tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20513315718756557852024-03-14T08:33:36.763-04:00Lowcountry LowdownAll things Seabrook Island, South Carolina! Learn about Seabrook Island and the surrounding areas, including Kiawah Island and Charleston.OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-67774493383568766852019-03-15T15:18:00.003-04:002019-03-15T15:19:24.245-04:00St Patrick's Day CelebrationIt's here--St Patrick's Day weekend!! (y'all getting the idea I celebrate a holiday longer than its expected celebration period?? 😉 ) <br />
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This St Patrick's Day when my Mr. puts on his "Today I'm Irish" pin, he really means it. He just found out he is 11% Irish. That's enough for us all to jump up and do a little Irish jig. Lol<br />
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In honor of his (barely there) Irish heritage, I'm upping my Irish food and drink game. The Guinness, Harps, and Smithwicks beers have been purchased. PSA--please, please, please do NOT pronounce it Smith-wicks!! The W is silent. Acceptable pronunciations are "Smi-thicks","Smith-icks", and "<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "q_serif" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Smi-ddicks".</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "q_serif" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "q_serif" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">The Guinness dark chocolate cheesecake has been baked. Kevin over at<a href="tps://www.closetcooking.com/guinness-chocolate-cheesecake/" target="_blank"> Closet Cooking </a>is a Guinness genius! I'll be digging around for some more recipes to cook up.</span><br />
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Locals, <a href="https://www.lowtidebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Low Tide Brewing </a>is offering special green glitter beer this weekend. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mccannsseabrook/" target="_blank">McCann's Irish Pub</a> on Seabrook will be open Sunday, March 17 from 10 am- 10 pm! Sláinte!</div>
OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-86968363107180002892019-03-07T02:00:00.000-05:002019-03-07T08:43:21.012-05:00Coming Soon- Bohicket Marina RestaurantsIt's been a long cold winter...nah, not really. But it has been too long since I've had a Fischer's patty melt! <br />
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Hopefully, we won't have to wait much longer for the re-opening of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Sports-Bar/Fischers-Sports-Pub-and-Grill-114676745241385/" target="_blank">Fischer's Sports Pub</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lokalseabar/" target="_blank">Lokal</a>. Fingers crossed for later this month.<br />
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Now the BIG news that I've been holding back on (yes, I have kept my big mouth shut for TWO months!). A new restaurant will soon be opening at Bohicket Marina in the spot previously occupied by Red's Ice House. Any guesses??<br />
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The Salty Dog Cafe!! Salty Dog will be a great addition to the marina offering casual dining for the entire family. Word on the street is Salty Dog is trying to get open by the end of March. I'll keep you updated.OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-38716215059367658872019-03-05T07:56:00.000-05:002019-03-05T07:56:13.978-05:00Favorite ThingsThese are a few of my favorite things ♩♩♩♪♪ Sorry for the the ear worm and my radio silence. <br />
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February is my "birthday month" (my celebrations last for more than ONE day 😀 ). This February my Mr. flew me to Walt Disney World. And, it was a good thing because I had a new travel gadget to test.<br />
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First up, the <a href="https://trtltravel.com/products/trtl-travel-pillow" target="_blank">Trtl Travel Pillow</a>. It's a curious looking thing. Flexible U-shaped plastic thingie (technical term) covered in fleece. Oh, but does it work? Yes, yes it does. <br />
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Place the Trtl between your neck and your shoulder; wrap the fleece around your neck and velcro. You can now take a cat nap. If you're not a shoulder sleeper, the Trtl can be easily shifted for forward head napping. This travel pillow will be making its way across the pond with me later this year.<br />
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Second thing I'm loving, actually obsessed with, is my new<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dansko-4250130313-Womens-Charlie-Sneaker/dp/B07FYFPMSS/ref=cts_sh_2_fbt" target="_blank"> Dansko Charlie rose suede sneakers</a>. These sneakers hit the ground running on Day 1 at WDW. No socks and 30,000 steps later, my feet felt fantastic! I think I might have to order another pair of Dansko sneakers.</div>
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My third favorite item has been in my beauty arsenal for a while-- Trader Joe's single packets of coconut oil. These are great for travel! They're compliant in your carry-on luggage. Uses for coconut oil include makeup remover, body oil/lotion, even as sun protection. Yup, I used these little coconuts as lotion and light sun protection at Disney World. </div>
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What are some of your favorite things? Let me know.</div>
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OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-25948541629038301302019-02-03T13:26:00.000-05:002019-02-03T13:26:11.271-05:00Valentine's Day Gift IdeasLess than two weeks til Valentine's Day, have you thought about what you're getting your sweetie? Sure, you could make dinner reservations at any one of Charleston's fine eating establishments. But, why not try something different this year?<br />
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Below are a few ideas (strong suggestions if my Mr. is reading 😊 ):<br />
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<ul>
<li>Manicure or pedicure- <a href="https://www.thewaterroom.com/" target="_blank">The Water Room</a>, located in the Cigar Factory, 701 East Bay St, Suite 105. Trust me, this is the real deal nail salon. No strange odors, no frankenchemically made gel polishes or removers.</li>
<li>Champagne- <a href="https://www.hotelbennett.com/dine/camellias" target="_blank">Camellias Champagne Bar</a> at Hotel Bennett. The wait is over! Two decades in the making, Hotel Bennett is open. And, how spectacular it is! Head over to Camellias Champagne Bar for Valentine's Day and grab a glass (or two) of rosé for $12. Did I mention that the bar is painted pink??</li>
<li>Chocolate- <a href="https://christophechocolatier.com/" target="_blank">Christophe Artisan Chocolatier</a>, with locations downtown (90 Society St) and in West Ashley (1901 Ashley River Rd), your sweetest dreams have come true. You can't go wrong with a box of artisan chocolates, a chocolate bar, macarons, or some other bakery item. If you're looking for something that lasts a little longer, consider gifting one of <a href="https://christophechocolatier.com/collections/classes" target="_blank">Christophe's classes</a></li>
<li>Adventure- <a href="https://wildblueropes.com/" target="_blank">Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park</a>, 1595 Highland Avenue, James Island. This is something for the brave...and not so brave. I've done Wild Blue Ropes several times. Each time challenging myself to go a little farther and a little higher. WBR is offering Valentine's Date Night on February 14, 2019 for $50 per couple.</li>
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I'm off to get my Valentine's festivities planned. 💕</div>
OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-35214812436446515352019-01-24T15:58:00.001-05:002019-01-24T15:58:02.473-05:00Poogan's Porch Rollback 2019Charleston Restaurant Week has come and gone (insert sad emoji). If you're still hungry for more deals, <a href="https://www.poogansporch.com/" target="_blank">Poogan's Porch</a> (72 Queen St) has you covered.<br />
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From January 21-February 12, 2019, Poogan's will be rolling back its prices by 40% on some of its most popular menu items. You can view the <a href="https://www.poogansporch.com/rollback" target="_blank">rollback menu here.</a><br />
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To continue riding the savings train, <a href="https://www.pooganssmokehouse.com/" target="_blank">Poogan's Smokehouse</a> (188 E. Bay St) will be offering 20% of its <a href="https://www.pooganssmokehouse.com/menu" target="_blank">dinner menu</a> through February 12th. Go ahead and get yourself an order of the Buffalo pork rinds as a starter :) <br />
