style inspiration: marcia, marcia, marcia

As a child, I spent more time than I'd like to admit watching Nick at Nite. Somewhere around the 4th grade, I decided I wanted to BE Marcia Brady. I'm talking not-cutting-my-hair-for-a-year-to-grow-it-as-long-as-possible wanted to be Marcia Brady. This was a pinnacle moment in my life, as my hair has never grown as long as that again, but I digress. The Brady Bunch randomly popped into my head the other day, and it got me thinking about how even though my Marcia Brady phase ended 15 years ago, I am still to this day loving her style.

*Also, if anyone out there just happens to have a time machine sitting around, you would be my absolute hero if you could just go ahead and take me back the late 60's/early 70's ;)

adventure this town: record fair + arts & draughts

The Columbia Museum of Art is a happening place and are always holding fun events. Last weekend it was the Greater Columbia Record Fair, and on Friday, May 2nd, they will be holding another Arts & Draughts event. The gallery be open from 7-11 PM, with live music, beer from the Goose Island Brewery courtesy of The Whig and food from the Wurst Wagon and Bone In Artisan Barbecue food trucks. Tickets are $8.00 ($5.00 if you're a museum member), and you can purchase tickets through their official site. Unfortunately, Dell and I are going out of town this weekend to celebrate our anniversary, but if you're going to be in Columbia, you do not want to miss this!

Luckily, we were in town this past weekend and had the opportunity to stop by the Greater Columbia Record Fair. HOLY VINYL. As a first timer to the fair, it was a little overwhelming. So many bins of records to scour, so little time.
Every single solitary time I set out to purchase an album, I make a pact with myself that I will NOT buy another Beatles album, instead I will buy something different and broaden my collection. And every time, I come home with a Beatles album. I just can't resist. I blaming my lack of self control on my parents since they're the ones that had me listening to The Beatles before I could even speak.

frock & frill: friday night denim

There's just something about wearing a denim vest that instantly makes me feel a little like a rockstar. And lately, I find myself incorporating this vest into outfit after outfit. I usually tend to dress on the "girlier" side, so I love to pair my denim vest with feminine pieces to give my outfit a bit of an edge.


demin vest: Francesca's // dress: M.S.S.P. // scarf: Market in Charleston, SC // shoes: Target

foodie friday: labrasca's pizza

Dell and I did something crazy and gave up bread & pasta for lent. One of the things I missed most during this time was PIZZA. I could eat pizza for breakfast, lunch & dinner and I'd still want another slice for dessert. So, for our first post-lent outing we went to our favorite pizza joint in Columbia:


Labrasca's Pizza has been around since 1966. You can find this little place hidden away on Fort Jackson Boulevard. We LOVE their pizza, which range in size from mini (6 inch) to large (15 inch), and you can choose from a variety of toppings. My go-to is a mini with mushroom, onion, peppers, tomatoes and feta. They also have subs, salads and appetizers available. & CANNOLI.


Aside from the delicious pizza, I love the atmosphere. It's dark and cozy, with old Italian decor. It makes me feel like I'm eating pizza in a retro pizza parlor in Italy.

We'll see you again soon, Labrasca's!

serious case of wanderlust

I am the type of person that has a totally incurable case of wanderlust. One of my favorite things about living in Columbia is the close proximity to a variety to travel destinations, including the mountains, multiple beaches and bigger cities to explore. I have a few weekend getaways planned for the very near future, but until then, you can find me drooling over dreamy vacation photos:


Paradise! Please take me there!


This looks like the perfect spot to have breakfast before adventuring all day!


So wishing I could make this my life motto.


This place looks so charming, and I'm betting the food is to die for!


One day I WILL roadtrip across the country in an old VW bus!

*All images via we heart it.

adventure this town: 7th annual greater columbia record fair

There's nothing I love more than listening to music on vinyl. I know buying vinyl albums has been sort of a fad lately, but for me, the love of listening to records goes back to childhood. One of my favorite past times as a kid was going over to my grandparent's house and listening to their old albums on their record player with them. And even now today, there is just something so novel and charming about listening to music, whether new or old, on vinyl.


Pictured with my most prized possession: Mom's original Abbey Road album
This Sunday (April 27), the 7th Annual Greater Columbia Record Fair is being held from 12:00-5:00 pm at the Columbia Museum of Art (1515 Main Street). HEAVEN. Not only will there be a variety of LP's & 45's, but The Whig will serve beer & KC's Hotdog will serve food. Score.

*Visit the Greater Columbia Record Fair's official website here.

a rainy easter weekend

I hope all of you had a lovely Easter weekend! Dell and I spent the weekend at the beach, but just our luck, it was cold and rainy the ENTIRE time. We did, however, have a great time at a friend's wedding Saturday night, had a delicious Easter lunch Sunday, and enjoyed some much needed relaxation.

foodie friday: the mediterranean tea room

Last night, Dell and I tried out the Mediterranean Tea Room. Honestly, we wound up there by total accident. A fortunate accident, but an accident nonetheless. We originally ventured out to get some Thai food from our VERY favorite Thai place only to find it CLOSED. I can't tell you the panic that rightfully ensued following this discovery, but luckily it was short lived because a few minutes later we figured out they are in the process of moving to a new location. I'll make sure to post about it when it opens back up!

The Mediterranean Tea Room is a small Mediterranean/Greek joint tucked away on Devine Street. I very much recommend giving this place a try if you love Mediterranean style food. They have a pretty expansive menu and a very charming atmosphere:


Oh, and the food. The food was delicious. And not to mention, quite inexpensive for the amount of food you get. I had the falafel sandwich with tabbouleh:



& one of Dell, because I think he's kind of handsome when he's oblivious that I'm sneaking pictures :)

indie grits & some beach essentials

Anybody made it to Indie Grits yet?! Indie Grits is a week-long independent film festival held here in Columbia once a year. Each night has a different event, from food, live music and screenings of independent films by local artists. For more information, check out the official website here.

