Wayfaring Wanderer

Confessions from an (almost) Canceled Photoshoot

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000

Flexibility wasn't something that I was known for about 5-6 years ago. In fact, I was probably one of the least flexible people you would likely come across in your lifetime. However, over the years, I have learned that you can't NOT be flexible while simultaneously holding onto your sanity. From time to time, I get a reminder that flexibility is still something I sometimes struggle with. You know that quote, “Life is what happens when you're busy making plans?” Yeah, well, I despise the person who points this out to me when I'm in the midst of getting worked up, but it's something I need to hear in that moment.

My perspective shifted when I became more laid-back and stopped sweating the small stuff, although it took me a while to see the difference this made in my life because I progressively got better as time passed. When things happen slowly, I don't always notice the changes taking place right under my nose. These days, I don't lose it when I get a flat tire or my car won't start. Instead, I simply deal with the situation in whatever way it needs to be taken care of without allowing my emotions to get in the way. It does no good getting angry about things that are beyond my control!

THE KEY IS FLEXIBILITY

On a recent trip to Jacksonville, FL, my Sister and I were planning to do another Haute Mess Threads photoshoot for the new “Geek Chic” line of aprons she just completed. Even though the shoot we did this past summer was thrown together at the last minute, we were determined not to make the same mistake this go-round. We made calls ahead of time, scheduled a day to do it, and confirmed with the models on availability. Everything was going “as planned.”

It wasn't until the day of the shoot, hours before we were supposed to meet-up that we had to cancel. One of our models, who also happened to be gracious enough to allow us to use the same retro kitchen we used last time, wasn't feeling well, so she was out and so was our location to shoot. We scrambled for other ideas, and attempted to find another suitable kitchen, but many leads fell through for different reasons, unfortunately. We attempted to stay optimistic. However, that optimism quickly waned when we just couldn't make it happen.

OBSTACLES EXIST SO YOU CAN OVERCOME THEM

It wasn't until the day after we planned to shoot that an off-the-wall idea was thrown out there. Now that we think about it it was actually something we thought about doing even before the shoot got canceled. Why we didn't remember it in a pinch; I don't know, but I'm glad that Nicole, our lovely model, helped it resurface. If it weren't for Nicole's gung-ho attitude to make this shoot happen, we might have just let it go. But instead, we decided to improvise and post-up at a neighborhood park to do our shoot outside!

With only a couple of hours to get ready, my sister and I picked up some supplies to use for the photoshoot. The idea was to string up a clothesline and use that as the backdrop, so we grabbed a laundry basket, clothes pins, and twine before high-tailing it to the park. Having only arrived a couple of hours before sunset, we didn't have a whole lot of time to look for the most ideal spot. We used about 5 minutes to find a suitable location that provided the type of light I thought would work. By the time we were finished setting up, our model arrived with her own props in tow that required unloading.

MY ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

We considered the Haute Mess Threads photoshoot a success, and the three of us actually had a lot of laughs during the 1.5 hours it took to complete. There wasn't a whole lot of time to goof off because our light was quickly fading, so we worked as fast as we could, which presented another set of challenges, but I managed. After finishing the HMTs shoot, there was just enough light left to take pictures of Nicole in the amazing vintage attire she came to the shoot in. Unfortunately, I only had about 10 minutes to capture images of her, but we were able to get some good ones.

If you'd like to find out more about Haute Mess Threads and see her famous aprons, the ESTY shop is now OPEN! Also, be sure to check out the HMTs Facebook page to stay up-to-date and get in on fan-only giveaways! (She's hosting one right now!)

One thing I will say is that I sometimes forget how much fun I have doing a photoshoot. It was far different from the dread I was feeling prior to getting our ducks in a row. In retrospect, I think that my problem was with myself and how I chose to approach the situation. Yes, I stayed flexible and went with the flow, but I wasn't as excited about it as I was the day before when I knew what to expect. It seems as though I momentarily forgot that my ability to adapt has proven itself time and time again, and that all I needed to really do was trust that I was fully capable of making it happen no matter what obstacles presented themselves. Something I need to remind myself of more often.

While I'm shooting, despite any fears that I may experience beforehand, I feel in my element. Like, I'm doing exactly what I should be. It's probably time I stop looking for confirmation that I'm on the right path because every fiber of my being knows this is what I'm meant to do—as cheesy as that sounds, it's true.

What do you think about the results of our impromptu photoshoot and the new aprons?

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Food Videos That Will Leave You Hungry For More | Foodie Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Foodie Friday is a weekly feature here on Wayfaring Wanderer where I fuel my obsession with food. It really is a problem. One that I don't mind indulging in, though. Although I might feed my insatiable appetite more often than I really should, but can you blame me?! I'm not the only one. It seems like a lot of us are consumed with food these days—I have a bunch of foodie friends. Last week on FF, I shared a restaurant review for a place in Charleston, SC called Husk. It was selected by Bon Appetite Magazine as the #1 Best New Restaurant in America! To say the least, my meal was amazing, and I really appreciate what the restaurant is trying to accomplish with their mission. If you're interested in reading more about Husk, I encourage you to visit last week's post here.

This week, I'd like to share some really awesome videos that will have you licking your lips! (See...you just did it :D) Photos of food is one thing, but watching videos simply heightens the desire to stuff your face. Not that I'm advocating careless eating, but let's face it, food is meant to be fulfilling. It just so happens that it's also beautiful!

1. E A T

The first one I'd like to share was commissioned by STA Travel Australia, and is part of a series of short films. However, this one—the best one—is about food! Here is the video caption: “3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage later..”

There are a lot of amazing looking dishes packed into this one-minute video, but it almost feels like it's too short. Still, it makes you want to get all EAT-PRAY-LOVE and roam around the world so you can get your fill of food from other countries. That's what it does for me at least.

2. Tonelli Food Reel

The next video to share is based on the food photography of Francesco Tonelli. I sort of discovered this super talented individual by accident. I can't really recall how I did it either, but I'm glad that I found his inspiring body of work. Chances are that you've probably seen his photographs but didn't know it, because he's pretty prolific and has had images showcased in many well-known publications. He's not just a food photographer, though. Francesco also cooks and actually styles the majority of the meals that he shoots. In case you weren't aware, you'll see captioned in most magazines that shoots are styled by one person and photographed by another, so he's multi-talented. This video shows you just how talented he really is.

I could watch that video over and over. A symphony of food that will surely leave you famished in the end. Am I right?! And it also makes me more appreciative of how amazing food really is. It's not just pretty to look at and fun to eat. No, it has the power heal and nourish our bodies, increase awareness about other cultures as well as remind us of how those before us sustained themselves, not to mention how food can bring people together whether it's a family meal, dinner date, or lunch with the ladies, food unifies us. At least, that's how I feel about food, especially when I get to see it through Francesco's eyes.

QUESTION: What's your relationship with food?

And are you hungry after watching these videos?! I know I am!

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HUSK: Best New Restaurant in Charleston, SC (and America) | Foodie Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Executive Chef Sean Brock is transforming the way you think about Southern food. His philosophy is simple: “If it ain't from the South, it ain't coming through the door!” A restriction like that can put some severe limitations on a fledgling restaurant, but it's a commitment that he wholeheartedly abides by. From what I've read, they didn't even allow olive oil into HUSK until they found a purveyor in the state of Texas. What's that you say? Texas isn't in the South?! Well, technically, it is since it's below the mason-dixon line, which is where all the ingredients must come from in order to make it to one of the tables at Husk.

The fairly new restaurant is situated on a magnolia-shaded side-street in the heart of Charleston's historic district in a very inviting Queen Anne home built in 1893 that has been fully restored. I just love those types of restaurants that make you feel as if you're visiting a relative to sit down and have a meal. It isn't as intimate a setting as Simplicity at The Mast Farm Inn, but the comfortable space was bright and airy, and the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the dining room with the most gorgeous light. While I would have loved to sit inside the main dining room, we were ushered to the 2nd story porch to dine alfresco. The weather was superb. We got lucky!

