Charleston by night.



If I didn't think that Charleston was charming enough during the year, it's even more magical during the holidays. Especially at night. After leaving my cousin's house, we all drove down to the Battery and parked our car by the water. We strolled around for hours and admired the architectural beauty, which was highlighted by the occasional lamp post and plenty of Christmas twinkle lights.

To top off the night, we made a pit stop at Kaminskys before walking back. We always seem to get placed at the same table, which makes me love the familiar feeling of this particular dessert bar even more.

Where did the year go? I can't believe that Christmas is over!

Christmas in Charleston.

I thought that it might be difficult to get into the holiday spirit when it reached 78* in South Carolina this weekend. The water temperature was so high that we had to cancel our oyster-roasting plans!

Surprisingly, the warm weather didn't phase me much. We happily celebrated in a world where Palmetto trees and Christmas trees seem to co-exist effortlessly. This city is so festive and I loved every minute of our 24-hour trip. (Minus the fact that it was too short).

And isn't my cousin's house adorable?!

Merry Christmas, friends!

Tea time.

Dan'l Boone Inn does Tea Time right.

I came down with a pretty high fever about 3 hours before graduation, and had to mentally prepare myself in case I fainted on stage. I was determined to walk no matter what - I waited 4 1/2 years for that moment!

Before heading home, we ate dinner at Dan'l Boone Inn. How cute is the personal tea kettle that accompanied my orange pekoe black tea (an attempt to sooth my sore throat)?! I've been sick during Christmas 3 times within the past 5 years, and I wasn't about to let it happen again. I took a long break from reality this week and unfortunately had to cancel my Christmas baking plans. Instead I watched nearly every movie we own, including all of the Christmas television classics - Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman.

Also, Jimmy Fallon has been hosting a 12 days of Christmas Sweaters giveaway and I really wish that I was an audience member so I could win one with Jingle Cats all over it. Jimmy is the best.

We're off the Charleston in the morning!! Merry Christmas!

Anticipation.

Lots of anticipation and things to be grateful for during the upcoming week:

Graduation!! Tomorrow. Ahhhhh. I feel a slight quarter-life crisis coming soon. Oh, and did I mention that I have completed enough credit hours as an undergrad to receive a masters degree as well? I'm totally serious. The perks of being a transfer student.

2 whole days dedicated to holiday baking (and card making).

A roadtrip to Charleston to see my dad's side of the family (with an oyster roast in the mix!).

A Tacky Christmas Sweater Party with my mom's side of the family on Christmas Eve.

Weekend.

Everything feels more seasonal and festive in Boone - probably because the town is covered in snow 7 months out of the year, which only adds to it's charm. Stick Boy, my favorite quick-stop for hot tea and (amazing) cookies, was decorated with handmade ornaments. The only thing that has been on my mind lately is Christmas crafting.

On Saturday, Bud and I drove out to Todd NC, mainly to admire the rustic scenery and stay toasty in the car. It's always a good 10-15 degrees cooler, and I'm rarely prepared for the wind chill. I was tempted to stop at one of the many Christmas Tree farms we passed along the way and strap one to the top of the jeep.

We've spent way too much money driving back and forth from the mountains this semester, but I am hooked on the little towns that have captured my heart. I can't seem to come to terms with the fact that I've already moved back to Charlotte.

Oh - I am officially graduating next weekend!! So, it's back up highway 421 we will go.

No duh.

My parents are somewhat regulars at The Evening Muse. My dad is a talented guitar player, and has the best taste in music. John Gorka is a musician that I more than likely would never have heard of, nor have an ear for, had I not grown up with his CD playing in the background. He came to Charlotte last Wednesday, so we spent a family evening in NoDa. Before the show, we ate at a personal favorite, Cabo Fish Taco (SO good). Definitely a NoDa staple - if you've never been to Cabo, run! Go for dinner tonight. Especially if you like Southwestern-style food.

Also, if you love f.r.i.e.n.d.s. as much as Caroline and I do, you'll be pleased to know that the Smelly Cat Coffee House is real. And awesome.

In other news - these photos helped me come to the realization that my hair was way too long, so I got a hair cut.

Deux.

It's been a full 2 years for this happy couple right here! We spent the evening in freezing downtown Charlotte, ate at Rock Bottom, then walked what seemed like 50 blocks to Crave Dessert Bar where we spent the same amount on cheesecake as we did on dinner. Banana pudding cheesecake, that is. You would have done the same.

I just love this boy lots, k?

We're making a point to spent more time downtown - especially to walk around at night. The Christmas lights are up, and the city is sparkling.

This is what happens when you're impatient:

Fact: when you cut a piece of the chocolate salted caramel tart, you should be left with a slice missing.

NAILED IT.

I'm no rookie when it comes to making caramel, but this particular caramel never turned the dark shade of amber it should have and also never thickened up, even though I left it in the fridge over night. The result? A caramel tart filling that oozed out before making it anywhere near home plate - leaving me with a slice of overdone chocolate crust topped with bittersweet ganache, all soaked in a puddle of goo.

You win some, you lose some.

Holiday Playlist.

I plan on listening to this playlist until December 26th. Maybe even until the New Year.

**I couldn't find any She and Him Christmas songs on Playlist, or else I definitely would have included them. They are my favorite.