14 for 2014...Happy New Year!

In fashion with the upcoming New Year, instead of doing a wrap up of 2013, I'm going to look toward the future. Each year, I think it is normal for us all to reflect on the past 365 days, the goals we reached and those that fell short. Either way, we have to continue forward. Here are 14 things that I hope to accomplish or experience in 2014.

1. Learn how to speak French. I've been hounding a friend from France to give me lessons but this time I'm actually going to follow through. Parlez-vous Francais?

2. Travel abroad - France, South Africa, Italy, Australia...just a few on my mind.

(Me in Paris, 2012)

3. REALLY learn how to blow out my hair...I keep blaming my poor efforts on a lack of arm muscle strength, but really it's a lack of patience. One of my favorite Blogs, The Londoner, did a tutorial a couple months ago that I might just use!

(photo c/o the Londoner)

4. Finalize the Young Girls Empowerment Program I've been tweaking for over two years now at work. By day, I work as a School Counselor in NYC.

5. Pray more for people.

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 (msg)

6. Attend Colour Conference. A Revolution of Love. You should consider going, it is LIFE CHANGING!

(Colour London, 2013)

7. Start and finish every book I set out to read...especially the non-fiction ones I could learn something from. A few on my list include - Girls With Swords, Undaunted, One Thousand Gifts.

   

8. Follow through with this blog...journal more.

9. Make my Yes Yes and my No No. It's tough for me to say no to people sometimes because I either don't want to disappoint or I just don't want to miss out. But the reality is, if we are running around doing a million different things we can't do anything well. We end up feeling stretched thin or burnt out. There is no health in this, and I want my life to be full of growth and strength.

10. Start to Run...I know it's going to get me into the shape I want to be in, I just hate it!

(photo c/o Jorg Badura)

11. Travel to Montauk...VACATION.

(My amazing friends...we traveled to Montauk like real NYCers over July 4th last summer)

12. Invite more people to church...HillsongNYC (stay tuned for Sunday Funday posts on the Blog)!

13. Turn the BIG 3-0 with grace, joy, and confidence. The best is yet to come!

(My 28th Birthday)

14. Fall in love...or just go on a few great dates :)

I know 14 is a high number and I'll be lucky if I master one of these, but I think if we don't set the bar high, we always live below our capacity.

What are some of your 14 for 2014?

Happy New Years Everyone!

xoxo
d. eileen

Just a Bunch of WiseGuys

South Carolina has one of the most beautiful coastlines on the East Coast of the United States. It's unique marsh system blends fresh water marshes into the salty Atlantic Ocean. It is fondly referred to by locals as "The Low Country". This blend provides a water home to a variety of animal life including dolphins, manatees, numerous bird species, and even Great White Sharks! The best way to see the Low Country coastal marshes and wildlife is by kayak; this is how you get into the nooks and crannies, places you can't get to by land or boat. The tidal change is 8-10ft,  which is huge for those of you who don't know. South Carolina is also a great place to get fresh oysters. The beds are exposed during low tides and the Spartina Grass creates a lush beautiful scene any time of the year. 

(during high tide this barnacle lined post is underwater!)

(shirt - J.Crew, jacket - Ann Taylor Loft)

(Low Country livin')

We ended the day with a trip to my FAVORITE restaurant on Hilton Head. I don't always get to make it here when home, but if you are visiting it is a must! Wiseguys is a tapas style restaurant with an extensive and carefully selected wine list. They have "Serious Cocktails" and wines by the glass, bottle, and in the Wine Keeper. Mom and I shared a bottle of Migration Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley and my sister sipped on a Peach Tea Cocktail. 

For dinner we shared a variety of small plate options. We started with WiseGuys Shrimp and Calamari, which packs a punch in its Sweet & Spicy Chili Glaze. We followed it with Tuna Tartare Lettuce Wraps, Lobster Risotto, and a Pizzetta topped with fig confit, prosciutto, caramelized onions, and gorgonzola cheese.    

Every bite was delicious and I did not want it to end. The front bar area is lively, cozy and usually is filled with locals. For a more proper dining experience, you can make a reservation for the back dining room. 

It 'twas a great day in the Low Country.

d. eileen

Shrimp & Grits & She Crab Soup ... Charleston, SC

Took a day trip to Charleston, SC with my mother and grandma during my time home for the holidays. I'd visited Charleston many years ago, but remembered little. One of my best friends visited early this year, so using her recommendations, we set out for a day of good food, historical site seeing, and a little shopping.

After the just short of two hour car ride, we fueled up with brunch at Poogan's Porch. Its' central location and high ratings made it the perfect stop. Located in a historical townhouse, the restaurants menu boast a variety of classic southern cuisine with a modern flare. Mom and I both had Chef Isaac's She Crab Soup to start and the Fish and Grits for our entree. Grandma opted for the Crab Cake Benedict. The interior was decked out for Christmas and had a warm homey ambiance.

(the cheesy grits side and okra and tomato on top were a perfect pairing!)

Bellies full we took a stroll down the popular King Street. This has been the shopping epicenter of Charleston since the 1700's. Antique shops are plenty, and you can find everything from trendy boutiques like Irresistibles to high-end classics like Louis Vuitton. We eventually made our way to The Charleston City Market, which used to house the city's meat market. It's now a collection of local vendors selling everything from handcrafted Sweet Grass Baskets by the Gullah community to fashion jewelry. 

(for those of you who don't know, I have an issue with shoes xoxo)

The day ended with a tour around the city in a horse drawn carriage. Our horse Steve was a great tour guide, but a little slow in his old age :)

Charleston, SC is a beautiful city with an amazing rich history. If you visit, take a couple days to explore its nooks and cranies. They exude character and secrets yet to be uncovered. 

Finally, here is the outfit for the day. Super excited about this one. Lots of amazing after Christmas sales! Shirt, sweater and necklace are J.Crew. Shoes - Vince Camuto (eep...they sparkle!) 

 

d. eileen

Christmas 2013

I'm home for a week with my family in SC. Our normal routine includes my mother, sister, and myself going to my Grandparent's for dinner Christmas Eve (after church of course), and then them coming to ours' Christmas Day. The cooking responsibilities generally fall to me. I usually fail to disappoint (minus one year I attempted Cassoulet and it was an epic fail...I'll stick to getting my fix at Buvette). And of course it's not Christmas without some holiday jewelry sparkle.

This year the menu included a horseradish herb butter rubbed Rib Roast complimented by mixed colorful carrots and asiago cheese scalloped potatoes. The meal ended with a taste of Paris, French Chocolate Mousse (the recipe we cooked at a cooking class in Paris, Christmas 2012).

The day was filled with gifts, Champagne, Apples to Apples, family and full bellies. Parker (our family dog) even snuck a taste.

(caught red handed)

Happy Birthday Jesus.

d. eileen