Cupcake Confections

One death by chocolate cupcake, please. Can I just tell you how overly excited I was today to find out that Columbia has a Cupcake store now? ohmygosh. How did boyfriend fail to mention this to me before? Cupcake originated in Charleston, and I've been known to frequent their King Street shop for birthday gifts..and chocolate fixes, of course. A chocolate cupcake was just what I needed today. (side note: boyfriend lives in Columbia, therefore I have to begrudgingly make trips there to visit him. Cupcake will now make those trips much less begrudging.)

What is your favorite Cupcake fix?

Charleston: Joggling Boards

One of my favorite things about Charleston is the joggling boards that adorn most porches and gardens all over town. If you are unfamiliar with what a "joggling board" is, it is basically a long bench that bends and bounces when you sit on it. At the end of a long board are two rockers to support the weight of the bending board. These things are so much fun to sit on! I have one on my porch and love sitting bouncing on it when the weather is nice. One of the most common places to spot a joggling board is in front of Hyman's Seafood, as several joggling boards line the entrance to the restaurant.

Joggling Boards became popular in the 1800's around the lowcountry and in 1970 the Old Charleston Joggling Board Company was formed. Check out their website for more history and information. Happy joggling!

Restaurant Week

It's South Carolina Restaurant Week for those of you living in the Palmetto State! There are some amazing deals at restaurants all over Charleston. Some of Charleston's bests have 3 courses for $30 dollars. Can you say 82 Queen, Oak Steakhouse, or Charleston Grill anyone? Restaurant Week goes from January 14th-22nd and most towns in SC are participating. Happy dining everyone!



Snow Day Essentials

Who doesn't love a snow day? While it's not exactly "snow", but more along the lines of "sleet" here in Charleston, I'm loving this snow day because I did not have to work! Here are a few of my favorite snow day essentials for staying warm and having fun...

1. Kate Spade Rain Boots

2. UGG Earmuffs

3. North Face Triclimate Ski Jacket

4. Snow Gloves

5. Wooden Steel Runner Sled

6. SmartWool Socks

7. Turtle Fur Tassle Hat

Movie Love: Country Strong

Must see movie. Went to see Country Strong this weekend featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Leighton Meester, Tim McGraw & Garrett Hedlund. It was amazing and I loved every single character. I was highly impressed with the singing skills of Gwyneth and Leighton. If you love country music (like I do), then you will def love this movie. "Give In To Me" sung by Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester) and Beau Hutton (Garrett Hedlund) is a new favorite and was recorded by Faith Hill on the soundtrack. Go see this movie immediately.

Back from Steamboat!

I'm backkk! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! I joined boyfriend's family in Steamboat for 10 days full of lots of snow, skiing, and awesome adventures. Here are my top 10 favorite memories from the trip:

1. It snowed 23 inches while we were there!
2. We went to a natural hot springs one day that was over 102 degrees and surrounded by 3 feet of snow. It was a true "winter wonderland".
3. Drinking strawberry light margaritas at Rio (strawberry mixed with lime = bliss).
4. Beating boyfriend in the "mancala" championship. I think we played this almost everyday.
5. Snow tubing at Saddleback Ranch.
6. Getting lunch at an old fashioned soda counter. Complete with pharmacy and all!
7. Being my 2nd time skiing ever, I finally went down all blue slopes. No more green for me!
8. Ringing in the New Year in -9 degree weather with a champagne toast.
9. Skiing in to Slopeside for afternoon lunch breaks. Love ski-in, ski-out restaurants.
10. Inadvertantly skiing moguls and busting it = priceless.

 top of the mountain

 hot springs

 downtown Steamboat

 so much snow!

snow tubing @ saddleback ranch