Tuesday Randoms

Oh, yes. I pulled the trigger.

And these candles smell AMAZING! I am o-v-e-r the summer and totally ready for Fall. I may or may not have done a little shopping for the cooler weather at F21 when I left work on Friday...

Mark patiently waiting for his cocktail at Biggie's Gastropub

We decided to try the new restaurant in our neighborhood on Friday (formerly Granville's). It was a last minute decision and I couldn't have felt lazier when we pulled into the parking lot. Biggie's is less than a mile away from our house. We'll be walking next time. Great atmosphere and patio, but overall, I have to say that I like the food that was served at Granville's better. I do forsee more of their cocktails in my future though!

*I must to mention that Biggie made a brief cameo while we were there. He's quite adorable. And, one of Cooper's pals at the adjacent dog park :)

In related news, I saw this sign at the Food Lion on King St. What are catfish nuggets? Nothing could sound less appetizing. Has anyone tried? Is this a southern tradition I'm unaware of?



Toodles for now!

I'm off to watch Sunday's episode of True Blood (again). I'm not obsessed.

Eric Northman Is BACK!

Go ahead and ignore this post if you aren't a True Blood fan.

Last night' episode was a-maz-ing! Actually I think this might be my favorite season yet! There are only 2 episodes left and I have no idea how it's going to end. I can only hope that witch Marnie gets whats coming to her- she is evil!

Anyways, last night Sookie harnessed her powers and broke the spell, bringing back 'the old' Eric. Now Sookie's left to choose between Bill and Eric. Decisions, decisions....

 

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On a side note, how did Kate Bosworth ever let Alexander Skarsgard go? Ma-jor, major mistake.

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Is anyone watching Entourage? It used to be so fun and fast paced, but this season seems so...depressing. With Ari's divorce, Vince's drug habit, the demise of Eric & Sloane, it's all very blah. Also, what happened to all the great celeb cameos?

The highlight from last night- finding out that Mrs. Ari's (Perry Reeves) name is actually Melissa. Pretty fitting, I think.


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Versus



via People.com

The world's most eligible bachelorette vs. Hollywood has-been.

Please.

Lohan looks like a total skank. I'm sure Pippa's burning the dress as we speak. Although Lindsay needs a serious talking to about the importance of undergarments, somehow I feel this is an improvement from her normal wardrobe choices.



***An update from yesterday: Mark said the BBQ Chicken and Mac & Cheese was one of the best meals he's had in a long time. Score!***

WILW

Does anyone else's dog sleep like this? It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.

Whoa, blurry picture! I hope my concoction turns out to taste better than it looks. On the menu for tonight: BBQ Chicken with Mac & Cheese. Not healthy. But hopefully good fuel for our kickball game. 

You must try this gum! It is seriously amazing. Especially the key lime pie. This definitely helps to ward off the urge to snack in the afternoons.

Bravo's Done It Again



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Yet another reality show that I'm loving...

From BravoTV.com, "They’re young, they’re hot, they’re single –- they’re Dallas’ Most Eligible. From beauty queens to pro-football players, this group of Texas socialites proves that everything’s bigger in Texas –- including the drama. Some are looking for true love while others have perfected the art of the one-night stand, and somehow their love lives have all crossed paths at one time or another. Dallas serves as the sexy backdrop for this jaw-dropping series that follows a group of successful friends living it up in the lone star state. "

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Watch out for this one, in particular.

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Courtney has opinions (read: judgements) about everyone and clearly has the hots for castmate, and 'bff' Matt. Oddly, while everyone else has an uber-glam career, like NFL star or country singer, Courtney makes a living by managing a sunglass store.....?

Enough Already



via People

I'm already tired of the coverage Kim K's wedding is receiving. Obviously, I am a huge reality tv junkie. And that generally includes any and all of the Kardashian's shows. But seriously, Today Show called it 'The Wedding of the Year'? Do people really care that much?!

20 Things About Me

Happy Saturday! This is my favorite day of the week (when I'm not working). I love not waking up to an alarm, enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee, aimlessly flipping through the channels and spending the day/night with friends!

I saw this on one of my favorite (and fellow Charlestonian's!) blog, Before I Spend It and though I'd give it a whirl!

1. Favorite Color:
If I had to choose, I'd probably say green. From light to dark shades, I love them all. It also happens to be the color of my eyes.

2. Favorite food that you make:
Umm? I don't really cook? Bad wife, I know. Usually, I don't get home from work until much later than Mark. So, he usually has dinner ready for me. Very lucky! 

