July 6th was our 2 year anniversary of living in Charleston.

TWO YEARS ALREADY!  

This occasion snuck up on us (again) as we’ve been committed residents of Babyland for 4 straight weeks.  You better believe that when Scott and I realized the date (at 8:00 at night), that we stared longingly at each other with both gratitude and relief.  We found our forever home, we made the 100% right decision, and we have absolutely no regrets.  We are the main characters in a story of happiness.  The setting?  Charleston.

There were fireworks following the soccer game that night, which I like to believe were in our honor.  What?  I just know that my love ordered them up!

We are so grateful to absolutely love where we live.  If I could find Chuck, I’d squeeze his cheeks so hard!!!

Charleston – WE LOVE YOU!

On a related note, Charleston ranked high on yet another survey.  Charleston ranked #4 on Travel & Leisure’s Best City in U.S. and Canada.  Charleston hotels and Kiawah Island were also ranked high on other portions of this annual list. Check it out and GOOOOOO Charleston!

 Who else loves where they live?  Do we have any shot of our little one loving Charleston as much as we do?!

xoxo

p.s. Here’s my 1 year anniversary in Charleston post from last year, if you’re interested!

p.s.s. My parents hit their Chucktown 1 year anniversary a couple of weeks ago!!!

Beach Count: 76  

Pool Count: 30 

High Temperature: 96° 

Does anyone even say “what’s up” anymore?  Well, whatever…I do!

Here’s what’s up – in list form…

1. American Idol season 11 starts tonight!  I’m excited for the talent, but not for the commitment.

2. It’s official – Emily Maynard from Brad’s second Bachelor run will be the next Bachelorette.  YAY!  I know I need to focus on the current season of The Bachelor (and all the corresponding crazies), but I like knowing what’s next on tap.  ALSO, it’s comforting to know that Scooter will be watching the the next Bachelorette season with me mos.def.  Why?  Cause he’s hot on Emily!!!  (Yup – she and I look NOTHING alike.  Opposites even.  Nice.)

3. We have some VERY exciting visitors coming this weekend.  Repeat offenders (in a you-only-offend-me-if-you-love-me kinda way) – Christina and Mike!

‘Member them from the 4th of July?!

But, extra special bonus?  The arrival of a yummy first offender…ETHAN, their handsome little man!!!

Cannot wait to kiss this face! ♥

4. You know I have to brag about the weekend weather for our company, right?  So sorry!  (40+ degrees warmer than our hometown in NY.  SCORE!)

Relax, Sunday’s far away and a 30% chance ain’t no thang.

5. I am openly obsessed with the people and the humor behind Young House Love, Sherry and John (and Clara and Burger).  If you’ve never checked out their blog, where have you been? DO.IT.NOW!  Their blog success and adorkableness encouraged me to get a kick-start in the blogging world.  Well Sherry recently wrote a very candid and honest post about how her life isn’t perfect.  I mean, whose is?  Well, I for the first time, put on my Twitter big girl pants and TWEETED SOMEONE FAMOUS.  I dorkily said…

[Enter the crazy part.]

I, in return, received THIS…

***STARSTRUCK***

just ***STARSTRUCK***

6. The NY Giants are 1 game away from the Super Bowl.  They play the 49ers on Sunday.  GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!

Taking it back to the old school – Giants training camp 2006

7. Charleston made ANOTHER list.  A-duh.  This time it’s Fodor’s “Go List: 21 Places to go in 2012.”  Check out the list here.  Charleston and Oahu, Hawaii happen to be the only destinations of the 21 that are located in America.  Yeah. Book.the.trip e-quaintenances!

That’s all for now.  Glad to be over the hump, how ’bout you?  

Time for some Idol!!!  xoxo

p.s. Follow me on Twitter if you don’t already @chucktowncharm.  I’m still learning, so bear with me!

Beach Count: 64  

High Temperature: 68°  

Even in the toughest of times, the little things in life can turn my frown upside down.

Other than the obvious BIG happy makers (friends, family, Scott, beer), here’s my current Top 10 Happy List…

1. Receiving this book in the mail from one of my very best friends.  Being as thoughtful as she is, she remembered my mention of wanting to get my hands on this gem from this post.

I read it in less than 3 days.  LOVED IT!  Thanks, Christina – xoxo!

