Big girls can surf too.

This isn't a blog post about losing weight.  That's a given.  We all need to move more and eat less. Duh. (My left knee would love me immensely right now if I'll shave off 50 or so myself.)   This is a blog post about loving who you are and being happy in your skin.  So don't leave me any comments about dieting.  I get it.  I know HOW to do it, I'm just a little slow on the doing.  

This morning I've been enjoying my back porch, drinking my coffee and messing around on the computer.  I am jonesin' for the beach more than I can say. I've got my bathing suits ready.  My sunscreen is bought. 

So I typed in Summer on Pinterest to lust over sand and surf. All of these skinny surfing girls in their bikinis popped up. Bummer. Why can't big girls surf too?  I Googled "Fat Girls Surfing".  Honestly, just to Pin for some variety. And this is what popped up: Fat Girl's Guide to Surfing.  I read.  How awesome!  Great articles on the site so if you are inclined, go take a peek! It inspired me to share with the class.

Last summer I went stand up paddleboarding and I can't tell you how liberating it was.  Sometimes I don't attempt things because in my head I think, "you're too big to do that!" But honestly, fear?  Really?  Am I really going to let my size stop me from doing something awesome? From having a cool adventure?  Are you going to let that stop you? 

Last July, I put my hesitations aside, put on the life jacket and jumped on the board for demo day at Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville.  It was one of the best times ever.   As soon as I actually get to the coast I'm jumping on one of these in the big water.  

You can't believe I posted that picture right?  I can't believe it either, honestly, but I'm taking one for the team here to prove a point.  Look at that girl smiling.  Was she worried about her size?  No!  I was having fun damnit!  Probably more than anyone else there! 

It's bathing suit season.  I can't tell you how many of my big girl friends (and even not so big girlfriends) have sworn off bathing suits because they are embarrassed of their body. Or how many of them refuse to take off their t'shirts when they hit the sand.   I'm going to share something with you.  You are beautiful too!  You deserve to have the best life possible, and God's great big sun should shine on your skin just as much as any other!  Don't let the "lb's" stop you from living your life.  Lose the weight or don't.  That's your prerogative, but while you're pondering, figure out how to love the skin you're in.  And get out there. 

Gatsby, a child headed to therapy, foodie finds and my sandbucket list

I saw the new Great Gatsby movie trailer last night. First of all, I can't believe that I am old enough for Leonardo Decaprio to be playing a "mature" adult.  What the hell?  And second, Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books EVER.  That movie was perfect. Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Sam Waterston? PERFECT!  I'm dubious of a remake. Would they remake Gone with the Wind?  I think not.  Sigh!  Well I have to wait until December to find out. I'm gonna reread (again) this summer.

Only a week or so til school is out. After Memorial Day, what's the point people?  I can already feel my toes in the sand and the island sun on my face. I can't wait to take my Hipstamatic for a snapping good time on the coast! On the last day of school, I have a tradition: embarrassing my daughter.  I drive up to school BLARING Will Smith's Summertime with a big grin on my face, windows down. BOOMING!  Then I make her listen to the High School Musical School's Out, Scream and Shout song (as I sing very, very loudly).  She yells at me from the back seat. Ah, the memories. 

Some of the other tunes I recently added to the summer playlist are: Zac Brown's Chicken Fried southern anthem (thought I'd share), Cruel Summer from the Blue Crush Soundtrack, and OneRepublic's Good Life.  There are few things better than singing your lungs out as you drive down the road with your hair whipping in your face.

I hope to be on the road a bit more this summer. Fingers crossed!  I interviewed for a very cool writing job this week in Columbia that will involve a little bit of travel and a lot of fun.  Hearing back something mid June-ish.  Here's hoping!

Do you have whiplash yet from my rapid change of topics?

Upcountry Provisions should be finally (softly) opening for lunch today in Travelers Rest.  I'm so excited!  A grand opening date is coming soon.  Don't forget to comment on the Snag that Swag #2 post so you'll be entered to win lunch on me and a few other bits of swag from the new cafe!

(she takes a quick coffee refill break) 

I wanted to cover a few more quick things that have been sitting on my desk to share with you.

A new little market and art shop is opening soon on Hwy 290 in Travelers Rest.  The Appalacian inspired market is called The Hungry Drover and will have farm to table foods in the cafe, market to table meals to go, a space for private events and music nights, etc.  It's located in a little building at the intersection of Tigerville Road and Locust Hill Road which in the early 1900's was a General Store. My friends John and Debbie Wilson are in on this endeavor so I am so proud for them and can't wait to give it a visit.  