3. Favorite Food Network Chef:
Hello, Ina Garten! AKA Barefoot Contessa. I LOVE her and her endless collection of denim button-ups. Also, how fab is her house in the Hamptons? I don't know how her husband, Jeffrey, isn't as big as a house. Everything about her is simple and classic.

'How easy is that?'

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4. What is the last beauty product you bought, and are you liking it?:
I bought shampoo and conditioner from the new Trader Joe's last weekend and I have to be honest, it's terrible. Sorry, TJ's (love your wine selection though)! This makes my hair feel dry and like straw. Total impulse buy. I will not be getting again.


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5. What are your top 3 beauty products:
MAC Superslick eyeliner- stays on forever and really defines your eyes. A word of caution that you must use eye makeup remover pads (I recommend MAC's). Otherwise, it's very tough to get completely off. 


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L'Oreal Sublime Bronze- because we all need a good self tan sometimes. This has a lightweight (and non-stinky) formula that you can apply and go on with your day. I've yet to have this transfer on to any of my clothing (bonus!).


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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- Great coverage, great color. This is perfect for the summer, especially in climates where it feels like your face is literally going to melt off some days.


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7. Essie or OPI?

I like both. I've been sporting a corally, red shade (by Revlon, I think?) on my toes for the past month or so. Hey, I'm a creature of habit!

8. How often do you workout?

I go to the gym 3-4 times a week, usually before work. Sometimes after if I'm too lazy to get up in the morning. My workouts consist of an hour of cardio (elliptical, treadmill, bike) with a few light weights thrown in.

9. Iced or hot coffee?

In the summer, iced. In the winter, hot. I've been making myself an iced coffee every morning for work. If I'm in the mood to splurge, I pick one up from Starbucks.

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10. Favorite celebrity couple:
This is really tough. It's like asking a parent to choose their favorite child.
But, if I have to pick, it would be:


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My mom, also a huge G & B fan, told me the other day she's afraid they're going to get divorced. Her words are still haunting me. I hope they don't go the way of Nick and Jessica.....

12. Place you have never been but would like to go:


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Greece. Hopefully, we'll make it some day. But given my enormous fear of flying and general travel anxiety, I'm not sure it will happen. Maybe things will change??

13. What gift did you get from your wedding registry that you get the most use out of?:

HA, this right here:

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14. Biggest pet peeve?

I guess I'd have to say bad drivers. They drive me cr-azy! And along those lines, sitting in traffic too.

15. Best guilty pleasure:
Reality television. As if there were any questions about it.


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I've also been enjoying $1 ice cream cones from McDonald's lately. They're delicious. And $1. Win win.

16. Favorite book:
Recently, The Help. But, generally, I love historical fiction and the first book that comes to mind is The Other Boleyn Girl. Big fan of Philippa Gregory (the movie was not nearly as good as the book).

 
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17. Do you subscribe to any magazines?:
No, but if I did it would be In Style, People, and US Weekly.

18. Favorite Halloween costume?: 

I love Halloween, but don't really care about dressing up. I always appreciate something current and humorous though.
 

19. Drink of choice?:

Alcoholic- a good margarita (frozen, with salt)/ glass (or bottle) of champagne
Non-alcoholic- sweet tea. Although, 99% of time I drink water.

 
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We celebrated with Veuve when Mark and I got engaged.

20. What advice would you give your 17 year old self?

Well, the older I get, the more I realize my parents were right. In nearly every situation. So, I guess I would tell myself to listen up! I'm sure they would have appreciated that piece of advice too. Ha! I was 17 ten (almost 11) years ago? What! Where does time go? I guess I also would have told myself to enjoy those carefree, essentially responsibility-free days!

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme!

It is literally taking every ounce of self control not to go crazy with all of the pre-Fall sales online. SO many adorable things that I'd love to have! In an effort to curb these impulses, I'm simply going to post them.
For now.


via Saks


via Anthropologie

 
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via Nordstrom

via Piperlime

Kate Spade via Piperlime

Child Stars All Grown Up



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Was I the only one who was surprised when Lizzie McGuire Hilary Duff announced her pregnancy on Sunday?

While I think it's nice and refreshing to see a young Hollywood couple that's actually married before baby, it is definitely is not the norm.

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See the above ladies. Who, not only had (will have, in JJ's case) babies on their own, but don't even acknowledge the father. 

Has anyone seen Tia & Tamera Mowry's (hello, Sister, Sister!) reality show on Style? One of them is pregnant and the other is planning a wedding. I can't remember which one is doing what. I caught a few minutes last night but it didn't really grab my attention. However, I was interested in was a cameo by DJ Tanner! Apparently they're very good friends. Who knew?!

