There’s nothing better than the windows down air conditioning on, the sun shining, summer vacation on the horizon, and summer jams blaring!

Isle of Palms (I don’t have a picture of me rocking out in the car, so a pic of the beach is always good!)

Here are my current fav songs that make me wanna be on the beach with a cold beverage in hand (in no particular order)…

1. “Toes” – Zac Brown Band…semi-inappropriate, but incredibly catchy!  My new fav!
2. “When the Sun Goes Down” – Kenny Chesney…“everything gets hotter when the sun goesss down!”
3. “Goodbye Earl” – Dixie Chicks…I cannot help but sing obnoxiously loud when this song is on.  There’s even some air drumming to be seen!
4. “Rock & Roll” – Eric Hutchinson…his entire album (Sounds Like This) is awesome.  Time for album #2 there, buddy!
5. “Precious Love” – James Morrison…a feel good song that makes me wanna squeeze my hunny.
6. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood…a song that makes me wanna squeeze my hunny tighter (so he doesn’t make me go Carrie Underwood on his a$$)!
7. “Mine” – Taylor Swift…love me some Taylor Swift!
8. “Beer in Mexico” – Kenny Chesney…makes me think of our honeymoon in Mexico – and beer.
9. “Waiting on the World to Change” – John Mayer…I put how much John Mayer annoys me aside for this song.
10. “Amongst the Waves” – Pearl Jam…“flying high amongst the waves.”
11. “Mayberry” – Rascal Flatts…one of Rascal Flatts’ many summertime songs!
12. “Settlin’” – Sugarland…this one needs to be up loud real loud to drown out my off-key-ness.
13. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz…this guy is amazing in concert!
14. “Waking up in Vegas” – Katy Perry…can you imagine?
15. “No Shoes No Shirt No Problems” – Kenny Chesney…ahhh the beach life ♥

Let me sum up what these songs choices suggest about me, even though I’m assuming that you may have already beaten me to it.  I like adult beverages and girl power, Kenny Chesney = summer (to me), country is my favorite music genre, and I AM RANDOM!  C’mon – it’s good stuff!  If you haven’t heard one/some of these songs, please look ‘em up on YouTube!  You cannot be in a bad mood after listening to any one of them.

Here’s “Toes” by Zac Brown Band (remember, a little inappropriate)…

Monday was the 1 year anniversary of one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston – Coleman Public House.  It’s actually located in the town of Mount Pleasant…just a bridge away from downtown.  It’s here…

(My OCD-ness wants this map centered, but it’s not working with me!)

We had planned on heading to Coleman Public House on their actual anniversary date (they were having some great food and drink specials along with live music), but it just didn’t happen.  SO, we made it there last night for our own little celebration.  It was the perfect way to kick off this well deserved 3-day weekend!!!

We’ve been to Coleman Public House probably 5 or 6 times.  That says a lot about the place right there!  There are so many awesome restaurants in the Charleston area that we’ve only been to once or twice and others that we haven’t gotten to at all yet.  We are creatures of habits, though, and know exactly where we are going to go when we’re jonesin’ for a solid burger and a good (and ever-changing) beer selection!

The outside on Coleman Boulevard

Look at this beer selection (just what’s on tap)!  The hubby always has a difficult time making choices here.

We got there at 5:00pm (yes it was a Friday night and yes we’re senior citizens, lol).  Getting there early is the only way to be sure that you’ll be able to sit by the bar at the hightop tables with the comfiest stools ever.  That’s definitely the best place to be, location-wise, in this restaurant.  By the time we left, all of these tables were taken (there are 4 or 5 of them) and so were the outside tables. Most of the bar stools had beer-loving butts in ‘em by then, too.

Truth be told, we’ve only had a couple of items off of the menu because we’re stuck on the burgers (super glue, style).  Everything always looks awesome, though.  I’ve heard great comments about their Mini Lamb Burgers and just LOVE how the Rosemary Popcorn is presented (both appetizers).  Their Mac & Cheese with gouda is quite amazing, but their burgers?  A-maz-ing!

Here’s my poison…The Barnyard Burger with Goat Cheese, Oven Roasted Tomato, Fresh Spinach, Caramelized Onions

Never have I had a burger that was so delicious that I didn’t douse it with ketchup.  I don’t use ANY on this burger.  I took half of it home.

Scott’s poison…The Southern Burger with Pepperjack, Fried Green Tomato, Spicy Remoulade

Those House Cut French Fries are so amazingly delicious…we prefer the Truffle & Parmesan kind, but the Garlic fries are yummy, too.

