Yappy Happy Hour

Wanna get out and enjoy this beautiful Columbia weather? (It's supposed to be 70 degrees today, and 71 degrees tomorrow--and sunny!) Do you also have a furry friend of the dog-persuasion, or just like dogs? Do you like margaritas? And chips?

If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, then I suggest you head to Cantina 76 tomorrow, Tuesday, March 9th from 5-8 pm for a "Yappy Happy Hour" to benefit Project Pet.

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The cost is $12 per person and includes margarita and wine tastings, chips’n’dip bar, and door prizes. Call (803) 407-0991,ext.1004 or email nachberger@projectpet.com for tickets. If you bring your dog, you'll be on the patio--sans pup, you can sit inside and enjoy the same deal!

Project Pet is an amazing local non-profit that saves pets from local high-kill shelters to adopt out to loving homes. Dexter, (pictured below), is one of their featured dogs right now--click here to learn more about adopting Dexter and giving him a forever-home.

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Dexter

Cantina 76 is self-proclaimed "A Taste of Mexico with a Unique Southern Twist." I have been once and enjoyed their tacos and a chicken chimichanga, which was a special that night, but I hope they have made it a regular menu item--it was great. Click here to see their menu. Click here to join their Facebook page.

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Thursday's Thinking of Food

A few random healthy-food related tidbits for you today:

1. Monday night, while on the stair climber at the gym, I caught this Lifeline segment on NBC Nightly News on the debate over whether organic really is better: (I think so...how could it not be?)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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2. This week my cousin, Caitlin, who lives in Charleston, SC, sent me a request via Facebook to join a group called Fields to Families. After researching the organization, I am totally impressed! Basically, their mission is to help the hungry in their community (Charleston) gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables. The group has partnered with local farmers to take the leftover crops off their hands and then disburse the healthy food to soup kitchens, food pantries, Meals on Wheels, shelters, and churches.

What an amazing, collaborative, healthy idea! Click here to read a recent article written about the group. They also have a Fields to Families blog.

3. Don't you just love Jamie Oliver? Not only is he cute and has a really awesome accent, but he has a new initiative called Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.

A word from Jamie about this initiative: "I believe that every child in America has the right to fresh, nutritious school meals, and that every family deserves real, honest, wholesome food. Too many people are being affected by what they eat. It's time for a national revolution. America needs to stand up for better food!" You can sign the petition to be a part of the American Food Revolution here.

In concert with this effort, Jamie also has a new show premiering Friday, March 26th on ABC called Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. See a sneak preview below--could be a bit hokey, but I really like him and the message:

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Columbia Weekend Guide

Check out my suggestions for an awesome weekend:

Thursday, March 4th (because let's face it, the weekend should always start on Thursday night, right?):

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Go to Cellar on Greene to take advantage of their Thursday night special--order any 2 personal pizzas and a bottle of wine, all for only $25!

Friday, March 5th:

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Attend the official "Kick-off to St. Pat's" event in 5pts. This features the annual dying of the fountain green, Irish dancers and music, and a scavenger hunt for the kids. The 5 Pts. merchants will also be having a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, March 6th. While you're there, go ahead and purchase your tickets for next Saturday's St. Pat's extravaganza--buying early saves you $4. Here's where you can get them:

Frenzy - 926 Harden St.
Good for the Sole - 631 Harden St.
Loose Lucy's - 709 Saluda Ave.
Parrot Heads - 734 Harden St.
Yesterday's - 2030 Divine St.
Village Idiot - 2009 Devine St.

Saturday, March 6th:

First thing, go to the Fatz Cafe Pancake Breakfast to benefit Hidden Wounds, a non-profit dedicated to providing peace of mind and comfort for military personnel suffering from combat stress injuries such as PTSD, TBI, and other psychological post war challenges. The event will be from 7:30-10:30 am at the Fatz at 5590 Forest Drive; tickets are $8 each. To-go plates will be offered.

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Then, go to the grand opening of the new Owens Field Skate Park...it's been a controversial expenditure of City money, but I, for one, think it's cool as hell that Columbia has a skate park now. The opening will take place at 10 am and the skate park is located at 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd in Rosewood. Click here to read an article in the newest Free Times about the park.

