whiskey kittens

blog break.

2012-01-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've decided to take a little break from blogging (if you couldn't tell already). Keeping up with this has started to feel more like a chore than a pleasure, which completely goes against my reasons for starting it in the first place. Maybe it's the winter, or maybe it's my over-saturation with all things internet, but it's time to take a step back. I'm sure I'll find blogging inspiration again, but in the meantime I'll be reading more (real books!), doing more personal writing, and working on some fun new Etsy projects. Thanks for reading.

house resolutions.

2012-01-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

When I was making my list of resolutions last week, a lot of them had to do with the house. So I thought I'd list what I hope to accomplish at home this year.

I want my patio to feel like this.

Our front and backyard gardens are small, but they need a lot of work. Out front, I want to fill the bed with rosemary, lavender, mint, and other herbs. Out back, I hope to have built a patio by the spring and to surround it with lush, tropical plants.

via

I want to paint the front porch ceiling haint blue.

via

I want to incorporate more fun textiles into the decor, from homemade pillows to rugs to roman shades.

via

Our bedroom is boring. With a wash of grey paint, some art, and better closet organization to decrease clutter, I hope to make it feel more like a hotel room.

Speaking of art, I want a lot more of it. I've been trolling Etsy for affordable prints to use for a gallery wall.

I'd love to find something like this for extra storage in the kitchen.

Or this for the dining room.

We've bought mostly new furniture in the past year, mostly out of necessity — we had a lot to replace after the fire. From now on I'd rather keep my eye on Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores for unique, quality pieces that can be customized for our home.

2012.

2012-01-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

I've seen a lot of anti-resolutions posts this year, saying it's better to take a daily approach to bettering yourself. I agree on some level, but I love to set goals for myself at the beginning of each year and then at the end look back to see what I've accomplished. I feel good about 2012, since it's the first year I don't have something huge (like a wedding or house-buying) looming on the horizon, so I can focus my attention on other things.

via.

Get Lost. In 2011, I spent my vacation days and travel budget on visiting family, and it was wonderful. But I'm in desperate need of an adventure. I'd love to commit to going somewhere new each season — whether it be New Orleans, Asheville, or Venice.

via.

Get Crafty. I've found so many projects (mostly via Pinterest) that I want to try but rarely get around to doing. Whether I have to force myself to go to Michael's or host a craft night with friends, I will get my craft on this year. Starting with this, this, or this.

Write. After more than 10 years, I think I'll start keeping a personal journal again. I also want to do more freelancing and maybe even write some poetry.

Get Strummy. I got Todd a ukulele for Christmas (two actually, long story), and I plan to borrow it and learn how to play. I've always wanted to play a musical instrument and this one seems easy enough to learn.

via

Stay Home. Todd and I both stayed so busy this year that a weekend at home with absolutely nothing to do seemed like a luxury. We have so many plans for this little house, and we can't make them happen if we're running around town like hooligans. Here's to porch-sitting, dinner parties, painting, gardening, and patio-building.

happy holidays.

2011-12-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays to everyone. I hope if you're going home, you've arrived safely (and without two flat tires, like we did). Tonight we're tasked with making the Christmas Eve meal, so I'm looking up recipes that should please some picky palates.

What's your favorite Christmas dish? Is it basically Thanksgiving deja vu or is it completely different? Does your family booze it up or do you stick to non-alcoholic beverages? Do you get to open a gift on Christmas Eve? (Me: Pretty much deja vu, and happy with it; maybe a glass or two of wine, although I'm considering a specialty cocktail for tonight; yes, but I already opened my gift at 1 a.m. this morning — a bike basket from Todd!)

wrap stars.

2011-12-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

I've been quite the procrastinator this Christmas, waiting until this week to buy most of my gifts. And half of them aren't even wrapped yet. At this point I doubt I'll even put much effort into wrapping, but if I had a little more time, I'd be all about making them so pretty you wouldn't even want to unwrap them.

simple but pretty.

put a name on it.

I love this because it's reusable after unwrapping!

How could you even consider unwrapping these? They're little works of art.

white christmas.

2011-12-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

I really want a white Christmas. I've only experienced a handful in my lifetime of Southern winters, and it's currently 75 degrees and sunny outside, but I still have this tiny unrealistic childish hope that we'll wake up to a blanket of snow on Christmas morning.

These photos are all from my Tumblr.

dogs at the beach.

2011-12-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we took Muni and his cousin Sammy to Sullivan's Island to play in the water. Although technically dogs aren't allowed off-leash on local beaches (unless you're a crazy early bird), the beaches are fairly empty in the winter so you won't be hassled.

Sammy enjoyed chasing his ball into the tidepool, while Muni preferred to wait in the shallows or run along the surf. Seriously, there's nothing more joyful than a dog allowed to run free on the beach.

santa's goodies.

2011-12-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

1, 2, 3, 4.

I've yet to be bitten by the baby bug (knock on wood), and I think it's because I have so many nieces and nephews to give me my fix. Shopping for presents for them is so much more fun than for anyone else, and Etsy is just full of cute little gift ideas.

What was your favorite Christmas gift when you were little? Mine was probably a microscope (nerd alert!) and the big dollhouse my parents made me.

Speaking of kids, how cute are these ones? That's me and my sister in 1990ish. The funny thing is, I recently thrifted a little brass rocking horse identical to the one on that shelf and it's sitting on my TV table right now.

technology loop.

2011-12-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

I've finally gotten around to watching Portlandia, and this funny skit really hit home for me — I'm definitely technologically overloaded. I'm on my computer all day at work, emailing, writing, blogging, and tweeting, and then I come home and feel pressure to update my Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook, blog, Etsy, Google+, and two Twitter accounts, not to mention keeping up with my favorite TV shows. Man, oh man. Something's gotta give. I'm just not sure what I can give up yet.

How do you deal with technology overload?

Here's another Portlandia skit that makes me laugh: the crazy bike guy.

boat times.

2011-12-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went out on a friend's sailboat for the Parade of Boats. The parade includes dozens of boats, from yachts to kayaks, all decked out in lights and decorations. On the shore, people line up on both sides of the harbor to watch the event. We drank champagne, roasted hotdogs, and wondered why we don't do this every weekend.

to me.

2011-12-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

via.

