October 28, 2011

Four years ago, we lost one of the most beautiful people - inside and out. That same day Heaven gain an even more beautiful angel. Every year on this day I see the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I think it is her way of sending her sign <3

Cassidy Fae - I miss you everyday, and I keep you in my heart.

FaveRED

All RED STARBURTS! OMG - I literally think I died and went to heaven! I do not how long this amazing idea has been on the market, but I just found out about this urban food myth this week and was bound and determined to get them immediately! Not only are they all red, but there is a WATERMELON! If you didn't know before this all my favorite things are watermelon. That being said, if you do not already own stock in Starburts, it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy in now, because I can guarantee I will keep their stocks up now with this amazingness! 

Sunday Funday

Southern Ground Food & Music Festival

Good food. Cold beer. Great friends. Eric Church & Zac Brown. Could you honest think of a better way to spend your Sunday? I can't! So when Tena invited me to go to the First (annual we are hoping) Southern Ground Food & Music Festival I could not pass up the opportunity. Her sister won tickets for the event and could not go, which worked out in our favor! We got the the festival and walked around for a bit, had a couple of cocktails and listened to live music on a lawn - straight hippie status. After Eric Church performed we decided it was time for dinner and it just so happened the Shaina had go the night before a ate fried boiled peanuts and we were on the hunt for these first. We found them, however he was sold out (super sad face) but I picked up a menu for the restaurant and definitely plan on visiting them in the near future and suggest you do the same - check out there website here  http://www.hubeeds.com/. We settled for a Redneck Philly and Shrimp & Grits from the McCrady's/Husk tent and they both were simply AHMAZING! After dinner it was time for ZBB, so Tena & I were singing, dancing and having a good time in the field. I was about to take a picture of the stage when this random walked up to me and said "You'll never get a picture from all the way back here" I thought that was kinda rude and simply responded "You may be right, but I can at least try." At which time he gave us both wrist bands to get into the pit and up close and personal to ZBB. As usual they put on one hell of a show, and I think he gets better and better every time I see him! I am keeping my fingers crossed that the decide to do this again next year, because I most certainly will be there, and am going to upgrade to VIP tickets - this is a must! 

Oh how I love you, Zac Brown <3

Weekend Recap

(This post is a week late.)


Friday Night: Dinner with Nicole at Olive Garden
After my hellish week I work, I was looking forward to some quality time with my bestie, which was definitely over due! Between my work schedule, her work schedule, my class schedule, Maddi, Peyton and Baby K on the way, it is so hard for us to spend time together just the 2 of us. So when she called me Monday and suggested dinner I was all in. It was so good to get to catch up with her, and see her growing baby bump - which is so cute by the way, unfortunately I did not bring my camera, and didn't get an updated baby bump picture. This I will have to change soon! 


Saturday: Memory Walk - 5K Alzheimer's walk
This 5Ks are getting kind of addicting, and it is an addiction I am willing to have! After last weekends Race for the Cure, I wanted to support my good friend Cindy Zeigler who lost her  dad last year from this awful disease. It was held at Patriot's Point the weather was beautiful and the race course was wonderful, we walked up through Patriot's Point and along the harbor through the Yorktown. Unlike the other races I have done, this one was strictly a walk, so we walked and it took us about an hour. After the race I swung over the Julie's to see her a Mason since I was on her side of town. Perfect ending to race day, playing with my favorite baby boy!


Saturday Night: Melissa's Bacherlorette 

OH LORD! A bacherlorette party with the craziest girls I know, I knew I was in for a FUN NIGHT. But first I had a paper for Nutrition in which I had to get completed before I could do anything that night. The limo was picking us up at 8:00 and so by the time I got home from shopping with Kim I only had 3 1/2 hours to get my paper, shower and get ready for the party.  To be honest - I did not think this was possible, but looks like I should have had more faith. I submitted my paper at 6:59, showered, got ready and got to Jenny's at 7:55. Still to this day I do not know how the hell I even did it, but it happened. As soon as I got there I slammed back 2 glasses of champagne just in time for the limo to pick us up and get the real party started! First stop - Wild Wing. Then to Market Street so Melissa could shake it on the bar one last time, there was a dueling bacherlorette dance off - which clearly we won. From there we got separated and Jenny, Kim and I headed to Tsunami's for some apple saki and a sushi roll, we finally got in touch with the rest of the girls, and headed to the Pavilion Rooftop for champagne. We danced the rest of the night away at Light, where we danced, drank, busted our asses (Kim & I are guilty) and laughed all night. It was a good way to celebrate Melissa last night out as a single lady. In one week I will have to pleasure of attending the wedding of Mike & Melissa and could not be happier for the two of them.

