St. Simon's Island

 

 Over the Memorial Day weekend holiday Bob and I traveled to St. Simon's Island, GA, for a family vacation. We had an amazing time. We rented a condo and basically ate, drank, swam and relaxed the entire time. It was the perfect retreat. There's something so refreshing about gathering with your family and just having really great quality time. No schedules. No appointments. Just fun. I really love my family down south and wish we got to see them more often. 

See a little photo recap of our trip after the jump.

Indoor s'more maker

I foresee needing one of these indoor s'more makers this winter. In a serious way. It's genius.

Big Grove Tavern

This weekend, my main squeeze and I checked out the newly opened Big Grove Tavern. It's the latest restaurant to open in our neck of the woods and I was dying to check it out. We were not disappointed.

We began with The Tavern Infusion cocktail (deliciously refreshing!), and the complimentary popcorn (a mix of kettle, salty and something else yummy). We ordered Tater Tots to start, which were served with apple purée and crème fraîche. Crunchy, sweet, salty and delicious.

Next we shared the Spring Chopped Salad. The beets and the orange were the real highlights. The sherry vinaigrette was a simple finish to this wonderful salad. 

For the main course, we went for the meat. Bob had the House Made Pork Sausage with caraway spätzle that was so good.

I opted for the Bistro Filet that was paired with kohlrabi gratin. (Just earlier that day we were at the farmer's market and I was eying the kohlrabi wondering what they tasted like.) Frankly, paired with horseradish butter, I don't think there was anyway they could have gone wrong.

Last, but in no way least, we splurged on Sweet Potato Waffles for dessert. Whoa, were those great! The vanilla ice cream, the server told us, was made with olive oil and sea salt. It melted just perfectly over the waffles and the whiskey caramel drizzle. Mmmm...

After that extraordinarily indulgent dinner we went home and passed out. It was terrific. Just my kind of night.

I hope you had a fabulous weekend! 

Avery dances

My sweet little niece Avery danced up a storm on our recent family trip to St. Simon's Island. Check out that chicken wing! I think the `20's movie style suits her perfectly, don't you?

Vacation photos to come soon...

Have a super fun weekend!

Wisdom of 105 years

Some beautiful life lessons passed down. Read them here.
My favorite:

Women can and should be controversial, if at all possible.

 and

Be unabashed in your pride and boasting when it comes to your family and your own significant accomplishments.

I think my own grandmother would have shared some of the very same advice.

Doritos

I love Doritos. Love 'em! And, this "Mexican Beauty" commercial made me laugh out loud. There are so many flavors of Doritos now. I still prefer the plain old nacho cheese flavor. As of late, though, cool ranch is a close second. Mmmm....

video via

Wedding photography deal

Are you, or is someone you know, looking for a photographer for your 2012 wedding? You're in luck! During this portfolio building year, I am offering a steep discount on a complete wedding package to some very lucky couples. Please visit my website and contact me for more information. I currently have three weddings booked and now have availability for August - December.

p.s. This adorable couple (who joined me for a baby bump shoot just a couple of weeks ago) just welcomed their little man yesterday!! He's adorable and I can't wait for his first photo shoot! Congrats, guys!!