2. Upcoming fun Fall plans – Fall Beer Tasting Party a la The Trottiers, Oktoberfest in Charlotte (hopefully Martelle will make a cameo appearance), a weekend with great friends in Asheville, and a visit from my best friend, Lisa, and her husband Seth!  Yay!!!

3. Our Charleston forecast vs. our NY hometown’s.  30-40% rain chance will not ruin our weekend plans!  It’s still cooling down here, but not quite Fall-like yet. It’ll come – just not yet.  I am 100% good with this!  =)

4. The fact that ABC owns my Monday nights – year round.  The year started with The Bachelor, then The Bachelorette, then Bachelor Pad, now Dancing With The Stars, and who knows what Monday night show will suck me in through December before The Bachelor starts all over again.  Phew.  So much to watch, so little time!

5.  These umbrella hats sold on the side of Highway 17.  LOVE these 2 guys who bought them and then had their pictures taken wearing them.  Haha!

Click to see the photos larger…I wouldn’t want you to miss out on the fun!

6. My first “modeling gig” (warning: interpret “modeling” as loosely as possible!!!).  I wasn’t paid, if that gives you any indication.  More on this to come…ha!

7. The fact that my brother in-law booked his flight to Chucktown for Thanksgiving – woohoo!!!  Now fingers crossed that my brother can make it happen!  ;)

8. FOOTBALL SEASON!  Even though the Giants were painful to watch on Sunday, there’s still time to turn it around.  As for college football…THANK YOU for voting on Gamecocks vs. Tigers.  Carolina won by a landslide – 20 votes vs. Clemson’s 8.  The deal is done…GO COCKS!!!

9. The fact that the hubby will be brewing pumpkin beer verrrrry soon!

10. The fact that beer is a constant theme in my life and therefore on this list!

11. BONUS HAPPY MAKER – BLOGGING!

p.s. It’s Charleston Restaurant Week (and a half)…we’ll let you know how it goes!

p.s.s. Thanks AGAIN for all the love  ♥

Beach Count: 60

Pool Count: 18

High Temperature: 87°

…when on the 3rd day (every weekend should be a long weekend), you…

• nap.  twice.
• daydream about showering…but the shower’s just so far away!
• relive the weekend’s events out loud – - in order
• eat half of a left over cupcake while flirting with the 3 ½ others waiting to be eaten
• check Facebook 14 times, just because
• giggle about tomorrow being Tuesday
• scold yourself about not taking any pictures…AGAIN!
• start to scheme about more visitors and long weekends in the future!!!

The hubs and I relentlessly showed off Charleston to Laura and Trevor this weekend.  I will steal some of Laura’s pictures (with permission, of course) when she gets to posting them.  Promise!

I think we’re really getting the hang of this whole tour guide thing!  There is no rest for the weekend visitor in the Trottier household – time shall not be wasted…sleep is yours to catch on the plane!!!

We got to just about everywhere that Scott and I find necessary when showing off the Charm of Charleston to first time visitors!  Here are all of the spots we hit this weekend (FYI: the fun began Friday at 4:30pm and ended at 7am this morning)…

1. Downtown – - A LOT of downtown.  Amen Street for dinner and Market Pavilion Hotel Pavilion Bar for drinks; Farmer’s Market in Marion Square (best fresh donuts EV.ER); shopping at Urban Outfitters and lots of browsing on King Street; walking walking walking through and around Battery Park, Rainbow Row, the Historic Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park (twice!).  Yeah, our feet hurt.
2. Mount Pleasant.  THEE bridge.  Okay we just drove over it often, not so much with the walking on it.  What?  Our feet were tired!  Red’s at Shem Creek (no trip to Charleston is complete without seeing dolphins!), Mount Pleasant Pier and Memorial Waterfront Park, drive through Towne Centre and Boone Hall Plantation, Harris Teeter, Chick-fil-A (and the serious giddiness that follows) and CUPCAKE.  Yes, I included Harris Teeter  - ha!
3. Sullivan’s Island.  Poe’s Tavern for dinner and then a late night walk on the beach.  Very romantical.
4. Isle of Palms.  Beach time with plans of lunch at Coconut Joe’s shack…but that didn’t go very well!  The sky opened up and we moved it on out.  Bummer, dude.
5. Daniel Island.  A little driving tour – we passed the big, bigger, biggest, and then GINORMOUS houses.  So picturesque.
6. Our screened in patio.  Yes…it’s a must-experience (with candles lit while head-bobbing to Justin Timberlake’s Justified CD)!  Love!

