Another Sunny Weekend in Charleston

I hope everyone had a wonderful and sunny weekend!  It was gorgeous in Charleston all last week and continued into the weekend...and now it's a rainy Monday (but as long as it's not a rainy weekend--I'm a happy girl).  This weekend was great and I definitely took advantage of the sunshine :)

The weekend started early--on Friday afternoon--with a walk downtown with Scout and Grant.  Grant has been the best uncle to Scout and quickly became one of her favorite playmates :).  We walked down the battery, where Scout attempted to jump off it numerous times, and wore Scout out in the heat (water was in hand).   It was a great and relaxing way to start the weekend.  Later that night, we all went to Red's to meet up with Tess and little Turks for a couple beers and snacks!  I do love a corona light with lime in the summer :)

Battery :)

Scout loving the water!

Grant and Scout

Scout and Turks partying at Red's

Saturday was a busy day filled with bridesmaid's fitting, lunch at kickin chicken, long day on Folly Beach, group dinner at mexican restaurant, playing apples to apples into the wee-hours and finished off with Drew coming home :)!!! I would have to say that Saturday was absolutely fabulous and definitely took advantage of the 24 hours in the day (okay or 18 hours)!

Starting my day with breakfast of champions:

Egg white omelet with edamame, sausage and goat cheese :)

Ashton at Mexi with a Marga-rona

Grant aka Dr. Dolittle

Scout anxiously waiting her Dad's arrival

It is great that Drew is finally back into town :).  We decided after a Costco run to have a fun day on the boat and boat up to Morris Island.  Scout absolutely loves the water and was a quick learner and swam the day away (or at least got to swim a little bit--but major improvement from a few weeks ago)! So proud that we got a water dog :)

The boys trying to get Scout in

Scout and her Pops

He's finally home :)

She is one tuckered girl at the end of her Sunday :)

We were all tuckered by the end of the day, but saved enough energy to whip up a delicious meal.  I have to admit when Drew was gone my dinners consisted of a lot of popcorn and sweets--I'm guessing that I sought comfort in his absence by devouring carb-y, sweet deliciousness ha...just kidding! But our dinner Sunday night definitely was taster and healthier than the past week's dinners. It was cajan night with red beans and rice and sauteed shrimp with vidalia onion and red pepper aka um um good :)

Sunday Night Supper :)

Have a wonderful Monday :)

Week Alone with the Puppy!

Eventful week--I can't believe that it is already the end of June (or about to be) and that it is officially the start of summer!!! May was the slowest month for me, but June just flew right by me (crazy how that happens)!

Drew has been out of town this week--on a fishing trip to the Keys with a bunch of his guy friends--which left me alone with Miss Scout.  At first, I was very nervous because I know that she is a handful and since she is a puppy, she needs a lot of attention and I was scared I wouldn't be able to give her all the attention that she needed as well as keeping my sanity.  It was quite the adjustment in the beginning of the week (waking up at 6 am and taking a puppy out, feeding her, taking her back out, walking her--cleaning up her accidents inside the apartment, cleaning up her throw up and entertaining her all before 7 am=quite a change in my normal routine of waking up at 7:30!).  But I am happy to say that I have adjusted and little Scout and I are in a nice little routine :)

Scout at 6 am--at least it is light out :)

Crazy little lady loves her leash (needs some training ha)

Wishbone legs on a walk :)

Crazy Early Riser Pup

 (nice little shave from the spaying)

She is such a treat to be around and though I do feel bad whenever I leave her--I know that some time apart is good for her!  I have a very eventful weekend ahead, so getting some added help from the boys (they are going to take her to the farmers market--very willingly, think they will pick up girls ha!), will be amazing! As much as I love having some girl time with her--I am more than excited for Drew to return so that I have a partner in crime with the little one.

Girl's night watching the Bachelorette

This week in Charleston has been filed with clear skies and lots of sunshine.  Yesterday, Grant, Laura and I went to Sullivan's Island for a late afternoon beach trip.  It was really hot outside but the breeze off the water felt amazing.  I enjoy going later in the afternoon because you can get more things done during the day and also don't get as sunburnt (I say win, win)!  

After our short beach trip, we all headed back to get ready for happy hour downtown to celebrate Laura's new job!!  I was originally planning on going to happy hour with my girlfriends, which we have made a weekly tradition, but with Laura's exciting news we had a switch in normal girls night!  A group of us went to Pearlz for happy hour (seriously amazing specials), I got there after happy hour, but they were nice enough to order for me before 7!  After finishing up at Pearlz, the gang headed to Rooftop where I got to meet up with the girls.  Rooftop was especially gorgeous last night and was a real pleasant time catching up with everyone.  We all chatted about the upcoming weekend--and how exciting Saturday morning will be (Bridesmaids dress fitting for Megan and Brandon's wedding)! 

Old Man saying inappropriate things to us 

before taking our picture!

The Group on Rooftop--I love my friends!

Charleston Skyline (steeples and all)

It was an amazing Thursday evening and the perfect leeway into Friday and the weekend! I am so ready for the weekend to be here--and for that boy of mine to finally be home! 