CELEBRATION OF SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS

This nationally acclaimed restaurant has only been open since the Fall of 2010 yet it has won numerous awards between now and then. The most notable so far is the title of #1 Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appétit Magazine. That's a pretty prestigious accolade right there, wouldn't you agree?! I think that Chef Sean Brock is used to the attention, though. He's become quite the celebrity in Charleston from his time spent at McCrady's, another highly acclaimed fine dining establishment in town. But Husk is his baby. Or so that's the impression I've gotten.

His intention upon opening the restaurant is to place more emphasis on the ingredients used & the folks that cultivate those products and produce instead of having the spotlight placed on himself. He clearly has a deeply rooted passion for, not only the South, but Southern food, and it definitely shines through in many different ways here at Husk.

SOUTHERN FOOD, SIMPLIFIED

Something highly unique about the dining experience at Husk is that the menu changes daily. Yep, every single day! That seems like quite a challenge, indeed. Not to mention how much time and effort it requires to manage such a lofty mission. However, they are handling the task pretty well from what I experienced. So, why does the menu change everyday? Well, as I mentioned earlier, they are bound by what is currently available to them using only ingredients from the South. While it seems restricting, Husk's stance is that it's a necessity! To them, there is no other way. I really admire a place that's willing to take such a risk for the sake of preserving what seems to be a bygone era.

To those that don't know any better, this restaurant is being touted as revolutionary because of the pledges they have made. However, what people seem to forget is that there was a time when people had to eat what was on-hand. There weren't grocery stores filled with aisle upon aisle of pre-packaged food at our disposal like today. You ate what you grew, or you didn't eat! Simple as that. While the farm-to-table mentality seems like a fad that has only recently become more prominent in popular culture, it's really just a movement that is being revived by those who appreciate simplicity. People like Chef Sean Brock.

SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE

Our recent dining experience was brunch before leaving Charleston to head home. We had ventured there the day before, but they weren't open yet, so we sadly had to go elsewhere. However, I was determined to eat at this restaurant after receiving a recommendation from a friend on the WW Facebook page. It ended up being the perfect way to round out our weekend getaway! So, yeah, let me get to the best part...the FOOD!

[RELATED ARTICLE] Quick Getaway to Charleston, SC { link }

After pouring over their menu, and not being able to choose what I wanted, I decided to ask our server what she recommended. Actually, I asked her what was the best-looking dish they had today, which elicited an interesting look, rightly so. I ended up going with her suggestion, which was the Monte Cristo. It included VA Lamb BBQ, TN Buttermilk Cheddar, fried egg, Surry Sausage, and Potato Hash. The flavor of the Lamb BBQ was incredible; it was smoky with a hint of sweetness. I would have been happy with a plate piled with nothing but that!

Cody ended up going for the TX Wagyu Sirloin, with a sunny side up egg, VA Sausage and Confit Potato Hash. The presentation of this dish had me drooling, and reconsidering my own breakfast order even though I thought mine was pretty, too. Luckily, he was nice enough to offer me a bite. The Wagyu Sirloin was so tender. Basically, it melted in your mouth—makes me salivate just thinking about it! Talk about things melting in your mouth, the buttermilk benne seed dinner rolls they brought out prior to these dishes were also amazing; I didn't hesitate to slather on the savory homemade pork lard butter they supplied us with. To say the least, it was a highly satisfying meal that I enjoyed immensely. I only wished that I had room for more!

If you're interested in finding out more about HUSK, here is a link to their website.

Our experience at Husk was short and sweet, although it most certainly made a lasting impression on me that I won't soon forget. The next time we're in town, we'll definitely be eating at this restaurant in Charleston, SC! Our meals were unforgettable and the service we received from the staff was incredible. If you're looking for a modern taste of the South with a twist, this restaurant will surely not disappoint! Thank you for visiting WW for Foodie Friday; I hope you'll be back next week :D

QUESTION: What do you think about Husk's philosophy?

Would you say that it's flawed or awesome?

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A Stealthy Surprise That I Didn't See Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:40:00 +0000

I sat there frozen in disbelief as Cody knelt down in front of me with a tiny box in-hand. Looking around the room in the busy restaurant at the people watching this happen, I said, “Are you effing serious?!” Tears immediately began streaming down my face before the moment really even sunk in. As I sat there crying uncontrollably with my mouth wide open, utterly speechless, I failed to hear the remarks he had so carefully crafted and practiced. My mind was mush. I melted into Cody's arms before I even mustered any sort of coherent response. He stopped and apprehensively asked, “So...is that a yes?!” All I could do was shake my head up and down and quietly utter a “UH HUH," as I began sobbing even harder.

{My One-of-a-Kind Engagement Ring}

You think that you'd be ready for a surprise like that when you've been waiting 5 ½ years for it to happen. But you're really not. I thought I'd be jumping for joy. I thought I'd scream out loud in an attempt to get everyone's attention, but I was just in shock.

It occurred to me that it was somewhat odd that Cody wanted to plan a trip to Charleston. You see, we had spent October traipsing all over the Eastern US, and the last thing I wanted to do was take another trip so soon. However, he was adamant. That should have tipped me off, but it didn't. Getting engaged was the furthest thing from my mind because I was not going to get my hopes up only to be disappointed. He kept calling it a “girlfriend appreciation” weekend, which I thought was really sweet. In the 5 ½ years that we've been together that's never happened. That should have tipped me off, too, but it didn't!

{Me & Cody • Circa 2006}

My mind was elsewhere, I suppose. I'm glad, though, that I decided to let go and allow the trip to happen. Can you imagine if I said NO after all the preparations he made?! Talk about being disappointed. I'm sure that he was really relieved when I finally agreed to go on the quick getaway to Charleston. Who knew it'd take so much arm twisting to get me there?!

A QUEST TO CONCOCT A ONE-OF-A-KIND RING

When he presented the ring, I was a little baffled by its appearance. To be completely honest, I was thinking, “WTF?! Why is it so weird looking?!” The setting was askew and quite odd, nothing like the typical engagement rings I've grown accustomed to seeing. I think that the confused look on my face said more than the words I spoke, because Cody said, “If you're not happy with the way it looks, I can get the guy to recast the ring.” Secretly, he was hoping that's not what I wanted. The idea of being able to redo it was somewhat appealing, but I knew that wouldn't be right.

He then told me the story of how he so thoughtfully brought this token of love into existence. It began with his idea to have a ring made that had the look of a twig. We are both so connected to trees and nature that it seemed like a novel idea. The problem was finding someone that would agree to carry out his vision. From what I was told, there were countless emails and calls made to numerous jewelers only to be told that they wouldn't be able to help him.

{Me & Cody • Circa 2007}

Thankfully, that didn't stop his quest to find someone who would be willing to work with him and the diamond taken from his great Aunt's ring. It wasn't until a couple of months ago while talking to his boss that he got a recommendation for a local jeweler. After meeting with John from DogsKin Studios, he finally found someone who would be willing to help him bring this ring to life.

WHY I LEARNED TO LOVE MY RING

The ring was cast from a dying birch tree that I spotted while Cody and I were walking around Bass Lake on 09.10.11. We stopped to identify this tiny budding tree that was losing a battle to the beavers who had destroyed it. Finding a tree budding at this time of the year was pretty rare, but happened to be exactly what Cody was looking for. From what he told me, he took the opportunity to slip one of the twigs down his shirt sleeve without my knowledge, so that he could take it to John, so he could start creating the engagement ring.

{Me & Cody • Circa 2009}

After hearing the story of how this ring came to be, I began to love it a little bit more. I realized that his idea of a perfect ring was, in fact, pretty darn perfect. He revived a diamond from a family ring, melted down his class ring to create the setting which was cast from a twig that he selected while we were on a walk?! I mean, come on! It is truly one-of-a-kind and can really never be replicated or replaced. That's special. Knowing what he put into it makes me feel special, too.

