Greetings from Barcelona

We made it! I had one cocktail and slept the entire flight! The connecting flight in Madrid was a bit of a pain, one police officer laughed at me, but I finally have arrived in Barcelona.  After an hour of trying to locate Mercedes, we found each other.  Went straight to lunch at a cafe by the water and just checked in at the apartment!

our first sangria

Resting up for a night exploring Barcelona. 

Cheers to 28

Yesterday was my birthday. I had a relaxing beach day and drinks with a great friend last night! We went to a new wine bar, Taste The Olive.  

Rosé and my new clutch. #perfection. 

Scenes from Hilton Head

I love Hilton Head. We have been vacationing at Sea Pines Plantation for the last ten years.  Plantation drive is lined with ancient oak trees dripping with spanish moss and the house  sits overlooking the sound. Both are breathtaking examples of why I adore the low country. We spend a lot of time out on the patio. 

We celebrated Bethany's 31st birthday......

Shopped with the little guy. #polobaby

This handsome guy also woke me up bright and early. We did breakfast together..

We made sure he was ready for the water.. 

The last night we celebrated my birthday! 

So glad I got some quality family time, especially with cute little Lee.  

Garden Beauty

The previous owner was quite the gardener! She planted the most wonderful flowers all around the house. I am so grateful for all of the established plants and gardens. The Hydrangeas bloom all season long, providing me fresh house flowers throughout the summer. The jasmine growing along the fence permeates the entire property and smells absolutely divine. Take a look..... Major selling point when I purchased.

A Christening, A Cookout, and Mother's Day Brunch

I headed to Raleigh this weekend for my nephew's christening. Saturday night my sister had a cookout for everyone. We had lots of awesome food and drinks. It was great catching up with Rob's family and their friends.

Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day. My parents met me in Raleigh for the weekend. My mom is the most amazing person I know and I am so glad I got to spend mothers day honoring her. Bethany celebrated her first Mother's Day this year. Watching Bethany take on motherhood has been so impressive. I have learned how awesome and difficult being a mom can be. These women are true inspirations!

Lee was christened at Christ Church in Raleigh. I have been given the awesome responsibility and honor of being not only his aunt, but his godmother. It was such a special service and I feel so blessed that I get to be there to watch him grow up.

Currently Loving

My New Bedding, Biscuit Bedding

Hyacinths from Trader Joes
& Spanish Lime Candle... Also good, the Marine

this sweet face.

This Red ($4 @ Trader Joes) 

This Chardonnay ($7 @ Trader Joes)

These Crackers (Trader Joes)

Black Bean Burgers and Avocado Spinach Salad

This meal is packed with flavor! The black bean burgers are an original recipe. I dreamed them up in an attempt to re-create the amazing black bean burger I had at Jacks Cosmic Dogs, in Charleston. The avocado salad was a new treat, courtesy of Bailey, from Peppermint Bliss. It was just unusual enough to intrigue me and ended up a great complement to the burgers.

The Ingredients:

Two cans of black beans drained
One red onion
Three cloves of garlic
One red pepper
Two jalapeño peppers
Cilantro
Salt/Pepper
Panko breadcrumbs
Your choice of cheese for each burger
Olive oil

Making it happen:

Preheat over to 350'.
Combine one can of drained beans, red onion, garlic, peppers, cilantro, salt, and pepper in food processor. Once combined, empty into mixing bowl. Add second can of beans and at least one cup of panko. In large skillet, pour two tbsp of olive oil, letting pan heat. Create burger size patties and sear on each side for about 4 minutes. Top with cheese and stick in oven for five minutes.