Happy Friday! 

Love, Scout 

Great Father's Day Weekend

This was quite the eventful, gorgeous, fun father's day weekend :)

On Thursday night, Drew took me out to an amazing dinner at Fat Hen on Johns Island.  Fat Hen is a restaurant that I have wanted to try for a long time (and is in Drew's Passport Book I made for Valentine's Day).  Fat Hen is apparently a French restaurant, but I found myself looking more at the southern homecookin myself.  We ordered a couple appetizers including friend green tomatoes and homemade sausage and opted for swordfish for dinner :)  with the best part of all: Peach Bread Pudding for dessert--soo yummy!  I wish I would have taken a picture--but we now have a new rule when dining out: NO cell phones (which means no iPhone camera :/)--however, the new rule allows us to de-stress and really get alone time without distractions!

After our dinner, we rode over to Jake and Tess's house, which is going to be the same house that Drew and I move into in August, to see their new addition.  They just got a brand new German Short-haired Pointer puppy, Turks, who is just as cute as can be.  Pointers are very intelligent dogs--so Scout will have to do her homework in order to keep up with Turks (I'm assuming--not saying that Scout isn't brilliant, but maybe she is more 'on grade level' ha!)

Happy little Family :)

Friday was another big day in Scout's life.  She has been doing really well since her surgery, but she acquired worms somewhere along the way last week (think from all the dirt she eats).  I have to say--worms are disgusting!! I never bit my nails when I was younger because my dad had scared me and said that if I bit my nails--I would get worms!! Needless to say, I have literally been petrified of getting worms (myself) and was very uneasy when I witnessed them with Scout.  It is disgusting.  I quickly called Drew, then frantically called the vet, and then very quickly went to Petco to get Scout medicine ASAP.  Happy to report: no more worms!

Wormed Scout :/

After the worm fiasco, Drew and I went to Panera for a goodbye lunch (he was going to the Keys to fish with his guy friends) and stopped by a pet boutique in downtown Charleston to pick up a new collar for Scout.  I had been slaving away in the kitchen all morning--probably because of finding out the disturbing news of worms.  And made some banana coconut muffins (mini and regular) and oatmeal scotches (my dad's favorite)--I gave the muffins and some cookies to Drew and the boys and saved the rest for my Dad for a little Father's Day treat :)

Oatmeal Scotches (recipe on the back of the butterscotch's)

Coconut Banana Bread Muffins 

Trying to get a good picture of all the baking!

My little baking/clean up helper!

Seriously the best salad ever made--at Panera!

After the eventful Friday, it was wonderful to have a couple glasses of wine with Ashton and Laura.  We had been planning for the past week to get together and have a fun girls night out.  We all had pretty eventful, crazy weeks so it was a very nice thing to look forward to at the end of the week :). We had a couple of glasses of wine and some light apps at my apartment before heading down to Fuel to grab some dinner and then headed to Midtown for a night of dancing and just plain having fun.  It was great to be able to cut loose with the girls and I had a wonderful night!

Laura and the yummy snacks

Ashton (always prepared with wine)

Saturday was much needed-Laura and I woke up with plans to go to the Farmer's Market (but since Scout was supposed to take it easy--though she hasn't been), I decided it was best to just try and take her on a long walk to tire her out before we headed to the beach (only for a couple hours-didn't want to leave her too long--yes, I have separation issues).  The beach was crowded and for good reason: a great sunny, warm day on Folly Beach.  It always surprises me how many people go to the beach every weekend (literally packed with people)--but then again it shouldn't because it is summer and is nice out!
 

No Farmer's Market for little Scout...

So She goes into hiding...

Whered she go?! 

My little girl :)

My dad came in on Saturday night and took me to rooftop for a glass of wine before going to 82 Queen for dinner.  I have wanted to try 82 Queen for sometime now, but since Drew and I have heard many mixed reviews we have never gone.  So, I thought it would be a great place that my dad and I could test out--and the verdict: the reviews were all correct.  It was nice and good food with great ambiance--but it isn't the best in Charleston in my opinion (aka, doesn't make the top 5 list in my book) but it was still pretty good and I really enjoyed the company!  And don't get me wrong would love to go back--I am just saying I'm not dying to go back!

On Sunday morning (Father's Day), Dad and I planned to go out on a nice long run.  It was a warm morning and the sun was shining: a great day to run! We did 6 miles between a 8 and 8:30 mile for each mile, it was definitely killer.  The run really showed me how out of shape I have gotten.  I used to be able to run that in a breeze, but boy oh boy did I have to try and knock those measly 6 miles out!  I always love to run with my dad and it was great to be able to share a fast (for now) run with him on Father's day.  After our run, we grabbed a quick brunch at Blossom before he headed back to Pinehurst to meet up with Mimi.  It was a really nice time (even though quick) and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful father that drives 4 extra hours to come see me!!