I’m sure I’m forgetting a few stops.  Regardless, I am pret-ty proud of our tour guiding skills.

We didn’t even get over to the other side of the peninsula to see West Ashley, Angel Oak, Charleston Tea Plantation, Firefly Vodka Distillery, Irvin House Vineyards, Kiawah Island, or Seabrook Island.  We also didn’t go on or to any historical tours/museums/forts, to the aquarium, or on a boat.  Next time, kids!!!

The amazing news?  Tomorrow is TUESDAY and Bachelor Pad is on tonight. Now…to sneak in a shower before 8pm  ;)

WEEKEND LOW? A less than stellar beach experience.  High tide (aka – very little beach) + an insanely big crowd + a gazillion out of the ordinary sticks and shells (thanks to Irene?) + pouring rain = underwhelming beach time.

WEEKEND HIGH? Watching 2 people fall in love with our first love, Charleston!  ♥

The Battery

I hope y’all had an amazing Labor Day weekend!  What was your weekend HIGH?  Did any fellow Charlestonians have visitors?  Where did you go?  Where did I forget to take our visitors?!  

I’VE MISSED YOU!

p.s. College football started this weekend.  I’m confused and need your help. Look for my confession through blogging tomorrow!

p.s.s. The NFL starts on Thursday.  I need to iron my Giants jerseys ASAP!

p.s.s.s. Sorry about not being able to leave comments lately.  Hope you can on this one!!!

Beach Count: 59

Pool Count: 18

High Temperature: 83°

1. Name 3 things you are looking forward to:

1. Our first trip to Kiawah Island this week!
2. Having this Thanksgiving here in Charleston with my parents, brother, and brother in-law!
3. The Bachelorette finale tomorrow night (goooo, JP)!

2. If you could have a dream come true, what would it be?

• That I would be discovered as a writer so that I can work and be a Mom (someday) from home (all while being the best wife ever).  I would even put time into enjoying the whole cooking thing.  What?  One can dream!

3. You have $200.  You have to spend it on yourself, you can’t donate it, and it can’t be something you actually need.  What will it be?

• Shoot, this is hard!  (Goes to show that this doesn’t happen often – ha!) Imma say – a day at the spa!!!  Truth be told…it’s something that I may actually need.  Maybe a one-way plane ticket for my BFF Lisa to get her skinny butt down here?!  That would be money well spent on myself!

4. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?

• Blaring music and silly dancing with the hubster.  Yes, we do that.  Cupcakes from Cupcake.  The beach (it’s practically impossible to be in a bad mood at the beach).  Also, reality TV always makes me feel better about myself!

5. What is your bedtime routine?

• Nothing out of the ordinary. 

6. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your significant other?

• At work.  Who ever said that was a big no-no?  Worked out pretty well for us!  Thank you, Big Brothers Big Sisters! ♥

7. What kind of books do you read?

• I love Jodi Picoult and read some books that are “on trend” at the time (could not get through The Help for some reason, though).  Otherwise, my obsession with celebrities/”reality” continues on through to my book selections – Tori Spelling, Chelsea Handler, etc., etc. (a book blog re: my summer reading to come soon!).  Absolutely no nonfiction books for me. Still scarred from college reading, I think!

8. How do you see yourself in 10 years?

• HOW do I see myself?  Um, in a skinny mirror with soft lighting?  No likey this question.

9. What’s your fear?

• I feel like I might substantiate true fear by talking about it – so I’ll go with…that I need to get braces again someday due to my irresponsible retainer behaviors.  Damn, that would stink!

Metal-mouthed with an attitude – hot!

10. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to see outer space?

• Not a chance.  No dice.

11. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

• Fumble for my glasses and check the time on my phone.

12. If you could change one thing about your significant other, what would it be?

• ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!  (Okay, maybe that he would actually close all doors and drawers when he’s done with them instead of leaving them ajar. But if not, I will continue to love him the same anyway!)

13. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?

• That’s just weird…I’m def a Sarah.

14. If you had to choose between six months of sun or six months of rain, what would you choose?

• Um, I’m pretty sure I’ve already made this decision (but versus snow).  SUN SUN SUN!!!

15. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?

• Hmmm…Scott’s special popcorn (almost 7 years and I’m still not sick of it!).

