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Beach Read Quiz

Welcome!

I bring the beach lifestyle to you all day every day with inspiration for your closet, your home and your outlook...because the beach makes everything better.

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 26

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Had an amazing girls weekend with @maggienorris722 and @ashleyliznix! ♥️ They come visit me at the beach every October, and it's always such great quality time.

Maggie sent us a quote before the trip about how a girls trip is cheaper than therapy...so true!! We just ate, drank and alternates between sitting on the beach during the day and sitting on the rooftop deck at night talking. It was amazing!

Do you plan girls trips with your friends? Any favorite places to go or things to do? ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 25

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This weekend marks 10 years since my first date with my hubby! ♥️

I wasn't even sure I wanted to go on that first date. Chadd was on the radio, and I thought he was kind of a jerk. 😂 In fact, we met because I tweeted about something he said on the show I disagreed with. He emailed me after that to ask me out, and I hesitated before I said yes.

Ten years later, I now know that saying yes to grabbing that drink together changed my life. I might still be living in Atlanta instead of at the beach. If I wasn't here, I wouldn't have adopted the two cats or the dog I found down here. My parents probably wouldn't be living here on the island near us. If I hadn't met his mother, I might never have taken my first trip to Colorado and fallen in love with what has basically become our second home. I might never have felt safe enough to start my own business...the list goes on and on.

It's crazy how one decision can change the course of your entire life for the better. Plus, I've gotten to do and experience all these things with one of my favorite people in the world. ♥️

Take that chance. Say yes to new possibilities. 😉 ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 22

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Did you know some sunflowers grow on the beach? 🌻 These are called dune sunflowers or beach sunflowers, and we have them all over our island.

One of the things I love most about our island is our dune system. Houses and condos aren't built right up to the high water line like they are in some places. Instead, there's usually a system of dunes that stretches dozens of yards back from the beach. This protects residences from storm surge during a hurricane and provides habitats for gopher tortoises, bunnies and more.

Did you know sunflowers grow on the beach? Have you ever seen them? ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 17

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Can’t go to the beach? 🏖 Here’s the next best thing! Check out my latest blog (link in bio) for beach reads that will allow you to visit real beaches, even if only between the pages.⁠
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Certain authors are known for writing beach read books that are set in real places, like Elin Hilderbrand (Nantucket) and Dorothea Benton Frank (Charleston and surrounding area). I love reading about places I can visit, and reading about a place I’ve already been is even more special when I recognize a restaurant or local landmark.⁠
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If you’re craving a trip to the beach but can’t leave home right now, I've shared some of my personal favorite beach reads that are almost as good as being in the places where they are set.⁠
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Do you have a beach read or an author you love because it's set in a real place? What book and where is it set? ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 11

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The hubby @seegreatart and I are having a fabulous #weekendgetaway at @thedoncesarhotel in St. Pete Beach! #liveamplified

Yesterday, we spent the day at @mfastpete and @jamesmuseum for art stories hubby is writing. 🎨 I visited my favorite @billyschenckart painting "Oh, You Wanted to See My Guns?" at the James and a fantastic exhibit of @derrickadamsny's Floaters series at the MFA.

Also grabbed some good craft beer yesterday at @mastrysbrewingco. 🍻 And ended the night with a walk around the property here, which is just gorgeous day or night.

Have you ever been to St. Pete or St. Pete Beach?

We definitely recommend a stay at the Don Cesar if you decide to visit! The new renovations truly make you feel like you've stepped back in time to the 1920s when people like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda roamed the halls here. Absolutely stunning!

Lots more from this trip in my stories and in my new St. Pete story highlight. ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 9

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Blue skies, palm trees and sunshine always lift my spirit! 😎

Yesterday, I had my first treatment for my diagnosis of cervical dystonia. For the past year, I've been trying to find the cause of the muscle spasms I've been having in the left side of my neck and left shoulder 24/7.

I've been to an orthopedist, three spinal specialists and two neurologists. I've been through three different diagnoses, physical therapy and now four different sets of injections in my neck.

Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with jaw pain and feeling like I had been punched in the throat. Apparently these are normal side effects of the Botox injections I had in my neck yesterday. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Trying to be optimistic that this will finally be the treatment that resolves my problems. I'm glad the hubby and I are getting away this weekend to St. Pete so I can focus on seeing some great art, eating good food and hanging out on another beach I love. 🏖️

What are your plans for the weekend? ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 7

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This is why I don't plot and plan out my feed in advance. I'd rather post when I'm feeling in the moment, in this photo made me so happy last night when I took it! ♥️

I have always wanted a German Shepherd, and I finally got one about a year and a half ago. 🐕‍🦺 I adopted a 6-year-old adult that was already fully trained and just looking for a forever home to spend her remaining years.