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<i>Tip Thursday</i>: Parking can be a challenge in Charleston. Metered street parking requires payment Monday through Saturday from 9 am -10 pm. The parking rate is $2/hour with a limit of two hours. If you want to grab a quick bite or coffee BEFORE 9 am or after 10 pm, parking's free. Metered parking is also free on Sundays and official city holidays.OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-67472949280654372032019-01-15T14:59:00.003-05:002019-01-15T14:59:51.589-05:00Charleston Restaurant Week-2019It's the yummiest time of year here in Charleston--Restaurant Week. <br />
<a href="https://restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com/city/charleston/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="https://restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com/city/charleston/" target="_blank">Charleston Restaurant Week</a> is in full swing! This year it runs from January 9-20th. Over 100 restaurants in the Charleston area are participating. <br />
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There's something for everyone-BBQ, seafood, lowcountry, Italian, French, etc. All restaurants are offering dinner specials; some brunch/lunch specials.<br />
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Make those reservations as quickly as you can!OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-33640235812148897422019-01-09T09:09:00.000-05:002019-02-03T13:28:16.896-05:00Seabrook Island RestaurantsBefore we head out to explore the restaurants of Seabrook, Kiawah, and John's Island, we need a game plan. We need a map! <br />
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Below is a current list (as of January 2019) of all the restaurants on the islands. Some restaurants are old favorites (I'm talking about you Fischer's); some are quickly becoming my family's go-to place (can I get a cheer for McCann's Irish Pub?).<br />
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<b>Seabrook Island:</b><br />
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>McCann’s Irish Pub-located outside SBI gate, 1001 Landfall Way<br />
2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fischer’s Sports Pub–Bohicket Marina <b>2/1/2019--Temporarily Closed</b><br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lokal Seabar-Bohicket Marina <b>2/1/2019--Temporarily Closed</b><br />
4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>La Fogata Mexican- Bohicket Marina<br />
5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucky Luciano’s Pizzeria-Bohicket Marina<br />
6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Ice Cream Boat- Bohicket Marina<br />
7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><strike>Red’s Ice House </strike>CLOSED<br />
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<b>Freshfields Village:</b><br />
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>La Tela Pizzeria</div>
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2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream</div>
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3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fuji Sushi</div>
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4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cantina 76</div>
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5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Porch Bar at The Andell Inn</div>
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6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>King St Grille</div>
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7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48 Wine Bar</div>
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8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Java Java Coffee</div>
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9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hege’s</div>
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10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ladles Homemade Soups</div>
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11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vincent’s Soda Fountain</div>
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12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Station Deli</div>
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13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Harris Teeter- made to order</div>
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<b>Kiawah Island Resort:</b><br />
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Ocean Room-The Sanctuary Hotel</div>
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2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Sushi Lounge-The Sanctuary Hotel</div>
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3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Bar-The Sanctuary Hotel</div>
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4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jasmine Porch- The Sanctuary Hotel</div>
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5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Loggerhead Grill- The Sanctuary Hotel</div>
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6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Beaches & Cream- The Sanctuary Hotel</div>
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7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Atlantic Room-The Ocean Course</div>
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8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ryder Cup Bar-The Ocean Course</div>
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9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tomasso-Turtle Point Golf</div>
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10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cherry Wood BBQ & Ale House- Osprey Golf </div>
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11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Night Heron Grill-Night Heron Park</div>
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12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Market at Town Center</div>
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<b>John’s Island:</b><br />
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Kava Coffee-4430 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy</div>
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2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><strike>Crave Smokehouse</strike>- CLOSED</div>
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3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Roadside Seafood- 3966 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy</div>
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4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sunrise Bistro- 1797 Main Rd</div>
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5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stono Market and Tomato Shed Café- 842 Main Rd</div>
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6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gilligan’s Seafood- 160 Main Rd</div>
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7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Baker & The Farmer- 3338 Maybank Hwy <b>2/1/2019--Closed at the location</b></div>
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8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tattooed Moose- 3328 Maybank Hwy</div>
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9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Krazy Owls- 3157 Maybank Hwy</div>
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10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seanachi Irish Pub- 3157-B Maybank Hwy</div>
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11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Southern General- 3157-E Maybank Hwy</div>
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12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fat Hen- 3140 Maybank Hwy<br />
13. The Royal Tern- 3005 Maybank Hwy</div>
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14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wild Olive- 2867 Maybank Hwy</div>
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15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Low Tide Brewing- 2863 Maybank Hwy</div>
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16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fuyu Fusion- 2817 Maybank Hwy</div>
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17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maria’s Mexican Grill- 2817 Maybank Hwy</div>
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18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>JI Pizza- 2770 Maybank Hwy<br />
19. Pluff Mudd Seafood Shack-COMING SOON (Spring 2019)-3605 Maybank Hwy</div>