16. What is the thing you enjoy about blogging the most?

• The comments and love that I get…it’s positive reinforcement – so thanks, loves!

17. Do you prefer salty or sweet foods?

• Both and sometimes together (love me some chocolate-covered pretzels)!

18. What items are in your purse right now?

1. A first-aid kid of sorts – Aleve, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, bandaids, neosporin
2. Beauty products – lotion, mirror, blotting papers (girl’s skin is REALLY shiny in hot weather), Tide Stick, hand sanitizer, 4 lip glosses, chapsick, multiple size and colored bobby pins, hair ties
3. Camera & phone
4. Wallet & Cupcake stamp card
5. Post-its and pen

19. If you had to choose between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains where would you go?

• Again, I think it’s pretty obvious – BEACH BEACH BEACH!

20. What do you watch on television that you know you shouldn’t?

• Well that’s a loaded question!  I’d have to say what I’m MOST ashamed of is being obsessed with 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom.  Listen – I’m only human (and how could you NOT love that lil Bentley?!).

THANKS FOR FOLLOWING!  PLEASE, IF YOU’RE A LOYAL READER BUT HAVE NEVER COMMENTED, HERE’S YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION.

COMMENT, PLEASE!!!

If you have any random questions about me or Charleston, please ask!!!

=)

Beach Count: 54

Pool Count: 17

High Temperature: 96°  

Travel + Leisure Magazine just released their “World’s Best 2011 Awards” including the best hotels, cities (U.S. and otherwise), cruises, islands, spas, airlines, and more.  This index is voted by readers and it’s the survey’s 16th year.

My lovely Charleston, South Carolina tops the list for the Best U.S. (or Canadian) City!  Okay, it’s #2.  Sooo close!  GOOOOOO CHARLESTON!  (Check out the list here!)  New York City was #1.  But listen, Charleston was #3 according to T+L’s 2010 survey.  SO, moving up only one more spot would make us #1 on the 2012 survey.  Watch your back, New York City!  I will consider this a sibling rivalry challenge.  My brother via NYC vs. ME via Charleston.  Game on, brother!

I will prove my point now (why wait?) as a party of 1. Here goes!

I could go on for days…but, unfortunately, I’m already bored.

I agree that NYC is an amazing place to visit!  But, I obviously tend to prefer Charleston.   Biased?  Yes.  Wrong?  No!

Charleston got some other press last week.  It was voted #3 out of “The 10 Hottest Spots to Start a Small Business,” according to The Fiscal Times.  Check it out! 

I wanna start one.  What should it be?!

p.s. Brother, are you reading? Hmmm…

p.s.s. Savannah, Georgia came in as the #7 city – the first time in the top 10.  Congrats!  It’s time for us to make the 2 hour drive to check it out, eh?

p.s.s.s. Friends and family, do you really need anymore evidence to visit the Trottiers?!

Beach Count: 48

Pool Count: 11

High Temperature: 91°

Here’s a common blog survey for ya…figured I’d switch it up!

A. Age:  28

B. Bed size:  Queen

C. Chore you dislike:  There are many, but cleaning the bathroom and making up a bed after washing the sheets top the list!

D. Dogs:  Ones without fur or saliva.  Yup, narrows it down.  (What?  I’m allergic!)

E. Essential start to your day:  Popping in those contacts.

F. Favorite color:  Blue - all shades.

G. Gold or silver:  Silver.

H. Height:  4’11” when I stand at attention and have a big hair day.

I. Instruments you play(ed):  Piano and clarinet (played).  A big shout out to my Civil War Band friends outthere – woop woop!  This is not a joke.

K. Kids:  Yes, soonish.

L. Live:  Charleston, SC!!!

M. Mom’s name:  Susan

N. Nicknames:  Sar, Sarahbelle, Sarie, Sarah Cakes

O. Overnight hospital stays:  Nope, never.

P. Pet peeves:  Having to repeat myself (don’t ask me again), when people misspell (really all editing-type errors), when people say “prolly” and “supposably”

Q. Quote from a movie:  “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.” – The Notebook

R. Righty or lefty:  Righty.

S. Siblings:  1 older brother (Jon), a brother in-law (Johnny), a sister in-law (Angel), and an ex-Little Sister (Shareta) [from Big Brothers Big Sisters - she's 18 now!]