Best Bloody Mary at Blossom (huge shrimp-yes, please)

Happy Father's Day Daddy :)

Shrimp, Sausage, Crawfish Gumbo with Grits :)

Dad's Omelet and Fruit

After Dad left, I took Scout over to see Turks and the pair finally met! Scout was so confused by little Turks.  Turks was hyper and wanting to play and Scout was confused and looked at me like what is going on?! ha! Guessing that I have an "Old Soul" of a puppy :) or probably she was just in massive need of a pup nap!

First Meeting--Little do they know they are about to be best friends :)

Scout passed out the whole way home!

Off to another Manic Monday :)

Someone doesn't want to walk today...

Back to Running and Big Day in Scout's Life!

Today started off as usual with my wonderful (and what some people may think gross ha!) breakfast of egg whites and an english muffin PB&J.  I am telling you if you haven't tried it--seriously think about it!  However, today isn't a typical day--Little Scout is getting spayed today :/  

Breakfast :)

I have been dreading today even before we got Scout (trust me, sometimes I am wayy over prepared--I made this appointment <or the first one that I cancelled> about a month before we even got the pup)!  I called around to a lot of different vets and clinics before deciding that the best one would be PetHelpers (not to mention much more affordable, with very friendly and helpful staff).  

Pet Helpers Spay/Neuter Clinic

Good Morning Miss Scout :)

She doesn't want to go in...

Last walk with her Dad before going to the Doctor :/

We had an appointment early this morning, which allowed Drew and I to drop her off before heading off to work.  She has no idea what is about to happen--ek! but I hope that she will be back to her normal, playful self as quick as possible.  I couldn't help but feel so sad for her and strangely nervous too.  I am telling you--I never thought that I was an overly caring individual--but I guess things change! Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly--forgot to mention she is getting 3 shots, nails trimmed, her hernia removed and chipped (told you it's a big day in that little ones life)!

On other news, I have decided that it is finally time to get back into running.  I have been taking a hiatus for the past couple of months (ok, few months) and am itching to get back into it.  I have been running around 3-6 miles most days, but have not been doing the longer distances that I used to love.  I don't know if I just got burnt out from all the mandatory long runs associated with training for marathons or if the winter weather (though it was nicer in March than it has been in June) got me out of the loop--but either way it's finally time for me to put excuses aside and go for it! 

It is a perfect time to kick start my new running MO because my dad is coming to visit this weekend :)!! I absolutely love spending time with my dad and am so lucky that he will actually be in Charleston for Father's day!  He is the inspiration that got my sister and I hooked on running, the man that convinces me to keep running the long runs on my training schedule, the one that actually provides me my training schedule, the guy who finances my shoes, socks, running gear, and provides unconditional support and advice along the way!  My dad really is the best person to talk to and especially when it comes to running :)

Me and Dad (and Lee on the left) at Chicago Marathon :)

With my running in mind--going to finishing up my lunch before heading off to pick up the little one...ek!  And going to work on a running schedule to get back into the swing of things (thinking about a half in Asheville in September may be the ticket?!)

Homemade Chicken Salad (my new obsession)

Poker Run On Lake Murray

Happy Monday!

This weekend was a perfect testimony to June days--fun in the sun :).  Drew has been talking about going to the Poker Run on lake murray for the past few months.  He has heard stories about the event near his hometown of Chapin for a couple years now and was so excited when he realized that we would actually be able to go this year!

The poker run consists of a few boat races (got to see the real fast boats race each other) and going from stop to stop to collect cards.  We went to a total of 5 stops to pick up 5 cards, which was our poker hand.  At the final stop, Lighthouse Marina, we got to unwrap our cards (they were covered the entire time) and saw that we were 1 card away from a flush :/.  Unfortunately, we didn't win but it was an awesome time and I'm happy to say that we got a lot closer to a winning hand than most :)

Gorgeous Day on the lake

All the Boys (yes, Scout and I were the only girls)

Boys being Boys

The poker run was great because we got to bring Scout along.  She was so well behaved--we think that maybe when she gets out of her 'comfort zone' she acts a lot better!  She played with her bone and slept the majority of the time.  She was definitely an attention grabber, with a bunch of people coming up and asking to pet, play, or hold her.  Fingers crossed that she likes the water when she gets older!

Me and Scout :)

Puppy love

Hank (Scouts new friend)

Scout loves her bone

Scout loving her bone

Drew and Scout rafting 

It was a weekend full of fun times and reminded me a little of our college partying days.  The boys all got a little rowdy which was pretty entertaining to see (boys will be boys ha!).  It is funny because even though the boys have gotten older, they still like to think that they are young, and still like to party hard (sometimes). Not going to lie--they felt the after effects the next day--but it was fun to watch them act like they were in college again :)

Drew got iced (told you it's college)

Grant finishing the ice-ing...

And they are still trying to be in college...ha!

All and all it was a wonderful June afternoon and I am so happy that I got to experience the Poker Run.  It was a fun, hot summer day and one that I will remember for a while.  Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Dad and Dog Nap-time

Lighthouse Marina Dance Party

Me and Drew

The little girl :)

Now back to the weekly grind...