Basil-Parsley Pesto

When we visit Charleston we find ourselves at Coda del Pesce  at least once if not twice per trip. The menu changes daily but it’s always delicious. The one constant (non)menu item is the ciabatta bread they serve with this amazing pesto. It’s super light but really addicting & we’ve definitely asked for seconds (& wanted thirds) because it’s that good. The wait staff is super knowledgeable & more than happy to share how the dishes are prepared so of course we asked, “what’s in the pesto?” The answer was not much. Literally there are a handful of ingredients that make the pesto so delicious. Naturally,  I made some mental notes & then made it at home.

The one main element that separates this pesto from your usual pesto is also what makes it so light - it doesn’t have any cheese or nuts but it does have anchovies. I know that may sound a little unapproachable but really the anchovies just serve as a salt factor. It doesn't taste fishy what-so-ever. I promise. (Note: If you're preparing this for picky eaters who are put off by fish just don't mention the anchovies & all they'll know is that it tastes delicious.) It’s really fresh & great on everything (I mean everything: bread, fish, pizza, potatoes, veggies).

Make this & then let me know what you put it on. Tag me in your photos on instagram (@mrshoh or #HeatherOMade) if you do I'd love to see your concoctions!

Charleston Charms Us Again

Lowndes Grove Plantation Charleston, SC

About two weeks ago we headed to Charleston, SC (again!) to celebrate Lex & Matt’s wedding.  I’ve worked with Lex for the past 5 (almost 6!) years & I’ve known her for about 7.  Being able to celebrate her wedding with her in my favorite city was a huge treat for me - it almost felt like a dream & the wedding was every bit ethereal as you would imagine a wedding on a southern plantation to be (ex: the photo above was taken during sunset at the reception - ahhhhmazing). Be sure to click through for more photos of Lex & Matt's big day.

Chris & I not only celebrated with the newlyweds but also indulged in some local fare that was definitely picture worthy. Plus we got to spend some much needed time at the beach with our (Pesce side of the) family!

It was a great trip & I can’t wait to go back.

PS: Happy (early) Mother's Day to all of the very special women in my life & yours! 

Spring Break: St. Pete's Postcard Inn

Recently, Chris & I did what snowbirds who live in the North East do best, we headed south, to St. Petersburg, Florida.  I really can take no part in finding this paradise other than saying I've never been on the Gulf side of Florida before, maybe we should go there?  Chris did all the leg work, per usual, because he's a husband with benefits (read: because he is the best - thanks Chris!) - travel agent like skills. I basically just show up & enjoy. 

Thanks to some awesome suggestions from one of my St. Petersburg locals we got a great taste of the amazingness that is St. Pete's.  It's pretty chill & offers everything  for a young couple like Chris & I to families to juvenile boys lacrosse teams. There is something for everyone.

The weather was cooler than expected but the 70 degree temps & sunshine sure beat the snow that we had back home.

Shockingly, I didn't take too many photos on this trip, must have been too busy relaxing ;)

We stayed at the uber surfer chic Postcard Inn.  Which smells like every beach getaway should - sun tan lotion - you know the kind that reminds you of sandwiches with sand in them & the best & longest summer days of your youth - yum!  It's a beach front mini-resort that is chill enough to hang by the pool but chic enough to have your wedding at (there were two while we were there!).

Click through for some more pics of the Postcard Inn, or as the locals call it PCI.

PS: super big happy birthday to one of my favorite surfer chicks at heart, AMANDA!!! Happy birthday lady. Hope it's the best :)

Beach Vacation Gratitude

As our beach vacation comes to a close I really can not believe the gorgeous weather that we have had, every day & sunset was more gorgeous than the next.  We are still soaking in the last drops of sunlight & beach time with our family.  It's been so relaxing it's definitely going to be a bit of a struggle to get back to the regular bump & grind.

Hope you're enjoying the last weeks of summer! Happy Friday & happy birthday to my nephew, Matthew & to one of the best gals & mom's I know, Rose. Love you guys & hope you have an amazing day! xo

One for the Memory Books

This photo is from my very first vacation with Chris to Charleston, SC (such an amazing place). It's pretty much become tradition to both visit Charleston and to snap a photo like this.

I'm that girl with the camera on vacay - I take photos of everything. Most of the time it's the food because I love how food photographs.  All the while I'm thinking graphically.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  

While I'm snapping photos I'm thinking of where they will be positioned in the layout of my photo album that I have already created in my brain (which may or may not come to fruition after said vacay). One thing the photo album always needs is a cover page (obi).  Most of my vacations have been to warm places (no complaints here) so I usually write the title of my album in the sand.