Memorial Weekend at Pawleys with the Burley's

Charlie and I enjoyed a relaxing weekend at Pawleys Island with the Burley's over the Memorial Holiday weekend. The beach and especially South Carolina beaches are probably one of my most favorite places to travel. I think my ultimate favorite is in and around Murrells Inlet, Garden City, Litchfield, Pawleys and the Georgetown area. These beaches are very special to Charlie and I because during our "courtship" we went to his families beach house, in Garden City, almost once a month.

Charlie and I were lucky enough to leave work early on Friday to make it in time for dinner at Bistro 217. Champs joined the 4 of us for supper and I enjoyed watching him in awe of our waitress. He must have liked what he saw because he put his hand on her hiney! It was too cute! We ended the evening with drinks on the porch at Blue Moon until late in the evening while watching a strong storm sweep over the inlet.

Julia, Champs and I enjoyed a long morning walk on Saturday followed by a full beach day. Marjorie, Charles, Elizabeth and Drayton met up with us for our beach day. Julia fixed a delicious dinner on Saturday evening consisting of a homemade tomato pie, fresh corn and a shrimp entrée, sautéed with a heavy cream sauce with sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta. (Julia is working on sending me the recipe.) We had another late evening with a few friends stopping by to visit.

Sunday, Charlie and I slept in the latest we have in months, me, maybe even in years. We enjoyed another full beach day, and Marjorie and Charles joined us again. One of my favorite times on the beach is when the sun is going down, and we got to enjoy this on Sunday afternoon. Marjorie, Julia and I must have had too many Coronas.

Charlie and I fixed a must have Memorial weekend dinner with hotdogs, chili, onions and slaw. I think we all ate more than 1. Good thing I was back at the gym today....

Charlie and I enjoyed the weekend with the Burley's catching up on life, getting lots of good laughs in and especially getting to spend lots of time with Champs. He is a joy and I loved being his second Mama this weekend.

Evening cocktails on the porch following dinner at Bistro 217

Charlie playing with Champs

Favorite spot

My mom wanted a picture of my new hat she bought me for my birthday, a little to large

BB with Champs, he did a great job on the beach both days!

 Champs Aunts and Mama

Mrs. Cindy, I plan to purchase one of these one day

Enjoying the swing

Drinks following dinner on Saturday

 Champs loved having his pool on the beach

Watching the sun go down, Corona in hand

31st Birthday Celebration with Family

I hosted Charlie's birthday party this weekend, with family. Initially it was suppose to be a surprise birthday party but with our upcoming kitchen renovation, I could not bare the idea of letting it be a surprise with renovations taking place. So, Charlie knew about his party but this did not spoil the fun. Player came into town on Friday evening to help kick off the birthday weekend, and we 3 enjoyed a supper at Pasta Fresca. After a long week of work I was in bed by 10, and Charlie and Player enjoyed an evening out on the town. (I was a little slack with photos this weekend but below is a glimpse of a few of them.)

Saturday morning came bright and early, and I set out to make one of my Mom's favorite desserts. Polly was making Charlie's favorite Carrot Cake, but I needed another dessert for our 15 guests! :)
Thought I would share the recipe below...

Oreo Trifle

1 bag of Oreos
1 package of cream cheese (room temp)
1 large package of chocolate pudding (follow directions to make)
1 stick butter
Cool Whip

Save 10 Oreos for topping
Crunch remaining Oreos in Ziploc bag, once crumbled, place in bowl with melted butter.
In separate bowl prepare chocolate pudding according to package, stir well. Add in cream cheese and beat with a mixer until fluffy. Add Oreo mixture to chocolate pudding and cream cheese mixture. Place in trifle bowl, spread cool whip on top and sprinkle remaining Oreos on top.

Oreo Trifle

 

Birthday party setup

 

New summer cook out essentials

 

Mrs. Margaret Mimms stayed the evening with us. My twin (not just clothing), in the kitchen helping me clean.

 

 

& this happened too! No words... but excited to see the end product in a few weeks or months!

 

Forgot a very important aspect of the weekend, Charlie and I joined Eastminster Presbyterian Church. I feel so blessed to have found a wonderful church and look forward to calling the church our home.

Happy Tuesday!

 

 

Girls Gotta Travel

I love to travel, I love tasting new foods, I love experiencing new things and I love reading books I never thought I would enjoy. To love to travel and to travel too far away places requires one to fly, however, this girl doesn't enjoying flying. As a matter of fact, its probably at the bottom of my list. Nothing about flying makes me feel as ease, haven't quite wrapped my head around the big steel bird getting off the ground. I have decided I am not going to let this slow me down, I just enjoy a few cocktails before my flight followed by a few more on the flight.

This past weekend Ejoye and I embarked on a weekend trip to Washington, DC. My Aunt Kathy, who has lived in DC for the past 25 years, always enjoys company to her home in Alexandria. I have to admit she spoiled us as she always does, and we had a wonderful time. I captured a lot of photos, but a few I have to admit I forgot to get photos of. Missed a picture of Aunt KK and I after our hour long massage on Friday morning.

I look forward to going back there maybe later this year or traveling to her other home in Richmond. Both cities are quite unique and as you can imagine, filled with wonderful dining establishments, beautiful places to site see and of course, lovely company.

Martin's Tavern in Georgetown, famously known for the proposal site of JFK and Jackie. 

Georgetown Cupcake, also famously known on DC Cupcakes on TLC. Ejoye, I waited in line for 30 minutes to get you cupcakes for your Birthday!

Sugar Palm, famous Thai place in Alexandria. Cheryl, Liz, Kathy, Ejoye and I.

Surprised Ejoye with her cupcakes on Friday Night. Georgetown Cupcake, you held up your end of the bargain.

Newseum, my favorite Museum

World War II Memorial, this Memorial always pulls at my heart strings

Segways, the best part of the trip!

We are Pros!

 

Lunch on Sunday in Old Town Alexandria, another Birthday Celebration

Walking around Old Town doing a little shopping

Flying Home