govino

I've said it before: I can be a bit of a wine(glass) snob. I'd rather dink a mediocre wine out of a nice glass than sip the finest wine from a Dixie cup. Unfortunately, this can be problematic on the go. Enter: govino. Flexible, shatterproof "crystal." I picked them up at my favorite wine shop thinking they would be perfect on the beach this summer. We finally had a chance to use them at an oyster roast last night and they were a hit! I adore the feel and all my friends mistook it for an "real" wineglass. Can't wait to break them out on the boat for sunset cruises. (c'mon summer!)

Here's to...

(via)

I've always admired people who have the ability to raise a glass and propose a proper toast. Probably because toasting combines my two passions: drinking and communication! I read an article in Esquire about how it's a lost art, especially in the US, and I couldn't help but agree. The British Royal Navy, for example, has a toast for each day of the week (Saturday is my favorite!)

(via)

Did you know North Carolina has a state toast? I loved the idea of memorizing it, but I was intimidated when I realized it's several paragraphs long! On a recent car ride though, as I was fighting sleep (I make a terrible co-pilot) we decided the give it our best shot. We picked our favorite paragraph (the last one)

It's become a tradition for us to split the toast (I do the first two, he does the last two) when we open a bottle of wine. 

What do you drink to? 

Snow Day

There's something magical about snow at the beach. Dunes are the only hills to be found for miles and boogie boards are used as makeshift sleds. Tow ropes and knee boards are retrieved from our winterized boats and we pull them behind trucks. The streets take the place of the waterways, and in the midst of all this winter we find comfort in a familiar feeling. We pour salt on our walkways and the taste transports us back to the sea. The sting of rosy, windburned cheeks in January is reminiscent of July's sunburned skin. Neighbors gather around the fire instead of the grill, and our children build snowmen with buckets and shovels that are still a little sandy from their last trip to the beach. More than anything, the sense of community that we all thought went into hibernation comes out to play, if only for a few fleeting hours. The sun sets, albeit much earlier than the days of summer, we say goodbye and retreat back into our cozy homes with a sense of satisfaction that we haven’t felt since late September. In all the snow and ice, we find within our tiny town a private island, the spirit of summer, and the promise of warmer days just beyond the horizon… 

Now & Later

I'll admit to having shopaholic tendencies, but I must say I'm very practical about it. I tend to stay away from pieces that are overly trendy and items them I can't wear a a few different ways. On second thought... that's not entirely true. I shop for bargains on pieces like this. I'm always willing to spend a little more on the things I know I can wear year-round though, like this fabulous scarf top from the current CAbi collection. I wore it all February with rockin' red pants and ankle boots. 

[Top: CAbi Pants: J. Crew Boots: Target (I know, right?!)]

Now that the weather has warmed up, I'm channeling more of a boho beach babe vibe. Did I mention that the front of this shirt is the most creamy, delicious silk? Yeah. To die.

[Top: CAbi Shorts: Forever 21 Shoes: Zigi Soho]

How are you transitioning some of your favorite pieces into the warmer months?

Beach Baby

Maybe I've been listening to too much reggae. Or maybe the weather was just too glorious today. Or maybe my run on the beach was too perfect. Whatever the cause may be, I have come down with a serious case of beach fever. Balmy air, salty hair, casual coastal style. I'm craving it all. It didn't really hit me until I got out of the shower and wanted more than anything to let my hair air-dry, swipe on some lip balm, and wrap up in a gauzy sweater and denim cutoffs. It's not quite seasonally appropriate, and I'm fairly certain my ghostly legs could light up this town daylight savings time aside, so I resisted the urge. But I couldn't help but wander over to the Roxy website. Before you judge, I will say their selection has come a long way since my "Teenie Wahine" days. If you don't believe me, flip through their look book. Caution: you might hate the brown-haired model in a totally high school, jealous, I want to be her kind of way. (guilty.) And it may have you wanting to hop on the next flight to Hawaii. (double guilty) Or just buy all their clothes.


Here are my picks!


I would wear this pretty cover up...

Over these (1,2,3)

Dry off with this

And cuddle up in this when it gets chilly in the evening

Oh summer, where art thou?

Irene

[As I was cleaning out my drafts, I found this post- unpublished- from August. I'm not sure why it never posted, but on this cold, rainy morning it seems appropriate.]

Just as quickly as she advanced upon us, Irene has passed, leaving only minor damages in her wake. It has been a long day in coastal Carolina, the beaches were pummeled from the wee hours of the morning until shortly after dusk. Trees are dismembered, their branches lay strewn about. The electricity sizzled out hours ago, and the flood waters are sure to linger for a few more days.
But we are safe. 