Georgia the #gsd has brought such joy to our lives! My husband isn't a dog person, and she's even managed to win him over. She's also won over one of the cats, but the jury is still out with the other one. 😂 Lizzy the tuxedo cat likes to be in charge, and Georgia graciously allows her to continue to rule our household.

I missed sharing Georgia's eighth birthday a couple of weeks ago, but when I quickly snapped this photo after our big beach walk last night, I figured better late than never. 🎂 We're so happy to have you in our lives, Georgia! Happy Belated Birthday!

Do you have a dog? If so, tell me what kind, how long you've had him or her and your favorite thing about them! ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 6

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🎄BOOK REVIEW🎄⁠
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Happy Pub Day to @teriwilsonauthor for her new Christmas romance Christmas Charms!⁠
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If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, you’re going to want to read Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson. It’s basically the book baby of It’s a Wonderful Life and Groundhog Day. And be honest…you can’t pass by either of those while channel surfing without stopping to watch for a little while, am I right?⁠
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I’m a big fan of author Teri Wilson, so I was excited to get the opportunity to read and review this one before its October 6, 2020 release date — shout out to @hallmarkpublish and @netgalley.⁠
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I love a good second chance romance! So, when I saw this one involved our heroine Ashley heading back home for the holidays and running into high school boyfriend Aidan (who is now a hunky firefighter), I couldn’t resist.⁠
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Ashley, of course, does try to resist. She continually tries to leave town to head back to Manhattan only to have her plans foiled over and over again in a way that reminded me of Groundhog Day.⁠
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Normally, I’m not a big fan of any sort of magic in my books, but I make an exception at Christmas for Hallmark movies, so I figured why not make an exception for a Hallmark book?⁠
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The magic in this book revolves around an antique charm bracelet Ashley is gifted by a stranger on her train ride home. It’s not long before she realizes that each charm on the bracelet represents something she wished for as a child at Christmas…and now each thing is coming true.⁠
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I don’t know about you, but I loved charm bracelets when I was a kid, so it brought back some fun memories. And who doesn’t love a little magic and romance at Christmastime?⁠
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I sincerely hope Hallmark decides to make Christmas Charms into a movie, because it makes me smile every time I think about it. If you need a cozy little Christmas treat, grab this one and a hot cup of cocoa and snuggle in for a good read!⁠
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If you want more second chance romance suggestions, the link in my profile will take you to my feed and all you have to do is just click on this post and you'll get all the second chance romances I've reviewed lately! ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 4

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I was drawn to this book the moment I saw it on the shelf. When the bookstore clerk said she highly recommended it, I was sold.

But...I have really mixed feelings now that I've read it. The concept was intriguing and reminded me of the Natalee Holloway case. A teenage girl goes missing while on vacation with her family on a Caribbean island. Unlike Natalee, however, her body was quickly found. Two local men were immediate suspects but never convicted.

What really made this interesting was that much of the book is from the perspective of her much younger sister and her memories of both her big sister and the days leading up to her disappearance and death. As an adult, she runs into one of the original suspects in NYC and attempts to befriend him to learn more about the events surrounding her sister's death.

It was such an intriguing concept, but...

Yeah, unfortunately there's a "but."

I found it fairly unsatisfying. There's something important I think you should know before diving into this one. If, like me, you want everything nearly wrapped up at the end of a book, this one isn't for you.

The whole book was a little overly descriptive and slow for me. I kept hanging in because I was sure there was going to be this big payoff where we learned what really happened...but there isn't.

It was such a good concept though, and I think it was an interesting commentary on race and class. I'm just not someone who enjoys drawing my own conclusions at the end. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Have you read this one? What did you think?? ...

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savvycarlisle

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Oct 3

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I am headed back home to the beach today after a fabulous week in Breckenridge, Colorado. I love the mountains, but boy do I miss my beach!

You all consistently tell me you want to see and hear more of the beach, especially those of you who haven't been able to go to a beach lately. So, crank up your volume and enjoy the sound of the waves! 🌊

I'm curious, do you have a favorite beach? What makes it your favorite? ...

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savvycarlisle

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Sep 30

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This is the absolute comfiest thing I own! I've been wearing it around the resort in Colorado this week as I drink my morning coffee, and so many people have asked me about it. Can't beat comfy and stylish! Such a fun look.

My mom absolutely despises tie-dye, so I never had anything tie-dyed growing up. I still haven't even worn this around her yet! 😂

I've added this over in the @liketoknow.it
app. If you've never used the app before, it's one of my favorites! Once you have it, you can screenshot anything you see on Instagram that mentions the app and it's automatically added into your app so that you can check it out and shop. It's so easy!

