Hanging Out At…Whisk, Theodora Park, Candlefish, and Sugar Bakeshop

September 16, 2016September 16, 20162 Comments

It’s been rainy for days here and I’ve been cooped up in the apartment going insane. So when I woke up yesterday morning and saw that it was sunny, I knew I had to take advantage. This meant that I actually dried my hair, straightened it, and put on a full face. Top: Gaze USA via TJ Maxx. I got 4 compliments on this top! Woo Hoo!!

Denim Shorts: Target (This are SO cute, but unfortunately, they ride up showing everyone your sweet cheeks…They’re only good if you’re standing still) Maybe “appropriate length denim shorts” should be in an On The Hunt post…

First up: Early lunch at Whisksource

The interiors of this place are just so cute! It was too weird for me to take a photos, so Please enjoy the blurry photo I found online 🙂 It was the only one that looked the most accurate to what it looks like now!I tried the Power Bowl Salad (spinach, romaine, chicken, bacon, cheddar, tomato, avocado, flax seed, Whisk vinaigrette) and the Tropical Verde Juice (pineapple, kale, oranges, ginger). The guy at the counter was super nice and really helpful. He gave me some samples of juice to help me figure out what I wanted. The verdict is that it was just alright. Their Whisk Vinaigrette is similar to a Green Goddess-type dressing, but it wasn’t as flavorful as I had hoped. I don’t know what I was really expecting from a salad and juice. It was definitely edible (and I definitely ate) but maybe I’d try a smoothie the next time…At least I went and tried it!Note the Dreams of Joy book in the background…lol

Second Stop: Reading in Theodora ParkThis whole city is so quiet, but in the residential Ansonborough neighborhood, there is a quiet little park with a reflection pool and small tables. It’s so peaceful here. Not too many tourists, so it makes a perfect spot for afternoon reading. I have to admit, these photos were taken a few days ago when I walked by there at sunset, but the #currentmood was still the same…

Third Stop: Perusing Candlefish source

This boutique candle shop is a sensory dream come true. It smelled like heaven, the visual displays were phenomenal, and the music was chill.

This is their scent bar, where you choose which scents you want mix together, if you make your own candle! They have several workshop dates, and I definitely plan on attending one!Love those branch candles! And the candles on this display…I can’t even…Illlume’s Pumpkin Peppercorn candle for $22 was like an autumnal paradise! Apothecary’s Tobacco and Patchouli was also reminiscent of a sweet pipe smoking lounge 🙂

And these flowers were absolute perfection to me:These lovely block prints are also available through Perla Anne Press on Etsy or at the Charleston Farmers Market!

And I couldn’t help but chuckle at these cheeky dishes:

Speaking of portion control, onto the sweetest stop on the tour!

Fourth Stop: Indulging in mini cupcakes at Sugar BakeshopLike, really, this is the cutest shop ever. It looks like a bakery out of a dream! I walked by here the other day, but it was already closed, so I decided to take advantage of my day and take the 20 minute trek to the other side of town to snag me some sweets. I quickly picked out my 3 mini guys: Vanilla, Almond, and Coconut. Truth be told, I think I should have arrived earlier when the cupcakes were freshly baked. I’m afraid Dia Doce’s are still the winner, even after sitting for a week…As soon as I walked out, the clouds started rolling in and it was dark. I booked it out of there, just in time to be caught in the most extreme downpour I’ve ever experienced without an umbrella. I was slipping out of my shoes, the cardboard carrying box was disintegrating in my hands, a raindrop fell into my mascara’d eye, completely removing any and all traces of makeup, my straightened hair was completely drenched, and my top was so sopping wet that I could actually wring it out. This is me as soon as I got home…

And as soon as I dried off, the rain stopped completely. That’s what I get for eating cupcakes…

❤

19 at 3, 30 at 4

September 13, 2016September 13, 2016Leave a comment

What a crazy day I had on Friday!

