Weekend Road Trip: St. Helena Island, SC

This past Sunday we decided we had gotten a full 3 weeks into 2012 so a ROAD TRIP was in order.  I do believe we have a bit of gypsy in our bones and we catch wander lust from time to time.  This trip was inspired by a show we saw (about 3 weeks ago...hmmm?) about St. Helena Island, South Carolina and the wonderful Gullah Culture that is rooted there along with a unique style of art and food.

I did mention food, right????

 Our first stop was for sustenance

because you can't explore on an empty stomach. 

We found our way to Gullah Grub.

 It was a  real treat! Chef/Owner Chef Bill Green
has been cooking for nearly a half century
and has been featured on Martha Stewart Living and
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

 Inside the restaurant is filled with great Gullah art and artifacts...

including the snarling gentleman in the corner.

 We all came away full after stuffing ourselves with sampling yummies like Shrimp & Grits, Shrimp Gumbo, BBQ, red rice, lima beans, cornbread and the best collard greens I think I have ever tasted.

After getting nourishment for our journey we headed over to Hunting Island State Park to visit the lighthouse.  The Hunting Island historic lighthouse is the only lighthouse open to the public to climb in the state.  It was tall.....

 Did I mention the plan was to climb to the top?

 up....up....10 stories, as the stairs got narrower

 and narrower with each story

 The view from the top.

See that dot on the ground?  That would be me...yep, I chickened out about 3 stories up.  I had to go back down.  I didn't realized that I apparently have a thing about heights, or maybe small steps???  But don't I look just tiny in this photo?

Check back for my next post continuing all the fun things we saw while visiting Gullah Gullah Island (do any of you remember that show?)

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue...

and I am tired of this weather, how about you?

I am just about sick to death of hearing about cold, and snow, and ice!!!  I am so over the miserable weather that I can't even come up with anything original to blog about that doesn't contain a big dose of grumble!  I need something fun and festive!  Of course, Martha Stewart is right there with some great ideas for cute gifts for Valentine's Day (which, by the way, is ONLY a month away!).

I want to try to make some of these adorable Bath Fizzies.  They would make such a great gifts!  If you want to see some other great ideas check out Martha Stewart's 55 Valentine's Day Ideas.  Happy Crafting, y'all!

For more great blogs check out Amanda's Weekend Blogggy Reading Link UP Party:

and Java is Hosting the 33rd Follow Friday, 40 and Over:

Happy 3 Months until Christmas!

Yes!  It is only 3 months until Christmas!!!  How are you doing on your preparations?  I got started this week and one gift is taken care of.  It feels good to make some progress and know that is one less stress for closer to the big day! 

Also, I looked at Martha Stewart's Christmas Craft ideas and saw these adorable little pinecone guys.  Aren't they just the cutest?  Check out the link above, I am sure you will find something that wil get you exited about getting a jump on the season.  I do love to do holiday crafts but find if I wait until the seson arrives there is never time to do them, so I love seeing all thise ideas early.

So, y'all.....3 months!  3 MONTHS!

Spring ideas...

It has been a particularly long, and cold winter this year ~ even in the South.  Old Man winter had quite a vigorous hold on us this year and has fought to keep himself alive and well more than I remember in the past few winters.  Well, I am done with it...finished...Spring is what I want.  Let the daffodils and tulips burst into bloom!   I want to hear the loud songs from the azaleas! Today was a lovely day here and I got the urge to start thinking ahead to Easter just in time for Martha Stewart to send one of  her great idea emails. IF you don't receive them, pop over and sign up for just the kind you would like.  I love them!  Here is a link to some of her cool Spring and Easter ideas:  Martha Stewart's Everything Easter. 

So, do you decorate for Spring and Easter?  I am looking so forward to it!