How do you feel about tie-dye??

http://liketk.it/2XHMN #liketkit #LTKunder50 ...

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savvycarlisle

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Sep 29

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On this #traveltuesday I'm still dreaming of the amazing suite we had last week at @pontevedrainnclub! 🏖️

It was too windy to read out on the beach (thanks nor'easter!), but there were plenty of comfy places inside to read.

And the decor! I want to call the designer and have her head straight to my house. This suite is exactly my style!

Have you ever stayed somewhere where you just wish the designer would come to your house and recreate it? ...

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savvycarlisle

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Sep 27

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Georgia the #GSD loves a good beach day. 🏖️ So, while I'm off enjoying some cool mountain air in Colorado (follow my stories this week for all the fall mountain goodness), she stayed home with the hubby and kitties.

We got some quality time on the beach together yesterday morning before I left though. She was a good sport and very patient while I worked on a flat lay for a new book review (coming later this week).

Do you have a dog? What kind? She's my first German Shepherd, and now I don't think I'd ever have another breed! ...

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savvycarlisle

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Sep 26

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Normally, I don't do a lot of decorating this time of year because I'm off at a college football game most weekends for my work as a sports business reporter. But since I'm mostly gone this fall, I decided it was time to find some blue fall decor to go with my mostly blue and aquas coastal style.

And, since I was doing all this work anyway, I rounded up some of my favorites for you over on my blog (link in bio) and put them over on the LiketoKnow.it app (would love if you follow me there - starting to add some exclusive looks and decor!).

Have you decorated for fall? Are you using more traditional fall colors or do you have a color scheme that goes more with your decor?
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http://liketk.it/2XpWp @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKunder50 ...

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savvycarlisle

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Sep 25

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🌟BOOK REVIEW🌟⁠
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Thanks to @bookishandchilled for inspiring me to do this Flashback Friday Review! I read Sunrise Cabin by @luckyauthor two years ago when it was first released, but it's so perfect for the fall I'd already been considering posting my review. 🍂 Once I saw #fbfreview, I knew I had to do it!⁠
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The Colorado scenery paired with the sweet little cabin at the center of this novel feel like snuggling into a blanket with a warm mug of apple cider…or hot chocolate…or coffee, whatever you choose. No doubt, you too will want to fight our characters Paige and Dylan for ownership of the cabin so you can move right in.⁠
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Paige is a schoolteacher who is currently renting the cabin, but she’s begun to let herself dream that she might be able to buy it if she could just sell the children’s stories she’s been writing. However, news of the sale has also reached Dylan, who has his own reasons for feeling attached to this particular cabin.⁠
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After two chance encounters in a bakery cafe, Paige and Dylan begin to have a sweet little flirtation, neither knowing about the other’s connection to the cabin. It’s Dylan who first learns that Paige is living in the cabin and wants to buy it, but he’s hesitant to open up and tell her about his own connection to it.⁠
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There are a lot of familiar Hallmark tropes in this one. Struggling writer, stressed out businessman, the draw of an idyllic life in a out-of-the-way setting (this one is set on the far west side of Denver a 40-minute drive to town). ⛰ But guess what? I love all that stuff! I used to be a corporate lawyer in Atlanta, and now I’m a writer who lives in a small town. Folks, this is real life for some of us!⁠
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And even if it’s not your real life, you’ll get caught up in the stunning views, rustic cabin and romance of it all too. I guarantee it!⁠
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Full review, links and more in my latest blog post (link in bio). ...

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savvycarlisle

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Sep 23

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What would you do if you won the lottery?

It's one of those questions most of us have thought about at least once. Someone asked me recently, and my answer was simple: travel and write.

"Isn't that what you do already?" she asked.

It took me a moment to realize she was right. It's exactly what I already do! Or, at least it was what I did before the pandemic made a travel more complicated. 😭

Honestly, I think the only way in which my life would change is that I would pay off my student loans and wouldn't have to worry about who was going to pay me for my writing.

But, for now I'm pretty happy waking up to views like this as I get paid to write about my travels.

So, it's actually kind of crazy to realize how close I am to my dream life.

But...it didn't just happen to me. I made very conscious choices. I spent what little free time I had practicing law blogging on the side. Then, even when I was at ESPN and writing full-time, I was still writing on the side for magazines about non-sports related subjects because I knew it would be important to build clips in other subject areas.

Then, I went on a press trip one time for a sports story and met a bunch of travel writers. They opened up an entirely new world of writing for me.

If you don't love what you're doing right now, what are you doing to change your situation? No excuses, there is always something you could be doing, even if it's just tiny steps.

If you're doing what you love, tell me about it in the comments! And if you're not, what's one tiny step you can start taking toward doing something you love? ...

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