Mayonnaise Jar & 2 Beers

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes".

The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed...

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions - and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls."

"The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. The rest, well, just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and asked what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, "I'm glad you asked. The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there is always room for a couple of beers with a friend."

Race for the Cure

17 years & MANY more

Every year I do the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in memory of all the women who have lost their battle with breast cancer, and in honor of the ones who have beat it, especially Becky Lisk Williams. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago and had to make the decision to have a mastectomy because the lumpectomy revealed the lump was actually a malignant tumor. She has been cancer free for the past 17 years and truly is a survivor in every sense of the word. I am so proud to have such a strong woman be such a big part of my life.  

Aunt Becky, Dad, Aunt Beverly

Saturday, October 15, 2011 was the annual Race for the Cure in Daniel Island at the Family Circle Cup Stadium. Much like the years passed I registered my family, friends and myself for the race. After registering for the race I thought it would be such an honor if Aunt Becky would come to Charleston and do the race with us. So, dad called and invited her and she was  hesitant but excited. I think she thought the day would be sad, but I ensured her it is so empowering and uplifting. With that being said, Aunt Becky and Terri were now officially registered to do the 5K with us! While we were at it, we extended the invitation to Aunt Beverly (who lives in Ridgewood) to come for the race, she took a few days to work out her schedule but within days of the phone call she was set to fly in for the race. Not only did we add Aunt Becky, Aunt Beverly & Terri to the team this year... We added Lauren Nelli, Vicki, Tammy Fowler, and Cassie & Matt Parker. We had a great turn out! We have already began planning next years race, and will be doing much, much, much more fundraising! Rumor has it that Charleston raised over $1 million for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer research. That is just amazing! The actually numbers aren't it, but I will update once they are! 

 

Lauren, Katie, Danielle, Me & Tammy

The whole weekend was a BLAST and it was so great to share this experience with my close friends and family. I am hoping next year we will have even more on our team and will have time enjoy more of the race day events. 



Also, I set a new personal best for a 5K at 47 minutes. And have decided that I will be continue my journey on getting healthy, and will run the whole thing next year! Fingers crossed :)

Taste of Charleston 2011

Taste of Charleston was a little different from years past. First off, this year it was 2 day event. Secondly, Southern Living sponsored this years festivities, which brought out more vendors than years past and added a culinary village - which included onsite cooking demonstrations, shag lessons and a photo booth. And I had the opportunity to be right in the middle of it all! (Thank you Culinary Institute of Charleston) When we were told we were going to be helping with the Taste this year, no one had any idea what we were going to be doing. I was just excited for any chance to get my foot in the door and get some experience under my belt. And not to mention I could not wait to where my cute new Sperry's I got. :)

Sunday morning I woke up hungover excited for the day, well that was until I stepped outside and realized it was gloomy and nasty which made me want to crawl back in bed - and all the champagne from Saturday night was not helping this either. I got to Boone Hall in no time, didn't hit any traffic and parking was so organized. Another thing that was new this year, they hired a "parking company" from Florida to organize the traffic/parking for this event. Great idea! Hopefully this is something they will consider for the future (fingers crossed!) Once inside the Culinary Village, each CIC Hospitality Ambassador was assigned to a Southern Living mentor and they gave us our plans for the day. My mentor was Angel, and we were in charge of the "Fitness Buddies" tent. I was thriiiillled about this. Well it really isn't as bad as it sounds, we were in charge of signing people up for shag lesson, once I heard this I was so relieved! And really how much fun was that going to be... Shagging all day! It really did turn into a wonderful day, I learned so much from Angel and I got to be "hands-on" with everything. 

Clearly, I did not spend ALL DAY working, I did actually get to enjoy the Taste of Charleston. So as soon I got my "lunch" break my first stop was the Beer Garden (duh!). Well technically it was the second, I had to get my wristband and tickets! Once I had beer in hand, I was ready for some yummy food... 

• 82 Queen - Crabcake slider with mixed greens and apple bacon remoulade
• Tommy Condon's: Pimento cheeseburger
• Hyman's: SheCrab Soup
• Rita's: Fried corn on the cob with cilantro ranch
• Kaminsky's: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Culinary Institute of Charleton Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastries had a booth this year, and every time I walked by there was always a line. This is HUGE for them. This gave Charleston the opportunity to see what the up and coming chefs are made of. The students at CIC right now will be the ones working in all the restaurants in Charleston in the near future. I just think that is really really great!

The whole day turned out wonderfully! The weather held up for the most part - except when the bottom dropped out while I was on the way to get my cupcakes (ugh!). I learned a lot from Angel who let me take the "reigns", got to experience how an event of the magnitude was put on, ate really great food, got a few shag lessons and wear super cute shoes! :) 

There is no doubt in my mind if I am given the chance to be a part of Taste of Charleston 2012... I would do it in a heartbeat! But I will make sure I go enjoy Taste the day I don't have to work, there was so much to do in so little time!

