The Golf Club at Briar's Creek

Yesterday was the Annual Golf Tournament for the nonprofit I support (and work for!), Our Lady of Mercy Outreach.  The Golf Tournament is held at an exclusive private course on John's Island, Briar's Creek. Oh it is gorgeous!  I spent the day out there yesterday, driving around in golf carts and enjoying volunteering for the event.  We had some down time in between holes and so I enjoyed this view on the porch of the club house. 

The staff was so wonderful and it seemed that everyone had a great time!  If you are ever given the opportunity to visit this place/play the course, don't miss it.  This is the lowcountry lifestyle at it's most luxurious.

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend started early Friday afternoon and didn't end until late last night.  My girl Carrie had Ladies Night at her house Friday night.  I baked black bottom cupcakes to bring along.  Have you ever had these?  They are fudgy cupcakes with a cream cheese/choc chip layer on top.  I recommend them as they travel well, no messy icing.

Saturday we hit the beach in the morning.  We left our house before 11:00 a.m. and still hit traffic!  I should have known when there was a sub line at Publix at 9.  Busy day!  We left around 3 to head home and get ready for a going away party at DIG in Park Circle.   I love this quaint area of North Charleston.  There was a nice outdoor patio...

 We left Dig and met my friend Britt downtown to check out her man's band at "The Big Gun" on Calhoun Street, next to Club Trio.  When we arrived Trio was empty and silent, when we left the line wrapped around the corner and the place was literally bumpin'! 

 Saturday did not turn out as planned, no taking the boat to Capers Island for the day.  We ended up at the pool and then over to Water's Edge on Shem for a cold glass of wine.  I think this might be my favorite bar on Shem Creek.

 Sunday was a lazy day, with a late lunch and great view at the Upper Deck at Morgan Creek Grille.

 And chicken on the grill with sweet corn on the cob!

Mmm mmm mmm...

Wine and Design, BOGO again.

You may remember our trip to Mt. Pleasant's Wine and Design class last November.  It was Buy One Get One Free and we painted Oyster shells, it was a great time!  I recieved the email about West Ashley's new location opening soon, and that for Mondays in June this location will feature BOGO.  So, I signed up my mom and I to paint the Sailboat on June 18th.  Get on it, West Ashley/James Island peeps!  It's nice to not have to cross the bridge sometimes...

Weekend

The weather here took a turn for the chilly this weekend, Saturday really felt like Fall!  But we still enjoyed our time outside, Saturday over on Shem Creek and then Sunday brunch on Folly. 
I don't know about you, but our weekends always involve naps on the couch.

Last night we were ready to stay in and grill out.  We had Cedar plank salmon which was awesome!!  All you need is a little brown sugar and spicy mustard and you are in for a treat!

We had a romantic candlelit dinner.

We ended the night cuddled on the couch watching movies. 

 It's only Monday but who's ready for the holiday weekend coming up?? 

Here's to hoping for a quick week!

Let's Go!

For the past two weeks, each morning I have atleast a ten minute period where I seriously consider packing K and I's bags and hitting the road, to just head outta town!  I've got some serious wanderlust happening right now.  I talk myself out of it each morning but I have managed to plan a few small trips for this year.  We are saving up for our Big California Adventure, and then ultimately our dream of living overseas for month or so before we start a family.  But again, lately I've been super "Sieze the Day!  Who needs savings?? Let's go go go!"
To keep me from jumping out of my skin, I'm focused on our upcoming mini-getaways.
In August we are visting friends in ATL for some Braves game fun and a Sweetwater Brewery Tour.  Does anyone have any recs for a boutique hotel in Midtown, with a cool bar and within walking distance to restaraunts?

Early September we are taking a Staycation at a beach house on Folly for a week.  I'm really looking forward to wine and dinner al fresco and falling asleep to the sound of waves.
And then finally, in December I will make my return (wow has it really been almost 2 years!?) to Manhattan to show my man why I love it so.  He's never been!

I am one of those gals that always likes to be planning something, what's on your horizon?

Mother's Day Weekend

This weekend I hosted a Mother's Day brunch for my family and K's as well.   I really wanted to create a special, restaurant-like vibe to my home where no one had to lift a finger, except for me.  So, on that note, I spent the majority of Friday and Saturday cleaning and prepping food.  And it was all worth it as the result is exactly what I was hoping for! 
Saturday night I was able to take a break to enjoy dinner out with my man at Al Di La.  I love this place, y'all.  I ordered the linguini with pancetta and butter beans. Wow!  Their patio has such a romantic feel.

I'm so disappointed that I did not snap more photos of the brunch.  I did take a couple sloppy shots of my table settings, each seat with a different antique china plate and linen napkin, and also a flower arrangement for each mom to keep as the centerpiece. 
Each time I host a party I realize more and more how much I love to do it!  I love all of the lists and organization and timing.  And of course, I love welcoming people into my home for good food, drink, and company.

family photo (minus alf)

I am now going to share my menu suggestions (and links) for the perfect Mother's Day Brunch.  Note: I used my Gracious Goodness cookbook for the majority of my dishes but these links are similar.  If you want any of my recipes let me know!!!

• Bacon/Cheddar Quiche
• Broccoli/Swiss Quiche
• Crab Quiche
• Grits with sausage casserole
• Cheesy crock pot hash browns
• Blueberry Monkey Bread
• Bagels with cream cheese
• Fresh fruit mix (I used grapes, cantaloupe, and strawberries)
• Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar
• Fresh Coffee and Ice Water

And last but not least, another big I love you to my mom Roxy.  Thank you for everything you do.

Drug Store Product of the Year

I am totally a skeptic when it comes to miracle creams (for wrinkles, cellulite, pores). I've bought (and returned) my share because they just don't meet their own expectations.  So, I was prepared to be unimpressed when I picked up this Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream...except it's so great.  Within 24 hours I could see a visible difference.  My skin looked dewier, fresher, more luminous.  I didn't need to reapply makeup through out the day.  I would urge any of you makeup/skincare loving ladies out there to get your hands on this fast!! I've also found coupons scattered in some of my magazines. Get it, girl!

The Weekend

This weekend was HOT.  I've spent a little bit of time at the pool or beach each day since Friday, and I love it.  My work schedule is so flexible it allows me to work on my tan like I did in highschool (with sunscreen of course).  Anyway, Friday night I ventured out for dinner with my mom, and then drinks with Britt, which unfortunately I did not capture on film.  Mom and I chose California Dreaming for dinner and what a wake up call, it's graduation season!
It's also wedding season, which brings me to the main focus of our weekend, my friend Cyd's wedding.  It was out in Hollywood on her family's land and it was beautiful!

We were sweating!

cinco de mayo fun

she was stunning, y'all

Cydney was straight out of a magazine, and Brett looked like the happiest man on Earth.
I'm ready for another weekend!  Bring it on!

Damn you, Starbucks!

I've read numerous "How to save money" articles that mention cutting out your daily Starbuck's trip and I've always thought to myself how happy I am that I don't waste my money that way.  Well, last week while killing some time between meetings, I made a quick stop in and opted for the Mocha Light Frap. And Holy Hell, I'm hooked.  The drink is a creamy and cold, low calorie (130 in a grande) option. It's delicious! I've also tried the Coffee Light Frap which is a close second. 

Frappuccino Happy Hour starts today (Half Price between 4-7)!

I'll go ahead and apologize to your wallet right now.