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OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-8901779613871927952019-01-03T16:35:00.002-05:002019-01-03T16:35:46.457-05:00Happy New Year!!Welcome to 2019! Wait, what?? It's been over two years since I last posted? Why does real life get in the way of online life? 😃<br />
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We've got a lot of catching up to do. Let's start with my word of the year for 2019 (I gave up on "resolutions" years ago!)--EXPLORE. Pretty bold for a semi-introvert. <br />
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This year I want to EXPLORE more around my neighborhood. There have been a few changes in the Seabrook Island/Kiawah Island restaurant scene. <br />
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Shall we tackle Charleston's new restaurants too! (So many comings and goings; Did you know THE Sean Brock left Chs for Nashville?) Put on your stretchy pants and let's eat!<br />
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We can work off calories as we EXPLORE some of Charleston's popular (and not so popular) tourists' sights. Maybe a quick day trip or two?<br />
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Who's up for sports? Maybe this will be the year I get myself out to Daniel Island for the Volvo Car Open to watch world class women's tennis? Or maybe I'll dust off my golf clubs and play a few holes of golf?<br />
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Pack your Dora the Explorer backpack! We've got some exploring to do!OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-27305339634399644552016-05-04T05:41:00.000-04:002016-05-04T05:41:53.543-04:00Whiskey WednesdayHowdy, partner! It's Derby Week! <br />
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Several weeks ago I shared my preference for watching horses instead of riding them. :) I get giddy this time of year. The first Saturday of May means Kentucky Derby time! <br />
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This year I'll be traveling on Derby Day and will have to watch the race from the comfort of my hotel room. Being Derby Week means you are free to <strike>partake</strike>, er, practice test mint juleps before the big event.<br />
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The mint julep is a simple cocktail--crushed ice, mint simple syrup, and BOURBON. <br />
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I tweaked my mint simple syrup recipe and the results are delightful!<br />
<ul>
<li>2-4 cups chopped mint (feel free to use stems and all)</li>
<li>1 1/2-2 cups turbinado sugar e.g. Sugar in the Raw brand (turbinado is light brown in color and will impart a nice color. At least I think the brown of the mint simple syrup looks well suited for the bourbon)</li>
<li>1 cup water</li>
</ul>
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Mix the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to melt the sugar. Do not boil. That's another recipe ;). When the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from cooktop. Add chopped mint. Allow the mint syrup to cool. Once cooled, strain the syrup into a jar--a mason jar, or any ol' screw top jar--being sure to keep the mint OUT of the jar. Discard the "cooked" mint. The simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. </div>
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Now step back and have a good look at your wondrous creation! But not too long, we've got a mint julep to make!</div>
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Mint julep cocktail:</div>
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1/2 oz Mint Simple Syrup</div>
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2 oz Bourbon</div>
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Fresh Mint Leaves</div>
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Crushed Ice</div>
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Optional: Cocktail straw and mint as garnish </div>
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Add a few mint leaves and mint simple syrup to a chilled mint julep cup, crushing the mint leaves to impart more flavor (feel free to use a lowball or old-fashioned glass). Pack cup with crushed ice. Pour bourbon over ice. Insert straw and give the cocktail a stir. Add mint sprig for garnish. Now enjoy your Kentucky creation!</div>
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BTW, Derby is a family affair for us. My daughter, who lives up "north", will be hosting her own Derby party again this year. I have it on good authority that she has already baked her pecan tassies. She'll be prepping her toasted pecans and toasted ham and turkey sliders next. Bookmark her website, <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.oliveandclark.com/" target="_blank">Olive & Clark,</a> </b>find out what else she's cooking up for The Kentucky Derby.<br />
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<br />OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-54006211002680884032016-04-22T08:44:00.000-04:002016-04-22T08:44:38.258-04:00Fearless Friday-Traveling AloneWhen you're a parent, you rarely get time away with your partner. Alone "mommy time" happens once in a blue moon. Well, it's my blue moon time!<br />
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I'm traveling to the big city of Chicago this weekend all by myself. My older daughter lives there so it's not as if I will be ALONE the entire weekend (plus she's cat sitting so I'll have three cats to keep me company during the day). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_g9d9h0jmM-HM8L9VXvNwoDwCswrEE0hZLLAooa_MCra-qASu9hEFEJ250tfXxRARBXR63p1n-INOGQ1pjJIvZ9WuwZn3BC2oszMPLUs_qyzCc-57VBZ0sBSd1H5DaLl5VKREOghqbTC/s1600/Lowcountry+Lowdown+bag.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_g9d9h0jmM-HM8L9VXvNwoDwCswrEE0hZLLAooa_MCra-qASu9hEFEJ250tfXxRARBXR63p1n-INOGQ1pjJIvZ9WuwZn3BC2oszMPLUs_qyzCc-57VBZ0sBSd1H5DaLl5VKREOghqbTC/s200/Lowcountry+Lowdown+bag.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I'm in charge of getting from O'hare Airport to my daughter's office then to her apartment ALL BY MYSELF. <br />
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Ummm, can you keep a secret? I'm just a wee bit skeered. A fifty year old woman shouldn't be nervous about hailing her own cab but I am. <br />
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This weekend will be a good test of my gumption. <br />
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How will you test yourself this weekend??OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-24011266378049328632016-04-20T16:32:00.001-04:002016-04-20T16:32:37.947-04:00Wine WednesdayOh.My.Gosh! All these years I've been drinking wine all wrong! Learn from my mistake, people.<br />
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Recently I attended a Riedel Comparative Glass Seminar. This fascinating seminar was presented by none other than Mr. Riedel (pronounced REE-dul) himself--a 10th generation glass maker. His family-owned company, Riedel,The Wine Glass Company, revolutionized wine glasses and drinking wine in early 1960's when they introduced the very first line of wine glasses created in different sizes and shapes.<br />
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Bet y'all are thinking, "What's this gal talking about? Who needs different wine glasses for different wines? My red solo cup works just fine." I say throw that big o' red solo cup away...on second thought, don't throw it away, save it for fall football tailgate season. But go get yourself some Riedel wine glasses. You can thank me later.<br />
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During our evening with Mr. Riedel, we sampled three red wines--Pinot Noir, Old Vine Syrah, and a Cabernet. Below are the three different glasses which perfectly match each wine.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="fullscreen" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71MP52H6%2BCL._SL1500_.jpg" height="160" style="height: 419px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10px; width: 521.791px;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syrah wine glass, pictured above far left; Pinot Noir, center; Cabernet, pictured far right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pinot noir is one of my favorite varietal of wines. I was beyond eager to begin our comparative tasting with a pinot. First, Mr Riedel had us sample ice cold water from each glass. Next we poured Pinot into each glass (after emptying the water :) ). <br />
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Pinot noir from the pinot glass--HEAVEN; Pinot noir from a syrah or cab glass...tastes like swill! Blech!!<br />
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Second go round was the Syrah. Now, I'm not really a big old vine syrah lover. Let's just say when I sampled the syrah from the pinot and cab glasses, I LITERALLY thought I might die...or make a complete idiot of myself gagging in front of the crowd.<br />
