Holiday Bucket List
December 1, 2022 • Lifestyle
Happy December 1st!
December is a magical month of wishes, dreams and so many nostalgic feelings. I wanted to make a wish list of things I want to do, so I can enjoy this season to its fullest.
#1 Go see Christmas lights is top of the list for a good reason, everything just looks better in twinkly lights.
Use the cheer map from Next door, and find all the cool lights in your area.
#2 Watch holiday movies like our favorites, A Christmas Story and Ebbie with Susan Lucci.
#3 Make some yummy apple cider, I like this recipe.
#4 Make a donation to a charity, as Christmas is not just about getting, it is also about giving.
#5 Set up a snack stand on your porch for all those delivery drivers. Include water, crackers, bagged chips. I promise you, they will really appreciate it. Include a small note to thank them for the job well done.
I think with great planning and purpose, it can be a great December!
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Dana
What is Mirepoix and why you should be using it!
November 22, 2022 • Cooking
Hello again friends, as life happens and takes us on detours that we never want to be on. It has caused me to be absent from posting. I will speak more on that later.
Today, I wanted to tell you about something I learned about,I mean I just turned 55 and had for some reason, never heard of Mirepoix. My family was gifted some meal kits and I was preparing one of them and the recipe said to add the Mirepoix and so, you can say after that I have kinda been obsessed with it.
What is Mirepoix?
Mirepoix is a mixture of onions, celery and carrots at a 2:1:1 ratio using butter until caramelized.
This is essential for adding flavor to soups, stews, and stir-drys.
How to Make It?
Chop the vegetables. If your recipe requires a sauce or frying method, you'll want a small dice, approx. 1/4 inch. For soups or stews, a medium dice, approx. 1/2 inch, works best
Other Versions of Mirepoix
The Holy Trinity(Cajun):onion, celery, green bell pepper with olive oil or butter
Soffritto(Italian): onions, carrots, celery with olive oil often contains parsley
Sofrito(Latino):onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomato with olive oil
If your dish calls for tomato paste it could be added during this step for extra flavor
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Add the vegetables to butter and cook low and slow until they become caramelized
With wintertime here it is the perfect time to try making mirepoix for your next pot of soup. I promise you it will give you flavors that you have only tasted at fancy restaurants or your Momma house.
Cheers until next time,
Dana
Our Whirlwind Weekend in Charleston/Mt Pleasant!
May 26, 2022 • Travel
We recently participated in the 45th Annual Copper River Bridge Run in Mt Pleasant and Charleston, SC.
Gary and I loaded up the car on Friday around 9am and arrived around noon.
We had to stop by the Charleston Convention Center and pick up race packet info and then we went to our gorgeous hotel in Mt Pleasant.
Read here about all my love for the Mt Pleasant area.
Let me just tell you, if you are planning on coming to the area during the weekend of the bridge run, make your hotel reservations as far in advance as possible, they sell out fast.
I am planning on making ours for next year as soon as race registration opens again.
Where We Stayed
We booked our stay Embassy Suites by Hilton in Mt Pleasant. It was very close to the bridge and sits on the water and we loved the location. Inside the hotel it was gorgeous and well decorated and they had a nice Happy Hour with drink specials and snacks. The courtyard was a nice place to just relax as live music entertained us.
Our room also featured a balcony that overlooked the water and we got to see lots of water traffic, even the Carnival Cruise Ship that Gary and I met on, almost 3 years ago. A chance meeting that I am thankful for every day.
We will definitely stay here again because we do love the Mt Pleasant area. The walking path on the property takes you along the water, under the bridge and up to the Battleship.
Our room was a 2 queen bedroom with a living room and a couch that folded out, we needed the extra space because Ella brought her friends.
Coffee bar with mini fridge and cabinets
The bathroom has a very large shower with a glass door and plenty of storage
This is such a beautiful courtyard with a relaxing fountain and at night they have a musician to entertain you.
Outside of Embassy Suites
The lobby of the hotel was amazing and so beautiful.
Our room with a desk, fold out couch and a balcony
The lobby has lots several little areas like this where you can just sit and relax in style.
This is the view from our balcony and across the water is Charleston
The only thing I didn't get a picture of was the breakfast.
It was amazing in gorgeous breakfast room where you can have a custom omelet prepared for you or enjoy the sausage, grits, bacon, oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit and coffee, juice and soft drinks.
Trust me when I say, it was so yummy!
What We Did
On Friday, after we finished picking up our race packets at the Expo Center we came to check in at our hotel and get freshened up for dinner. Ella and I love crab legs and have found this place to be our current favorite. After stuffing ourselves on way too many crab legs we decided to walk around Charleston and get Ice Cream. We called it a night around 9 because we had a very early morning coming up.
On Saturday morning the alarm went off around 5 was we were set to leave our hotel at 5:30 to catch the shuttle to the starting line for the race. We stopped and grabbed breakfast and coffee and headed off to our coral to wait on turn to go. I really enjoy the Cooper River Bridge Run and this year my goal was only to beat last years time. I totally did that as last year was 2:22 and this was 1:56 minutes.
Just think what I could do if I trained and ate right, lol!
After the race, we headed back to the hotel for a much needed shower and took the girls and went to Isle of Palms for dinner. It was chilly on the beach so we didn't stay long and after dinner that pretty much for Gary & I, We were past done.
Ella and the girls headed out to a park and to get ice cream while Gary and I stayed in bed, he watched basketball and I slept,It was perfect.
Sunday morning we got up and headed downstairs to enjoy the delicious breakfast the hotel provides. After breakfast, Gary & I took a walk along the water and under the bridge and I felt a kind of achievement come over me, that I "Got Over It" Way to go Dana! We headed back to the room and packed up and checked out. We headed into Charleston and dropped the girls off on King St, The mecca for shopping and we headed to tour this beautiful historic home.
After the girls shopped on King Street and we toured a historic home, it was time to grab some lunch and get ready to head home. We all love the area and can't wait to be back soon.
Dana
Eating at Mattie's
• Cooking, Lifestyle
Mattie's, is a diner car in Charlotte, formally, located at the Music Factory, the diner closed in 2015 and was put into storage, It sat that way for more than 6 years. Matt King, owner of Mattie's spent all of his time looking for a new home for the diner.
He wanted to be a fixture in a community in Charlotte, and not just a place for outsiders to come. Matt bought the diner car from a used car lot in NJ in 2005, it was named, The Bound Brook Diner back then. Matt loaded the diner up and had it brought south to Charlotte, where it now has a home forever.
My favorite spot is in the diner car at the bar, so I can see all the action and mouth watering meals as they are prepared.
On our visit, on a very busy recent Sunday, Matt and another guy were busy making meal after meal.
We watched them make egg omelets, burgers, tuna melts and much more.
I skipped breakfast cause I wanted to try all the food.
It was delicious. So good to have Mattie's opened again.
Stop by and grab a bite, I promise you will love it!
Mattie's Diner
3100 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
Dana
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
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
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