Planning a Staycation-6 Family Favorites!
March 2, 2022 • Travel
With gas prices at an all time high and no sign of them dropping, this summer may look a little different as far as vacations go.
I want to share some local fabulous places with you that are close to home, affordable and great for the entire family.
Pack a bag, let's Go!
Our first stop is this amazing lakeside retreat in Lake Wylie.
Gary & I stayed here a few years ago and Wow, it was an amazing weekend.
We shopped for groceries before arriving, to avoid having to go out. We relaxed, we swam, we ate and it was perfect.
A Lakeside Retreat is waiting at Long Cove Resort
This tiny home resort sits on the banks of Lake Wylie and is home to 33 individual vacation rental homes. They also have a marina, watersport rentals, beach front, and an outdoor swimming pool.
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| Long Cove Resort Beach Area |
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| Just one the 33 properties offered at Long Cove Resort ________________________________________________________________________________ If indoor waterparks are your thing and the weather is just not warm enough for outdoor swimming, head to another one of our family favorites, Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. They now offer day passes without having to stay in the hotel. The prices for a full day pass from open to close are $40, and passes that cover you from 4pm to close are $32. You can go all out and book one of the gorgeous rooms and stay the night as well, it's all up to you.   _____________________________________________________________________________________ This stop on our staycation should have been #1 because, this is my all time favorite thing to do in the summer, and I go as often as I can. Pictures this, it's a hot summer day, you pack some food in the cooler, throw a few cold drinks in too and you drive to Zaloo's Canoes in Jefferson, NC. Once there you immerse yourself into a tube and spend the next 2-4 hours gently floating down the New River. I always say, I bet this is what Heaven looks like, and once you go, you will agree. Adult Tubes rent for $20 and a cooler tube(a must) is $15 for a 2 hr float. Trust me, go ahead a pay a little more and book the 4 hr trip, you will thank me.  Our Crew Getting ready To Tube The New!  The New River _________________________________________________________________________________ From Jefferson, NC to the heart of Charlotte is our next stop at the sprawling Camp North End with 76 acres of food, shopping, fun and history. A cool place for the whole family to just hang out in a hammock swing with a cup of coffee or a cold beer and take in all the cool art work and the amazing use of the space. Looking to up your IG game, this is the place to go for some great backdrops. Explore the property and grab a bite to eat or do a little retail therapy.   __________________________________________________________________________________ Another family favorite past time is Carowinds and season passes are a must for this park, so you can come back again and again all year. Full of rides, fun and year long events makes Carowinds all around great deal. The water park is included in your pass and it is perfect in the heat of a southern summer. Looking to save some money? Yes, i know food is expensive in the park but instead, plan ahead and pack a picnic and leave it in the car, half way thru the day take a break and come out and enjoy. My family does this often and it gives us a chance to catch our 2nd wind to finish out the day.   _____________________________________________________ Just North of Charlotte the amazing Lake Norman State Park sits on the largest manmade lake in NC and boasts one of the region's more popular mountain biking trails, a sandy swim beach area and bathhouse. A family campground with 32 sites and all beautifully laid out within walking trails and paths. Pack the tent and stay for the night or just go for the day, it will be perfect!   _______________________________________________________ This should keep the kids busy for a while and allow you to relax and recharge. These places are affordable too, so you don't have to take a hammer to the piggy bank. Enjoy! Cheers! Dana Cliff Hangers is a new, state-of-the-art indoor climbing facility that brings together the passion of challenging yourself to new heights with a community of friends and supporters along your journey. With everything from speed climbing, introductory classes, yoga studio, fitness area, café, and kid’s climbing area – Cliff Hangers has |
5 of Charlotte's Oldest Restaurants you must try.
February 13, 2022 • Cooking, Lifestyle
What is it about a good ole restaurant that has been in business to spite growth and hard times. I'll tell you what it is, It is some of the best food you may eat, besides you Mommas and Grandmas.
If nostalgic is your thing, you are going to right at home with these classics.
1961-Pressley Park Restaurant
740 Pressley Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Pressley Park is a classic small town restaurant in the middle of the city. The staff knows most of the customers name by heart and the food instills a comfort like you are at Grandma's.
740 Pressley Rd. Charlotte, NC 28217
1959-South 21
3101 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Old School drive in on Independence Blvd that makes you dream of the car hop days.
3101 E Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28205
1958-Beef N Bottle
4538 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Don't let the outside fool you, inside waits some of the best steaks you may ever eat. Think Old School Swanky.
4538 South Blvd Charlotte, NC 28209
1945-The Diamond
1901 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
This adorably cute retro diner is located in the Plaza Midwood area. Extensive menu and bar. The Diamond is one of my families favorites.
