Or Etsy, thanks to a too-cool-for-school Flickr contact who happens to have her very own store there. Since I was introduced to the world of Etsy, I haven’t stopped shopping and pining after one-of-a-kind items for myself and everyone I know! : – )

So, this week I made my own little discovery while shopping for pizza toppings at our local Fresh Market, when I noticed a display of newly stocked bags of chips. On closer inspection, they were lentil chips made by The Mediterranean Snack Food Company, and not only were they yummy looking, but also low in fat – I knew we had to try them! I chose the cracked pepper & sea salt blend, and they have just the right amount of salt & spice to them, with a light crunch, and overall great flavor. J and I have enjoyed them over the past few days, and so far have managed to restrain ourselves from scarfing down the entire bag in one couch sitting. But, it would be an easy thing to do. Trust us.

P.S. Welcome, April! Hope you bring lots more beautiful springtime weather & adventure. <3

Even better, it’s currently American Idol time! We usually enjoy a big bowl of homemade popcorn before wrapping up our night, and it’s heaven at home. <3

And that is why Hallmark didn’t get any pennies from us. We used our own words. And I think that is…LOVE.

<3

At some point we realized that as much as we love cheese and chocolate, it isn’t fun anymore when you don’t feel good about yourself and the way you look. Plus, all our toiling away at the gym, on tracks & treadmills, yoga mats & pavement, just didn’t add up when we were throwing all the hard work out the window by sitting down in front of huge unhealthy meals on an all-too-regular basis. So, we are upholding a resolution already. And helping each other through the temptations along the way. Having a partner in crime always helps – especially when you are trying to avoid crimes in the kitchen or grocery store aisles.

Photo by Jerry ~   Christmas, December 2009.

Once there, the weather improved & the clouds magically parted – a good sign for fun to come, and an even better beginning to day 2 of our trip! After checking in at our hotel, we ventured to downtown Charleston to check out Fleet Landing for lunch, as recommended by our hotel concierge. Excellent recommendation – we LOVED our meal! Very cool location, too. The restuarant was situated right on the harbor, and was converted from an old Navy building into a very cute eatery after sitting dormant for 30+ years. Try the flounder sandwich if you go! Trust us.

After eating, we wondered around downtown taking photos, window shopping, browsing through the huge open air market, enjoying a small treat from Ben & Jerry’s (ok, that last part was all me), and relaxing in a swing on the pier that overlooked the water. After a short break back at the hotel, with ample admiration of the views from the glass-walled restuarant on the top floor, we made our way back downtown for dinner – another amazing meal, this time a seafood feast at world-famous Hyman’s Seafood. We were impressed by the recommendations of my friend Christy, of Southern Living’s high ratings, and of the multiple awards emblazoned all over the front of the restuarant, and we can now join in the hype – they earned it! So, so yummy…awesome atmosphere, great food, and great menu selections with daily specials. Are you hungry yet? After dinner, we had drinks before relaxing in the room, watching goofy stuff on TV, and chatting until we fell asleep after a day of adventures.

The next day we spent more time taking in the view from the tippy-top of our hotel – especially the marina & the panoramic expanse of the Ashley River – before gathering our bags and getting back on the road. On our way out of town we stopped in at a local coffee shop called Alchemy, and I am so glad we did! Not only was the coffee excellent – mexican mocha for me, dark roast for J – but they also had so many tasty-looking homemade treats to choose from! Homemade oatmeal cream pies, granola bars, muffins, you name it. We settled for everything bagels, and took our time at a table by the window in the cute little coffeeshop. Our drive home was a safe one, but a very long one due to more rainy weather and a detour due to damage on the interstate. However, we came home with heads full of happy memories and hearts that continue to beat together after 3 great years of marriage.

XO

We explored, shopped (I bought an amazing thing called a Kariza – I now want to start a collection!), and strolled a little more before settling in at Moon River for a couple of beers – yummy local brews! Then we posed for pictures in a lovely little park square before enjoying an amazing dinner of tapas & sushi at Tantra Lounge. Awesome atmosphere & amazing food! Go there if you’re in town…you won’t be disapointed. After dinner, we made one more stop at Molly MacPhersons for another beer & some Old Bay seasoned peel & eat shrimp that were to die for. We squeezed a lot of fun into one day, and we were just getting started. A very happy anniversary indeed, great memories were made, and good times were had with the one I love!