Thursday, January 31, 2013

Shovels and Rope



In highschool and college I was really into music, which isn't to say that I'm not now, but I used to be more involved in the local music scene.  One of my favorite local bands circa 2004 was The Films.
Oh, remember emo???
 While they have disbanded, I am happy to know that their frontman, Michael Trent, is still making music in a folksy duo with local lady Cary Ann Hearst. I was so excited when I heard that they would be playing on David Letterman, their first network television appearance!! My facebook has been blowing up with friends congratulating the band (sold out at Bowery Ballroom in NYC!), and I'm so happy for them myself. I'm also happy to be attending their upcoming show on March 2nd at the Charleston Music Hall(which will sell out, so hurry!).  

Monday, January 28, 2013

Review: The Rarebit

Friday night we were delighted to join some friends at a(nother) new restaurant on upper King Street, The Rarebit. 
Let me say this, I think that upper King is becoming a bit oversaturated with new restaurants, and specifically new, overpriced and trendy restaurants.  We went downtown a couple weeks ago for the first time since Christmas and I think we counted 4 new spots, within 2 blocks.  Is that a little crazy to anyone else??

But, back to my point, which is to review the Rarebit for you.  I really liked the style of the restaurant: nice lighting, fresh faced staff, it was a good vibe.  We joined 4 of our friends at 7 pm on a Friday at a restaurant that doesn't take reservations.  We easily got drinks at the bar and I was very happy that we didn't seem to wait very long before being seated in one of their huge booths.  It was a bit tight, but I'll go with cozy.
Well, of course I had checked the menu earlier that day, and I was pleasantly surprised with the price points, nothing above $15.00!  This is extremely rare (pun definitely intended) to find a menu not comprised of greasy bar food or pizza in this range.  I was so happy!  I was also very very happy to see some healthier options that actually sounded delicious, and not like a sacrifice.  You see, we already had plans for Poogan's on Saturday night for which I was planning to splurge, and I don't really like eating out two nights in a row.  So, on the menu was "Ratatouille". Yum Yum Yum,
ratatouille 11
Mandolin cut zucchini & carrots baked in a tomato
spinach sauce topped with provelone
doesn't this sound good?  And so good for you, to boot.
I ordered this dish and it was great.  I would reccomend it to anyone who loves what I'd describe as Veggie Lasagna (it was served with hot bubbling cheese over layers of sauce and veggies, in a little casserole ramekin).  I also will mention that they serve breakfast all the time.  My kind of place.
K ordered the chicken club with a side of mac and he loved it.  Best of all, when the check came....
$30.00!!!!  For dinner downtown. Wow! 
We really enjoyed The Rarebit and will be back for sure.  In my own wierd review speak, I'll give it "a Pearlz ambiance on a Kickin Chicken budget".  Go and see for yourselves!


{pictures from their Facebook page}

Friday, January 25, 2013

A Pleasant Surprise

Ok first of all, does the spelling of "surprise" look really wierd to anyone else right now??

Anyway, my surprise is that Today is Friday! 

Oh, Lindsey...
Y'all.  I lived yesterday as Wednesday.  As you can tell from my post, in my mind it was Wednesday.  I've had moments of "What day is it?" many a time, but this was by far my most confused state.  I didn't realize it was Thursday until I went to go to bed.  What the heck! And I didn't even have Monday off...
So, Surprise!!! (to me)  HAPPY FRIDAY!
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Also, before I go I want to reccomend an amazing deal to you all.
So, I love Aveda products, they make me feel like everyday is Spa Day.  However, I do not spend that kind of money on shampoo so it's usually a special treat at the salon or spa.  But then, I found this:

This is THE best!!! It's around $2.50 a bottle and I tell you, it feels, smells, looks just like Aveda.  I could go on and on, I feel like I've discovered a best kept secret with this.  Buy it!
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Ok then, HAPPY FRIDAY!!! :)


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Humpity Hump

Happy Wednesday friends!