Today I turn 27 years old. This sounds a little old to me (late twenties!), but I refuse to be one of those people who freak out about aging.

Twenty-six was a good year. We spent time in Boston, Newport, Memphis, and Atlanta visiting friends and family. We bought a house and made it our own (though it's still a work-in-progress). I got some of my first freelance writing gigs. I re-started my Etsy shop (and promptly forgot about it). I enjoyed countless happy hours, dinners, and events, from underground art shows to black tie balls. It's been fun.

My number one wish for 27? Some serious travel adventures. And maybe a new car.

charleston christmas magic.

2011-12-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

Charleston is simply magical around the holidays, with twinkling lights everywhere, beaucoup festive events (we're going out on a friend's sailboat for the Parade of Boats tonight!), and Christmas trees everywhere you turn (plus the occasional palm tree decked out in lights). We may not have snow, but this is a great place to be in December.

We've already trimmed our tree, and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but I want to make my house even more festive. Here's some inspiration I've been pinning to my Christmas board.

wish list.

2011-11-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

With my birthday and Christmas on the horizon, I've been selfishly obsessed with adding to my Wish List on Pinterest. Being in a strictly enforced no shopping drought doesn't help matters. Some of my biggest current wants:

pretty graphic pillows and blankets, especially chevron and ikat.

cookbooks! oh so many cookbooks.

a record player.

a sparkly dress for holiday parties.

I don't know why, but I'm really feeling the dead papier mache animals.

and if I was really good, I'd ask for a sweet new ride with colored rims.

What's on your wish list?

thanksgiving.

2011-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

I'll probably kick myself for saying this years down the road, but I can't wait to host my own Thanksgiving dinner. I love the six-hour trek home to Virginia — either to Todd's house or mine — but I look forward to having everyone come to me. I like to think I'll go all out, Martha Stewart-style, with fancy place settings and floral arrangements. Or maybe I'll just carry on the family tradition of keeping it simple with endless turkey, taters, green bean casserole, giblet gravy, and pies. Who's hungry?

via.

barn wedding.

2011-11-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

Today I pitched a few stories to a Virginia wedding magazine, and they accepted all of them! I have three to work on in the next few months, and I think I'll start with one about barn weddings. I just love the contrast of a glamorous, sparkling reception inside a weathered, rustic barn in the middle of nowhere. If I ever have reason to host a big ol' party again, I'm gonna do it in a barn.

Images via Pinterest.

What do you say? Would you get married in a barn or would you rather leave them to the horses?

alleys and entryways.

2011-11-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had an interview with an artist downtown, and I was actually happy when he was late — it gave me a chance to take a little stroll around the French Quarter. Fall in Charleston is fickle — some days are 80 degrees, some days are freezing. But yesterday was just right with light breezes and crunchy, colorful leaves on the sidewalk.

sparkle deficiency.

2011-11-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

I'm currently wallowing in a vitamin D-deficient funk. The weather here is at its prime, but most days I'm stuck in the office until its nearly dark outside. When I get home, all I want to do is make dinner and curl up on the couch with a magazine. I'm excited for Thanksgiving to come and go, which means it's acceptable to break out the sparkley lights and start officially celebrating the holidays. Visions of sequined cocktail dresses, champagne, and Christmas trees are dancing in my head, so please forgive me if I jump the gun.

Images via Pinterest.

Other possible cures for the funk: Pancakes for dinner, Friendsgiving celebrations, bike rides, painting. How do you get yourself out of a funk?

day at the races.

2011-11-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, we're taking a little office-wide field trip to the Charleston Cup steeplechase. Our publisher has rented an RV and lined up catering for all of us. I'm so excited for a relaxing day in the country with nothing to do but eat, drink, and watch some horses run around a track. Now all I need is a good hat.

day at the races. by ericajackson

take me there: big sur.

2011-11-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

This time last year we were on our honeymoon, exploring coastal California. I'd give anything to go back to Big Sur right this second. Although we just took a day to drive through, I'd want to spend awhile at the Post Ranch Inn. You can stay in a treehouse. Enough said.

fireplace.

2011-11-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

The fireplace is one of the coolest features of our house — it's what everyone comments on when they walk in (see it here). (It's also a little annoying — it really only allows one set-up in our living room.) It's currently non-working, so I've been trying to figure out what I want to use the space for. Here's some inspiration I found on Pinterest.

wedding: one year later.

2011-11-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

It's shocking to me that Todd and I were married a year ago today. It's so fun to look back at the pictures, because our wedding really was perfect for us. Sure, there were a few hiccups — including a near-hair disaster, frigid temperatures, and a car break-in during the ceremony — but it was still an incredible day that we'll cherish forever. Here are just a few of my favorite details from the day:

1. Our accordion player, Jesse, played vintage and French-inspired tunes before and after the ceremony.
2. Anne at Stems created the most incredible arrangements despite our tight budget.
3. We had colorful bottles of soda in vintage crates for guests while we were doing photos post-ceremony.
4. Todd and I walked through the park and down the aisle together.
5. We were married by Todd's dad under the oaks in front of the gazebo in Hampton Park.
6. We saved money by using an iPod playlist at the reception. It didn't take long for the dance party to get crazy.
7. Sweeteeth chocolates were placed in an old tackle box for favors.
8. Rather than spend big bucks on a signature cocktail, we just printed a sign with our favorite drinks — whiskey ginger for me, kalimotxo for Todd.
9. The cakes were delicious — especially the funfetti flavor — and I made the cake-topper myself. The other food? I couldn't tell you. We didn't have time to eat, but our friends still talk about how good it was.
10. Entering the reception at Fish...
11. And departing in perfect Charleston style, via pedicab.

anthro love.

2011-11-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores to browse, but their catalog, with its exotic settings and beautiful photography, is pretty lovely as well. I wanted so many things in the holiday catalog, but since I don't have thousands of dollars to drop, I thought I'd just share on here. You know, in case anyone wants to buy me a $600 birthday present.

USB typewriter.

A.P.C. Quilt

iVictrola — for your iPod! (I wanted to invent this. Glad someone took care of it for me.)

ornaments.

wedding invites.

2011-11-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

A year ago today I was most likely freaking out about my upcoming wedding — obsessively making lists, taking care of last-minute details, and prepping for the onslaught of out-of-town guests. It was an incredibly stressful, crazy time, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. In fact, I'd do it all over again if I could. I think Mariah Carey might be on to something. Here are some invites I've been eying over on Pinterest.

happy halloween.

