A Proper Recipe Box

I came across these recipe boxes while shopping around at the Charleston paper company, mac & murphy. These pieces, by Rifle Paper Company, are handmade from locally salvaged hardwood. 

A proper recipe box is just one thing I think a lady should own. In my opinion there are a few items that separate the girls from the ladies: a collection of clutch purses, fancy salt and pepper shakers, a dainty monogrammed handkerchief, a vintage brooch and a proper recipe box.

What good is a fancy recipe box without fancy recipe cards to go with them? Luckily, Rifle Paper Company has plenty of cards to choose from. My favorite ones are the 4x6 Lemon Recipe Cards.

Art and Soul

Check out these funky vintage-inspired posters by the Anderson Design Group. There's an entire collection dedicated to the art and soul of America. It's funny how each of these posters remind me of a friend. I really love the Atlanta print, that Georgia peach is just so iconic. 

 

Two Years

Two years ago today, Mitch and I were married in a small ceremony in Bluffton, SC. The past two years have been such a whirlwind. My marriage has taught me that life is short and to embrace what I have, every single day. This is a lesson that's usually passed down from wiser generations, but like most advice, you have to learn the hard way. I am thankful that things were put into perspective for me early in my marriage. I am so grateful for my sweet husband!

The Countriest Country Club

Saturday night we headed out to Harold's Country Club, a bonafide honky tonk in Yemassee, SC. This restaurant is truly in the sticks, but it is worth every minute of the drive.

Harold's was originally started as a Chevrolet dealership in The 1930's but in the 70's it transitioned from a service garage into a place for covered dish suppers on Thursday nights. Today you can find Deep Fried Turkey, Hot Wings or Ribeyes depending on what night you dine.

The Harold's experience is 100% pure American South. The family that runs this joint doesn't sugar coat anything except Mrs. Mary's Butter Pecan Cake. The restaurant decor is every bit as eclectic as the crowd that gathers. 

Harold taught his grandson Bobby how to cook up the steaks just right. You'll find Bobby behind the grill every Saturday night making your supper. You have to call ahead and order a steak to make sure you get one; but when you get there, they've got a paper plate with your name on it.

A night at Harold's isn't complete without round of karaoke. Hank Williams, David Allan Coe and Reba McEntire had some of the best songs played all night. While this might not be you're everyday party, it's certainly a party you don't want to miss.

A Custom Monogram

Southern women are taught to value their monogram like their grandmother's pearls. As much as I have tried to resist over monogramming my possessions, one of my most favorite wedding gifts was our monogrammed stationery. I am completely smitten with these custom monograms by Allison R. Banks Designs. Whether you have a two, three, or four letter monogram you can choose the style lettering you prefer and work directly with an artist to design exactly what you want. Once your monogram is set, you can have letterpress plate or rubber stamp created that can be used on stationery, note cards, packages and more. The middle design below is literally calling my name!

The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen

The Lee Bros. released their new cookbook, Charleston Kitchen last month. Matt and Ted Lee are certainly a fancier version of Lowcountry than I am. In our house we've joked about them because they served champagne at an oyster roast on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. Today I flipped through the book and was blown away. I loved it so much I got it for a friend's bridal shower. Below are a few pics I snapped before I wrapped it. This book is full of gorgeous images that remind me of home. There's a section in the book paying homage to the Charleston Receipts cookbook. Charleston Receipts, published in 1950, was the first and most successful community cookbook in the country and no Charleston kitchen is complete without one.

Mrs. Vereen Cohen

A mess of Blue Crabs

Pan-roasted Corn, Okra and Tomatoes

Crab Boil

Smothered Porkchops

Sheepshead

Lowcountry Linens

Check out these pillows I came across recently while shopping for a wedding gift. Lowcountry Linens, based in Hilton Head Island, block prints each design by hand. I love the bright colors and lowcountry inspired patterns.

Porch Fan

Blue Crab

Loggerhead Sea Turtles