Carolina Cup

Carolina Cup is this weekend, and that means lots of Lilly, Vineyard Vines, and Southern Tide! Unfortunately, I will not be attending this year since I'll be moving and boyfriend is running in the Cooper River Bridge Run. Side Note: Why is the Cup always planned on the same weekend as the Bridge Run? You wouldn't think that they would plan two of South Carolina's largest events on the same weekend...just sayin. But anyways, we had so much fun at the race with the law school last year and were in good company! So get out your best Lilly, tie one on and hit the track.

What will you be wearing to Carolina Cup?

{Carolina Cup 2010}

{my favorite longchamp tote, and perfect for the race!}

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!



Charleston: Most Attractive People

Why do I love living in Charleston so much? Charleston was recently rated No. 1 Most Attractive People in America's Favorite Cities 2010 survey! The article states "This South Carolina city bumped off perennial winner Miami this year; have the good-looking people really migrated north? Charlestonians also score high for friendliness, rank second for their classic sense of style, and even make the top 10 for intelligence. To see if it’s all true, just stroll the streets of this quaint city, which also ranks No. 1 for its noteworthy neighborhoods."

Other most attractive cities included San Diego, Savannah, Miami and Salt Lake City to name a few. Props to Charleston for acheiving sexy status...

Charleston: Watercolors

I recently came across these adorable lowcountry watercolor paintings of Charleston. They are miniature 5x7 scenes that would make a cute collection on a bathroom or hallway wall. My favorite is the Broad Street scene (pictured below) because of the architecture it captures and because it reminds me of fall here in Charleston. At only $5 per print, these are extremely budget-friendly.

{via charlestonsouthcarolinaart.com}

Charleston Eats

A local Charleston favorite, Hominy Grill, hit the big times recently when it's infamous shrimp and grits was awarded one of "America's 10 Best Regional Classics" by the Food Network! I'm a huge fan of Hominy's breakfast and it never disappoints. Check out the article and be sure to tune in on September 20-23 at 9pm. Eat beforehand.

Weekend Flood

This weekend was filled with amazing home cooked meals, my favorite flowers, Eat.Pray.Love, catching up with good friends, and lazy Sundays in the rain. And the rains definately came down on Charleston...

{flood warning anyone?}

Bookworm

Two great books that I read over the summer were Sullivan's Island and Return to Sullivan's Island by Dorthea Benton Frank. Both stories were equally compelling and I love reading books that have a sequel. The setting for this series is a family that has lived on Sullivans for many generations in an old house called the "Island Gamble". The story takes you through their lives, struggles, and adventures on Sullivans. What I loved most was being able to recognize all the "local spots" mentioned throughout the books (i.e. Station 22, Atlanticville). If you're a bookworm looking for a lowcountry inspired read, I highly recommend both of these...

Useless Umbrella

Saw this e-card and just had to laugh. If you live in Charleston (esp downtown), then you know how true this rings. There have been several occasions this year that when it rains, it literally floods. No, i'm not even joking. If you drive a sedan, forget about getting in your car. The rain mixed with the high tide causes the water to rise above car doors and people are wading down the street. Rainboots required. Being one of two people in my office that lives and works downtown, we are the only ones at work for the first few hours on these torrential downpour days. I guess we'll hold down the fort, if we don't all float away...

Weekend with BB

This past weekend was such a blast and I was so excited to see AAF! Some highlights from the weekend included a trip to GDC (swoon), happy hour at the Pavilion Rooftop*, catching some rays on Sullivan's, and sunset drinks at Red's Icehouse on Shem Creek. The picture shown above was totally unplanned and candid (love it). As you can see, I got to sport my precious new tunic cover-up**. Cheers to fun lowcountry weekends with my best girlfriend!

*listening to 80's and reminiscing about our college days, naturally...

**handmade by my mother, of course...

Hop Frog & The Sleeper

This week has literally flown by. I've been busy at work (what else is new?) and preparing for some weekend guests! My long time best friend, Buckhead Belle, is venturing to Charleston this weekend and bringing along another favorite, AAL! Since AAL has never been to the lowcountry before (gasp!), we will be doing some fun exploring and sight seeing. Plans are in order for a trip to Poe's Tavern. If you've never been to Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island, then you MUST go next time you're in Charleston. The restaurant spins off of Edgar Allen Poe* and everything on the menu is named after one of his works. My personal favorite is the "Tell-Tale Heart", a grilled chicken sandwich with a fried egg, applewood bacon, and cheddar cheese. yummmm.

*Fun Lowcountry Fact: Did you know that Poe served in the Army at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island?

Poolside Paradise

I am in love with this swimming pool that is just the perfect size to go alongside a Charleston single house. Those scorching lowcountry summer days would be instantly cooled with a dip in this little oasis. How magical it would be to have one of these surrounded by a gorgeous garden, right in the middle of downtown. No one would even begin to realize such a thing existed beyond the gate of tall trees. But inside..this secret garden houses a pool big enough for me to kick back on a float, sip on a frozen concoction, and enjoy a good read. Bliss.

Lowcountry Lighthouse

{credit}

I was so excited to see the Morris Island Lighthouse featured in last month's issue of Coastal Living. This lighthouse is a trademark to Charleston and has such a weathered charm. Located off the shore of Folly Beach, the lighthouse has been standing since 1876. If a visit to the lowcountry is in your future, make a trip to Folly Beach and check out this historical gem. Or go by boat and enjoy a day filled with sunshine and pina coladas on Morris Island! Cheers to that!

Up, Up & Awayyy

It was the perfect weekend to ride ol' blue down to Waterfront Park and watch the Blue Angels! This past week in Charleston was "Navy Week" and the Blue Angels flew in for an amazing finale. If you've never seen the Blue Angels and ever get a chance, I highly recommend you don't pass up the opportunity. Their preciseness amazes me and the sound is deafening yet so thrilling. See the video below I found that features some great shots of their performance here in Charleston.

Anddddd finally...I'd like to announce this marks the offical beginning of BLUE WEEK here at L.A.S. lowcountry. I'll feature my favorite blues all week long..c'mon and join me!

Going Local

Today I leave you with some of my favorite local interior design and furniture stores here in the lowcountry. All of these places are truly amazing and the ultimate place to escape and dream...oh how I cannot wait to decorate my own house someday.

• GDC Home Interiors  *my personal favorite
• Morris Sokol Furniture
• Maine Cottage
• Seabrook Classics

April Showers Bring May Flowers

This is inarguably the most gorgeous time of year in Charleston. Almost every house is overflowing in beautiful, bountiful blooms from shabby chic window boxes. Take a stroll down Tradd St. and you will soon be inspired by this floral adornment. Alas, this weekend was the perfect opportunity to do a little "apartment gardening" of my own*. For the first time in over a year (not.even.kidding), I had the weekend all to myself. ahh, bliss. It was absolutely wonderful and just what I needed. Plenty of time to escape, enjoy the flowers and do some sewing :)

*my new buds pictured above. those in the birdcage...why yes, I planted them in an old mixing bowl. how delightful.