I get by with a little help from my friends!

It’s hard to appreciate how great your friends are until you spend an entire weekend reuniting! A couple weeks back I had the privilege of sharing a few days with some old friends and some OLD OLD friends!

A wedding for a pledge sister brought me and Taylor down to Charleston, and boy was I glad to be in South Carolina!

 

Our first stop was Five Loaves Café in Mt. Pleasant. We discovered this place from a quick Google search, and I think we made a great choice! To start, we toasted to the beginning of a reunion weekend. I had a Westbrook White Thai, and Taylor tried something new—Green Flash West Coast IPA, which he said tasted like grass.

 

For lunch, we both went with soup & sandwich combos. Chicken salad and broccoli cheddar and potato soup for me; salmon salad (yuck) with tomato soup for Mr. Dove. I highly recommend this lunch spot-- lots of gluten free and vegetarian options!

 

With our tummy’s full, we checked into our hotel and started getting ready for the big event. Well, I started getting ready…Taylor went across the street to TJ Maxx to buy a tie because he conveniently forgot to pack one…for a wedding weekend….

The ceremony was, of course, beautiful. As the first of what will be tons of weddings from our pledge class, there were many tears shed, but all eyes were dry for the fabulous reception!

 

The atmosphere (Boone Hall Plantation—aka Allie’s summer home in ‘The Notebook’) was absolutely gorgeous, and the service wasn’t bad either. I can’t complain when I’m greeted at the door with a cocktail. Who can resist a little sweet tea--the house wine of the South, as they say in 'Steel Magnolias.'

 

Lauren and Jay did a wonderful job picking out the menu. Shrimp and grits, mac and cheese bites and my favorite, a cupcake bar!

 

 

 

A highlight from the reception was the singing of "Shades," a Chi Omega tune that is performed by all Chi O’s at a sister’s reception. It was my first time participating in this tradition, and I cannot wait to do it at many more weddings!

The best part of the event was reuniting with some of my best friends. I don’t think I’ve laughed that much in months! I’m very grateful to the newlyweds for bringing us all back together! If only we could figure out a way to go back to college!

 

 

Congratulations, Lauren & Jay!

 

Because we’d made the long trek to Charleston from ATL, we figured we'd make a weekend of it. Saturday, I decided we’d have brunch at the restaurant where my high school BFF works. Blind Tiger Pub was the perfect place to nurse our hangovers, and Amanda was a fabulous host to our VERY large group.

She even served us our post-wedding mimosas and bloody marys in the rain!

 

After lunch, I said goodbye to my college BFF’s and headed to take a quick nap before our delicious dinner at Virginia’s on King.

 

Again, Taylor did a Google search and stumbled upon this insanely delicious eatery. I’m embarrassed to say this, but I polished off this country fried steak, mac and cheese and green beans with ease. Guess I brought my big girl appetite to Charleston!

 

A couple hundred (thousand) calories later, we headed to Social Wine Bar to meet up with some of my high school friends. A couple mojitos and some much-needed catching up was a great way to spend my Saturday night!

 

We even snuck in some shots at Mac's Place (thanks Taylor Cook, and sorry I don’t have any pics with you and Virg!!) and of course, Emy and Amanda kept us entertained.

                                     

 

I am so blessed to have such amazing friends, both from high school and college! Some times I forget just how lucky I am.

As cheesy as it sounds, that Girl Scout tune “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold,” couldn’t be more true.

Thank goodness for weekends that remind me of some of my favorite friendships, and hallelujah for the weekend’s cure—Waffle House coffee and an All-Star Special! Mmm Mmm Mmm

 

PS—keep an eye out soon for a recap from my first post-grad Carolina Cup!

Workin' for the weekend

For those out there in the real world, I think we can all agree with one thing—we live for the weekends!

Living in a new city is especially exciting on the weekends, as there are many new things to explore. I have to admit—I have gotten quite hooked on a few specific places (if you can’t tell), but I’m still taking chances and trying new bars, restaurants, stores, etc.

A few weeks back I played my favorite role as hostess once again for Alli and Chris! After a small mishap (taking a wrong turn and ending up in the ghetto), the twosome arrived ready to party! Naturally, Alli was frantic because she didn’t have time to get a bottle of champagne. She should’ve known better—I keep my fridge stocked with bubbly at ALL times!

After toasting to the start of a great weekend, we headed to one of those spots I’m hooked on! Aspen Bartini

We started with a round of shots from our fave bartender—thanks, Michelle!

Reunion!

 

We called it an early-ish night to prepare ourselves for Saturday’s festivities. I couldn’t help but take the guests to Sweetwater—ok, I’ll admit, this is one of those places I can’t get enough of, but $10 for 6 half pours is too good to be true!

Some of you may wonder how we manage to survive these marathon Saturdays full of non-stop sipping and munching…well, the trick is easy, keep it going!

While Taylor and Chris did some manly bonding (probably involving FIFA and bourbon), the girls went back to my house for spinach dip and a few more cocktails by the fire!

As expected, we took our guests to Decatur, which is yet again one of those places I’ve become totally obsessed with. Naturally, we went to Brickstore and enjoyed a quick brew before sitting down in a cozy nook to enjoy a delicious dinner!

We started with an assortment of yummy appetizers—sausage and grit cakes, pretzels and hummus. Then, Taylor enjoyed a slice of Shepherd’s Pie—delicious!

