Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Red Snapper with Tangelo Cucumber Mint Relish

I realized it has been awhile since I last posted a fish recipe.  Matt has been burned out on meatless Monday meals so he suggested we start doing fresh fish on Mondays which I am all for.  If you have a local fish market I highly suggest buying the fish there, it just tastes so much better and is fresh not frozen.  I buy ours at Huffs Seafood on Folly Road and I know in Charlotte at the Kings Street Farmers Market they have great fish too.  I usually just ask the people what the freshest fish is and go with that.  This recipe is adapted from a recipe in Gwyneth's Cookbook Its All Good- I still love my girl and her cookbook, it never disappoints.  The original recipe calls for clementines which I could not find so I subbed tangelos.  I think this relish would also be great with peaches or pineapple instead.   The cucumber, mint, hot pepper, and fresh citrus fruit are so such a vibrant flavorful combo.  I also think you could use other fish for this recipe like Mahi or Salmon- whatever you can find.   This is the perfect Summer meal. 


|| S N A P P E R   W I T H   T A N G E L O + C U C U M B E R + M I N T  R E L I S H ||

- 1-2 lbs fresh white fish, we used Snapper
- 3-4 tangelos, oranges or clementines diced
- 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly
- 1/2 hothouse cucumber diced
- 1-2 red chili peppers diced ( I used two we like heat)
- fresh mint chopped
- juice of 1/2 lime 
- salt and pepper
- olive oil

Wash off fish and make sure all bones are removed.  Pat dry then drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Bake at 350 degrees about 20 minutes or until fish is able to flake apart easily.  Meanwhile mix up the relish (tangelos thru lime juice) and season with salt.   Remove fish from oven and serve with relish!





Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Newbury Boots Major Sale!

I have mentioned them several times before but my Rag and Bone Newbury Booties are my favorite booties for fall.  They are now 50% off at Shopbop in the Camel color.  A real steal you will not find them cheaper than this.  I highly recommend them!!  Order up a 1/2 size as I found they ran on the smaller side.


Also just marked down are the Rag and Bone Distressed skinny jeans which I also own and love.

Another great pair of jeans is these Jbrand Maria Highrise in white.  These are great white jeans.
I love the JBrand Maria Highrise jeans, they really suck you and are flattering especially post baby.
 
 A few other new markdowns and great deals:





Obsessions

Love these leopard flats for Fall.


I have been all about some Copper serving accessories lately.  I love these shot glasses, so awesome for entertaining.  I would serve up some tequila in these for our taco night.


This romper is sitting in my cart waiting for me to take the plunge into the world of rompers.  I love the style and pattern of this one.  Great to transition into Fall, just toss on a cute jacket.

How awesome is this vest??  Looks so cozy.  A must for Fall.


This skirt is such a beauty and on sale.  Great for now with a cute tank tank and well into Fall paired with a cardigan or leather jacket.


Love this weekend bag and the price is fantastic for such a large tote.  These would be great with a big monogram on them as well. Love the black and stripes such classic totes.  I am tempted to get one for the kids when we travel.

This is such a fabulous blouse and all the colors are amazing.  Great price too, under $100.  I will be adding one of these to my Fall wardrobe.



I am a huge fan of Malachite and these earrings are such stunners.  They come in 6 different colors. 


The print on this purse is what sold me.  It would go with any outfit and add that extra pop! 
Love the black and white print. I always love BB Dakota dresses, great fit for a reasonable price.


Rebecca Taylor just announced additional 40% off all sale.  Some awesome deals.
I own this ombre dress and love it.  It also works pregnant as well because it is loose.  Use code RT14LD40 to get your additional 40 % off.  Shop the whole sale HERE

I also own this blouse and love the pattern.  It also looks great with my black skinny distressed jeans.


Also on major sale is my favorite white blouse from RT.  On major sale then you can get additinal 40% off.





Monday, August 25, 2014

Thank You + Best Of Charleston Restaurant Edition


First of all a huge thank you to everyone who left a comment on Friday.  Thank you for taking the time to write such great thoughtful responses.  I read each and everyone of them several times. Then I took out a note pad and wrote down every suggestion and I will do my best to address them all and do a post on them.  It was so refreshing to hear from y'all.  I know several people complained that I was doing too much shopping stuff lately.  The thing is this blog is for me too, my happy place to be creative and dream about things I want.  So there will still be shopping and obsessions posts because I truly enjoy those but I will try and incorporate more real life posts and maybe a little less shopping.  I will also work on a Home Tour that was a big request from lots of you.  I feel like every room in my house is still a work in progress but I am sure most of you are the same way!  I feel refreshed with all the new ideas you guys gave me so thank you!!

Several of you asked for a Best of Charleston post and I have been meaning to do this to fill my Charleston Recommendations tab up top.  Today I am going to focus just on restaurants and then I will do another shopping and activities post.

These are some of my favorite restaurants and if I had personal pictures from my meals  I tried to include those too (all photos below are mine).  I do have to say most of these places are not super fancy.   I don't dine regularly at the expensive places DT, there are some fabulous ones though.  These places are not too expensive, most can be kid friendly too, and all have amazing food.  You will not be disappointed by of these places below.  Locals if you have a favorite restaurant I didn't include I would love to hear your thoughts!