2011-10-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

My favorite holiday is here, my pretties. What do you have planned? Since I don't have any kids to drag trick-or-treating, I think I'll make some chicken soup, carve a pumpkin, and cozy up on the couch with Hokus Pokus and a bowl of candy. It's good to be home.

spooky treasury.

2011-10-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

I just made a little Etsy treasury devoted to Halloween. Check it out.

pier.

2011-10-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

The other night after an oyster-heavy happy hour, we strolled (and skated) our way over to an old fishing pier to watch the sun set. We sat at the end and watched as several big fish corralled a school of smaller fish into a tight, dinner-ready mass. Bon appetit.

lifeguard shacks.

2011-10-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

ringling.

2011-10-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. The Ringling Bros. have close ties to the city — they moved their winter quarters there in 1927, drawing famous circus families and artists from around the world until it became known as Circus City. John Ringling was one of the wealthiest men in the country back in the day, and it shows with his incredible collection of art that includes plenty of old masters and contemporary stuff, too. My favorite exhibit was probably the collection of old circus posters, but the museum's grounds, including the Ringling's Ca' d'Zan mansion, was the best part of the whole experience.

gulf sunset.

2011-10-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being on Florida's gulf coast are the sunsets over the water — a rare treat for East Coasters.

The beaches on Siesta Key are pretty phenomenal — powdery white sand, crystal clear water, and the weather has been perfect. There's also been some great people watching. Already we've seen three weddings and countless men in Speedos (for some reason, a lot of Europeans seem to vacation here).

road trip.

2011-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

The past few days we've been prepping for our big trip to Florida. It's an eight hour drive, but I'm actually kind of looking forward to spending some quality time with Todd. My road trip essentials: a camera (for capturing random roadside eccentricities), embroidery thread for friendship bracelet making, gummy worms, and a pillow and blanket for nappage. Not shown: Where's Waldo app for iPhone (my new obsession) and books on tape (by Anne Rice, David Sedaris, and Tolkien). What are your road trip essentials?

d*sponge.

2011-10-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's a link to my interview with Grace Bonney about her book Design*Sponge at Home. And info on her Charleston event:

P.S. If you're in Charleston, you better be going to the Design Walk tonight.

think pink.

2011-10-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

I've been really drawn to the color pink lately. I haven't been this into it since I took ballet and read Angelina Ballerina when I was five. I'm not sure why this has happened, but I'm embracing it.

***

halloweening.

2011-10-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday, but I've had trouble getting into the spirit this year. Maybe it's the warm weather or the fact that we've been so busy, but I haven't even bothered to unpack my decorations. We did buy two pumpkins, one of which was stolen by a neighborhood kid, and I doubt we'll even carve the other because it will just get smashed. The last week of October will be spent on the white sand beaches of Siesta Key — I'm not complaining, but that's hardly your typical Halloween setting. But I will dress up, gosh darn it. Here are some of my favorite ideas.

Hocus Pocus witches. This would be amazing for three girlfriends.

The Hamburgler. Bonus: Gives you an excuse to eat hamburgers all night.

Roy Lichtenstein character. Elaborate? Yes. Awesome? Double yes.

My current plan: a Dia de los Muertos skeleton. Not sure if I can pull it off with blonde hair, though.

What are you going to be for Halloween?

scarfed.

2011-10-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

We're still pushing temperatures in the 80s in Charleston, but I think (I hope!) that fall might finally be on its way. And in honor of that, here's a little video I found on my favorite cold-weather accessory: the scarf.

<br><br>PS

P.S. Be sure to check out Wendy's other videos. She's great at demystifying fashion.

meeting ms. bonney.

2011-10-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

When I heard that Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney was coming to Charleston to promote her new book, I immediately requested an interview and a review copy. Design*Sponge at Home is being touted as the Bible for design aficionados, and it's chock full of home tours, DIY projects, and before-and-afters. I rarely buy books, preferring to check them out at the library instead, but this one definitely deserves a place on your shelf.

I interviewed Grace today and she was as smart and sweet as I imagined. We chatted about her favorite and least favorite design trends (don't put a bird on it!), the possibility of a TV show and more newspapers, and her intense love of the South. I'll be sure to link to my story when it comes out next week. Until then, pick up a copy of the book and plan to attend the signing at Dwelling on Oct. 26.

the evolution of a backyard.

2011-10-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

My backyard needs some help. You see, it's ugly. It's small. And a big tree growing right in the middle of it splays its roots all over the yard, making it difficult to plant anything. And its shade means that grass won't grow. (Thanks a lot, tree).

Yet we have this vision of a backyard haven full of lush plants and twinkling lights where we can sit for hours eating dinner or entertaining friends. We're slowly working toward that vision, though its been harder than we expected. First we made a little garden in the corner. Most of the plants died. Then Todd strung up some lights overhead. That made a big difference. And now we've made the big step of buying some patio stones from Lowe's (you can see a few of them in the last picture) and all we have to do is install them correctly, which might be difficult because we have no idea what we're doing. But we'll get there.

etsy love: son of a sailor.

2011-10-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this Austin-based Etsy shop, Son of a Sailor. They've got jewelry, stationery, and prints, all affordably priced. Thanks to Oh Joy! for turning me on to them.

fall party.

2011-09-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about entertaining a lot this week in anticipation of our housewarming party. We should have our first truly fall-like weather of the season, and I can't wait to open the windows, light up some pumpkin candles, and cook up a big pot of chili. In addition to that, here are a few other recipes I plan to make:

This Harvest Moon Punch looks delicious and lethal — it has moonshine and Applejack in it. Plus regular and sparkling cider. Yes, you can buy moonshine in S.C.

This Artichoke and Cheese Tart looks yummy — and surprisingly easy to make.

S'More Brownies. 'Nuff said.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip. Obviously I'm not going for healthy here.

j. crew fall.

2011-09-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I felt a little "meh" toward J. Crew this summer, but when I stopped in this weekend I wanted to steal everything off the shelves. Steal, because I still can't afford to buy anything there, except for this little bauble. Crisp, colorful blazers, silk shirts, soft matchsticks, and lots of gray — it's like they read my mind this season. It makes me want to stop shopping at cheap places and start investing in my wardrobe. Too bad my wallet doesn't agree with that sentiment.

breathe brides.