1926- Green's Lunch
309 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Iconic Uptown hot dog counter that's been around almost 100 years. Everyday around lunchtime the restaurant gets slammed with everyone from construction workers to bankers looking for a quick bite.
We need new restaurants, and we need old places too.
I love the nostalgic old diners and restaurants, the thoughts of eating there with my family growing up and feeling a moment of sadness at the thought of one of these Charlotte icons closing. Enjoy them while we can, with the boom that is going on you never know when the day will come and they will close the doors forever.
Do you have a favorite Charlotte restaurant, new or old?
Drop a comment below. I would love to chat.
Cheers until next time,
Dana
Teen Room Decor from Amazon
February 8, 2022 • Home
Our household just loves Amazon, it is fast, easy and a massive selection of products. Ella has been doing some shopping recently for her room and I wanted to share some of her finds. She has really great taste, and her bedroom has this zen feeling of calm. Links to each product are available if you want to check them out. This is not an advertisement for Amazon, this is my opinion of products we are loving.
Tray, Makeup Organizer, Jewelry Organizer, Serving Tray, 9.8”x 14.6”, Gold
UW Heart Makeup Mirror Heart Mirror Cosmetic Mirror Wall Desktop Mirror Bedroom Mirror (Pink)
Small Moon Jewelry Dish Tray, Decorative Ceramic Trinket Dish, Modern Accent Tray for Vanity, Blue
VASAGLE Console Sofa Table with 3 Shelves, 39.4 x 11.8 x 28.7 Inches, Metal Frame, Tempered Glass Shelf, Modern Style, for Entryway Living Room Bedroom, Gold Color
Cheers!
Dana
Visiting Mount Pleasant, SC - Stay, Play, Eat
February 7, 2022 • Travel
Y'all, I love Charleston, SC! I would totally move there in the blink of an eye. And I could go on and on gushing over Charleston, but today, let's talk about another city that is very close to Charleston, and that is Mount Pleasant, SC.
Flying Biscuit Cafe is proud to call the Mount Pleasant Community home. Join them for the best breakfast, brunch & lunch in the dining room, or at the bar on the outdoor patio. Flying Biscuit has been serving breakfast all day for over 25 years.
The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene is the ultimate hole in the wall in Mount Pleasant, and this is a great thing. Have you ever watched Outer Banks on Netflix? Well, Kie and her family own the wreck or at least on the show. So, maybe catch an episode or two before your visit. With great views of shrimp boats, gorgeous sunsets, cold beer and, oh yea the food makes The Wreck, our favorite of favorites.
Head over to Mount Pleasant’s Farmer’s Market if you want to try out the best local produce around.
Here, you can support local farmers and artisans who produce a wide variety of goods. Held on Saturdays from April to the end of September from 8 am till noon.
Mount Pleasant is a suburb of Charleston and has a population of 90K and climbing each year and it is about 9 miles from Charleston, like across the gorgeous Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, which I actually "Got Over" during the 2021 Cooper River Bridge Run. More on this years bridge run can be found here. If you are making plans to visit the area soon, be aware this years race is scheduled for April 2, 2022 and it starts in Mount Pleasant and ends Downtown Charleston. Gary & I, will be participating in the race again and always enjoy our time in both cities.
Mt. Pleasant offers some very nice hotels, an array of shopping, local beaches, delicious food and much more.
I don't know about you but, I pick a hotel based on its pool, especially during the summer months.
Home Away from Home
Hotel Indigo is a boutique hotel that is only a bridge away from Downtown Charleston. Features include a gorgeous heated pool, an onsite bar and restaurant, yoga rooms and more. You can walk to the waterfront from here or across the bridge to Charleston.
This pool at Hotel Indigo gives me California vibes.
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor is the only resort of its kind in the area. Relax with a couple's massage, have a movie night in the intimate 33 seat theater with recliners and surround sound. Soak up the sun or lounge in a private cabana by the pool.
Take the water taxi from the marina to historic downtown.
Hampton Inn Mt. Pleasant-Patriots Point is just a few miles from Historic Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant Town Center, home to over 60 brand name shops and restaurants. Sullivan's Island and Isles of Palms are 5 miles away. Enjoy free breakfast, 24 hr coffee station, outdoor pool and a fitness center.
Perfect after a long day of sightseeing
Getting Hungry?
Mount Pleasant has many options as far as food goes. These are just a few of our favorites. We don't eat anywhere when we are traveling that we can eat at home. It's like our own travel code.
We also like laid back places, kinda hole in the walls, where only the locals go.
Art's Bar and Grill is in the heart of Mount Pleasant. Stop in for lunch or dinner and try some of their legendary cuisine, attend one of their famous oyster roasts, listen to local artist or just relax. the food is delicious and we loved the atmosphere.