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Finally, the tasting of the Cabernet. In cooler months, I do enjoy a good cab. After sampling cab out of a Riedel Cabernet wine glass, I might just make cabernet more than just a winter wine:)<br />
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Prior to the Riedel Comparative Glass Seminar I didn't give much thought to which vessel to enjoy my wine from. Now, I'll definitely make sure to have the specific glass for a particular wine. Yes, it really made that big a difference in my wine drinking enjoyment.<br />
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As an added bonus to the seminar, we were surprised with a Riedel Coca-Cola glass from which we sample ice-cold Coca-Cola. No ice to water the real Coke down. Y'all it was pure Southern Heaven!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxzq6WSe-CmugLzGVWwENhoAxZr7zXxXQzedWIEjE08I_lhLb3RWf8RzthSUoT3FyiUowvJXCJ3SwSLPYKCK3DCHPmYLQis-NIkWAZEWf1OuWPW7ueGTaSrhgDrgu88whd3_D5Rhi8qS4/s1600/Riedel-Coca+Cola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxzq6WSe-CmugLzGVWwENhoAxZr7zXxXQzedWIEjE08I_lhLb3RWf8RzthSUoT3FyiUowvJXCJ3SwSLPYKCK3DCHPmYLQis-NIkWAZEWf1OuWPW7ueGTaSrhgDrgu88whd3_D5Rhi8qS4/s400/Riedel-Coca+Cola.jpg" title="Riedel Coca Cola Glass" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is the Riedel Coca-Cola glass?</td></tr>
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Off to finish my Coca-Cola before Wine Time!OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-65711940121545827082016-04-15T13:30:00.000-04:002016-04-15T13:30:33.322-04:00Fearless Friday--Horseback RidingIt's Friday and I'm talking horses today. Sure, I'm pretty fond of those ponies that run around the track while I'm cheering for my favorites to win (sorry, I never claimed to be a card-carrying PETA member). But that's for another post. I mean, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are a few weeks away!<br />
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Today I'm talking about really riding horses. Yes, me, the girl who grew up on a farm; whose daddy had a best friend who was a rodeo cowboy; the same girl who dated a guy in high school that bronc-busted. Yeah, said farm girl had her own horse...<br />
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And today I'm scared of horses! Why? Because that dern horse my daddy gave me ran away with me!! One minute I'm in the barn in Patches' saddle (laugh now--real creative name for a Pinto horse but I was only four or five years old). The next minute that dern horse starts galloping out of the barn and down the dirt road.<br />
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The story gets more traumatic! I lose grip on one of the reins. Then the other. No stopping Patches now! And believe me when I say, yanking at and out mane hairs WON'T stop a horse. Lord, that horse was fast when he wanted to be. Apparently, this was the day he wanted to be :( <br />
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We've now left the dirt road and are headed across a field. I can barely stay in the saddle much less keep my eyes focused on where Patches is going. OH! MY! GOSH! He was headed straight for the levee! **Remember I'm only four or five years old!<br />
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Y'all know what's on the other side of a levee? WATER! In that split second, I made a decision that forever changed the course of my life (Ok, maybe that's a little OVERLY dramatic :) ). I decided to jump off the damn horse, landing only inches away from a big rock (ok, maybe there wasn't a rock but it makes the story more interesting, right?).<br />
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As I'm laid out in the field ascertaining if I have all my body parts and they're functioning properly, I hear screaming and yelling. Here comes my momma running through the field to save the day and get me home safely. I'm not sure where Patches ended up. I'm pretty sure I never got on that horse again.<br />
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Many decades have passed since the "Runaway Patches" episode. I've tried several times to get over my fear of horses. I've even taken a trail ride on Seabrook Island. And, guess what, the horse I was given decided to stop in the middle of the ride, take a bite of grass, only to realize we had to "hurry" to catch up with the rest of the horses and riders. Ack! Horse fear reignited!<br />
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This summer I will conquer my horse fear!<br />
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Seabrook Island has a great <a href="http://www.discoverseabrook.com/equestrian.php" target="_blank">Equestrian Center.</a> Seabrook is one of the few places on the East Coast which offers beach rides. They now offer "walking beach rides" that seem right up my alley. Additionally, advanced beach rides are offered for those riders who have three or more years of riding experience (I will not be doing the advanced beach ride).<br />
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Beginner Trail Rides are a great way to see some scenic views of Seabrook Island. For the youngest riders, kiddos up to eight years old, pony rides are available (hmmm, I wonder if I could pass as an eight year old?)<br />
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To view Seabrook Island Equestrian Center's riding schedules and pricing, c<a href="http://www.discoverseabrook.com/equestrian-rates-and-reservations.php" target="_blank">lick here.</a><br />
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If horseback riding is not your thing, just stop by the Equestrian Center and say "hello" to the horses. <br />
I'm off to dust off my cowboy boots!<br />
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<br />OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-67355392472296083882016-04-13T17:43:00.003-04:002016-04-15T12:27:42.345-04:00Wine Wednesday-Wish List<br />
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Wednesday already?? This week has flown by...and I've yet to mark anything off my to-do list. Oh well! Guess that makes this "Whine" Wednesday:)<br />
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Does anyone else keep a list of wines they'd like to try, wineries to visit, etc.? Somehow my list continues to grow. Hmmm, another list I'm not marking things off of.<br />
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This Wine Wednesday I'm sharing two items from my wine list. ONE will get marked off this year! I promise!<br />
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Last fall the mister and I stayed downtown at the<a href="http://www.grandbohemiancharleston.com/" target="_blank"> Grand Bohemian Hotel</a> shortly after it opened. My oh my! From the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery to the 50 eclectic rooms to Eleve, the rooftop bar, this Charleston boutique hotel is spectacular (and conveniently located at the corner of Wentworth and Meeting Streets). Perhaps the most intriguing amenity (at least to me) is the Grand Bohemian's <a href="http://www.classesbykessler.com/wine-blending/charleston/classes.php" target="_blank">wine blending classes</a>.<br />
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<b>Grand Bohemian's wine blending class will happen for me in 2016!</b> (If you mark it in bold, you are committed to making it happen)<br />
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The classes are held Wednesdays-Sundays at 4 pm and 6:30 pm. The cost is $100/person excluding tax and gratuity. For that $100 you get a little wine education, slurps of wine, some nibbles, and a bottle of your very own wine creation! If you plan well in advance, you can design a wine label at home and Grand Bohemian will put it on your bottle. How fun is that!<br />
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**<a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chsak-grand-bohemian-hotel-charleston-autograph-collection/" target="_blank">Grand Bohemian Hotel </a>is part of Marriot. If you're a Marriot Rewards member you can earn points on each stay; use points for a stay (currently 45, 000 Marriot points); or use points and cash for rooms. Special rates are offered if you have AAA, AARP, or military memberships.<br />
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Another item on my wine list is: <b>Get my hands of more <a href="http://violinwine.com/" target="_blank">Violin Wine</a></b>. (There I go "bolding" again)<br />
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Violin Wines was started in Oregon by my beach bestie's son, Will. Knowing my love of pinot noirs, BB (beach bestie) brought me a bottle last summer. She was a little secretive when presenting the bottle. Perhaps she didn't want others to see what she had given me;) Actually, she wanted to show and tell the label. <br />