For beer, I had the Sweetgrass Pale Ale and the Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (WHAT a mouthful, lol).  The Hefe always comes in a loud and look-at-me tall beer glass.  This is my signature drink at CPH.  Scott got the Stoudt’s Scarlet Lady and then a Great Divide Double IPA.  No disappointments to speak of here, either.

Round 1

Round 2

Yes, I’m a lush (and a midget – ha!)

Cheers to many more, Coleman Public House!

p.s.  Happy Memorial Day weekend,  y’all!

p.s.s.  This past week was Hurricane Preparedness Week – yikes.  Blog on this to come!

p.s.s.s.  I do realize that I say “amazing” a lot – Imma work on it!

Beach Count: 41

Pool Count: 10

High Temperature: 84°

Well folks, it’s been a hotttt week with more hotness to come (temps ranging from 84° to 91° over the next 7 days).  Yesterday hit 95°, almost reaching the record high of 97°.  No complaints here, though.  Learned my lesson to not waste my time attempting to straighten my curly hair on a 95° day, but NO complaints!

The hubs has been keeping tabs on Spikey’s health – making sure he’s hydrated and all.

What a good Daddy!

Look at the detail on our little Mister.

He gets his hairiness from his Dad.  Okay, okay…maybe it’s from me (I am 50% Italian).

Scott swears he grew this week.  Maybe — just maybe!  Squint your eyes.  A little more.  No, some more.  So they’re almost closed.  THERE – now do you see it?! Some comparison pics to come when Spikey turns 3 months old.  Then y’all can be the judge!

Is it warm enough for you outside?  What’s the perfect temperature to you?!

p.s. I saw Bridesmaids with Christina and her roommate, Lucy, last night. THAT was hilarious!  I still managed to fight tears about 3 times (this girl’s a wuss).  Yes, it was a comedy and I am ridiculous.  Girls and boys – see it if you haven’t yet!  The lingering laughter from the few men in the theater suggests that men CAN laugh at funny jokes…even when they’re written by women!

p.s.s. Time to watch the American Idol Finale…if I can stay awake long enough. 8:00-10:07 –way to stretch it out Fox! Love Lauren AND Scotty…but I just have this thing for Scottys!  ♥

Beach Count: 41

Pool Count: 10

High Temperature: 95°

Southern Thesaurus – Entry #5

Accident = Wreck

Every car accident (as we Northerners call ‘em) or car crash is called a “wreck” here in Charleston.  Many a morning, I hear about a wreck on the Don Holt Bridge or on Highway 17.  Little accidents, lots of wrecks.  I’m pretty sure “wreck” is used all-inclusively down here, from fender benders to major collisions.  From golf carts to tractor trailers.  I don’t like to hear about any “wreck” – big or small – well, except for when it takes place at one particular location…

That location would be…wait for it…on Rutt Road.  I CANNOT help but laugh when I hear that there’s another “wreck on Rutt Road.”  Yes, there’s a Rutt Road in the area.  (Say it out loud if you’re struggling with why this is funny.)  Google Maps made a liar outta me (I can’t find the stupid street, even after trying lots of creative spelling options), but believe you me…I wouldn’t think to make up such a thing.  I always think, “Zoinks, I hope Scooby and Shaggy are okay!”…and then I strangely become hungry for a yummy snack.

Who jokes about accidents?  Seriously…I’m a sick ticket, I know!

p.s. Happy 1 year anniversary to one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston – Coleman Public House.  I will devour your *Barnyard Burger* (Goat Cheese, Oven Roasted Tomato, Fresh Spinach, Caramelized Onions) and yummo fries verrrrry soon!  My husband?  He will focus on your beverages!

p.s.s. The Bachelorette starts tonight!  It’s Ashley…the dentist dental student who made it far (no pun intended, I’m sure) with Brad Womack during the last Bachelor season.  Buckle up…it’s time to witness a serious “wreck” or two!