I worked most of the day, so by the time I got out of the house for the first time, it was already 3:00. I was unshowered, hair in a ponytail, and had on a grey H&M t-shirt that I’ve been wearing around the house for 3 days, some black Express leggings and white Rocket Dog tennis sneakers. No photo is needed to show the manginess of my appearance, but here’s what I’d like to think I looked like…

3:00 pm-I wanted to check out the Barnes and Noble to refresh my book collection, but while walking there, I realized that B&N is the College of Charleston’s bookstore. I have to say, I had a little pep in my step, knowing that, at 30, I still looked like I could pass for one of these 19 year-old kids. (Ugggh, just saying “kids” shows how NOT like them I am …) But I felt great in my little white shoes and ankle leggings strolling the streets, heading to the bookstore, walking home from class, maybe headed to meet some friends at the quad…smh…

I’ve already breezed through 2 books and wasn’t in the mood to start something serious-as in my last book that I brought with me, Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. So, I walked to the section for David Sedaris (who is, like, the absolute best in humor). And interestingly, it was perched on the shelf only 1 book away from the book that I was trying to avoid…unbelievable.

On my way out, I passed by a backpack that reminded me of my own school days. I don’t think I’ve thought about that purple Jansport since my sophomore year of high school (so, like 14 4 years ago…)

4:00 pm-Afterwards, I walked around King Street and found this beautiful jewelry store called Croghan’s Jewel Box. source

They advertised antiques and vintage pieces, which I love. Coincidentally, they were having a trunk show of one of the designers, Single Stone. Before I knew it, I was whisked upstairs and entered a room with crystal chandeliers and tea sandwiches and champagne and women in expensive dresses and glittering jewelry, and suddenly, every wonderful feeling I had about passing as a college student disappeared completely, and all I wanted was to appear cultured and fabulous and rich and beautiful and 30*.

Funny how that works, right?

*Disclaimer: Lucky for me, when I shower, I do actually feel cultured and fabulous and rich and beautiful and 30 🙂

Hanging Out At…Brown Dog Deli

September 12, 2016September 12, 2016Leave a comment

My high-school friend, Liz, texted me the other day (even though she just had the sweetest baby girl, Delaney!) to tell me about Brown Dog Deli, a restaurant she tried when she was here a few years ago.

She recommended the “Apple Butter Jeans” sandwich…

So that’s just what I got!It was really, really good. The brie was all melty, and the apples were all tangy, and the bread was perfectly crisp.

Here was my view as I enjoyed my late lunch at Waterfront Park:

She also suggested Kilwins for the Salted Caramel Apple. Although I didn’t try one that day, I promised her (and myself) that I wouldn’t leave Charleston without snagging one at some point 🙂

Thank you Liz for the suggestion!

As for what I wore, this lunch occurred on the same day as my Acquisitions escapade 🙂

❤

Hanging Out At…Hyman’s Seafood

September 11, 2016September 11, 2016Leave a comment

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The other night, I went out to Hyman’s Seafood for Restaurant Week. It wasn’t the best meal I’ve ever had. I got the Wadmalaw Delight as an appetizer and the Carolina Delight as an entree.

Wadmalaw Delight

Local fried green tomatoes served on creamy grits and topped with Carolina cream sauce, cheese and cajun seasoning.

Carolina Delight

Shrimp and Grits taken up a notch. Our #1 Appetizer! Lightly fried grit cake topped with your choice of shrimp, Salmon croquette or salmon. Covered with a creamy, rich garlic alfredo sauce then sprinkled with a hint of Cajun seasoning. Decadent and delicious!

I should have known that because they were both some kind of “delight”, that they would taste identical. It was just too much of the same flavor and so heavy, I was just over it within the first few bites. The Key Lime Pie for dessert was the best part, which you would know, if you follow me on Insta 🙂

The service was really good though. The waiter was friendly and the owner came over and said if we had any suggestions about how to make things better, then they wanted to know. I did appreciate that, but it was difficult to describe what could have made it better. After talking to more locals, I was told it was a touristy spot. But whatever, what you REALLY cared about was what I was wearing, right?

Well, I don’t want to disappoint!

This cute chevron maxi dress was a gift. I think it was purchased from a shop found from Pinterest (similar). Speaking of Pinterest, a few years ago, I uploaded a photo of me in this dress the first time I wore it, and it ended up being my “Most Pinned Pin” ever, at over 1,000 re-pins! Earrings are from Charming Charlie (similar)

Hanging Out At…Acquisitions

September 11, 2016September 11, 20161 Comment

Although you may see me on lots of adventurous trips, I actually have been working for my job back at home quite a bit. So in between answering emails, directing my Maintenance staff in Philadelphia, putting out more “fires”, reviewing invoices, and selecting ceramic tile, I’m trying to peruse shops and try new restaurants here in the late afternoons.

