi

4898 New Broad St
Orlando, FL 32814

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Izziban

1700 Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32809

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Sushiology

6400 International Dr, Ste 130
Orlando, FL 32819

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Weekly Roundup & Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! 

I love when the holidays come around because it's my favorite time of year although December is going to be a busy, busy one and now we have a puppy which makes it that more difficult to juggle. 

My work holiday party is tonight and I have several more upcoming parties and events on the agenda:

- 2nd holiday party for the year with friends

- Staycation and birthday trip to Disney

- Friend's wedding on my actual birthday

-  A friend's housewarming party/3rd holiday party

- Christmas long weekend with the in-laws

-  NYE celebrations with friends

After the 4-day weekend for Thanksgiving, it was really tough going back to work and leaving Lola at home for most of the day. I now know how parents feel leaving their babies/kids/pets behind when they head to work. 

A girl friend of mine was in town visiting so our college clan went out for Japanese hibachi and sushi dinner to catch up. 

Joining Amanda for Friday Favorites.

Favorite Purchase:

Bath & Body Works goodies for myself and Christmas gifts.

Favorite DIY/Craft:

Seriously thinking of creating my own advent holiday calendar.

 

Favorite Sips:

Really good seasonal beer ~ Leinenhugel's Cranberry Ginger Shandy.

Favorite Quote:

I ran across some Marilyn Monroe quotes while reading a documentary of her life at the hairdresser a few weeks ago.

Have a great weekend!

Weekend with the Bestie

Hey everyone! Hope you had a fun and relaxing weekend. I'm sad it's

 over because Crystal leaves today. We had such a blast shopping for her wedding and spending time together. 

We spent Friday driving all over town wedding shopping.

 

On Friday night, K took us out to an indoor skydiving place which was so much fun. I don't consider myself an adrenaline junkie especially because I'm afraid of heights but Crystal loves that sort of thing so we tried out some simulated skydiving.  

After the adrenaline rush, we headed to Taverna Opa for some Greek dinner and drinks. This place is always a good time with dancing on tables and celebrating Greek style.

Saturday: More shopping happened and of course I bought stuff unplanned.

 

Saturday night we headed downtown to my favorite sushi place for some dinner and drinks. Shari Sushi Lounge has $4.25 rolls and drinks everyday from 5-7pm which you seriously can't beat.

  

The Come Out With Pride parade was also going on downtown so we went to check it out and walk around the lake since it was a beautiful night. 

On Sunday, we cooked some brunch at home and relaxed after running around & shopping like crazy people for the past few days. Eggs Benedict and pineapple mimosas were on the menu.

Joining Biana for Weekending and Leeann for Monday Morning Gossip.