 

And thanks to Alli, we ended the meal with some delicious Tittle Pop, Brickstore’s tasty spin on traditional caramel corn!

The next morning, we headed to J. Christopher’s which is a casual breakfast chain. The bright colors seen throughout this quirky eatery always give me a good laugh. The quiche, however, is nothing to laugh about—yum!

 

After Alli and Chris headed back to the City of Dreams (Cola), Alli (roomie, not guest) and I had the privilege of hosting a Stella & Dot trunk show. Alli handled the food because, as we all know, the girl can seriously bake!! I stuck to what I do best—purchasing, serving and consuming cocktails!

 

We had such a great Sunday Funday shopping right from our own living room!

Just two weekends later, I welcomed another South Carolina couple—my mom and soon-to-be (eventually) stepdad!

After some manual labor (it’s impossible for my parents to visit without doing a little furniture moving), we headed to Decatur for some St. Patrick’s Day fun. It was a gorgeous day and a perfect time to try out a pub besides Brickstore. I have to say, Mac McGee's is definitely a new fave. They had an encyclopedia-sized book of whiskeys....Scott and Taylor were in heaven!

 

For dinner, we decided to try Leon's Full Service, and I was very impressed. I was finally able to try Dogfish Head’s Aprihop (after lusting after my sister’s Instagram photo), and my brisket sandwich, fries and goat cheese fondue were on point!

 

Scott was even able to cross an item off his bucket list—trying absinthe, a highly alcoholic beverage which was previously thought to cause hallucinations (I'm guessing some time in the 60s & 70s). The report: no hallucinations, and it tasted like stale licorice. Won’t be trying that any time soon!

So I’ll continue exploring ATL and working for my weekends—stay tuned for tales from a Charleston wedding, and in a few weeks, the biggest event for any Gamecock alum—Carolina Cup! Keep ya posted!

Embracing ATL one cocktail at a time!

Sorry for the delay, folks! I’ve been SUPER busy exploring Atlanta and hosting some fabulous friends!

 A few weekends back I thought it was necessary for ATL to get another taste of good ol’ Clinton, South Carolina, so Miss EmyKate came for a visit!  She even brought along Hannah, a fellow South Carolinian (and a Gamecock fan).

First stop on our list was El Taco (http://www.eltaco-atlanta.com/) in Virginia Highlands, which is quickly becoming one of my fave spots in Atlanta! I suggest trying the fried chicken taco—you can’t go wrong with that!

On Saturday, we made our way to the Promised Land—aka a strip mall with a TJ Maxx, DSW, Nordstrom Rack, etc. Most of my friends will tell you that I struggle finding my way around Atlanta, but I have no problem navigating myself to any TJ Maxx within a 10-mile radius.

With some shopping under our belt, we headed to a new little hotspot, Aspen Bartini! (http://www.aspenbartini.com/)

Not only is this place so cozy you actually feel like you’re in Aspen, they have killer cocktails (at amazing prices) and the help isn’t bad either! ;)

Thanks for being a wonderful host, Michelle!

 

I munched on the Angus Sliders and enjoyed a classic mojito! Yum!

 

To cure our post-Saturday night blues, I took Emy and Hannah to Joy Café (http://www.joycafeatl.com/) —a quaint restaurant Taylor and I discovered my first month in Atlanta. Plus we saw Tony Gonzales there, so I knew we needed to go back!

Although there were no celeb sightings this trip, I was more than pleased with my gravy biscuits, and we got to try the most delicious cupcakes I’ve ever tasted, ON THE HOUSE!

       

 

The following week, I was in for a major treat, my very first NBA game. As previously mentioned, I am working hard to become a devout Atlanta sports fan so I decided to cheer on the Hawks as they dominated the Memphis Grizzlies. 

         

 

Everyone knows that last week was Valentine’s Day, and despite the anti-Vday feelings from some people, I jump at the chance to celebrate any holiday!

After exchanging gifts, (I got a purse I picked out myself…and Taylor got that Upton jersey he’s been dying for), we headed to Decatur and the Iberian Pig (http://www.theiberianpigatl.com/index) for a delicious tapas dinner!

                 

 

 

We started with a Valdeon—a delicious bleu cheese made with goat’s and cow’s milk. Our server told us this cheese won Best Bleu Cheese in the world—not sure how accurate that is, but it was tasty!

We chose three small plates—eggplant fries, manchego mac ‘n’ cheese and lamb ribs—all great choices!

                                 And for dessert, espresso crème brulee!

 

With my post-holiday blues setting in, I decided a homemade brunch was just what I needed. Since moving to Atlanta and starting my full-time job, I am trying to cook more, for my bank account’s sake and just for experience!

I have tried numerous Pinterest-inspired recipes, but this one might just be the best!

 

Breakfast pizza—crescent roll dough, eggs, sausage and cheese—AH-mazing, and SO easy! Check out the full recipe here à http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/breakfast-pizza-10000000522124/

This past Saturday was an eventful night, as we attended a law school auction—we’re so grown up! We had a great time reliving our youth and celebrating grown-up perks like open bars! ;)

 

Showing some Gamecock pride!

 

 

So not much has changed in the past month—just exploring the city one drink and one meal at a time!

 

Stay tuned for highlights of a weekend visit from Shawn and David—hide your growlers, folks, the Ashevillians are comin’ to town!