This week’s Fashionable Friend Friday is the Charleston Grand Dame herself Patricia Altschul. You might recognize Patricia from the show Southern Charm. While in Charleston I got to see Patricia’s house and exchanged a few texts with this special lady. Fingers crossed we will be lucky enough to have her on the radio show in the Fall. Patrica stands for everything elegant and in good taste. She lives in the most beautifully renovated historic home in Charleston called the Issac Jenkins Mikel house where she sips her signature gin martinis in her elegant Caftans with her signature exotic Birkin bags.
I have been trying to like Gazpacho for so long. Every time I order it, it is a big let down. I love tomato soup but Gazpacho left a lot to be desired, until I perfected this easy recipe, that I first stumbled upon down south. Now I LOVE it….I make a huge bowl and keep it in my fridge. The secret ingredient in this cold soup is Bloody Mary Mix!!! It gives the Gazpacho just a little bit of kick to take it from drab to fab. Enjoy!!!!
Easy Bloody Mary Gazpacho
1 container Pomi chopped tomatoes (26.4 oz container)
2 cups finely chopped celery
2 cups finely chopped carrots
2 cups Bloody Mary Mix (I like Mr& Mrs T original)****
Stir ingredients together and chill before serving. YUMMMMMM!
**** If you like a spicier soup, you can add a bold and spicy mix.
One of the highlights to my trip to Charleston was The Sunday Gospel brunch at Halls Chophouse. I have been dying to go to a Gospel brunch for ages. I read that this one was the #1 brunch in the country so of course we had to check it out. It was amazing…I met the Plantation Singers, the renowned acapella 4th generation singing group!!!! I loved listening to them as they worked the room. And the food was incredible. If you have never been to a gospel brunch I highly recommend it. I have listed a few in the New York area, in case you are interested. Also, I included a video of the singer’s favorite song “This Little Light of Mine”….ENJOY!!!!
Gospel Brunches in the New York area: http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/columns/topfive/n_7709/.
So one thing I learned spending some time in the South is that my East Coast wardrobe does not work in the 100+ degree heat. My white jeans and flowy tops and shift dresses with statement necklaces really do not cut it when the temperature really really rises. WHO KNEW????!!!!????? For years I would walk by the long maxi dresses and caftans in the stores. Every single time, I stop, think about it but ALWAYS pass up that look. Maybe I might give it a second chance. EVERYONE in Charleston wore these gorgeous long dresses. They looked amazing AND THEY STAYED COOL. It really got me thinking…..Here are some beautiful maxi dresses to add to your wardrobe!!!
I had the most amazing long weekend visiting my friend JB in Charleston. We hit all the best restaurants and hot spots. We had a sunset Catamaran ride, took a private carriage tour, attended the #1 Brunch in the country (which happened to be a Gospel brunch – more on that later), had rooftop cocktails above the Charleston skyline, walked and walked and shopped and talked and walked more. I am sad to unpack and close the chapter on this fun trip. Here are some photo highlights of our adventures!!! More Tomorrow!!!!
Hi Readers, as I write this post, I am on my way to visit one of my bestest friends who moved to Charleston. I am so excited for our adventure. We have been planning it for months….stay tuned, some AWESOME posts to follow next week!!!!! Now onto FFF!!!! This weeks’ pick is an amazing mom and writer, Eva Martino of Happily Eva After. Eva’s blog is so great. She always has delicious recipes, easy but impressive crafts and the cutest stories about her sweet daughter Marlow and soon to be born baby boy. Eva’s writing style is so open and inviting, you feel like you are sitting right beside her listening to her speak. If Eva looks the slightest bit familiar, it might be because of the uber resemblance to her very famous mother, Susan Sarandon. Eva and her family are moving from LA to Connecticut this month. I think I found a new BFF!!!!! Bon Weekend!!!!!
images Happilyevaafter.com