Whenever I make chicken enchiladas (last night) I like to use this McCormick packet.  I've made enchilada sauce from scratch before and found this to be just as tasty and a lot easier, plus it's SO much better than the can.  I'm a huge lover of McCormick seasoning mixes.
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My colleague brought this in for me to read, and now I just can't wait to get home and pick it up again!  It's been a while since I've read a good book, and suspense novels are some of my favorite. 
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I think I'm going to try my hand at zucchini/carrot muffins this weekend.  This recipe looks good, and I'll probably add raisins and maybe a light cream cheese frosting.  Carrot/Zucchini cupcakes??
Maybe for a Sunday treat.
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We are planning on going to Poogan's Porch for dinner this weekend, to take advantage of their Roll-back menu.  Y'all know I love a good deal!

I think that's all I've got for ya, let's get over this hump!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Favorite Diet Foods

I try to eat a healthy diet.  I cook at least 5 nights a week and really do my best to create well rounded meals.  That being said, I was raised on typical American family food: Meatloaf and Kraft mac n cheese and peas from a silver can.  We did not shop at Whole Foods, and I loved it!   What I'm getting at is that I don't buy all natural or clean or any other "health food" products. But I also try and watch my weight, and so here are some grocery store items that I've found that I enjoy: 
I found this Saturday morning at Wal-mart and was very excited to give it a try with a Corona Light as an afternoon snack. (Sidebar: Corona Light is the best beer for those counting calories.  It is the lowest calorie beer with the highest alcohol content out there, I've done the research.) I'm a queso lover, but I limit it as a "party food" because it's just way too gluttonous, but this really did hit the spot.  I cut the pita into 6 slices, versus 3, and it was an overall enjoyable snack, not nearly as bland or salty as you would expect from a Lean Cuisine product.  Best of all, it feels like a treat!
I also picked up some of these, thanks to Megan's recommendation:

I was very skeptical because typically breakfast sammies that are microwaveable really gross me out (so soggy!), but the flatbread was not soggy at all!  The sausage was spicy, the egg was fluffy, my only wish: a little more cheese.  But that should be my motto: "More Cheese Please".
For dessert:


Now this, this is my golden egg!  Well first, let me express my love for mint chocolate chip ice cream, I LOVE IT!  And this contains 3/4 cup of ice-cream for 140 calories, which is incredibly low, a typical serving is 1/2 cup.
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These are the kinds of foods that satisfy me, and I'm so happy to have found options that help me keep my diet in check!  Tell me, do you have any diet items that help you stay on track, but also hit the spot??  I want to know.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Lately

Here are some snaps from the past few weeks...
Love
Cocktail Hour at Casa LeaMonda
Home-made gifts are the best! Thanks Dad!!!
All LeaMond ladies have a piece of King Street.  I'm glad I was able to get this pic on Second Sunday!
Date Night!
Wentworth Grill for a drink before Muse:
Magnolia Cemetery:
Hope your weekend is going great!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

The Perfect Friday Night

It's amazing to realize how much I've grown since college, which really doesn't seem so long ago to me.  I will catch myself thinking "23" when someone asks me how old I am...whoa.
I can honestly say that I am a much happier person today than I was in college, those years spent searching, for what I can now say I've found.  To compare a typical Friday night then to one now, it's funny.  I've always been a homebody, but it's so nice to know that I'm not missing anything at this point.  On my couch with my boys- that's the best spot in town!
So with that said, I've been looking forward to this Friday all week because I have a little "Perfect Friday Night" planned!
I may cut out of work a little early, pick up my drycleaning, run by the bank, and then I'm going to hit the town for some shopping!  I have a sweater to return so it's the perfect excuse! I love shopping on Friday nights, it's not very busy out and you have the whole weekend stretching in front of you!
5th avenue? More like King Street.