2011-09-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

This summer I wrote some of my first freelance articles, and two of them were published in Breathe Magazine's wedding issue this month. After four years of working as a journalist, I've gotten used to seeing my name in print every week in the paper, but it's fun to see it somewhere new — and to get paid for it.

Breathe is targeted toward active, health-conscious women, and I had so much fun writing about buying local for your wedding as well as going the DIY route. I interviewed some inspiring planners and brides like Alice, above, who had local blueberry jam favors, a table full of homemade pies, and an arch made out of a cattle feeder and grapevines. As glad as I am to have my own wedding behind me, there's a part of me that really misses all of the planning, and I hope to continue writing for wedding mags in the future.

siesta key.

2011-09-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

***

I will be here in less than one month. Siesta Key, that is. I never knew that Florida beaches could be so beautiful until I went with Todd to a tournament in Sarasota a few years ago. He's been returning every year since to man a booth at the national ultimate frisbee tournament (this is his company).

I stayed home last year because of wedding planning, but I'm not about to miss it this year — I'm going the whole week. I'm honestly not sure what I'm going to do with myself, especially since Todd will be working a big chunk of the time, but I'm excited for what will undoubtedly be one of the most relaxing vacations I've ever had.

Know of anything fun to do around this part of Florida, besides bum around on the beach? I'd love some suggestions.

mag hound.

2011-09-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

***

I have a serious weakness for magazines. I probably shouldn't admit this, but most of the time I'd rather curl up with the latest issue of Saveur or Travel + Leisure than a book. I've talked before about my regretfully short attention span, but at the same time there's some solid reading to be had in magazines, if you look beyond Cosmo.

I briefly mentioned Maghound a few months ago, and it's since become one of my favorite things. It allows me to subscribe to a ton of magazines for a ridiculously cheap rate, and I can add or drop subscriptions whenever I want, which has helped me pinpoint my truly favorite publications.

Right now I'm subscribed to 10 magazines for $13.45 a month. I've realized that most fashion mags bore me and fitness mags are repetitive, and I find most of the home inspiration I want on blogs like Design Sponge and Apartment Therapy. My favorite magazines tend to put the focus on food and travel. Besides the first two magazines I mentioned, I'm currently subscribed to Bon Appetit, Esquire, New York Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Everyday Food, Better Homes and Gardens, This Old House, and Traveler.

The only problem? I'm struggling to keep up. I've got a pile beside my bed that I need to read, including three issues of Wired (I just unsubscribed). I also have the hardest time throwing them away after I've read them, even though I'll probably never look at them again. Anyone want my old issues?

What are your favorite magazines?

packing for a wine festival.

2011-09-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend Todd and I are heading to the Upstate for Euphoria, a food, wine, and music festival in downtown Greenville. I'll be covering all aspects of the event, from seminars to parties to multi-course wine dinners, and I need a wardrobe versatile enough to keep up with me.

Versatility by ericajackson featuring metal jewelry

After checking into our hotel on Friday, we'll head straight to Taste of the Town, a casual outdoor event with music, food from local chefs, and drinks. With a quick accessories change at the hotel, I'll be ready for the more swanky VIP after-party.

Wine Festival by ericajackson featuring link jewelry

After a media breakfast Saturday morning, we'll bum around the town a bit before heading to the tents for a day of wine tastings, cooking demos, food sampling, and a beer garden. This dress is cute, sure, but it also has room for stomach expansion and the dark color will hide stains. The crossbody bag will keep my hands free for taking pictures and notes, plus holding my wine glass. A simple cocktail dress should do for the wine dinner later that night.

Hangover brunch by ericajackson featuring long sleeve tops

We'll undoubtedly be a little tired on Sunday morning, but that's nothing a little jazz brunch can't cure.

Will I see any of you at Euphoria this weekend?

botanicals.

2011-09-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

This picture set me off on a quest for botanical prints:

Except I didn't know they were called botanical prints. I Googled "plant pictures old black background," or something ridiculous like that, and found nothing. Surprising, right?

So I was excited today to see that Design*Sponge shares my obsession. They wrote about a book, Art of Instruction, that includes illustrations not just of botanical prints, but all sorts of fun educational charts. (I want this book, but didn't enter the contest because I never win anything.)

Now I'm hot on the trail of some great vintage charts, and I can't wait to find the right one to live on my wall.

And look, these are free printables!

etsy love: blue notes.

2011-09-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time on Etsy trying to extend my circles and discovering some really cool vintage shops. Here are some of my recent blue-hued favorites.

King's Down Road is an Atlanta-based shop with lots of fun glassware.

Mod Vintage Shop has a great selection of vintage glasses from the Netherlands.

Two Ring Circus has just everything I love.

Brooklyn Retro has antique typewriters and more.

Nod to Mod Vintage has the best dresses.

etsy.

2011-09-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

I've been threatening it long enough: I'm finally working on making an Etsy comeback. I had a lot of fun doing Stinge Vintage with a friend, but we lost traction when most of our stock was damaged in a fire. I've been collecting clothes and housewares over the past few months, and will slowly be filling up my shop with vintage goods. Here's a little treasury I made, and you can see some of my first listings right here. I'm still figuring out the best place/time of day to photograph, so bear with me.

trader joe's.

2011-09-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

For a long time, I've read with jealousy my fellow bloggers' accounts of their amazing Trader Joe's finds. Now that Charleston has one, I can do some of my own bragging. First of all, I'm a sucker for good packaging, and how cute is this stuff? I haven't tried the wine yet, but the chocolate is pretty darn tasty. I've already gotten addicted to their sparkling limeade, ravioli, and sourdough bread, and Todd became a convert thanks to their giant, cheap chunks of fresh parmesan. What are your favorite TJ's finds?

early fall.

2011-09-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I'm so ready for fall fashion. I feel like it's so much more flexible, fun, and forgiving than summer in the South, which is all about wearing as little as possible so as not to melt. I'm excited for long sleeves and piling on layers. My must-haves: dark nails, manly button-ups, chunky sweaters, blanket-like scarves, and soft, skinny corduroys. Plus a cute suitcase to put it all in for weekend road trips.

fall.