Sunday, March 7th:

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Try a new brunch spot--I think I'm going to try Cock n Bull's brunch...the description of their brunch specials on their Facebook page last weekend piqued my interest, and I've heard they have a Bloody Mary bar!? Yes, please.

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Then, after your post-brunch nap, head to the Nickelodeon Theatre for their annual Nick Oscar Party. The event starts at 6 pm and includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and signature drink. Cost is $25 for members, $30 non-members, and pay $45 and get a ticket to the event as well as a 1-year membership to The Nick! Co-hosted by Patti O'Furniture and The Shop Tart; click here to purchase tickets.

What are you up to this weekend? The weather is supposed to be nice...

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A Word for Wednesday

ome: a book, especially a very large, heavy or learned book

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As in: The "Myth Smashers" episode of Good Eats that I watched last night--Alton Brown consulted what he called "a tome on cooking know-how, full of culinary information like 'don't submerge mushrooms in water or they will soak it up.'" (Which, by the way, is a myth that Alton later debunked).

Definition via here.
Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.

Check in tomorrow for my Thursday's Thinking of Food post!

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Simple Fresh Southern

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Simple Fresh Southern--this is the title of the newest cookbook by The Lee Bros., Matt and Ted, whom I had the pleasure of hearing speak at the SC Book Festival last Saturday afternoon. Matt and Ted are from Charleston, SC, and are food journalists. They write for Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, GQ, The New York Times, and are the wine columnists for Martha Stewart Living.

They also founded The Lee Bros. Boiled Peanuts Catalogue, a mail-order catalogue for southern pantry staples like stone-ground grits, fig preserves, and, of course, boiled peanuts, as well as writing cookbooks.

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And on top of all this, they're really cute and funny.

While talking about their cookbook, they discussed the origin of the boiled peanut, (apparently boiling a peanut is a disgusting thought to many northerners--who knew?), as well as their recent appearances on Martha Stewart's show and Throw Down with Bobby Flay.

I didn't spring for their new cookbook at the Festival, as the line to get it signed was longer than I was willing to wait, and I haven't paid full-price for a book in ages, (love half.com); but I fully intend on purchasing it soon.

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Rainy Tuesday Relief

Here are a couple sales and things to do that will keep your mind off of how nasty it is outside:

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Just the Thing! is having a ONE DAY ONLY 20% off everything in the store, (excluding clothing), SALE! Today, March 2nd only! Become a friend of theirs on Facebook to learn about all sales and new merchandise. My favorite new pretty things from Just the Thing! shown here.

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Z Pizza on Gervais Street is celebrating their 1st birthday by giving 32% OFF anything on the menu, (excluding single slices and beverages). Today, March 2nd only! Become a friend of theirs on Facebook to get weekly specials. Z Pizza has the most amazing wheat crust, organic ingredients, and vegan/celiac-friendly ingredients.

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All items on Solstice's dinner menu are now under $15! And they are now open for lunch, Monday-Friday 11:30-2:00. Today's lunch specials include a Brie and pesto burger and honey-thyme glazed salmon...omg. Become friends with them on Facebook to get daily menu special updates and specials on wine. Click here to see a post about my most recent meal at Solstice--so good.

This day is looking better already...

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Columbia Curling League (CCL) & Spring Pretties

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OK, so there's no such thing as the Columbia Curling League--yet. If my husband could find a backer, he would take on the challenge of starting up this CCL for sure. He is obsessed with curling, and since the Winter Olympics ended last night, will no doubt be experiencing LOCS, or Lack of Curling Syndrome, as explained by local restaurant owner Kristian Niemi in his Monday e-mail.

Niemi, owner of awesome Columbia restaurants Rosso and Gervais & Vine, is offering a FREE glass of house white or red with any food purchase at either of his establishments tonight only if you mention the secret code words: "Curling Rules." So, cure your LOCS with some wine and good food tonight!

Also, just got an e-mail from Just the Thing advertising their new spring items and I LOVE these beaded bracelets...

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And these pillows:

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Happy Monday!

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