CATCH O' THE DAY july/august

SILLY SHELLS
These silicone shells easily go from oven
to broiler to table. Create individual crab cakes, baked scallops and much more with this versatile bakeware. Dishwasher safe.
Available at Charleston Cooks!,
194 East Bay St. $22.

flex grill basket
If you’ve ever grilled fish, you know that it can turn disastrous. Use this grill basket and no more chunks of fish will fall through your grates. Its expandable chrome steel sides hold fish secure and make flipping easy. (Nemo’s friend not included). Available at Charleston Cooks!, 194 East Bay St. $27.

HIGHTAILER SHRIMP PEELER
Make cooking and eating those sweet Lowcountry shrimp even sweeter with this handy-dandy kitchen tool. Easy to use, it peels and deveins shrimp in one simple step. Now those shrimp cocktails won’t seem like such labors of love. Available at Coastal Cupboard, 644 J Long Point Road in Belle Hall Center, Mount Pleasant. $16.95.

STAINLESS STEEL FISH LIFTER
A triumph of intelligent design, this perforated spatula easily lifts fish fillets without breaking them. A raised edge prevents fish from slipping off, and the offset handle offers excellent leverage.
Available at Williams-Sonoma,
281 King St., or online at
www.williams-sonoma.com. $22.

NEITA'S CHARLESTON CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
For a cool summer treat that’s perfect for parties or dinner on the porch, pickle some cooked shrimp with this citrus vinaigrette. Or perhaps sprinkle it on a wonderful fish filet and grill. Available locally at various locations, including Boone Hall Farms, 2521 Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant, and Newton Farms at Freshfields Village, 515 Freshfields Drive on Johns Island. $6.95.

LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER STEAMER
If your passion for seafood goes beyond the occasional crab boil, then this steamer is for you. Big enough to cook a bushel of oysters in 10-12 minutes, it can also be used for steaming crabs or concocting one heckuva Frogmore Stew. Made of stainless steel and aluminum. Available at
www.lowcountrycookers.com. $700.
spoleto style May/june

GIBBES UMBRELLA
For those unexpected showers on the walk to Piccolo Spoleto, stay artistically dry. The inside features the interior dome design from the hometown Gibbes Museum of Art, and its curved handle and black exterior are elegant enough to use even for the fanciest occasions. Available at Gibbes Museum of Art,
135 Meeting St. $15.

CHARLESTON CUPS
If you’re throwing a pre-performance party, these cups will take your classic Southern libations to another level. Hand-turned by Charleston Master Pewtersmith Ret. Col. Pelham Felder, they will keep those oh-so-good drinks cold. Available online at www.lantanalife.com. $150 for a set of two.
BUTTON HAIR CLIPS
Ignore the humidity – pin your hair back with these clips that easily go from outdoor feˆte to symphony seats. Handmade by Charlestonian (and former pharmacist) Mary Marsh Hayden, custom fabric buttons are attached to the clips with wire, not glue. Available online at www.marymarsh.etsy.com. $6 for a set of three.

GLASSES
We’re not saying that you do need glasses to see the ballerinas on stage, but if you are looking for some cool frames, look no further. These frames have an open design on the sides, sturdy construction and plenty of style. Available at SEE Eyewear, 355 King St. $299, including a single vision prescription lens.

HELEN MARIE NECKLACE
Helen Marie Designs’ necklaces are known for their delicate beauty and often off-center designs. This style, called Emrys, pairs maroon jade and gold filigree on a delicate gold chain. 16 inches long. Available at Copper Penny, 311 King St. and in Mount Pleasant at 280 W. Coleman Blvd. $45.