Flying Biscuit Cafe is proud to call the Mount Pleasant Community home. Join them for the best breakfast, brunch & lunch in the dining room, or at the bar on the outdoor patio. Flying Biscuit has been serving breakfast all day for over 25 years.
View from the patio of The Wreck
The Best Things To Do
You can visit Palmetto Islands County Park if you want to participate in outdoor activities while in Mount Pleasant.
This 945-acre nature-oriented park has a design that primarily puts families and groups into consideration.
It features a tropical setting filled with bike paths and boardwalks.
This 945-acre nature-oriented park has a design that primarily puts families and groups into consideration.
It features a tropical setting filled with bike paths and boardwalks.
You can rent bikes or bring your own for the perfect day.
Head over to Mount Pleasant’s Farmer’s Market if you want to try out the best local produce around.
Here, you can support local farmers and artisans who produce a wide variety of goods. Held on Saturdays from April to the end of September from 8 am till noon.
Boone Hall Plantation was founded in 1681 when Englishman Major John Boone came to Charleston and established a lucrative plantation and gracious home on the banks of Wampacheone Creek. The driveway up to the plantation is just as stunning as the home itself.
Mount Pleasant has so much to explore and enjoy, and I hope you consider visiting here on your next vacation. For more information about this great city, check this out!
Cheers!
Dana
Care for the Caregiver
January 10, 2022 • Lifestyle
Hello! For those of you have been around for sometime now, you know that I cherish my Moms memory and miss her everyday.
During the time that I was my Moms caregiver I didn't blog about it at any length, and rarely shared my journey but, I should have.
It was beyond stressful and took a toll on my life, emotions and my overall well being.
Sadly, I say all that to say this. My Dad Pete, is not doing well and I have recently started on my journey of being his caregiver along with some other family members. I know it is our job to care for our parents as they cared for us but, my Dad has been the toughest bad ass my whole life. Now he needs help in ways that are hard for me to understand.
My Dad is an amazing Dad and even though he drove a truck and was on the road all the time, he still made time for me and my two brothers. We had an amazing childhood. Here are just some of the things my Dad taught me. How to play poker, how to read a road map, how to change the oil in my car, how to drive a stick shift, how to ride a motorcycle, how to make pickled eggs, how to cook perfect rice, and how to siphon gas just to name a few. I was raised with boys and it shows, I am not that girly girl that likes nail polish and trips to the mall. Give me the outdoors and an adventure and I am a happy girl.
I am going to try and embrace this very precious time that I have with my Dad, and not lose my own mind.
Knowledge is power, and I need all the help I can get on handling this stage of life with Grace.
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Here are some ways on handling the role of caregiver
* Take care of yourself. Don't neglect doctors visits and tap into support groups. Schedule dinner with your friends it will give you something to look forward to.
* Identify what caregiving resources are available in your area. Meals-on-Wheels, adult day care, and assisted living communities that offer respite care allow caregivers to take a much needed break.
* Have a plan in place. Don't wait until a crisis strikes to have the conversation with your parent. Identify what circumstances might lead to considering long-term care option for your parent and involve them in the process.
* Get out of the house and take in some fresh air. Just the change in scenery is enough to brighten your spirits.
*Be patient in your new role. People are set in their way and change is not easy for them.
*Ask for help at anytime. Get other family members or friends to stop by and offer some support.
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I hope in some small way this information helps you too!
Until next time,
Keep loving each other,
Dana
Setting Goals for a Happier You in 2022
January 1, 2022 • Lifestyle
New Years resolutions are a scam. I know, you start with these lofty plans to diet, excercise, save money, or whatever and then 2 weeks in, you are tired and defeated. This is because it is not really a goal that means something to you. Goals need to have a very direct purpose in your life or it just isn't happening.
What works for others does not work for everyone.
Make your goal yours!
Focus on making your life better, and I promise that will be motivation enough to achieve so many more great things.
I love mornings, I like to get up before everyone else, and just be alone in the silence. I can get kinda cranky, if I miss this step.
But, luckily for people in my life, I rarely mess with my morning routine. It is for everyones safety.
Some options to create a positive mental space in the morning include:
Set Goals- Baby steps to just get through the day. Maybe 3 things you would like to achieve today. These could be something as simple as laundry, dinner or wash your car. These are your goals, own them.
Make a list- If it is not written down it doesn't happen. I love my planner and it is never far from my reach. I have lists for groceries, personal, future, blog, ideas. List keeps my mind at ease,Well, at least a little.
Plan- Having a plan of the weeks/months activities, appointments and personal time gives you structure. Without a plan or any direction you just go through the motions and really have no idea how you got to a place, that you do not like. It is your life, start acting like it. You rub your life, don't let it run you.
- If you thrive from positive energy, make sure whatever you do gives you that burst of psoitivity.