2011-09-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

via Happenstance.

Silly Charlestonians. We think that temperatures in the low 80s feel like fall. But when we've been dealing with crushing humidity and record highs for the past few months, it's a wonderfully refreshing relief to be able to go outside without breaking into a sweat.

My bike and I are getting reacquainted now that I can ride her without hyperventilating. Yesterday I rode her to work, to happy hour, and down to the river to watch an incredible sunset. Today she's escorting me to a bloody mary mix launch party, a bike fashion show, and an event at Cynthia Rowley. It's going to be a good fall.

zara.

2011-09-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

When Todd and I went to Europe a few years ago, there's one place I just had to go in every country and almost every city we visited: Zara. They're finally launching their online store tomorrow, but I got a little sneak peek of the goods today. It's got me craving blazers, cords, and bright, fun shoes. And a massive shopping spree.

millions of peaches.

2011-09-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

I went home to Virginia for Labor Day weekend and had a relaxing time with my family catching up, eating too much, and chasing my four nephews around. I came home with some great antiques for the shop, some plants, and a big box of peaches to experiment with. I'm writing an article on canning, so I'm thinking of trying this recipe, along with these:

peach and tomato salad with avocado, red onion, chile flakes and cilantro.

cinnamon toast with peaches and mascarpone.

peach salsa.

grilled peaches with ricotta

(I'm making Todd grill me one right now, at 10 p.m., because that picture is so drool-worthy.)

Do you have any favorite peach recipes?

tumbleweeds.

2011-08-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

I use my Tumblr for nothing more than keeping track of pretty, inspiring pictures. So it's funny just how well it reflects my state of mind at any given time. Lately, it's all thoughts of chilly mornings, faraway places, and comfort food. Then again, at least two of things are on my mind most of the time anyway.

sticky bun sundays.

2011-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Sticky Bun Sundays are a tradition at WildFlour in downtown Charleston (I wrote about it for the paper here). Award-winning pastry chef Lauren Mitterer only makes her addictive sticky buns on Sunday, so we stopped by this morning for a little decadence before a sweaty bike ride around the peninsula. (Can you tell I've had sweets on the brain lately? It's gotten a little out of control.)

Downtown bike rides are another favorite tradition, albeit one we haven't kept up lately because it's been so hot. We explored an overgrown cemetery, stole windowbox ideas from South of Broad houses, and saw some dolphins playing in the harbor down by the Battery.

What's your favorite thing to do on a Sunday morning?

speaking of sugar.

2011-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Stormy weather puts me in a baking mood, and in case you haven't heard, we're experiencing a bit of that here on the east coast. Luckily, we haven't experienced too much severe weather in Charleston yet, even though Irene is currently spinning a little too close to comfort.

I made sugar cookies last night. Despite being a close second to chocolate chip in my book, I've never actually tried to make them. Silly me. This recipe was ridiculously easy. And delicious. I would be gorging on them now if my stupid dog hadn't eaten all of the leftovers. Oh well, guess I'll have to bake some more, but tonight I'm trying my hand at chicken pot pie, another first. I'll let you know how it goes.

sugar.

2011-08-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sugar Bakeshop is one of my favorite bakeries in Charleston. Not only are the treats to die for — try the butterscotch cookies and/or the coconut cupcake —but the place is so darn cute I feel like squealing every time I go in there.

pancakes.

2011-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

***

You know how pictures of some foods make you desperately crave those foods? Pancakes have that power over me, and I attempted to make them three times this weekend, to varying degrees of failure. The first try resulted in burnt butter and smoke filling the house, the second resulted in a melted spatula, and the third time, the pancakes wouldn't budge from the pan. Someone help me, please. I need my pancakes. And I need them soon.

new york.

2011-08-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

The prospect of fall always makes me think of New York. When Todd was working as an admissions counselor while I was still in school, I drove through the night to see him there one October. I arrived just as rush hour was beginning, knocked on his door as the sun rose, and promptly fell asleep. It was probably one of the stupidest things I've ever done, but it's one of our favorite stories.

He ditched most of his appointments and we explored the city for a few days. We did some touristy things (Empire State Building, Times Square, boat tour), ate some amazing food, and walked around for hours, but we barely scratched the surface of the city. When I went back a few months later with some of my college newspaper editors for a conference, we did even less, stuck in a dingy hotel in a dingy area, the city covered in icy sludge.

With our anniversary coming up in a few months (!), New York is on the top of our potential trip list, provided we have the funds. I've changed so much since my college years, one of the main things being I've learned to travel well, to plan a trip, to map out our meals and appreciate good food, to explore the lesser-known areas, and to take a rest when we need it. I want to return to New York with a grown-up itinerary.

images via Pinterest.

Cannonborough.

2011-08-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

When people visit Charleston, they usually stick to the high-traffic tourist spots like the City Market, the Battery, and King Street. These areas are all worth checking out, especially if you're a newbie, but I think a lot of visitors miss out on some of Charleston's coolest places because they're a little off the grid.

One of my favorite districts is Cannonborough/Elliotborough. It's an up-and-coming area off of King that boasts some of the city's most design-forward shops, businesses, and restaurants. Places like Hope & Union, Wildflour, Mac & Murphy, Stems, Fuzzco, Leigh Magar, and Stitch call the neighborhood home.

The area's newest addition is Two Boroughs Larder, a place so perfectly styled I want to move in. The rustic tables, metal chairs, cute napkins and glassware, and vintage-style light fixtures are all perfect. They even bring your check out in a little mason jar. It's pretty to look at, but the food is also top-notch. I had a King Bean (local) iced coffee with a salad of arugula, apples, golden beets, white wonder cucumbers, blueberries, and buttermilk black pepper vinaigrette.

After stuffing our faces, we stopped by newish menswear shop Indigo & Cotton and it made me wish I was a dude.

Stay tuned for a peek into one of my favorite Cannonborough bakeries.

up top.

2011-08-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

The rooftops and cornices of Charleston are really special, but I don't think they get nearly as much attention as they deserve. On our main artery, King Street, it's easy to get distracted by all of the action at street level and forget to look up. That's where you'll find a reminder of just how historic this city is. These are just a few buildings I spotted on a recent, short stroll down King.

They sure don't build 'em like they used to.

water.