BEFORE AND AFTER MINTS
With a too-cute tin, these two different
flavored breath mints in one container have been featured in Hollywood gift bags and can be a part of yours as well. Sugar free and kosher. The peppermint and cinnamon variety is available at Michaels, 7620 N. Rivers Ave., Suite 130, North Charleston. $1.49.
get up and go March/april

Electra PJ Party Cruiser in Blue Superstar
A three-speed cruiser is perfect for the beach, park, or a short ride to the neighborhood coffeehouse. With its retro style (including block pedals), matching bell and sassy paint job, this bicycle could easily become your vehicle of choice. Available at Mike’s Bikes, 808 Folly Road, or 709 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. $530.
Dirigo 140 by Old Towne Canoe and Kayaks
A great all-around boat, this kayak’s cockpit design gives you more-precise control while still offering a large non-confining space. Easy-access storage areas include a dashboard dry hatch for wallet, glasses or your cell phone.
Available at Charleston Watersport Outfitters, 1547 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant. $899.

Smart Fortwo
Up the cuteness factor with this technologically advanced vehicle designed to achieve 40-plus miles per gallon. The Fortwo is 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide and comes equipped with many standard features, such as electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes and four air bags. The well-equipped passion coupe also includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors and an audio system with a CD player. Available at Baker Motor Company, 1511 Savannah Hwy. $14,089 MSRP.

Click here to watch a video of the Smart Fortwo

Boost MBT Shoes
MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology, and these shoes are based on the principle that our bodies work best when we walk barefoot through soft dirt and sand, the body aligning naturally. In fact, MBT shoes have a buzz about them, from alleviating knee and back ailments to claims that they reduce the appearance of cellulite. Whatever the results, remember: They aren’t fashion shoes, they’re physiological footwear (and they come in blue, red and rose). Available at Phillips Shoes, 80 Folly Road. $244.97.
Wave Board Street Surfer
The Wave is a new board that combines the best of surfing and snowboarding on two wheels. The board is propelled by the subtle movement of the rider’s body – front and rear flexible panels are controlled by a spring-oriented torsion bar on top of wheels that are free to rotate 360 degrees. A mobile, agile, organic ride. But the best part is the kids absolutely love it. Available at Air, 753 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant. $129.99.

 
 


Feature Story
Sustainable Seafood: On The Bubble
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Efforts to make sustainable food more visible and available are increasing.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


get outta town
Kendall Lukas Visits Wilmington, N.C.
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Kendall Lukas has stars in her eyes and history under her feet as she explores the neighboring port city of Wilmington, N.C.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


A Lowcountry Life
From Ballet Shoes To Bikinis
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Poland native Maria Dobrzanska Reeves uses her dance discipline to achieve success in Charleston.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


essay
Splashing Through Childhood
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Author Ron Daise looks for joy and finds it in remembering his children in their youth.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


homestyle
Cooking in the Great Outdoors
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Customized patio kitchens are made for entertaining.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


delectable delights
Doin' The Charleston Bump
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Local chefs re-group with sustainable wreckfish.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


feature story: Online Extra
Swimming Rock Fish Farm
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

More on Megan Westmeyer and Jennifer Smith’s visit to Swimming Rock Fish Farm
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


from the editor
Water World
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

I love being in water. I love that clear, cool swishing feeling around my ears. In fact, on a warm, sunny day, I like to go outside and get as hot as possible and then dive into a cool pool. For me, it’s refreshment at its finest.
Read More
 1 comment(s) / read/add comments


distinctively charleston
Beach Music
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

The sounds, swells and shagging at Folly beach pier keep fans coming back for more.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


Feature story: Shrimp Story
A Shrimp Story
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

You can see the shrimp boats from your restaurant table, so that shrimp pasta on the menu has to be fresh and local. Right?
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments

Recipe box
Simple summer flavors accentuate wreckfish.


Videos
Check out the smart car, a match from last year's Family Circle Cup, and a classroom project from an exceptional educator.
Photo Galleries
More is better when it comes to photos. Check out these bonus images from our photo shoots.
Watermarks
What’s happening in the Lowcountry and seasonal spotlight tidbits about local traditions, trends and events.
products
Helpful kitchen tools for cooking seafood.


FAVORITES
What are your favorite things? Click here to share.