Another little restaurant on Hwy 290 grabbed my attention a month or so ago.  Flour Haven Restaurant and Bakery is on my way to Target, so I pass it all the time.  An afternoon fit of crazy hunger finally drew me in, that and the sign that promised fresh donuts.  I grabbed a few to go.  They are like if Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts had babies.  They have a giant list of breakfast offerings including eggs, crepes, pancakes and french toast and have a selection of fresh breads and pastries for grab and go, too.  I hear their morning offerings are fabulous, though I haven't gotten there that early yet. 2345 Locust Hill Road, Greer.  Go check them out! 

(flipping through my stack)

On a particularly bonkers day in early Spring, I walked to my mailbox and discovered a package from my Aunt Kay in San Diego.  It was filled with Chocolate!  God bless that woman.  I swear I almost fell to my knees with thanks.  I'm telling you, it was THE BEST DAY IN THE WORLD to get a package full of chocolate.   My cousin was attending CalPoly, San Luis Obispo, where, wouldn't you know, they make chocolates on campus.  What the heck, right?  They actually offer a chocolate production course, the only one taught in an American university, as a part of their "learn by doing" philosophy.  During a visit to see him, she snagged me a handful of bars and dropped them in the mail so I could share with you folks.  I apologize it has taken me so long.  Folks, this ain't Hersey's.  It's dark and rich, made with organic, fair trade bittersweet chocolate.  Though I preferred the plain and the coffee varieties, there were also a few bars made with a variety of spices and chilies.  Not a fan of super spicy chocolate. Anyway, if you're heading Cali way, go check out the chocolate factory.  For more details or to order your own for a tasting go here. 

A friend of mine posted something on her Facebook page this week that was kindof fun.  Have you heard of a Sandbucket List?  It's not things you want to do before you die, but things you want to do before this summer ends!  Here's my list:

1) Read. Read. Read.  The stack groweth.
2) Standup Paddleboarding on the coast
3) Waterpark!
4) Grits and Groceries.  A very awesome restaurant. Look it up.
5) Take my daughter to the Columbia Zoo to draw the animals.
6) Lake with Griets.
7) Plane ticket to Cali.

Wow!  I really had to think on that one! What's on yours?

I am now a little bit closer to a clean desk!  I hope you all have a fantastic day!  

GCG Snag That Swag Giveaway #2

It's time folks!   The second Gap Creek Gourmet Snag That Swag Giveaway is coming to you courtesy of Upcountry Provisions, opening any day now in Travelers Rest!  The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive a travel mug, a shopping bag (reduce/reuse!), and lunch (up to $10 value) at the Bakery and Bistro!  Very awesome, right?  If you're an out-of-towner, I'll ship for this one!

Owners Steve and Cheryl and their staff served up delicious sandwiches on scratch made savory breads, fresh veggie succotash, extraordinary Cesar salad, and freaking fabulous artisan desserts. Since Cheryl is one of the Valley Girls, our families were some of the lucky few to be invited to sample their fare on Monday night.  There's a giant wooden communal table in the dining area which we all just fell in love with immediately. It's destined to be my favorite new hangout as soon as the doors are officially open. Their lunch menu (via website) includes a hummus plate with veggies and flatbread, a meat or cheese plate, salads, soups, sandwiches and even sushi!  I'll keep you posted.  Opening day should be sometime late this week or early next.  Stop in to hang out with me!


Okay, the giveaway rules.  1) Comment on this post here ON THE BLOG (not Facebook).  I want you to tell me about your favorite sandwich of all time. Was it your grandfather's fried bologna and cheese?  A veggie sub with smokey cheese from Publix? (wait...those are mine...) I want to hear it!  2) Share this post with your  friends on your Facebook page! I'm going to randomly choose a winner next Tuesday from the blog comments so post away.

Upcountry Provisions is on Facebook, so make sure you friend them, too!  Here.

Weekend Roundup.

 I finally started my first attempt at Limoncello on Friday (to be ready July 4th weekend).  I added the zest of 10 organic (and very expensive!!!) lemons and 750 ml Vodka to two 1/2 gallon jars.  It has to sit for almost 6 weeks and then you make a simple syrup, dump in some water or something and you're done.  I'll keep you posted.  We used the remaining carnage from the organic lemons to make the worlds most expensive lemonade which neither of us have drank any of.  I'm tempted to freeze it, but how? Baggies? Please advise.  There is a gallon of it!

