Asian Kale Salad

My love affair with kale continues.  Butcher and Bee, a local restaurant here in Charleston, makes a kale slaw that is so freaking good. I order a side of it every time I eat there.  This was my attempt to create a similar version and I must say it comes pretty darn close.  They serve theirs with crushed peanuts on top but I didn't have any on hand- so add them if you wish.  This saves well in the fridge for a few days although mine only lasted two days I devoured it.  You could easily sub shredded napa cabbage for the Brussels Sprouts if you prefer.  It makes a delicious lunch served with the Tomato Ricotta Toast I posted Monday.  

Enjoy!

 || A S I A N   K A L E  S A L A D ||

- 1 pound kale. stemmed and thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons canola oil

- 8 Brussels sprouts halved and thinly sliced

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1.5 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

- optional crushed peanuts

In a large bowl toss kale together with 1 tablespoon canola  and salt.  Rub in to soften.  Add in Brussels sprouts and toss.  

In a small bowl whisk together garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and tablespoon canola oil.   Pour dressing over greens.  Sprinkle with crushed peanuts if desired.

The Dreaded 10 + Losing it + A Sample Daily Diet + Workout Gear

 I had a physical two weeks ago and had to be weighed.  I used to weigh myself regularly but lately I have been avoiding the scale.  It is because I know I have put on some weight.  I can feel it, my jeans are tight and my stomach is not as flat as it usually is.  As I stepped on the scale I found myself closing my eyes.  Praying for a certain number.  When I opened them I was shocked.  I thought I had maybe gained 5lbs but that number showed 10lbs from what I normally like to weigh.  Now I was fully dressed with shoes on, so I like to think that maybe that accounts for 1-2lbs, but either way I have 10 pounds I need to shed. 

My main problem is portion control and snacking.   I eat fairly healthy for the most part but I have just felt hungry lately, eating more than I normally would.    I found myself finishing off the kids dinner and then eating a dinner of my own.  I have been eating way more bread and pasta then I normally do and eating seconds after dinner.  Part of the problem too is I have not been eating enough protein.  Matt lost weight when he turned to a meat free diet and I gained weight because I was eating more cheese, pasta and fillers.   

I am sharing all this on here because I want to hold myself accountable.  

It has been 10 days since I started trying to control my portions and I can already tell a difference with my appetite.   I did a similar diet to this before my wedding and it really worked.  It is heavy on protein with minimal carbs and sugar.  During the week I try and be really strict but on the weekends I accommodate for some splurges.  So far I have lost 3lbs.  It is a slow process but I know it works and the weight will stay off.

I wanted to share a sample daily meal plan of what I eat during the week.  I know there are a million different diets out there and I am no nutritional expert but this is just what works for me.  My mom and dad have been following the plan with me as well.  We all felt like we had a fairly indulgent summer.

BREAKFAST

1 Boiled Egg + Morning Star Sausage Patty + Avocado + Tomatoes

I try hard to stick to this breakfast because the egg really keeps me full.  I do get sick of eating boiled eggs and when I do I have oatmeal instead for breakfast.  I also drink a cup of black decaf coffee and  a cup of hot lemon water.

LUNCH

Asian Kale Salad + Two Turkey Cheese Roll-Ups + a Pickle

I have really tried to be consistent with this lunch as well.  The turkey also keeps me full.  If I don't have a pre-made salad made I sometimes have sauerkraut on the side.

DINNER

Salmon Cake + Butterbeans + Heirloom Tomato Salad

For dinners I have tried to mainly eat salads, veggie plates or fish with veggies.  I have also tried to eat early like before 7 if possible.  If we make tacos, I use lettuce for the shells and make substitutions like that to avoid carbs.

SNACKS

I have really tried to cut back on snacking but sometimes you just need a snack.  When I do I will have nuts, usually pistachios or drink a V8 because it helps fill me up.  

I have also been trying hard to up my water intake.  We have a measured fill on our fridge and I try and drink at least 50 ounces a day.  

I still have wine, I can't totally cut that out- I need it for my sanity!  However I only drink water and unsweetened green tea during the day.  No other drinks with sugar.

WORKING OUT

 I hurt my back this Summer right after St Maarten and I am still not sure exactly what happened to it.  I tried to run once on our beach vacation and that really pushed it over the edge.  I was in so much pain and could barely move certain ways.  6 weeks later it is finally better but  I have avoided running because of that.  Instead I have tried to do barre class more regularly and walk some.  I aim 4 days a week at barre.  The barre class I attended is called extreme barre and I frequently leave class drenched in sweat so I know I am getting a good workout!  

