Alignment

Stix n Brix
Clayton, NC

When we had new tires put on Wanda a couple of weeks ago, we noticed that the old right front one hadn’t worn evenly.  That’s a sign that it needed an alignment.  Since Clayton Tire wasn’t equipped for that, Terry referred me to Massey’s Aligning in Selma.  It’s another small town shop that does good work at a reasonable price.

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I had driven over there a few days before in the Suki to make sure there was room to maneuver the MH in the parking lot.  I told the shop guy that it was 12’6” tall and he said that the door’s clearance was 13’6” when it was built several years ago and it hadn’t shrunk much.  Winking smile  You can tell that they had to leave the door open.  The work pit has all sorts of tools.  They had to straighten the axle to change the camber.  The wheels were toed-in just a little bit too.

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I went to the office to pay the bill ($130) and the boss was standing on the table going back and forth with the two office workers.  He wasn’t feeling the best in the world, but he was definitely still the boss even though he was as sweet as he could be.

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I could tell that the MH drove smoother so we are ready to go to the lake in a few weeks.  Spring is just around the corner!  We got the welcome packet from Escapees this past week.  At some point in time, we want to volunteer at the CARE Center.  Even though we prefer State Park cg’s, I’m sure we will stay at some of their parks during our travels.  Heck, we may even end up buying a lot in one of their co-ops.  There are all kinds of options out there.

Thanks for dropping by, and enjoy each day of your life’s journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.

Mailbox Monday: January Goodies

HOORAY!
I had five peeps link up for January's Mailbox Monday!

Bernadett got a lovely necklace.
Lisa got a lovely package from Knitty Bitties.

Andrea (of Knitty Bitties) got LOTS of happy mail!

Larissa got a FANTASTIC package from a gift exchange.

Holly got her awesome Christmas Cards!
Thanks for linking up friends!
Come back next week for a new month!

My Funny Valentine & Her Zebra Bows

This is my little Isabella.
She is two going on fifteen.
Srsly.
She wore this fun outfit on Sunday and
I decided at 9am on Sunday morning she needed bows to go with it.
Luckily, we have 11am church this year!

Today she insisted on wearing it again, so I snapped some pictures.She loved wearing it to Costco,
and waving at people from the shopping cart,
like she was a beauty queen on a parade float.

And then she was done!



Who's down with PMOT?

It's always been so so tough for me to put myself out there...in so many ways...but especially in photographs. I swear, every time I go to an event...lets say for example something like the Where Women Cook magazine launch/signing in NYC that I attended back in December... there are always lots of gals snapping photos at events like this...and I'm always thrilled to see my blogland friends in person...and of course I'm more than happy to pose for pics with everyone. But I have to admit to something...after posing in a bunch of photos at an event like that...I will undoubtedly spend the rest of my day thinking "oh jeez...I gotta make sure to jump on Facebook as soon as I get home so that I can "un-tag" myself from all those photos I just posed in!"
Yeah, I'm definitely camera shy...so it was totally a big deal to follow through with the vow I made to myself...to put a face to this blog, etc...etc... like I said in the previous post.
So, now it's a couple of days later...and there's my face up there on the blog...and it's a lil bit nerve racking. But what's also up there on the blog are all of your super amazing sweet & kind comments!
Well Oh My Goodness!! I really don't even know what to say...except THANK YOU ALL so very very much!!! You guys definitely made it so much less nerve racking.
On my Facebook page my pic has always been the cartoony painting of a girl who we modeled after me, with the dark lipstick, blonde braids & bangs, and the flower in the hair. Well the other day, before putting my pic on the blog I first changed my Facebook pic to an actual photo of my present self...ya know...babysteps. Never ever did I expect the extremely generous outpouring of kindness! You guys made me blush...my face squinched up...cheeks got hot...I was smiling, but it was that embarrassed smile...ya know...the kind that you're unaware of and that you can't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try.
Well, long story short...you guys really let me know that I made the right decision. I'm hearing from online friends that I've been corresponding with for more than 4 years and they're telling me how happy they are to finally see my face! I mean, sure, I've put some pics of me up on the blog over the years...but I bet you can count 'em on two hands and still have some fingers left over! And I've been blogging since '06!!
So this year really is going to be a NEW year. I plan on stepping in the right direction on so many levels. I'm not going to overwhelm myself OR you guys by getting into all the details right here and now. But as those new milestones approach I will be marking them with a lot more confidence!

Of all the comments and emails that I received concerning the blog and/or my pic on Facebook...What got me the most excited was finding out that I'm far from being alone in my camera shyness...and that so many of you told me that I inspired you to do the same...to put YOURself out there. And it just made me think...this isn't just my year. Let this be OUR YEAR!! Lets hold hands, band together...take baby steps together...and get ourselves out there!

Join me...in Putting Myself Out There in 2011! And first things first: why not step out from behind that camera! put on some gloss...put on a happy face! We owe it to ourselves and each other. I know that all of you, just like me...love seeing your online friends...seeing who baked that cake...who painted that painting, sewed that dress, quilted that quilt, doodled those doodles...or told that funny story...or decorated that home. So lets give 'em what they want and what WE want. Chances are...like myself, you'll come face to face with more kindness from others than you thought was even possible.

