Charmed by Charleston

Having lived in the South as long as I have, I can't believe that I've never been to Charleston. Regularly ranked as one of the most charming cities in America, Charleston is a place where horse-drawn carriages and Southern hospitality reign supreme. Our weekend in Charleston was planned for months and the anticipation was rising, but then tragedy struck. People questioned our decision to still visit Charleston, but canceling our plans was never a question. Staying away would only mean giving a negative situation more power, which would be the worse thing that we could do. Once in Charleston, we quickly learned that it's a city filled with some of the most kind-hearted generous people that you will ever meet and the horrible circumstances that happened there have brought people together. 

So thank you Charleston for continuing to be as charming as ever.

What we loved about Charleston

>>Brightly colored homes standing against an even brighter sky 

>>Palm Trees and Spanish Moss enveloping the City 

>>the feeling of community that even a true Southerner couldn't describe, it's just something that you have to experience for yourself 

Charleston 

you are one of the most darling cities that we've ever seen

this perfectly pink house and those kelly green shutters//SWOON

I could happily live in any of these, but Husband and I have picked this yellow bricked beauty as our favorite. Those moss covered steps and those perfectly trimmed hedges, this one needs to be our future home!

If only.... 

Even though these homes are the brightest colors ever, they almost looked pale against the brilliantly blazing sun and that dazzling bluer than blue sky 

Seriously, I adored the architecture here. Everywhere you turn, there is something beautiful to see. It's almost embarrassing how many pictures of Charleston homes are sitting on my memory card right now. I can't believe that Husband didn't get annoyed with me for snapping photos non-stop.

Speaking of my amazing Husband, I sent him into a cafe to grab water for the pup and he came out with something for me too. 

Macaroons! 

He sure knows the way to this girl's heart 

Also, the best way to make new friends in a new city... travel with an adorable pup. Complete strangers can't resist those big cute bunny ears and that snow white fur anymore than we can. We met so many people thanks to him. Seeing Charleston with our puppy in tow definitely made this trip extra special.

More Spanish Moss and another favorite home...I couldn't get enough of either

And this may be a bit macabre, but it's beautiful and breath-taking too

Also you can't visit Charleston without walking along the Waterfront. 

These two curious boys definitely agree on that! 

The famous Pineapple Fountain! 

Helping PJ cool down on a hot day may have involved wading through the fountain! 

Oh you know just sunning ourselves to dry off wet hair and toes or should I say paws 

And when the fountain didn't quite do the trick, it was time for lots of Gelato! 

We took as many long walks along the Waterfront as the weekend would allow. I loved getting to travel with my pup!  

On our way out of town, we stopped at Folly Beach! 

White Sandy Dunes and a Salty Breeze. 

I loved Beachin it with these Bums!

Charleston looks like every color of the rainbow with the brightest homes

Charleston Smells like Salty Marshes and Sounds like heavy rain with rolling thunderstroms

Charleston Tastes like shrimp & girts, biscuits smothered in gravy, and collard greens. Gotta love that Southern Cuisine 

Charleston Feels like a city trying to preserve the best parts of its history while trying to grow and learn from the worst parts of its past 

Charleston you are the most unique and charming city. 

Thank you for an amazing weekend with my Husband and our pup! 

GUILTY

With my national boards exam just around the corner and patient responsibilities mounting, I've been feeling pretty guilty about doing anything for myself. When your career path is in medicine, the more you study and the more that you know, the better off your patients will be. That makes it hard to think about doing anything else.

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July Y'all! 

We're celebrating today in Charleston South Carolina. We've been out and about since around 7AM this morning, but finally had to head back to cool off. The heat is tolerable, but the humidity is pushing us over the edge. Thankfully, the place that we're renting has the cutest yard to relax in, complete with a rope swing. 

SeaFood Boil!

Every Summer needs to involve a SeaFood Boil!

When I was a little girl, my family would gather at my Great Aunt Connie’s house. All of us cousins would run around the yard catching fireflies in the twilight. And when it was time for dinner, the adults would dress us in their old t-shirts and lay newspapers down on the front porch. Then we would eat our way through pounds and pounds of crab and shrimp…laughing and playing and making a big mess the whole time. Meanwhile, we could hear the laughter of the adults coming from inside as they ate dinner and played cards. Those were the days where things were simple, the food was good, and the company was even better. These are some of my fondest memories as a child.

Clinic [Optional]

Today was the best day of clinic that I have ever had or will ever have because today my husband was my patient. He certainly wasn’t the most interesting case I’ve ever seen. Nor, was he the easiest to work with (sorry Tom), but he was definitely my favorite!

>>Travel Video: Oh Canada!

I may have over-shared a little with this trip, but I just couldn't help myself. We knew that Canada was going to be a good time and our expectations were high, but we were completely blown away. Oh Canada, you have the kindest people and the best adventures. You are filled with natural wonders and majestic beauties.

 Oh Canada, we have fallen in love with you! 

June in Review

Ah June! 
You were super stressful, but pretty amazing too. Trying to balance school work and having a life is a never ending struggle, but I'm happy to take on the challenge. More than anything, I can't believe that you are gone already. I had many more plans for you June, but July has come too soon.