Comment: Click here to share one of your favorite cookie recipes
 
 
one-of-a-kind finds January/february
Porcelain Teapot
Local potter Kris Neal creates one-of-a-kind pieces with natural forms. This wheel-thrown gold matte glaze porcelain teapot, paddled square and carved, reminds us of the quiet beauty of winter marsh grass. 10-inch height. Available at Fire and Earth Pottery, 1417 Ashley River Road. $200.
Glass Chandelier
Hand blown of Venetian glass, this chandelier is designed by well-known jewelry designer Dorian Webb and is inspired by the shape and texture of sea coral. Simply, this exquisite and unique fixture would be the focal point of any room. Available at Candelabra, 404 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant. $7,999.

Peace Wind chime
Constructed of bamboo and recycled TV antennas, this handmade wind chime has a beautiful tone and more style than those old rabbit ears ever have. A fair trade product from the Community Crafts Association of the Philippines, it is available at Global Awakening, 499 King St. $26.95.

Rose stud earrings
These sweet and ultra-feminine earrings are fashioned out of 14K gold, and they resemble old-fashioned roses fully opened. Designed by Slack, a jewelry designer hailing from Florida, the earrings are registered and signed pieces of “wearable art.” Available at Gold Creations, 74 S. Market St. $375.
1929 Vintage Poster
A rare find, this poster from 1929 advertises
the Hotel du Golf in Deauville, France. Deauville, a chic seaside resort, is known as “the lady of the French coast.” This stylish and smart poster is an unusual piece of advertising art that celebrates the history and style of Deauville. 215/8 x 30¼ inches. Available at Julia Santen Gallery, 188 King St. $4,200.

 
party host perks November/december 2007
caldrea dish soap sampler
How about some great-scented soap to make
washing dishes a little more fun? This sampler
contains four dish soap liquid fragrances in petite
sizes – all tucked into a gift box. Contains 2 oz.
mini samples of Lavender Pine, Citrus Mint Ylang
Ylang, Basil Blue Sage and Green Tea Patchouli
Liquid Dish Soap – a great way to sample all four fragrance collections. Available at Stella Nova, 292 King St. $10.50.
ZULU HERB BASKET FILLED WITH COFFee
Choose from a variety of African coffees to fill a handwoven basket from the Zulu tribe of South Africa. The tribe uses them to carry herbs, but filled with coffee, it makes a unique gift for the consummate host. A variety of Kudu coffees and one-of-kind baskets are available to create your gift. Both products are fair trade. Available at Kudu Kitu, 4 Vanderhorst St. $23.

OYSTER BUCKET WITH OYSTER KNIFE
Oyster season is here, and this bucket is filled with everything someone needs to chow down at their next oyster roast. Our personalized custom gift bucket includes an engravable shucking knife, two seafood picks, one crab cracker, and a bottle of hot sauce. Colors and ribbons can be customized for the recipient, and the bucket can also be monogramed. Available online at www.charlestonshuckerco.com. $35.
divided relish tray
If your host likes to entertain, give him or her something that will get you invited to the next party. This handmade piece of Polish pottery is available in several patterns, but we think “flowering peacock” is one of the best. Dishwasher safe and one-of-a-kind. Available at Top Drawer Accoutrements, 106 E. Doty Ave., Summerville. $47.

hug salt and pepper shakers
Designed by Alberto Mantilla, these salt and pepper shakers “share the love.”
Two identically formed porcelain characters affectionately embrace; the black pepper shaker has two holes while the white salt shaker has three. Available online at the MOMA Design Store, www.momastore.org. $25.
wine gift basket
Raise “bringing a bottle of wine” to an art form with this goodie wine gift basket. With a centerpiece of Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (a good value, crisp palate), this basket includes crostini, olives, and a selection of meats and cheeses. This gift can be customized to fit any budget.Available at Charleston’s Land & Sea Market, 1113-B Market Center Blvd., Mt. Pleasant. $35.
 
 
 
SUBSCRIBE | This issue | From the Editor | Staff Directory | Contributors | Media Kit | Advertisers | Contact Us

Lowcountry Living is a bi-monthly advertising magazine of The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403-4800. Copyright 2007 by The Post and Courier.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The Post and Courier. Printed by R.L. Bryan, Columbia, S.C.
Click here to email the editor