2018 Goals!

So, every year, I make a list of "New Year's Resolutions." The definition of "Resolution" is a firm decision to do or not to do something. It also means the action of solving a problem, dispute or contentious matter. I don't feel that I have any problems in need of solving, but at the same time, although determined, I will not hate myself if I don't cross everything off on this list, but I will be trying my very best to hit all of the "goals" on my list for 2018.

This year, I really thought long and hard about my list...

1. Get in touch with past friends. I am a FB person all the way...I love the fact that I can see my friends and their families grow over time. I would like to get together sometime over the year for lunch with some friends from my past. I will be popping in to say "hello" on FB too!

2. Check into Fostering Animals. We have 4 cats of our own, but are really unable to have a dog. We make annual visits to the humane society and see grown cats in need of homes. I would love to be able to give these animals a loving place to stay until they can find a forever home.

3. Make 1 mini trip per quarter. We take 2 long vacations per year to Myrtle Beach and Emerald Isle, where my in-laws live, but are limited to those areas and we are explorers all the way! We love to experience new places and things to do and there are so many places with unique things to discover!! We made a trip to Butler this year (included Zelionople, Evans City, Cranberry, Portersville and Mars) for an overnight stay and it was one of the most fun trips we have ever taken! Sometimes you never know what you will find until you are there...for instance,

Would you have ever guessed that Butler has a Stealth Bomber sitting in the middle of a field on a country road? What is in it is even more amazing!! An incredible, hands on toy store!

How about the fact that Zelienople has a cool candy store that is famous for their triple chocolate dipped malt balls? Baldingers Foods from All Nations!

Evans City is the home of the filming of "Night of the Living Dead" That is me in a split screen with the movie clip. We loved finding all locations throughout the cemetery!

Don't get me started on the the huge snowman that serves shaved ice in the middle of nowhere and the city of Mars with a UFO planted right in the middle of town! 

Forget international travels, there is so much hidden just in the United States!

4. Hit Lifetime again. I have been back on Weight Watchers for the past year and seemed to hit a plateau that I just can't seem to pass. I was 7 lb away and the scale would not budge. Will I do it in 2018?

5. Finish "Love" Movie List and begin a new one. My husband and I have been working our way down the "Top 100 Love Movies on the Silver Screen." 

We began this list in September of 2013 and were determined to get it finished in 4 years, but it didn't happen. That is life popping in on ya! We have the last few that need to be watched and we will have graduated this list. We plan on coming up with another list after this one is completed. I think my hubby is ready for some comedies!

6. Write up my "wishes" I guess I always think I have everything I need, but come Christmas time, I always have people asking me for a list of items I "wish" to have. I am going to try my best to keep an ongoing list throughout the year for those who ask. 

7. Make more time for myself. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am full force into everything I do. If the goal is Presidents Club for Avon, I get there. If I have a certain amount of sales I want to hit for the Flea Market, I do it. Have a schedule to follow? I do it to a T! This year, I am going to carve some time in for me. Shut off work at a certain time and just focus on me....

That is all...7 goals for 2018!

Book Review: Really Woolly Christmas Blessings by Dayspring

Book Review: Really Woolly Christmas Blessings by Dayspring

Book Summary: 

Enjoy the blessings of Christmas!

Christmastime is full of blessings, and the Really Woolly characters celebrate every part of the season—from time with family and friends, to sledding and decorating, to the joy of giving to others.

Cuddle up close with your little one, and enjoy the precious rhymes, meaningful Bible verses, simple prayers, and endearing illustrations that teach about the greatest Christmas gift of all—the birth of Jesus.

My Review: My little one was so excited when this book arrived. Just right for his little hands, he carries this one to me all the time to read. Fun pics showing lots of seasonal family time. A great way to teach the kids, in a fun, colorful way, about the birth of Jesus and the reason for the season. This is a definite one to have around.

Book Review: God Gave Us Family by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Book Review: God Gave Us Family by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Book Summary: Little Pup’s wolf family is on their way to a special reunion—with lots of cousins, games, roasting marshmallows, and fun! As the young wolf thinks about different kinds of families, it’s the perfect opportunity for Mama and Papa to teach their inquisitive child about the families that God brings together. Some families are big and others are small, some are led by grandparents or just one parent, and some families include adopted little ones– yet each family is truly special. 

 
Even the members of Little Pup’s pack make up an important role in his family, although they sometimes pester him. Papa gently reminds his son…
 
“We need to love the family God gave us.”
 
A heartwarming and colorful addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, this tale will delight young hearts and help them understand how families of all types reflect God’s unconditional love.

My Review: Another great "God Gave Us" book. With so many differences in families nowadays, this book is a wonderful way to teach your children how all families are made and work differently, but it makes them just as much of a family, no less. A really good reference that explains everything in a fun, childlike way. A great book for today's society.

Book Review: Color Squared by Lee Meredith

Book Review: Color Squared by Lee Meredith. I was sent this book by "Blogging for Books" in exchange for my honest review.