Beach Count: 41

Pool Count: 10

High Temperature: 93º

So I started this new blogventure (I was hoping that was gonna sound way cooler) back in March, right around when Charleston City Paper published their “Best of Charleston 2011″ picks.  This guide outlines the best schools, restaurants, bars, churches, doctors, (blah, etc., blah) picked by loyal readers.  It was quite fitting that my eyes immediately zeroed in on the “Best Local Interest Blog” category (right after the “Places to Unexpectedly Find Billy Murray Waiting Tables” category…yes he lives here!).  The Readers’ Pick was Christina Orso’s blog — Hungry Meets Healthy.  Well, I had to check it ASAP!  I was worried that the content wouldn’t be relatable to a person who tends to be just-hungry-and-not-so-much-with-the-healthy (←me).  But, I knew it had to be much more than just healthy recipes to have won this category.  Of course, I quickly became hooked and right away knew that we HAD to be friends.  I commented on Christina’s blog along with providing my blog address (she was asking for followers’ blog names at the time), she e-mailed me, and the rest is history!  We have been online/text dating ever since.  No, for real.

Here are snippets from our first e-mail exchange…

Since then, we’ve been building a friendship via blog commenting, Facebook, and texting.  (That’s right folks, it’s the year 2011!)

Until we finally met…

TODAY!

I have to admit.  I was nervous.  I’ve never been on a blind date before.  What to wear?  Where to go?  To hug or not to hug?  What if there are awkward silences? Lots of “what-ifs” and “what nows” and “oh mys” to think of!

Luckily, Christina is totally normal and it all worked out swimmingly.  I’m pretty sure we hit it off…I think this friendship has serious potential to make it out of the virtual world.

Christina — thanks for being so great…and for the awesome chocolate chip cookies!  (Why didn’t I think of that?!)

Yes, y’all, she’s that gorgeous in real life!

Guesses on how many picture attempts were needed for my eyes to actually be open?  It was either 4 or 5!  Seriously, my blinking problem is no joke.

Please check out Christina’s blog – so witty and fun!

“Hello” to new readers!!!  Thanks for taking Christina’s word for it and checking ME out!  =)

p.s. Happy 1st birthday, Nolan – we love you!  xo

p.s.s. Southern Thesaurus entry promised for tomorrow!

p.s.s.s. Christina…too much?!  lol

Beach Count: 41

Pool Count: 9

High Temperature: 91° (perfect beach day!)

I missed my weekly Spikey blog.

I haven’t been making my bed.

My hair’s a hot mess.

If you came to my house, I would turn you away to avoid extreme embarrassment (can you say e to the w?!).

Life is a little outta sorts right now!

I never half a$$ anything (as my husband lovingly points out on our wedding video!) – so if I can’t blog it right, I won’t blog it at all.

Last night was thirsty Thursday at the Brewery (woop, woop) and it is currently Friday after work.  Nuff said.  Ima make it, y’all – Ima make it!

The Spikinator (yes, he is quite possibly Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love child, too) is at a standstill folks.  No two ways about it.  Even with his Daddy’s extra special watering attention, he’s still as stubborn as ever.  We will love him just the way he is (no matter what), but dang – grow a little for us!

If Spikey could talk sing, he would sing us this!  (Enjoy this vintage ’80s Toys R Us Commercial!)→

http://youtu.be/AWTiv0srfjE

Yes, that was the future Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) from Family Matters on the swing!

Here are 5 reasons for smiles today…

1. American Idol – love me some Lauren and Scotty!

2. The Real Housewives of New Jersey, New York, and the OC – girls make me feel so mature.

3. The forecast.  Hello sun and sand!

4. New cell phones for the Trottiers…WITH internet!  Don’t get too excited, they’re not activated yet.  Lisa K. – this may cure me hanging up on you, but not you putting yourself on mute.

5. 2 weeks ’til NY!

=)

p.s. Don’t ever see Blue Valentine.  I thought it was going to be a love story, but it turned into a sob story.  LOVE Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, but that was painfully sad.

p.s.s. Check out the hubster’s website…Charleston CraftBeer.  If you like beer, you like this website.  Believe you me (I hate this saying, ha!).

Beach Count: 40!

Pool Count: 7 (about to make it 8!)

High Temperature: 87°

I’ve officially recovered from my terrible-horrible-no good-very bad day.  THAT was a rough one.  It’s still the weekend, so no need to waste time thinking about the dreaded “w” word prematurely.

Immediate change of subject √

What a fun weekend!

FRIDAY — It started post “w-word” with my 2nd ½ price Frappuccino of the week.  Starbucks’ Frappuccino Happy Hours was ridiculously exciting and busy (nice gimmick, but it was technically 2 hours long!).  It’s not often that you spend just over $2 on a fancy coffee drink at Starbucks.  It somehow tastes even yummier when it costs less.  THEN, we went to our first professional soccer game at Blackbaud Stadium (my first professional soccer game, period).  The Charleston Battery played F.C. New York…and lost.  Oh well.  Playing a NY team was very fitting because we went there to meet up with friends visiting from NY. Can’t say that I watched much of the game (I had to catch up with the girls!), but it was a fun time.  I’d go again!

