Babies and Bourbon and Zombies

How's that for a title?

We have had a sick baby on our hands this week, and let me tell you, it is no cake walk. I am in awe of parents who care for seriously ill children on a regular basis, because sick babies are pitiful and exhausting.  Birdie had the coxsackie virus.  If you've never heard of it, consider yourself lucky. If your kid has had it, you feel my pain.

She's finally feeling better, and James and I are excited to escape the house for a date night tomorrow night. We're heading to Bourbon for an early dinner and then to see Evil Dead, The Musical at Trustus Theatre.  If we have time, we may sneak by Craft & Draft for a pre-dinner nip.  Have you heard of this new craft beer store & growler shop on Devine Street?  We're excited to try it out. 

It's crazy how valued a date night is once you have kids...you try to cram so much into the night, when really you should be home getting a good, uninterrupted night's sleep...
Nope, I'm too excited for a baby-free night out!

What are you up to in our fair city this weekend?

Check out this review of Evil Dead, the Musical in the Free Times.

Also, have you partaken in Bourbon's weekday 2:30-5:30 PM "Bite the Bulleit" special yet? It's a bump of Bulleit bourbon, a draft beer, and a burger for only $10!?  The burger alone is worth more in my book--you must try it!  Ordering the house made pimento cheese on top is essential. You will thank me, I promise.

I'll be posting about our date night on my Fig Columbia site blog soon, so check there for the details!
XO

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Happy Birdie

This little Bird is just about the juiciest baby I've ever seen.  Am I right?

Bird and my momma. I mean, rolls for days.

And, she's pretty much the happiest baby I've ever known...

the head scarf is probably too much, but I couldn't help myself.

...as long as she's being held.  Namely by me.  She's newly in that "oh-my-god-mommy-hold-me-or-I-might-die-or-at-least-drive-everyone-around-me-completely-insane" phase.  So, this is how we travel most places these days:

Bird, channeling Axl Rose at last weekend's Mardi Gras festival at City Roots

And that's just fine by me. 

Preach.

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A Local Gift Guide for the Sassy (and Classy) Woman in Your Life

(Clockwise, from top left)

So, let me be very honest: this gift guide is all things that I want.  And, I think, things your girlfriend or wife or mother or sister or best friend might want too. Here we go:

1. You can't go wrong with an Amsa Yoga class pass.  You can buy 5-class, 10-class, 20-class, or 1-month unlimited class passes, and the first class for new visitors is free.  I've waxed poetic about my love for Amsa before, but truthfully, there are lots of great local yoga studios in Columbia; find one and hit the mat.  It's like therapy and exercise in one.  (Photo courtesy of Amsa Yoga).
 
2. This necklace by local artist, January Jewelry, has the sort of vintage-boho feel that I adore.  It is so reasonably priced, and supports a local artist and a local shop, as it can be found at Nest, the new all-local maker's market inside the Marriott on Main Street.

3. I have a new favorite store in Columbia: Jack & Jane Sport.  I stopped in the other day to get some ideas of things I want the hubs to get me for Christmas, and this Oiselle top is definitely on the list.  Not only is it a pretty color and the perfect weight for running in Columbia right now, but you have to feel it to believe how soft this top is.  Susannah, one of the owners, helped me; she was genuinely friendly and not at all pushy.  They have great-quality athletic gear, and for men too.

 4. How about a bottle of bubbly?  Anything sparkling is my drink of choice, and a nice bottle is without a doubt one of the best gifts you can give, I think.  Kaitlin Ohlinger, a friend, and the General Manager of Cellar on Greene, and author of the wine snob, is happy to help you pick out a unique one.  This Evolution Sparkling from Oregon has a pretty sweet label.  I'm partial to Oregon wines in general, and this one is delicious!  (Sold out on-line, but Cellar has it!)

5. The Gourmet Shop is a great place to shop for gifts, especially for the foodie or chef on your list.  They have awesome gourmet candy, wine, cigars, prepared foods, and so much cool kitchen stuff!  And what lady wouldn't be happy with this daily reminder?  The You Rock ceramic catch-all is a perfect gift for any woman on your list. 

