Art , Dogs & a Baby

That's what's on my list for tomorrow--visit the Columbia Museum of Art and shop for the dogs at Pupcakes Pet Boutique with Jones.  Then, tomorrow night we'll indulge at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for dinner with some close family friends, a December 23rd tradition, (or as my Dad calls it- Christmas Eve Eve).

image via here

I am dying to see the Hudson River School Painters Exhibit; just gonna pop Jones in his sling and expose him to some beautiful art.  Then, we'll venture to Pupcakes to get new collars and treats for the dogs for Christmas.

I am off of work and Jones is out of school, and I can't imagine a more perfect day.

Happy Holidays!

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Handmade Baby Stuff

As much as I wish I were a talented sewer and knitter, and that these arts came easily for me, alas that is simply not the case.  But that does not stop me from trying anyway!  With help from more talented friends and family, I have managed to produce a few items for the baby that are quite cute, if I do say so myself.

The hand-knitted baby blanket that I have been working on for a few months, (I am a very slow knitter!), is mere days away from being complete--pictures soon!  And the items below I just finished working on with my mom last weekend.  (My mother is an insanely talented sewer and crafter--she made so many of my and my sister's clothes when we were children.  I am trying my best to learn from her so I can do the same).

Here is the baby bib that we made from some vintage fabric that I thrifted years ago:

And here is the baby gown that I made from one of James' old t-shirts.  Pattern found here.

The gown was a little more difficult than the bib--mom helped a lot.  But, I'm a novice, so for anyone who has some sewing skills, the gown would be a breeze.  The pattern calls for using elastic at the bottom, but my sister (who has 2 babies) suggested a drawstring, as elastic is too easy for the baby to poke his tiny legs out of.  With a drawstring, (we used satin brown ribbon), you can tie his legs up in the gown!

Mom and I have 2 more gowns we're going to make this weekend from James' "I'm a Keeper" t-shirt and his "I Pass on Grass" t-shirt :)

And, just because I love this picture...here are my babies gazing out our front door at the snow a couple weeks ago.  Peach and Abby definitely know that Jones is on the way soon and they are not sure how they feel about it...we're trying to give them lots of love and attention now.  I honestly think they'll be fine and grow to love the baby, but we'll see.  (Only 3 weeks left until my due date!)

I'm planning to go to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse this weekend to take advantage of their Restaurant Week special menu and I have another baby shower tomorrow-fun!  What are your weekend plans?

XO, Becca

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Christmas Rush

I am so ready for Christmas this year!  All of my shopping is complete as of today.  Jealous?

Since I'm finished, I thought maybe I'd help out some of you who may not be...some of my favorite last-minute gifts to be found in Columbia:

1) Go to the All Local Farmer's Holiday Market TODAY!  4-7 PM, 711 Whaley Street.  From the website: "It should be a delightful evening of local artisans, fresh local food, wine tastings and a delicious dinner from the always-wonderful Gervais & Vine!"   Find handmade items, flowers, wines, and fresh foods to make awesome gifts for anyone!

2)  Need something for mom, grandmother, sister, or best friend?  How about gorgeous, always stylish, (and on sale), suede gloves from 2 G's Clothing Company, 723 Saluda Ave in 5 Points?!  The staff is so friendly and helpful, and the prices are always affordable--everything is on sale right now!  (I just bought gloves in black there yesterday for my mom--they also had brown, camel and red--$30).  And they'll wrap your gift for free!

3) Just the Thing! is having a Buy Two Get One Free Sale on Wire Bangles and Stretchy Necklaces:

Wire bangles

4) My mom was headed to Tic Toc Candy Shop on Santee Ave. for some last minute stocking stuffers and gifts when I talked to her a bit ago--what a great idea!  (Hope she gets some things for the grown-up kids in her life).  (Images via Tic Toc's Facebook page)

 For the kids...

And the grown-ups.

These look ah-mazing--I have been craving Rice Krispy Treats!

Inspiration for me and Ben for tomorrow--these are for sale!

Having kids around, (and in my case, almost around), really does make Christmas seem so much more fun.  On Friday I am going to make a gingerbread house with my 3 1/2 year old nephew, Ben, (pics to come on the blog!)  I'm sure it will prove to be super-messy and fun.

Tonight the hubs and I are going to have a marathon-wrapping party until it is all done.  We have wrapped nothing yet, so we have piles of things to wrap.  I'm also going to make and ice gingerbread cookies tonight :)

Tomorrow night my family is going out to dinner with our close family friends, the Nunn's--it is a tradition of ours to eat with them on December 23rd every year.  Ruth's Chris, here we come--yum!

Friday night I will be at my sister's house for a Christmas Eve dinner, and then Christmas day we will make our rounds to all of our family's houses to share meals and open gifts. 
Whew--I am excited.

What are your holiday plans?  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
XO

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J. Mayer in the House

And by the way...

Did anyone hear about the surprise, FREE show that John Mayer put on at the Carolina Coliseum last night?! Apparently, he twittered that any USC student could come--tickets were at the Russell House, first come, first served. Man, I wish I got Twitter updates on my phone...
I'm not a USC student, but still have an ID from a few years ago, think they would have bought it?

Anyway--did anyone get to go to the show? I heard it was really intimate, maybe only 200 people or so, and that he was really hot...

And, just so you know, he's staying at The Hilton Columbia Center hotel in the Vista...my husband works at the Ruth's Chris there and knew he would be in town over a week ago. I have threatened to stalk him by hanging out at the hotel bar this week, but haven't done it yet.

image via here

I know I'm flying my freak flag a little, and my father is probably cringing as I type this, but I love J. Mayer's full-sleeve tattoo.

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The Better to Taste and Hear With...

image via here

To taste...
Next week, January 11-17, is Columbia's Annual Restaurant Week! The website says: "Restaurant Week Columbia will be a seven day celebration of the cuisine scene in the Midlands. From fine dining to casual, participating restaurants will feature special menu items, promotions and discounts."

There are currently 20 participating restaurants, each serving a 3-4 course menu ranging in price from $19-$42 per person. (All are under $30). Restaurants include Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, MoMo's Bistro, and Dianne's on Devine--all restaurants that I have not visited when paying for my own meal ever.*


I am currently on a month-long detox diet, but might have to break it for just one night to take advantage of the deals at one of these restaurants...hmmm, maybe Cellar on Greene...the Chile Seared Yellowfin Tuna with lime creme-fraiche and sriracha sounds right up my alley.

The Blue French Onion Soup offered on the menu at Great American Grill at the Hilton Garden Inn sounds pretty amazing too. I know the chef there, Stuart Partin; he's a very nice guy--very charitable and giving.** Go give his restaurant a try, and tell him Becca from St. Lawrence Place sent you!

To hear...

image via here

Those Darlin's at Art Bar this Saturday night, January 9th. Nope, I've never actually seen them play before, but I listened to a few songs on-line...and this article in today's Free Times has convinced me. Described in the article as "s#!t-kicking rockabilly," and with Magnetic Flowers opening for them, I was sold. $5 cover; show starts at 9 pm.

The White Mule is a relatively new Main Street pub and eatery that also has regular, varied, live music. I have been excited to patronize the place for a while now, but think I may actually make it happen in the next week or two... Here's their live music calendar through March 2010.

What else is going on in the music scene?

*Full disclosure--I have eaten at each of these restaurants before, but only when my father was paying.

**Stuart Partin at The American Grill at the Hilton Garden Inn is great about donating gift certificates and sponsoring things for St. Lawrence Place, the non-profit where I work. He's awesome!

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