My daughter and I watched the Disney movie Geek Charming and chilled on Saturday night.  Well, she watched and I didn't watch so much as play online. It was a total throwback to Can't Buy Me Love. Remember that flick?  Patrick Dempsey?  Anyone?

I have a new toy for my iPhone. The Hipstamatic App. I had to research how to work the thing.  It's like having a camera bag of all different kinds of old school films and lenses at your disposal for each pic.  It's freaky that a cell phone camera can do the same things we did in darkrooms (remember those?) in college. There's actually a darkroom app now too where you can mix your own virtual chemicals.  Seriously. It's called Swankolab.

I'm going through a semi-vegetarian phase again.  Sunday for dinner we had my Barley's Veggie Wrap (Sort of) Knockoff - minus the pesto... and without large pitas, it actually is a pizza... that you eat with a knife and fork. I can't believe I forgot the pesto!  I knew something was missing! Directions to follow:

1/2 an onion chopped, 1 zucchini sliced thin, 1/2 container of mushrooms sliced. Sauteed together in pan with EVOO, salt, pepper and garlic powder (or 1 clove chopped).  Place 2 whole wheat pita's topped with spaghetti sauce on baking pan..  Divide veggies between 2 pitas. Put handful of shredded motzerella on each pita and cook in oven on broil until the cheese is melted.  Wa-la. Healthy.  Easy. 

 

A bird just swooped down in my yard, picked up a caterpillar (or worm) and flew off again.  Must be lunchtime for him, too.  I just drank my lunch.  A smoothie with: 1 banana, two handfuls of spinach, a 1/2 c. of milk, a cup of ice, a cup of water, 1/4 cup of oats, 1 tbsp of peanut butter, 1 tbsp of honey. Blend. Straw. 

I have a jacked up hip and knee.... and right thumb.  I feel 80.  Bursitis sucks.  I have big plans for hiking, traveling and paddle boarding this summer.  I'm starting an all out war to get this thing gone, and thus making some doctors very wealthy in the coming weeks.  That'll teach bursitis to mess with me!!! 

I've been obsessed with the idea of paddleboarding at the beach since I tried stand up paddleboarding last summer for an article assignment. I'm gonna put my fear of sharks aside (or at least take a few shots to dull the terror) and paddle dad gum it! I'm gonna! 

Congrats to Martha Vaughn for snagging the first Gap Creek Gourmet Snag that Swag Euphoria gift bag.  I'm posting another giveaway late this week or early next, so stay tuned!  And if you haven't signed up to have my blog come to your email box, do that, so you won't miss the announcement!  

That's all I got today. Off to the chiropractor. 

Happy Monday all!

GCG Snag that Swag Giveaway Reboot

Gap Creek Gourmet Snag That Swag Giveaway!

Okay guys.  Time for a fantastic giveaway courtesy of euphoria, Greenville's premier annual foodie event. I met euphoria director, Gillian Trimboli, at Soby's on the Side for coffee this morning and she was nice enough to pass on a VIP swag bag from last year's event.  There's some good stuff in here folks: an Edwin McCain Cd, Tuscan Herb Blend EVOO from Palmetto Olive Oil Co, jewelry from Fox to the Opera, a limited edition tile from Greenville photographer Al Keiser, misc mags, and two virtually unbreakable stemless wine glasses all in an insulated euphoria bag!

How this thing works: Comment. Like. Share. Post.
*You must either live in the Upstate or be willing to come to here to pick up your swag bag - location negotiable.
1) Comment on this blog post.
2)"Like" Gap Creek Gourmet on Facebook.
3) "Share" the Gap Creek Gourmet Facebook fan page with friends on your timeline  (clicking on the little tool drop down beside "Message" below the page banner).

4) Post a link to this post on your Facebook page.

That's four steps to enter, but it will take you only a minute. A winner will be chosen Friday afternoon!

GCG euphoria experience 2011.   Go here for a recap. 

Euphoria was founded in 2006 by Platinum-selling singer/songwriter and Greenville's own Edwin McCain and restaurateur Carl Sobocinski. The weekend long event is slated for September 20-23, 2012 continuing a tradition of exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations, chef cook-offs, wine seminars, multi-course dinners and live musical performances. Proceeds from euphoria fund Local Boys Do Good, a nonprofit created by McCain and Sobocinski to benefit local non-profit organizations.  Tickets are on sale now folks, so mark those calendars and get yours now!

Keep checking back in on the euphoria website for news about a foodie event coming in July!

Good luck with the contest and thanks euphoria!