6. How about a membership to the Columbia Museum of Art.  There's not much classier or more fun (and affordable!) than a year's pass to this beautiful and hip museum.  Besides the amazing art from renowned and classic artists, the museum also hosts cool events, and the museum shop is super-chic.  This gift would please so many people, and you'd earn some "class" points for giving something cultural and useful.  (The photo above is of Jones honing his skills in the CMA children's room).

So, here's the not-so-subtle hint for anyone looking to buy a gift for me this Christmas, and hopefully this helped you with something for the lady on your list!  Shop local!

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A Local Gift Guide for that Special Man (Hipster, Dad, or Both!)

Clockwise, from the top:

1. I don't know about the men in your life, but my hubs likes to cook, and that is something I can always get behind.  So, how about encourage his kitchenry with a gift from The Crescent Olive?  The traditional balsamic vinegar is delicious.  I ate some just the other night with my pizza.  Weird, I know, but it's the perfect thing to dip the crusts in!

2. This is by far one of the cheapest, yet one of the best-received and well-loved gifts I have ever given my husband.  Seriously, it's cool, functional, and under $10.  A wall-mounted bottle opener from Mast General Store makes a great stocking stuffer.

3. And here's another less-expensive item upon which any Dad would love to rest his glass--a work of art coaster by Frank Heflin of Columbia, SC.  These really cool, unique graffiti art coasters are available at Nest, the newest all-local shop in downtown Columbia.  See that "Dad" coaster in the front?  It may or may not already be wrapped under my tree...

4. This next gift is an item that can be found locally at Non(e)such, a high-end specialty store on Devine Street.  My husband has actually received two of these Barrington wallet/money clip/card holders over the years, as he lost his original one and could not find anything he loved quite as much and had to replace it.

5. OK, so not everyone knows a man (or woman) who wants a tattoo for Christmas, but in case you're in the market, Shavon's Purple Lotus is a great place to go.  Her website describes it as "a place you can take your grandmother to get tattooed."  The photo above is of the tattoo my husband got with his Christmas tattoo gift certificate last year.

6. Looking for a one of a kind functional art piece for the kitchen?  Look no further than Reaves Woodworks.  A Columbia local, Larry Reaves describes this beautiful handmade edge grain cutting board as made from Maple, African Mahogany, Canarywood, and recycled skateboards.  Very hipster-chic, if you ask me.  (Photo courtesy of Reaves Woodworks.)

And, if you're in the market for something pretty cutting-edge and up-to-the-moment, how about a gift certificate to Bourbon, Columbia's newest (not-quite-open-yet) creole-cajun eatery and bar.  Just message them on Facebook, and they'd be happy to sell you a gift certificate for that lucky guy.

Happy shopping; only 8 days left before Christmas!  Buy local!

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Holiday Toddler Date

On a recent Saturday morning, Jones and I set out on a mommy-son date to new local store, Provisions, and to The Mad Platter.

This was my first venture into Provisions, and Genevieve made us feel more than welcome, which is to say she was very sweet about the fact that Jones wanted to "sample" every.single.thing.inthe.store.  Provisions aims to sell local bulk food and spices, as well as locally produced and farmed produce, eggs, dairy, meat, and bakery items.

And there were plenty of local food items for sampling that day.  Nuts, candy, chocolate covered pretzels, blue cheese with Sallie's Greatest Blueberry + Lavender Jam.

My friends know--and laugh about the fact--that I am usually a strict no "fruit in weird forms" kinda girl.  Meaning, no dried fruit, no hot fruit, no fruit in sauce or liquid, and especially no jelly or jam, typically crosses my lips.  Seriously, it usually disgusts me.  But, because I am an adult and I am all about trying to get my toddler to try new things, I set the good example, and tried the offering of blueberry + lavender jam on blue cheese.  Suddenly, my life of not eating fruit-in-weird-forms flashed before my eyes with a pang of regret.  (Not really).  But, I conceded to the fact that I really liked the jam on top of blue cheese.  I even bought a jar.

We also bought a bag of apple rings candy and some DiPrato's Pimento Cheese.

that's my card, right on top...fingers crossed.

After snagging some cool local food, and vowing to come back closer to Christmas to put together some gift baskets for family, we headed just down the street for the artistic portion of the date.
The Mad Platter pottery-painting studio is totally catered to accommodate kids.  Jones had a blast picking out his items to paint, then picking the colors, and then painting.

