2 Years Ago Today...

I got up bright and early, and walked the two blocks down to the Cistern to attend my Commencement Ceremony from The College of Charleston.

I met Mother for a few pictures and to talk strategy about her getting the best seat possible (and she did, of course)

I sat under the oaks with my classmates while all the girls wore white dresses and carried roses while all the gentleman wore white dinner jackets with red rose boutonnieres. I walked up towards the stage and listed anxiously for her to call my name, she did, and actually pronounced it correctly! I graduated with a double major in Historic Preservation and Art History.

After the ceremony we walked out through Porter's Lodge, the same gates that we entered in 2005 as freshman.

I cannot believe it has been two years since I sat on the stage at Randolph Hall and became a college graduate. I still look back on that day with excitement, but remember being incredibly sad knowing that such a fun part of my life was coming to an end and that I was leaving a place I loved so dearly.

4 years is never Enough!

Lately I've been having lots of "I miss college" days in addition to missing my most favorite city in South Carolina, Charleston. I feel so lucky that I got to spend 4 years there for college as well as 2 of the best summers of my life. I wish I could have dragged college out further, although I tried to squeeze as much in as I could with 2 Majors in Historic Preservation & Community Planning and Art History.

I miss days of touring historic homes to research my senior thesis.

(Spoleto Headquarters on George Street)

I miss spending my favorite Summer Holiday (July 4th) on Sullivan's Island at Station 22.

I miss the days of being a Belle for Southern Proper.

I miss bid days on the cistern!

I miss the grey house on Duncan Street that flooded when it rained at high tide.

I miss bid days on the beach with my bestie, SAT.

I miss having a view of where the Ashley and Cooper come together during sunset walks.

I miss this being my classroom. (No joke, one summer a preservation course I took required sketches of historic homes. This day we toured and sketched the Heyward Washington house, where George Washington once visited). The second best part of this class is that it was Maymester and only went from 9 am to 12 pm. My professor was always so patient with my lack of drawing skills too!

I may not live in Charleston anymore, but I am very happy to have pictures this fantastic to remind of me of a dearly loved place (with people I love too)!

The Holy City

I spent a most wonderful weekend with old friends in my most favorite city in the world (sorry DC). Obviously I was in Charleston!

I got to eat at a few of my favorite spots including:

• Jimmy Johns (not exactly gourmet, but a college favorite, and exactly what I wanted when I arrived in CHS at 930 at night!)
• 5 Loaves (cant.get.enough.)
• East Bay Deli (Honey Turkey Croissant, please please please!)
• Chais (Shrimp and Grits!)
• Marina Variety Store (more grits, and biscuits with a lovely harbor view)

While its quite well known how much I do love the food in Charleston, mostly importantly, I love my dear dear friends SAT and KBV who I got to spend the weekend with! (Thanks girls! Now its your turn to take a trip up to the barren, cold north!)

How was everyone's halloween? Mine was filled with eating candy corn and prosecco in addition to constantly explaining my costume! (no, i was not Risky Business nor was I the walk of shame!) I was Holly Golightly!

Porter's Lodge at C of C
South Battery

*Photos from my archive of my much loved college era, which I peruse often to remind me of my former life which I miss so much!*

Currently Craving

Five Loaves Cafe.

Absolutely, hands down my favorite, favorite, favorite restaurant. Granted, I do love a good filet from Magnolia's, and Chai's is also a favorite (shrimp and grits, please!), but Five Loaves is a beloved, and dearly missed place I almost always ate multiple times a week in college. Every time I go back to Charleston it is simply mandatory to go to Five Loaves. This trip is preferably taken on a Tuesday or Friday night (for half off bottles of wine!) but, anytime will do.

I cannot eat enough of their potato broccoli cheddar soup and spinach salad. I never thought I would actually say "I'm craving a Spinach Salad" but, it must be said... this is the best spinach salad. ever. In addition to baby spinach, there is fresh mozzarella, polenta croutons, toasted slivered almonds and sliced red onions.* I always get it with the balsamic garlic dressing as well. I could eat this salad everyday, for the rest of my life and never tire of it. When I first discovered this gem in 2005 they had several locations in downtown Charleston, one conveniently being located practically across from my freshman dorm. Sadly, the 5LC that was on Calhoun and King closed in 2007. However the Cannon Street location is still open and was always well worth the short trip from Duncan.

That being said, if anyone in Charleston wants to send me some 5 Loaves... it would be lovely. Also, a Hot Mozz from Bull Street Gourmet!

* Yes, the last time I was in Charleston I documented this fantastic combination so I could always remember the delicious food I cant have in DC... still looking for "favorites" in DC. Keyword: Still (14 months later...)

Another Reason to LOVE my College

Named best Small State School ( I couldn't agree more! )

http://www.parade.com/news/2010/08/22-college-a-list-small-state-schools.html?index=2