Book Summary: Paint-by-number meets the traditional coloring book in this brand new format that showcases pixelated images of cool and quirky nostalgia objects. Doodlers, artists, and puzzlers alike will enjoy this new take on coloring. With a focus on old favorites, pictures of things like cassette tapes, a rotary phone, and roller skates have been pixelated and rendered as numbered grids. To fill them in, users have options to vary the colors, just vary the shading, or even use different shapes or lines. Color Squared can relieve stress or challenge the mind, depending on the approach the reader chooses--but either way, it will keep the head and hands busy, and make for a fun trip down memory lane.

My Review: This is such a unique and more modern way of coloring! I have kids who are video game nuts and they were so excited about the idea of the pixelated images. They weren't sure what a rotary phone was, but that gave me the opportunity to explain some of the old school items of yesteryear...during my generation! Very calming and cool book! 

Summer Vacation 2017...Day 5!

Summer Vacation 2017...Day 5!

I can't believe I am so behind on this blog...have to fit it in while I can. Hope to get more active again. Lets keep going until we finish this vacation. 

The 4th of July!

What better way to celebrate than with some delicious cookout food and Fireworks on the water! 

This year, my 3 year old was amazed....

My littlest...

....not so much.

Catch you a little later, 

Summer Vacation 2017...Day 4!

Summer Vacation 2017...Day 4!

On Day 4, we did one of my all-time fave things! We made a trip to Southport! I absolutely love it here as it is the most quaint little town...definitely a place I could see myself living one day! It is also the chosen location for movies by Nicholas Sparks so you can imagine my love for it! 

Southport is also the home of the first 4th of July celebration. I wanted to head there on the 4th, but hubby wanted to see the fireworks from the water in Swansboro so we came a day early. Not a problem since the 4th of July Festival lasts more than one day. 

Our first stop was the Old Brunswick Jail. 

We got to tour original jail cells. How would you like to wear the striped suit, sleep on this uncomfortable bed and go to the potty in front of everyone? Sign ups here!

I pray this is the only time I see him in a cell! 

We had the chance to view drawings and writings on the walls by former criminals....

And have our kids see what it is like to have a mugshot...

(yeah, wipe that smile off of your face, young man!)

Think I ought to leave any behind...?

Afterward, we walked the town, checked out the red/white/blue fun and festivities of the day! Crowds and crowds of people come to Southport for the Fourth of July Festival...a fun place to be!

We checked out the town's Maritime Museum. So far, had only been to the one in Beaufort, but this one didn't disappoint! I love how each Maritime Museum has something unique. Check out the one at this location...

There was a working periscope inside the building! The top went out of the roof and you could turn completely in a circle and view everything outside! So fun for the kids and adults too! 

My little one wanted to steer the ship...she was so glad they had one her height! 

After treasure hunting through the museum, we strolled along the Riverwalk...

Yep, this is the exact location where Julianne Hough walked in the movie "Safe Haven"

Ready for more movie locations? Some we have seen before and have just stopped back by. 

Old Baldy located on Bald Head Island.

Featured in the movie "Weekend at Bernie's," I would love to one day make my way over to it!

Old American Fish Company, the setting of Ivan's Fish Shack on "Safe Haven" where Katie served as a waitress.

 "Potters" and the dock next to it were featured in the series "Dawson's Creek"

And of course...Alex's house on "Safe Haven"

Remember the setting of Alex and Katie's date?

They even let you know that it is "Table #9" that they sat at.

Onto the Marsh Walk for a pic of my kiddos...

I love how this pic turned out. The background is gorgeous!!! The Marsh Walk has been featured in many movies and tv shows...just a beautiful place to be.

Onto more fun...

What is a vacation without some sort of Christmas House stop?

This house was really cool, each room filled with a different theme of items. They had color code rooms, themed rooms, etc... You better believe that this beach themed room was my fave!

Oops! We probably should have knocked!

The back portion of the house had a candy shop. We wanted to say that we tried something from Southport so we grabbed one of their signature items. We grabbed up the "Southport Hurricane" It is a piece of fudge with a jumbled mess of nuts and coconut. I am not a huge coconut fan, but this was delish! 

Stomach started growling for some real food and we didn't want a chain...local all the way! Our new go-to restaurant in Southport! The Locals Diner. Awesome food and service! I don't think I would ever dine anywhere else after this plate! Hush puppies were to die for!

What a day! Ready to head back to the in-laws...but not without one more find! Paci's anchor! This was in the beginning credits of "Dawson's Creek." I know! I am a tv/movie dork!! It is my passion! So many fun things to do and memories to make...so little time!

See you soon! 

Book Review: The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Gramps and Gran by Mike Berenstain

Book Review: The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Gramps and Gran by Mike Berenstain

Book Summary:

In The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Gramps and Gran, the newest title in The Berenstain Bears Living Lights series, Mama, Papa, and the cubs decide it’s high time they honor Grizzly Gramps and Gran.

It’s almost Grandparents Day and the Bear family has never celebrated this special day before. So working as a team, the cubs, with a little help from Mama and Papa, come up with a fun and creative way to show Gramps and Gran just how much they are loved and appreciated.

My Review: I was so excited to come across this book as I collect Berenstain Bears books! I had no idea that this one existed!!! What a wonderful topic to touch upon...Grandparent's Day! A great way to honor those who are responsible for your parents. For those who have never honored their grandparents on this special day, be sure to do so!!