Charlie's L'etoile Verte



We went to Charlie's L'Etoile Verte Restaurant for the adults' night out, on Hilton Head Island. The kids stayed back at the condo and had the delicious take-out gourmet pizza. The evening was very special to us. I was with my dear friends. We caught up in life, shared storied of our kids who are best friends, had some good laughs, and enjoyed our wonderful dinner. Charlie's came highly recommended, and I thought it lived up to the hype.

 Very inviting entrance, and cute front porch.

 Cozy decor all around.

  The menu is handwritten every day. I think it's quite lovely. Their cuisine is very French.

 Ribeye Steak, grilled, cracked peppercorn sauce. One of the best steak I've had!

 Local Triggerfish, grilled, fresh tomato sauce. I had a tatse :) It was superb.

 Key Lime Pie and Creme Cramel to share.

A group of great people in my life. They are friends that are like family to me. I love them a whole bunch.

XOXO

Beaufort, South Carolina

During our stay on Hilton Head Island, we also visited Beaufort. While we were falling in love with the charming town, we learned that Southern Living name Beaufort, "Best Small Southern Town", Garden & Gun magazine called them a "Southern Dream Town", and, Money magazine counted Beaufort as one of "6 Terrific Towns on the Water."

The Lowcountry has such unique character and personality. I love those moss-draped oaks we saw everywhere we went. Gullah descendants carry on ancestral culture, weaving artwork from sweetgrass and cooking some of the tastiest cuisine.

We walked around Beaufort National Historic Landmark District most of our visit. The weather couldn't have been any better. Such a gorgeous day we had. Downtown and The Point were wonderful to visit. The Point neighborhood is home to some of Beaufort's largest, oldest, and most expensive homes. Homes in this area range from the impressive mansions that overlook the Beaufort river to Victorian and Queen Anne style homes.

We strolled to the beautiful Waterfront Park overlooking the Beaufort River, where we stopped to grab a bite at Q on Bay, a family-style restaurant featuring BBQ and southern cuisine. Everyone enjoyed their lunch there.

Enjoying some shopping and ice cream

I am glad we went to Beaufort! At every turn there's a reminder of Beaufort's remarkable past. If the kids had gone with us, I am sure they would have really enjoyed the exploration as much as we did.



Harbour Town, South Beach Marina Village, & The Salty Dog Cafe - Hilton Head Island

A beautiful day to visit Harbour Town and Hilton Head landmark, The Harbour Town Lighthouse! Harbour Town in the exclusive Sea Pines Resort offers a variety of excellent shopping, fine and casual dining, boutiques and specialty stores, sidewalk cafes and bars, live entertainment, and a great place for family fun. We walked around, did some shopping, and had a delicious lunch at the famous The Salty Dog Cafe later.

After spending our 2-hour wait for a table enjoying ourselves at the Harbour Town, we moved on to the must-have lunch at the boys' favorite place, The Salty Dog Cafe. Of course, it was still gorgeous there, and the food was as wonderful as we looked forward to. Another great experience there.

Gumbo, "served with a little rice and a whole lotta love"

Fish and Chips 

Southern Style Fried Flounder, served traditionally with fries, malt vinegar, lemon wedge, and a side of Captain John’s tartar sauce.

When our server brought the check, she also brought some Salty Dog Salt Water Taffy for us. It was so good!Love the wrapper as well :)

Spring Break on Hilton Head Island

I am back from a spring break vacation with my dear friends and their families, on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. There were 15 of us altogether, and that included six of 17-year-old boys. We stayed at the same place as the last spring break, which was so wonderful since it's such a great location - pretty much right next to the beach, and so close to everywhere! The actual weather was nicer than the forecast, though we had some rain at the last couple of days. The boys had the best time. And for me, it was a nice time off from work, and spending quality time with family and friends.

At Folley Field Beach

Another great memory created!

 

ELHS Spring Musical

Another amazing performance presented by East Lansing High School Theater - The World Goes Round - a musical review to the songs of Kander and Ebb. After months of the hard work, their production featured 75-plus students actors, pit orchestra, and technical crew members, who showcased the depth and professionalism of the ELHS Performing Arts Department.

Under the direction of director Mark Shaheen, the production of The World Goes Round allowed of 20 soloists, feature dancers, and an ensemble of 60 to entertain and move audience, in a show originally written for five. I am so proud and amazed by their dedication and talents. Congratulations for the great seven shows!

Until next time!