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See when you cover up the V and the I of the label, what remains is O L I N. What does "OLIN" mean, you ask? Olin just happens to be the BB's grandson-Will's son. Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever? Now you see why I have to get more Violin wine...and it's a pretty outstanding wine:)<br />
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Please follow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Violin-Wine-279900552342005/" target="_blank">Violin Wine on Facebook</a> or on <a href="http://violinwine.com/" target="_blank">Violin Wine'</a>s website if you want to find out when and where the next case of wine can be found.<br />
<img alt="Violin Wine's Profile Photo" class="profilePic img" src="https://scontent.fmci1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-1/p160x160/12974500_279904482341612_7850574888119975537_n.jpg?oh=38e4a0488db8871d44e56a2e8138f1f1&oe=577F4226" /><br />
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<i>Cheers!</i>OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-52945840043836922552016-04-08T17:10:00.002-04:002016-04-15T12:27:03.564-04:00Georgia on my mindI'm taking a break from Fearless Friday because y'all know what time it is, right?? First week of April must mean it's Masters Week! <br />
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I've got a little Georgia on my mind. Azaleas, Green jackets, Bulldogs. Ok, that one slipped in there. My baby girl is a student at UGA...GO DAWGS!<br />
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BTW, UGA is well represented this year at the Masters Tournament. Bubba Watson, Harris English, Chris Kirk, Kevin Kisner, and Patrick Reed all played golf at UGA. Go Dawgs! Did I say that already?<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Now let's talk Masters. Augusta National and The Masters are on my bucket list! Every year I put my name in the ticket lottery. Every year I get a "we're sorry, you weren't selected" email. Boo! If anyone is listening, er, reading and has connections all I really want is to attend a practice round... or two. A girl can dream, right? ;)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">For 2016 I'll be watching The Masters Tournament from the comfort of my home. Of course in true Southern fashion, I'm making a party out of it.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Cocktail-The Azalea (1 part lime or lemon juice, 1 part pineapple juice, 2-3 parts gin depending on how strong you like 'em, a splash of grenadine)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Savory-Pimento cheese</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Sweet-Peach galette</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 14px;">The Azalea is the official cocktail of The Masters. No run of the mill grenadine will do. You must make your own! Trust me, it's easy and tastes way better than the crap you buy at the store. Visit <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-homemade-grenadine-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-187983" target="_blank">The Kitchn</a> for an delish grenadine recipe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.pimentocheese.com/products.php" target="_blank">Palmetto Cheese</a> with Jalapeños will be the star! Think sourdough bread, pimento cheese, <a href="http://www.wrightbrand.com/" target="_blank">Wright Brand bacon </a>(there's really NONE better!) all toasted up to yummy goodness! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 14px;">I'm riffing Simply Recipe's <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/peach_galette/" target="_blank">peach galette recipe </a>using the shortcut of a ready-made pie crust. The peaches are pure South Carolina! Did you know South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 14px;">My shaker hand has been busy! And we do try to keep things classy around here--cocktails served in fine Waterford crystal. FORE! </span></span><br />
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OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-86670176676166469582016-04-01T15:01:00.002-04:002016-04-15T12:25:54.089-04:00Fearless Friday-Learning a new party trickWho says you're too old to learn something new? Not me!<br />
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I recently decided it was time for me to learn a new party trick. I mean, how many times can I do the "tying cherry stems" trick ? Time to up my skills and game. And if my new trick required buying a new gizmo or gadget, all the better.<br />
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Swashbuckling pirates with their puffy shirts, three-cornered hats, and swords have always intrigued me. Well, I took a serious interest in Johnny Depp's pirate persona:). Captain Jack Sparrow is always doing crazy tricks with his sword. I needed a sword! And I needed a trick for my sword!<br />
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SABRAGE! The trick, um "technique" for opening a champagne bottle with a saber. What's not to like? Saber? Yes! Champagne? Most definitely! I'm in!<br />
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I must say, I was a little fearful before opening my first bottle of champs. Although I'd watched YouTube videos and studied up, I was still a little skeered ( remember-Southern for scared). <br />
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With saber in hand (I ordered an inexpensive one from Amazon), the first champagne sabering went off without a hitch. The second, not so good. The bottle neck broke and cut my thumb as gravity took over :(. Good news, not much champs was lost :)<br />
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More studying and practice of sabrage and now thanks to the mister we have some fine film footage on my new improved party trick. Roll that footage...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-ob6aByXhvM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ob6aByXhvM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Here are tips that I follow:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Wear safety glasses (sunglasses can be used; they make you look cool). Leather gloves can be used for hand protection.</li>
<li>Look for champagne bottles that have seams down the side (French champagne bottle most certainly do; California champ brands Chandon and Korbel do also)</li>
<li>Take a chilled bottle of champagne and remove all the foil from the top and neck of the bottle.</li>
<li>Place the neck of the bottle upside down in ice water (I use a 50/50 mix) for 7 minutes. Do NOT go more than 10 minutes as this makes the neck too cold and weak (lesson learned on my second bottle).</li>
<li>Remove bottle from ice water.</li>
<li>Loosen the cage (wire thingy) and bend it up so it is out of the way. I do not remove the cage completely as a safety precaution. Alton Brown does (Watch Mr Brown's sabering Youtube video <a href="https://youtu.be/qCp9-tEHa8U" target="_blank">here</a>).</li>
<li>Place thumb in the punt (bottom) of the bottle while holding the bottle at a 35 degree angle.</li>
<li>Point the corked bottle AWAY for anyone or anything that could be damaged.</li>
<li>Using the blunt (back) side of saber, aim for the sweet spot--where the side seam of the bottle meets the neck seam.</li>
<li>Take a few practice glides.</li>
<li>The final swipe and the neck, cork, and cage should come of cleanly.</li>
<li>CHEERS!</li>
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Enjoy the weekend friends! I'm off to enjoy some champs!<br />
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Legal disclaimer-I am not a professional at sabrage. If you attempt to saber a champagne bottle, do so at your own risk.<br />
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<br />OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-84099256246274134642016-03-30T16:55:00.000-04:002016-03-30T16:55:41.222-04:00What's Up Wednesday?How y'all doin'? What's up with you? "What's up with me, you ask?" Find out below:<br />
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Today I'm playing "What's Up Wednesday" along with one of my favorite fashionable mamas, Ms Sheaffer from <a href="http://sheaffertoldmeto.com/" target="_blank">Sheaffer Told Me To</a> (formerly Pinterest Told Me to).<br />
