My Lost Shaker of Salt

I have touted my love for Key West before, but there's something so magical and carefree about the island that never seems to grow old. No matter your age or day job, you're always welcomed as a fellow parrot head and beach bum. My best friend Kristen and I have both had a hellish month and were in major need of relaxation. So, we hopped in her jeep, threw the top down, and didn't look back. The result? A day of true, uninterrupted bliss.

Watching the process of hand-rolled cigars.

Bikes & oysters.

Key West's unofficial mascot.

Coconut milk is a must on a scorching day.

The "Stick of Directions"

Conch Fritters from the Conch Republic

Shell shopping

It's been one of my dreams to have a Key West house. I love the preppy Lilly Pulitzer meets Ernest Hemingway style, and I can't get enough. Every corner I turned, I found my new "dream house". You can't help but feel happy when you look at the colors and fun little details (Read: an ornamental lion with heart glasses and tie). After much deliberation, I finally settled on the house with the teal shutters and door.

Kristen and I had so much fun, and I'm pretty sure we singlehandedly helped the Key West economy with our day of shopping and eating. However, the cherry on top of the day was definitely the sunset. We found a little beach, walked about 100 yards out on to the boardwalk, and plopped down to watch the sun hit the water. As one woman on the boardwalk said, "A Key West sunset could make you cry." Amen, sister.