Travel Diary – Live Laugh Love Do

Another Beach Trip to St. George Island

admin — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:18:20 +0000

[ad_1]

I know not everyone enjoys seeing vacation pictures, but most of you seem to like it when I share our beach trips. Someone told me once that they didn’t want to see my travel posts, but that doesn’t seem to be the majority and also I share these trips because I’ve been doing so for 18 years and this blog is a diary of my life for all those years. I go back often and look at old posts when I can’t remember when things happened, so that comes in handy. As I’ve mentioned before, Mark’s family has been going to St. George Island, FL for 25 or 30 years. His kids grew up going there and when we first met I went that first summer we were dating and we’ve been several times since then. With the kids growing up and having families, it’s not as easy to go as a group anymore, with school and work schedules to contend with. We managed to rally most everyone last year to go for Kim, Mark’s sister who passed away from cancer in August, just weeks after that beach trip last year. We sure do miss her and we know there’s nothing she would like more than to be there with us this trip too. Her husband, David, joined us for 4 nights and it was nice to have him. Other than that, it was me, Mark and Daisy, and we had a relaxing time of just sitting on the beach most all day and looking forward to what seafood we would eat that night. That’s half the fun of going to the beach, the seafood!

We decided a couple months ago to go back in September, so I started looking online to see what was available. We wanted to be on the beach, so I started looking at these beach cottages. I think the official name is Cottages on Boardwalk and there are about 30 of these that were built all in a row, just to the left of the lighthouse when you come on the island. St. George is just over the bridge from Apalachicola, FL, a cute town too.

I found a few of these on the Collins beach rental website and settled on Aboard the Katie Leigh. It was available the week we were looking at and I loved the looks of these cottages and how close they were to everything. We could walk to the Blue Parrot restaurant, as well as Aunt Ebby’s ice cream shop and there was a neat coffee shop right across the street from our front porch. Very convenient! This is my most favorite house we’ve stayed in so far on the island because of how cute it is and how convenient too. They are not all managed by Collins, so if you want to check out more of them, you’ll have to see if you can find them elsewhere. I noticed on the signs outside many of them there were all different management companies listed, but I know Collins had a few of them. You can click on that link and look inside, it was adorable and had everything we needed. I was super happy with it, the layout was great. We only used 2 of the bedrooms, but it had an upstairs loft area with a Queen bed and 2 bunks which was cute as well. The bathroom for that bedroom was located on the middle floor. Bottom floor had the master bedroom and one other bedroom & they both had private bathrooms. Middle floor had the living room and kitchen and then the loft room up above that.

Mark was up about 7 am every morning and got our tent set up. I helped him too since it took two people to pull apart the metal frame. It was such a relaxing place to stay and we loved the views. How could you not love this?

I loved the dunes with the little fences to protect the sea oats and grass. The best part about St. George is how isolated it is and it still feels like Old Florida as opposed to all the high rises of the other beach towns that are so popular. You won’t see a highrise on St. George. Three stories are all you’ll see.

The weather was picture perfect in the mid 80’s, with a beach breeze blowing every day. There were a few people on the beach, but it wasn’t crowded at all.

A shot from the living room looking out to the water. What a view! Oh, we took Daisy too as you can see. She did fine and stayed in the house while we were on the beach. I went back and forth a lot so she wasn’t alone for long. I would take her out on the porch too and she enjoyed looking at everything going on.

Master bedroom with king bed view on the lower level.

I enjoyed eating my breakfast on the upper porch many mornings.

The sunrises and sunsets on the island are spectacular and each day they were a little different, so I took plenty of pictures. This is sunrise around 7 am.

And sunset looking the opposite direction.

Our little cottage from the back. It’s so cute and the perfect beach house if you’re looking for 3 bedrooms. We paid $2800 for the week, which isn’t cheap, but beach rentals have really gone up the last few years. And that’s off season!

Our favorite beach front seafood joint on the island is Blue Parrot and we always go there the first night and usually another night too. Nice beach views, right on the beach side and the food is good too.

I love their grilled shrimp with cheese grits and slaw. So yummy! I got seafood every single day and never get tired of it.

The lighthouse was just next door to where we stayed and we walked past it to get to the Blue Parrot. It was nice to walk instead of drive.

Another night we went to another favorite restaurant in Apalachicola, the Owl Cafe. They have been there for many years and their food is always fantastic.

I got the special, which was redfish that night. So good!

The lobby of the Owl Cafe. I wanted to take a pic of this dress. I got it in Cashiers, so don’t have a link for it, but it was perfect for the beach.

