Best of Charleston Party 2012

The Best of Charleston Party is by far one of the best parties of the year. Being surrounded with all of Charleston’s winners  = tons of fun. This year’s party was held at Red’s Icehouse with a rainbows and unicorn theme.

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Charleston City Paper dubbed it as “The Horniest Party of the Year.” Keeping it classy.

As my plus 1, I took my best friend Nancy. Elizabeth came with us, as she works for the S.C. aquarium, which won Best Attraction.

We saw lots of friends there, but also made met some really great people. It’s called the “Best of Charleston” for a reason!

The lovely Danielle was also there. She teaches at Pure Barre Charleston. Go to one of her classes. You will love it!

As the managing partner for The Becket Agency who represents Mellow Mushroom, Boomer was also there. Mellow Mushroom won the award for Best Gourmet Pizza.

DJ Moo Moo won Best DJ for a second year. This year was our first anniversary of friendship, as we met at the 2011 party.

Elizabeth and I found our friends Adam and Logan but apparently by then, none of us could stand straight. The party was catered by many of the winning restaurants: O-Ku, Wasabi, Black Bean Company, Cru Catering, Santi’s, Five Guys Burgers, and more. There was an obnoxious amount of desserts too.

Perhaps the best part of the entire evening was the dancing. I managed to keep my shoes on the entire evening and somehow did not sprain an ankle, foot, or knee. Great success! There was also a photo booth with all sorts of props – rainbows, unicorns, and feather boas. I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t bring my own toys. Nancy, Danielle, Elizabeth and I all walked around with glow sticks. Don’t worry, once the photo booth pictures are shared on the CCP site, I will share them with you!

Again, thank you for your vote and the congratulations! Cheers to a second year!

Winning at Twitter and Painting a Peacock

This morning when I woke up I noticed a few missed calls and text messages. I immediately thought “Who on earth needs me before 7:30  a.m.? That is not cool.” To my surprise, they were informing me that they just heard my twitter and blog info on the radio. I had no idea, but The Modern Connection, a social media firm, had chosen the “Top Twitter Stars in Charleston” and announced them on The Bridge at 105.5.

Remember my mention of my friend Holly on Tuesday’s post? She was voted a Top Twitter Star too!

That definitely made my day!

Thursday night, Boding and I met my friends Rachel and Hannah for a painting lesson at Fear No Easel in Mount Pleasant. Many of the locations around here feature a calendar mostly full of Southern or beachy-themed paintings – definitely not what I want in my house. When we noticed a bright, beautiful peacock painting, we all jumped on the opportunity.

Fear No Easel allows you to bring your own wine, or purchase some from them, so that you can let your creativity flow while you paint. This might work for some people, but it just makes me have a shaky hand. Being one of the least artistic people I know, this wasn't going to work so I sipped my wine sloooowly.

Hi Boding!

An instructor stood at the front of the class with a microphone and a camera hooked up to a display that zoomed in on her easel. She walked us through the entire painting, showing us how to make new colors and use different techniques. The only thing that bothered me is that she went so fast, and when someone asked her to slow down or repeat something, she appeared irritated. On a positive note, the owner and other staff members were very friendly and walked around refilling our paint and offering compliments and tips.

At first I thought my painting looked awful. Boding kept making fun of me because I looked so intense. This is definitely the most serious face I have ever made.

And back to normal Christina:

Eventually, all our brushstrokes came together into beautiful artwork. It’s pretty neat how each of us were painting the same thing, yet had such different outcomes. Here are Hannah and Rachel with their finished products:

The painting I did last year has been sitting in my closet ever since I took it home. it doesn’t match anything! So I’m happy to report that I have already found a place for my peacock – right on the wall behind my bed. Now let’s see how long it takes me to actually hang it…

Are you artistic? How so?

Have you been to a painting or other art class? Would you go back?

Best of Charleston 2012

Last year, I was lucky enough to win the 2011 Charleston City Paper award for Best Local blog. You can read about the day I won here and the Best of Charleston party here.

I pretty much jumped out of my pajamas the morning I saw this in the paper.

The party was a lot of fun and I got to bring my friend Margaret with me.

We had a lot of fun. Too much fun.

I am so grateful to have won and appreciate all of you who voted. CCP is now accepting ballots for the 2012 awards and I would love for you to consider voting for me.

Vote here.

THANK YOU!!!!

Charleston City Paper “Best of” Award Winner!

Remember back in January when I asked y’all to vote for me in the Charleston City Paper “Best of Charleston” awards for Best Local Interest Blog?

I found out this morning that I WON!!! I am so excited right now! I am extremely grateful for every single one of you who voted, tweeted, or posted a link on facebook!

THANK YOU!

All of the winners can be seen in today’s paper or on the Charleston City Paper website, here. I am under the News & Media section here.

The awards party is tomorrow night at the Joe Riley stadium. I get a plaque!!!

And I’m a little too excited by the thought of possibly meeting Sean Brock, the “Best of Charleston” Chef winner!

Now please excuse me while I go squeal with excitement for the next 365 days!