Spring Fever

Right now, I would do anything in the world to be here:

I can't stand winter and cold weather.  I'm ready to get out to the beach and on the water, wear flip flops and summery dresses, and get some Vitamin D!  I had last Monday off for Presidents Day so I went to Target and TJ Maxx to kill some time and do some shopping.  It was great to see all the colorful springy clothes, but obviously I noticed how unbelievably pale I am.

Come on warm weather!!

There Is Nothing More Annoying Than. . .

. . . not being able to find your TV remote.

Uggggh.

It has been missing since last week, and we can not find it ANYWHERE.  I'm a channel-surfer, so this is driving me nuts. . . though settling in on the Olympics has not been too miserable :)  Go USA!!  Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

Birthday Week

Last week was my 23rd birthday week here at "Oh, the Place We'll Go."  Though I don't love being the center of attention, I do love to celebrate birthdays because it is so special to bring my friends and family together.

My actual birthday was Wednesday, but because so many people in the office are constantly traveling, we celebrated at PURE on Monday.  We ordered a delicious lunch from Red Orchid Chinese Bistro (seriously one of Charleston's best kept secrets), and my boss's wife baked me a homemade apple pie.  YUM!!

Note: Please disregard the funky angle of the picture and the bags underneath my eyes.  Not only was it Monday, but also the day after the Super Bowl. . . . . . .

On Tuesday, my mom, dad, sister, and grandmother all came to Charleston for a the night.   They stayed at one of my parents' best friends second homes, and it was so great to spend time with them (and spread out in a big house!)  My mom cooked us a fabulous meal, and we sat around the dinner table drinking wine, laughing, and telling stories until 10.  That's one of my favorite ways to spend an evening :)

Here are some pictures:

My Momma and My Poppa
(I think my mom looks gorgeous in this picture!)

Red Velvet Cake is my favorite!!  Action shot...  hahaha

Happy Birthday Cheers with my sister!

After a little too much food, wine, and laughter at the table. . .

Wednesday, my actual birthday, I had the great privilege of working from home in the morning!  I LOVED IT! What a treat to be able to work in your PJS and be in your own home!  It totally spoiled me. . . and after that, I took a half day that afternoon to maximize the birthday fun.  Unfortunately, Luci had to go back to Wofford, my dad to work, and my grandmother home but my mom and I had some wonderful bonding time.  We went on a long walk, relaxed, shopped, and had a great birthday dinner at Rue De Jean.

It was perfect!!  Though I will say that I am so glad birthday week only comes once a year because as noted yesterday, I've had to jump on The Shred to recover!! :)

Salmon

Does anyone have any good (good meaning light and healthy) salmon recipes they could share with me?

Today, I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  I have decided that finally, after five years, it is time to shred those freshmen lbs from college.

I have been mentally gearing up for this for a few days now because birthday week was not good on my waistline and it finally was the straw that broke the camels back.  So moving on, this morning, I was ready to begin.  Yesterday, I took all the measurements and fitness tests that she outlines in her book, and was prepared to start "making the cut" (so cheesy) exercise video and diet plan.

And, WOW, let me tell you, I forgot what a pain in the BUTT dieting is.  It is not easy!!!!

Anyways, tonight her Jillian's instructions and according to her recipe, I grilled some salmon for dinner.  And it was not good.  Maybe because it is a "diet" recipe, but y'all, I hate how grilling salmon makes your house smell ROTTEN.  (We don't have an outside grill so I just use a Griddler.)  I'm going to feel so bad when my roommate comes home and gets a whiff of this. . .

I was able to save the salmon with some thai chili sauce, but that is NOT Jillian approved.  So, help a sista out, salmon comes up on the menu twice a week!

snOwMG

I've been reading all about the Smowmaggedon/ Snowtorious B. I. G. that swept Washington, D.C. last week and was really excited to hear that Charleston might actually get some winter weather this weekend.  Well, the weatherman had it right on Friday!  It actually snowed in the Lowcountry. 

Lash and I after a yummy supper at Basil:

Here is a picture of my house in the snow.  However, the Lowcountry is totally NOT prepared for snow and our electricity went out probably an hour and a half after it began and did not come on again until 5 am!

So, we didn't want to open the fridge and spoil our food- so we had a makeshift cooler on our patio furniture.  (P.S. Can't wait for summer so we can grill out in our little courtyard-- isn't it adorable?)

This would have been a really cute picture but the snow flake covering the right side of my face kind of messed that up!

So, because of the snow/ no- electricity situation, Lash, my roommate, her boyfriend and I decided to have a night in. . . complete with mexican train dominos :)  (Note: I have a beautiful glass dining room table that I did not want to scratch with dominos so I covered the table with towels)

It was so fun!

Surprises :)

Today was kind of a long day at work, because I keep eagerly awaiting an announcement that we were closing early due to the inclement weather approaching.  Needless to say, it didn't happen but TGIF and hooray for snow anyways!

Well, I got home, ran upstairs to put my bags down, and found this:

An early Valentine's day surprise!!!  

Lash snuck into my apartment with our spare key and surprised me with my favorites!  Tulips, milk duds, and DDP?  I am a happy girl!!!  And, he is a keeper for sure!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

I'm so excited to hear and see that people are reading my blog!  A special shout out goes to those of you who have left comments or clicked the official "follow" button.  What an honor!  And, those of you who have left a post on my Facebook wall or seen me in person and told me you are reading, it means so much to me. . .  Thank you!! :)

It really is neat seeing how blogs get passed along to friend of friends or visited by the random passerby.  So even though I honestly have no idea who all actually reads this mess, I am flattered you are here, and my curiosity of who exactly you are hasn't killed this cat quiet yet!  However, I would love to hear from you!!  Leave me a comment with what your own blog is, your favorite blog, how you found me, or just saying hi!  (P.S. thanks Nola Girl for the post idea!)

Also, in honor of these new readers that have shown up on ClustrMaps or Google Analytics (I've turned into a tech junkie.. who would have thought!), I thought I'd do a little post to get to know me better. . . through my favorite things!! Though I'm no Oprah, here's a list of eight creature comforts that I reallllly enjoy in this world.  Warning, this post is not to be taken too seriously as these are very material. . . and in no particular order.

1. Cooking Light Magazine- Cooking with healthy flair AND you get to keep all the flavor- what's not to love?!

2. Mentholatum- The Best Chapstick- in the world.

3. Ugg Bedroom Slippers- So comfortable and so warm.  My feet are happy!

4. Kombucha- Try one, and your life will be changed.  Instant cure for any ailments, gives you TONS of energy plus all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need. A miracle.

5. Heating Pads- Heaven in a blanket.

6. MacBook-  I <3 Apple.

7. Pashminas- A great accessory, especially in the winter to spice up a drab winter day!

8. Patagonia Fleeces- I practically live in mine in the winter (aside from the 9-5 business casual attire).