We also tried a new to us place in Apalachicola called Up the Creek and it was great. It was simple seafood done well, with a casual dining option on their open porch looking out to the bay. The food was delicious and we ended up going here twice.

David was with us too for those meals.

This was our view. I got the grilled shrimp again with sweet potato fries and slaw. I loved it so much I got it twice.

A beautiful and relaxing view for dinner.

The sunsets were so spectacular every night, so we would go and eat and then go back out to the beach and watch the sunset.

Such a pretty time of night. I took Daisy out there with us.

Sunsets do not disappoint.

The skies in St. George are always changing clouds and beautiful colors.

Spectacular!

Me and Daisy

Another beautiful sunrise.

This particular day, the sunset was just stunning and I couldn’t stop taking pics. Those orange and coral clouds changed and evolved.

God’s glory showing off!

It was something else!

Beautiful end to a beautiful day.

Our cute cottage all lit up at night.

We ended up going over to Panama City to Captain Anderson’s, a fave for both of us for many years. It was fun to meet up with college friends that I haven’t seen in awhile too.

Another beautiful sunset evening at the lighthouse.

This was our last night and I wanted to capture the sunset with the lighthouse against it.

It’s absolutely stunning on St. George. It was a wonderful week of rest and relaxation and much needed after the tragic events of the week before transpired. It gave me time to rest and thank God that he is sovereign and in control and we don’t always understand his plans, but we can trust Him.

I’m scheduled for my second hip surgery October 21, so just wanted to let you know that too. My first hip surgery has done so well and I’m 3 months out from that one now and doing great. I hope the second goes as well as the first! I’ll be ready to travel again next year and I plan to do just that.

Don’t Miss a Post, join my list!

[ad_2]

407: Nine Favorite Things. – Half Baked Harvest

admin — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:26:04 +0000

[ad_1]

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Nine Favorite Things

You guys!! What a week it has been. My New York trip has been amazing. So, so, so good! And I’m ending it all on the biggest high note. Honestly, I’m not ready to head home today, but I suppose it’s time.

I don’t even know where to begin—there’s just been so much to share (and some things I can’t share quite yet!). The week was such a whirlwind that I actually had to pull up my calendar just to remember everything.

I flew in from Dallas Thursday night, quickly changed, and went straight to my one and only New York Fashion Week show—the Johnathon Simkhai show and after-party. It was, of course, beautiful and stunning. A long night, but so much fun, and I loved being there to support a friend. His pieces really are gorgeous!

Friday was full of work (it honestly felt non-stop), then an evening event that was really sweet. I met so many wonderful people there—from fashion to food to lifestyle—it was a fun night.

Saturday was all about fashion week again, with the Alice & Olivia presentation and Cynthia Rowley too. That took up most of the afternoon until dinner. I had a late dinner and then…back to work!

Sunday was less exciting, mostly writing and computer work all day long. But I did sneak out for dinner at Sartiano’s, which is always such a special spot. And yes, you have to try their desserts. So delicious!

Monday was another busy one. I filmed with Food 52 in the afternoon and had a full day of meetings after. My big meeting of the day went so well. If all goes as I hope, we’ll have some really exciting news to share soon—eeekkkk! Dinner that night was at Torrisi with our Snif family. It was SO good, such a special night, and the desserts here are top-notch too.

Tuesday brought more events in the afternoon, then a movie premiere and dinner at Kappo Masa uptown. Truly, the best meal I’ve had in New York. I’m not even a sushi person, but this was incredible. I was with a good friend, who brought his friend, designer Ronny Kobo. She ordered for the table, and every dish was perfection. We even finished with a chocolate mousse cake. Heaven!

Wednesday was our first shoot day. This shoot was for the November launch of our new Snif holiday candle. It was a magical shoot, and I’m so excited about this new scent. Then it was a late night dinner at San Sanbino, another favorite NYC spot.

Thursday was shoot day two—this time for our website! We’re launching a brand-new entertaining series very soon. I might even share it early because I’m that excited. The shoot was whimsical, fun, easy to recreate, and, honestly, the most special shoot yet. I’ll be sharing teasers below!

Friday I squeezed in some work and then took a late flight home. I’m already missing New York and planning my next trip back.

And that’s a wrap on this week. Wishing you the best first week of fall—my favorite season. The absolute best time of year is finally here!

Oh, and in case you missed it—if you’re apple picking this weekend, check out my 25 Easy Fall Apple Recipes roundup. So many cozy, yummy apple recipes to bake!