2011-08-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

I feel so lucky to live near the beach. Enjoying a bit of this today:

*just some wet images I've collected on Tumblr.

weekend.

2011-08-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

I hope your weekend's like this:

I plan to sleep late, make pancakes, spend a day at the beach, and read a book or two. We also need to finish some stuff around the house, like putting together the office and hanging up pictures. What do you have planned this weekend?

treasure hunt.

2011-08-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

I've been craving a good thrifting/junk shop/antiquing adventure. I've recently learned that there are a slew of antique malls around Charleston that I haven't even been to. And I think I need to remedy that. Some things that are always on my thrifting radar:

Old silver. My grandma has always collected it,

and I'd love to have enough mismatched silver for a dinner party.

Vintage fans are my jam. If I see one, I will probably buy it.

I'd love to find some old soda crates. Not sure what I'd do with them, but I'll figure that out later.

Vintage linens, including handkerchiefs, tablecloths, and napkins — especially from the 1950s.

Typewriters. Maybe it's because I'm a writer, or maybe it's just because they're awesome.

I'll never use them, but they sure are pretty to look at.

Matchbooks.

Ok, I'm starting to get carried away. There's just going to have to be a Part 2 of this post at some future date. Until then, let me know if you want to go junkin'.

All images found via Pinterest.

jalepeno jelly.

2011-08-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend at my Grandma's house, Todd and I made jalapeno jelly from the peppers in her garden. Turns out, it's pretty easy to make, and it's a lot more tasty than I expected. It was so good, in fact, that we made a second batch to give as gifts (after eating an entire jar in one day).

This is the recipe we used from the Ball Blue Book of Preserving. Here's the gist: Cut the seeds and stems from a bunch of peppers (wear gloves), put them in a food processor with a cup of vinegar, then bring that to a boil with another cup of vinegar and six — yes, six — cups of sugar (no wonder it's so tasty). Let it boil for 10 minutes, then put it in jars.

stamped.

2011-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Postal Service has released some fun stamps as of late. I might just have to start sending letters the old-fashioned way.

country kids.

2011-08-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend at my Grandma's farm in North Carolina. Housing developments and shopping centers have encroached on the surrounding area over the last few years, but her farm remains just as I've known it my whole life. It always smells the same, like pine needles and warm earth. There's the fig tree behind Grandpa's old shop where wasps swarm to feed, and fields that are sometimes empty, sometimes full of crops. There are paths through the woods where we learned to drive with golf carts, and you can still find the best skipping stones down by the creek.

This weekend we learned to make jam with freshly picked tomatoes and jalapenos, made tomato soup from scratch, ate fresh corn right off the stalk (delicious!), and raided Grandma's extensive gardens for a trunkload of plants for the backyard, like thyme, hydrangeas, and canna lilies.

ikea.

2011-07-29T11:29:00.001-07:00

Oh, Ikea. We are going to have some fun together this weekend. On my shopping list:

Graphic throw rugs
Succulents and pretty pots
Industrial lamps
Curtains/fabric
Dresser
Organizational supplies
Office chair

What do you zone in on at Ikea?

chevron love.

2011-07-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have an addiction. And like most addictions, it's unhealthy, but I know it's one I share with many. I just can't shake my love of the chevron.

prudent baby.

oh joy, via pinterest.

this is glamorous.

west elm.

kitchen nightmares.

2011-07-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

I ran across some pictures of our house pre-renovations. It made me so, so happy it was all done when we moved in and we didn't have any work to do. Here's the kitchen now (a bit tight and cluttered but clean and nice):

Aaand here it is a year ago:

Thank you, contractors, for saving me from the ugliness.

porch.

2011-07-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

Remember when I asked you guys what color we should paint our patio set? Well we went to Lowe's and my decided-upon color went out the window when we spotted this minty shade of green. Todd did all the work, and I can't wait until it cools off enough to actually use them. I think I'll pick up a few cushions for them at Ikea this weekend.

the trouble with charlie.

2011-07-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

This is our cat, Charlie. You may have met him before. He enjoys catnip, cuddling with our dog, and napping with his paws over his eyes. Since we've moved into our new house, he's taken up some not-so-cute habits as well, like peeing on our nice new floors.

It might be that he's trying to mark his territory, or maybe he doesn't like his new roofed litter box, but I think he's just mad that we won't let him stay outside. Besides the fact that the heat index is well into the hundreds, I'm just nervous letting him roam around now that we're back in a more urban environment.

When we lived a few blocks away, we had a neighbor turn him in to animal control several times because, technically, leash laws apply to cats as well and he was trespassing on her property. And then there's the matter of fast cars, mean dogs, and just the fear that he'll get lost.

That said, we're slowly acclimating him to the new neighborhood, letting him out for a few hours each night. So far he's always come in at the end of the night. Here's hoping Charlie can cut it in the new 'hood — and that he stops peeing on the floor.

happy weekend.

2011-07-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

***

It's our first weekend in our new home in which we don't have a million errands to run. And yet my to-do list keeps getting longer. Good thing it's almost all fun stuff.

Hit up some early morning yard sales, on my bike if I'm ambitious. (It's a wee bit hot in Charleston.)
Spend at least half a day at the beach.
Take our kayak on its maiden voyage in Shem Creek.
Work in the garden a bit.
Stock up on veggies and herbs at the farmers market.
Go to a cookout, and host one myself complete with melon-y cocktails (although choosing which one will be a tough decision).
Finally see Midnight in Paris.

What's on your weekend to-do list?

frocks.

2011-07-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

This whole home-buying thing has put a serious dent in my shopping budget. Here are some summery dresses I'm currently in unrequited love with.

1, 2, 3, 4.

DIY jewels.

2011-07-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing some really cute DIY jewelry around the internets lately. I think this calls for a craft night.

we could do this (although my first attempt was unsuccessful.)

or this.

or this'un.

this doesn't have instructions but I'm betting we could figure it out.

and another need supply necklace I want to copy.

backyardigans.

2011-07-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

***

I'm worn out after a long, wonderful week of settling into our new home. We've met many of our neighbors, unpacked most of our stuff, and been to Lowe's about 15 times. With the house mostly done, we turned our attention to the backyard this afternoon.