WELL WORTH THE WAIT

After all the tears and unfounded fears that I had about reaching this level of commitment in our relationship, I now know that this was exactly the right time for this to finally happen. He proposed on 11.11.11 in the city of Charleston, SC, which happens to be one of our favorite places, with an engagement ring that embodies our love in the most perfect way possible.

{Me & Cody • Circa 2011}

A lot of care and thought was put into this proposal, and I feel extremely lucky to have someone like Cody by my side in this life. Someone who's been with me through the hard times and life-altering moments. Someone who loves me and accepts me for who am I no matter what fickle mood I may be in at the time. Our relationship is far from perfect. I am far from perfect, but we can overcome the imperfectness together.

While I am not ready to set a date or start planning a wedding, I am eagerly looking forward to and am excited about spending the rest of my life with the most amazing partner ever!

Question: Tell me...How do you keep love alive in your relationship?

What advice do you have for a couple who are in it for the long haul?

Sharing is Caring :D

Quick Getaway to Charleston, SC

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Everything you've heard about Charleston, SC is absolutely true! I'd be really surprised to hear if you hadn't learned anything about this charming city yet because it's pretty popular. The Holy City entertains nearly 4 million visitors on an annual basis. Good thing it's large enough to accommodate all those who choose to travel to Charleston, SC; it is the second-largest city in South Carolina!

This town offers all sorts of different experiences depending on what appeals to you. Trust me, you won't run out of things to do in this bustling town no matter what you're into. While a weekend getaway is sufficient to explore some of the highlights of Charleston, SC, it's not nearly enough time to experience everything they have to offer from the amazing local restaurants found around every corner, to the museums, churches, and other architectural delights to see throughout the town.

WHEN TO GO

The question really should be, “When is there NOT a good time to go”, because you can visit Charleston during any season and be pleasantly surprised by what you can discover. Late fall had lovely weather during the day with crisp, cool nights after the sun went down. A far cry from the dead heat of summer I experienced when visiting last year in August. The only way I'd tell you to go during the summer is if you planned on spending most of your time at a Charleston, SC beach! Otherwise, you'll be going from one air conditioned store to another for a reprieve from the heat—I speak from experience.

WHERE TO SLEEP

My most recent trip to Charleston mid-November included accommodations that were a whole lot different from what I experienced previously. Mainly, because this trip wasn't planned by me (I'm cheap). Cody was the one who made all the arrangements this time around, which is a little out of the ordinary for us because I'm typically the planner. I was downright shocked when we were pulling into a hotel that was right in the heart of downtown Charleston!

And not just any hotel either, we would be staying at the CHARLESTON PLACE, which, from what I could tell on the outside, was as posh as it gets! We were greeted by valets and ushered in by bellhops. I didn't know what to do with myself. I was floored. All I could keep thinking in my head was, “How much did he have to pay for this place?!" haha But he wouldn't divulge that information no matter how many times I asked.

[RELATED ARTICLE] 20 Reasons Why I Love Charleston, SC { link }

After I got over the initial shock of how fancy this hotel was that we would be staying at, I was railroaded yet again by how beautiful our room was. Seriously, I don't get to stay in places like this normally, so I'm easily impressed. We even had a balcony that overlooked the courtyard below that gave us a nice little view of a small portion of the city. The bathroom was ridiculously luxurious, too, with marble tiles on the floor and bathtub walls. It was almost like stepping into a magazine. I felt so spoiled. Aside from how amazing this place was, the staff was also super friendly, courteous, and always asking how they could help make our stay more pleasant. A girl could certainly get used to that sort of treatment, for sure.

WHERE TO EAT

One of the main reasons we love Charleston so much is due to the fabulous restaurants that can be found without even really looking very hard. We had some terrific food during our last trip, and we were very much looking forward to revisiting some of our favorite restaurants as well as try a few new ones while we were there.

When it came to breakfast we were quite lost on where to go, so we basically stumbled around until we found something that tickled our fancy. After stopping in to check out the menu at several different places, we settled on breakfast at a place called TOAST. I think that one of the major reasons people eat at Toast is because they are home of the bottomless mimosa. Truth be told, that was probably the deciding factor of why we were eating there! Haha Although I have no complaints whatsoever about the food I ate. The “Eggs Meeting Street” was pretty delicious! It had a fried green tomato topped with a crab cake, poached egg and Lowcountry remoulade sauce, served with home fries. I ordered it because it sounded so weird, and I just had to get a taste. The tangyness of the flavors in this dish may not appeal to everyone, but I thought it was very good!

[RELATED ARTICLE] 5 Great Restaurants in Charleston, SC { link }

Based on a recommendation someone gave on the WW Facebook page, we found out about a fairly new restaurant in Charleston called HUSK. This restaurant was named 2011 Best New Restaurant in American by Bon Appetit Magazine. So, what's all the hype about? Well, Husk has decided to do things a little differently than the typical restaurants you'll come across, not just in Charleston, but anywhere, really. The menu at this restaurant changes daily, and they take being a locavore to a whole new level with their commitment to only serving ingredients procured from the South.

After pouring over their menu, and not being able to decide on what I wanted, I decided to ask our server what she recommended. Actually, I asked her what was the best-looking dish they had today, which elicited an interesting look, rightly so. I ended up going with her suggestion, which was the Monte Cristo. It included VA Lamb BBQ, TN Buttermilk Cheddar, fried egg, Surry Sausage, and Potato Hash. I've grown accustomed to seeing a plate piled with a number of different ingredients, so to have this lovely plate presented to me in such a simple fashion was really out of the ordinary. It doesn't look like much, but looks are certainly deceiving in this instance, because the food was fabulous! I can't wait to go back and eat at this restaurant the next time we're in town!

Aside from our eating exploits and the time spent at the amazing hotel, there wasn't much time left to do anything else, really. A weekend in Charleston, SC isn't near enough time to explore everything this multi-faceted city has to offer. However, you'll definitely want an excuse to come back and discover more!

If you'd like to find out more about Charleston, SC, here is a link to the visitor's website.

If you're looking for things to do in Charleston, SC, I have included some links in this post to related articles from my past trip that could be useful (look for the red text above). I would have included some here, but the post was getting entirely too long! Another thing missing from this post is the "bonus surprise news" I promised to share, which I fully intend on doing, but I'm going to save it for Thursday because it deserves more than just a blurb!

Question: Have you ever been to Charleston, SC?
What's your favorite thing about this city?

Sharing is Caring :D

4 Great Boone Restaurants | Foodie Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:22:00 +0000

If you've been following Wayfaring Wanderer for any period of time, you know that I have a slight (ok, BIG) obsession when it comes to food. Not only that, but I'm also pretty crazy about taking pictures of the food that I consume when I'm eating out. Yeah, I can cause a scene at times, but I'm used to being “that guy” by now. It comes with the territory of being a photographer.

Due to my penchant for taking pictures of and eating food, I decided to have a weekly feature here on Wayfaring Wanderer called Foodie Friday! I've been doing it off and on for a while now, but I'm ready to make it something that I do every week without fail.

FOOD SPOTTING FANATIC

There's no shortage of food photos laying around on my hard drive, and I'm always going out to eat it seems, so I have plenty of food pictures to share with you. Many of my food photos don't make it to the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page or my blog, though. Instead I share them on a website called Foodspotting most of the time.

Foodspotting is a fairly new website that is quickly growing where you share food recommendations. It's centered around photos, which I really enjoy perusing when I am so inclined. It's like a social network for Foodies, basically. You can follow people, leave comments, etc. They have an app, too, which makes it easy to upload spottings on-the-go.

For Foodie Friday's I don't always plan to share my Foodspotting photos. It's possible that I may review a restaurant(s) or offer food photography tips. I'll try to keep things interesting! This week, however, I will be sharing some of my most recent spots that have been posted on my Foodspotting profile.