654 King Street
This is one of my favorite lunch spots.  I pick up lunch to-go from here often.  The menu regularly changes but the kale slaw and Mezze Plate are always my go-to.  The Mezze plate is always vegetarian and changes weekly.  All the ingredients are so fresh and most are from local farms.  Everything I have had here is great.



 1922 Savannah Highway
If you want a fried chicken sandwich that will blow your mind you must hit up Boxcar Betty's. This sandwich is like no other.  You can build your own but I love the Boxcar which is fried chicken, pimento cheese, and peach slaw.   I am drooling thinking about this baby, their fries are pretty awesome too.


224 Rutledge Street
This is an awesome lunch or dinner spot.  The menu here also regularly changes but the Cabbage Pancake is always on the menu and a must.  Make sure you get it with the bacon, candied pork, and fried egg- trust me.  The black bean chicken is another favorite (pictured below).  They also have some tasty specialty cocktails.


162 Spring Street
This is a small spot you are better to get your food to go or visit their food truck at the Farmers Market on Saturdays.  Their tacos are amazing.  The five spice pork and braised beef are my favorites I always get one of each.  and try their Chinese Spice Iced Tea it is delicious.


1622 Highland Ave
This restaurant is located on James Island not far from where we live.  It is delicious, I actually had my Sprinkle for Frances here.  They use all fresh and local ingredients and switch up the menu often.  The flatbreads and veggie burger are my favorites here.  and if you like chicken livers they are awesome at Heart.


1219 Savannah Highway
This is a must for brunch or lunch.  Their omelettes are so good and I swear they have the best Shrimp Po Boy in town.  Also delicious is  their homemade pimento cheese sandwich, fries with Bearnaise, and the Garden Salad with pickled veggies.  I always order a side of the Garden Salad.



218 President Street
If you love Asian Food this place is a must eat.  It is fresh not greasy and always full of amazing flavor.  They also have some awesome cocktails as well.  I love the ginger beef, green bean chicken and the dumplings.


730 Rutledge Ave
This is the cutest little restaurant, they have a really cool wall filled with live plants.  A great spot for breakfast or lunch.  I love their avocado toast, kale salad, veggie scramble, and mushroom sandwich.  Last time I ate here Bill Murray was at the table beside me:)


152 King Street
This is hands down my favorite spot for wine in town.  Their charcuterie plate is out of this world good.  Huge wine selection as well and the staff is super helpful in helping to pick out wine and cheese selections.


698 King Street
This is a fairly new Restaurant and I just love the atmosphere here.  Plus they serve draft Rose in carafes, enough said.  Delicious fried chicken and shrimp sandwiches and great sides.


186 Comming Street
This is kind of off the beaten path but worth a trip. They focus on using all local and fresh ingredients.  I am obsessed with their noodle bowl, it is out of this world good.  They only serve their elusive cheeseburger on Wednesdays and it is worth the trip.   The cheeseburger is two fresh patties covered in the most ridiculous cheese sauce- pure goodness I tell you.
A really cool place with a eclectic menu.


481 King Street
For all you doughnut lovers this place is must stop for breakfast.  My two recommendations are the Maple Bacon Doughnut and The Purple Goat.



476 1/2 King Street
This is another great breakfast spot, no room for seating though you just pick up to-go.  I love the country ham biscuit and the grits bowl.  I also recommend picking up a container of her dillious dip and pimento cheese both are fabulous.  I frequently buy both and use them when I am entertaining.



2063 Middle Street
If you are vacationing out near the Isle of Palms/ Sullivans Island area you must try this place.  The interior is gorgeous and I am still dreaming about the salads and pizza I ate there.


Worth the Mention (a few other favorites) :
Great Mexican and Margaritas.  They have a great outdoor patio and this place is super kid friendly.

The most delicious cupcakes and cookies in town.  I love their Ginger Molasses cookie and almond cupcakes.

Awesome fresh wood fire oven pizza.

DELLZ DELI \\ 1 A Cannon Street
This is a hole in the wall, no seating room but the best wraps in town.  I love their Hummer wrap which is Black Bean Hummus filled with veggies and this awesome green goddess sauce. 


I am hooked on this juice bar in Mt Pleasant.  I love their Green Juice and Green Sweetie Smoothie.  A great stop on your way to the beach.

There are so many fabulous restaurants in Charleston, these are just a few of my favorites.  We are so lucky to live in a town filled with such great food choices.





Friday, August 22, 2014

Uninspired + Blog Ideas


Happy Friday!  So I have to admit I am a bit uninspired lately.  There are times when I have so many things I want to blog about and times I struggle to think of things to write about.  Today is one of those days, I just can't think of anything to share. I don't want to write something just for the sake of post, I want it to be about something I truly love/care about.  We all have been hit by a nasty cold at our house so I think I am just tired and have had little time to sit and work on my blog between tending to the kids and blowing my nose a million times:)  I wanted to get your advice what do you like to see on my blog?  Anything you would like to see me write a post on?  I would love to hear your thoughts and welcome suggestions.  Someone left a comment on my instagram wanting a post on my Fall Basics so I am working on that now.  What else do you want to see on Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers?

Have a fabulous weekend!  Here's to hoping we kick this cold fast so we can enjoy ours!