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<img alt="What's Up Wednesday" class="alignnone wp-image-25768 pinit-hover" data-jpibfi-indexer="0" src="http://sheaffertoldmeto.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/wednesday3-1024x706.jpg" height="137" width="200" /><br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut_CGeOxd0E6QSLGKxWIHxIGlLoQC-BWG9UgQwhXbQxi6lzv0o5ZHp5mJ3ZZQ33NC55mbZ6juoAilF1eeeYCiEpImHd2HGByBSU7QWJu6BMwziI1dTce_0ZzNaq8VJMZFZk2T5AOaQ3U/s320/WUWquestions+edit.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What we're eating this week</span></i>--EGGS and veggies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCCYGBFBi_r7QR5r1tJqcuYPfUx8n7dj5Xs505NpewaAQ16_jyy1lu1V2mCaKWMmDz2kZFttb76O4lB6lM3k3AZqRj8IvjZiOe5fPipEPz07bZaZ2P83eg2RCuoJc8b2W12FECKIrzz1W/s1600/IMG_0783.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCCYGBFBi_r7QR5r1tJqcuYPfUx8n7dj5Xs505NpewaAQ16_jyy1lu1V2mCaKWMmDz2kZFttb76O4lB6lM3k3AZqRj8IvjZiOe5fPipEPz07bZaZ2P83eg2RCuoJc8b2W12FECKIrzz1W/s200/IMG_0783.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fE9pdy_DINKg2aM4m37Xpzb9i4LlkDnxuRtvZ4zQopbQSPI8wY1tAnHQTVlNLb1hrcmt7cZgoYX0Rgg-PO3cruwXjU9jT5i8iTBsEPhT-zdG6SAZTxDnYAxnJsT6tzW3Zn_-ZAgD7rxv/s1600/IMG_0775.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fE9pdy_DINKg2aM4m37Xpzb9i4LlkDnxuRtvZ4zQopbQSPI8wY1tAnHQTVlNLb1hrcmt7cZgoYX0Rgg-PO3cruwXjU9jT5i8iTBsEPhT-zdG6SAZTxDnYAxnJsT6tzW3Zn_-ZAgD7rxv/s200/IMG_0775.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fE9pdy_DINKg2aM4m37Xpzb9i4LlkDnxuRtvZ4zQopbQSPI8wY1tAnHQTVlNLb1hrcmt7cZgoYX0Rgg-PO3cruwXjU9jT5i8iTBsEPhT-zdG6SAZTxDnYAxnJsT6tzW3Zn_-ZAgD7rxv/s1600/IMG_0775.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7no7txw8h8orB8QY37m9whdRhcb6XTbs53R9tH5PkuK9DhV-4ehR2nILvzDt7S8qAsQtj10i1DJutzqYuOhF7dpJoo7kRZHpFxsVbRjBtqJyq7SHkvm6ASPFNI4QpH3JdlSjV1EhOsvs/s1600/IMG_0929.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7no7txw8h8orB8QY37m9whdRhcb6XTbs53R9tH5PkuK9DhV-4ehR2nILvzDt7S8qAsQtj10i1DJutzqYuOhF7dpJoo7kRZHpFxsVbRjBtqJyq7SHkvm6ASPFNI4QpH3JdlSjV1EhOsvs/s200/IMG_0929.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What I'm reminiscing about</span></i>--Tattooed Moose What?! You don't know about the Moose? It's a great restaurant/bar on John's Island (the original is on Morrison Drive in Charleston). Do NOT pass up the duck fat fries and "Mike's Famous Duck Club"!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE Duck Club</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What I'm loving</span></i>--The longer, sunnier, spring days!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What we've been up to</i></span>--Um, hanging around on our partio (it's a party patio; partio for short).</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What I'm dreading</i></span>--Contractors in my home and the "destruction" they will create :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What I'm working on</i></span>--Cleaning out my closet! So many clothes that I never wear!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What I'm excited about</i></span>--SUMMER!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What I'm watching/reading</i></span>--Lately, I've either been glued to the tv watching non-stop news or watching the backs of my eyelids aka sleeping. Anyone have a good fluffy, cotton-candy book to suggest?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I'm listening to</span>--Pandora's set to Summer Hits of the 80s. Does anyone see a theme here?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What I'm wearing</i></span>--Cute new (summer) sandals!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr9AiAZ0ppDm9HWI6aVCVEqdTdsaWOcM3UBKG-Vo2ck-9XD-PUM4q9jvgw-O1IC41Uc_bz5VzYdarJdCdsztL6orGoP_Y0S8HitKK9YK9r_DfIlHlSIN1svWSOK6QlRGi3lfdh1977hNw/s1600/IMG_0941.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr9AiAZ0ppDm9HWI6aVCVEqdTdsaWOcM3UBKG-Vo2ck-9XD-PUM4q9jvgw-O1IC41Uc_bz5VzYdarJdCdsztL6orGoP_Y0S8HitKK9YK9r_DfIlHlSIN1svWSOK6QlRGi3lfdh1977hNw/s400/IMG_0941.jpeg" title="Beaded sandals from Fringe, Athens, GA" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnkzhEKkCJzuwTyWwCl7kh0PCi35GPW-pPDlo4Ov0-QPwUOFaJr9TT967PYPB9aAYgmECwNsLczR95_eBTqT7HsYEj-3Q_a1Z7a04Y0IcneErAFXCAZ2EQzTg5DbtyJfKENhm2YAF1YiY/s1600/IMG_0932.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnkzhEKkCJzuwTyWwCl7kh0PCi35GPW-pPDlo4Ov0-QPwUOFaJr9TT967PYPB9aAYgmECwNsLczR95_eBTqT7HsYEj-3Q_a1Z7a04Y0IcneErAFXCAZ2EQzTg5DbtyJfKENhm2YAF1YiY/s400/IMG_0932.jpeg" title="Fiesta for my feet sandals from Fringe, Athens, GA" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What I'm doing this weekend</i></span>--Spending time with the mister. We'll planning a little tailgate before a college baseball game, a trip to farmers' market, and who knows what other fun we'll find.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What I'm looking forward to next month</i></span>--April 15th Tax day. GOTCHA!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What else is new</span></i>--Hopefully, next month we'll have a new updated kitchen, new bath tile flooring complete with a warm floor system, and a new barn door for the barn we live in.</div>
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Come back and join me on Friday! Another installation of Fearless Friday is on tap. There may be a video:)</div>
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OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-8684062106883418182016-03-25T12:24:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:24:30.346-04:00Fearless Friday--Field tripIt's another Fearless Friday! This time we're taking a little field trip, down the road a bit, to Hilton Head. <br />
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First, confession time--Most people who know me IRL know that once I get on Seabrook Island I don't care to leave the island except maybe for rations and supplies :)<br />
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What folks don't know is that as I've gotten older I've grown more skeered (that's Southern for "scared") of heights. Blame it on my mother. She is deathly afraid of heights! Oh, and apparently she's passed it on to at least one of her grandchildren (you know who you are--"the weeping like a baby while hyperventilating" all while in a tethered hot air balloon kiddo!)<br />
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On to the field trip. Someone (*cough* me) got the brainiac idea to test her "height" limits along with her daughter's with a zipline. And like every good girls' road trip, we had an accomplice (who is NOT afraid of heights or anything else life throws her way).<br />
<a href="http://www.ziplinehiltonhead.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.ziplinehiltonhead.com/" target="_blank"> Zipline Hilton Head</a> was our destination. Eight ziplines with heights of 75 feet. How hard can this be, right? It's going to be fun, right? Here are our smiling faces BEFORE we got suited up in our zipline Hilton Head gear:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrmgW5bTY37kuQJ-gWRR7yIHVnjxCY-SbGghaba8SZ3IzInRkKsRGho6eCjOd91MF895V6r8TUpx5Nkr0ZsIXr7xkLyzpOCiqCl3OJS6QL-H17Ys3EwBhMEs_hkdXnV7Vnw012HdscNlY/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrmgW5bTY37kuQJ-gWRR7yIHVnjxCY-SbGghaba8SZ3IzInRkKsRGho6eCjOd91MF895V6r8TUpx5Nkr0ZsIXr7xkLyzpOCiqCl3OJS6QL-H17Ys3EwBhMEs_hkdXnV7Vnw012HdscNlY/s320/IMG_4742.JPG" title="Lowcountry Lowdown does Zipline Hilton Head" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those BIG smiles!<br />
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Oh.My.Gosh!! <a href="http://www.ziplinehiltonhead.com/canopy-tour-hilton-head.php" target="_blank">Zipline Hilton Head</a> was fun! Ok, maybe it was a little scary at first. And, maybe my hearing is just now coming back due to the screaming of "someone" in our group :) But I'm ready to go back and take the mister.<br />
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Here's what you need to know about <a href="http://www.ziplinehiltonhead.com/canopy-tour-hilton-head.php" target="_blank">Zipline Hilton Head:</a></div>
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<li>The zipline adventure lasts approximately 2 hours.</li>
<li>Make your reservation online. Plan ahead. Times do sell out.</li>
<li>Dress properly. Close-toed shoes that tie eg sneakers, hiking boots. Comfortable "fitted" clothing. You'll be outfitted in ziplining gear that is made of webbing. Longer, tighter shorts are better than short loose ones.</li>
<li>Arrive early. You'll fill out paperwork before being suited up.</li>
<li>Bring a good attitude!</li>
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Other tips include hydrate before you get to Zipline Hilton Head; Apply lots of sunscreen; Leave hats, sunglasses, and phones at home (or in the car. You don't want to take a chance losing those while your flying through the air on a zipline!). Next time, I might consider wearing cargo shorts IF they have a good side pocket for my phone.<br />
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Here's a video from Zipline Hilton Head that will get your heart pumping! <a href="https://vimeo.com/107716563" target="_blank">ZipLine Adventure</a><br />
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BTW, I can't show you our AFTER photo. Just imagine BIGGER smiles, messy matted hair, and maybe some "glistening" skin (you know, we Southern women don't sweat, we glisten.)<br />