Let's do this! Make 2011 the year of Putting Yourself Out There!!

How will YOU Put Yourself Out There in 2011?!




(In this pic I am wearing Too Faced Glamour Gloss in barely legal.)

I never ever thought I'd get emails about my make-up...but I guess the world is full of surprises! I got a couple dozen inquiries about my specific make-up. Most of them pertaining to my lipstick color...which is funny...because I happen to naturally have light pink lips. Maybe I stained them pink by wearing dark red lipstick for 20 years...who knows?! But the pics from the other day...I got so many questions about my specific shade of lipstick. Well, all I had on was classic black label ChapStick!
But...speaking of make-up. I'd be more then happy to share my faves with you. I just went shopping with a giftcard I had from Christmas...and I knew right away what I was going to spend it on. My faaave line right now is Too Faced. They always have the cuuuutest packaging and really great sets! I have a bunch of their stuff. My day to day make-up is almost exclusively Too Faced. I am so excited about their new "Look of Love" collection! Check out the bag! how pretty is it?! And the set was such a great value. You get a Full Size mascara, Shadow Insurance, lip gloss, one of their faaaabulously soft Kabuki brushes, and a mini Primed and Poreless...which I looooove! It is amazing stuff. It seriously makes your skin feel like silk! It is a MUST have. I also picked up one of their Mood Swing glosses...in Petal Pink. It's really so so cool! It changes throughout the day from pale pink to berry pink and every shade in between.


I also adore their Naked Eye kit...it is perfect for everyday....comes with little cheat sheet cards to create 3 looks... day, night and fashion.


Yesterday was Aaron's bday! 35! For some reason I thought we were 36...I seriously never know how old I am.


Our crew was scattered doing some things...plus it was sorta icky out..snowing/raining..so we'll be doing the real celebrating soon. His parents are taking him out to eat tomorrow, but since we got a late start and all of the above reasons...on the actual birthday just Aar and I went out for some food and to Barnes & Noble where I snapped a couple pics of our Keep Calm & Have a Cupcake stuff. I'm thrilled to see that B & N ordered all over again. They had our stuff last year along side the classic Keep Calm and Carry On stuff...and now they've got a whole new batch to tie in with their Cupcakes theme.


Afterward we grabbed a movie from Redbox...do you all have those?? Are they everywhere?
We totally LOOOVE Redbox!! Netflix is super duper great...but for those spur of the moment, or in between times...Redbox is perfect. We've been known to go at midnight on Monday for the Tuesday new releases!


Isn't he adorable??

We picked up the newest from George Romero...Survival of the Dead! Don't get me started on him....or my love for zombies...I'll be here allllll night!!
But look at this guy...and his glasses... and giant ears...He is just a giant man! such a character! We love to listen to his commentary. We watch the movie and then watch it all over again with the Director's Commentary turned on. George always provides generous extras on his dvd's. We always watch the dvd extras on movies...do you?

anyways...

Who is with me?? Ready to make this OUR year?! Remember: baby steps! Grab some lipgloss...put on a smile...snap that pic..and post it!! :)

I love you guys to bits!!

ps...grab a blog button if you are joining my PMOT crew!! :)






1/15/2011 St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Site 102 Port St. Joe, FL

Site 102 Shady Pines Campground
Our site at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was one of the few paved sites in the Shady Pines Campground. We had water and electric, a picnic table and fire pit. The site was just a few steps from the bathhouse and the path to the beach was across the road from our site. The sites are wide with trees and shrubs between most of the sites. The state park is located at the end of St. Joseph Peninsula which is located between Panama City and Apalachicola. The beach is a beautiful white sand beach with huge sand dunes. We saw deer in the park and lots of shore birds in St. Joseph Bay. The campground was not crowded when we were there.  There is a marina with a boat launch in the park. There are also hiking trails. There is another campground in the park which does not have as many trees.

Site 103 Shady Pines Campground
UPDATE: We returned in December, 2011 to site 103 in the Shady Pines Campground. Both campgrounds were almost full over New Year's weekend but most people left after the holiday. Even during the holiday weekend the beach was not crowded.

This is one of our favorite campgrounds. Click favorite to read more about it.

Click St. Joseph Peninsula State Park for their website.

Would we go here again? YES

1/9/2011 Little Ocmulgee State Park Site 12 Helena, GA

Little Ocmulgee State Park is a beautiful state park located on US Highway 441 about a mile north of McRae. Our site had a large, level gravel pad with water and electric, a picnic table and fire pit. There is a lodge, restaurant, lake, and golf course in the park.

Click Little Ocmulgee State Park for their website.

Would we stay here again? YES

6/25/2010 Calhoun KOA Site 43 Calhoun, GA

We stopped at the Calhoun KOA just off of I-75. Our site was dirt with full hookups. The campground had a pool, playground, a nice covered picnic area for groups, and a new looking building for meetings. We were there over the weekend and the campground was pretty crowded. It seemed to be a popular place for groups. The campground looked like it was once very nice but was a little run down when we were there. The campsites were very close together. This park could be very nice with a little TLC.