I mean, with a potty-training toddler, half of our time is spent in the bathroom, and Mad Platter even makes that easy with a family-friendly bathroom!  (If you have ever potty-trained a child, you get it).

We painted 2 nativity scenes for Jones' grandmas, and he also picked out one small train to paint for himself.

I'm pretty sure Jones' grandmothers were thrilled with their special gift, and Jones & I had an awesome time painting together.  Thanks, Mad Platter!

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Local Gift Guide for that Precocious Toddler

 Clockwise, from the top:

1. This modern, unique, and eco-friendly belt made from recycled fire hose has already made its way from KD's Treehouse under my tree this year.  Jones will be getting the purple; they also have them in red, green, & blue.  The manufacturer, Gallo en Fuego, donates a portion of the proceeds from sales to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation! 

2. A membership to EdVenture Children's Museum is like a present for kids and parents.  There is always something new to see, and it is incredibly refreshing to take your toddler to a place where they are actually expected to run around, make noise, and touch everything! (The picture is of Jones playing in the ship at EdVenture a year or so ago).

3. How about this amazing handmade corduroy vest from Owlette.  I mean, this vest is over-the-top adorable, right?  She makes them in a variety of sizes.

4. Or, for the toddler girl, this precious handmade skirt, also by Owlette. Hounds tooth and corduroy...I kinda want this in my size.

5. I am obsessed with Charley Harper, and the Columbia Museum of Art Museum Shop indulges me at every turn.  This colorful puzzle-of-art would be an awesome one to Mod Podge and frame for a child's bedroom after it's completed, (if one were so craftily-inclined).

6. And a puzzle-of-art to beat all others, check out this handcrafted wooden dinosaur puzzle!  This thing is large and beautiful and perfect for a toddler or young child, (or child-at-heart-husband).  There are multiple dinos to choose from, and they're available locally at Nest, the new maker's market inside the Marriott downtown, selling only SC-made goods.  Handcrafted in the Midlands by Chris Salmon of Knifefish.

In addition to a few of these items, Jones will also be receiving a gift certificate to Columbia Children's Theatre.  He loves a performance, and I am all about giving experiences instead of things when possible!

Shop local, shop handmade!

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A Local Gift Guide for the Bouncing Babies in Your Life

Clockwise from the top:

1. A Hape Little Drummer drum is the perfect gift for a baby who likes to bang on things--channel that energy musically!  Available locally at KD's Treehouse.

2. Columbia is lucky to have so many creative-types selling handmade and often one of a kind items, and I would be remiss to leave Nana by Sally off of such a list.  These adorable bibs are available on her website, at Soda City Market most Saturdays, or at KD's Treehouse.  (I also recently spotted some of her beautiful bags at Mast General Store on Main Street).

3. And speaking of handmade, this unique bonnet with little ears by Columbia-local Owlette is on my wishlist for baby Birdie.

4. Columbia husband-wife duo, jellykoe, creates amazing "Wonky Dolls" and handmade plushes, perfect for that discerning and local-supporting little lad or lass. 

Stay tuned for more local gift guides that will be coming on the blog!
Buy local (and handmade) this holiday season!

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There's Not Much Better Than Live Music

At least, according to my toddler, there's not.  It's safe to say that Jones is pretty obsessed with listening to music, and playing musical instruments, and singing, but most especially hearing music live.  I have to admit that his father and I are pretty over-the-moon about this obsession with music.  The video above is him jamming out to The Kernal at the most recent Columbia Jam Room Festival.

At this same festival, we were listening to Dear Blanca, when we hear the lead singer give a shout out to our son.  By name.  James and I looked at each other.  I looked at Jones who was perched on James' shoulders, and then looked back at the lead singer.  I thought, um, how do you know our child's name?!  (He then said into the microphone that he works at Jones' daycare).   But seriously, our 2 year old got a shout-out at a concert.  We've never been prouder!  And Jones took it in stride, no big deal to him.  "Oh yeah, that's Mr. Dyyan."  (He's still working on pronouncing his 'l's correctly...)

taking in some music from the best viewpoint in the house

The hubs is a certifiable musician, and by that, I mean he actually plays instruments and can read music and all that jazz.  I, on the other hand, cannot.  I am woefully very musically-un-inclined, but I sure do appreciate it.  I never even took a Music Appreciation class in school, but if I had, I'm pretty sure I would've aced it.

