Rambling from the Roost: Volume 23
The one where we escape to our favorite island, eat very well, and I share a few things you might have missed on the blog.
Oh friend, pull up a chair. Pour yourself something cold — or hot, depending on where you live — because it’s time for another Rambling from the Roost. These little letters are my favorite thing to write. No pressure, no agenda. Just us.
So, let’s catch up.
First — a few things on the blog you may have missed.
I know how it goes. Life gets busy, the inbox fills up, and a post or two slips right past you. So I wanted to pop in and give you a little nudge toward a few things that have been getting a lot of love lately — which tells me you (and a whole lot of new friends!) are finding them helpful.
Growing herbs indoors?
My post on the best potting soil for indoor herbs has been quietly having a moment. If you’ve ever killed a basil plant on your windowsill — no judgment, I’ve done it more times than I care to admit — this one’s for you. The right soil makes all the difference.
Cocktail season is officially here.
And my cucumber basil vodka smash is the one you want in your back pocket. It’s fresh, it’s pretty, and it comes together in about five minutes. Perfect for a porch evening or when company pops by unexpectedly.
And if you’ve ever stood at the fish counter wondering…
My post on grilled vs. blackened salmon breaks it all down — the flavors, the methods, when to use which. It’s been getting a ton of traffic, which means I’m not the only one who’s wondered about this!
Now — can we talk about Hilton Head for a moment?
Andrew and I are just back from spending time in one of our absolute favorite places on earth. Hilton Head is one of those spots that just… resets you. Each year we stay longer. The air smells different there. The pace is slower. And we have our little routines that we look forward to every time.
This just in…..
And speaking of fresh and gorgeous — have you seen my latest recipe? Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are everything I want in a summer appetizer. Cool crisp cucumber rounds topped with creamy herb spread and silky smoked salmon — they look stunning on a platter, they take almost no time to put together, and every single person at the table will think you are incredibly fancy. Which, of course, you are. 😉 These are the kind of little bites that are perfect for a porch gathering, a girls’ afternoon, or honestly — just a Tuesday when you want to treat yourself like you are the company.
This trip, we made it to the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament for the second time — and if you’ve never been, it is such a good time, even if golf isn’t necessarily your thing. (It’s more my thing than Andrew’s, or maybe it’s the other way around — we’ll just say we’re both fans of a good excuse to be outside in the sunshine with something cold in hand.) The course is beautiful, the atmosphere is festive, and there’s something genuinely exciting about watching the pros up close.
But honestly? Some of our favorite Hilton Head moments happen at the dinner table.
We hit a few of our go-to restaurants this trip — the ones we look forward to all year — and I have the photos to prove it. 📸
Old Oyster Factory
If you ever find yourself on Hilton Head and you love oysters — and I mean really love oysters — the Old Oyster Factory is non-negotiable. Andrew and I have been known to put away dozens and dozens in a single sitting. And then come back and do it again. Over a two-week stay, we typically make it here at least twice, and I’m not even a little embarrassed about that.
The setting on the water is beautiful, the oysters are perfect, and the hush puppies — oh friend, the hush puppies. Don’t skip them. Also, before you leave, pick up a bottle of their Shuckin’ Good Sauce to bring home. Trust me on this one. It will make you very popular. (great on your morning breakfast eggs too)
Poseidon
Poseidon is one of those places that just feels good the moment you walk in. Delicious sushi and fresh seafood — and a porch and patio that make you want to linger long after your plate is clean. We always seem to end up here for those long, unhurried dinners where the conversation flows and nobody’s in a rush to leave. Exactly the kind of evening I live for.
Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiano
And then there’s Michael Anthony’s. I’ll just say it — this is our most favorite restaurant, ever. Full stop. If you are on Hilton Head and you love fine Italian dining, you simply must go. The food is exquisite, the atmosphere is lovely… and then there is Elijah at the bar, who makes the best Manhattan you will ever put to your lips. We’re talking life-changing. I’m not exaggerating even slightly.
This trip we were served by Michele, Eric and Juan. Juan created a twist on my Manhattan that was truly amazing and super smooth. Make a reservation, order the homemade pasta made fresh daily (or anything else on the menu) and let Elijah take care of the rest. It’s rated no.1 on Hilton Head Island out of 250 restaurants. You can thank me later.
What’s inspiring me this week!
My friend Kim over at Cottage in the Mitten just posted a recipe that stopped me mid-scroll — her Ultimate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are chewy, fruity, and look absolutely irresistible. If you love a good oatmeal cookie with a twist, hop over and give her some love — you’ll want to have these in the oven by the weekend!
Okay, this one had me reaching for my craft supplies immediately. Jennifer over at Cottage on Bunker Hill just shared the most charming DIY — Pressed Flower Travertine Coasters — and they are the kind of beautiful, handmade detail that makes a tablescape feel truly collected and special. If you love pretty things that are also doable, friend, this one is for you.
For all the beautiful mothers out there…
Before I let you go, I just want to take a moment and wish every single mother reading this a truly wonderful Mother’s Day. 💐 Whether you are being celebrated by little ones, grown ones, or the four-legged kind — you deserve a beautiful day, a gorgeous table, and something that makes you feel absolutely special.
And if you are still looking for the perfect gift — for your mom, your mother-in-law, a dear friend, or maybe even yourself — I have some lovely ideas over in my shop and below that I think she would adore. From our Vintage Blossom Tea to beautiful home pieces that feel collected and personal — there is something for every kind of mother.
Because every mother deserves to be treated like she is the company. 🌸
And That’s the Latest from the Roost…
Well friend, that’s my update for now — a little travel, a lot of oysters, some incredible meals, and a handful of things I just couldn’t wait to share with you. Hilton Head always sends me home feeling reset and grateful — grateful for good food, slow evenings on the water, and the simple pleasure of being somewhere beautiful with someone you love. I hope wherever you are right now, you are finding those little moments too. As always, thank you for being here — for reading, for trying the recipes, for sending me the sweetest notes. This little corner of the internet is so much better because of you. Now go treat yourself like you are the company — you absolutely deserve it. 🌿
With love from the Roost,