What I'm sharing today are local restaurants here in Boone, NC. We've got some great places to eat in this town. And, although I've been here for over 6 years now, there are still places that I have yet to try! With that being said, here are some of the places I have dined at most recently:

COYOTE KITCHEN

Mojave Boat: coconut rice, red beans, blackened chorizo sausage, grilled jalapenos, roasted corn, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and broiled jack cheese topped with jalapeno cream cheese and scallions.

This place is one of the Boone restaurants that I love, but don't eat at often enough. You see, it's not located downtown. It's off the main strip, which is why I don't always think about eating there. When I do, though, I catch myself wondering why I don't have lunch/dinner there more often! They have an extensive menu, which is awesome, but also makes it difficult to decide on what you want to eat. I typically go for the “Boats” or burgers, and I've yet to try anything that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.

MELANIE'S

Spicy Pinto Breakfast: spicy pinto beans with chorizo, tomato, feta,, homefries, topped with two scrambled eggs. {Instagram Pic}

Hands down, Melanie's is one of my most favorite restaurants in Boone! It's the place where I take all of my out-of-town friends who come to visit, it's a must! One of the problems, for me at least, is that I usually get the same thing every time I eat there, the soysage, egg, and cheese biscuit with an order of homefries. I changed that pattern this last time I was there and decided to veer from my normal breakfast. I went for the special this time! When they brought this beast of a plate to my table, everyone in the restaurant (and I mean EVERYONE) stopped to stare at the plate, mouths wide open while simultaneously gasping. Right then, I thought, “This was a good choice.” And, o, lordy, was it! I couldn't bring myself to clean the plate, but I tried my best :D

MELLOW MUSHROOM

Cheesy Bread: a loaf of french bread basted with garlic butter, sprinkled with italian seasoning and baked. Served with marinara sauce. {Instagram Pic}

The new Mellow Mushroom that recently reopened here in Boone is bigger and better than the old one. It's quickly become one of my favorite places to go in town. Yes, they are always busy, but for a very good reason. The food is phenomenal, and the service is always top-notch. We love everyone in that place. The people are so friendly! Dinner and drinks there can turn into a 2-hr affair, especially if we get seats at the beautiful bar that Cody had a hand in crafting. It's impossible to pass up an order of cheesy bread anytime we go because it's just so dang good!

[Related Story] The New and Improved Mellow Mushroom

CRAVE

Baked Brie: pastry wrapped, apple, toasted almond, caramel with croustini. {Instagram Pic}

This restaurant has been in business for quite a while, and I've been meaning to have dinner there at some point. However, I only made it there recently. I met up with a new friend, Courtney from Yoga G33k, and we sampled a couple of items from the menu while enjoying some cocktails at the bar. It's mainly a tapas restaurant, though, and only has a small bar area. The vibe in that place is very different from a lot of the other places you will visit in Boone. It has more of a metropolitan feel in contrast to the more rustic places you will find around town. The night that we visited was pretty quiet, but we enjoyed ourselves, the cocktails and food we had, too. I'd definitely like to go back and try more of their menu!

Well, that's all I have to share for this edition of Foodie Friday! I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of these Boone, NC restaurants. Maybe down the line I could offer more extensive reviews of the restaurants, so that you can see more. As if I need another excuse to eat out ;)

How often do you usually eat out during the week?

Thank you for visiting Wayfaring Wanderer for Foodie Friday! I hope you'll come back next week to see what I've got cooking up. Also, in case you weren't aware, I'm hosting a giveaway for the adventurous! Here's a link to get the details: {LINK}

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Fitness Fashion with a Twist | YMX Clothing Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:03:00 +0000

This past week I had the opportunity to take a hike on one of my most favorite trails around Boone, the Boone Fork Trail. It's a 5-mile loop that starts right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I'm a big fan of this hike because of the varied terrain and scenery that can be experienced along the way. It's like being on several different trails when you're really just on one. However, that's another post for a different time. Read on...

I was recently contacted by a representative from the YMX by Yellowman Clothing Company about testing & reviewing a piece of their performance wear. Once I received the item, I decided that the best way for me to test its mettle was to wear it on my favorite 5-mile hike, the Boone Fork Trail, to see how well it held up. This is my way of telling you this is a sponsored post, and that I was given this shirt so I could write a review. However, the views and opinions within are my own.

MY FIRST IMPRESSION

When I was initially contacted by the company, I, of course, checked out their website and found other reviews to see what they were all about, and to determine if it would be worth my time despite the fact that I would get a complimentary shirt out of the deal. I mean, I don't want to do it just to do it. I want to make sure that it's a company that I can stand behind, you know.

What I found was that they started out making clothing with tattoo designs on them before jumping into the sports wear arena. I can't say that the vivid prints and detailed artwork would be something that I'd typically purchase on my own had I been shopping for a long-sleeved shirt, but I do think the designs are very eye catching and beautiful. I got to choose between 3 different styles, and I went with the one that had the most black in it, naturally.

What I liked right off the bat once I had the shirt in my hands was how soft and silky the material was. It was also extremely lightweight, which is a huge plus. And I even came to appreciate the artwork more, too, once it was in front of me and not on the computer screen. The burst of color coupled with the detailed graphics made it a showstopper, for sure!

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

UV Protection (UPF 50+)
Wicks away moisture/breathable
regulates body temperature
wrinkle/abrasion resistant
easy stretch/compression
lightweight

ACTIVEWEAR FOR ANY ACTIVITY

One major benefit to wearing this type of garment is that it's very versatile. Not only is it great for any sport, it's also great for leisurely activities as well. The MadKool fabric made exclusively for YMX, and Yellowman is special in many ways. It's breathable and stretchy, yet it still maintains its shape, which made it super comfortable to wear. This might be TMI, but I perspire quite a bit when I'm being athletic...or sitting still, so I liked the fact that this material wicks away moisture. I was expecting it to be wet in certain places after working up a sweat during my 5-mile hike, but I didn't have that problem with this piece. The shirt managed to stay dry during the entire hike!

After finishing the hike, we made our way to Blowing Rock for dinner. Typically, I'd want to change before heading out for the evening, but I didn't have to with this garment. It's truly one of those pieces that can be worn in any situation, especially if you want to be all stylish while you're doing whatever you're doing. It garnered quite a few glances from people around us. Maybe they thought I looked ridiculous, but I'm pretty sure it was because they thought I looked awesome :D

WEARABLE WORKS OF ART

Fitness fashion isn't something that I think about too often. Most of the time I just throw on whatever without giving much thought to how presentable I might be while I'm doing something athletic. However, I'm sure that many other people put more thought into how fly they look when they're picking out gym clothes to wear for a workout. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I just don't give a hoot. However, what I do appreciate are pieces that are comfortable and functional, not just pretty to look at, and that's exactly what I found with the Flower Clouds Sun Tee from YMX.

While it was different for me to wear something that stands out so much, I did feel as though the shirt lived up to the expectations I had after reading the claims about its performance. I'm happy to have this wearable work of art that I can use when I'm being adventurous or when I'm out running errands. It'll definitely become a staple in my wardrobe!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
THE WINNER IS: STACY MACEDA

Looking to add a piece like this to your active apparel collection?

Well, YMX has generously offered to throw in a giveaway for this sponsored post!

Wanna win? Keep reading...

THE PRIZE

• A new Flower Clouds Sun Tee from YMX by Yellowman in your size (Retail value $89.00)

TO ENTER THE YMX GIVEAWAY

• To enter, all you need to do is refer a friend to the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page.

• Share a link to the WW page on your wall & don't forget to tag WW in the status message you write. Be sure to ask friends to visit & “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer page, so that you can have a chance to win, and let them know that they can enter, too!

THE RULES

• The friend(s) that you refer should write a post on the WW Facebook wall that says [YOUR NAME] sent me, so I know who gets the credit! FYI - I won't count the entry if this part isn't completed.

• For each person you refer to the WW page, you will receive one entry!

• No limit to the amount of entries you can receive :D

• Obviously, this is a shirt for the ladies, but that doesn't mean dudes can't enter, too!

