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!

BUTCHER AND BEE

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.

BOXCAR BETTY'S

 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.

XAO BAO BISCUIT

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.

 BAN BAH MI

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.

HEART

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.

 THE GLASS ONION

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.

LEE LEES HOT KITCHEN

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.

PARK CAFE

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:)

BIN152

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.

LEONS OYSTER SHOP

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.

TWO BURROUGHS LARDER

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.

GLAZED 

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.

CALLIES HOT LITTLE BISCUIT

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.

THE OBSTINATE DAUGHTER

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) :

TACO BOY \\ 217 Huger Street

Great Mexican and Margaritas.  They have a great outdoor patio and this place is super kid friendly.

SUGAR \\ 59 1/2 Cannon Street

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

MONZA \\ 451 King Street

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. 

Blend Juice Bar \\ 320 E West Coleman Blvd

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.

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!

Lets Get Random

Today is a hodge podge of randomness get ready.

Please order the laser cut shirt from JCREW.  Mine arrived and I love it.  This is a great pregnancy top as well, super loose.  Runs way on the large side so order down.  I am wearing a size 2 and might could have fit in a 0.  It is on sale with additional 25 % off right now, use code SHOPNOW.  The navy is so great for Fall, but it also comes in a great coral color.

|| JCREW Laser Cut Blouse | Rag and Bone Jeans

You might have noticed my new phone case.  Thanks to Pretty Smitten I am the proud owner of a personalized case with a Flamingo, my favorite!! If you have not checked out Pretty Smitten you must, her shop is awesome.  Her phone cases are the best.

|| Flamingo Case ||

Is it true that Chris Martin and Jennifer Lawrence are seeing each other?  I don't really picture them together.  She seems very different from Gwennie which I guess he wants. I don't see her being into a man with two kids either she is so young. Still baffled.  Discuss.

I am really digging Taylor Swift's new song- Shake it Off.  Go ahead and laugh at me but that song is good.  Added it to my running playlist.

We grew up eating tuna melts fairly often.  I have just gotten back into making them.  They are the easiest dinner ever.  

To make the tuna:  2 cans solid white tuna, 2 hard boiled eggs, 1/2 white onion diced,  mayo, and sweet relish.  Mix all together and season well with salt and pepper.  Spread on bread and top with 1000 Island dressing and American Cheese.  Bake at 350 about 10 minutes and enjoy!

I am really into navy for Fall.  My Gigi New York Navy clutch arrived and I can't wait to carry it.

It goes perfectly with my laser cut blouse.

Laser Cut Blouse | Navy Pebble Clutch | Tassel Key Chain | Spike Bracelet

 

The bracelet above is on sale at JCrew with additional off as well.  I love the spikes.  It has a matching necklace I am thinking about, it would be a great statement necklace for Fall.  Use code SHOPNOW to get 25% off.

Spike Bracelet | Spike Necklace

Frances Moon has turned into a belly sleeper.  It is rare for me to catch her on her back but I did twice this week.  This picture melts my heart.

 and can we talk about both of them??  I just want to freeze time.  Summer is almost over and this is Sterling's last year before kindergarten, sniff, sniff.

As you know as of lately I have been tired of our house.  It is small and we are busting out the seams. It is a great house but with two kids and a dog I long for more space.  I know we will not be here forever and will move soon but in the meantime while we save it seems like I am just over every room in our house.  Then I read this article and it really put things in perspective.  Beautifully written and so damn true.   Please read THIS ARTICLE.

Have a great Thursday.

White Bean Salad With Crispy Pancetta

This salad is ridiculously good.  Like really good.  It is easy to make too so win win.  I have been having a love affair with Pancetta this summer.  It is salty, crispy and so good.  You could easily sun bacon or proiscuitto in this recipe but try the Pancetta its great.  We served this as a side dish with Salmon Cakes for Dinner.  It would be awesome with grilled shrimp served on top or served with any other fish.  Best served room temperature.  Enjoy!

|| W H I T E  B E A N,   R A D I C C H I O  +  C R I S P Y  P A N C E T T A   S A L A D ||

- I head Radicchio thinly sliced

- 1 small red onion thinly sliced

- 1 can Great White Northern Beans or Cannenlli Beans

- Pancetta

- Fresh Parsley

- Olive oil

- Lemon Juice

- salt and pepper

Chop pancetta into small diced pieces.  Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet.  Add the pancetta and cook until crispy.  Remove from pancetta and lay on a paper towel to drain excess grease.  Sautee red onion in the leftover oil and drippings from pancetta about 5 minutes just to lightly cook.  Toss together beans, radicchio, and cooked onion.  Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper and toss together.  Sprinkle pancetta and parsley over top and serve.  This salad is best served at room tempertaure.

Obsessions : The Fall Edition Part One

Let me start this by saying yes it is still in the upper 90's here in Charleston everyday, but next week is September 1st and September means I am officially ready for Fall.  So while I may still be sweating here in Charleston wearing shorts, I am dreaming of Fall temperatures and clothes. I like to compile a wish list before every season of basics and fun new additions.  This is the beginning of my Fall wishlist, I am sure I will be adding many more things to this list as all the Fall clothes start arriving in stores.  For now I would be happy if any of these beauties were to be added to my closet!

|| FREE PEOPLE FUR VEST ||

This such a great little black vest that you could toss on over anything from dresses to jeans and a great price!

|| MARGAUX LONNBERG STRIPED TEE ||

This is the perfect classic stripe tee.  A stripe tee is always a good idea.

|| BB DAKOTA SAFI SWEATER ||

This sweater looks so comfy and the open back reminds me of my favorite Rag and Bone tanks from this Summer.

|| DAVID LERNER HIGH WAISTED COATED LEGGINGS ||

These leggings are a must.  I own the regular version but I always prefer high waisted anything because it helps suck you in.  I love this wine color, but they also come in black, hunter green, and gray.  Super cute with long flowey blouses or sweaters.

|| LANSTON BOYFRIEND ROMPER ||

I still don't own a romper but I keep wanting to take the plunge.  This one looks so comfortable.  Love both the black and blush colors.

|| PIPERLIME LEOPARD COAT ||

I love this leopard coat and it is only $159!  If you want to add some leopard for Fall this jacket is it!

|| RAY BAN RUBBER AVIATORS ||

These tortoise Ray-Bans are perfection!  Love the black color too, such great sunglasses for fall.

|| SOFT JOIE DAYLE DRESS ||

I love plaid for Fall.  This dress is a great transition dress for now and later paired with tights.

|| BB DAKOTA HENRIETTA JACKET ||

This jacket is a steal. It reminds me of a Vince one I wanted last year.   Love the drape front and optional belt.

|| SAM EDLEMAN PETTY SUEDE BOOTS ||

I love these short booties.  Cute with dresses or jeans!

|| CLARE V CLUTCH ||

A chic oversized clutch is a must for Fall.  I bought this one and can't wait to carry it!

It is even prettier in person.

I also love this black calf hair version as well.

|| SOFT STAR MOCCASINS ||

and for the Littles how adorable are these Soft Star Mocs?  They were sweet enough to send a pair to Frances Moon.  They are a touch too large right now but I can't wait til she can fit in them!  They are the softest leather and I love the star detail.  Check out their website there are some really cute styles!

I also love the platinum color.