Journey to Jekyll

Almost 10 years ago I saw the Jekyll Island Club for the first time. Talk about your instant attraction. From the turret and its millionaire history to the chapel and horse drawn carriages, I was in love!

I've even go the vintage picture to prove it...

I'm sure my brother and sister will be embarrassed, but that's from way back when with the pups on a Jekyll Island bike trolley.   

So, when my dad said he was going on a business conference to St. Simons I begged to accompany him.  In addition to having a few more days to read beachside, it'd put be only 30 minutes away from my absolute favorite location.

I know everyone always says Disney Land is the most magical place on earth.  But take a look at these few photos, and really it's no surprise my money's on Jekyll.

Founded in 1886, the Jekyll Island Club was once the private winter retreat of America’s wealthiest families with notable members like Morgan, Rockefeller, Pulitzer and Vanderbilt vacationing at the turret-clad clubhouse once the Northern Winters became to harsh to handle.    

These days of course guest can sunbath at the Millionaire's Pool or play croquet on the spectacular lawns. 

A personal favorite spot of mine is the Faith Chapel.  With Wall Street's wealthiest worshiping here,
are you shocked it contains a magnificent signed window by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself?    

Think Great Gatsby with a Southern twist.  Jekyll's cottage colony may seem grand by today's standards, but the homes on "Millionaire Row" were relatively simple in design.  While walking, I was particularly attracted to two lions that stood guard ore a turn-of-the-century swimming pool,
 long abandoned on the grounds of the Hollybourne Cottage.  

Following the path along the river your bound to see the shade of these massive live oaks too beautiful for words. 

 So what do you think?  Do I have you convinced you're in need of a Jekyll Island vacation?

Tomato Pie

This Southern Lady knows how to cook, especially with a little help from my Momma.

Tomatoes have hit their peek of perfection, so for our latest Sunday Dinner we stopped by the roadside stand and whipped up some Tomato Pie.

You'll have to forgive me.  I took this picture after
making my pie, so only one tomato made it here. 

What You'll Need:
-5 Firm Tomatoes
-1 Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust
-1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese
-2 Cups of Cheddar Cheese
-2 tblsp. of Olive Oil
-2 tblspn. of Oregano
-2 tblspn. of Basil
-2 tblspn of Salt
-2 tblspn. of Pepper
-1 tblspn. of Chives

Here's How To Make It: 

First things first, wash and dry your tomatoes.  Cut all five into tiny, bite-sized portions.  Place the bites  into a colander, draining off all the additional tomato juices.

Bake the pie crust at 400º for about 10 minutes.  It should be golden-y brown when it comes out of the oven.

Layer the bottom of your pie with 1/4 cup of parmesan and 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese.

Then, place half of your chopped up tomatoes atop the cheese.

Next, it's time to add some spices.  Generously sprinkle oregano, basil, salt and pepper.

Repeat your layer of cheeses and add the remaining tomatoes.

Sprinkle the rest of your spices until the tomatoes are covered.  This time include your tblspn. of chives.

Scatter the Olive Oil over all your zesty flavors, and finish off the pie by adding your remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350º for 40 minutes.

Before serving, let the pie sit for 15 minutes.  Enjoy!

Wearing Waffle House??

I'm literally one of the biggest fans of Waffle House.  I've told way too many friends about their wondrous waffles, and anytime I'm below the Mason-Dixon line, a stop at the famous house is always on my agenda.

So, when my dad asked us where we wanted to stop late Saturday night, of course I suggested the Waffle.

Nonetheless,  even I (a waffle regular) was a little perplexed by my latest discovery.  Nope, it's not a menu addition but apparel?  That's right, merchandise promoting pancake bashing can be all yours.

Here's a few of my favorite FOR SALE items.

Nothing says sophisticated gentlemen's game like this bright orange golf shirt.  Only $32, it's less than one you'd find on the sale rack at Polo. 

For all you Frat Tank rocking ladies, here's a new $17 designer dud to add to your collection.
It's sold out now, but they're bound to get a new shipment in before a new crop of Sorority Recruits enter the hallow halls of university come August. 

I am a Waffle House Princess, and thank you for noticing $17 shirt. 

I was on the Mayhew Collateral, so pancake bashing is tough.  But, if this $15 tee found its way in my drawer I'd wear it.  

Look like a pro in this $18 trucker hat. 

Seriously, my dad should get one of these $12 bibs.  It'd take the guessing out of ordering hashbrowns. 

A bit pricy at $22, this soft tote cooler would surely be a great addition to anyone's tailgating routine.  

Unfortunately, you can't just stroll up to your favorite breakfast bearings demanding duds.  It's only available online.  

For  more information, or to see all their Waffle House Wear just look here.

26 Sure Signs You've Vacationed at Daytona Beach

The summer's just halfway over, and already I've spent two weeks sitting beneath a Daytona Beach umbrella, drowning in SPF 100.  So, I feel like I'm a bit of an expert on what you can find at the "World's Most Famous Beach."  If you've ever made the trip to the Volusia County city, your sure to agree here's 26 sure signs you've vacationed there.

26) There's bound to be a debate on whether you should play Congo, Safari, or Pirate Putt Putt.

25) No matter how many signs they put up your pool will always have as much sand as the beach.

24) Hair wraps and Henna tattoos for all...No matter your age or gender!

23) You wonder what happened to the good ole days when water wings kept children afloat.

22) You always plan on visiting the Dayton Beach Lighthouse, but it's just too far away.

21) At least one of your meals comes from the hot dog vendor.

20) You see way too many people wearing too tiny sized bathing suits.

I'm not trying to be hateful, but just because they make a bikini in your size doesn't mean you have to wear one. 

19) You look high and low, but the biggest shell in the bottom of your bucket isn't bigger than a dime.

18) You wonder who would be willing to risk their life on the slingshot or really any of the rides at the Boardwalk.

17) Walking the Beach =Walking the World's Longest Runway.

So many judgey stares. 

16) You know a mesh top over a bikini is always acceptable grocery shopping gear.

Halle Berry knows it's true. 

15) You always think it's a good idea to boogie board until you get out there and realize there's absolutely no waves.

14) No matter how many coats of sunscreen you reapply, you will be burned in the most awkward places.

We call this the Streaky Sunburn Gang. 

13) You have to go see the Bandshell, even if no one's playing.

12) You spend way to many quarters playing skee ball hoping for enough tickets to win the Hula Dancer Hood Ornament at the Boardwalk.

11) From June to September, your hotel balcony is definitely going to be minus lights.

Gotta keep those baby sea turtles safe. 

10) Even though they're touristy, you wait in a way too long line to eat at Bubba Gumps or Joe's Crab Shack.

9) If you're over 18, you spend your afternoons studying race guides and your nights betting on grey hounds.

Our parents taught us to gamble at the Daytona Dog Track.   Parents of the year anyone? 

8) Even as a poor college kid, you're not willing to drink the free sulfur water.

And, you feel like you need to take a shower even when you just get out of the shower.  

7) You start to wonder if you're the weird one for not having trashy tattoos.

6) You wonder who would ever want to stay at a place called the Desert Inn.

Especially since it's been rated one of America's Dirtiest Hotels. 

5) You wonder if being good looking is a requirement for their beach lifeguards.

4) Regardless of the time of year, you know you're able to buy a Daytona 500, Spring Break, Orange Crush, or Bike Week shirt at one of the junky beach shops.

3) You don't know why, but hearing the Ice Cream Truck's Christmas music always makes your mouth water for a sweet treat.

2) You weave between cars walking to the ocean.

1) You wonder how exactly it became "The World's Most Famous Beach."