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OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-57935318409227144482016-03-23T17:07:00.003-04:002016-04-15T12:26:09.786-04:00Wine Wednesday!Y'all, I have a new favorite place to tell you about. And since it's Wednesday it must serve wine ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.fortyeightwinebar.com/" target="_blank">Fortyeight (48) Wine Bar </a>recently opened at <a href="http://www.freshfieldsvillage.com/" target="_blank">Freshfields Village</a> out at the crossroads of Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island. This place is pretty amazing. Every day they have 48 wines available by the glass. Yes, that's 48! EVERY DAY! Fortyeight Wine Bar also has 48 craft beers available (right now these are only available by the bottle or can).<br />
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Round up your girlfriends, your significant other, or go by yourself (heck, I went one afternoon while my daughter was getting a massage at Urban Nirvana. We both won that day! :) ).<br />
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Here's what you need to know before entering<a href="http://www.fortyeightwinebar.com/" target="_blank"> Fortyeight:</a> Have your credit card ready. You will swap out your credit card for a WINE card. This magic wine card is used...to get your wine. <br />
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The wine is stored in these really cool dispenser kiosk-thingies (yeah, technical words). Like wines are stationed together--whites/roses, reds, and the "high dollar" wines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUARRO-cQsddWwEyenkhyyOqTkZk4QhNqeww5PODgPPwc44yCBsnXhEzLivaVX3r6P7hhWEae_r8Ym05jCN5r_V7iL7Wr4lvJTS9CRZwCDWv8oxGUWqKZwvwb2W7UKN54_csUfQt3YySS-/s1600/wine+dispenser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUARRO-cQsddWwEyenkhyyOqTkZk4QhNqeww5PODgPPwc44yCBsnXhEzLivaVX3r6P7hhWEae_r8Ym05jCN5r_V7iL7Wr4lvJTS9CRZwCDWv8oxGUWqKZwvwb2W7UKN54_csUfQt3YySS-/s200/wine+dispenser.png" title="http://wineemotionusa.com/14/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cinque-front.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">example of wine dispenser</td></tr>
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After deciding which wine you'd like to sample, grab a clean wine glass, insert your wine card into the dispenser kiosk and place your glass under the "tap". <br />
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At this point, you will have to decide if you'd like a 1) tasting sample-1 ounce pour; 2) a half glass- 2.5 ounce pour; or 3) the full glass--a generous 5 ounce pour!<br />
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I highly recommend starting with the tasting sample. There was a wine I *knew* I'd love, only to discover it did not taste good to me (Remember the best wine is what tastes good to you!). Thankfully, I can chug an ounce of wine easily.<br />
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If you like your tasting sample, feel free to dispense the full pour on top of the sample size (yeah, you know I did that a couple of times too.). Oh, remember to get your magic wine card out of the dispenser.<br />
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With your filled wine glass you're ready to enjoy the company of your SO, friends, or just hanging out by yourself. If you get hungry, Fortyeight can fix that right up. The menu runs from nibbles, salads, and light entrees.<br />
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The afternoon the mister and I stopped by Fortyeight, I ordered up the pimento cheese trio appetizer. Here's the thing, the mister doesn't like pimento cheese so I knew I'd have that trio all to myself. I did share the spicy pretzels with him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZczzw1TX6HsNIIKG32n_ousBb_oL1T-V3iXuM62hHVhzwBXDHbElTRa4_p29cvxVjk2KIgbm4N4xNsSHJHRDD1vFZGlp0PORix1sOXx98P3n7qUWguZm8yrG4j8rxcZkZ8nyXR-rfFkd/s1600/IMG_5294.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZczzw1TX6HsNIIKG32n_ousBb_oL1T-V3iXuM62hHVhzwBXDHbElTRa4_p29cvxVjk2KIgbm4N4xNsSHJHRDD1vFZGlp0PORix1sOXx98P3n7qUWguZm8yrG4j8rxcZkZ8nyXR-rfFkd/s200/IMG_5294.jpeg" title="pimento cheese trio appetizer" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pimento cheese trio-Yum!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo__X-6PKXpY-9Ig2m3rUa2BDMjYJWJoczBSFZ4xmF0ptfeOA8sIMNd8LC0eB6SLnjDMUVoccE-epfyveyug9v3NEk-VF69HXG9fBfZd6m-roADbzSKrrSV_Vs4lqoR02kyWwKGOA-vMR/s1600/IMG_5293.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo__X-6PKXpY-9Ig2m3rUa2BDMjYJWJoczBSFZ4xmF0ptfeOA8sIMNd8LC0eB6SLnjDMUVoccE-epfyveyug9v3NEk-VF69HXG9fBfZd6m-roADbzSKrrSV_Vs4lqoR02kyWwKGOA-vMR/s200/IMG_5293.jpeg" title="Fortyeight wine bar-wine and wine card" width="200" /></a><br />
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Fortyeight Wine Bar has seating both inside and out. With the nice Seabrook/Kiawah weather, I'm betting folks will take advantage of the outdoor patio.<br />
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One last tip--Fortyeight Wine Bar occasionally offers a HAPPIER HOUR (usually 4pm-6pm). Wines are offered at a 20% discount.<br />
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Now I'm off to pour myself a glass of wine. Cheers!<br />
<br />OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-43866078857083075832016-03-20T20:04:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:23:03.292-04:00First Day of Spring!The calendar finally says "Spring" though the weather at Seabrook Island has felt more like summer the past couple of weeks.<br />
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Summer can not come quickly enough for me. Lazy summer days including beach time with friends are my favorite! Life slows down; my soul gets renourished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpm5dufwEy_kTudPY4YC8AJQWrnMH7Oe5Kh-iX93MC8txgeLpegnGDS0V7TVGFB6fADkMcjzv8vsDINi4PmcVnuJ_UGwdUi-1_cRzrzJy_f1uf0-yjyWaPN-7Jo_idjrhD_QIxvK32dnZ/s1600/IMG_5271.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seabrook Island-Boardwalk #3" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpm5dufwEy_kTudPY4YC8AJQWrnMH7Oe5Kh-iX93MC8txgeLpegnGDS0V7TVGFB6fADkMcjzv8vsDINi4PmcVnuJ_UGwdUi-1_cRzrzJy_f1uf0-yjyWaPN-7Jo_idjrhD_QIxvK32dnZ/s320/IMG_5271.jpeg" title="Seabrook Island-Boardwalk #3" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF15-kyLPF0dzLRjUuNuFX_sGUTG-vJC3q4bqjY1BhGhx6Lw4nMQAcrhvgQqfQ0LtrrvoTD_F6cmYOpAnM_PQgJUInG56iQqhC9fur8wXaVpWLw6wFGVDCcXn6TeGKSZ3Wa6ABzRHSzfpq/s1600/IMG_5298.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF15-kyLPF0dzLRjUuNuFX_sGUTG-vJC3q4bqjY1BhGhx6Lw4nMQAcrhvgQqfQ0LtrrvoTD_F6cmYOpAnM_PQgJUInG56iQqhC9fur8wXaVpWLw6wFGVDCcXn6TeGKSZ3Wa6ABzRHSzfpq/s320/IMG_5298.jpeg" title="Seabrook Island" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you haven't yet booked your Seabrook Island or Kiawah beach vacation, you'd better hurry. <a href="http://www.coastalgetawaysofsc.com/" target="_blank">Coastal Getaways of SC</a> represents approximately 150 properties on Seabrook. They have several properties on Kiawah, too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pamharringtonexclusives.com/kiawah" target="_blank">Pam Harrington Exclusives</a> has plenty of Kiawah beach accommodations with a number of Seabrook Island homes to choose from.<br />
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If you have questions on where to stay when you visit Seabrook Island or Kiawah, don't hesitate to ask. I love sharing my little slice of paradise with others. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NIVRmZXOS8wjWVlsoHzbzzWcjKfUlYDNHmJyN5xGRBLgFc7252wiaC2_pxcvBdawbuRIFDQ33n4tfqae3oF60AJ8WXDlIXy3aQwY04yMY_knkFS77XenotuBG70bbwwPiJciPQmubHo0/s1600/IMG_5316.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NIVRmZXOS8wjWVlsoHzbzzWcjKfUlYDNHmJyN5xGRBLgFc7252wiaC2_pxcvBdawbuRIFDQ33n4tfqae3oF60AJ8WXDlIXy3aQwY04yMY_knkFS77XenotuBG70bbwwPiJciPQmubHo0/s320/IMG_5316.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-51224791561494646322016-03-18T12:14:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:22:31.111-04:00Fearless FridayAs I now have half a century of life behind me (wait, does that make me an antique? Or vintage?), it's time to start living. <br />
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To a certain extent, I've allowed fear to paralyze me. I was afraid of posting something new on this blog (hello, the last post was almost FOUR years ago!). I've been afraid to start a project for fear it wouldn't be "perfect". Today, I say "Peshaw!" to fear and perfectionism!<br />
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This Fearless Friday I took on real poached eggs. You know, those fancy-schmancy ones at finer restaurants. The ones you drop into boiling water. A quick google search lead me to this recipe: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/153615/poached-eggs-caprese/?ms=1&prop25=11903&prop26=HolidaysCelebrations&prop27=2016-03-17&prop28=FeaturedRecipe&prop29=Title&me=1&eaid=3577058" target="_blank">Poached Eggs Caprese </a>. Great! I had almost everything on hand ( I did substitute a different cheese).<br />