Unfortunately, I'll be missing the festivities this weekend because I'm packing up the boyfriend & the pup and heading home to the beach for the weekend to visit my parents & attend a dear friend's wedding.

I was born and raised at the beach, so I know a thing or two about spending a day in the sun & sand. Here are some of my beach day essentials:


beach towel • bathing suit • sandals • jean cut-offs • sunglasses • sunscreen
Currently reading: State of Wonder by Anne Patchett
I'm guilty of enjoying a cold beer on the beach. But don't forget to bring lots of water, too!

frock & frill: modcloth haul & a little announcement

This arrived on my doorstep the other day. I felt like a kid on christmas. New dresses are THE BEST!


dress 1 • dress 2 • dress 3 sold out :(

Recognize the first dress from my post last week? Sometimes, I just can't help myself!
P.S., dress 1 & 2 are currently on sale ;)

On another note, I'd like to share that I'm currently working on getting a little shop up and running, so stop by the blog again soon! I've been collecting a few pieces of vintages clothing & trinkets, and hope to have a few handmade flower crowns available in a few weeks!

brody's birthday

Sunday we celebrated the two year rescue anniversary of our dog, Brody (we also pretend its his birthday since we don't know when it actually is). At the time, Dell and I had been talking about rescuing a dog, however, we were living separately and agreed it was not the ideal time. Still, I would browse the local pet rescue websites occasionally. And one day, I found his little picture. He was picked up as a stray at the local animal shelter, and was actually scheduled to be euthanized the day I found him. A few frantic phone calls later and he was officially saved. It was two years ago on Sunday that we brought him home, and words cannot express how much we love him.

If you're thinking about getting a pet, I highly recommend adopting through one of the local animal rescue groups here in Columbia. There are so many sweet babies that need a home! Here are links to a few of the rescue groups in the area:

Homeward Bound
Pawmetto Lifeline & HEART
Pets Inc.
SQ Rescue

weekend fun

This weekend was a busy one! Friday night, Dell and I saw Amos Lee in concert. It was an AMAZING show. We especially love Amos Lee because he started his music career right here in Columbia.

Saturday we went to the USC Spring Game. We just can't pass up an opportunity to tailgate and watch football. Is it football season yet?!

Hope all of you had a lovely weekend too!

happy weekend!

foodie friday: original pancake house

Dell and I had a little lunch date this week at the Original Pancake House. I have two words to describe this place: POTATO. PANCAKES.
We are in LOVE with their potato pancakes. We might be a tad bit biased because they slightly resemble one of our favorite Filipino cuisines, pork cakes (veggie for me). But seriously, just look at these bad boys:


(pictured here with the Florentine Crepe, also very yum.)

They come with a side of applesauce and sour cream, but take my word for it & slather these puppies in ketchup (also a biased statement, as I am a mega ketchup enthusiast). Don't believe me? Go try them out for yourself.

currently jammin': first aid kit

This band is absolutely stunning. Though I've had it on my iPod for a couple years, recently I can't seem to get "Emmylou" off of repeat. Do yourself a favor and listen to it:

frock & frill: dreaming in retrocolor

If you know me at all, you already know I am head over heels for anything retro, especially dresses. Lately, I have fallen into an even deeper love affair with retro yellows and greens, and I just can't seem to get enough of it into my wardrobe. Modcloth's spring line is especially drool-worthy this season, and here are a few retro yellow & green colored dresses I am particularly lusting after:

1 - Curious Columnist
2 - Fun & Game Night
3 - Author Outings
4 - Darjeeling & Daffodils
5 - Rock & Bowl
6 - Styled & Free
7 - Pull Up a Cherry
8 - Floral Field Day

adventure this town: live music + outdoors

Via we heart it. This makes me want to add learning to play the banjo to my bucket list!

April is one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and after being cooped up in the house all winter, I just can't seem to get enough of being outdoors. That's why I'm getting super excited for two upcoming outdoor music events happening in Columbia this weekend:

River Rocks 2014, April 12th
This is an all-day music affair happening at the Riverfront Park. The line-up includes Keller Williams, The Ben Miller Band, Sirius.B, Stagbriar, and The Post-Timey String Band. Live music, at the river AND beer?! Plus, all proceeds fund the Congaree Riverkeeper's work protecting the local rivers. I'M THERE!
For more information, check out the River Rocks 2014 official site.

Bluegrass on the Lawn & BBQ, April 12th
The Blue Iguanas bluegrass band will be playing from 6:30-8:30 PM on the lawn of Shandon Presbyterian Church. Admission comes with BBQ dinner from Little Pigs BBQ (I'm a pescatarian, but I hear their BBQ is UHHmazing). Bluegrass + BBQ = WIN.

It's unfortunate that both events are happening on the same day, but regardless of which event sounds more up your alley, get out there and support the local cause!

dear soda city

Dear Soda City,

I love you because of your charming local scene. I love all of your hometown restaurants, shops, bars, music, art, and adventure spots.

I love you because I earned a degree at your local university, the University of South Carolina. It was here and during these years that I learned how to be independent and live all on my own.

I love you because you are where I met my boyfriend and where we fell in love.

I love you because we adopted our sweet beagle, Brody, from one of the local shelters. He is just the best.

I love you because it is on your streets that I have found who I am, and continue to discover who I am.

Thanks for watching me grow up and continue to grow as a person, Soda City. I really do kind of adore you, a lot.