Renewed thankfulness for the little things: Old Audrey Hepburn films (Roman Holiday) red wine (Robert Mondavi) and warm brownies (even if you have to bake them in a bundt pan) 

[August 27, 2011]

It's funny to me how similar things are 5 months later. The details are vary slightly (Sabrina, Dreaming Tree Cabernet, dark chocolate covered almonds) but the effect is still same: a deep, cleansing breath, a feeling that every little thing is gonna be alright, and deep, overwhelming gratitude.

Hanging with the Boys

I know I'll always be a red wine lover, but a little variety in a girl's beverage repertoire never hurt anyone. I concocted this bourbon drink last night, and I must say I was pretty pleased. As opposed to vodka or rum, there's just something about drinking bourbon or whiskey that makes me feel like I can hang with the boys* (Even if my mixers are pink and Italian... about as girly as it gets.) 

2 oz. bourbon

2 oz. cranberry juice

top with San Pellegrino Aranciata (orange)

& serve over ice

I'm still working on a name for this lovely libation, but at the moment I'm thinking something along the lines of "Winter Sunset." Truth be told, I'm still wrapped up in the scene that unfolded before me as we sipped on the front porch...

[you can't even make up stuff like this]

*No need to worry, you'll never catch this girl guzzling beer with the boys. 

("Because I'm a lady, that's why!")

calm before the storm

With Irene scheduled to make landfall right here in coastal Carolina within the next 24 hours, things are starting to feel a little frenzied as final preparations are made. This afternoon we will batten down the hatches and make final decisions regarding evacuation, but for now a deep breath, a latte (or two), and the calm before the storm. Stay safe, kittens! 

 [Hard to believe that the threat of a hurricane is so imminent with such a glorious sunset last night. (via iPhone, not edit/filter)]

[And I know the aerial shots of my breakfast are becoming borderline excessive, but this morning I toasted a slice of pound cake and topped it with cinnamon-dusted peaches. Per-fec-tion.]

late summer

It really is a terrible thing, temperatures soared above 100 and I started feeling hot, tired, and ungrateful. But this past week we finally received a break from the disparaging heat (the first sign that autumn is on the horizon, perhaps?) The highs have hovered around 85 and temperatures dip into the 70s each evening. The sweltering, stifling heat is gone and golden sunshine takes her place. Early spring has obvious appeal, but I'm beginning to think that late summer could give her a run for her money.

[my view via iPhone, no filter/edit, just lovely]

mar·vel

mar·vel (verb) 

to become filled with surprise, wonder, or amazed curiosity.

I drive over this bridge nearly every day, but oddly enough, I am always overwhelmed by the breathtaking views. Sometimes, the sun melts into the sunset like a bowl of orange sherbet. Other days, the water sparkles like a treasure chest filled to the brim with sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. And even still, on days when the clouds hang low and you can actually see the humidity in the air, I marvel at the fact that this is where I live. I hope I never lose that- the ability to marvel. When you are intimately aware of your Creator, the creation takes on a whole new wonder. 

won·der (noun) 

the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary

Listening to...

it's a sweet, sweet life...
livin by the salty sea





For several reasons...
1. Today is the first day of summer!

[but I mean hey, some of us have been living like it's summer for a few weeks now...]

2. I am hitting the beach with this baby today...

[Taylor circa 1990]

3. And last, but not least, my good friend is moving to Hawaii. It's a little sad, but so exciting and the opportunity of a lifetime. Kels I am so proud of you! Aloha!

[Jimmy Buffett, 2011]

Naut-y

Since school is out and the warm weather seems to be here to stay, I think my obsession with all things nautical can finally be deemed appropriate. (Truth be told, I think living at the coast is the perfect excuse to gravitate toward nautical pieces year-round.) Knots, ropes, and stripes galore... these are a few of my current favorites.

 Perfect Fit Stripe Henley Tank from J. Crew

Forever 21's Striped Raglan Top (I have it in 2 colors (navy w/ white stripes & white w/ grey stripes) Lightweight but cozy... prefect for chilly summer evenings or early mornings on the dock!)

Spotted this adorable vintage scarf on Etsy

Sparkle & Fade Hi-Waisted Sailor Shorts

Kate Spade's Royal Plantation Quinn (the bold red and wicker... I die) 

And the perfect finishing touch... French Connection's Twist Chain Rope Necklace

Bon voyage!