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A couple of deep breaths later, I was off and running, er, cooking. The poaching part takes under 3 minutes-quick and easy-though not something you want to rush especially if you're on a tight morning schedule. Save this recipe for a lazy morning --a weekend, a beach vacation day.<br />
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Less than ten minutes later, breakfast was served!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYKpr374QNwgNRKw_kMsLMtDDZV9KsdkCeb8vp9wHunlvQ8xit84QADX-O9__wvEJuH7xPus1sGG0Un0s7LKXaTagFDzxucTn4K903K3JniMgjSiWH-HwHjkESYC71EoHkfmZoTGaTD-M/s1600/IMG_0909.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYKpr374QNwgNRKw_kMsLMtDDZV9KsdkCeb8vp9wHunlvQ8xit84QADX-O9__wvEJuH7xPus1sGG0Un0s7LKXaTagFDzxucTn4K903K3JniMgjSiWH-HwHjkESYC71EoHkfmZoTGaTD-M/s320/IMG_0909.jpeg" title="Poached Eggs" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok, so one of the mister's poached eggs broke. It's not perfect but guess what? They tasted great! </div>
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The next time I make poached eggs, I'll use a big kitchen slotted spoon to retrieve the eggs from the pan. The pesto was a nice yummy lower calorie addition.</div>
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How 'bout we all say "Peshaw" to fear and perfectionism? My eggs weren't perfect; I'm not a size zero or even a two; my blog posts may have typos. Who really cares? I'm not afraid to go by myself ALONE to a new restaurant (did you know you could do that and have an enjoyable time?). I can have adventures by myself though it is more fun with the mister and/or friends. I can poach eggs!</div>
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Stayed tuned for next Fearless Friday!</div>
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<br />OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-40401595284589897442016-03-17T17:34:00.000-04:002016-03-17T17:34:14.605-04:00Lucky Day!How y'all doin' ? Has it really been almost four years since my last post. My, my, my! <br />
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Guess today is your lucky day! I'm back and ready to share all the new things I've been exploring all over the Lowcountry! We're talking food, drink, fun, and more.<br />
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Before we get to the new stuff, here are Seabrook Island St Paddy's Day memories from way back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKgWwnzAEoBgkyyKI-MhYkHFlHIe_W09BCRJynjKfOJlCuL2VWc7pkaCzZoRqhrmE0fLtjvXQRnhYAzosd9Olxl0QCiniIbWQVzwVF5EXEEsVVUFt5oLo9Tqs5Ax2gDnJrZk-mHM1bJa-/s1600/P3170914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKgWwnzAEoBgkyyKI-MhYkHFlHIe_W09BCRJynjKfOJlCuL2VWc7pkaCzZoRqhrmE0fLtjvXQRnhYAzosd9Olxl0QCiniIbWQVzwVF5EXEEsVVUFt5oLo9Tqs5Ax2gDnJrZk-mHM1bJa-/s320/P3170914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did someone say "Lucky Charms?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6OlMnSwcO7oe6r1NUp99DeorZL6mdqAixNEomopLqCbK-WXOiC_4rabYJd0yQO9HFfGJXX51kbvnFl1a3kQivOQycFwQWS0NsrQHZqs0zPFfgyvjjj7LbYwNs70X_9Wye7cPkYsJi6OA/s1600/P3170916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6OlMnSwcO7oe6r1NUp99DeorZL6mdqAixNEomopLqCbK-WXOiC_4rabYJd0yQO9HFfGJXX51kbvnFl1a3kQivOQycFwQWS0NsrQHZqs0zPFfgyvjjj7LbYwNs70X_9Wye7cPkYsJi6OA/s320/P3170916.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cute little leprechaun!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: proxima-nova-alt, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26.4px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 31.68px;">"For the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o' March!" — Thomas Augustine Daly</span><br /><br />OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-89917878536238017852012-11-11T12:22:00.000-05:002012-11-11T12:22:55.725-05:00ThanksgivingToday I am thankful for so much-the veterans who have fought for our freedoms; good health; wonderful family; friends and readers of this blog and <a href="http://www.vrconnection.com/Ourgreatescape" target="_blank"><i>Our Great Escape</i></a> at Seabrook Island, SC.<br />
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In the time I've been away from this blog, lots has happened. Our older daughter graduated from college and secured an internship with <a href="http://theatrecharleston.com/" target="_blank">Theatre Charleston</a>; a little "<i>Privacy</i>" floated into Bohicket Marina;<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLRamsaQGIM7ZKt6Vn_sIMzBbXpdSd84usm3MDnTjeBVciWjiBWg8Vfti1tQgd6aixkDowpK16PiAkU47uHoUd3CjmnxLJ2AX37_mzrnD9-cyxLlqs_tXa8cKDkJU41any5Tdl_yzl4pC/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLRamsaQGIM7ZKt6Vn_sIMzBbXpdSd84usm3MDnTjeBVciWjiBWg8Vfti1tQgd6aixkDowpK16PiAkU47uHoUd3CjmnxLJ2AX37_mzrnD9-cyxLlqs_tXa8cKDkJU41any5Tdl_yzl4pC/s200/IMG_1890.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Wood's yacht-"<i>Privacy</i>"</td></tr>
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and the 2012 PGA golf tourney took place on Kiawah!<div>
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Stay tuned for another big announcement...</div>
OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-20115987087320569782012-05-06T17:50:00.001-04:002012-05-06T17:50:39.318-04:00Guess Who's Coming to the Lowcountry?HGTV! HGTV just announced that the Dream Home 2013 will be built on Kiawah Island. Watch the <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/video/hgtv-dream-home-2013-location-video/index.html" target="_blank">video announcement.</a> The press release can be found <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/south-carolinas-kiawah-island-hgtv-140000904.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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It is going to be fun to watch this new house being built. The finished home is sure to be spectacular!OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-22145861920393235272012-02-13T13:33:00.001-05:002012-02-13T13:33:27.405-05:00Sweets for your SweetieValentine's Day means one word to me--CHOCOLATE.<br />
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How about a chocolate cupcake from Charleston's own <a href="http://www.freshcupcakes.com/index.html"><i>Cupcake</i> </a>Bakery? Check out all the<a href="http://www.freshcupcakes.com/flavors.html"> flavors.</a> <i>Cupcake</i> offers nine of its flavors daily. For Valentine's Day, they're offering a 6-inch chocolate or red velvet (one of their most popular flavors) heart shaped cake. Yum!<br />
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Maybe a entire chocolate cake is more to your liking? Then you'd better hurry on over to <a href="http://www.chocolatecakecharleston.com/home.html">CHOCOLATE CAKE Charleston</a>. Christen Reese bakes up her family's chocolate cake recipe for our enjoyment. Yes, chocolate cake is all she bakes and sells. Ms. Reese's cakes are almost too pretty to eat. Right, it's chocolate!<br />
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Ok, so you're a chocolate purist. You want *just* chocolate--pieces of chocolate. Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Pâtissier is the place for you. Just take a look at some of the <a href="http://www.christophechocolatier.com/index.php?p=PORTFOLIO">chocolate creations</a>.<br />
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Other shops to search out sweets for your sweetie: <a href="http://charlestoncrepecompany.com/index.html">Charleston Crepe Company</a> and <a href="http://www.robotcandyco.com/">Robot Candy Co</a> for your "little" sweeties.OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051331571875655785.post-71354079414044420652012-02-10T08:52:00.003-05:002012-02-10T08:52:47.366-05:00Lowcountry CookingWanna enjoy some Lowcountry eats while helping a good cause? <br />
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<a href="http://www.seaislandscooking.org/">Sea Islands Cooking</a>, a cookbook of (what else but) sea island recipes, was recently published. The cookbook contains recipes from folks from Seabrook, Kiawah, Johns, and Wadmalaw Islands.<br />
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<a href="http://www.seaislandscooking.org/">Sea Islands Cooking</a> would make a great gift (*hint* Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!) for friends and family who haven't yet experienced the Lowcountry. <br />
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Oh, heck, just go ahead and buy it for yourself:) It is for a good cause after all. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook go to the local schools: St. John’s High School, Haut Gap Middle School, Angel Oak Elementary School, Mt Zion Elementary School, and Edith Frierson Elementary School.<br />
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Eat up!OurGreatEscapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12667815054110438127noreply@blogger.com0