Drooool.  Not my actual frapp. – I don’t like whipped cream!

SATURDAY — We hit up our favorite brewery to fill up the growlers (*blog post in the very near future*) and I got my 3rd ½ price Frappuccino of the week. Mocha Coconut?  Yes, please!  I finished my first book of the “summer” (yes, I am trying to fast-forward time…it’s not working), relaxed, and made the mucho-requested Crabmeat Meltaways (my appetizer staple) for Paul and Julie’s BBQ in West Ashley.  There were about 20 people there and I’d say at least 80% of the crowd were originally from NY (some current Charleston residents, some visiting).  Yankees were in the hizzouse!

Not these Yankees!

SUNDAY — Ahhh, Sunday.  ♥  Well, we wanted to do brunch – but brunch didn’t want to do us. Yes, I realize that didn’t sound right. Anyway, we struck out left and right with our restaurant choices up until about 11:09am when I said, “Babe, how does lunch sound?!”  Home Team BBQ on Sullivan’s Island, it was!  A pulled pork sandwich with a side of mac & cheese and a sweet tea…deliciously Southern and just straight delicious!  Brunch Shlunch.  Then we headed to Isle of Palms (IOP) for close to 3 hours for some quality beach time.  Although a bit windy, the temperature was perfect.  Wow.did.I.need.that!  Today’s journey to the beach marked our 40th visit since we’ve moved here – 40th!  I am POSITIVE that 40 times in 10ish months of living in Charleston has well surpassed my combined beach trips over my first 27 years.  LOVE IT!

Pier at IOP (not today – today was a bit more busy!)

Have a great week!!!  =)

p.s. I’m on a serious reading kick.  Just put 10 books on hold at the library.  It’s a summer thing and I like it!

p.s.s. I have a sunglasses tan on my nose that won’t quit.  Thank goodness for makeup!

Beach Count: 40!

Pool Count: 7

High Temperature: 83°

This day ate me alive.  FOR serious.  I needed to figure out a way to pretend it never happened.  First thought?  A CUPCAKE (okay it was really an adult beverage, but I’m still in detox mode from April’s 18-day bender)!   I decided to treat myself to a cupcake (from Cupcake, of course) immediately following work around 3:45pm.  Let’s just say it was an air high-five to myself for already being awake for 12 hours.  Yes, math masterminds, that would mean that I’ve been up since around 4am.  I’d like to personally thank the nasty thunderstorm that proved my eyelids too thin (I hate lightning!) and my grouchy alarm for bullying me to get work done before heading to work.  Ug-ly.  Anyway, I chose French Toast – a flavor I had never tried before.  It was a tough decision because Salted Caramel Chocolate sounded amazing, too.  What’s a girl to do?  So many cupcakes, so little time!  Although seemingly smaller than the cupcakes purchased for The Royal Wedding a few weeks ago, the French Toast cupcake was absolutely delicious.  Another notch in my stretchy (for obvious reasons) cupcake belt.

Fast forward almost 2 hours when I rolled myself off of the couch to get in some computer time.  You can only imagine the DEVASTATION I felt when I saw this post on Cupcake’s Facebook wall →

Posted at 2:35pm.  Another flavor I haven’t tried.  A different notch that I could’ve carved out in my non-existent belt (I’m just not a belt kinda girl).  For free.  Hmph.

Yes that’s right, I paid for a cupcake when I could’ve had a FREE one.  I hate wasting money and I love free things.  Join the club, right?  What. The. Beep.  I hate knowing that people before me and after me held this sweet secret hostage. If they only had been aware of my day, they would’ve been buying ME a cupcake. Oh, and true story, I would’ve shared this yummy secret up and down that sidewalk if I had known about it.  Wahhhhh (you are safe to assume that I am actually crying)!  I guess this is the sort of thing that happens when you have a dumbphone (as opposed to a smart one) that doesn’t have internet that would allow you to compulsively check Facebook on the regular.

Operation ‘Erase Day’ = FAIL

Oh well, tomorrow’s a new day.  A new day that happens to be closer to the weekend.  And today – well, today’s Spikey 7 week birthday.

