Bling Bling

So I am typically not a girl who cares about jewelry, but I have to say that Magpies is quite possibly the most beautiful jewelry store I have ever seen! Decorated in hot pink, black and their signature magpie, the store is beyond gorgeous. It's owned by the sweetest mom and daughter team {Vickie & Shelby Miller} who carry bling ranging from affordable to "It's my anniversary, dang it!"



Hop on your bike and check it out. Magpies is located in Seaside's Ruskin Place by another one of our favorite stores, Albert F's. They also have eclectic finds like this tapestry bag.



Check out the gift box adorned with a tiny rhinestone - presh! Incidentally, big props to my husband for introducing me to this place via my recent birthday gifts.

Hop on in...

The closing sale at Movies by the Sea just got better!

• 50% off toys and gifts
• All t-shirts $5
• All hats $10
• VHS $1
• New Release DVDs $7
• Older DVDs $3

We also have a number of displays still available, including our versatile white distressed bookshelves for just $50. Call us at 850.231.5520 if you have questions about what's left. Everything is going fast and we'll be closed by the end of the month, so grab your buddies and hurry in!

Photography by Lesley Isacks

Giant Closing Sale at Movies by the Sea

Hurry into Movies by the Sea to take advantage of our closing sale. Basically, the whole store's up for grabs - movies, toys, T-shirts, displays - everything! Here are some examples of what's left:

• One of the best deals going are our white bookshelves for just $50. These are made of distressed wood and accented with real shutters.
• Our awesome painted and distressed door dividers. They are vintage doors mounted on wheels, so they're very versatile and mobile. We have 3 left and they are $150 each.
• Used VHS just $1
• Used DVDs $5 for the classics, kids and independents
• Used DVDs $10 for the new releases
• All merchandise 33% off
• All displays on sale - counters, shelving, etc.
• Picture frames for just $5
• Tons of metal buckets for $1

Check out photos of some of the displays that are left below and a few more here. We hope to see you soon!

It's back: See & Be Seen

It's been a while. My camera broke, the little one and I went on a Big Trip to Big D and we've been showcasing a mountain of gorgeous pics from Goode Green. Back by popular demand {and thanks in part to Kristen & Betsy}, it's "See & Be Seen!"

Rock star in the making

Had a great time watching one of our favorite bands, Cadillac Willy, this weekend. The highlight was John David's son playing his guitar at the tender age of two. Looks like a future rock star is in the making. {Pardon the quality of the cell phone pics.}

Pssst...Did you know?

Photography by Lesley Isacks

Have you heard the secret? We are giving away free pizzas from Pizza by the Sea and gifts from Movies by the Sea on Facebook. You just have to become a fan of our pages to win. Then all you have to do is watch Facebook. Go now to join the PBTS and MBTS pages.

Thank God for kids

Photography by Goode Green

I think you know by now that we love having little ones around. I want you to know and I will probably say again and again that kids are welcome here. I actually went to a store in Destin this week and they had signs everywhere, one of which said to watch your kids carefully, then another one that said something about kids not touching anything and another about the cameras watching your every move. Sheesh! Never mind that they have Hello Kitty purses and things that yell "touch me" at every turn. So this is all just a looong way of saying to bring 'em on, because kids are welcome here.

Cheesy grin

Nothing like a classic beauty indulging in a good old fashioned slice of cheese.


Photography by the classic beauties at Goode Green

Do you see what I see?

Photo by Goode Green

Restaurants we love

Stinky's amazing Peanut Butter Pie

It's funny how often people ask us if we eat pizza all the time. The answer is yes, but man cannot live on pizza alone. The truth is, we have always been big foodies who enjoy trying all types of cuisine. We are so lucky to have great restaurants on 30A {particularly my husband because I am not a great cook!}. And while there tons of good eateries in our little area, we thought it would be fun to pay homage to our personal faves.

Borago - This is our most frequent date night spot. We've been Borago fans for years, and it's because they're deliciously consistent. It's funny because it seems to be "cool" to sit at the bar, but we are ever the nerds in the dining room with all the tourists. We just have so many good memories in that room. We also love watching the chefs at work. Michael, Mark and their team provide what we consider the best Italian food on 30A. Some of our faves are the scallops appetizer served over polenta, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Chicken Piccata {we sub grouper}, Linguine with Tomato Sauce {simply perfect} and of course, the famous Bellini Martini.

Our sweet friends the Goods visited from Dallas and loved Borago

Friend Anna {and former Miss Alabama} celebrating her birthday {I love that she will want to kill me for telling everyone she's a big beauty queen}

La Botana - Nice people, great food and gorgeous decor. Owned by Phillip & Jane Solomon, this place is so much more than a wine bar. The Mexican food is served on small plates {less guilt}, but the flavors are anything but small. The Chile Relleno is seriously to die for and the Tres Leches Cake is heavenly. We are so in love with the blue sofa there that we may just have to steal it. Swede, the manager, is determined to help you find your favorite wine and dish and is such a gem. There's almost always great live music, special events or discounts, so check out their Facebook page for more info.

Gorgeous friend Stephanie {owner of DejaVu} on our favorite seat in the house

Paige York, Susan Massey {designer} and Jane Solomon {owner}

Stinky's - Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably been there or at least heard of it. The name is strange, but this place serves the best seafood in town. You can select your fish and its preparation, and no matter what you choose, you will be happy. This is a very no nonsense place with a very deliberate aptitude for service and quality. It's perfect for date night or dinner with friends. You won't go wrong no matter what you order, but make sure you try the Peanut Butter Pie for dessert. Have mercy.

At the former Stinky's location which is now Lake Place

Cafe Tango - If money were no object, we would eat here weekly. Tango is fine dining in a tiny room that feels much more like the living room it probably once was. It is a quaint slice of heaven owned by two of the nicest folks, Paja & Walter. As far as we can tell, they do zero advertising, but are usually 100% packed. Their wine list is extensive, yet we were thrilled to find a bottle we loved for a great price. They make all of their salad dressings and let me just tell you that the Parmesan Ranch is completely cravable. Our favorite dishes are the Chimichurri Steak {oh my goodness!} and seriously, any of the fish dishes. You will find yourself saying "Oh my gosh" frequently during your meal. It is that good. {Wish I had a photo of this cute place, but I don't, so call 267.0054 and make a reservation to check it out yourself!}

So there you have it for round one of our "Best of the Best" restaurants. Stay tuned for more local faves.