Christmas Island

Australia has always been on my list of places I  want to visit. What better week to feature this glorious unpretentious  Island than this week? I never really new much about  Island until I started reading about it for this post.
Christmas Island is a dot in the Indian Ocean, located 2600km north-west of Perth, Western Australia. Even though it is an Australian Territory, its closest neighbor is Java, 360km away.

The island is mostly comprised of a national forest and there is not much in the way of commercialism.. It is  known for it's  beautiful Red Crab.This particular species, is the only species in the  world and  exists  only on Christmas Island. It is a surfers dream come true to surf the waters here, and the bone fishing is fantastic.!Bird lover?, there are bird watching tours with so many beautiful birds to see in the forest. The island offers a little bit of something for everyone. From flat bottom boat tours to  snorkeling to hiking. To learn more about the island and the culture go toChristmas Island.

This will be my last post until after the new year, so I may enjoy this time with my family and friends. Until then, I am wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and and Happy New Year!

                                                                          Red Crab

                                                                   Lily Beach

                                                                     Frigate bird

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                                                             Hibiscus cottage

Carribean Island Makeover

 Petit St.Vincent is  just a speck of an island, in the Carribean known as the Grenadines, but to Philip Stephensen it is so much more. To him it is a a dream come true. He discovered this private island more than 20 years ago , when sailing.and wasn't welcome. He came back  and bought the island in 2010 and built 20 cottages on this pristine tropical oasis. Here is a peak at one of the cottages. Fabulous! Check out Architectural Digest for the rest of the story.

 

Tidings.......

Ahhhh.....Comfort and Joy....Isn't this what most of us are feeling this time of year?  I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, children, and family! What more can I ask for? Well, we as a nation had a pretty wonderful thing happen today.The last of our troops left Iraq today! God Bless them all!!!

This is the time of year we are surrounded by family and friends that  bring us comfort and joy.  These images  do this same for me.. and may your days be filled with comfort and joy!.

 

                           My husband brings me comfort and joy every day ! Thanks honey!

Michael Buble's LA Home

TGIF my friends! This post isn't exactly seaside or coastal related but so what...right? Sometimes a little mix up now and then is good. When I saw Michael Bubles's home  featured in House and Home  I had to share it with you. When looking at his home,  that he now shares with his wife I think it is exactly what you would expect from this crooner .It is polished, modern and sleek , the same words I would use to describe him. :) I am a huge Buble fan! He is adorable, he has a great sense of humor, and his voice.....ahhhh..   Have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

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Pear-Goat Cheese Tarts

I Love this recipe, and I love Goat cheese! A girlfriend gave this to me. It comes from  Southern Living. Magazine. Simple  and so delicious! She made it when we had a Christmas get together last year and I wanted to share it with you. If you are looking for a great appetizer or something to go with a  brunch this is wonderful.!  I will be taking to my sister's house the day after Christmas to impress she and my mom with my culinary delight.. hopefully I won't screw it up. Let's just say, my talent's lie else where and not in the kitchen, and I am the brunt  of jokes when it comes to cooking. This looks pretty hard to screw up..  wish me luck..

 

Ingredients

• 1 (15-oz.) package refrigerator pie crusts
• 2 (4-oz.) packages goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 to 2 ripe pears, chopped 
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Preparation

1. 1. Unfold pie crusts, and cut each in half; cut each half into 3 pieces. Place 1 piece into a lightly greased muffin cup in a muffin pan. Fold and press pastry piece to form a cup shape. Repeat procedure with remaining pastry pieces.
2. 2. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes or until edges of pastries are lightly browned. Remove pan to a wire rack.
3. 3. Stir together goat cheese and next 3 ingredients. Spoon evenly into pastry shells.
4. 4. Bake at 375° for 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove to a wire rack, and let cool 2 minutes.

Key West Dreamin

 Several years ago we hopped on our Harley and headed to Marathon. We had reservations at a sweet little place a friend of ours managed. The hurricane was supposed to bypass the Marathon area so we decided to head South. Well..... the further south we got,  it was evident this was not true. Long story short we turned the bike around and went west and spent the week being kids again at Universal Orlando and had a blast.

 2012  we are going to  try again , and since I have have been sick in bed since last Saturday and feel like I  have been run over by a reindeer.  I have had nothing to do but play on my PC. and look at places I want to visit in the Keys . This trip, we will take the camper and camp on the beach.! These images are lovely!

Images of a Low Country Christmas

The Low country is rich in southern  tradition  and charm. At the holidays these traditions shine through.whether it is the traditional southern style, or a casual beach chic look, they are all beautiful!

I have gathered images of Christmas decor from around  this beautiful area of which I live.

The first three images of are of the beautiful home of the owners of The Rhett House Inn here in Beaufort. Their home was featured in Southern Living. It is very traditional in Southern style. Their home and The Rhett House Inn are Beautiful.If you ever come to Beaufort the Rhett House is a lovely place to stay.

                               This beach cottage is in Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton,SC

                                                               I love this bedroom!

                                                      This final home is in Santee,SC

                                            Wreaths on every window are so charming.

                                        Pineapples and palm fronds are quintessentially southern.

                                                                              Charleston