• This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents. Sorry, not my rules :(

• The giveaway will end on DECEMBER 7^th (Midnight EST) and a winner will be announced on the 8^th.

BONUS ENTRIES

• (1-extra entry) “LIKE” the YMX by Yellowman FB page & leave a post on the wall letting them know that Wayfaring Wanderer sent you. (Don't forget to tag WW in the status message or I won't know that you did this)

• (1-extra entry) Tweet about this giveaway. I'm @wayfarinwandrer on twitter. Be sure to tag me in the tweet & include a link to this post so that I know this was completed!

If you have any questions whatsoever,

please feel free to post them in the comments

here or on the FB page. Good luck!

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Confessions of a Lazy Travel Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:29:00 +0000

{Random Instagram Image}

Here's a fun fact: My first blog post was published on June 26^th of 2006. That means that I've been blogging on Wayfaring Wanderer for a little over five years now. Sheez louise, that's a long time! When I started blogging, I had no clue as to what it was all about. Honestly, I don't even remember how I learned about blogs or what actually made me start one. What I do recall is that blogging was something I started doing as a means to substitute what I was no longer able to do, which was rock climb. Wayfaring Wanderer didn't even start out as a travel blog, really.

(I've talked about why I was no longer able to do rock climb many times here on WW, so I won't get into any further detail about that, but if you're interested, you can get some insight here: How I Reached A Path of Happy Healing.)

Over the years, WW has taken on many different forms and has gone through several transformations in the process of my personal growth. There's a lot that I learned during this time, I've healed in ways that I never really expected (physically, mentally, and emotionally), and have had some crazy dreams come to fruition since the inception of my lil' ol' blog. From my solo journey to Oahu, Hawaii to the all expenses paid foodie blogger event in San Diego furnished by Sony Electronics, I've had a lot of awesome things happen over the years.

Blogging has been one of my most favorite outlets, but it's also come with its fair share of struggles along the way, too. What I love most is how I can look back on where I used to be, so that I can better appreciate where I am right now. Without acknowledging where you came from, it's hard to grasp how far you have come. At least, that's how I feel about it. Blogging has made that possible for me and that's another reason why I love doing it.

BAD HABITS DON'T BEGIN OVERNIGHT

When I get all sentimental and start sifting through my archives, I cringe at some of the old photos and how I mutilated them in photoshop with unnecessary filters and adjustments. Now, I barely bother making any adjustments to my images in photoshop. And my writing, oh lawdy, it was atrocious! However, with time (and practice), I got much better. To date, I've published 537 blog posts, so I'd hope that there were some lessons I learned along the way!

{Random Instagram Image}

Back in the day, I used to blog 5 days a week, which seems completely absurd to me now. I'm lucky if I can manage to publish one blog post a week. I've gone through phases where I'd blog a whole lot and then taper off to nearly nothing only to come back again full force. There's been a lot of up and down when it comes to blogging for me. It's easy to get burned out. If you're a blogger, you know! One thing I do know is that I've never given up on it entirely. I couldn't. For some crazy reason, it means too much to me to keep it going that I couldn't bear to quit all together!

I'M NOT REALLY LAZY, JUST INCONSISTENT

When I go quiet, it's not for lack of things to blog about, because I have a list of potential posts that's at least a mile long. And I'm always going somewhere fun and taking pictures along the way, so material is plentiful. In all honesty, I probably have enough stuff to blog about for the next year if I planned things out properly! There are so many places I meant to blog about, but never made the time to do so. Making time is one thing that is extremely important when it comes to putting together posts, and that's exactly where I've failed lately. I just haven't made the time. It's not that I've been o-so-busy. The truth is that I just haven't set aside the time required to get the job done.

{Random Instagram Image}

Another thing that I let cripple my ability to blog is just the fact that more eyes are reading my posts than ever before, and it's slightly overwhelming at times. You know, it was easier to blog when you knew that people weren't reading what you had to say. However, now that I have regular traffic, things have changed. As a result, I've become slightly more judgmental of what I produce. You'd think that it'd get easier over time, but that's not always the case. The problem is that I need to stop being so critical, and just put it out there! Who cares who does and doesn't like it, right?! Just get it out there so that opinions can at least be formed one way or the other.

MY PLAN FOR BECOMING A BETTER TRAVEL BLOGGER

One of my main issues with inconsistency is that I've never really come up with a schedule for my posts. I just sort of do them on the fly whenever I feel like it, which isn't the best way to approach blogging. That is, if you want to build your following and keep people coming back for more. After all this time, I finally realize that, and I'm prepared to do something about it. One thing that I need to revisit is the direction and design of my blog. The current layout is about 2 years old, and it doesn't really feel like me anymore because I've expanded my adventures beyond my own backyard. Since I've graduated with my graphic design degree, I think it's time to redesign WW, so it suits the type of traveler I am, not the traveler that I used to be 2 years ago.

{Random Instagram Image}

While I'm working on the Wayfaring Wanderer redesign, I will also be working on bringing you more content consistently. My goal is to blog at least 3x's a week with regular features. People seemed to enjoy the “Choose Your Adventure” series I experimented with last month, and I'd also like to revive “Foodie Fridays" because I'm always eating good food everywhere I go, and I would really like to share with you. If you have any ideas, throw 'em my way!

So, there you go: Confessions of a Lazy Travel Blogger

I'm far from being perfect when it comes to blogging, but I genuinely want to be better than I have been. One of my favorite things to do is share my photography and stories with you in hopes that it will inspire your own adventures close to home! If there is anything, in particular, that you'd like to see on WW, I'd love to hear any suggestions you may have. Please feel free to share here in the comments or on the WW Facebook page!

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Holiday Mini-Sessions | Boone Area Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Have you thought about Holiday portraits for the family, but have yet to make any arrangements? Look no further! For a limited time, I'll be offering Holiday Mini-Sessions here in Boone, NC and Blowing Rock, NC, and I'd love to photograph your happy family. This is a quick and easy way to get your family portraits done for the holidays before things begin getting crazy! Contact me today for more information and reservations.

To visit my new photography website, follow this link:

http://www.discoveryphotographyanddesign.com

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How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Helen, GA

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:14:00 +0000

What used to be a struggling logging town back in the late 60s, Helen, GA has since been revamped to simulate an alpine village in order to promote tourism. It's not quite like what you would find in Germany, but the town has a unique look that captivates many visitors. You'll find over 200 specialty and import shops lining the main strip offering everything from cuckoo clocks to homemade candies. Dining options are also plentiful and range from German-fare to southern food. This quaint little town is far from fancy, but it offers a great deal of excitement with lots of entertainment and outdoor activities to keep you occupied. While there is much to see and do when you are there, it can be experienced in a day if your time is limited.

WHEN TO GO

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, GA is only a 1.5-hour drive from Atlanta, GA. The best, and busiest, time to visit is during their annual Oktoberfest event that runs from the end of September to the beginning of November. (Apparently, it's the longest running Oktoberfest celebration in the south.) If you time it just right, and venture to the town in late October, you can witness the fall leaves at their peak. Keep in mind, though, that the place will be packed with other tourists who are also hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful scenery, too.

WHERE TO SLEEP

When Cody and I began staying in Helen, back in 2008, we opted to camp out at the nearby Unicoi State Park to keep our costs low. If you want a campsite, though, it's best to reserve early because they are often booked solid during this time of the year. If camping isn't your thing, you also have the option of staying in their lodge, which is a lot like a hotel. While not walking distance to town, it only requires a 5-minute drive to reach the center of the city, so it's pretty conveniently located.

In the last two years, since we began inviting friends, our alternative to staying in the state park was to rent a cabin in Helen, GA. When you have a larger group of people, it makes more sense and is a whole lot more cost effective when compared to local hotels. We've had wonderful luck using Homeaway.com to find suitable accommodations that fit our needs and price range. This year, we stayed in a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cabin, complete with a hot tub, & game room with a ½ basketball court for $540 for the weekend. Not too bad when it's split among 7 people! Compared to hotels, cabins are ideal because it's nice to have a home base where you can prepare meals, and have a place to continue the evening once the town has shut down.