I’m seriously cramming as much in as possible, which means that when I get home, sometimes I just can’t bear the thought of getting right back onto a computer to sum it up again in a post. So, I’m slightly overdue for including you on my adventure this past week…I walk past Acquisitions every time I’m out and about, so I thought I’d finally check it out. After an embarrassing pull on almost every one of the 5 doors around the building, I finally walked around the entire place only to discover that the entrance was the very last door in the very back of the building…

Here are my treasures!

Some of the pieces were brand new, like this white bamboo dresser. I would love to see this nestled in between 2 twin beds in my “daughter’s” room.

I just loved the pom pom/fringe blanket. I’ve seen these more and more recently, and I’m totally feelin the trend. This sectional was not only good-looking, but also really comfortable. Imagine that! All of their newer furniture was made in North carolina

This pretty chair was a beautiful mint green color. I t was hard to tell in this photo, so I took another one with a discontinued Dash & Albert Rug. The rug was so soft, I could only imagine how snuggly it would feel on bare feet 🙂

And some were antiques!

This was a Swedish daybed, and the intricate carving was just beautiful 🙂

There was something about this old chair (and it’s matching friend) that I really liked. I think it was the worn arms. You have to wonder about the people who touched them so many times that the paint wore away. The cane seat definitely needed to be redone. Even with the cushion, I sunk down a little too far into the seat.

As always, I know you want to know what I wore 🙂Embroidered Top: J Crew Factory

White Shorts: J Crew Factory

❤

Hanging Out At…Poogan’s Smokehouse

September 10, 2016September 10, 2016Leave a comment

It’s Restaurant Week in Charleston (hooray!!) So, tonight, I decided to try out Poogan’s Smokehouse. It’s sister restaurant, Poogan’s Porch was a place I visited in April and also happened to undergo a renovation by my Charleston Interior Designer cyber-friend, Deidre at Leaf Interior Design.

There was a 30 minute wait, so I decided to try this bar down the street. And who should pass by me as I walked in? Southern Charm’s infamous Shep Rose…

I sat outside in the most beautiful weather ever and enjoyed the scenery of several drunk Bachelor Parties stumbling down the street…

Let’s start my review with the service. My waiter, Mike, was great! He was super nice and really helped me figure out what to get. He recommended the Smoked Pork Belly and Hash and Rice. I’m not really a fatty meat girl, so I went for the Mac and Cheese, Tennessee Hot Chicken Sandwich (hot sauce on the side) with Hash and Rice, and Chocolate Bread Pudding for dessert. Oh, and just so you know, as I’m writing this, I’m still feeling the effects of my Spiced Banshee 🙂

Unfortunately, I had 2 bites of my entree and already needed to box everything up. The beer before dinner really filled me up 😦

But the few bites that I did have were really good. The Mac and Cheese was really flavorful. The chicken sandwich was juicy with just enough spice. The Hash and Rice was really decadent and kind of melted in your mouth. And I didn’t even see my Chocolate Bread Pudding! It’s in the fridge waiting to be devoured tomorrow.

For about 50ish dollars I now have meals for 2 days!

Definitely worth it!

And as always, here’s what I wore. I call this look Beach Chic, since I took a shower after working out earlier this morning and then ended up at the beach later this afternoon. I quickly rinsed off, but didn’t feel like doing my hair…Denim Ruffle Dress: Target

Necklace: Francesca’s

❤

Meetup.com

September 9, 2016September 11, 2016Leave a comment

A few days ago, my cosmopolitan cousin, Margot, suggested that I try joining meetup.com to make some friends around here. It’s a great site that has different groups based on interests. So, I joined a group with lots of girls that like to explore restaurants, drink wine, read books, and do the same kinds of things that I like.

The first event that I signed up for was a wine and painting night at Wine and Design in Mt. Pleasant. These venues are pretty popular right now, but I had never been to one. I was a little nervous, feeling like all of these girls had been friends forever, and here I was…but there were plenty of newbies there, so it was good!

