It’s Christmas in July in Blogland~ not unlike in my retail career when boxes starting arriving with merchandise to be unpacked and priced months in advance of December 25th! ~~~ With my encore journey into the Flower Fairies’ Magical Realm, and in the Spirit of Christmas, I’m giving away a copy of Cicely Mary…
Flower Fix
Tropic of Tommy Bahama
The closest I’m getting to a tropical island is sipping Fiji Island Water~ So for Kathleen’s Let’s Dish Destination Challenge, I’m heading to the Tropic of Tommy Bahama. . . In a world of schedules, to-do lists, and the lost art of relaxing, I’m digging my toes in the virtual sand and idyllic island life of…
What the Nose Knows and Sniffing Out Winners
Chloe’s nose. . . Big. Black and Wet. Only Chloe’s nose knows nothing. . . Apparently there for decorative purposes only :) Gracie’s nose. . . Small. Dry and Discolored. Gracie’s nose knows if there is roasted chicken in a three-mile radius. Her sniffing-super-powers help compensate for the fact that most of the time she can’t see…
Regatta Boat Drinks
We spent some time boating and enjoying a couple of regattas on the lake recently~ admiring the boats & colored sails. It floats my boat to spy new and clever boat names to add to my collection :) Last year during our week-long stay at Harbor Island, we dined at Sweetgrass Restaurant & Bar at the Dataw…
Brown Sugar Sand
I have an affinity for Brown Sugar~ in cookies, spice cakes, and crumble toppings~ but especially in the summer if I can’t feel the sand between my toes. . . I pretend I’m beach side~ substituting sugar for sand~ the texture ideal for sculpting turtles, shells, sand castles and even mermaids! Here are several brown sugar sand posts…
Almost Red Velvet Berry Cobbler

My July issue of Southern Living is full of drool-worthy recipes, inspiration, and summertime favorites! You can tell by my old-fashioned method of pinning :) Most tempting is the Lazy Day Summer Cobbler section~ fast and easy scoopable desserts, specifically Red Velvet-Berry Cobbler! On the heels of the Fourth, celebrating and indulging in Banner Yet Wave Burgers, I was too lazy to cobble together…
Sand Pail Selections & Flip Flops!
Summertime means Sand Pails, Flip Flops & Books in my Beach {lake} Bag! Everyone is invited for a little Fun in the Sun~ the dress code casual, flip flops required :) I found Flipflop Wines~ priced at $5 a bottle at Harris Teeter~ Ideal for mixing a little sangria. . . using Flipflop Sauvignon Blanc and a recipe from…
Happy Independence Day!
Chloe & Gracie wish you Happy Independence Day! Hope you find a way to beat the heat and enjoy some tasty treats!
A Stars & Stripes Salute on the Porch

Preparations are underway for a Stars & Stripes Salute for Indespendence Day~ a day with family enjoying food, fun, and fireworks! We’re pulling out all the flags for this High-Flying Holiday! Excerpt from “I am the Flag” by Ruth Apperson Rous: “My thirteen stripes alternating red and white, with a union of thirteen white stars in…