From there I'm going to head back to James Island and pick up a thin crust Hawaiian pizza to-go and maybe grab a 6 pack. 
Once I get home we're going to light some candles and watch the new Liam Neeson flick, Taken 2.  I loved the first one, but my hopes aren't too high for this.  I'm just happy to watch Liam.
             
I may also decide to bake something, not sure on that though.
 


I'll be sure to be in bed at a reasonable time so there's no problem waking up for my 8 AM Body Combat Class!

That's my version of a Perfect Friday night!
What's yours??

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Two Tuesday Thoughts

Just two thoughts today.  I'm busy at work but wanted to pop in:
We really enjoyed Second Sunday on King this past weekend.  We did a little shopping and then stopped in to Yo Burrito for a late lunch before heading home.
I found this skirt below in a steel grey color...for a literal steal at Francesca's.
Oh boy, Melvin's flashback prices for the month of January.  Who else is a little too excited about this????

That's it, Happy Tuesday!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Celebrate!

Please join me in wishing the man I love a huge Congratulations for a professional accomplishment last week!!!!!
I'm so proud of you, babe! 
As we bemoan frequently, I wish Club Habana was still here to welcome our celebrations...
Hooray for K!


Oh and this song just expresses how I feel today...


Happy Monday to all!  I hope your weekend was great!!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Healthy Pasta? + TGIF

 When it comes to cutting back, there are two things that I find the hardest to resist: Pasta and Bread, food for my soul I tell ya!  I try to watch what I eat and I'm always looking for ways to spin my comfort food recipes a bit healthier. 
Enter the "I can't believe it's not pasta!"  recipe that I found in doing some research on pasta alternatives yesterday.  I made this last night and it was suprisingly satisfying.  Now, it's not pasta, it's broccoli, but with a robust sauce and a healthy topping of parm, it really does the trick. 
We paired this with pesto catfish that we grilled in foil packets.
   


You can cook the broccoli slaw in the microwave or stove top until it is a little more tender, but it's still going to have a crunch!  Use whatever sort of sauce and spices that you like, I'm a spicy tomato girl myself.  I think this is a decent substitute for the typical pasta dish that allows me a tasty dinner roll, or maybe that second glass of wine without much guilt for a weeknight dinner (I like to save my splurges for the weekend).  I think that some sweet italian sausage would go very well with this also. 

What do you think, pasta fans?  It's worth a try!


TGIF!!!!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Winner Winner, Free Dinner!


Yesterday while leaving work I heard a radio giveaway for $50.00 to Muse Restaurant and Wine Bar, promoting the fact that this is Charleston Restaurant Week.  Of course I called while sitting in traffic, and I won!  How exciting!  We've made reservations for next Saturday.  Have any of y'all been to Muse?? 

Oh, and check this out: I scored this dress for $5 at JCP yesterday!  I think it's much prettier in person...

There were some good deals going on at the mall!
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We have a movie date night tomorrow at the Terrace theatre (my fave).

This movie looks great and I absolutely love Chris Pratt, so I'm excited!
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I recieved a gift from Lexus the other day, a lapel pin:

That's all I've got, I hope you are enjoying your week :)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Best Of 2012, Part 2


July
July was a Big month when I started my new job, we had our family reunion (with live bluegrass band), and of course baseball games and boat days.
August
August was indulgent, we ended the summer with a bang!
September
September felt like a vacation, we spent so much time at Folly starting with having a beach house for the first week. 
October
October was definitely the busiest month of the year!  The Color me Rad Run, New Belgium event, Children's Museum gala, weddings, HalloWINE, oh, and i got a new car!!!  Phew, I'm exhausted just remembering all that.

November
I loved November this year: the highlight was Thanksgiving Day 5K and then heading for mini-getaway in Greenville for the Clemson/Carolina game.

December
I opened my Etsy shop in December.  And we celebrated birthdays and Christmas traditions!

2012 was a great year, not without it's challenges, but overall I've come a long way over the past 12 months.  I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for me!  Thanks for following along :)