Moving up, southern egg rolls, Kelly and my cat

So I got a job.  Okay, I've had a job.  I'm a freelance writer.  I juggle projects all the time, but this time.... it's a really, really good project.  Hows about USA Today found my blog and asked me to do a project for them!  Shut up!  Right?!  So at first I thought it was spam.  Seriously. Nope.  No spam.  (Squeals!).  I'll keep you posted.   I took my daughter to Starbuck's to celebrate after I picked her up from school.

Then I went home and made Southern Egg Rolls.  I think my husband was more excited about these than my new project!  He told me I should post.  So here it is.  

I had leftover black eyed peas in the fridge and pork in the freezer and I didn't want to do something boring, so... I cut up an onion and about 1/8 of a head of cabbage and cooked that on the stove until the onion was a little transparent, then I ground up 3/4 lb or so smoked pork in the food processor,opened a can of collards and dumped in the black eyed peas and some shredded carrot for texture/crunch/health fa-la-la.  Then dumped little piles in the center of egg roll rappers, wrapped them up, brushed on olive oil and baked them until brown.  

 
Then I whipped up some tasty, super spicy sauce with Spicy Chow Chow (only in the South would this just happen to be in your cabinet), spicy mustard, duck sauce and honey.  We ate the rolls with butter lettuce (my new fav...) with Ginger Dressing.  We're still eating rolls three days later, but they are too good to put in the freezer!

Here's my cat.  She loves Live with Kelly. She watched for the longest time!

Two more things:  In case you didn't know, Starbucks is doing half price Frappuccinos from 3-5pm until May 13th!  A shout out to the folks at Cherrydale Starbucks in Greenville. Sup guys?!  Love ya!

 They have chocolate whipped cream now.  It is freaking amazing, so go check that out!  You're welcome.  Tomorrow's Friday people.  Don't forget those mother's day presents!  I'm still hoping for a surprise trip to Columbia's Food Truck Rodeo.  Still have no idea what to get your mom? Coffee gift cards... maybe in a new to-go mug?  Cheers!

May book club, cookbook review and the joy of singing our lungs out

Last night was Cookbook Book Club night!  

I was pulling Sierra's Andouille Sausage Pigs in a Blanket out of the oven and finishing the final touches on my Alabama "West Indies" Crab Salad dish when I realized it started 30 minutes earlier than I thought... all the way across Greenville County. AH!!!  Truly a cuss moment.  Saved by the iPod, I pulled up the quickest route.  45 minutes y'all!  (Usually an hour drive.) Speeding or the wonders of shortcuts.  Not sure, but we made it!

Some of other dishes were Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato and Green Bean Salad, Endive and Roquefort Salad, and Butter Bean Croustades. If you're new to the blog, the Fiction Addiction Cookbook Book Club cooks from a new cookbook each quarter.  Right now we're making our way through "Basic to Brilliant Y'all: 150 Refined Southern Recipes and Ways to Dress Them Up for Company."  Don't go out and buy this cookbook unless you are seriously good in the kitchen.  Virginia Willis worked for Martha Stewart and the cookbook is NOT for a novice.  The recipes are pretty dang daunting and she should fire her editor!  The recipes are not an easy read. They are complicated and not very descriptive for a cookbook with limited pics.  There.  That's my review. Anywho.  The food, though sometimes wing it we must, is very delicious!

The folks at Wine Styles are nice to host us.  Last night, the very nice lady behind the bar kept bringing me and my new friend Joy new wines to try.  You MUST run out and grab a bottle of Apothic White.  Apothic Red is one of my go-to reds at $9 a bottle.  I'd never had the white. Oh, baby. So good!  Will be picking one up today!

My child and I go to book club together.  How very cute of us, right?  She picks out her dish, we make our grocery list and go shopping.  She cooks it herself too (with a little help). She doesn't eat much while we are there, but tries way more than I thought she would!  

We ran through Jack in the Box and sang our lungs out on the way home. Thank goodness we like the same music!  This is our favorite song.  Ever.  I hated nursery rhymes so I sang her the complete Indigo Girls Rites of Passage CD from first song to last.  She was colicky and I had to sing and rock a lot.  It usually took three songs to knock her out: Three Hits, Galileo and Ghost.  Anyway, she still says this is her favorite and still asks me to sing it to her sometimes. 

I'm a busy body... usually.   I finished the work I planned for this morning already and I'm torn as to whether I should watch Smash over lunch or save it for tonight.... decisions.  Thinking of making Pork rolls with greens and black eyed peas for dinner... I'm making this one up as I go folks.  I'll post pics.

PS: stay posted because an Upcountry Provisions give away is coming soon!