Weekend Wrap Up

Last weekend was the first in nearly two months where I was not: a) working b) traveling, or c) hosting visitors. It was great! We were able relax, get some things done around the house, and catch up with all of our local friends. I don't have any pictures of our get togethers because I was too busy enjoying myself and just hanging out.

Our whole group went to Taco Mamacita on Sullivan's Island on Saturday evening. I'm sure the poor waitress was overwhelmed but we were all pretty unimpressed with the over all experience. I've been there once before and it was better that time. Perhaps this was a fluke? Either way, in my opinion it doesn't even come close to Taco Boy. 

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 On Sunday after church, we decided to try Wild Flour Pastry which we'd heard many good things about from our friends. It did not disappoint. The cinnamon rolls were amazing!

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The bakery is located on Spring St. and was just as quaint and charming as I imagined. The staff was friendly and helpful. We came home with all of this:

Just to give some perspective those cinnamon rolls were as big as my head. No joke. And yes, we got 3 (at my insistence) and devoured every last morsel. Don't judge.

If you live in Charleston this is a must visit!

Weekend Recap

What a great weekend! We had such a fun time celebrating Tory's birthday and showing Katherine the sights here in Charleston.

Please notice 2 things in the above photos:

1. My ghostly pale-ness (note to self: reinstate spray-tanning routine immediately)

2. My disheveled mane due to the OOC humidity/rain.

In the recent weeks/months my hair has developed this hideous wave right in the front that refuses to be tamed. I've literally given up on styling it before work in the morning and just throw it in a ponytail.

Does anyone have a straightening product they recommend? Help!

All Over The Place

So, after work last night, I decided to brave the crowds and check out the new Off 5th at Tanger Outlets in N. Charleston. I have to say, it wasn't too bad! I am a HUGE fan of this store (especially since Saks closed) and was really excited for it to open here. They always have great deals on designer duds and who doesn't love that?!

My purchase from yesterday

I love how the dress looks on- super flattering! For anyone who's interested, they had several different jewel tone colors and all sizes.

I'm really looking forward to this lady's visit:



She's on her way, as we speak :) We'll be celebrating her 28th in style this weekend. Happy Birthday Tor!

Now, everyone knows I love Giuliana Rancic. As I was watching ENews last night, I heard her talking about her wardrobe on the show. So, I scoped out the website and guess what I found?


via EOnline

You can see what she's wearing each episode at G's Look of the Day. This outfit- under $100 for everything. This is great find and I have a feeling I'll be checking back often.

Happy Weekend!

Restaurant Week

Friday night Mark and I decided to take advantage of Charleston Restaurant Week. This was the first visit for both of us to 82 Queen.

We sat outside in their courtyard area which is absolutely adorable. It was the perfect weather for outdoor dining. Finally some slightly cooler temps! I had their famous She Crab Soup, Chicken and Waffles, and Key Lime Pie. Mark had Calamari, Jambalaya, and a Pecan Mocha Torte. Every single thing we ordered was  delicious! We'll definitely be making more trips here.

So, I attempted to capture my outfit for the evening. But Cooper insisted on being part of the photo shoot, as well.

I wore my new J Brand skinnies and Francesca's top with a Banana clutch that I've had for years. The outfit worked out perfectly, as there was no hint of my bulging belly after eating that HUGE meal.

Devil dog.

Then yesterday, we traveled to Charlotte for a wedding.

Me, the Groom, and Jill

After getting stuck in traffic on the way there and on the way back, we are exhausted. The weekends always go by so quickly. I'll be on the couch for the rest of the afternoon/evening. Tonight is the season finale of True Blood and the series finale of Entourage. Eeeeek!

(Last) Weekend Jaunt

Obviously, I've been a bad, lazzzzzzy blogger this week.

Do these pics make up for my absence?

Mark in Asheville with the pups

Mark's parents just got two white lab puppies, who tagged along on out trip to Seabrook...

Couldn't leave Coop at home!

Mark's Grandma

Mexican night

Magazine, puppies, and the beach.

AND I have even more pictures to come from Charleston Restaurant Week! I also attempted to capture my ensemb for the evening. The resulting images are pretty hilar.



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.

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!

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?

T.G.I.S.?!

I have to be honest. I usually find Sundays to be a little depressing. The thought of a long work week ahead is looming the entire day. Luckily, I now have 2 reasons to look forward to the end of the weekend: True Blood and Entourage.



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Last night we finally got to see Eric and Sookie together! This union has been brewing since season 1. As exciting as it is, we all know that this could seal Eric's fate with the new vampire king, Bill. That witch Marnie really did a number on him. I can hardly wait for next Sunday's episode!

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Also, last night was the premiere of the final season of Entourage. Vince is fresh out of rehab and ready to start on new projects. We found out E and Sloane called off their engagement (sad) and that Mrs. Ari has been seeing someone else during their separation (sadder). Turtle, played by Jerry Ferrara, has noticeably slimmed down in the off-season. And Drama is still Drama. I've been hearing/reading about a possible movie a la Sex & The City, which would be something to look forward to once this season wraps. 

My sister and I have been enjoying the city during her visit- walking along the battery, margs at my fave, and enjoying delicious meals all around town.

At Poogan's Porch, where I ate my weight in biscuits.

Saturday on Sullivan's

  

Poogan's Porch & Grannymere

Last night we had dinner at Poogan's Porch and it was a-maz-ing!

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I haven't been there in years and it was just as good, if not better, than I remember it. We started of with the gouda mac & cheese and of course, their signature biscuits and honey-butter. Those biscuits are second to none- literally the best thing I have eaten in ages!

For the main course, I had the buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes, which was delicious. Mark had some huge seafood platter, which he finished in a nano second, and then moved on to finish off my plate and my sister's (shrimp and grits).

Eating the homemade biscuits reminded me of my Grannymere, who passed away a year ago this month. She loved to take home rolls or whatever bread was served for a little snack later on :)



painted by my cousin, Bobby Owens

Gran was a wonderful person, the center of our family, and to say that she is missed would be a vast understatement. 

I hope everyone ha s a great weekend! I'll be spending the time relaxing with my sister. And speaking of which, it's her birthday!  

Sister Visit!

Looking forward to my sister's visit later this week.

A few photos throughout the years....

Starting with the best.

How did our mom let this happen?!

Circa 1990. Between my 'shroom cut and her bull cut, we had some seriously rad 'dos.

See the girl on the t-shirt? That's me. With a permed 'shroom cut. Jammin' on an electric guitar. Doesn't get much cooler.

Beer-itas

Have you ever tried these? If not, they are a must! Especially on the sweltering summer days/nights, which we experience quite a lot of here in the Lowcountry.

THIS

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+

THIS

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= DELICIOUS

The recipe literally could not be easier.

One 12oz. can frozen limeade

12 oz. tequila (I like white tequila best)

12oz. Sprite/7up*

1 Corona Light*

I use the term recipe lightly. Because we basically just made it up as we went along. We used our discerning tastes as a guideline :)

*Actually, instead of Sprite we added 4 beers. And, of course, you don't have to use Corona Light, it's just my preference. This was the most common list of ingredients I found when googling.