WHERE TO EAT

There are a ton of options to choose from when looking for a place to refuel. The problem, though, is finding a place with good food. One of my new favorite places to eat in Helen is Cafe International. It has outdoor seating, and is right along the Chattahoochee River. I recommend the Rueben Sandwich, which I spent an entire year craving since our last visit. The flavor is amazing, it's easily one of the best Rueben's I've ever eaten.

One place that I will tell you to pass on is the Troll Tavern. I don't usually include the places I don't like in my blog posts, because I like to keep things on a positive note, but this place is truly disappointing. Yes, we've eaten there for the past 4 years, but we didn't know any better. Our entire table left dissatisfied with our meals this time around. If it weren't for our capable waiter, this place would have no redeeming qualities to speak of.

Another notable eatery includes Jordano's, which offers pizza, mostly. What's nice about this place is that it's along the river. Our pizza was ok, nothing spectacular. If you're not looking for German-fare, this would be a good spot to go. For a quick bite, Alpine Hot Dog would be a safe bet. They have a decent selection of moderately priced options to choose from, like a Grilled Bratwurst or Gyro Wrap. It's fast because you can order right from the sidewalk through their take-out window, and eat on the go. Our food was ready in no time!

THINGS TO DO

What's left to cover when it comes to Oktoberfest in Helen, Ga? Oh, yeah, DRINKING! While there are many things to do in Helen, GA, it seems like one of the most beloved past times there is drinking. One of the best places to do that is at Festhalle! Festhalle is operated by Helen's chamber of commerce, and it's one of the biggest and most festive venues around town to hang out and have a good time.

Depending on when you go, the place can be cluttered with wall-to-wall people. However, there are rows and rows of cafeteria-style tables to take a seat at. Lines for food and beer can often be long, and the dance floor can be just as scattered, but it's the atmosphere in this place that's the real draw. It's always lively and full of people having fun. I doubt that you can escape the lure of doing the chicken dance no matter how silly you look doing it.

Now, if you don't have a hangover from partying too hard the night before, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the nearby Unicoi State Park where you can take an easy hike up a concrete path to Anna Ruby Falls, a 150ft double waterfall. There's also a nice hike that meanders around the lake if you're looking for a leisurely stroll to take in the surrounding scenery. Other outdoor activities are plentiful in this area as well, so don't miss out on those!

If you'd like to find out more about Helen, GA, here is a link to the website.

Every October, I look forward to spending a fun-filled weekend in Helen, GA. While this town isn't for everyone, it does have some charming qualities that I enjoy even though it can sometimes be overran with other tourists. With nearly two million visitors a year, it's an extremely popular place. In fact, it might be THE place to be for Oktoberfest! All I know is, that's where you'll find me celebrating :D

What do you think about the look of Helen, GA? Is it a place that you'd like to go?
Please share in the comments or on Facebook!

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{Choose Your Adventure} Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) + Hot Springs, NC + Oktoberfest in Helen, Ga

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:07:00 +0000

October has been one crazy, fun-filled month! 3 out of 4 weekends have been spent out of town. We're actually going to be home this weekend, thankfully. I'm really happy that I don't have to worry about packing and other preparations to leave town, it'll be nice to wake up in my own bed—whenever I please—on Saturday morning!

So far, the only thing I have shared with you is my experience at The National Beard & Mustache Championships in Lancaster, PA, which was an absolute blast. If you missed that post, you should definitely check it out!

A couple weeks ago, I decided to do an experiment where I asked people here on the blog and Facebook to help me decide what I would share next, because I just couldn't make up my mind. I posted a collage with three different options and asked for your opinion. It was actually quite fun seeing the reactions, and I really liked the feedback, so I decided to do it again. Tell me...

What would you like to see first? Refer to the photo above!

A.) L.E.A.F. - Lake Eden Arts Festival in Black Mountain, NC

B.) How to Spend a Day in Hot Springs, NC

C.) Oktoberfest in Helen, GA

Let me know by casting your vote in the comment section here on the blog.

Or you can share your choice on the WW Facebook page.

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Battle of the Beards | The 2011 National Beard & Mustache Championship | Lancaster, PA

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Living with a mountain man who has been growing a beard for the past few years has helped me become more appreciative of those that grow facial hair. It's not that I didn't think beards were awesome before I began dating someone who is into that sort of thing, but I just didn't give it too much thought. Now, you'll find me blatantly pointing people out, possibly even giving them a thumbs up, when I see a fella with a face-full of fuzz.

I get that for people who grow beards, it's a way of life and not just an accessory of sorts. Most people who have beards don't have them only to keep their faces warm. No, they're doing it for cultural or spiritual reasons, and probably to look cool, too.

THE 'GROWING' TREND

Beards have been around for thousands of years! Only recently, though, has the movement become more mainstream. While I know that bands of bearded brothers have been competing for quite some time now, it seems as though most folically-challenged folks had no idea these sorts of events took place. It wasn't until the new IFC documentary called, Whisker Wars, came out that it brought this community into the limelight and helped the movement gain more momentum.

Beard Team USA, founded by Phil Olsen, is yet another reason why beardos are banding together. When he realized that the World Beard and Mustache Championships barely had any American representatives, he made it his mission to change that, which he did. Since then, the US has taken home awards from the World Championships, and he has even established a National Beard and Mustache Competition here in the US.

FOR THE LOVE OF FACIAL HAIR

I was lucky enough to attend the 2nd Annual Beard and Mustache Championship held at the Clipper Stadium in Lancaster, PA on October 8th. When Cody and I had the hair-brained idea to head to the competition, we had no clue what to expect, but we decided to do it anyway because it seemed like it'd be a lot of fun. So, we hopped in the car for the 9-hour road trip hoping that we wouldn't regret it later.

Either way it would be an adventure, right?! All we knew was that the event was being held at the stadium, and that a parade would take place from a nearby hotel. After aimlessly following people with facial hair in hopes that we'd stumbled upon the place we needed to be, we ended up elsewhere. Thankfully, the parade was running behind, and we were able to catch the procession as it got closer to the stadium.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL BEAUTY CONTEST

As we watched the steady stream of people pass by, I realized that everyone in the crowd had their own personal style. Not only were there beards and mustaches of all kinds donning the faces of men (and women), most of them also had a costume to go along with it. It was really interesting to see how the personalities fit the facial hair. The people with the complete package seemed to make a bigger impact than those who came dressed in everyday clothing.

This made the most difference during the judging. There were 5 categories: Mustache, Partial Beard, Full Beard Groomed, Full Beard Natural, and Freestyle. After randomly selecting groups in each category, they would head onto the stage where the judges would choose three contestants to go to the final round of judging. The process was long, but highly entertaining. Think toddlers and tiaras without the talent portion and tantrums.

I have to admit something. We actually missed the final judging of the competition because we were having too much fun over at Oktoberfest drinking and talking to strangers. Hey, it's not my fault that they scheduled it smack dab in the middle of the contest! I know, how silly is it that we drove all that way for the championships only to miss the grand finale! Haha

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH BEARDS

In the beginning, I was slightly hesitant to approach people to ask them if I could take a portrait. However, I quickly realized that my reservations were completely ridiculous because every single person I approached was super friendly. After I got past the initial hump, I took pictures of all kinds of crazy cool beards and mustaches. We pretty much instantly became friends with everyone we met. That's when I understood what this event was really about. It wasn't necessarily about winning or competing. It was more so about building a community of people who have a fondness for facial hair.

If you'd like to learn more about Beard Team USA (& the championships), here is a link to the website.

We had such a great time meeting people and taking photos of beards (and mustaches) that we are definitely planning to attend next year's beard contest in Las Vegas! I really look forward to reconnecting with all of the fun people we encountered along the way. More images will likely be uploaded to the WW Facebook page in the next week or so. If you're interested in seeing more, be sure to let me know!