 

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Friday Night Lights

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Mark and I just started the first season of Friday Night Lights yesterday and we are obsessed, so far! I can't believe it's taken me this long to start watching.

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On a side note, why do the weekends go by SO quickly and the work week seem to just drag on? The good news is, I am going to see 'The Help' on Tuesday and am really excited! The book was definitely one of the best I've read in years.

Leaf



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YAY for Friday!

I am thrilled to have the weekend off! Last night, we tried out Leaf (Beaufain St.), a relatively new restaurant here in Charleston. Our newly married cousin, Tim & his wife Cara, are in town staying with us and figured it would be the perfect time to try it out. Mark had many good things to say about this place, and I was not disappointed. From the food to the drink to the staff and the atmosphere- it was all amazing! We loved every single thing that we tried: Boursin Burger with Truffle Fries (me), Chicken Pita with Sweet Potato Fries (Mark & Cara), and the Pork Chop (Tim). Everyone LOVED it. We were all thoroughly impressed.

Not only does Leaf have great food, but their bar was packed. We will most definitely be going back!

Memoir of a Reality TV Genius

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According to various media outlets, Andy Cohen has signed a six figure deal to pen a memoir detailing how he rose to the position he's in today.

Now, I love me some Andy Cohen. Bravo TV is my life. Kidding?

But, I'm not completely sold on the idea of reading his story. All of the articles I've seen give really vague descriptions of what the book will entail.

I can only hope he includes some juicy inside info on all of his 'employees'. Or better yet, some of his celebrity BFF's!

 

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Will you be reading?

Cool Cocktails & Recents Reads

Is it too early to be thinking about weekend cocktails?

How amazing does this look

via Cooking Light

We got a huge watermelon from Whole Foods this weekend and have lots leftover. So, I decided we'll be making these yummy watermelon mojitos!

(from Cooking Light, 2004)

5 cups cubed seeded watermelon

1 cup sparkling water, chilled

3/4 cup white rum

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, undiluted

Mint sprigs (optional)

Lime slices (optional)

Arrange watermelon in a single layer on a baking sheet; freeze 2 hours or until completely frozen.

Combine frozen watermelon, sparkling water, rum, mint, and limeade in a blender; process until smooth. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices, if desired. Serve immediately

I can't technically call these 'book reviews' because I haven't actually finished them. But anyways...

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I am LOVING this book so far! I want to finish it before the weekend, so I can check out the movie. I can't wait to read it all, but will be so sad when it's over. If that make any sense at all.

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This one....not so much. In fact, it's taken me about 3 months to read 60 pages. I feel like I'm reading one of my classic lit textbooks from college. Honestly, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to finish it. There are some interesting facts, but not enough to keep my interest. I want to know how this is a NY Time bestseller?! Anyone out there who enjoyed this book?



Weekend Eats!

So, this weekend I tried not one but two new restaurants! This is HUGE for me. I am very much a creature of habit- hello, Taco Boy!- and rarely veer off the beaten path. Being that I had to work all day Saturday, I decided to lay off the margs and give Coleman Public House a try on Friday night.

(Sorry for the non-appetizing pic. I clearly was too engrossed in my meal and remembered half way in to snap a photo)

The food (and drink) were amazing! I ordered the Barnyard Burger with Truffle & Parmesan fries and Mark had the Pimiento Cheese Burger with Garlic Fries. Wowza. Everything we ordered was so delicious! The portion of fries was huge! Somehow we managed to finish every last bite between the two of us.

After that dinner you'd think we'd be stuffed, right? Not exactly. I'm somewhat of a bottomless pit and am always down for dessert. Always. So, we went home and whipped up 2 hot fudge brownie sundaes. Mmmm :)

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Since Saturday was rainy and gross, we (I) decided not to get dressed up and venture out. We dialed up our neighborhood pizzeria, Zappo's (located on wayyy upper King), and ordered Buffalo Chicken and Supreme pizzas. This place never disappoints! So many toppings with so much flavor! This is by far my favorite pizza in Charleston.

And today, we tried Mozzo in Mt. P for lunch. Apparently, it quite popular because the place was packed!


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I had the Chicken Caprese (chicken, pesto, sun dried tomatoes) and Mark had The Godfather (LOTS of Italian meats). The sandwich selection was HUGE. So, of course I had a hard time deciding. We picked up 2 bags of kettle chips and a peach lemonade and had ourselves a nice little lunch. We will definitely be going back, as there were many more options to explore.

Are you hungry yet?