Welcome to Mayberry!

On our most recent trip to visit my in-laws in NC, we decided to stop at some roadside attractions to take in what we always seem to pass up. Mount Airy is home to Mayberry...the real life hometown of Andy Griffith and the basis for his hit show, The Andy Griffith Show. 

Heading into town, we were welcomed immediately by Andy and Barney themselves...

Well, as close as we were going to get anyway!

Should we stop for a cut? 

Did you know that there really is a Floyd that owns the Barber Shop? The character in the show was based off the real life Floyd.  Portrayed by an actor of course, but Floyd really is alive, well and still trimming those sideburns!

While in town, we needed to stop by Wally's Service Station for some gas and service. No, not really as this isn't a working station, but does serve as a cute little souvenir shop and a great photo op :) 

Greg and I decided to renew our wedding vows while in town so we went down to the Courthouse for a shotgun vow renewal!

Dressed in our very best WV car lounging gear...only the best for our wedding! 

No, actually, there is no one there that performs weddings (or renewals), but isn't this coolest place ever to do it!

We even had a chance to lock our kids up for a while ;)

The baby too!

After the kids were bailed out, we stopped by young Andy Griffith's house. Did you know you can stay here? Nice little place, but was currently occupied so don't get too close, let the current occupants enjoy their stay. 

Deputy Fife, can you give us a police escort to the interstate? A squad car led us out of town and we were on our merry way...

Can't wait to visit again!

Book Review: Hostess The Twinkies Cookbook

Book Summary: In celebration of the 85th anniversary of Twinkies, Hostess has updated and expanded their beloved and quirky classic The Twinkies Cookbook. This new edition includes the very best recipes from the original, combined with twenty-five new and wonderfully wacky recipes submitted by Twinkies aficionados across the country. From a Twinkies-filled take on chicken and waffles to Twinkies pumpkin pie and beyond, these colorful concoctions will surprise and enchant the Twinkies fan in all of us. 

My Review: Who wouldn't want a cookbook filled with recipes involving what else...Twinkies!!!! From sweet to savory, this cookbook is an expanded version of the original and wow is it a great one!!! Heard of Chicken and Waffles? How about Chicken & Winkies!! This book is colorful and just makes you crave everything in it. With its 3D look cover, don't you just want to take a bite? Don't! Remember, this is just a book! Purchase the book and then the Twinkies and see what you can create :)

Book Review: How to Get Dressed by Alison Freer

Book Review: How to Get Dressed by Alison Freer

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review”.

Book Summary: Costume designer Alison Freer’s styling kit is a magical bag of tricks, built to solve every single wardrobe malfunction on earth. TV and film productions wait for nothing, so her solutions have to work fast. In How to Get Dressed, Alison distills her secrets into a fun, comprehensive style guide focused on rethinking your wardrobe like a fashion expert and making what’s in your closet work for you. She provides real-world advice about everything style-related, including:

   • Making every garment you own fit better 
   • Mastering closet organization 
   • The undergarments you actually need 
   • The scoop on tailors and which alterations are worth it 
   • Shopping thrift and vintage like a rockstar 

Instead of repeating boring style “rules,” Alison breaks the rules and gets real about everything from bras to how to deal with inevitable fashion disasters. Including helpful information such as how to skip ironing and the dry cleaners, remove every stain under the sun, and help clueless men get their sartorial acts together, How to Get Dressed has hundreds of insider tips from Alison’s arsenal of tools and expertise.

My Review: There were so many things I loved about this book! Ever wonder about those crazy fashion rules that you worry about breaking? No worries!  I loved the section on how to be your own costume designer...searching out pieces that are you. Why follow what everyone in the world does just because it is the latest, hottest trend? Why not start your own just because it is all you?! This book gives you the bravery to do so! Did you know that you could be doing your laundry wrong? Keep those clothing pieces in perfect condition with a few rules in laundering. Need some hacks for clothing storing just right? It's in here! I felt the best part of the book was buying vintage and thrift clothing. I am a definite thrift shopper...it is the very best way to find great brands at a bargain price. You want to start with a plan before you get started. Figure out what you want ahead of time and head specifically for those items. Finding them will bring you to a great outfit! I could go on and on about this book, but I think I may start bookmarking my favorite pages!

