Chasing The Dream

As I've stated on here a few times, I one day hope to take my fashion sense to the court room and be the dapper lawyer I've pictured myself as since childhood. I've finally began moving into my new home in Louisville. Although funds are tight and the current government situation isn't looking favorable for students, Giuseppe at An Affordable Wardrobe is the perfect example that being frugal doesn't mean one can't be stylish in all aspects of life. I'll have an update soon with the ongoing process of outfitting my apartment as both elegant and cheap as possible...

Thank you for your time, JBH

Good Eats of the Lowcountry

Although I prefer homecooking or my own grilling over any other food in the world, perhaps my favorite part of traveling is trying local restaurants and hidden dives. Our recent trip to Charleston was no different, as JMC and I were able to experience some exceptional cuisine.

 
First up was The Beacon Drive-In, located only a few miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg. Although the Beacon Burger-A Plenty with a large Peach Tea takes a few weeks off my lifespan each time I stop in, I simply can't pass through Spartanburg without dropping in.

Perhaps my best meal of the week came at Station 22 on Sullivan's Island, even if it was a questionable decision at the time. As everyone ordered crab cakes and the Mahi-Mahi special, I couldn't get over the fact that such a seafood establishment had meatloaf on the menu, and the Kentucky in me had to give it a try. Smothered in fried onions and paired with fresh green beans, I didn't even have time to snap a photo before it was all gone.

Although dinner on our final night was the first place all week to have crab legs, I opted for shrimp and low country fried grits. Their Fire Roasted Sweet Red Pepper Bisque was one of the better soups I've ever had, but it still didn't make up for waiting 30 minutes longer than the hostess predicted after we'd called ahead.

Last but certainly not least, the Sea Biscuit Cafe on Isle of Palms is perhaps the most charming little diner I've ever seen. It's open only for breakfast and lunch on Tue-Sat, and if you want breakfast I'd recommend getting there early as there are only about 15 tables. Although my country ham and eggs was absolutely delicious, I'd recommend the Brown Sugar French Toast, as it may be the greatest thing I've ever tasted.
Thank you for your time, JBH

Back Home, for now

After a few rounds of golf and a very relaxing week in the low country I'm finally back in the mountains, although it won't be for long as law school begins in just a few weeks.

First and foremost, I was very pleased with the climactic ending to the Harry Potter series. Although I never read past the fourth book, I felt a certain attachment to these characters I essentially grew up with them. While the film was certainly the darkest and most action packed of the series, the highlight for me came at the end in seeing the trio grown up, particularly the image of the always dapper Harry in a well fitting cardigan and oxford.

It may not have been the best strategic decision to see a midnight film with an 8 A.M tee time the following morning, but the game was actually very solid all around with one hiccup on the 15th hole keeping me from qualifying by a single shot. It stung at first, but the following morning we were off to the low-country and needless to say all my pains were healed. With much unpacking and organizing still left to be done, I'll try to expand on the trip a little more this evening!


Thank you for your time, JBH

Open Championship Week

While most will pick the Masters or our National Open as their favorite golf event, The Open Championship is far and away my most fancied week of the year. It probably has something to do with it falling right around my birthday every year, but I simply love waking up early each morning to watch the high winds and natural beauty torment the worlds best players.  This is also a golf significant week in another way, as tomorrow morning I'll attempt to qualify for the 92nd Kentucky Open. The site for my qualifier is the historic Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland, KY, a classic layout that I would have to rank among the hardest 6,000 yard courses in America.

With nearly every hole tree lined and the widest fairway measuring a measly 25 yards, it is a course that requires and rewards precisely hit tee shots.

The scorecard got a bit wrinkled during the round, but as my notes imply many of the holes will certainly see the driver being left in the bag.  I haven't attempted the Open since 2008, which saw a 72 get me into the field at Audubon Country Club. Although I don't believe the narrow fairways and tricky greens will be all that troublesome, my biggest fear is the affect that taking the lady friend to tonight's midnight showing of the conclusion to the Harry Potter series will have!!

Regardless of what happens on the course, it will certainly be a great weekend. Saturday morning will see the lady and I heading down to Charleston for a week of R&R and my birthday celebration, not to mention waking up early Sunday to see who can become the Champion Golfer of the Year.


Thank you for your time, JBH

A Very Preppy Tuesday

While my currently location is hundreds of miles from both an ivy league campus and the eastern seaboard, I feel that today's attire could easily place me comfortably in either setting.

The RL madras was found on my most recent excursion for a cool $2.50, and pairs well with the urban slim flit J. Crew chinos I found on discount at the outlet in HHI last month. With suede driving mocs and the classic timex, this kit is about as classic American prep as it gets. Although I'm in love with the chinos, I continue to be disappointed in the fit of RL shirts. I know for a couple of bucks I can't complain, but I really wish the sleeves were just a little shorter.

Today's look fits in rather well with the latest reading selection, as my keen interest in the Kennedy family continues to grow. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the 8 part mini-series, proving that my enjoyment wasn't based solely on my adoration of Camelot. After watching the series and working my way through this biography, I can't help but wonder how a family that defined the American Dream could have dealt with all the tragedies the 20th century handed them. Although the last year has sealed the saga that Joseph Kennedy gave birth to, I will always look back and adore the true magical kingdom that was Camelot.


Thank you for your time, JBH

The Cost of Going Green

Although I come from an area that seems to be constantly locking horns with folks at the EPA, I am beginning to realize the importance of leading an environmentally responsible lifestyle.While bringing a few Bean totes to the grocery story is a very minor first step, I recently decided to roll the dice and give E85 fuel a try.

From a price standpoint, it seems like a no brainer, as the E85 typically runs around .50 cheaper on the gallon than regular unleaded fuel and was even offered at .69 per gallon on Earth Day. My father has spent the majority of his life in the automotive industry and warned me that it wouldn't perform as well, but I decided to give it a chance for myself. Lexington is still playing catch up from an environmental perspective, with only one station in town carrying the fuel. Unfortunately, my trial left me disappointed as it proved my dad knew best, with the ethanol fuel averaging around 5 miles or 20% less per gallon. I believe that alternative fuels will certainly have their rise and it won't be long from now, but in the meantime I am going to stick to my tote bags at Whole Foods, as using E85 simply can't be justified if it's costing me money in the process!


Thank you for your time, JBH