Courtney Petrin
- Jul 6, 2023
- 3 min read

Summer in Siesta Key

I can’t think of a better place to shoot our summer journal than right in our very own home in Siesta Key and right on our street. There is so much natural beauty here to be inspired by.

We moved to the island about 3 years ago ready to sacrifice space for authentic island living.

We live in a 700-square-foot house 3 blocks from the beach.

We live for the summer where we spend every weekend at the beach. During the week we take walks in the neighborhood and bike ride to the center of town. We It's all about collecting shells that are on full display in Savannah's room; Visiting the farmers market Saturdays and late afternoon walks with Savannah's baskets foraging sticks and stones for arts and crafts. There is a big connection to nature and the ocean living here. It’s ingrained in all you do. We pick mangos from our yard and make smoothies. We pick fresh greenery and flowers from our front yard to always display fresh plants or flowers in our home.

In addition to the natural beauty; the center of town is our hub for many of our needs.

We love Morton’s for local grocery and fresh produce. Mojo risin is Savannahs favorite place for chocolate muffins. The beanhouse has great coffee and sandwiches. (Try the siesta Turkey, and I order an iced vanilla latte with oat milk). The summer house is our date night spot. The steak is incredible! Sun Garden cafe has the best brunch and I love the Day Tripper salad. Marmalade is my favorite clothing shop. I love their bags and earrings.

Savannah loves all the shops and fun little toys and tourist finds. It’s like a kids heaven here.

Living here definitely influences how I live and dress. I feel like I had a somewhat fashion awakening moving to Florida. Embracing my bohemian side and that tropical laid back feel certainly informs my style. I love resort wear, linen and hats in the summer. I hardly wear makeup in the summer and it’s all about the low maintenance and easy living.

Our home is influenced by where we live

Our street name is Calle de Costa Rica. So I aimed for a very laid back vibe in our home. It’s all about the natural textures for us and functional modular furniture. Every square inch is maximized to our needs. It’s very down to Earth.

Here are all of our favorite local spots in Siesta Key

Best brunch

Sun Garden Cafe

Best date night spot

The Summer House

We also love Ophelia’s

For a sushi date night Star Thai Sushi Home

Best coffee

Bean coffee house and Mojo Risin. If you are not a coffee drinker try the Mote Iced tea at Mojos

Best ice cream

Made in Rome - Organic Gelato

Savannah and Daddy (Carlin) love Big Olaf

Best Lemonade for a hot summer day

Meaney donuts.

Savannah and I love getting a lemonade to share and she’s obsessed with the donuts

Best shopping

Marmalade Lifestyle

Casa De Sole Boutique

Best pizza and salad

Rip Fire

There are also summer recipe staples that are very much a part of summer for us

Recipe: Summer Strawberry lemon cookies

Florida might be known for its oranges, but it’s also home to the best strawberries in the US!

Here’s a great summer dessert to use up strawberries that are also great for parties and kid!

Gluten and vegan friendly

Ingredients

Dairy-free cream cheese
Frozen strawberries or fresh organic strawberries
1 French Lemon
You can make your own custom sugar cookie mix. Organically addition has a great recipe to follow https://pin.it/3YHE2If

**If you want a health-conscious quick alternative Gluten free Sugar cookie mix King Arthur, Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Mix, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher

Directions

Prepare the filling; mix dairy free cream cheese with puréed organic strawberries. I like to squeeze a little lemon juice into the filling for a sour hint of lemon. Paired with the tart and sweetness it’s divine.
Prepare sugar cookie mix
Bake sugar cookies according to directions
Remove cookies from oven and let cool
Place a large scope of strawberry filling onto each cookie and make a sandwich by placing a top cookie
I like to place in fridge for a couple hours so the cookie and filling hardens a bit for a crunchy consistency