My Birthday Week in St. Simons (and Why I’ll Never Forget It)

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Happy Sunday!

What a week… all I can say is WOW! I hadn’t been on a girlfriend’s getaway in close to 20 years, and boy did I make up for it this past week! Some of my dear Currahee friends planned the most magical trip to St. Simons Island, and let me tell you — sometimes you don’t realize just how much your soul needs a little girl time until you’re there, laughing until your cheeks hurt, soaking in every single moment of pure fun and friendship.

Of course, I couldn’t leave for a trip without a little meal prep. I made a sausage casserole and keto chicken bites before we left, hoping I’d stay somewhat on target with my meals — and more importantly, because I love making that first morning of a trip as easy and stress-free as possible. There’s nothing better than waking up, coffee in hand, and knowing a delicious breakfast is already waiting for you.

We kicked things off with dinner at Delaney's Bistro, a favorite that Ron and I fell in love with on a visit three years ago. Have you ever gone back to a restaurant you’ve been dreaming about, hoping it’s just as good as you remember? Well, my second visit to Delaney’s was even better!

Matthew, the owner’s son, took such good care of our table of six, it felt like dining with family. They had 19 specials that night (yes, nineteen!) and we wanted to try them all. Sadly, the stone crabs had just sold out, but the fresh crab and the ostrich (a first for all of us!) were unforgettable. The ostrich was melt-in-your-mouth tender — I’ll definitely be ordering it again if I ever see it on a menu. Have you tried it before? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

My dirty martini was perfectly chilled with just the right amount of olive juice… and after that first sip, the girls decided to nickname me “Dirty Izzy” for the rest of the trip. By the end of the evening, we had officially dubbed ourselves The Ladies of Delaney’s, and honestly, I think the name fits us perfectly!

The next day was all about poolside relaxation. Serena made an amazing charcuterie board, and I brought my pepperoni pizza dip (because you know it wouldn’t be a getaway without it), along with burrata topped with prosciutto and tomatoes, and baked brie. Simple, shareable bites, a little sunshine, and a lot of laughter — that’s my kind of day. We wrapped it up with a rowdy game of Taboo, and let's just say we learned a little too much about each other that night!

Beach day followed, complete with a not-so-graceful battle with the beach tent (note to self: four women and one stubborn tent in the wind should be an Olympic sport!). Once it was up, we relaxed, listened to the waves, and just exhaled. That evening, we tried line dancing for the first time, and it was every bit as hilarious as you’d imagine. Between that and our adventures in the six-passenger golf cart (Denise, I’m looking at you and your “creative” driving skills), we had endless laughs cruising around the island.

The most touching moment? Waking up on my birthday morning to a completely decorated house — streamers, balloons, and all. I can’t remember the last time someone surprised me like that. I felt so loved and so thankful for these friendships. Who could have predicted that buying a home in North Georgia would bring me not just peace, but soul-filling friendships that will last a lifetime? It feels less like a destination and more like destiny.

We ended our trip right where we started, back at Delaney’s. This time, the chef had saved the last orders of stone crab just for us because they knew how much we wanted to try them. That’s what makes this place so special — they make every guest feel cared for and important. Isn’t that what life is truly about? Making each other feel special and creating memories around a table, wherever that table may be, that last a lifetime.

Here’s to friendship, shared meals, and the moments that fill your heart to the brim.

What I am looking forward to:

Celebrating my birthday with my favorite boys. 

Continuing the celebration in Laguna Beach, CA... it's the birthday that doesn't end!

Isabel

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My Favorite Things from the Suitcase ✨

• 👡 My Favorite Platform Sandals – Cute enough for dinner, comfy enough for long walks. Wore them everywhere!
• 👒 Straw Hat – The ultimate beach day accessory and it looked adorable in every photo.
• 💧 Liquid I.V. Hydration Packs – A must for travel days, beach days, and after that second dirty martini.
• 🌸 Floral Summer Dress – Light, flowy, and perfect for those “out to dinner but still relaxed” nights.
• 👟 Slip-On Sneakers – Easy for travel, great for exploring, and didn’t take up much space.
• 🎀 Cute Pajama Set – For lounging, late-night chats, and coffee mornings.
• 🧖‍♀️ Face Masks – A mini spa night with the girls? Yes, please.

This week's meal plan...

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Missed a week? Check out my last blog post, too!