***

The yard is on the small side, surrounded by a tall privacy fence with a big tree right in the middle. Although it's kind of a mess right now, I like it because it feels like a blank canvas. I want the backyard to be an extension of the house, a place where we (and our friends) can spend hours eating, drinking, playing, and lounging when the weather's nice — and when the mosquitoes leave.

***

We had planned on putting in a patio, but we realized that the tree's roots are big, and they reach all over the yard. Now we're considering a gravel patio area or a low deck. We want to do it ourselves, but we're starting to think we'll need an expert opinion. If any of you have some insight, I'd love to hear it!

Side note: The Backyardigans was my favorite show to watch when I worked as a nanny in college. I miss it.

GPOP.

2011-07-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's a gratuitous picture of a puppy. I'm too busy with work and unpacking to do a real post, so you'll have to be happy with this for now.

porchin'.

2011-07-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Our new front porch is teensy, but really I'm just happy to even have a front porch. Luckily, we have this little Ikea set that we bought when we first moved to Charleston that I think should fit perfectly. It has seen quite a lot of wear in the last four years, so I'm thinking of painting it — but I can't decide what color. My top choices are black, red, yellow, or light blue. Let's put it to a vote?

Also, let me know if you have any tips for painting stuff like this. I was just going to go with spray paint but I'm not sure how well that'll work.

Also, we bought a washer and dryer last night. We're writing so many big checks I feel like a balla.

home sweet home.

2011-07-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we bought a house. I wrote a check for nearly $6,000 and committed to paying many times that amount over the next 30 years. After 45 minutes of legal jargon and signing my name until my signature started to look weird, our realtor handed over a single gold key hanging on a gold ribbon. We are homeowners.

It's taken awhile to get here. We started looking almost a year ago. We fell in love with several places, and made offers on three of them. One owner raised the price after we made our offer (it's still sitting vacant), the other was snatched up by an evil cash buyer, and the other we discovered under a few feet of water after a heavy rain.

And then we found this house. When we first looked at it, it was more than $30K out of our price range so we decided to forget about it. When we got word that the owner was willing to be very flexible, we made an offer and it was accepted.

We moved in most of our things last night. We set up our bedroom but everything else is a mess. Still, it was the most incredible feeling to wake up in a house that feels more like home than anywhere I've lived in years. I sat on the couch in my PJs for the longest time just looking around and feeling happy.

So basically I'm obsessed with my new house, I have so many plans for it, and you'll be seeing a lot more home-related posts. Get ready for it.

fish.

2011-07-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

Fish is one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston. And yes, I have a lot of favorite restaurants here, but Fish is where we held our wedding reception last fall, and every time I go in there I feel a little special knowing that.

What I love most about it is its versatility. It's a great spot for an affordable happy hour, with $1 dim sum and creative cocktails — try the Black Thai lemonade with Gentleman Jack, lemongrass simple syrup, lemon, and Blenheim hot ginger. At night, chef Nico Romo cooks up a menu of seasonal, Asian-inspired food — I recently had a perfect summer meal of scallops with avocado jasmine rice, roasted mushrooms, peas, and grilled watermelon. Then late-night on the weekends, a DJ comes in and the place turns into a raging dance party.

weekend.

2011-07-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

***

I'll likely be doing none of this this weekend (partying or socializing), but I hope that you are. I really just wanted to show you this picture because it's inspiring — any space can be made into something comfortable, pretty, and welcoming. I love their raised beds and lanterns. And the dalmation. I'm off to be productive. Do you have anything fun planned?

white washed.

2011-07-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

all.

I'm currently floundering in home-buying purgatory, waiting for a closing date that keeps getting pushed back. It's been a frustrating process, but the end seems to be in sight. All I really want to do is hibernate until I have those keys in my hand.

On another note, I really love white kitchens. Like, really love them. I wasn't even aware of this obsession until looking at my Pinterest Kitchens board. Good thing my new house has white cabinets, white subway tiles, and crisp white beadboard ceilings. I'll show you a picture, just as soon as I get those keys.

inked.

2011-07-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

***

I've been thinking about getting inked lately. I've always toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo but never could decide on something special enough. I've been seeing so many cool tats lately, though, it feels almost hard to choose. That said, I'll probably never make the leap. But it's fun to think about.

Do you have any tattoos? Ever wanted to get one?

fourth.

2011-07-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

***

I hope you all have a lovely Fourth of July weekend. Do you have any big plans?

On my to-do list: Finish my book, finish my article on biscuits, a bit of packing, a couple of parties, baking something sweet for one of said parties, and staying as close to the water as possible.

laundry room moment.

2011-07-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm experiencing laundry room envy. How nerdy is that?

all images via Pinterest.

new home.

2011-06-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

This is not my home. It's just cute.

We're just a week away from closing on our first home. Actually, I'll be doing it all by my lonesome because Todd is headed to Costa Rica for work. I'm such a big girl. I really, really hope nothing goes wrong.

I've been thinking so much about the house and everything I want to do with it. I've even started a Pinterest board to keep track of my inspirations. A few of them, in no particular order:

A mason jar light fixture for the dining area.
An antique buffet complete with a bar and a record player.
A raised-bed garden with mint, basil, heirloom tomatoes, and cilantro.
A yard packed with sea grass, roses, lavender, elephant ears, and jasmine.
A fold-out couch so we can use the second bedroom as an office.
A cozy writing nook for said office.
A little shed to store our bikes and surfboards in.
A patio lit by fairy lights.
Pretty chevron curtains.
A big party to celebrate.

folly beach.

2011-06-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Charlestonians are faced with a monumental question in the summer: Which beach do you go to? The answer says a lot about the kind of person you are. My longtime favorite, Sullivan's Island, is low-key and family-friendly with tree-lined paths to the beach, cute older cottages, and a sprinkling of sandy bars. Isle of Palms is full of newer, bigger homes, tourists, and rowdy rock shows and bikini bashes. If you go to Capers or Dewees islands, you either have a boat or know someone who has one. If you go to Kiawah or Seabrook, you're probably loaded.

And then there's Folly Beach, the old-fashioned "edge of America" populated by hippies, surfers, and other laid-back beach bums. There you can have drinks on the sand, catch some of the area's biggest (though still small) waves, grab brunch on a rooftop deck, and still find a halfway affordable rental property. Yet somehow, I've never been a fan of Folly.