1. Things I’m Loving.

burning…our Apple Cider candle. This is my September candle. It’s soooo good. I burned it all week long in New York. This candle truly captures the scent of September, but it’s amazing all season long. But come October 1st, I’m striking another match and adding Pumpkin Smash to the mix! Or I may just cheat and start tomorrow.

lathering up with…Half Baked Pumpkin Smash Body Cream. Mom LOVES it too!

loving…the new J.Crew 2025 rollneck sweater. Normally, I only go for cashmere, but the relaunch of this sweater is so cute. It’s a great fall staple piece to wear for years. J.Crew has impressed me so much this last year. I love their pieces! Sharing a few other fall sweaters I love too.

everything in my cart (low)…Zara is always getting it right. Here are the new season fall pieces I would invest in. This 100% Wool V-Neck Sweater. AND this pretty Ruched Strapless Knit Top. Perfection. Also great – the Asymmetric Rib Knit Top + Soft Knit Cardigan. Sweaters all fall and winter long. You could create a casual look and pair the sweater with these ZW Collection Front Pleat Pants or these High-Waisted Balloon Pants. Love them both.

This is a very pretty Satin Effect Lace Top. Love the dainty detail.

I think my favorite piece is this Soft Scarf Top. Pretty!

Shoe-wise, we all need multiple pairs of boots. These Buckled Heel Boots are a great piece that can be worked into so many looks. Now that I need to be much more careful about my shoes (need to protect my ankle), I especially love these Leather Slingbacks 50th Anniversary edition. The kitten heel is a great height!

This is the PERFECT travel bag, yet so chic I would carry it in NYC too. Oh, and this cutie too, the Shoulder Shopper.

If you shop at COS, which you should, invest in this Checked Flannel Shirt.

listening to…The Truth About Carbs, GLP-1s, Sustainable Results (Harley Pasternak).

fall road trip…7 Small Towns to Visit This Fall That Feel Just Like Stars Hollow. I would do this! This certainly sounds like the perfect fall weekend trip. My Nonnie used to do this with a group of her college friends.

early season shopping…The Best Advent Calendars to Scoop Up Before December. It’s time, it is time! Let’s get prepped and ready, you all!

everything in my cart (beauty)…I’m getting back into a skincare routine and will slowly start adding retinol. I already know I love the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum.

I want to try the Dr. Julius Few Clean Retinol and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 (a favorite in the beauty industry).

into this…Wellness Birthday Parties Are on the Rise. I’ve actually heard a bit about wellness parties. Part of me is against it, but then part of me likes the idea. I don’t love it because I think there is too much information and talk about “wellness” right now. Wellness looks different for everyone, and you need to do what’s best for YOU. Don’t just follow your favorite influencers, you know? But I do love the idea of inviting friends or family out for a day of facials, massages, etc. It’s an interesting idea and one that I do enjoy much more than a huge, over-the-top party. What are your thoughts?

everything in my cart (high)…I think I talked about these last season too, but I came upon them again this week. The Hampton Strolls cashmere shoe. The look and description sound so wonderful. I really think I need to invest in them this fall.

The Coach Empire Carryall Bag 34 is the perfect everyday bag. If you want something to hold everything or a travel bag, get their Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48. I saw this bag in person this week and it’s even more perfect than it looks online.

what I loved this week…the Khaite New York Fashion Week spring 2026 runway show. Sophisticated, easy, and always so chic. Loved every piece that came down the runway.

reading…The Surprisingly Glamorous Case for the Cramped Dinner Party. It’s entertaining season!

travel…The Connaught Hotel: Luxury Hotel in Mayfair, London. This is a top-rated London hotel if you have travel plans there soon!

to do…7 Unique Rituals to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

2. Make These 7 Fall Recipes This Week.

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

bones: BOO! Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

3. More Halloween.

4. New York – photos (with sneak peaks)!

before my first event of the week

day look for a very special meeting!

getting ready, I will always love the Fouquets bathroom

what a pretty sunset

Kappo Masa dinner

Dinner at Kappo Masa with Ronny and Tim

Tim and I met through Amazon and we always get dinner in New York

can you guess what is coming?

dinner with our Snif family at Torrisi

I didn’t get through all the photos, so I will share the rest next week!

5. What are 5 fall foods you have to have in your kitchen?

I read this post over on Cup of Jo just now (read the comments!). I thought it would be fun to answer these too, but let’s keep ours specific to fall!

Here are Mine: