My Friday

Can I quickly just say that there are only 65 days until my wedding!!!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that number. Wish it were smaller, but glad it's not bigger! I'm so excited to be marrying this man! We were talking today about how blessed we both are and how much better our lives are together than apart.

 

I'm at work today. It's my Friday though (no work tomorrow) and I'm thrilled. I'd be happier if I weren't sick. Yes, sick or at least getting there. Don't you always find that you're sick over the weekend or on some holiday or something where you want to be part of something fun and not be sick? And you don't get to use that Sick Leave that you've been earning and can't spend any other way. Ugh!

 

And what a long day this has been! Now I don't want to sound all mopey or whatnot, I'm actually in a very good mood and very content in my life. But today is, well, you know, a sick day. Regardless of the sickness, I'm going to attempt to go for a run with my fiance (with the help of cold medicine) and try and sweat it out like my dad advises. We'll see if that works Dad! And sometime around work and runnng, I'm going to run to Wal-Mart and pick up my cart full of free stuff and then to Target to do the same. And I"ll end up spending some money on some wedding items. But that can't be helped! It's definitely helping out the budget to be buying things gradually rather than all at once. More people should do this.

 

I think I should write a book on how to save money when you purchase things. I'm not an expert of just saving money. I don't like to do that. But I am becoming an expert on how to save money while spending money. Make sense?! :)

 

Well, it appears I've discussed four different topics in this one little post. I'll leave it at that.

 

Actually, one more thing. Beau and I have created a website of our own (not through blogger) and it will be revealed some time in March.

 

Happy New Year!

Cinnamon Rolls change everything

It's a couple days before Christmas and I have to admit that this year doesn't feel as much like Christmas as it has in the past. I am not home today. I'm at work. I currently don't have the vacation available to be home before Christmas. So not being there is kind of squashing my Christmas spirit. Christmas has always been defined for me as time with family. And it's just not the same this year. The time that I do get to spend with them this year will be minimal. And in addition to me working today (Yuck!), I'm planning my wedding, which has superseded almost everything else in my life. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm loving planning my wedding. I mean, I've been waiting to do this my whole life! But, I'm not loving how most everything else is going on the backburner, at least things that are important to me are going on the backburner.

 

So today, I'm sitting at my desk and at the point of tears. And I don't think I'm the only one out there in this spot. There are plenty of other people around the world and even in the city of Charleston that are crying on this day, for many different reasons. And my reasons for crying probably can't even come close to their reasons, for mine are trivial in the whole scheme of things. But nevertheless, today is one of tears. Of not being able to make everyone happy (I'm a people-pleaser), of being over-stressed, of lack of sleep, of being out of a job in a few weeks, etc. I'm sure that tomorrow will be better and maybe this afternoon will be better. And tomorrow I will think this is silly and will probably want  to delete it from my blog. But right now, here it is.

 

Right now I wish I lived in Columbia, SC where there is located the closest Cinnabon in SC and I could get one that is covered in caramel and pecans and I could lay on my couch and eat that cinnamon roll while I watch "It's A Wonderful Life" and I could cry at the end because I'm so happy, while at the same time finally letting go of the tears that have been wanting to come out all day. I could then fall asleep on my couch because I was full and happy and relaxed and sleep through the night. And then tomorrow I would wake up and start over, but with a different outlook on the day, while feeling guilty for the huge cinnamon roll I ate the day before. :)

Wild Olive-Restaurant Review

Okay, so here we go again.

 

Wild Olive is an Italian restaurant located on John's Island, SC. My food friend, Lauren, and I met for dinner Wednesday night to have a laid back night of great food and great conversation.

 

On entrance we were freezing and therefore asked for the warmest table in the restaurant, which was naturally right next to the kitchen. This would normally have been the choice seat, but we were able to enjoy our time there with shivering and it allowed us to keep an eye on our waitor!

 

Lauren and I sat down in comfortable seats at a table for two and handed a wine list. And to my excitement I found the white wine that I had had at Mercato a few weeks prior! Because that wine was heavenly I ordered it again! And while enjoying that Lauren and I munched on our Italian bread with olive oil and the Fried Risotto Balls with a Vodka Tomato Aioli that we ordered as an apptizer. And before I move I should tell you how delicious those risotto balls were! With each bite mozzarella and parmesan cheese came oozing out of it. Yum. The bread, on the other hand, not so great. It was tough and dry. But that would be the only bad thing I had to say about the entire evening.

 

The service the entire evening was right on point. With Paul, our waitor, and another guy double-teaming our table we were never without anything. The food came out promptly after cooking and everything was very professional and nice. They were accomodating to our needs and wants and anything extra we requested.

 

For our Primi we ordered:

Lauren-Penne with Sausage and Chicken in a cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes

Kathryn-Linguine in a lemon-butter sauce with mussels, calamari, shrimp and scallops (I ate every bite ad soaked up the sauce with the leftover bread)

 

For our Secondi we ordered: (yes we ordered two dishes!)

Lauren-Pork Scallopine with Polenta and Sauteed Escarole

Kathryn-Veal Skirt Steak Marsala with Whipped Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Spinach with a butter sauce

 

I should mention, for those who don't know, that skirt steak is typically a tough piece of meat and is difficult to keep tender. But I could cut that veal with the side of my fork (I didn't, but I could have). And as a side note: I should tell you that I couldn't eat all of it this night so I ate it Thursday night for dinner, which meant heating it up in the microwave and that veal was just as tender!)

 

The marsala sauce was heavenly. I ate every bite slowly so that I could enjoy it and my goodness, I wish I could have some of that right now!

 

For dessert:

As typical, Lauren and I split dessert.

We ordered: Almond Cake topped with Vanilla Gelato and Sweet Balsamic Strawberries. It was light and sweet, but not too much. And the vanilla gelato was smooth and creamy and wonderful.

 

Wild Olive is one of my new favorite restaurants and one I will return to as soon as I can.

Virginia's On King-Restaurant Review

This past Sunday I headed down to Virginia's on King with Beau, Donna, Mimi and my mother for brunch. I had bought one of the $25 gift certificates from Restaurant.com for only $1 and wanted to take advantage of it. Plus, I had never been there before. The restaurant is located on upper King St. (the part that is still 2-way). I made a reservation earlier in the week and I'm glad I did because Sunday mornings are packed!

 

Before going, I asked around to see what the word on the street was regarding the food and they were mixed. Some people said it was great and some people said it wasn't so great. Of course I'm going to find out on my own so out we went!

 

It's a nice atmosphere downstairs but the bar is right there in the middle of everything and you can't escape it. So if you don't like that, ask to be seated upstairs, which is cozy and it overlooks the city. While you're waiting to order or waiting for your food you can help yourself to breakfast bread (i.e. banana bread, lemon poppyseed bread, chocolate marble bread, etc.) at the end of the bar. And it's a good thing too, because our waitress was not so great. But to her defense I think she was overtasked. She was managing the bar, as well as waitressing a number of tables. Maybe they were down on wait staff that day. Hmm...

 

So the food. The brunch menu is full of appetizer options, omelettes, sandwiches and breakfast plates, with omelette and quiche specials changing everyday. After the women ordered their coffee and the gentleman ordered his Diet Coke we set out for the entree ordering.

 

Beau-Bull's Eye-Two eggs griddle fried in Texas Toast w/ macaroni and cheese and bacon

Kathryn (me) - Crab and Asparagus Omelette w/ Hollandaise, stone ground grits and a biscuit

Donna-same as me, exactly

Karen-appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes, Biscuit, Sausage Gravy and stone ground grits (yes, she ordered everything a la carte to fit what she wanted to the tee!)

Mimi-Local Shrimp sauteed with smoked sausage and bell peppers, served over creamy stone-ground grits, topped with tasso ham gravy

 

So the verdict? Good. Yeah, not great, but good.

My mom loved her little a la carte thing and Beau loved his whole plate.

My grits were delicious! Heavy cream and initial salting makes all the difference when cooking grits. So good. My omelette was okay, but I could tell they used some sort of filler in the eggs. It was like they used Bisquick or something in them, they were extremely fluffy and solid yellow. Real eggs (with nothing added) aren't like that. I like real eggs.

 

I would probably return. Who knows.

 

 

Disney World Wine & Dine Festival-restaurant(s) review

Beau and I headed down to Florida on Friday primarily for him to run the Inaugural Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon. And before I go on I should say that he did amazing! He set a personal record and that was after walking all over Disney World all day. Oh, did I mention the race started at 10:00pm Saturday night? Yes, a night race. WOW! I was really impressed and really proud of him. But as a bonus to the race, we were able to attend the 15th annual Wine & Dine Festival, which will become annual for us as well. So much fun!

 

Friday night Beau and I went to a restaurant in Downtown Disney called Portobello's. The reviews weren't great (we researched prior to going), but this place has an appetizer that is Beau's favorite so we went anyway. And I have to say, I was thrilled with the whole evening. We were able to be seated immediately and although our waiter was MIA for a while, when we did find him, he was fabulous. Stephen was his name and he initiated an evening of singing everything to us that I gladly reciprocated with singing back. So fun and so not Kathryn. But hey, I was in Disney World. It's a magical place right?! Beau and I ordered cocktails- Beau having a Long Island Iced Tea and me a Orangcello Martini that tasted like dessert! That app that Beau loved is a whole head of garlic that has been roasted to pure sweetness and then drizzled in more olive oil and topped with cracked pepper. You're given some really nice Italian bread to do the dipping and spreading and presto! deliciousness!

 

Beau ordered Shrimp in a what was more or less primavera. He needed something light since he was running the next day. I ordered Clams and Linguine and yes, that was a first timer for me and will not be a last timer. It was wonderful! I couldn't eat it all, but man did I want to! I wish I could have some right now!

 

Saturday started the wining and dining in EPCOT for the festival and Beau and I took advantage of that festival before and after the race. Here is what we had:

 

HOPS AND BARLEY:

Boston-style Crab Cake with Cabbage Slaw and Remoulade

New England Lobster Rolls

 

MOROCCO:

Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a PIta Pocket)

Sangria

Tangerine Mimosa Royale

 

BELGIUM:

Freshly Baked Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee

 

SPAIN:

Taste of Spain (Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives and Tomato Bread)

 

FRANCE:

Escargots Persillade en Brioche

Creme Brulee au Chocolat au Lait

Sparkling Pomegranate Kir

Parisian Cosmo Slush

 

IRELAND:

Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie

Bunratty Meade Honey Wine

 

CHARCUTERIE AND CHEESE:

Nueske's Charcuterie Plate (Applewood Smoked Beef, Duck and Ham)

 

I would have to say that my least favorite thing was the Creme Brulee which is a huge shock because that's my favorite dessert. But it had the consistency of Jello Pudding and not real custard. And my favorite would have to be the Escargots in Brioche. I had never had escargots, but wow. And well Brioche...enough said. But everything was really amazing! We'll be going back for sure and I recommend  you look into going next year. It's worth it!

FREE cookie

Did you know that the month of October is National Cookie Month AND National Book Month?! To celebrate both books and cookies (2 of my favorite things ), the 2010 National Book Drive kicks off on October 1st with a FREE Original Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway from 10AM-2PM. Just visit a participating Great American Cookie store during this time for your FREE chocolate chip cookie (no donation is required on October 1st).

Throughout the entire month of October, you can receive a FREE cookie of your choice by donating a new or gently read book at your local Great American Cookie stores (Limit one cookie per person, per day at participating locations through October 31st). All books collected at each store will be offered as a donation to a local branch of the public library or a local charity. Click here for more information.

Free Ice Cream at Cold Stone

Tomorrow, September 30, 2010 Cold Stone is offering a 3 oz scoop of their new flavor of ice cream, Caramel Apple, for FREE all day!!!!!!!!! So go by the store and treat yourself, and bring friends!

 

Check out the website for details.

 

http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/promos/makeawish/index.html

Sermet's Corner-Restaurant Review

Friday night Beau and I went out to dinner with two of my friends, Trent and Nicole, to Sermet's Corner downtown Charleston at the corner of King and Wentworth. Out of a possible 10 being the best I would give it a 5. We were pretty excited about going becase the menu looked so amazing! I called around 1:00 that afternoon to make a reservation for that evening to which I was told that I didn't need one on a Friday night. I should have stuck to my gutt feeling on this because we arrived at 7:00 and the place was packed! And there was no telling when someone was going to leave! Beau and I waited at the bar for a table to open up. It wasn't until 7:45 that something opened up for us.

 

And after being hit with that shock I was engulfed with the noise of the place! By far one of the loudest places I've been in. It was honestly hard to hear Beau speak to me and he was sitting right next to me. After the four of us were seated we were greeted by a very friendly waitress who promptly brought us our drinks and some bread with dipping oil (premade). We perused the manu for a while and all decided on appetizers and entrees. I will say that one of the best things that Sermet's offers is an option for a "half portion entree" with a discounted price. You know us girls can't eat all that food! Or at least we shouldn't. :)

 

Here's what we ordered:

 

Beau and Kathryn:

Appetizer-Baked artichoke torta garnished with parmesan cheese and salsa cruda

B's Entree-Shrimp, prosciutto, and sun-dried tomatoes sautéed in a white wine tarragon cream sauce tossed in pearl cous cous topped with gorgonzola cheese

K's Entree-Grilled sea cakes served with crab avocado ravioli and mustard apricot ginger cream sauce served with sautéed vegetables

 

Trent and Nicole:

Appetizer-Prince Edward Island mussels sautéed with roastedgarlic and ginger in a curry lemon cream sauce

T's Entree-Grilled sea cakes served with crab avocado ravioli and mustard apricot ginger cream sauce served with sautéed vegetables

N's Entree-Shrimp, prosciutto, and sun-dried tomatoes sautéed in a white wine tarragon cream sauce tossed in pearl cous cous topped with gorgonzola cheese

 

(We didn't realize we ordered the same entrees until they were delivered to the table. :) )

 

Trent and Nicole's appetizer was very good. The sauce totally made that dish, which of course is always true with sauteed mussels. Mine and Beau's appetizer left much to be desired. I was unaware there were olives in there. Kathryn doesn't like olives. And Beau and I both agreed that it needed some sort of delivery device. It was basically an artichoke lump on a plate. Here you go! We were not excited.

 

I don't know how Trent and Nicole felt about their dishes so I can't speak for them, but Beau and I were not thrilled.

 

His shrimp were a little overcooked and the whole look of the dish was just, well, blah. It was all tossed together and in a bowl. And those sun-dried tomatoes that are usually so good in pasta dishes were very dry and really barely there. My "sea cake" which I found out later was made with Tilapia (a very cheap piece of fish) and no crab was dry and burnt. But the crab avocado ravioli was amazing and it was obvious it was made fresh. Wow! That was delicious! As was the mustard apricot ginger cream sauce. I ended up soaking up that sauce with the leftover bread it was so good.

 

Overall, food was below par, it was loud, one of two bathrooms were broken, service was poor and it quite overpriced for what you get.

 

Will not be returning. Sorry Sermet's.

New blog

In honor of my baking passion I have decided to get "out there" on my own if you will and display my works. This is the beginning to what will hopefully  be a business one day. So I've created a blog designed specifically to advertise my delicious masterpieces. There's currently nothing posted, but you can check out here and make sure you tag it as a favorite! Tell your friends. If you live in the Charleston area, they are available for order/purchase.

FREE items

Hey there everyone!

 

Because I love finding deals and getting things for free I am taking advantage of these two offers! You should too!

 

Today only, Carvel is giving away a FREE 3 oz. scoop of Swiss Miss ice cream at any of their locations. So check out their website and see where the location closest to you is!

 

Also, Saturday, September 25th is FREE Museum Day! http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/admission.html?  Check out that website to find out what museums in your city are participating and then register for two tickets per email address. What a great time to learn to go!

Free Magazine

Check out the link below and you can grab some free magazine subscriptions.

 

https://www.valuemags.com/freeoffer/thankyoumain.asp

Circa 1886-Restaurant Review

So it's the end of Restaurant Week in Charleston. Beau and I took advantage of the deals by going to one of the more expensive restaurants in town because of the set price that allowed us the biggest bang for our buck. And let's be honest, we probably wouldn't have gone here otherwise.

 

Here is Circa 1886. It's located downtown Charleston on Wentworth Street behind the Wentworth Mansion. We had a reservation for 8:30, but decided to get there a little bit early to sit at the bar. Beau and I ended up walking through the mansion, which is beautiful by the way and headed into a courtyard out the back. We walked through the courtyard to find the restaurant tucked away in bushes of flowers and old trees. The restaurant was able to seat us early and so we sat in beautiful high-back cushioned chairs that were perfectly spaced. By the way, I feel as though I should mention that there is slight dresscode. Women typically where a skirt or a dress with heels and men are not allowed to wear shorts. It's beautifully lit with a dim glow that's not too dark but not overpoweringly bright. I thought it was perfect.

 

Beau and I started our luxurious meal off with cocktails. He got his typical Bourbon and Diet and I got a Cosmopolitan. Then came the menu! During Restaurant Week, the deal is that there is a set menu and a set price and you get to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert for that set price. Oh and the waitor recommended a wine pairing, which we took advantage of. We each got a half glass of a different wine with each course.

 

My choices:

Appetizer-Lowcountry "One Pot"-braised local beans, duck leg confit, turnip greens and cornbread-served with Chardonnay

Entree-Anteloupe Loin cooked medium-rare with Quinoa, Stone Ground Mustard and Red Wine Sauce with long beans-served with a Bourdeaux

Dessert-Sweet Potato Creme Brulee with Roasted Marshmallow-Served with a Port Wine

 

Beau's choices:

Appetizer-Shrimp served over grits cakes and a spicy sauce-served with white wine

Entree-Beef Tenderloin cooked medium-rare with risotto and hearts of palm-served with a Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert-Seared Angel Food Cake with Seasonal Berries and Honeysuckly Ice Cream-served with a sweet dessert wine

 

And we finished the night with a cup of coffee that was really nice.

 

The service was great and the ambience was peaceful and romantic.

 

I will be returning here for sure. A huge recommendation if ever you're looking for a really fancy, romantic meal that is equally delicious!

 

Alchemy Coffee-Restaurant Review

After picking up Beau's car at Firestone, he and I headed out to get some breakfast before heading into our work places. It was my pick and I chose Alchemy Coffee right there at the corner of Savannah Hwy and Magnolia Rd. at the Triangle in West Ashley. We had never been there and are trying to try the local coffee shops around these parts.

 

It's very local. It's a bit dark on the inside for my taste but there are high chairs and tables, couches, big soft chairs, stools, tables, etc. And there is seating outside. If you look around the place you'll see local artwork that looks like it all came from the same artist.

 

We walked in to the smell of eggs, two men sitting separately and a woman behind the counter. There's not much of a menu so you kind of stumble your way through it, but the lady was happy to answer any questions.

 

In a normal "Beau" fashion for breakfast he ordered a blueberry muffin and an iced latte. I ordered a White Mocha Latte and an everything bagel toasted with cream cheese. Beau said his muffin was very moist and quite delicious while his coffee was nothing really to rave over. My latte was quite good I thought and it made me even happier that they had a soy milk option, which I happily took advantage of. I was a bit disappointed with the service though. My toasted bagel with cream cheese was consequently a bagel that was sliced and put on a plastic plate with a to-go portion of cream cheese and I was told to go over next to the wall and toast my bagel myself.

 

Overall, I will say that I was pleased with my coffee and the ambience of the place. What a great place to go for some relaxation and coffee in the afternoon! But I wasn't thrilled about the service, the presentation or the options for breakfast foods. It's not a place to rave over. I might go back if I happen to be in the area, but I definitely won't seek it out to go there again...at least for breakfast.

 

Lunch could be another story. So maybe next visit....

Hubee D's - Restaurant Review

For those of you who live in West Ashley or those who like to wander over our way, there's a new joint next to Your Pie called Hubee D's. It's a chicken and wings joint that I was actually not too thrilled about trying. Tuesday Beau and I went running and it took a bit longer than we had anticipated (due my slow poke self) and then was unable to really make dinner so we went out. In trying to decide where we would go and wanting to go somewhere neither of us had been before, he suggested this place. Sure, why not. I was a bit scared to tell the truth.

 

When I walked it I kind of felt like I had walked into a part of Texas that you see in trashy movies. But some people like that atmosphere...some don't. I was pleased to see that they serve more than wings and chicken. They had salads! I love salads and that night, after my run, I wanted a cool salad. And to make me even happier, they had more than just a plain ol' chopped salad. I ordered this amazing salad that had lettuce topped with goat cheese, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, grilled chicken and a champagne vinaigrette. Who would have thought the word "champagne" would have been anywhere on that menu! But alas...

 

Hubee D's is kind of similar to Zaxby's in the sense that it's a chicken joint and it kind of has that look on the inside (i.e. order at the counter, kind of dark inside, get your own drink, etc.). But here are some highlights...

1. They serve sweet cornbread with each meal

2. Complimentary boiled peanuts

3. They bring the food to your table

 

My salad was really good. Beau seemed to really like his chicken fingers, which come with a spicy sauce, french fries and a side of coleslaw that he raved about. Malt vinegar is also given as an option for some topping on your fries. And btw, another perk-Coca-cola products.

 

There was question as to whether you clear your table or whether they do it. Just so you know...they do it. Leave your stuff there.

 

Overall, I would go back.

Your Pie - Restaurant Review

Have you ever been with a group of people and all of you agreed that you wanted pizza but you couldn't agree on what you wanted on it? Everyone has that friend that only likes cheese and pepperoni and isn't willing to even pick things off of the pizza. Been there! But here's a place that can eliminate that problem and help you keep your friends a bit longer.

 

Beau and I went to Your Pie for dinner Sunday night. Btw, this is Beau. Your Pie is located on Savannah Hwy (Hwy 17) in the same shopping center as the Coburg cow. It's a fairly new joint that is easy to spot from the road. This was my second time and each visit has been a rather short wait. You walk in and form a line to what would be similar in Subway or Moe's. They have lists of ingredients that fall under the categories of Crust, Sauce, Cheese, Toppings, Extra Toppings and you can make any of these ingredients into your own pizza, panini, calzone or salad. And like other restaurants with the same "make your own" idea, they have suggestions for flavors and combinations, but you are in no way limited by these.

 

My first visit to Your Pie I made up my own pizza with sun-dried tomato sauce on a whole wheat crust with chicken, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella and onion. And this last time I chose one of their suggestions-The Lineage. This came with a whole wheat crust (that I chose), a normal pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, italian sausage ( which is thinly shaved btw), baby portabells mushrooms, thinly sliced onion and green and black olives (which I substituted for more mushroms and onions). Both were very, very good and the crust is made thin. This is what allows your pizza to come out in 5 minutes. Yes, that's right. I only had time to get my drink (Coke products) and go to the bathroom before my pizza was there at the table ready for my to dive into!

 

The pizza is crisp and light and very flavorful and you could come back over and over before you would have to eat anything twice. I wouldn't call it some amazing New York style pizza (or Chicago-style for you deep dish folks) but it's very good and you can't beat $8 for a 10" pizza that you can choose and eat for yourself and a drink. And for a couple bucks more you can try some gelato. They give you 10 choices in flavors randing from Butterfinger to Mint Chocolate Chip and Tiramisu. And btw, don't worry about cleaning off your table when you're finished, they do that for you!

 

On my next visit I'm going to try the Thai pizza. We all know how this girl loves some Asian flavors!

 

 

 

 

Happenings

So it's been quite a while since I've posted to my beloved blog. And I feel like a lot has happened since then. If I may, I'm just going to do a quick recap realizing that some of it may be repeated...

My sister, Jennifer, and her husband, Alex, had their first child. Little Riley Jade Patterson was born July 27th at 5:30 am weighing in at 8 lbs 7 oz. and 21 inches in length. She looks just like her father with her big lips and almond-shaped eyes (no, Alex is not Asian). I saw her this past weekend at four weeks of age and she still looked ever so tiny to me. It's nice to have a new addition to the family.

I changed jobs...again. My old contract expired so I needed to find another one, which meant working with a new company. What I'm finding out is that this is not out of the norm for contractors. It happens a lot and you just roll with it. So I'm rolling. I work for a great company and I'm happy where I am. I like my new customer and I like the path that I seem to be headed down with my career.

I have tried out multiple new restaurants in the area (none of which I have written reviews for as we can all tell): Five Loaves in Mt. Pleasant, Red Orchids in North Charleston, Madra Rua in North Charleston, Ali Baba in Daniel Island, Pearlz Oyster Bar in West Ashley, Al Di La in West Ashley, Finz in Mt. Pleasant and Uno Mas in Mt. Pleasant. Real quick I'll give you my faves. At the top of my list cam Five Loaves with the best BLT ever, Ali Baba with some incredible hummus and Al Di La with Tagliatelle pasta and Duck. None of the rest mentioned were bad by any means, but you know, these are my top faves.

I do have many restaurants on my list that I want to try sometime soon (i.e. Cypress, SNOB, Halls Chophouse, Tristan's, Peninsula Grill, Fish, Chai's, Sermet's, Sette, Vickery's, High Cotton, Magnolia's, Anson, Oak, Joseph's, Jim and Nick's, The Fat Hen, Mondo's, Carolina's, Virginia's on King, Circa 1886, Grill 225, Toast, Cru Cafe, Hank's Seafood, Liberty Tap Room, McCrady's, Mercato, Muse, Red Drum, Saffire, Southend Brewery, Wild Olive, etc. There are more, but my gosh this is already a long list!

I have started reading The Economist, which I love.

I'm also studying to take the GMAT this fall in hopes of starting classes towards receiving my Master's degree in the spring. Yikes! What a big commitment! And might I add-I HATE studying. This will not be easy.

And Gruyere, my Subaru Forester, will be departing me in the spring (that is, if he'll last that long) and this girl will be getting a new car. This also is a big decision because spending that much money at one time really gives me anxiety and heartburn. Not looking forward to writing that check.

I've also been taking Carolina Shag lessons with my boyfriend. We're having a blast and we're quite good. (Thanks to my Dad who apparently passed on the dancing genes.)

And I'm going to take scuba lessons with a girlfriend this fall. I'll be ready whenever the time comes that I need to go diving deep!

So some big things have been happening and some small things, but all at one time it adds up to a whole heck of a lot.

Blessings and being thankful

It’s Tuesday and I have a load of work to do. In moments of being tempted to complain because I’m swamped, I stop because it was just this past Friday that I was thinking I was going to be unemployed today. So instead of complaining about the workload, I am so thankful! So just to review (because it’s always good to do) the  blessings in my life…

1.       Salvation in Christ. I am free. There is joy.

2.       I have a job! A good one. Whew!

3.       Mr. Wonderful in my life. BBE you know who you are. J

4.       Cantaloupe. Simple sweetness.

5.       Water. It’s clean.

6.       Sweaters under $10 at Ann Taylor Loft. What a steal!

7.       Flavored coffee. Keeps me guessing each morning.

8.       A great workout partner to keep me going!

9.       Self-motivation and drive.

10.   Dancing skills. Thanks Dad, mom said I got it from you!

11.   A great boss.

12.   A chance to live with my bro and enjoy it. Few can say the same.

13.   Financial security.

14.   My niece, Riley. I hope I can impact her life in a positive way.

15.   My sister, Jenn, what an inspiration.

16.   Two working legs that allow me to play and go as I want.

17.   The ability to cook. So thankful I’m not forced to each frozen meals.

18.   New friends. New activities. New places. New adventures. New plans.

19.   Pandora radio. Helps the day go by without…silence.

20.   Ben & Jerry’s – those men are brilliant!

21.   TJMaxx – a bargain shopper’s heaven

22.   The ability to read and continue learning

23.   Blessings from the Lord, even when I think I don’t deserve them. Gifts from Him are oh so sweet.

24.   Pictures. Digital photography.

 

There are always more. I have a great life!

RILEY JADE PATTERSON is here! Congrats Jennifer and Alex!

Old Village Post House-Restaurant Review

Oh how I love the Old Village Post House in Mt. Pleasant, SC. It’s located in the Old Village in the corner of Pitt and Venning. It’s a quaint little place on a strip with some other quaint little places. OVPH is not only a restaurant, but is also an Inn that has six rooms. Dinner is served every evening and brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30-2:00. Private rooms for parties are also available. May I recommend a reservation, as they do have certain times for seating.

 

Let’s proceed…

 

May 1 was my first encounter with the Old Village Post House. It was my birthday and a good friend recommended it to me. I’m so, so glad I listened to her! Let’s re-visit that night. My brother, sister and six of my girlfriends joined me there for a lovely dinner to celebrate my birthday! (I’m just going to be brief and right to the point here.) We sat upstairs (yes, two floors) at a beautifully set table with all the different appropriate silverware, wine glasses, water glass, plates, candles, high back chairs, cloth napkins etc. making the ambience very nice. If I’m remembering correctly, they had plantation shutters. This is probably not important to most of you, but I really like them and added a nice touch for me. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is in the details. So there you have it.

 

For an appetizer I ordered the Cream of Crab Soup. This is not the same as She Crab. This soup was more of a stock base and not cream and it had no sherry in it. I love She Crab soup, but this was a nice change. It was light without all the cream, which was nice, and had such a wonderful butter flavor and large chunks of crab.

 

For my entrée I ordered the cornmeal crusted fried flounder with stone ground grits, steamed okra and field peas.  I, now, much prefer this type of fried flounder over the heavily battered fried flounder. It wasn’t heavy and it didn’t taste of oil that it was fried in. I tasted flounder and with the fiery red sauce that topped it, it was tender and flavorful. Stone-ground grits-I won’t say anything other than the chefs grind the grits themselves. That’s right-made in house and wow! Field were great and the steamed okra (I’ve never had it cooked that way) was crisp and not slimy (which is often the case with okra due to any moisture) and very delicious!

 

Dessert-do you think I’m about to leave a restaurant like this on my birthday without dessert? Um…no. Especially since dessert is on the house if it’s your birthday. I ordered the mixed berry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream and a bourbon caramel sauce. The part of this dessert that branded my mind was the crust on top of this cobbler. Heaven in my mouth I tell ya. As I’m sitting here thinking about that dessert I’m thinking that next time I make a cobbler I’m going to make it with less fruit and more crust. I think other people would like that. I know I would! I mean, people usually want more crust, don’t they? Definitely the best part!

 

Different date:

This past Sunday my aunt and I took my Pop-Pop to the Old Village Post House to celebrate his 83^rd birthday. Again, let me say that brunch is only served on Sundays. Aunt Teresa and I both ordered a White Sangria and ordered Pop-Pop some coffee. We all shared the fruit platter that was drizzled in ginger simple syrup and the cornbread that is given upon arrival.

 

Pop-Pop ordered the French Toast which I think is worth mentioning here. The restaurant first makes a homemade brioche. I watched Julia Child make this the other day and until then had no idea what made it different from other breads. It’s butter. That’s the difference. Brioche is made with A LOT of butter, which is what makes it so light and soft and buttery. I feel as though it’s similar to challah bread in this respect. The brioche is cut into two 1-inch slices and cooked up into French toast. It’s served with a side of fresh strawberries and a warm maple syrup.

 

This being the second time I came to the OVPH for brunch I ordered what I love-Crab Cakes Benedict. And if you can just imagine two crab cakes (with no fillers) topped with two perfectly poached eggs, hollandaise sauce (one of the world’s best sauces) and fresh chopped chives. The crab cakes benedict is served with a side of stone-ground grits and fresh strawberries. I ate the whole thing. I couldn’t help myself! And you won’t be able to either.

 

Go here. I have three times in the past three pasts (which is a big deal for me) and I will be returning. The food is great, the service is great and the atmosphere is great. You can’t go wrong here! Try it out for yourself and just try to prove me wrong!

Buccaneer-Restaurant Review

Last Thursday was a night out on the town so to speak. Beau and I went out to Buccaneer on Faber St. in Charleston, SC. We had high hopes for the place based on the menu and the fact that Beau had heard great things from the radio. But well…hopes aren’t necessarily always reality are they?

 

We parked the car, feeling confident that we were in the general vicinity of the restaurant. I don’t know about Beau, but I definitely felt like a tourist walking along East Bay St. searching for Faber St. I’m pretty sure we looked at the map on his phone more than twice. So tucked back behind some other restaurants and in front of a parking garage we found Buccaneer. We entered…

 

My initial thoughts were good. I really liked the brick walls with high ceilings, dark wooden beams in the ceiling and the dim lighting. The walls were decorated with all sorts of swords and rifles and what not. Interesting to look at while you’re waiting for a table.

 

The hostess took a bit of a long time to figure out what table we were to be seated in, especially since we were the only ones waiting. I wonder what she was doing really. Regardless, we were taken to the table closest to the kitchen. And oddly enough there were only two chairs at a four-top table and those chairs were facing the kitchen. Beau and I quickly moved the chairs to face the other direction. Who wants to be staring at the kitchen through dinner? No biggie. Quick change.

 

Did I mention that you get free bread? I mean, any place that gives some delicious free bread before you actually order wins some points on my list. And let me add that this bread was pretty good. This crusty bread had some nice sesame seeds and poppy seeds on top. Yum! And we made it in time for Happy Hour-15 minutes spare! “I’ll have the house red please!” What a nice little bonus to the evening!

 

Let’s see, what was my waiter’s name? Micah-that was it. He was very good. He gave us a lot of attention and was good about refilling drinks and bringing us what we needed. And let me briefly touch on the bathrooms. For you men out there, this may not seem important, but to women this could be a big deal. You see, when women enter a place, whether it be a restaurant, church, an art studio, the movie theater, etc. they are looking for the bathroom. The women hit up the bathroom first and therefore that is the first place of judgment for them even before they see the performance or taste the food. This is huge! The bathroom at Buccaneer was pretty normal if you will. It was very clean, which was good. It was quaint with two stalls, but pretty blah as far as the décor went. So nothing really feminine about it. But I will say that I really liked that the bathroom doors when all way from the ceiling to the floor. It gave a very nice sense of privacy. Every woman can appreciate that. J

 

Now on to the food!

 

Like I said before, we had high hopes for this place because the menu looked promising. There is a section on there that you can order four different types of seafood cooked four different ways and it just depends on what seafood they have on hand that day. So anyway, Beau ordered that. I ordered the seafood platter, mainly because my heart and soul were set on scallops and grits and that was the only dish that had both. Now, normally I don’t go into a new place with a craving for something specific, especially two things. And so I feel like I can order my dish a little bit better than I did that night. But it is what it is. I wanted scallops and grits and so I got it.

 

When Micah brought our food out I was a little dumbfounded as to what was sitting in front of Beau and I. The two plates looked like they came from two different kitchens. My plate looked like it walked out of Gilligan’s or the Crab House. Beau’s looked like it would have come from Blossom or something (maybe not exactly, but close). So as you can imagine, quite different looking.

 

From the one bite that I had off of Beau’s plate and the fact that his plate was clean when he finished, I think his was quite good. Oh, he ordered the mahi-mahi over mashed potatoes topped with green beans and a white truffle sauce. I really enjoyed my bite for sure. That sauce! (You know how I am about sauces!)

 

The seafood platter was ho hum. First off, it was $21! The grits needed salt, which as I’ve said before, I don’t use much salt in my food so if I’m adding salt it’s definitely bland. The scallops were good and the fish was okay, but the shrimp were way over cooked.

 

Overall, not too impressed with Buccaneer. I admit, I was satisfied as far as my craving went, but will still not be returning. Just thought you all out there should know. But feel free to make your own judgment. This is just my attempt to save everyone from a waste of a meal and at the same time steer you towards a meal that will keep your mouth watering for more!

 

Proceeding on ahead to the next place…

Back from China

So I’m back from China. I left Saturday afternoon at 6:05 pm (China time) and arrived in Raleigh, NC at 10:30 pm (USA time). What a long day that was! And now here it is, Monday, and the jet-lag is still very much present. It’s about 12:30pm now and the sleepiness should be hitting me around 2:00 or so. I have no idea what cup of coffee I’m currently on, nor do I know what the total will be by the end of the day. I’m thinking I’m becoming immune to caffeine altogether. This could be a problem for sure!

 

I had thought, “wouldn’t it be a great idea if I did a restaurant review of each place in China?” Yes, that would have been nice had I thought about sooner, but alas, I did not. Anyway, I ate out for every meal while there and that would have just been too many reviews for me to write and let’s face it, for you to read. So here’s an overview:

 

Chinese noodle restaurants: I went to three and they were all Hui noodles. Each were delicious, but the best was the Gan Bian Chao Mian (as I had thought), which are homemade noodles stir-fried up with large chunks of green onions, fresh green chilies, green bell peppers, dried red chilies, ginger, garlic and beef. Really so delicious!

 

Chinese dishes: I had dishes three times. I will say that my favorite place was the last night in Beijing while we were waiting on the pearl necklaces to be made. The spread consisted of Gan Bian Dou Jiao (stir-fried green beans), Gong Bao Ji Ding (essentially Kung Pao chicken, but so much better!), Yu Xiang Qiezi (Fish flavored eggplant-sounds gross but doesn’t taste like fish at all!) and beef with peppers (Don’t remember the Chinese name). The beef wasn’t my favorite, but everything else was so delicious! Yum!

 

And one night we had Hot Pot and one night we had Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings). The Jiaozi was actually a feast we had in Xi’An where they form the dumplings into shapes describing what’s on the inside. If you get chicken dumplings the little dumplings are shaped like chickens and the duck dumplings were shaped like ducks. You get it? Very good.

 

And of course, I added La Jiao (chili peppers) to everything! Some serious heartburn followed but it was worth it.

 

And so now I’m back in the States recovering from jet-lag and heartburn and smiling for the great time I had with old friends and with new ones. It was a great trip. I’m really thankful I was able to go back and see my friends and hopefully encourage them as they encouraged me. God also confirmed that I’m not to return to Asia. I had been praying through this for some time and He was faithful, as always, to answer my prayer and He was very clear on that. So I’m here, in the States, for I don’t know how long and I’m enjoying life!

 

Waiting on the next adventure…

Friday morning

It's Friday morning here in Xi'An, CHINA. We have been here for two nights and we leave this morning for Beijing. We've enjoyed seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors, the difference in this big city and that of Yinchuan and enjoyed having our last fill of Hui noodles. Oh how we will miss those noodles!

These next 24 hours will be spent in Beijing doing a few things before the rest of the team arrives into Beijing Saturday afternoon. I (Kathryn) will be leaving China tomorrow afternoon before the team arrives and will be headed back to the States.

We're still trying to get some pictures posted so just bare with us. Mingtian jian! (See you tomorrow!)

Earthquake

So there was a minor earthquake here in Yinchuan, China. I don't know if it was anywhere else or if it's on the news. Probably not. But in case it was, we're fine. Just wanted everyone to know.

We've had lots of adventures so far. We've seen the ruins of the Great Wall out here, we've gone to a small village, seen the oldest mosque in Ningxia and we had our van overheat to which we had to stop every so often and put water in the radiator. Never a dull moment in China!

We're getting on the train tonight to head to Xi'An. We'll arrive around noon on Wednesday. And then a new adventure begins!

So far it's been super great to see old friends and catch up with them. What a blessing that has been! And did I mention the food? Oh yes, I have eaten my Gan Bian Chao Mian and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Delicious food!

It's hot here, but not as hot as Charleston believe it or not. I'm actually more comfortable here without air-conditioning than I am in Charleston without it in my car. Go figure.

So far no one is sick and we're doing okay with jet-lag. The jet-lag has been affecting me the last few days and no one else. But I think their time is coming! They were taking naps today! Definitely catching up to them!

More later!

China

Just wanted to let everyone know that after 33 hrs of traveling we arrived into Yinchuan China this morning around 1:00. We've rested and we're headed to the vegetable market to explore. Will write more later. But we're here and we're happy!

This is it

This time tomorrow I'll be in the Toronto airport, most likely getting some more coffee.

I can't believe it's here now. I'm leaving for China tomorrow! It feels kind of funny that I'm at work today and leaving to go out of the country tomorrow. But my car is packed up and ready to get on the road to drive to NC to catch my flight out of Raleigh/Durham tomorrow.

So be praying for us while we're gone. Pray that I have an incredible ability to understand the Chinese language again. Pray for good health as there's always SOMETHING that goes wrong with me when I travel internationally. Pray that we would be an encouragement and a blessing to the people we're going to see and the people we encounter along the way.

I'll be returning Stateside on June 26th. But my mother and the rest of the her traveling buddies will be returning July 11th.

Bocci's-Restaurant Review

Bocci's-Italian Restaurant-Market St. Charleston, SC

I was really wanting Italian food Monday night for dinner so when asked where I wanted to go I chose Bocci's. I had heard a few things about this place and all were good so naturally it was on my list of places to try.

I was unsure of the attire that was acceptable at this place, but was happy to find that casual dress is completely acceptable as most people there were dressed more casual than I was (in a denim skirt). This is Charleston afterall! The inside of the restaurant is comprised of what looks like an old four-room house in a square with three of the rooms meant for dining and one of the back rooms being the kitchen. It's a quaint place with an intimate feel yet very family-like at the same time. We arrived around 6:30 or so and despite the fact that it appeared to be packed, we were sat immediately.

Now, unfortunately the service wasn't great. It wasn't bad by any means, but not great. And as I type this I'm thinking our service that night was not a reflection on the overall restaurant or even on that waiter as a whole but rather a reflection on that waiter that evening. I think he was just a bit overwhelmed with his other tables. They must have been some high maintenance people! It took him a while to bring us bread and take our orders and he didn't do a good job of keeping our glasses filled, but again, I think more of a reflection of a bad evening for the waiter.

I was wanting seafood, so my eyes were immediately drawn to the sauteed scallops. There were a couple of dishes with scallops but it is my belief that if I'm going out specifically for Italian food, I'm going to get some sort of pasta. Strictly my belief, but one I like! So the yumminess that soon entered my mouth thereafter was a combination of fettuccine in a gorgonzola cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and artichokes and topped with seared scallops. And then that nice young gentleman topped off my dish with some freshly grated Parmesan. Did I say yum?! Yes, yum!

Three things stuck out to me in this dish:
1) The gorgonzola added into the cream sauce gave it a nice kick
2) The cream sauce was not too thick. There was obviously some sort of cooking wine and/or stock added to it, which was so nice!
3) The pasta was a nice al dente.

Oh and I can't forget dessert-cannoli's! This was only my second time having a cannoli and I wouldn't even consider my "1st" cannoli to be my 1st. I had a bite of someone else's one time and that was it. On this night, I got my very own cannoli, which I didn't eat all of but that's beside the point. Very good cannoli. I do realize that I don't have a lot to compare it to, but I sure did enjoy it. To me, it's a perfect dessert to end with after having a heavy meal of cream and pasta because the cannoli is a dessert that's not overly sweet. It's relatively light with just enough sugar to meet that sweet tooth right where it is.

Overall, I recommend Bocci's for a really good Italian meal downtown Charleston. Remember, it's casual so don't come in that tuxedo. I'll be headed back at some point for sure.

And a complete side note...leaving for China in 2 days!!!!!!!!!

China

5 days and counting....

One week

I’m leaving one week from today for China! At this time next week I’ll be hanging out in Toronto with my mom while we anxiously await the time to board that big ol’ plane set for Beijing! I still can’t believe it’s been almost two years since I’ve been in China. It doesn’t seem that long. I feel like it was just a few months ago, but alas, it is much longer.

 

Some of the exciting highlights to come:

1.       The Toronto airport layover. It’s a long one and I kind of like that. Mom and I will grab breakfast and some much needed coffee and we’ll “sit and talk” and watch people. That will be my first time in Canada. Does that count?

2.       The international flight. It’s totally acceptable to be lazy and watch movies or sleep for hours. There’s nothing else to do! And ya know, I always seem to meet interesting people on international flights. They usually seem to be Asian doctors that are men. Hmmm….

3.       Immigration in Beijing. I’m really just looking forward to watching the three people I’ll be traveling with as they deal with the Chinese culture and no queues!

4.       The food. You know this had to be mentioned at some point right? The noodles, the chilies, the dumplings, the lamb, the eggplant, etc. You name a food there and I’m excited to eat it! Btw, when I return and you think maybe I look a few pounds heavier, it’s because I AM a few pounds heavier. No comments please. ;)

5.       Seeing old friends. What a great time to catch up and talk and laugh and pray together and encourage one another. It’s been too long to wait to see such dear friends. My heart will be glad.

6.       The train from Yinchuan to Xi’An. This “adventure” will be an interesting one for sure. It’s going to be hot and humid and smell awful. I hope I’m up for it. I am no longer accustomed to this and my traveling companions aren’t either. Hoping there are no “instances” to speak of.

7.       Some good ol’ bargaining. It’s been a while since arguing over a price was socially acceptable and I’m looking forward to it. Pullin’ out the skills there. Hope I can be as tough as those Chinese women! They’re pros you know.

8.       More great stories and adventures with my mom. What a great lady!

 

Have I packed? No.

Have I been to store to get necessities for this trip? No.

So not like me. I’ve got my list though. That’s better than nothing I guess.

Oh, got a new camera and you better believe I’ll be posting pics as we go so stay tuned for some photos from across the pond!

Fuel-Restaurant Review

Fuel Charleston as it is also called. This place used to be an old gas station, hence where the name derives from. You get it?

When I first picked this place I was thinking it was a restaurant with a sort of Asian flare to it. Not so. It's Caribbean food, focusing on tacos. The menu is not large, which I think I can be good. You have a short number of items on a menu and the cook/chef can focus on perfecting those items. You have too many items and nothing is bound to be good. I'm weary of restaurants that have huge menus. Something to think about...

Fuel is located downtown Charleston at the corner of Cannon and Rutledge, across the street from the Hominy Grill (which, btw has amazing breakfast/brunch!). Parking is limited so know that before you drive up close and could potentially get stuck.

The place kind of reminded me of an old diner at first look. In we walked...and were greeted by a couple of people I think. Very nice. I was able to see the inside of the joint for a brief moment, but yes, definitely reminded me of that old diner. I like old diners. We asked to sit outside and so glad we did! The ambience outside was really nice. Some of the tables were "covered" in old maps of the islands of the Caribbean, which of course, helped make you feel like you were there. The decor with the candles and the greenery outside made it feel kind of island-like.

Now, onto my favorite part of any restuarant...the food.

Because we were starving we ordered an appetizer of corn fritters. I must say, in looking at fritter it's not usually something that I think "wow, that looks so appetizing!" But regardless of the look of a fried corn patty, the taste was good. It had a good kick to it and hit the tastebuds nicely, but I can say that I would have preferred it to not be as "tight".

Like I said before, Fuel kind of focuses on their tacos. And unlike Taco Boy, you get two tacos with each order as well as a side item. With the choices between a variety of fish tacos, vegetarian tacos and chicken, pork or beef tacos I would have easily been satisfied. And each taco has a different concoction of relish/salsa on it. But this mouth was wanting fish. Onto the mahi-mahi tacos I went.

Mahi-Mahi tacos with a spicy pineapple relish and purple cabbage slaw. I'm thinkin' the tortillas might have been made in-house, but I can't be certain on that. Tacos, very good and nice and hot. Oh and packed full of stuff. Fried plantains were my side item. They were sweet and crispy and delicious! In fact, I could eat some of that right now!

Overall, great place to eat. Casual and cool. Good for large groups or a table of two. Service is quick and friendly. And, you can bring your dog (as long as Fido stays on a leash)!

Orchestra vs. Symphony-whatcha got?

I'm headed to the Symphony Orchestra tonight-a Spoleto event in Charleston. Pretty excited about it. The question was posed-"What's the difference between an orchestra and a symphony orchestra?" Beats me. I looked it up...

The basic of the basics is that all symphonies are orchestras, but not all orchestras are symphonies.

Orchestras can vary in size and instrumentation. They can be as small as 4-5 members and then would be called a chamber orchestra because they are small enough to play inside of a chamber, office, etc. When they are big enough to need a concert hall they become an orchestra or a symphony orchestra.

But...they earn the right to be called a symphony orchestra when they have the following qualifications:

1. They have four sections of instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
2. They have the capability to play a symphony. Which brings us to another definition and that would be the definition of a symphony.

Symphonies are long pieces, usually of three or more movements, written for orchestras with full percussion sections, piano, harp, bassoons, oboes, an organ, a special guy to play the triangle, etc.

To sum it all up-symphonies are orchestras on a very large scale.

I definitely feel like I can attend this event tonight and talk with the lady sitting next to me who will most likely be a regular attender of these things. Whew! Didn't want to seem uninformed on this important topic.

Is there a song for this?

So you know when you're about to get a plane, you sing that song "Leavin' on a jetplane"? You might not, but I do. Call me lame.

I'm headed on the road in just 30 minutes to go see my amazing sister (pronounced seesta) to make her feel special and loved on her 26th birthday. Happy Birthday Jennipoo! The girls are gonna have some fun I tell ya. Anyway, the roadtrip...

So is there a song for leaving in a car? I feel as though I'm on the road a lot more than I'm on a plane and that maybe I should have a song for that. Yes, this would definitely get me more excited about my little roadtrip if I could sing a song to pep myself up for it.

Hmmm..Hmmm...Hmm... (Me thinking and trying to hum something. Nothing is popping up into this brain.)

Any thoughts?

You decide

Chew on this...

As many as three million Chinese babies are hidden by their parents every year in order to get around the country's one-child policy, a researcher has discovered.

Yeah, that number is huge! It totally reminds me of Moses in the basket, floatin' down that river. I can't imagine living in a place where this is "needed". Oh wait, I did live there, but thankfully I didn't have to adhere to this law. Not to mention the fact that I'm not married and don't have children and therefore, this law was not even coming close to touching me.

So, you decide. Three million babies being hidden every year. One-child policy: needed or over-the-top? Parents hiding children: breaking the law or trying to live under an unfair law? Discuss.

And by the way, I'm thinking it's not as black and white as it might appear... Just sayin'.

Can I do a "Thankful Wednesday"?

I think I can. Although a new name for it maybe? [Thinking] Yeah, I can't come up with any. Have any ideas?

What I'm thankful for today:

1. That God lets me asks questions of Him and it doesn't make me any less of a believer/follower
2. A co-worker who displayed a simple of kindness to me today
3. Common interests with co-workers that make the day more pleasant
4. Peppermint tea bags
5. Peppermint Mocha coffee creamer (I'm seeing a theme)
6. That I can remember stories in detail from eight years ago
7. Dijon mustard-it's so much better than plain ol' yellow
8. Parents that are present in my life
9. Food friends
10. New friends that make me laugh so much my cheeks hurt
11. That I have thick hair. (Does that make me vain?)
12. My new apartment is sooo much closer to everything in my life!
13. The Word that speaks
14. Being a part of what God is doing on this earth
15. I was born an American, and therefore was able to hear and know the Truth
16. I have Someone to bear my burden for me (Psalm 68:19-20)
17. That I know what Anne of Green Gables was talking about when she referred to Diana as her "kindred spirit"
18. Women to push me, encourage me and pray for me towards glory
19. Fruit smoothies for breakfast
20. I live in one of the top culinary cities in the world! What better place for good 'ol me to live?
21. The ability to return to China in a couple of weeks to see friends and experience that culture once again.
22. Clean water
23. Blue popcorn
24. Can I say the Food Network? Yep, I just did.

Fulton Five - Restaurant Review

I met my food friend, Lauren, at Fulton Five last night following an incredible performance by Leszek Mozdzer of Poland. Fulton Five is a quaint restaurant located at 5 Fulton St. in Charleston, SC. It has been named one of the most romantic restaurants in Charleston. With enough seating for about 36 people and minimal lighting, it's easy to see how this could be true. If you've never been to Fulton Five it can be hard to navigate if you will. It's not hard to find the actual restaurant but it is difficult to determine where the entrance is. So for those of you who've never gone, but would like to-the entrance is downstairs not upstairs! Lauren and I each looked like fools heading up those stairs to nowhere! Another tidbit is that there are about 5-6 parking spaces across the street from Fulton Five reserved specifically for their customers. It's free.

On to the food!

Lauren and I always share an appetizer, each order an entree and share a dessert.

APPETIZER
Prosciutto and Mozzarella wrapped in a Romaine leaf and grilled with a tomato balsamic dressing. It was warm with simple flavors. I could really taste each part of the dish. It was a lovely start and was definitely a foreshadowing of things to come.

ENTREE
Lauren-Chocolate Espresso Rubbed Fillet with whipped potatoes and asparagus. I only tasted a bite of this but it was very good. The chocolate espresso was very subtle, but could still be tasted. Personally, I would have liked it to be bit stronger as the bites more towards the center of the fillet were not as strong in the chocolate espresso flavor.

Kathryn-Bone-in Pork Chop over Gorgonzola mashed potatoes with Apple Cider Braised Swiss Chard and an au jus. Umm, can I just say really quickly that I am an incredible orderer. If and when you go out to eat with me let me order for you because I'm very good! Anyway, back to the yummy meal. By the way, I never order pork chops in a restaurant because I make them at home so much, but I just had to get this-mainly for the mashed potatoes. And I am so glad I did! The pork chop cooked to medium and wow was it tender and thick! Minimal seasoning, mainly with some cracker pepper on top. I ate this first and then moved on to the mashed potatoes and the swiss chard. (I wanted to make sure I had enough room in my stomach to finish that pork!) The whole meal was delicious with the subtle flavorings of the gorgonzola cheese in the mashed potatoes and the apple cider flavor in the swiss chard. It seems that there are a lot of different flavors going on here, and there were, but they all went so well together.

DESSERT
Tiramisu-admittedly this was my first time having it. I'm usually not of fan of chocolate desserts so this was perfect because there's not too much chocolate and it's bittersweet chocolate so it's not too sweet. It was light and airy and a nice blend of espresso and chocolate. The plate was cleaned by us girls!

I found the service to be very good. David was our waiter and he was very personable and took his time to answer any questions, as well as explain each special in wonderful detail. As typical in restaurants, you have a waitor/waitress that is assigned to your table and you, as the customer, are to only ask questions of your waitor. But Fulton Five wasn't the case. While David was our main waitor, the staff at Fulton Five share responsibilities of each table to ensure that customers are not waiting too long for anything while the waitor is serving someone else. I found this to be a nice touch and one that made a clear statement that we, the customers, are important to them. Thank you Fulton Five.

I very much recommend this restaurant for you romantics out there. It's a keeper!

Just saw a polish jazz

Just saw a polish jazz pianist play. Wow! Truly incredible. The guy's name- Leszek M (can't remember last name).

Discussion

The following is from a news article I read this morning. A Chinese man says:

"Protestantism has been a key reason for the success of western civilization and the establishment of constitutional and democratic government."

Discuss....

Allergies

So if you haven't guessed it now, I'm a serious foodie! And so, to figure out that I have an extremem intolerance to dairy was a bit disheartening. But then to realize today that I'm allergic to cantaloup (or rather Grass Pollen) was a surprise. I knew I was allergic to grass, but I didn't know it would manifest itself in food. After researching it I've come to know that it can manifest itself that way.

Here's the deal. I started this "No sugar dessert Monday through Thursday." I was going a little over-the-top with dessert each night and a bit out of control. So instead I've been eating fruit for my "dessert". Cantaloupe was my choice Monday and Tuesday night. Allergic reaction started shortly thereafter by presenting with what seems like extreme chapped lips. And it's been getting worse with each day of continuous cantaloupe eating.

Did the research. Bam! Allergic to Grass Pollen which is in melons and figs. Who would've thought?

I tell you what, if it turns out that I become allergic to sugar I will die!

Blush

Blush. Not the pink powdery substance that I apply to my cheeks in the morning to make me have that "glow". I'm talking about something you do, something that happens.

The question was raised about how often we, as people, blush. And I'm talking about blushing in response to something that would not be considered good, like a compliment.

How often do I blush at things I see on TV or in movies? What about conversations that I hear or even take part in? And things/people that I see? Does it bother me to see, hear or take part in these things. Or has my heart and mind become numb to them? Are they considered normal now? Do I think them normal and acceptable?

Last night in small group, us girls were discussing ways that Satan can come into our lives, mainly how we let him in. Ugh! He wants in my life and here I am opening the door for him through some TV shows, movies, magazines, music, billboards, conversations I take part in etc. "Here you go Satan, want to join my life?"

I feel like that for me to gradually become more accepting of and unaffected by the words, actions and sights I see all around me, I'm allowing Satan more of a grip in my life. I am becoming more apart of "that" world and steering further away from what is eternal. It gets harder and harder to see clearly. And it's harder to hear God. It gets kind of cloudy.

So what do I need to do? How can I protect myself? How can you protect me? How can I protect you? I don't want to become legalistic by any means. But this subject warrants thinking about and it definitely warrants some sort of action. I mean, people around us are acting and they're pushing these things hard! I want to respond by pushing back and saying "No, I don't want this! And I will not accept this!"

Those things that should make me blush and turn away from in shame are just lightly bantered about. ~ B. Brown

Fried chicken and layered cakes

So here's the comparison I made between fried chicken and layered cakes. But let me take a moment to clarify that when eating fried chicken I prefer the wing or the leg. And the little pieces of chicken and layered cakes are similar in my mind because you get yumminess with every bite. You see, here's the deal.

Wings/Legs-with every bite you get a bite of that fried yumminess because the pieces are small. Whereas with a breast or a thigh, sometimes you only get and no fried stuff.

Layered cakes-because there is icing in between each layer, you get icing with every bite, which is my favorite!

THEREFORE, layered cakes and small pieces of fried chicken are oh so yummy! In fact, where can I go to get a yummy layered cake? Hmm.

The wonder in it all

I just finished working on a document at work and I took a moment to take another sip of my coffee as I pondered how my stomach is going to handle the potato soup I just ate for lunch (wondering if water would help the process). And I thought how miraculous it is that our bodies know what to do with food and liquids and how to separate them and everything. Really the whole process of the human body is truly amazing and something that is difficult for me to comprehend. And then my mind went to the scientists or "sceptics" out there who can so easily dismiss giving glory to a Creator for His imagination in creating us this way.

I look at the body and think, "Wow, what a smart and creative God I have!" They look at the body and want to explain the wonder and the creativeness away with science. Science isn't bad; not at all! So many wonderful things have come from science. But my concern/my feeling of sadness for them is that in explaining away the wonder and the miracle of it, they lose all ability to see any wonder or any miracle in anything.

I had a friend a couple of years back that used to call me when there was a rainbow or when the the sunset was really striking. She was so excited about it! I got so annoyed at her for calling me about something so small and insignificant. Who cares?! I thought she was rediculou and actually small-minded. (Yes, I have judgemental thoughts that I'm not proud of.) But boy was I wrong! Now I see.

