Vacation Day Two:Kiawah Island

Day two brought cloudier skies.  We spent the morning at the Ocean Course, the beautiful, historic golf course at the end of the island and home to what is considered the toughest golf course in America.  Afterward we ate the most amazing of brunches at The Sanctuary's Jasmine's Porch.  The brunch featured bottomless mimosas, multiple different food stations, and a dessert bar that has me still lusting after one more slice of Key Lime Pie.  I think the big brunch winner was the Vanilla Bourbon French Toast.  We've been talking about it ever since.  Here are a few snaps of our Day Two Adventures.  Don't miss Day One of our Kiawah Island Adventure as well!

Dress I scored at the Escapada Warehouse sale here in Charleston at whopping 80% off.  They usually run one in July and January...so you won't want to miss that.

 

This was one of the many, many, many plates that I made while at the Sanctuary Brunch but most importantly it features the French Toast of mention and now perpetual lust.  

 

Foodie Bucketlist Review: Bistro Toulouse

R an I had big plans to be in Paris for a few days this November, but thanks to our move we are no longer going be to able to do that.  Needless to say, we are bummed.  But thankfully I am married to a man that knows the way to my heart is food, so he arranged for us to have a lovely lunch, er dejeuner, at Bistro Toulouse, a tiny French restaurant in Mt Pleasant.  Located in a strip mall, you would never expect to find a French cafe in this area, but we gladly added this to our Charleston Foodie Bucketlist many moons ago and we were excited to try it out.    

When we saw the bunch menu, we couldn't quite get past the amazing beignets that were lurking on the menu.  We had to do it.  And it was worth every calorie.  

Weekend Recap

Welcome to Monday and the end of summer.  So many school buses back on the roads this morning and so much sadness as summer draws to a close. But!  Thankfully, the weather in Charleston is still awesome for some outside activities.  Here is a quick recap of the weekend's fun with Kristen in town!

Rich and I gave Ellie a "Special Day" which really more equated to it was her vet day and we figured she at least deserved to get to go to the dog park since she had to get a few shots in the toosh. In true Ellie fashion, she was awkward meeting new friends at the dog park.  In the end this special day just resulted in her and Sophie getting special baths.  Win win for us.  

We had a few friends over to our back porch to grill out and play some games.  My love for games on our back porch is increasing with each mini-party we have.  I think it's time for a full on game night chez nous. 

Saturday morning included me finally knocking off Stand-Up Paddle boarding off my Charleston Bucketlist.  We left out of Shem Creek and decided not to heed the suggestions of the company to paddle against the tide for the first part.  We spent a good hour or so wandering the marsh and seeing some of the most beautiful Charleston homes.  We even saw a grown up tree house they had turned into a complete bar!  However, we paid the price on the way back as I lost complete confidence that I had the arm and body strength to get us back to Shem Creek!  It was so tough!  But, we did get to see a few dolphins in the creek up close and personal.  

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tip #1: always bring water and snacks. Thankfully I am never one to miss a meal.

Three hours of hard core SUP earned us a yummy lunch and my Shem Creek staple Waters Edge.  We finally got a seat on the water (after some pleading of course.)

 Saturday night we spent grooving to the sounds of Soul Fish at the Sundown on the Wando on Daniel Island, a free monthly community concert near the Wando River.  Though I have no photographic evidence, I can share the band did have Kristen and I on stage to sing Wagon Wheel (jury is out whether they actually turned off our mics after the first chorus.)  

Sunday Brunch was at a Olde Village Post House in Old Mount Pleasant.  A little neighborhood establishment packed full of charm and deliciousness. 

Peach and Cream French Toast anyone?

To walk off all that "dessert breakfast" (as the waitress reminded us more than once that we had in fact basically ordered dessert at 10am) we headed over to another Mount Pleasant favorite of mine: Pitt Street Bridge.  A hidden gem in Old Mt P, it's a local favorite for those wanting to take in the beautiful quiet of seaside living, catch a few rays while reading or book, or try your hand at some afternoon fishing.  As always, it was breathtaking.

 Casual Saturday paddleboarding with your dog here in Mt Pleasant, SC.

Weekend in Review

What a week capped off by a fantastic weekend!  We are soaking up the last moments of Charleston's beautiful summers and taking in all that this city has to offer in summer. It is truly when the city comes alive with activity and fun and when you can muddle through the tourists a bit, you'll find how magical low country summers are.  I heard all about the humidity and heat when I first moved down to Charleston and y'all, they weren't lying.  But, despite that, it is still my favorite place to be hot and gross all summer long. 

My might fine man surprised me with all my favorites when I got home from a rough week on Friday night.  And yes folks, that is a Red Velvet cupcake and flowers from Whole Foods.  Because, if you are going to eat calories galore, let's make sure they are coming from Whole Foods, am I right?

I am not sure this sums up our marriage any better: Saturday morning watching Caesar Milan work magic on some sweet baby dogs.  

 Those last moments of a Charleston summer spent on Sullivan's Island.  The crowds has dissipated a bit before school starts and hello #taxfreeweekend, so we had some peace and quiet, and a ton of horseflies annoying us.  Our beach visit was cut short as a result. 

We checked yet another place off our Charleston Foodie Bucket List on Saturday after the beach.  What more can you say about Obstinate Daughter's decor than this photo? 

I got the shrimp roll which was a slight take on a lobster roll and pretty delicious.  

After volunteering at the Charleston Animal Society for a bit, we had a crew of friends over to entertain Ellie spend some porch time together before the Hootie and the Blowfish Concert.

Sunday was spent catching up on life and hanging with my number one and two girls while Rich was back home for his mom's birthday.  How am I supposed to get anything done with a golden floor mat?

When I couldn't take anymore of the #velcroGolden, I took her over to the local dog park for some running and a general release of her wiggles.  She's my girl and I love how she loves me.  

That's it folks!  A taste of our weekend as healing and therapeutic as it was for us me.   Time to soak up all that we have left of this summertime. 

Our Charleston Foodie Bucket List

Charleston, a food lovers dream!  Rich and I are no strangers to a good Charleston meal.  I wanted to share a few of our go to favorites for delicious Charleston dinning as well as our bucket list for places we hope to eat in the Holy City.  Do you have any "must eat" places in our lovely city?