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My Surprise Birthday Dinner @ The Mast Farm Inn | Valle Crucis, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:02:00 +0000

I've driven by this place a dozen times, and I've told myself repeatedly that I'd eat there one of these days. Six years later, it finally happened!

Honestly, I don't know how I let that much time pass before I actually made my way over to eat dinner in this charming little establishment. I mean, it's no secret that I enjoy going out to eat. (I'm always sharing my food with you, it seems.) However, this place can't be compared to the typical dining experiences I frequently have.

FINE DINING & SLOW FOOD COMBINED

It's different because you feel like you're having dinner in someone's house, not a restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, and has very limited seating for service. Reservations are required in order to dine, otherwise, they wouldn't make enough food. You see, they operate differently than restaurants you have become accustomed to. The meals are prepared fresh and made with organic ingredients that are oftentimes locally sourced. That is, if they didn't grow some of the items themselves.

Across the street from the inn are a large number of raised bed gardens where they can pluck ingredients to use that same day. They also put a big emphasis on local items included on the menu; It is something I definitely appreciate. The menu changes every night depending upon what they get their hands on. Surprises were plentiful that evening!

I can't even tell you how giddy I was to be there. It was undoubtedly the best part of my birthday weekend. You know, because of the FOOD! I'll just stop beating around the bush here, and tell you about the amazing meal.

FOOD, DELIGHTFUL FOOD

The dinner began with a basket of homemade white and corny corn bread. They supplied us with a dish of their very flavorful herb butter, which I slathered on top of my cornbread. There was a slightly sweet crust on top that paired so well with the buttery spread. Next up, was the petite vegetable soup which was simple yet satisfying.

For the third course, we were served a mixed green salad topped with local goat cheese, dried cranberries & blueberries, pecans, and a molasses vinaigrette. I devoured this salad even though the dressing wasn't as sweet as I would have wanted it to be. I will say, though, that it was quite interesting. Our main dish consisted of beef bourguignon smothered with a rich red burgundy wine sauce topped with mushrooms and pearl onions. The beef was tender and delicious. No knife required for cutting. The accompanying sides included creamy grits and sauteed green beans. I loved the grits. They were awesome!

A TREAT YOU SHOULDN'T PASS UP

At this point in the meal, I barely had enough room to finish the beef bourguignon ( I ended up taking a portion home) much less leave enough room for dessert. But I'd be crazy to pass up the last course, don't you think?! I ended up going with the chocolate fudge cake (it was called something like that—sorry, I don't have my notes!) that came with homemade caramel ice cream. I could only have one tiny corner of the cake and a few spoonfuls of the ice cream, but oh my word, they were both incredible. The leftover cake went home with me, too!

By the end of our dinner, we had been there for over 2 hours. Tell me, when do you get the opportunity to take your time eating a multiple-course meal like that? Not very often, I'm sure. I know that I'm used to things coming as quickly as possible when dining out, so this was a welcomed alternative because I don't like feeling rushed.

If you'd like to find out more about The Mast Farm Inn, here is a link to their website.

Having dinner at The Mast Farm Inn's restaurant (called Simplicity) was a treat, although I don't think this should just be one of those “special occasion” places to eat. Yes, it was slightly pricier that your typical restaurant. However, for the quality of food, service, and ambiance, it was well worth the expense. Now that I've finally been there for a dinner service, I know that I'll be back a lot sooner next time!

WHICH PART OF THE MEAL SOUNDS THE BEST TO YOU?

Please share in the comments! Or on the WW Facebook page!

Connect with me on:

Facebook | Twitter | Flickr

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[Warning!] Roller Derby Can Be Addictive! My First Appalachian Rollergirls Bout in Boone, NC.

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:18:00 +0000

One thing I learned from my first roller derby competition is that you call it a BOUT. Not a match or a game, but a BOUT! I'm glad they clarified that in their little brochure because I would have been calling it everything but that, probably. Going into my first roller derby, I didn't know much about the sport. All I really knew was that the ladies who participate are super hardcore chicks that won't hesitate to kick your aXX. Or so I thought...

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

On the exterior, you see these strong, in-your-face ladies who can be a little intimidating, but when you let go of the assumptions that you have about their attitudes, you realize that they're merely kittens in a sexy tiger costume. Don't get me wrong, I'm not questioning their badaXXedness, not at all, I'm just pointing out the fact that they are actually really awesome people who like to have fun on wheels.

In my mind, I depicted roller derby as a violent-ish sport, and it's true that you can get hurt really badly if it's your unlucky day, because, let's face it, it's a full-contact sport. However, for the most part, I felt as though it was more thrilling and exciting than downright dangerous. During the bout, I saw a few gnarly falls, but the girls seemed to bounce back pretty quickly after a slip-up. Except for the jammer (the point scorer), the pack moved around the track at a rather moderate pace, not at all like the high-speed antics I envisioned.

BLAME IT ON HOLLYWOOD

Now that I think about it, it was the movie 'Whip It' that created this crazy illusion of what I thought roller derby would be. According to the rules, I know that you can't use elbows, forearms, hands, or feet to hit the other skaters, but that you can use your shoulders, hips, torso, or buttocks to block. So, all those fists flying in the movie, yeah, you can't do that in real-life roller derby unless you care to get penalized! Seeing them interact with the other team and each other, it seemed as though they didn't have a vindictive bone in their bodies. In fact, they appeared to be very encouraging and supportive of their teammates. What I saw was a tight-knit group of gals, it was actually really refreshing to see.

IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, JOIN 'EM

It made me sort of want to join them! I won't lie, the thought of becoming an Appalachian Roller Girl has crossed my mind. Back in the day, I used to be quite the skater. Skating brings back some pretty fond memories for me because I did it for many years. It was something that I absolutely LOVED! But it's been so long. For those that have a desire to give it a go. The ARGs are hosting a boot camp on October 23rd. It's an opportunity to see if this sport might be your speed without having to invest more than an afternoon and $35. If I wasn't going to be out of town that day, I'd be tempted to put my rusty skills to the test!

KICKING AXX & TAKING NAMES

You can enjoy watching the girls do their thing without knowing the ins and outs of the game, though, that's what I did during this bout. They provided a handy zine of sorts that had the low-down on how roller derby works, which was a great guide. Next time, I'll know what's going on...maybe. All that mattered, really, was that they creamed the other team. I mean, it was kinda bad. You almost felt sorry for the other ladies, but they put up a pretty good fight until the bitter end. The final score was ARG 223 — Star City 36! This was their last home bout of the season, the next few will be held out of town. For their first season of bouting, they are doing pretty great and are currently at 7-2. I'd say that those are nice odds. Keep on being awesome girls! You seriously rock :D

If you'd like to learn more about the Appalachian Roller Girls, here is a link to their website.

One thing that I loved about the roller derby are the awesome nicknames people give themselves. There are some great names that are good for a few laughs out there. It made me think about what sort of wicked nickname I'd give myself if I were to ever become a roller girl. I visited a roller derby name generator for some inspiration, which churned out a few good ones that I liked, but they just weren't awesome enough. After giving it a little thought, I finally came up with my roller derby name. It's so good I almost feel like I have to become a roller girl just so I can use it! Curious to know what it is? Tell me what yours would be and I'll tell you mine! :D

WHAT WOULD YOUR ROLLER DERBY NAME BE?

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My Birthday Weekend Recap | Boone, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:42:00 +0000

I must confess. This year, I was a little bummed out about not having a grand getaway planned for my birthday. You see, for the past four years or so, taking a trip for my birthday has become a tradition, but not this year. It's mainly because October has shaped up to be a pretty packed month for us. So, I figured it would be best to stick close to home since plenty of travel lies ahead in the coming weeks.