But I'm starting to warm up to it. I've had to drive out there a few times to research island restaurants for work, and I felt a distinct shift somewhere between munching on tuna nachos with watermelon salsa and watching the sun set from the pier. The traffic might be bad and the parking worse, but Folly Beach really is a special place, when you slow down to enjoy it. It's all about lingering over margaritas on a breezy patio, walking down the street with an ice cream cone, and watching the sun set.

bikes.

2011-06-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

***

The closer we get to moving back downtown, the more my bike obsession grows. My bike has sat sadly unused since we moved to the burbs, and I can't wait to ride around again. Even though I've barely ridden my current thrift store bike (similar to the rusty one above), I kind of want to trade it in for a lighter, cuter road bike (similar to the blue one above that). Or maybe I can just paint the one I have. Can you paint bikes?

newport: by water.

2011-06-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

My favorite cities revolve around the water. In Newport, Rhode Island, we were lucky enough to stay in our in-laws' in-laws' house just steps from the harbor. For the two days we were there, we did little more than follow the water, from Cliff Walk to the Wharf to the beach. And eat an ungodly amount of chowder.

tumbl on.

2011-06-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

I finally broke down and started a Tumblr. I was afraid it might be overkill, since I already have this blog and Pinterest, and it very well might be, but I'm liking it so far. Whereas Pinterest caters to my OCD side and Blogger is more personal, I feel like Tumblr allows a more stream-of-consciousness style of saving and sharing. For now, I'm just using it to keep track of images and other Tumblrs that really inspire me.

What are you juggling in your online lives?

home gallery.

2011-06-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

As we're drawing ever closer to closing on our house (I'll let you know if it ever actually happens), I've become a big fan of Young House Love. The Richmond-based bloggers are always working on their old house, doing everything from building a patio to refurbishing secondhand furniture. Lately I'm obsessed with their hallway, which they turned into a little gallery. We have a long, blank wall in the new house, and I love the idea of filling it with a ton of different photos and prints that will invite guests to just stand there and take it all in.

20x200 has a fun selection of affordable prints. Here are a few faves.

Martha Rich

Lisa Congdon

Alexander Beeching

wedding envy.

2011-06-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a few wedding articles for Breathe Magazine, and I'm surprised at how much fun I've had revisiting all of the wedding blogs I once obsessed over. It's actually more fun now, because the stress of planning my own wedding is gone. Although I am a teensy bit jealous and have this crazy desire to do it all over again.

I love the details of this down-home Dallas wedding, especially the quilt-covered hay bales.

I'm not usually big on pink, but this girly wedding is too cute for words.

This California wedding has a book and bird theme. Trendy? Sure. Adorable? Yes.

This couple obviously had a blast with their superhero-inspired wedding. They had a cereal bar. And superhero cocktails.

I think I want to be a wedding planner.

new england blues.

2011-06-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

***

New England, I'll miss your perfect spring-like weather and pretty flowers. If you weren't so inhospitable in the winter, I'd move there in a second. I'll have pictures from the trip to Boston and Newport soon. Until then, you can find me pouting and sweating through this 100-degree heat wave.

cocktail tour.

2011-06-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some very fun research over the last few weeks, sampling a few of the city's tastiest cocktails for a piece I wrote for Southern Flourish magazine. The issue came out today and it's packed with great articles about things like packing the perfect picnic, summer hair, and the home farming movement. Check it out!

middleton place.

2011-06-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, months of hard work paid off with one of my favorite events of the year: the Spoleto Finale at Middleton Place. We loaded up the car with too many people, too much food, and a handle of whiskey and spent the afternoon under the oaks and touring the plantation's extensive grounds. Best of all, we had a private tour guide in a friend's history-buff husband who used to work at the plantation. The night ended with a bluegrass concert from Del McCoury followed by fireworks. With the festival behind us, the finale signals the true beginning of summer, my favorite time of year.

Picnic

2011-06-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

We're finally nearing the end of Spoleto — you know, that thing that's kept me out of commission the last month or so? Well, we're in the home stretch, and now I get to think about fun things like what to eat at the finale picnic (which I wrote about here), and more importantly, what to wear. Unfortunately, I'm low on funds since we're in the final stages of buying a house, but a girl can dream, right? Behold, my perfect casual picnic ensemble.

Picnic by ericajackson featuring retro shades

shameless self-promotion.

2011-06-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband helped me put together an ad for the next issue of Southern Flourish magazine. Look for it in next month's issue, as well as a little something else I've been working on.

find your way.

2011-06-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Now that we're getting closer to actually buying a house of our own (fingers crossed, knock on wood, etc., etc.), I can think about being more adventurous with my decorating. A map wall, for instance. Is that taking the obsession too far? I think not.

This is from Charleston Home + Design magazine's 2009 idea house.

from House Beautiful.

also House Beautiful.

summer eats.

2011-05-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

My eating habits change when the weather gets warm, and with temps in Charleston already inching near 100 degrees at times, I'm definitely in summer mode. Gone are the red meats, potatoes, or anything that requires too much time at the stove. Last night I just ate sauteed asparagus and tomato/mozzarella/basil bites for dinner and I was more than satiated. My waistline is happy, too — I've already lost a few pounds.

grilled peaches with ricotta cheese.

homemade pizza.

mojito melon salsa.

weekend.

2011-05-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

Some highlights:

1. Flowers, tomatoes, peaches, and fresh foccacia at the farmers market.
2. Rapturing with a pitcher of strawberry daquiris at a tacky beachfront bar.
3. Bike rides through the park with the hubs.
4. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the porch.
5. New swimsuits.

How was your weekend?

hampton park.

2011-05-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hampton Park is one of my favorite places in Charleston. When we lived downtown, we walked or biked there several times a week, and it's one of the things I miss most about our old 'hood. There's a pretty little pond with ducks and geese, mossy old live oaks, and endless gardens that always seem to be in bloom. Over the years, it's served as a horse race track, a zoo, and a Civil War prisoner-of-war-camp. Another historic moment came when Todd and I got married under the oaks in November. Yep, it's a special place.

sally king benedict.

2011-05-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite local artists, Sally King Benedict, is showing some of her new works at Stems (another local favorite). If you're in Charleston, you should stop by tonight (May 19) for the opening reception. I hear there will be music and cocktails.