- Someone who needs to have a plan, try planning your day and you will soon feel much happier.
- Someone who needs to exert yourself, go for that morning walk or run.
- Someone who needs to think, find time for reading, and journaling.
It takes 21 days to form a habit. Give this new way of life a test drive and figure out what works for you and what doesn't. You can go from there and you will be in control of your life, your goals and will have a much better year.
What are your goals for the New Year?
Drop a comment and let me know.
My goal is to be more present in the plans that I have for my life.
Cheers to 2022!
Dana
6 Easy Blackstone Recipes
December 29, 2021 • Cooking
Y'all understand how much I love cooking, and I got my Christmas wish, a Blackstone Griddle and I am beyond excited.
Do you have one? Lets talk about all things Blackstone.
I have watched way more than my share of YouTube videos about it.
I am looking forward to cooking all kinds of goodies.
The day after I got my griddle, I made bacon, eggs and biscuits for breakfast and it was easy and delicious. Then I made Quesadillas for lunch and Austin made burgers for dinner.
I think we are going to get great use out of it.
Here are a few things my family is looking forward to enjoying.
Smashed Potatoes(Delicious by the way)
Stayed tuned for all of our cooking adventures!
What is your favorite thing to cook on the Blackstone?
Cheers!
Dana
Final Coffee & Conversations of 2021
• Coffee & conversations
Well, it's almost a New Year!
2022 is fast approaching. I am not one for making resolutions, I am more of a goal setter. But, honestly, I have really been slack about setting goals, you know how life just happens and sometimes you are just along for the ride.
Yeah, that's how I have felt lately. My goal for 2022 is to be more present and not just go through the motion of day to day, month to month. I want to live life with a purpose and have my life serve a bigger purpose.
I know I can do that!
I am not one to go out on New Years Eve, mainly because my chances of staying awake are slim and I just like staying close to home.
We had a fantastic Christmas here and we are Blessed more than we will ever realize. I miss my Momma and Sonny, so very much. But something about Christmas, makes me miss them a little more.
We still and will always put up Sonny's stocking as he will always be with us, and he did love Christmas.
Years ago, our first Christmas together Sonny asked me, what I wanted for Christmas, and I cut out a Bose Wave Radio from the Sears catalog, and gave him the clipping. When Christmas rolled around that year, Sonny gave me an antique metal Christmas box with the clipping of the radio and I keep that box safely in my stocking every year. The radio is in my kitchen. But that little metal box makes me cry every year.
I am loving the way our live tree smells in the living room. I just might keep one up all year long.
We are really enjoying our Christmas break from school too.
It is nice with no alarms, no schedules.
Our household got a Blackstone for Christmas and I can see many a great meal being cooked on it.
The transformation for shed to greenhouse is going well and should be complete soon, if we keep having these gorgeous day.
Check out Part 1
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Here are some links I have been loving-
Ella loves this bento lunchbox and carries it everyday.
It comes with a cute bag and, plasticware stores in the lid.
Now this was one of those impulse buys, it has not let me down yet.
I've used it on sweatshirts, furniture, pants or really any clothe that gets some pilling on it.
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I feel kind of nostalgic with the New Year. I got a new planner and the fresh clean pages are open to possibilities and adventure.
But, as I look back on 2021, it makes me kinda sad.
Here are just a few amazing adventures and celebrations we had.
Ella got her license in February(I might have cried)
In April, we spent the week at the beach with our family, and it was so much fun. We really enjoyed the sunrise service on the beach.
We went tubing on the New River a bunch of times(my fav summer activity)
We celebrated the 4th of July in our tradition of parades, food and fireworks, family
Gary and I celebrated 2 years of dating on July 18th, love ya babe!
I took my first trip to WV mid July, but unfortunately, got very sick and couldn't enjoy the trip.
Sadly, we missed the Dwight Yoakam concert in GA and we were to sick to care
School started back in August, we missed the first several days. But finally got it together and joined the fun.
In Sept. we participated in the Cooper River Bridge Run, and had a perfect weekend in Charleston, SC and can't wait to do it again.
Gary and I made another trip to WV for a Marshall football game, sightseeing and Camden Park. You can see more on my You Tube Channel. Please watch, like and subscribe to help my channel grow.
In Oct, We celebrated my bestie turning 50 years young. Love ya Missy!
Ella and I went to Raleigh for Harry Styles concert on October 12th and stayed a couple of days.
Then on Oct 28th we hit Atlanta for another Harry concert.
We were planning to go to Miami on Dec 30th for another Harry concert, but they cancelled.
During this year we celebrated lots of birthdays and had many blessings.
Our prayer is that you, and your family have a fantastic 2022 and may all the blessings come your way.
Cheers to 2022,
Dana
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