Thankfully for our family of music-lovers, there is ample opportunity in Columbia to take in some live music, even during the day-when we must enjoy if we're going to take the toddler along for the trip.  We have attended a couple concerts at EdVenture Children's Museum.  Jones asked me the other day if we could "go to the museum to hear some music?"  Alas, the concerts at EdVenture were only scheduled for Fridays during the summer.  Maybe they'll schedule some more for the Fall too, hint, hint...

Lunch Money is a kindie-band favorite--they have dubbed themselves "Indie Rock for the Whole Family," and I would agree.  It's kid-music for people who hate kid-music.  We own a couple CDs and we've heard them twice now at KD's Treehouse in town.  They don't disappoint. 

Here's to more family-friendly live music in the Midlands for my music-lovin' babe!

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Don't We All Deserve A Place at the Table?

One of my favorite spots in Columbia, one of our city's gems, I think, is The Nickelodeon Theater.  Before I had children, (when my nights were a seemingly endless barrage of opportunities to go out and experience the city), my girlfriends and I went to see at least a movie a  month, sometimes more, at The Nick. 

image via here

Fast forward a few years; we all now have children, and getting a babysitter is reserved to 1-2 nights a month.  Jaunts to The Nick aren't nearly as regular.  However, they showed A Place at the Table this past Monday, and I told my social work students that I'd give them extra credit to attend this poignant documentary film.  And in doing so, I got to go to The Nick on a weeknight.  And I got to see this raw and smart and provocative film about hunger in America.  (Side note: The film's soundtrack features The Civil Wars, who are amazing.  I blogged about them here.)

The problem is getting worse, not better.  And, you know that obesity problem that our country has, well it's inextricably tied to our hunger problem.  And our factory farm problem.  And the problem we have in our country of taking care of big corporations as if they are people, and caring not for the people themselves.

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, having 1 out of 2 children in our country experiencing hunger is good for no one.  Hunger affects a child's brain development and health and learning capability...and that affects everyone's future.

Next week is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.  Please do something to help the kids and families experiencing hunger and homelessness.  Watch this film.  Call, e-mail, or tweet your representative and let them know that you don't want them to cut food stamps (SNAP).  Do something locally to help combat these problems. 

A quote I posted on the blog I write for St. Lawrence Place a few weeks ago puts words to this issue as succinctly as I can imagine: "The future which we hold in trust for our own children will be shaped by our fairness to other people's children,"  Marian Wright Edelman.

Hunger is a social justice issue.  Do something.

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Reaching Goals and Gettin' Things Done

Since having a baby 4 months ago, (whew-time flies; I can't believe she's 4 months old!), I have been slooooowly and steadily working towards getting back into "running shape."  I define running shape as being able to run 2 miles without stopping, and without totally hating the time I spend doing it.

Today I reached that goal.  I had my first enjoyable 2 mile run without stopping to walk; (it was actually 2.3 miles!)  And just in time too, as I run in my first 5K in almost 2 years tomorrow night.  I'll let you know how that goes...my goal is merely to run the entire thing.  No time or pace goals for this girl; I just aim to run the whole way without stopping to walk.

image via here

Tonight James & I are taking the babes to EdVenture Children's Museum to hear Like Totally!, a theatrical, kid-friendly band that I think Jones will really dig.  He is obsessed with music and instruments and playing his guitar and singing these days; it's pretty awesome.

Tomorrow we plan to go to Soda City, the all-local farmer's market on Main Street.  We'll be looking to get a boat load of tomatoes so James can make a huge batch of salsa to can.  This market is so cool and Jones loves it too--I love to grab some Indah coffee as soon as we get there, then sip as we peruse.  Last time we went Jones got a bag of mini-donuts which were delicious.  I also scored some cool records.  Very fun.

Jones at the Soda City market last winter--a little hipster-in-training, right?!