We painted a picture of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge “at dusk”:

Iron Man and I are avid fans of Bob Ross, and there was one particular episode when he was doing the reflection on water (fast forward to 17:53), and it was literally like our heads exploded. Obviously, I wanted the same reflection effect with my painting, and, while it’s no Bob Ross, I think it might be my favorite part.

I probably would have picked other colors or another image that I felt like would fit better in my home, but I like that it is a Charleston landmark. After this, I actually realized that I find painting super relaxing!

Again, the Universe made me think I went to the event just to find friends, but I also discovered a new way to unwind 🙂

❤

Hanging Out At…The Old Village Post House Inn

September 5, 20162 Comments

Like I mentioned in my post last night, I really wanted to try the Old Village Post House. I saw it featured somewhere and I felt like it was the kind of place I would want to try.

Here’s the menu:

I ordered the Burrata Salad and added Grilled Shrimp. I know it doesn’t really go together, but I really wanted the salad and I really wanted grilled shrimp. I also ordered the Reisling. Everything was absolutely incredible. I mean, how good can a salad and shrimp be? Well, the salad dressing was already mixed into the arugula. Typically, I don’t love arugula and I also ways like my dressing on the side, but I can help it-this was good! And the prosciutto was all crispy, like bacon. Oh yeah, my bill, including tip was $41.76. Eeeeeeeek! The most expensive salad and wine. Ever. But worth it. YES!!! This is one of those meals that I might need to go back for.

And here is the lovely patio where I sat. The breeze was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold.
And the waitress was SUPER nice and let me walk around AND photograph as much as I wanted! Now you get to reap the benefits 🙂

This looks exactly like what I imagine South Carolina to look like before anything was built.

And since the restaurant didn’t open until later, I had some time to walk around first! Count on me to be the Camera Creeper. People must think I’m crazy, or a restaurant reviewer…

This one looks like it wants to be loved!

❤

Hanging Out At…Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island

September 4, 2016September 11, 20162 Comments

Today I slept in (way later than I’ll ever admit to), then finally made my way over to Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island.

I wanted to find a restaurant that was recommended online (future post to follow), but I had some time before they opened back up for dinner, so I stopped at the Antiques Market.Upon walking in, I realized that it was one of those “antique malls” that my Dad likes to say is “mostly filled with junk!” He really does have a way with words, doesn’t he? 🙂
Well, amidst the junk, you know I was able to find some treasures!

Some Asian furniture, that were pretty good prices, considering I bought something similar to this for work and it was 3x the price…

Didn’t love the piece below for my personal home, but I had to admire the ornate detail of the mother of pearl carving 🙂

I thought the hardware on this piece was one of the prettiest things about this piece. It’s so delicate! Look at this campaign style dresser for only $169!! In my mind, I had repainted it a beautiful lacquered black. Or sweet lavender. Or kelly green. Or coral pink.

Here are some metallic pieces

This reminded me of a miniature Ark of the Covenant…

I’m just LOVING these traditional mirrors, like maybe over top of an acrylic console?

All polished up, this wooden bead chandy could be lovely!

These are curtain tie-backs, which I have already mentally “installed” in my Charleston apartment’s living area, when I redid the place. LOL Look at these mini candlesticks. Aren’t they cute? They were only $14.50 each!

This XL copper bucket would be beautiful filled with firewood. It was only $50, which is a steal! If I had a fireplace, this may have come home with me.

More trunks:

Imagine this wood tool chest opened and filled with sky blue hydrangeas!

Some fun animal inspired trinkets: This little fox hook would be perfect in a little boy’s room for jackets and hats 🙂

Several ginger jars:

And more generally cool stuff…I would just LOVE to host a party where all of the glasses were this rich plum shade!

That’s an old tobacco basket!

A beautiful NARROW 33″ wide farmhouse dining table

Cool doors and windows:

Sometimes, the best pieces are actually display pieces, like this cool bamboo shelf. I mentally put it in an all white bathroom, complete with mosaic marble tiled floors. I cleared off all of the crappy things and placed fresh, fluffy, white towels rolled up, next to artisanal soaps and glass apothecary jars filled with cotton balls. On the walls are small, framed John Audubon prints. If that didn’t give you a visual, I’m not sure what will! Sometimes, the display pieces are not for sale…like this beautiful mantle.

