Today I’m excited to be taking over the J.McLaughlin instagram account showing you around Longboat Key, Florida.  It’s a quiet little beach town with gorgeous homes, some fun restaurants and incredible beaches.

{wearing this dress (half off right now!) and this tote – c/o J.McLaughlin}

The Beaches are pristine – with soft sand and turquoise colored water.  They can sometimes feel like your own private beach, particularly in the summer when many residents are up north.  My favorite spot, complete with a few public parking spaces, is 2825 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

My favorite place to grab a bite to eat or a drink is Mar Vista !  You can sit outside under twinkly lit trees overhead watching the gorgeous Sarasota Bay sailboats.  It’s also a cute spot to grab a drink.

The Longboat Key club is a great place to stay if you don’t rent a private condo/house.  There’s a delicious Italian spot to eat there, Portofino.  It has a gorgeous courtyard, vines climbing all of the walls, and it truly feels like a slice of Europe.  

The drive along Gulf of Mexico dr is so peaceful.  It’s my favorite way to get from our house down to Sarasota.

You can find this perfect spot (Beer can island) at the northern end of the island.  It’s a nice little walk to get there, but worth it.  You can also boat here!  

JB and I are headed on our first trip since Wesley was born, a long weekend in Toronto for Stephs wedding.  I’m excited but not going to lie, my heart breaks a little, and I worry about all sorts of crazy scenarios as I pack.   Although I will enjoy sleeping in – if I even know how to do that anymore.  ha!  I’m at peace knowing they’ll be at our house, living it up, rotating between grandparents.  Which I am so grateful for.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend!!