I'm also thinking a dinner on the patio at Il Giorgione might be a good way to celebrate completing the 5K tomorrow night; we'll only have Birdie with us, as Jones is spending the night with his YaYa, so we could actually even have adult conversation!

What are you up to this weekend?

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Friday Craving

One of my favorite sandwiches in all the land:

A Groucho's STP (all-turkey for me) with 45 Sauce.  Seriously, it doesn't get much better.
And yes, those are potato chips on the sandwich--the only way I do it.

Happy Friday!

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Culture in Columbia

There is so much going on in Columbia, SC in the next few weeks!  So many events I want to attend and shows I want to see...alas, with a toddler at home, a husband who works most evenings, and a baby on the way, (read: I am tired all the time), it makes it a little challenging to do everything I want to.

Not sure what will shake out, but here are a few things I'm really hoping to partake in:

via here

Sleepwalk With Me at The Nickelodeon.  This film is by the producers of This American Life.  Need I say more?  (I love Ira Glass and I love that show--I even have the app on my phone!)  The film is playing at The Nick through October 18th.

via here

Red at Columbia Museum of Art.  You've probably heard that the CMA is exhibiting Mark Rothko works right now, (definitely on the to-do list).  Well, in conjunction with Trutus Theatre, they are also putting on a Broadway play of Rothko's life called Red.  Playing tonight through Sunday. 

via here

NPR's Scott Simon, the host of Weekend Edition, will speak at USC on October 23rd as part of their Fall Literary Festival.  Another of my favorite NPR personalities and shows.

So, what are you up to these crisp Fall days?  There's plenty to choose from.   We're going to take the babe to the State Fair next week--can't wait to see him on the kiddie rides!

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A Difficult Truth

I tend not to get too heavy on this blog, but I live this stuff day-in and day-out, working at a transitional housing shelter for homeless families, so today, it is spilling over:

I found this infographic on Poverty in America on visual.ly:

Source

Browse more infographics.


21.6% of kids in America live in poverty.  WHAT?!

Find a social justice issue to be passionate about.  Seriously, do it.  And talk about it.  And make a difference.

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A Social Life

Having a toddler who enjoys a strict bedtime of 7 pm and a husband who works odd hours makes it difficult to have a social life outside of having friends over to my house for an occasional drink or hang out.  In the past 2 weeks however, our social activity calendar has been full, not sure why now, but here's what it entails for the rest of the week:
Tonight I am going to see... ahem, Magic Mike, with some girlfriends.  I can assure you, I am definitely not going for the plot development or the characterization.

Tomorrow night the hubs and I are going to see Moonrise Kingdom at The Nick.  Cannot wait for this--I know I've been blogging and tweeting about it for weeks now, but I really am excited.  It has gotten great reviews.

And Saturday night we are going out dinner at @116 Espresso & Wine Bar in West Columbia.  I have blogged about this spot before, and it is still one of my faves in Columbia, but I don't get to go there very often.
Thinking pre-movie nights that we're going to Cantina 76 and Hunter Gatherer, two more local favorites.

What has been on your social calendars lately?  I'm just excited to have one at the moment, and thankful that I have awesome parents and in-laws to babysit :)

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Dinner & a Show on a Budget

Wanna feel all grown-up and go to dinner and a show, but on a budget?  In Columbia, you can.

We ate dinner last night at Gervais & Vine--it hasn't disappointed ever, not once--and then saw Avenue Q at Trustus Theatre.  The dinner was 3 courses; I had a smoked gouda/bacon/shrimp dip, then a petite filet with feta and balsamic reduction served with fingerling potatoes and asparagus, then white chocolate chip bread pudding and ice cream.  I mean, that's some seriously amazing food.  Can you guess what I paid for that food (tax, gratuity, drinks, not included)?  $15.  For real.

The ticket to Avenue Q is $30 (it's a musical) and for $15 extra dollars, I got that awesome meal at Gervais & Vine.  I almost felt bad, like I was stealing...  $45 each for dinner and a show.

Avenue Q was hysterical--and very well-performed.  I saw the off-Broadway version in NYC back in January, so I even had that to compare it to, and I think they did an amazing job.  You should go see it.  And do the dinner and a show deal. 

image via here

I also REALLY want to go see Moonrise Kingdom at The Nick--it's been held over for another week...

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