Life’s been crazy lately. I’ve had too much work to do and not enough time to do it all. That’s why a couple of weeks ago, we took a much needed break to celebrate the birthday of a good friend. We traveled up to the mountains of my home state, stayed in a hundred-year-old cabin and took in all the colors of fall. Continue reading
Tag Archives: north carolina
Road Trip Day 7, 8 & 9 : Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Camping
Hogwarts! And those clouds! No filter on this one!
So this is the last round of road trip pictures, I promise. I don’t want this to turn into my road trip blog, although it probably could. I want to live in these pictures forever. Anyway, I was most excited for was our trip to Universal Studios. I had been to Universal before, but not since they opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Butterbeer!
I am a huge HP fan. Like so big. I may or may not have pushed some kids out of the way just to get into the park faster. 
The Wizarding World of HP is only part of the park, but really it’s the only part I cared about or took pictures of. The park designers are quite simply amazing and the park looks so similar to the movies. There are a ton of details and if it wasn’t 90 degrees and there weren’t an uncomfortable amount of people there, I’m sure I could have wandered around the World of HP all day.
The ride that is inside Hogwarts was definitely the highlight of the trip. It was a simulated ride, but you get to fly on a broom! Just waiting in line for the ride was pretty stunning. The line takes you through Hogwarts– there were talking pictures, Dumbledore’s office, the Herbology greenhouse and so much more.
The Sorting Hat!
I think I squealed when I saw the sorting hat.
Fawkes!
But alas, I couldn’t stay in HP land forever. George had somehow convinced me to camp out with him at a chopper motorcycle fest. Not really my thing, but hey, he did take me to Harry Potter.
George blowing up the air mattress because he loves me 🙂
And the mountains of North Carolina are super pretty. I almost didn’t mind sleeping outside… almost.
I’m still waiting for my owl to tell me I was accepted at Hogwarts, but I’m happy to be home.
love,
melanie
How to Save Money at Your Local Fair
It’s fair season, ya’ll! The air is crisp and so are the dollar bills in my pocket. I love a good state fair as much as the next fellow, but I don’t love dropping my hard-earned cash. Here’s how I saved some money this year at the fair.
1. Check the website! Each fair is going to be different, but with the larger fairs, the “deals” will usually be published on the website. Deals could include free admission on certain days, discounted tickets if you buy in advance and free admission for children or seniors. The NC State fair has all of these deals!
2. Keep an eye out for free events. Our fair had free bluegrass music, tons of fascinating exhibits– like blacksmithing, beekeeping and pottery, and other super interesting educational events. The fair isn’t all rides and deep fried food.
3. Consider bringing your own food or sharing. Yes, the food is insane and often makes the trip, but it’s also crazy-expensive. Consider bringing your own food, bottles of water and sharing. Bottles of water were $2 at our local fair. That’s crazy town, people. Bring your own.
4. Buy a lunch pass. Not all fairs do this, but if you are just in it for the food, the NC State fair will let you purchase food on weekdays for free with a lunch pass.
5. Avoid parking fees. Lace on your tennis shoes and get ready to walk. Map out the closest free parking lot to the fair in advance and plan to walk. Nothing bums me out more than having to pay to park my car somewhere.
What other kind of tips do you have for saving money at your local fair? Let me hear ’em in the comments.
love,
melanie
Bed and Breakfast
Can you see me?!
Old fireplaces are so gorgeous. The tile alone has me dreaming of owning a historic home.
This weekend my parents came to visit. It was my mom’s birthday, so it was extra special. My parents stayed at a local bed and breakfast, The Packhouse Inn— both Ronald Reagan and Dolly Parton stayed there! My dad complained about how cold the house was, but it was a truly beautiful home.
On Sunday morning, we were able to eat breakfast with my parents and tour the home. I adore old houses. I’d love to own an old home, one day. New houses just don’t seem to have the details of old homes.
What did you all do this weekend?
love,
melanie
Engagement Photos… One of the best wedding purchases we made
Taking engagement pictures was one of the best decisions we made when planning our wedding. At first I thought the idea of engagement pictures was totally frivolous, unnecessary and maybe a little narcissistic. But after I got thinking about it, I realized that I wanted a few professional pictures of George and I in our everyday clothes. We don’t wear wedding attire everyday, ya know?
So we called up our photographer and told him that we regretted not adding engagement photos to our wedding package. He then told us to meet him the upcoming weekend to take a few pictures! Engagement pictures was one of the best wedding purchases we made. I think I might even blow a few of the shots up and (finally) decorate our walls.
All photos credit of Richard Israel Photography. He’s a great guy. I highly recommend him.
Did you decide to get engagement pictures taken? Let me know in the comments.
love,
melanie
Love Adventure
Last weekend, George and I went on a motorcycle ride to the Great Dismal Swamp. Although the swamp isn’t far from our house, it was quite the adventure. Prior to the trip, I had only rode on George’s bike at about 45 mph. I’m not afraid to admit that at 70 mph, I was holding on for dear life. George is terribly ticklish and he said I had to stop holding him in a death grip because he might die from laughter. I managed to get a few snapshots on the bike after I got my courage up.
The swamp has a man-made canal! Next time, I want to take my canoe down the canal.
We had a picnic and watched boats sail down the canal.
We made jokes about this guy’s “dingy” hanging out.
And on the way back home, I got up my nerve enough to take a couple of pictures from the bike.
What kind of adventures do you have planned this weekend?
love,
melanie
Love Stripes
I’m constantly trying to improve and grow. This year, I’m trying to make a conscious effort to improve my self-confidence in all aspects of my life. In the past six months or so, I’ve improved my culinary skills and I’m currently working on trying to improve my style. I love fashion, but I often feel that because I’m short in height and short on cash, I can’t wear cute clothes. But I’m out to prove myself wrong. I also want to prove that librarians can and do have good style.
I wore this outfit to brunch in Asheville. I love Asheville so much. You could literally wear a paper bag and no one would judge you.
Pants: Vintage Pendleton
Sweater: Can’t remember! eep! Edit: I remembered! United Colors of Benetton.
Shoes: Target
Bag: Gift from my sister
How do you improve your self-confidence?
love,
melanie
Thankfulness
The view from a block from my house.
Picture by muah!
I have to admit, I’m not always the most thankful person. I always want more. It’s the perfectionist in me. Or consumer, if you want to be political. 😛
I want to live in a bigger city with more opportunities and exciting food. I want a better wardrobe. I want to travel. I want more free time. Want. Want. Want. Want. Want.
And although I think it is good to keep my eye on the prize and all those clichés, I also need to remember what I have. I live in a beautiful, historic town. I have a closet full of clothes. I’ve been all over the country. And I’m apparently making enough time to blog.
ANDDDDD something really exciting happened to me today. I won a grant! When I found out I literally skipped around the library. So that means I will be traveling to a conference in one of my favorite towns, Asheville, NC this weekend! I’m more excited and grateful than I have been in a long time.
How do you stay thankful?
love,
melanie