T. Time you wake up:  Totally varies, but usually 6 on workdays and 8 on non.

U. Underwear:  Yes, I wear them.

V. Vegetables you don’t like:  Peas, brussel sprouts, corn not on the cob.

W. What makes you run late:  General lollygagging…I can get very creative with this!

X. X-rays you’ve had:  Dental and growth plate.  Truth is, I’m supposed to be a towering 5’4” or so.  Must’ve been all of that bottle-fed coffee from when I was an infant (thanks, Mom and Dad).

Y. Yummy food you make:  Chocolate chip cookies, garbage bread (won an award a super bowl party for this this year!), fruit trifle.

Z. Zoo animal favorites:  I’m a sucker for monkeys and giraffes.

No p.s.’s today!  I told you…I’m switching it up!

Beach Count: 48

Pool Count: 11

High Temperature: 93°

Many life changes have taken place since we’ve moved to Charleston.  A big one being that we’re 1st time homeowners!  Another being that we live approximately 900 miles from our closest family and friends.  That change is rather large, as well!  Any-who, lots of little (and not so obvious) changes have taken place in the past 8 months, as well.  Here are the top ten things that have changed in my daily life due to the big move (I’ll try not to have all ten relate to the weather!)…

[In no particular order]

1. I am incapable of leaving our house without making our bed.  This never used to be a problem for me (right, Mom and Dad – you remember?).  But ever since our bed is in our house that we OWN, I get the shakes as the clock reads closer and closer to 7:20am 7:30am.  It needs to get done, it just does!  Now the (mostly clean) dishes in and around the sink?  That’s a different story!

2. I am a coffee-aholic.  Well, those who know me know it’s not really coffee that I drink.  It’s iced lattes.  So I guess I’m an espresso-aholic.  I’ve always loved the stuff, but now it’s necessary on the daily.  Oh well, there are worse habits  (Another item with a palm tree on it, a birthday gift from Jen!)

3. I’m more Facebook obsessed than ever.  Being so far from my original home has caused me to obsessively check Facebook to see what everyone is up to. Okay maybe I did that before, but it’s way worse now.  Ask the husband. Complain all ya want about FB’s downsides, there are many upsides when you’ve freshly moved away!  Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg.

4. I think of an excuse to get Chick-fil-A for dinner every single night.  As y’all know, I had never even heard of Chick-fil-A before our move to Charleston.  Read this and then this to refresh your memory.  I try to convince myself that I deserve it and that if I just get the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (with as many Chick-fil-A sauces as I can secure) without the fries that it’s not so bad.  But, then I remember that the fries are not just ordinary fries but waffle fries.  They’re on the same level as the sandwich and thereby deserve the same kind of respect. Ugh, SO good but SO bad!

5. I no longer hate November, December, January, February, or March!  Relax – I could’ve made these changes 5 of my top 10!  The weather is definitely a positive change in my everyday life!

6. I am making new friends.  Sounds silly, but when you’ve lived somewhere for a long time (your whole life) and settle into a life and job (ha! as if I settled into a job in NY!), it’s not something that you need to do often.  If it happens, it happens – but no sweat.  When you move away from everyone that you know, it’s something that you have to work at.  Luckily, I have made a few great friends so far that I can be myself around.  Don’t worry Mom and Dad, it’ll be even easier for you guys!  (I’m tempted to break out into that old Girl Scouts “make new friends…” song, but I’ll fight it.)

7. Having THE BEACH on the list of possibilities any day of the week is quite the welcome change.  It’s only a 12 mile drive to my happy place.  The ocean breeze, sand on my toes, and clap of baby waves can undo the day’s stressors, no problem.

8. I’m obsessed with palm trees…so much that we now have one in our front yard.  I know, I’ve already covered this.  (Dan – I’m not calling them Palmetto trees, so just get over it!)

9. I wear flip flops year round.  I know it’s another weather reference, but it’s true!  Okay, maybe not in December or January.  But, I don’t have to store them away in the closet for 6 months or one month or ever.  Same goes for sunglasses.  The sun makes an appearance here in Charleston year round.  NY – take note…people like the sun.

[insert generic picture of flip flops here - I'm too lazy to go take a picture of a pair!]

10. I ♥ BLOGGING!  I’ve always loved to write and now I have my outlet.  Like it and read it or hate it and don’t.  No one’s twisting your arm.  But really, it’s no fun without readers – so give me a chance!!!