Housewarming & SURPRISE Proposal

Saturday was Charlie & Jenny's housewarming party. 

I had a lot to do before the party: finish my Nutrition project, take a Nutrition test, buy khakis for Taste of Charleston and last but not least... watch the Carolina/Kentucky game (see blog below!). Needless to say, I had a busy morning and knew there was no way I was going to have it all done before the party started at 2:00. I got everything done, and still managed to get everything checked off my "to-do" list and was headed to the party at 4:00 - I know, but I had to be fashionably late, right? I ran by Publix to grab beer, and while I was there I thought champagne would even better, so grabbed beer and 2 bottles of champagne and headed the party. 

As I was en route to the housewarming party, Charlie decided it would be the perfect time to thank all their friends and family for celebrating their new house and new chapter in their life. Sweet right? Well he continued on about their relationship, and they journey they took to get them where they were today. At this point she asked her to stand, and he proceeded to ask her to marry him! She was completely caught off guard and replied "Are you SERIOUS?!!" and the "YES!" I was on the phone with Julie getting directions right after this excitement, and she couldn't help but tell me. As soon as I got to the house, the newly engaged couple happen to be standing in the garage, which gave me a moment to congratulate them one on one before we joined the rest of the party. I guess it is a good thing I brought the champagne!! We popped the first bottle right away, and continued to celebrate the two of them all night! 

I couldn't be happier for the two of them! 

Sometimes 54 is Enough

After losing to unranked Auburn last weekend, Carolina really needed to get it together for the Kentucky game. It had been announced earlier in the week that this would be Conner Shaw's game - he was not only starting the game, but was to play the whole game as long as he has no injuries. After how horribly distracted Stephen Garcia was last week, I was almost certain Conner would be much better quarterback choice for Saturday. And boy was I right! Not only did Conner throw beautiful passes, he also knows how to run the ball and the best part he plays using his head. The whole team was "on" Saturday, they made minimal mistakes, a lot of great plays and not to mention A LOT OF TOUCHDOWNS! 

Felicite

I  would like to introduce the newest member of Haley's Closet. 

Her name is Felicite, and it was honestly love at first sight. I love the classic look of the peep-toe, and the funkiness of the wood heel. This is the perfect shoe to spice up a casual everyday outfit, and still can complement a "night on the town" outfit! 

The Curse of the Auburn Tiger

Seriously! There is not actually proof of this "curse", but yesterday afternoon while I am sitting at the Carolina/Auburn game with Tena & Jamie watching our boys play like a high school football team, Garcia throw more interceptions than I thought possible and watched as our offense could not score on the worst defense in our conference, another loyal Carolina fan put this bug in my ear. He also informed the me and the rest of section 11 that we have not been able to beat Auburn since 1933, and this year, being our "best year" we still could not do it. Even with the great talent we have on the team this year. This really makes me think... Maybe, there is a "Curse of the Auburn Tigers" again the USC Gamecocks. 

Other than that upsetting loss, the horrible play calling (up the middle does not work - let's try something else next week) and all the mistakes, I had a wonderful time at one of my favorite places to be Williams-Brice. It was perfect football weather! Not to hot. Not to cold. Just right! We tailgated with Nancy & Ashley in their normal tailgate spot and much to our surprise - the Lindsey twins tailgated right beside us! (Let me be honest with you... Before yesterday I did not know who they were. They both played for USC in like 2003-2007, one was an offensive lineman, and one was a defensive lineman. Well now they one a catering company in Mobile, AL, the food is amazing I must add. And they aren't bad to look at either) It is a good thing we all look our best, especially since we were all in garnet and black :) The plan was to go to Wild Wing in the Vista after the game to see Ellen Drive play. After a couple of beers and the hours of waiting for the traffic to die down we ultimately decided that we would head home to Charleston, to get home early enough to go out at home. Well that was the plan anyway...

As we are headed to I-26 to start our trip back to the Holy City, some jerk ran right into the back of Jamie's truck. We were at a complete stop and he clearly was to intoxicated to notice the break lights and hit us going at least 40 miles per hour. Great way to end the night, right?! Thankfully, no way is seriously injured, just achy and sore. If that guy was an Auburn fan I would have 100% blamed the accident on the "Curse of the Auburn Tiger", he wasn't so it was just pure bad luck. 

Hopefully next year, we will be able shake this curse and actually beat Auburn. But if Auburn is the only "Tigers" we loss to this year - I will still be a happy girl! GO GAMECOCKS!