Wowzers.  They do grow up quickly, don’t they?!  DON’T ARGUE WITH ME.

p.s. Thank you Doug from From the Land of Palm Trees for mentioning my blog on your blog.  I love when bloggers support one another!  =)  Blog.  (I just wanted to say it one more time!)

p.s.s. Sorry for the foul mood.  I’m putting myself to bed ASAP.  I promise to make it up to y’all soon!  =)

p.s.s.s. My husband says hi to “Don” and “Doff” – er, inside joke!

Beach Count: 39

Pool Count: 7

High Temperature: 84°

Over the summer, Scott and I visited the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market once or twice.  We were immediately lured to the pickle table (free sample?  yes, please!) where we were asked if we wanted to try a pickled okra.  ”A pickled what-was-that,” we thought.  Okra.  Well, okra dokra – why not?!  When the cost of something (anything) is zippo, we’re pretty open!  And so, our obsession with pickled okra began.

I know my Northern friends may or may not have ever heard of okra (I hadn’t until our move to the South).  Well, let me tell you the little that I know.  But first, watch this creepy, barely informative video for kids.

So anyone who knows me well knows that I am a bear to take pictures with.  I am the most high-maintenance blinker in town.  You have to count to 3, but not take the picture ON 3.  Take it after 3.  Oh but wait, every camera flashes at different speeds.  Some even flash twice.  (What ever happened to – press the button and the flash goes off?)  Sometimes a sneak attack proves best, because the overcompensating make-sure-you-don’t-blink eye look is typically worse.  Scary even.  Let’s take a trip down Sarah’s Blinking Failure Lane, shall we?

- Nothing-to-see-here Sarah -

This problem of mine dates back to childhood.

Temecula Winery, CA – Why look when you can just taste?

Happy New Year – I was SO not ready to see 2009!

Oktoberfest 2009 – What?  EYE was in my happy place!

♥ Our wedding day ♥ - It DID go by in the blink of an eye!

- Halloween Scary-Eyed Sarah takes the stage.  Lock up your children! -

Dinner out in Charleston – I definitely destroyed that seafood like a monster.

Masters Graduation Day – Boy was I tired!

- Enter One-Eyed Willie Sarah -

That right eye can’t seem to keep up with my left eye as the years go on.  Should I see a Dr.?

I’m winking at you.  No, YOU!

- And now…crazy eyes!!! -

Jen & Pete’s wedding 10/07 – Mom and EYE

Honeymooning with the apple of my (very large) eye(s) ♥

Ruining pictures since 1982.

If I ever walk a catwalk (which is def NOT on my bucket list), I have no doubt I would look a lil somethin’ like this…

Gotta love Ramona Singer’s catwalk heard ’round the world from Real Housewives of New York City!

Anyway, I digress.  There are 2 reasons why I brought up my eyes…

1. My sunglasses straight up cracked in half at the beach on Sunday.  Not cool.  I was never a chronic sunglass-user until Charleston came into my life.  Now, I can’t leave the house without them on my face.  Lots of sun = an awesome problem to have!  Well, what do I expect when I buy the $10 sunglasses at Target?  Time to invest (my husband loves when I say “invest” about things like sunglasses – ha!) in a nicer pair.  Side note: No one can see the state of your eyes when you’re wearing sunglasses in a pic – bonus!

2. A recent consultation for Lasik eye surgery has scarred me for life.  A simple eye scan may be simple for simple people with normal simple eyes, but I am one special gal.  Seven unsuccessful scans later (the last 3 involving the Dr. literally holding my eyelids open with extreme force while trying to distract my un-distractible eyes by attempting to engage me in conversation about the movie The King’s Speech).  THEN, Miss I-hate-my-job Nurse decided to numb my eyeballs via drops (that took a few attempts, no surprise) with no warning.  Next came some sort of pointy prodder all up in my eyeball to check the pressure. Now listen, my eyes felt all sorts of heavy and weird, but how did I know they were actually numb?!  Heck no were my sensitive eyelids gonna let anything of the sort happen. I never thought I’d say this, but I would have rather endured that darn air puffer machine.  Dr. bagged the whole pressure check idea; I was an official pain in the eye.  After all of that abuse, the estimate for these eagle eyes was almost 2 times our estimation/budget.  Uhhhh, a buh-bye.  We clearly did NOT see eye to eye!

p.s. The King’s Speech is a great movie!

p.s.s. It’s a miracle that I’m able to wear contacts everyday!

p.s.s.s. If you love your sunglasses ladies, where did you buy them? I have a small face and look like an idiot in most every pair!

Beach Count: 39

Pool Count: 6

High Temperature: 72º