Category Archives: Uncategorized

What I’ve Been Reading (Listening to) Lately…

I have never really been someone to sit down and read a book. This goes back to school days – reading was always the last thing I wanted to do. Just not my thing.

In more recent years, I have been the occasional reader. Maybe I would pick-up a book to enjoy on summer vacation, get a book at the holidays – but I’m still not a big reader. With today’s new ways of reading – Audible is my go to, I’ve started listening (reading) occasionally. In addition to some books, I have also picked up listening to podcasts.

Here are a few of my favorite books:

Blogs that I follow:

Podcasts that I’m listening to:

What are you reading or listening to this summer? What blogs do you follow?

12 Years

Yesterday (June 9th) was our 12th Anniversary! There is no one else I would rather do “life” with than my best friend, partner, husband! Thank you for putting up with me and walking along beside me. We have a ways to go to match my parent’s 44th Anniversary and your parent’s recent 50th Anniversary. Looking forward to many, many more years.

  • June 2007
  • May 2019

Vacation Eating…

Each year, we have mixed cooking and eating out while on our Family Beach Week. It’s a nice mix of a little of this and a little of that. We do have some favorites in the Ocean Isle Beach, NC area and I’m sure there are many others.

  • Ella’s of Calabash – There is nothing fancy about Ella’s, but it has always been a favorite. If you are looking for good Calabash-style seafood (FRIED Seafood), Ella’s is a great pick. I don’t eat a lot of seafood, but do enjoy shrimp. They were delicious! Ella’s also brings a lot of memories back for my Mom who can remember coming to Calabash as a child and eating there at Ella’s or another restaurant nearby. 4
  • Inlet View Bar & Grill – Several years ago, we stumbled on Inlet View after a great recommendation from some friends. It also does not disappoint. Great seafood and a twist to the traditional hushpuppies – there is a hint of jalapenos. The views are spectacular.
  • Sunset Slush and Calabash Creamery – Who doesn’t love dessert especially when on vacation? As you read in my Favorite Beach Must Haves, Sunset Slush is good anytime. We enjoy Calabash Creamery too – especially when we have had dinner at a restaurant in Calabash and then our recreational shopping experience at Callahans and ready for a treat before our ride back to OIB.

Like I said, I know that there are many others. This was our short list this year in additional to doing a little cooking too. Do you have a favorite in the OIB area? We can always start our list for the next trip.

My Favorite Beach Must Haves…

My family is wrapping up our annual Beach Week and all week I have thought that I would kick start this blogging thing. Good intentions and a start two years ago has just stopped. Let’s just say it’s been a busy season.

So, why not start back with an easy post based on our week and my favorite beach items this week:

  1. Coolibar Marina Sun Hat – My mom has had a similar hat for years and last year I finally broke down and bought a hat. Let’s just say my hat has been the best purchase I have made. Most of the time a hat makes me hot…this hat does just the opposite. It’s cool and provides the shade you need and an added bonus it has UPF 50+. A win all around.
  2. Lands End Rash Guard Shirt – Another great find and well used item when you spend a week at the beach. Trying to not look like a lobster, I have found these Swim Shirts to be my BFF. Most of the time it’s just my cover-up, but then when I’ve had just a little too much sun, I put the shirt on and again, I’m cool and covered.
  3. Sunset Slush – Who doesn’t love a cool, refreshing treat after a day at the beach/pool?!? I’m not sure how many days we just had to go get a refreshing treat. From strawberry, lemon-lime, peach, watermelon, pineapple…we enjoyed all the flavors. If you come near a Sunset Slush – it is well worth the stop in to enjoy.
  4. Thirty-One Beach Bag – Everyone needs a great beach bag to carry all your stuff…well, mine is no other than a Thirty-One Bag. It’s an older style and not available anymore, but any of their bags with a fun print works for a pool/beach bag. Durable, colorful, functional – all the things.
  5. Rodan + Fields Essentials Sunscreen – Some of you may know that I started R+F almost two years ago. It was really to keep up the products I was using and having success with. One of the products that I have loved is their sunscreen. For the first time in many years, I have not burned while at the beach. Between my sunscreen, Coolibar hat and Lands End Shirt – I’m set.

A great week of rest and relaxation. Sunny weather and no agenda is just what was needed. Until the next time…

Jumping in

Well, it’s time to jump into the blogging world. Right? There are so many times that I come across a tidbit and want to capture it. I want to share it with others. Maybe I’ve learned something and think others can benefit from it. So, let’s see where this blogging thing goes.  It may be here and there, maybe it will take on a bit more. You just never know.  Until the next post….