a fire in the woods.

As we were exploring Edisto Island, we came across a (controlled) fire at sunset.





The woods looked so pretty all lit-up that we couldn't help but turn the car around and admire*, until a man on a tractor may or may not have spotted us and we scurried off.

*from a safe distance, Dad

january.

As France feels farther and farther away, certain songs make me weepy and still, all I ever want to eat is bread and cheese. Sometimes I start dreaming about those three months and I end up feeling paralyzed by how much I miss it.

That said, if I'm not going to be in France, I'm glad I can be in warm, sunny Charleston -- where oyster-eating and day trips to remote islands are totally normal January activities. No winter blues here.

a night at the grocery.

The fundamental problem with Charleston is that it's impossible to stay in, ever. There's always a new restaurant to try, friends to see, or some 70  degree January weather to soak up.

Earlier this week we found ourselves at a new spot, The Grocery, for drinks, snacks (excluding Martin who ordered a steak), and churros (which fondly reminded me of my recent, solo, birthday in Spain). Spontaneous, unplanned weeknights always turn out to be the fun ones anyway. Case in point.

sunset with katie.

While on a solo walk along the battery last night, I serendipitously ran into one of my dearest friends Katie, who happened to be soaking up her last sunset in Charleston before moving to Brooklyn.






I planned on seeing her later for tacos anyway, but I was so happy to run into her at this moment. She was completely in it -- blasting music from her car and watching white sailboats pass as the sun disappeared into the still-as-glass water.

Katie is the kind of person you always find yourself on an adventure with. She is adored by everyone, and rightfully so; she's one of the most magnetic people I've ever met. And although I'm selfishly sad, I'm excited for all the New Yorkers whose lives are about to get much, much brighter.

P.S. More Katie: floating the river, at brunch, strolling down King Street, porch sittin', and with choocovine.

larder.

Last weekend when I found out the good news, we promptly decided to celebrate with mimosas (and brunch) at Two Boroughs Larder. It was such a treat that my family was in town to join in on the celebration and give us that extra push we needed to order the triple chocolate salted cookie with espresso ice cream.

simple arugula salad.

I love arugula so much that most days, I'm perfectly happy eating it with just a little lemon juice and some flavorful olive oil.



For days when I want something more exciting, arugula with oranges, pomegranate seeds, and creamy blue cheese (plus lemon and olive oil) makes for a killer combination.

first day.

Today is the first day of my new job, my dream job, that I feel so fortunate to have and so excited to begin. I mentioned my love for new beginnings and according to the butterflies in my stomach (the good kind), I think this is going to be really great.

breakfast at bull street.

A couple nights ago -- a quiet night that was meant to begin and end with Bin 152 -- some friends and I spontaneously decided to have a staycation. The MSNBC show Morning Joe was being filmed super early the next morning at the Mills House Hotel and we decided if there was an available room, we'd all (six) split it. Turns out they did, so we went for it.

Staying at a hotel in your own city feels weirdly exciting, and seeing the show the next morning made the four hours of sleep worth it. They showed repeated closeups of Martin, and Mika Brzezinski was as cool (and pretty) as I always thought.

Afterwards, we raced to Bull Street Gourmet for breakfast. In short, I am crazy about this place. Not only is the space beautiful with its big windows and Edison light bulbs, the food is phenomenal. I finished every bite of my smoked salmon hash (with two poached eggs) and kind of wanted more. They also have lunch, dinner, and incredible coffee drinks. It's a winner for sure.

P.S. They sell duck fat if you want to make some life-changing fries.

brunswick to baja.

Come May, my friend Ben is going to ride his bicycle from New Brunswick (north of Maine) to the Baja peninsula (south of California) to raise money for Sidewalk Chalk. He's one of the best people (and photographers) around and I couldn't be more excited to follow along with his adventures. (I have a feeling there will be some breathtaking photo-ops along the way.) Find out more here.

More Ben here, here, here, here, here, and his professional website here.

bin 152.

A year and a half later, Bin 152 is still my favorite spot in the city.





The best wine and cheese, beadboard walls, Francophiles, big windows that look out to quiet lower King Street, mismatched antique furniture, and sweet owners who have lived all over the world and give the best life advice. Be still my heart.

Recent loves: a crisp Loire Valley white wine and the smoothest, creamiest Saint Marcellin cheese.

daydreams & oatmeal.

 What I love most about food is its ability to evoke such nostalgia; tastes and flavors and smells that have the ability to transport you to a specific time and place in the past.



Oatmeal takes me to Dordogne, where I woke up every morning to Lucien's loud laughter, Elizabeth's hushed tones, and oatmeal covered on the stove.




We ate it every morning, unsweetened with a spoonful of peanut butter. At first it tasted plain, but I quickly began to crave the simplicity of it. I'd eat as I looked out the window to a green field scattered with wildflowers. I'd think about the day to come; river-swimming, fruit harvests, blackberry-picking, maybe a long walk or two.

My time in Dordogne with Lucien, Elizabeth and Kevin was so special -- life-changing in retrospect -- that it feels important to honor it and them. Even if it's just for a quick second in the morning as I eat my bowl of oatmeal.

weekend.

My family was in town for the weekend, pretending to help me get settled in my new apartment but mostly just enjoying a culinary tour of Charleston as usual. It was the kind of weekend where we ate a cinnamon roll (instead of a sticky bun) before brunch. Lots of walking, long breakfasts, coffee breaks, mimosas, and three-hour-long dinners. I love being around them so much, saying goodbye never gets easier.