Redo Your Room...50 Bedroom DIYS You Can Do In A Weekend

Redo Your Room...50 Bedroom DIYS You Can Do In A Weekend

From the Editors of Faithgirlz! and Girls' Life Magazine

I absolutely LOVE this book!!! Tons of great ideas for my daughter's move up room! Homemade items to make, colorful ways and such! Accessories, wall colors, etc... 

Need to redo a closet? All kinds of ideas for every nook and cranny of it! Redoing your desk area? Organization tips galore and how to make them work!

All ideas are updated to today's styles and bright and refreshing!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!!!!!! A must for any tween, teen that wants some great ideas or are redoing their room! 

Book Review: Q&A a Day

Book Review: Q & A a Day

"I received this BOOK FOR free from Blogging for Books for this review”.

My Review: I was so excited to receive this 5 year journal. 365 questions, 1, 825 answers. To be able to write what I feel each day and then next year and the years following, to be able to go back and write that day's answers and compare how far I have come. It is all very exciting! Questions from "What's the oldest thing you're wearing today?" to "Write your recipe for Creativity."

Some days, you just feel like you need an ear and maybe there isn't one around. Write out your thoughts...just get them out. Can make a world of difference in your life! Whether good or bad, just looking at your daily entry can give you ideas on how to work better in your days or just to know that you already do well. This is a wonderful idea for anyone who likes to keep a journal or give as a gift!

Book Review: I Can Learn the Bible by Holly Hawkins Shivers

                                 

                                                 I Can Learn the Bible by Holly Hawkins Shivers

                              "I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for this review”.

Book Summary: Help your children hide God's Word in their hearts. 

As parents, we want our children to learn about the Lord and know His Word. What a joy it is to watch them begin to understand God's Word, speak it from memory, and be transformed as it becomes a part of them! It's our job to equip them for life, to prepare them for whatever lies ahead. The words of God's truth they hide in their hearts will be with them forever--a source of guidance, comfort, and spiritual nourishment no matter where they go.

I Can Learn the Bible adapts O.S. Hawkins's The Joshua Code for kids, guiding parents in helping their children understand and memorize fifty-two Bible verses. Each engaging weekly devotion prompts discussion and explains the accompanying verse in a way that kids can understand. Written by Holly Hawkins Shivers, daughter of O.S. Hawkins and a mother of little ones herself, I Can Learn the Bible will help your children learn and live the Scriptures. 

Plant the seed of Scripture in your children's hearts--and watch them grow!

My Review: I was so excited when I found this book on BookLook Bloggers to review. Having moved to another state and not yet finding a church that we feel fits our needs, this book is a lovely and enjoyable fill-in for my children for the present time. The book is in hardback form and has a colorful and fun design on the front and back covers. Each week gives you a story about a scripture that is very easy for the child to understand and then explains "Who" did what, "When," "Where" and "Why." Artwork throughout the chapters just brings more attention to the story and the kids absolutely loved it! Thanks for such a great book!

The Storm Before the Calm....

The Storm Before the Calm...

Yes, I know, that wording is totally backwards, but we all know that there is usually one more huge snow (The Storm) before winter begins its decline into a wonderfully, warm spring (The Calm)

I feel in the recent years that my body and mind are finally getting used to the cold and snowy weather. For anyone who knows me, they know that I am a warm weather person all the way...give me a beach and some flip flops and I am in heaven! Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, life, we are living in PA. A place where winter teases us every year with the hopes that we will not face being snowed in....thought we had Mother Nature on our side this year...and then last night happened!

I need some shades...and not for the reason I was hoping! 

All in all though, this is how God does his beautiful work...4 seasons, winter of which is not the best, but certainly is not the worst considering it is giving everything and everyone a break. 

So, I guess for now, I will enjoy my yard of white, the shade of purity....preparations for another new beginning....SPRING!