And today I have people in my life that minimize things that are truly huge! Beautiful things that they try and make ugly by their pessimism or scepticism. And these people are not always non-believers. Sometimes they are believers.

So today, thinking about the little miracle that I saw and remembering that girl a few years back, I thought how sorry I am that I minimized her wonder in the little things, but glad to see it now for what it is. Glad that I can see the miracle of it and the Creator in it. And instead of being that pessimist or "realist" (as I so often call myself) that explains away everything, I'd like to be the one who looks for the wonder and the miracle.

Some things that I find wonder in:
1. The human body
2. That people around the world look so different (i.e. body type, size, facial structure, etc.) and that they hold such different practices in culture
3. The brain makes decisions for me subconciously (i.e. breathing)
4. Ladybugs
5. Giraffes-did you know that there is no scientific explanation for a giraffe's life? Their necks are too long to get blood from the heart to the brain. Yet here they are! Definite Creator wonder!
6. A smile can change an attitude
7. The wind
8. Tides/waves/currents
9. Fingerprints-it's amazing that every one is different isn't it?!
10. The invention of colors
11. Changed hearts
12. Mountains-i mean giant hills that are breathtaking!
13. Snow

What are the little things that you find wonder in?

Remains

There's a power in poverty that breaks principalities and brings the authorities down to their knees
There's a brewing frustration and ageless temptation to fight for control by some manipulation
The God of the Kindoms and God of the nations
The God of creation sends this revelation
To the homeless and penniless, Jesus the Son
The poor will inherit the Kingdom to come

Where will we turn when our world falls apart and all of the treasures we've stored in our barns
Can't buy the Kindoms of God
Who will we praise when we praised all our lives, men who build kingdoms and men who build fame
Heaven does not know their names
What will we fear when all that remains is God on the throne with a child in his arms and love in his eyes and the sound of His heart cry

~Jason Upton

Tuesday afternoons

So on Tuesday afternoons on my way home from work I call my best friend, Sara. She's on her way home from Clemson every Tuesday afternoon at the same time. Neither of us have children in the car (I never have children in my car) so it's relatively quiet. And on her way home she stops to get her Tuesday afternoon treat and I sit quietly while she orders at the drive-thru and then I stop to get my treat (Diet coke with light ice) and she sits quietly while I order. And then we just chat and laugh and chat and laugh.

It's our little Tuesday afternoon "thing" and I like it. One of those small things that make me smile and make life fun. I look forward to Tuesday afternoons. :)

Let's run there!

I love, love, love Sundays! It's church day! I get to go to my amazing church, East Cooper Baptist Church (www.ecbconline.com) and be led into the Lord's presence and hear His Word spoken to me. I'm taught and I walk aware from there knowing the Bible better, knowing God deeper and having a deep sense and knowledge that the Creator, God is with me in the deepest parts of me and He's smiling on me. Joy. I go home to a wonderful lunch of my choosing and I spend the rest of the day relaxing and reading and going prayer walking. And then I finish up the day with my small group that is comprised of amazing women that are running hard after God's heart and to be more like Him (and the guys too! :) ). I leave there encouraged in His Spirit and it gets my week started off in a great way!

My sister asked me Saturday night after the birthday festivities were over, if my birthday was everything I had dreamt up for it. My honest answer was that it's hard to have some elaborate and "wow" birthday when your life is just so great and you're so blessed. And that's how I feel. I mean, what more could I want? How could one day of my life be something spectacular when every day of my life is so great?!

Let's run to the cross today. Let's sit at the feet of Jesus today. It's fun. It's sweet. It's THE BEST part of my life. Let's go there.

ABOVE ALL, KEEP FERVENT IN YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, BECAUSE LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS. ~1 PETER 4:8

Restaurant Review-Shem Creek Bar & Grill

Not impressed. Very overpriced for the quality of food. You're paying for the view I assume. The view is great! Okay, so the food...I ordered the Seafood A la Wando. This "cream sauce" is more like a soup and the "fried grits" actually consist of one grits patty about 2x2x1. And where was it? You couldn't see the fried grits and half of the seafood due to the soupy cream sauce. Admittedly, there was a lot of seafood and it tasted okay But be warned-the crab that they claim is in there is actually just flakes put into the sauce. My sister ordered the Seafood Stuffed Flounder. Great idea but bad execution. The crab cake on the bottom was mushy and reminded me of something you would find on the bottom of the ocean. Mashed potatoes-not good. But...vegetables-very, very good. Hushpuppies-good. Service, both hostesses and waitress were not good. They were actually quite rude. Will not be returning to this restaurant no matter how popular it is.

Thankful Thursday on Friday

It's Thankful Thursday being celebrated on Friday.

1. I have hope for something greater.
2. A sister that would drive three hours just to celebrate my birthday!
3. I found salt and pepper packets in the breakroom! No more bland peas for lunch!
4. The picture on my calendar at work says, "When I'm afraid I will trust in You." A great reminder.
5. A job
6. The handful of women friends in my life that are "Going for Glory" and are pursuing Christ with everything they have! What great examples and inspirations to me!
7. I get to go back to China in just 49 days!
8. That my eyes see a different world than most people see.
9. Restaurants that serve seafood with amazing sauces. I love sauces. Yum.
10. The Chinese language. It can explain some things in amazingly accurate ways that English just can't.
11. Hot water in my coffee mug. It keeps me warm at work.
12. Talking food. Men talk "shop". Most women talk "shopping". I talk "food".
13. Clean water
14. My cube mates next door that crack me up ALL day!
15. The fruits of summer. Oh my gosh this Papaya is fabulous!

Holy Spirit who draws us

I was sitting with a friend yesterday and we were discussing many, many things. At this moment, I'm sure you're envisioning us sitting up straight in wingback chairs with nice suits on, sipping tea. But in fact, there she was in a sundress and me in a hiking skirt and chocos and we were sitting on the floor.

We were discussing our role in bringing people to the saving knowledge of knowing Christ. Sometimes I sit at work and I wonder how in the world I'm going to share Christ with these people around me. How am I going to share with them in a way that will make sense to them, in a way that they will believe? And I think about if I were them and I were looking what Jesus teaches from their point of view. It really seems crazy! And then to think through all of the "answers" that I've been taught or learned to give in response to their questions about Jesus and being a follower of His and they all come from the Bible. But what if these people don't believe the Bible to have any bearing on their lives as truth? What then?

All of these questions continually float through my head as I pray for the people I work with and I pray for wisdom to know how to reach and what to say to them and how to love them. For a moment (maybe more than a moment) I get ansy inside and worried and scared.

But as my friend pointed out yesterday, it is the Holy Spirit who opens people's eyes to the Truth. It is the Holy Spirit who brings you to belief in Jesus. Otherwise, yes, it would seem crazy.

That takes some of the pressure off of me for sure. Got to keep on keepin' on with the people around me. And keep praying that they respond to the Holy Spirit in their life and that I don't do anything to get in the way.

It is the Holy Spirit who draws us near. Lovin' that.

North Africa

I am currently reading a letter from some Missionaries in North Africa. They are facing possible deportation for proselytizing. See their quote below in regards to the fight:

"The Lord is working miracles in North Africa. [Missionary's name]'s work in country has not stopped. Teams are still going and many others are going forward on faith. But even with all of the signs and miracles taking place around us, the fight is far from over. Make no mistake about it though; we serve a mighty and triumphant God. Satan has lost the war. Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. That does not mean that the evil one has given up. By no means, Satan is still fighting and in some cases even winning the battles for the hearts and minds of believer's right here at home."

Satan is still fighting. Makes it all the more real of how much we, as believers, are involved in a very current battle/war. Satan is still fighting. Why have so many of us stopped?

57 days and counting

In 57 days I will be getting back on a plane headed for China! And well...I'm excited!!!!! I'm only going for a week so it will be a very quick trip, but so wonderful. I'm excited to see my Chinese friends as well as my foreign (American, Australian and Romanian) friends. I'm really excited about the delicious food. I'm excited to be speaking Chinese again and even of riding the train and the taxis and the buses. I'm just excited to be back in the culture after 20 months of being out of it. Wow! So today or tomorrow I'm getting my Visa pictures made and sending my passport off for processing. Oh and I'm really looking forward to that international flight! That's one of those things in life that I love. And this one is going to be even better because I"m not doing it by myself, which has been how I've traveled everywhere in the last three years. Everything is much better when experienced with people.