Headboards:

How cool are these old scuba masks? The kind of thing I would just love to incorporate into a kid’s “underwater” themed room!

Sometimes you see funny things too, like this rope chandelier:
HA!

But the funniest thing happened when I was looking at these old photographs:There weren’t a ton of people in the store, so it was strange when this elderly woman came right up to the small corner where I was standing looking at these photos. She remarked, “Wow! I’m sure all these people are dead!” Then picked up one of a woman in Victorian clothes and said, “Well, I know SHE’S dead!” And then proceeded to thumb through the stack of photos proclaiming, “Dead…Dead…That one’s dead…” So I actually started to walk away when she called out, “That’s where we’ll all end up…in an antique’s shop!” HA! Well, that made me chuckle!

This alabaster lamp base was the one thing that I really hated to leave behind. It was a little bit more than I want to spend when I’m on a limited budget. Especially when I don’t really need a lamp. But it was SOOO cute. Such a sweet size, so perfectly carved. I was worried about the wiring, but that’s something that could easily be fixed, right?

Next door was a shop called Steven Shell Living.It very much reminded me of Nadeau in Manayunk, Philadelphia (which they also have a location in Charleston!)

I thought these little whale bookends were so classy for a beach house.

In person, this chandelier was HUGE! Look at the scale of it next to the barstool behind it!

And who couldn’t be pleased with this scalloped edge dining table??

And obviously, this posts includes what I wore!

White Lace-Trimmed T-shirt: J Crew Factory

Pink Scalloped Shorts: Monteau via TJ Maxx

Bag: Kayla Striped Crossbody via Francesca’s

Until next time! ❤

Hanging Out At…McCrady’s Tavern

September 4, 2016September 4, 20163 Comments

I have a list of several restaurants I want to hit up while I’m here. On the list was McCrady’s. The original McCrady’s is moving to a new location and undergoing a renovation, so it’s new sister restaurant, McCrady’s Tavern opened in the original location (got all that?)

Anyway, I was really craving a burger, and McCrady’s Tavern had one on their dinner menu. S0, I wore The Charleston Dress and some Nine West Outlet wedges (similar) and went to get my feast on.

First, it’s located in the sweetest of alleys, 2 Unity Alley to be exact. Stupidly, I didn’t take any photos of the outside. I was a girl on a mission, OK??

source

Since I was alone and didn’t have a reservation, I did have to sit at a communal table. It felt slightly awkward, since you’re sitting with other couples. But the uncomfortableness faded once I started drinking the McCrady’s Cobbler. It was OK, maybe I’m just not a fan of bitters. The shaved ice was delicious (yes, much to my friends’ annoyance, I always choose “crushed ice” when using their automatic ice makers in the fridge door…) But the real treat was the handleless copper mug. Divine.

Interestingly, I’m reading Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner right now. And just this afternoon, I was reading about one of the characters eating Parker House rolls at a fancy restaurant and I wondered what that meant. So, imagine my smirk when the waitress made it a point to explain that the bread that evening would be Parker House rolls. Well, I quickly realized why they are so notable. They are freakin’ amazing!! They are so soft and light *dream* The butter had a weird bite to it, which was probably for the better, so I enjoyed ~~half the loaf~~ a few pieces plain.

And I did order my burger:

As soon as I cut it in half, bernaise sauce came overflowing out of the melted cheese! Heaven! And the fries…Oh.My.God. They rival my favorite at Seasons in Williamsburg 🙂

Just as I was finishing up my burger, the alcohol kicked in, with a loud, “It’s time to start making bad decisions…”

For me, this doesn’t mean making out with strangers, this means making out with a fork smothered in lemon lime curd with torched meringue. And it was totally worth it. The portion was so big, I had enough to bring home with me and indulge tomorrow.

On my way home, I took a different route and passed by this sweet gift shop called C’est La Vie. It had the typical things you see in all boutique-y stores like this, but, in true Huntress fashion, I did some digging and rummaged through the clothing racks. I found this little beauty for $32, which I’m positive would have sold for 4x the price at boutiques down the street:

It’s kind of hard to see, but the top layers are all tiered lace, and the bottom is a linen peplum. Nothing like an unexpected bargain!

The Huntress Blog

Category: Trips