Would we stay here again? Maybe

Sunday's Spunky Sponsor Spotlight: Froggy Girl Designs

I am so excited to bring you my first Spunky Sponsor Spotlight!
And I am ESTATIC to have Froggy Girl Designs as my very FIRST sponsor!
Froggy Girl Designs
This is what Mika
- the wondermom of 5 little tadpoles behind Froggy Girl Designs -
has to say about her darling products:
"Froggy Girl Designs was born out of a desire to provide affordable boutique style clothing and accessories to my customers. My products are designed to last through the years, able to be handed down among generations. I pride myself in quality workmanship for a price that the average family can afford. I love to do custom work, and will work with you to create that perfect item for your special little ones!"

I must agree - her clothing designs are definitely items you'll want to hold on to
and pass down from generation to generation.
Her fabric choices are {amazing}.
Her designs are {darling}.
Her prices are {fantastic}!
The entire shop just makes me smile.

Look at some of these lovelies . . .


(you know how I {ADORE} cupcakes)



In addition to a cute clothing line,
she also has
WRISTLETS

FROGGY FIX-IT RICE BAGSSNAP AND GO WALLETS
Along with lots of other fun things!
I hope you'll check out Froggy Girl Designs shop on Artfire.
What's your favorite???
You can also find Mika on Twitter and read her cute blog.

Froggy Girl Designs will be here later this month for a GIVEAWAY
you won't want to miss!

6/23/2010 Old Stone Fort SP Site 4 Manchester, TN

We spent 2 nights at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological State Park located just off of I-24. We had a large back in site with water and electric. Our site was packed dirt and we backed right up to the woods. This state park does not take reservations. There is an interesting museum in the park and a nice trail along the Duck River with waterfalls. It was very quiet and peaceful when we were there.

 Click Old Stone Fort State Park for their website.

For more information about Tennessee State Parks, click here

Would we stay here again? YES

6/21/2010 South Sandusky COE Site 139 Sesser, IL

South Sandusky is a very nice Corps of Engineers Park on Rend Lake off of I-57 in Illinois. We had one of the few full hookup sites with a paved pad and picnic table. It was a short walk to the lake from our site. We did not use the bath houses or do any shopping in the area so we can't comment on that. We spent 2 nights and enjoyed our stay.

You can find more information about Corps of Engineers Parks here

Would we stay here again? YES

6/20/10 Tin Cup RV Park Site 48 Mahomet, IL

We used Tin Cup as an overnight stop. It is located just off of I-74. We had a large grassy site with full hookups. The park is clean and well maintained and we would recommend it for an overnight stop. We didn't explore the area at all so I can't comment on nearby shopping.

Click Tin Cup RV Park for their website.

Would we stay here again? YES

6/18/10 Viking Village RV Park Site 7 Stoughton, WI

We had a large, grassy back in site with full hookups. The Viking Village RV Park is located off of I-39 near the town of Staughton, Wisconsin. The park has a pool, playground, putt putt golf, and a large grassy area. There is shopping available in Staughton. It was peaceful and quiet while we were there and we enjoyed our stay.

Click Viking Village RV Park for their website.

Would we stay here again? YES

6/10/2010 St. Paul East RV Park Site 48 Woodbury, MN

We used St. Paul East RV Park as our home base to visit family in the St. Paul area. The park is family run and well kept. We had a large pull through, gravel site with picnic table and fire pit. Our site had full hookups. WIFI was available at the office. There is a heated pool, a playground, and a nice laundry. There is also a large grassy area that is great for walking your dog. The park is conveniently located just off of I-94 east of St. Paul. There is lots of shopping and restaurants nearby including a Walmart, Trader Joe's, and many others. It is an easy drive to the Mall of America or to St. Paul. The owners are very nice and friendly. The park has a security gate and strict rules about visitors. Check with the park to see when they open for the season. Their website is http://www.stpauleastrvpark.com/

Would we stay here again? YES

Saturday Shout Outs: Handmade Valentines & Garlands Edition

Happy Saturday friends!
First things first - the winner of the Two Lilies Boutique $15 shop credit
is #24 Jana!!!
You lucky duck!
Email me within 48 hours to claim your prize!

We had almost 70 people link up this week to
TOO Cute Tuesday!
I'm so glad you keep joining me each week!

This week it's all about handmade Valentines and garlands!

Jenny has one for your pirate lubbers!!

favecrafts: blog has a fun felt cutie

Stacy has one after my own bow-lovin' heart.

Debbie didn't use these as a Valentine,
but I think they'd be perfect to give away.


Onto the garlands . . .

Snowflakes from Our Seven Dwarfs
Felt hearts by Sweet Bee Buzzings
(since my garland idea was a FAIL this year - I think I'll do this one)

Little Eme has a fun crepe paper rosette garland.

Sew Woodsy's is scrap paper-tastic!

I can't resist the red burlap by The Preppy Strawberry.


And this has nothing to do with Valentines or garlands,
but it's just rad! And I don't need a Silhouette! LOL
Thanks Jane of All Crafts!

Don't forget to enter the Whisker Works Giveaway!