Continue reading Daufuskie Island Photo Diary at Shades of Pinck.

October is my absolute favorite month of the year! Yes, over both December and my birth month of June. It always has been and I’m pretty sure it always will be the month that gets me so excited. In October, the leaves change, the temperature begins to fall, I celebrate like 12 birthdays, everything is flavored pumpkin or cinnamon, football season is going strong, Halloween concludes the month, its the calm before the (Holiday) storm, and you can always count of one thing coming to town… The Fair!!!!

Continue reading South Carolina State Fair at Shades of Pinck.

While our Carolina Gamecocks where giving up another W to Kentucky in one of the most embarrassing games in recent memory, I spent this past weekend with my Mom in the crisp mountain air of Asheville, NC! (This has quickly turned into one of those “let’s just beat Clemson” seasons)

We began our trip at Sunny Point Cafe, and in true October fashion, I ordered the Pumpkin Challah French toast topped with an apple compote. 

Continue reading A weekend in the Mountains at Shades of Pinck.

Growing up, Upper King in Charleston was a place that you would never dare venture on foot, it was the part of downtown you’d double check that your doors were locked if anything. But, like everything else, the last several years have brought great changes to Downtown Charleston. Changes I have enjoyed watching develop. No longer is Upper King is simply an extension of its lower half, it has now become a destination, a new place you “must visit” while in Charleston.

Continue reading Upper King Delights at Shades of Pinck.

One of my favorite things to do in Columbia is walk down Main Street on Saturday mornings. Soda City Market is a weekly local market held every Saturday from 9am-1pm, rain or shine, on the 1500 block. Dozens of local vendors set up shop and offer their products which can be anything from homemade soap to soup. Its a great way to discover new local business in a really convenient, exciting way.

Personally, I’m all for making downtown Columbia more of a community so I love that they have started creating more regular events on Main Street.

Continue reading Soda City Market at Shades of Pinck.

If there were a “Best French Toast of All Time” contest, it’s safe to say I’d be a very qualified judge. Perhaps even over qualified. I’ve had my share of French Toast and I’ve cooked my share of French Toast. Needless to say, I know French Toast.

So when I decided to eat brunch at the new restaurant Tazza Kitchen (formally Cafe Caturra) in Trenholm Plaza this morning for the very first time, I chose the French Toast.

Continue reading Brunch at Tazza Kitchen at Shades of Pinck.

Bourbon recently opened on Main Street and since I ate lunch during their soft opening I’ve been dying to go back for dinner. So, my best friend and I had a little date at the newest restaurant here in Cola!

The restaurant is tiny, so it’s very easy for every table to be crowded, but I kinda liked it because it gave the atmosphere life and energy. While we waited for out table we sat at the bar and ordered drinks.

Continue reading Bourbon at Shades of Pinck.

On a recent trip home I stopped by the Charleston Market downtown to pick up a refill on spices when I saw a “Geechie Peach Cobbla” kit. Being a fan of any thing in the pie family, I knew that I had to get it. In an attempt to make cobbler like my grandma, I bought the best Columbia peaches and went to work.
I should obviously quit my day job and become a pastries chef because my peach cobbler was seriously so good!!

Continue reading Lowcountry Peach Cobbler at Shades of Pinck.

I had one of the best dishes I have had in Columbia in a really long time at Hunter Gatherer. It has probably seriously become my favorite dish from this summer.

I have been told several times that Hunter Gatherer is a place that I really needed to try. I finally did and now I’m only upset that I didn’t try it earlier.

Although we sat outside (it was a great night, we couldn’t resist), I really liked the feel of the restaurant.

Continue reading Hunter Gatherer at Shades of Pinck.

In my head, being a Miss USA vet obligates me to celebrate the competition annually. After all, if former contestants don’t excited for a pageant they once worked so hard to win how can we expect anyone else to?

Unlike last year’s Vegas production, this year’s pageant took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Being fans of over the top pool parties, vibrant nightlife, and any place that encourages 24 hour drinking, me and three of my best friends (that just so happen to be last year’s Alabama, Nevada, and Illinois) said no to Baton Rouge and swapped Vegas for Miami!

Continue reading Miss USA Reunion at Shades of Pinck.