It is always fun to have new clothes to workout with.  I treat myself as a reward of losing weight and getting to the gym more often.  I know its silly but I get a little excited about the gym when I have a new outfit to wear.  Below are a few of my go-to favorites.   Many are on sale and I denoted that beside them.

Sports Bra (on sale)

I love this style sports bra because it really supports you when you work out.  It hooks in the back like a regular bra ad really keeps your chest area secure.

Transformation Tank (on sale)

I like light weight tanks and ones that are not super fitted when I work out.  This style is great and only $20 right now.

High Waist Leggings

These high waisted leggings are my favorite because they really suck everything in!  I am partial to the black but a few colors are on sale now.

They also come in some really fun prints in the high waist style.

High Waisted Crop Pants

Zella Tank

I own like 4 of these tanks.  I love them especially for running but they are great for yoga and barre too.  I sized up to a medium in these because I don't like my tanks fitted. 

Twist Front Tank

I enjoy this style for yoga and barre class.  It is a lightweight material.

Brooks Running Shorts (on sale)

My favorite shorts.  I love the fit of these because they have a thick waistband and the leggings are not fitted.  Also on sale in blue print.

Nikes (on sale)

Nikes are my favorite workout shoes.  I just ordered these from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and love them.  They come in 4 color options.

 Yoga Mat

My sister gave me this Yoga Mat for Christmas and I love it.  It is a good thickness and I don;t have trouble sliding on it like I did my old one.   They come in a bunch of other patterns here too.

Zella Hoodie (on sale)

Great to toss on for those chilly mornings.  I sometimes run in mine too if it is really cold.

Zella Double Breasted Jacket (on sale)

This is s bit thicker then the previous one.  

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.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Hello First Monday of October. We had some slightly cooler weather this weekend and it was pure magic.  October 1 Sterling insisted I pull out all our Halloween decorations so we spruced up the house this weekend including our front porch!  Halloween is his favorite holiday and my least favorite:) 

I am obsessed with white pumpkins and had to travel to 4 stores before I found some!

Thursday night I hosted an event at Roberta Roller with these pretty ladies.

What I wore:

Blouse | Necklace | Jeans | Shoes | Purse | Sunglasses (on sale)

If you follow me on instastories you saw my parents and nephew were in town for the weekend.  We had a blast!  My mom treated all the kids to costumes and they were in heaven playing dress-up.  Not kidding Frances Moon wore her mermaid costume 3 days in a row.

We headed to dinner at Ellis Creek Fish Camp.  It is one of our favorite kid friendly spots.  You can't beat the view.

What I wore:

Blouse (25% off) | Jeans on sale | Earrings | Sandals

The boys always have so much fun together and Frances just tags along.

Saturday I put my Dad to work around the house- I always do that when he is in town:)  We got Frances Moon's bed assembled and I love it!  Side note next time I will just order a headboard instead of the whole bed.  So much easier just to hook up a headboard than install an entire bed. 

Headboard (similar) | Fuzzy Pillows | Purple pillows are from Celadon Home

New artwork arrived too by the fabulous Marquin Designs.  You may remember she did the painting over my desk in the kitchen.  I love her work! I am going to hang this over Frances Moon's dresser.

Matt took the kids to the beach Saturday while I was working with my parents and they had a blast.

Saturday night we went to Maybank Public House for dinner.  I had only been once and was glad we decided to go again.  It was kid friendly and the food was really good.  The truffled mac and cheese with bacon was heavenly as were the flatbreads.

How amazing does my Dad's burger and truffle Parmesan fries look?  That's a friend green tomato on top:)

What I wore:

Top | Necklace | Jeans | Purse | Shoes | Ring (on sale)

Oh and these shoes are the best.  They are so comfy, they also come in green and burgundy.  They run TTS.

Mom and I had a glass of this rose before dinner and it was really good!  

My sweet nephew Finley.  He reminds me so much of my sister,  I just love his personality.

Sunday is always my meal prep day!  This week it's Asian Kale Salad (I always double or triple the dressing)  for lunch.  This salad is addictive!! 

The kids somehow talked me into going to the pet store.  We have been talking about getting another smaller dog for sometime now but I am just not ready so I compromised with a fish:)  They wanted every single Spongebob accessory we settled on the pineapple house.

 

Sterling named her Harper Rose.  He was so excited.  Let's hope we don't kill her.

Have a great Monday!