When you compare a birthday spent in your typical surroundings to vacations in Hawaii and Las Vegas, you're bound to be met with a bit of disappointment. Thankfully, I still have vivid memories of those treasured times to sustain me until my next big escape. I make it sound like I never get to go anywhere! Haha Really, my birthday wasn't bad. In fact, it actually turned out to be pretty awesome with all the fun stuff we ended up doing.

My birthday started with Cody staying home from work, so I didn't have to spend the day alone. It was a nice surprise. We had breakfast at one of my favorite places in town, Melanie's. Then we walked around the Turchin Center to take in some art. Cody and I stopped in at Stick Boy Bread Company for a birthday sweet treat—a slice of mocha ganache cake. Later in the evening, after a pleasantly laid-back day, we headed up to Mellow Mushroom to hang out at the bar (it's become one of my favorite places to go). All in all, it was a pretty tame day. But it was just what I needed!

The birthday fun didn't really stop there, though. There were other plans in the works that I wasn't privy to. Friday evening, Cody had a surprise planned for me. It was fun not knowing what we were doing, that doesn't happen all that often around here because I'm the planner. I was extremely surprised to find that I'd be having dinner at a restaurant that I've wanted to eat at for quite some time now, The Mast Farm Inn. I couldn't help but giddily jump up and down as we walked toward the old farmhouse. It put the biggest smile on my face. The food was delicious, and I can't wait to share!

Still not ready to relinquish the birthday spree, we decided to head down to the town of Wilkesboro, NC on Saturday for the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival. We heard about the festival from a friend, and thought it sounded like fun. It covered a pretty large area and had hundreds of vendors selling food and handmade items. The event was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. As a bonus, we were able to get our fair-food fix in the process! Think turkey legs and cotton candy :D

Saturday evening, after the apple festival, we made our way to the Holmes Center here in Boone to catch the Appalachian Roller Girls' last match of the season. It was my first time getting to go to one of the events, so I was really looking forward to it. I still don't know the ins and outs of the rules, but I really enjoyed watching them throw down.

Recounting these birthday events makes me realize that we did a lot this past weekend! There was definitely no time for me to be bummed at any point about not going out of town. Once the weekend got going, I didn't really even think about it. Cody did everything he could to ensure that I had a wonderful birthday, and I'll be the first to tell you that he did a great job. It was an awesome birthday, and I can't wait to share more!

I do need some help, though. You can imagine that I have tons of photos to share with you, but I'm at a loss as to what I should show you first. To relieve some of the pressure, how about you help me choose which outing I'll cover here on Wayfaring Wanderer?!?! I'll admit that I've been somewhat of a slacker lately when it comes to sharing my adventures, so I could use some direction!

What would you like to see first? Refer to the photo above!

A.) Brushy Farm Apple Festival

B.) Surprise Dinner at the Mast Farm Inn (UPDATE: This is now posted!)

C.) Appalachian Roller Girls (Derby) (UPDATE: This is now posted!)

Let me know by casting your vote in the comment section here on the blog.

Or you can share your choice on the WW Facebook page.

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WIN a Custom Designed Apron by Haute Mess Threads | Foodie Friday Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Have you ever had a moment when you really wanted to complete something, but didn't know how, so you quickly determined that you'd do whatever it took in order to learn whatever you needed to so that you could accomplish what you wish you could do? Yeah, that's the thought process of people with creative ideas. It begins as one simple desire that starts to snowball after you've put your mind to something. It doesn't matter if you DON'T yet know how to do something, all you need to do is, at a minimum, resolve that you truly wish to learn how to make it possible then go from there. That's what my Sister did. She decided one day that it was imperative that she learn how to sew without any previous knowledge or training. And that's exactly what she did.

In just a few shorts weeks, Stacy purchased a new sewing machine, absorbed all the materials and tutorials she possibly could, and before she knew it she was designing pieces of her own. I was amazed at how fast her sewing skills developed in such a short period of time. Stacy is a Jane of all trades. She's done a little bit of everything (plumbing, massage, boxing, rapping, you name it), but sewing is definitely her thing. In fact, she's enjoyed it so much that she decided to open her own Etsy shop called Haute Mess Threads!

This past summer, on a trip back to my hometown, my Sister and I made plans to do a photoshoot to showcase her handmade aprons. I wanted to help my sister with this new venture, and I was really excited that I would get to contribute by making the images come to life for her. We waited until the very end of our stay to make it happen, but everything ended up coming together perfectly. I had no idea what sort of lighting we would have in the model's kitchen, nor did I know what it would look like, thankfully, it was exactly the style we were looking for. The photoshoot was a success, and we had a blast!

Currently, she's made 28+ sales in her shop since opening at the end of July. Things have moved along a lot more quickly than she initially imagined. In the Haute Mess Threads shop, you will find aprons, pot holders, and make-up brush holders along with many other items. Soon, Stacy plans to start working on garments such as skirts and dresses with a pin up look. That type of clothing isn't always easy to find, which is why the idea to sew her own clothes came about. For now, though, she mainly offers custom-made aprons for ladies (styles for men are in the works as well) who want to look fabulous while they prepare dinner! (or for other non-cooking related things, like a creative Halloween costume.) My favorite so far is the Wonder Woman apron she recently made.

We thought it would be fun to do a giveaway here on Wayfaring Wanderer because 1.) she is one of my biggest supporters, and 2.) why not?!

Here's what you have to do in order to WIN a custom designed apron by Haute Mess Threads:

“Like” Haute Mess Threads (HMTs) on Facebook.
Go the the HMTs Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/HauteMessThreads) & select your favorite item; post the item's link on the HMTs Facebook page. While you're there, tell her what design you'd like to see!
“Like” Discovery Photography and Design on Facebook; post on the wall that you are a new fan from Haute Mess Threads by tagging the page. (This is my new photography/graphic design website. Find out more here.)
Return to this blog post and leave a comment once you've completed each step!

You will gain one entry for completing these easy steps. If you are already a fan of these pages, simply complete the other steps, and post a comment as outlined. The contest will end on October 3rd at midnight eastern time. Upon verification, a winner will be selected at random the very next day on October 4th! Please note: because the apron is custom-made, it will take approximately 10-14 days before the item ships. Thank you for participating, and good luck :D

(UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED & A WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN)

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Fall is in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:52:00 +0000

Fall is in the air here in Boone, NC, although we've had mostly gray skies, and rainy weather for the past four days or so. That aside, I know my favorite season of the year is on its way, and I couldn't be more excited! What about you?

I love the crisp, cool air, and the vibrant display of leaves we get to see here in the mountains. It's a time for corn mazes, pumpkin carving, and apple pickin', some of my favorite fall activities.

I'm all about getting cozy and staying toasty with my fuzzy boots and comfy sweaters. Spending time with family and friends is also one of my main focuses. Something about this change in season always has me counting my blessings and giving thanks more often than usual.

There are so many fun things to do in fall that's it's sometimes hard to fit everything in. Our list is a mile long (not really, but almost). Next month, I'll be sharing posts every week all about FALL! I'll do my best to keep things interesting, or at least visually appealing!

So, tell me, what are your favorite things to do in fall?

Please share in the comments!

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A Secret I Can No Longer Keep! | Boone, NC Photographer & Graphic Designer

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:48:00 +0000

There is a secret that I've been hiding from you. It's a BIG one, too. One that is positively life changing in so many different ways. I'm excited and terrified all at the same time as I head in this new direction. But it's time that I made this leap. It's time that I have faith in my abilities and believe that I have the power to achieve what I truly want most.

It wasn't until recently, maybe the last 2 years or so, that I even knew what I wanted to do with my life. What I did know is that I wasn't happy with what I was currently doing. After a lot of deliberation, I finally decided to make a change. Although I consciously decided to do the things that I had been dreaming about, I still hadn't mustered the courage to take the plunge and be completely on my own. I needed a nudge which came about in the form of a lay-off from my office job. That was over a year and a half ago.

It was that push that caused me to realize exactly what it was I wanted to do with my life. And that's what I have set out to accomplish during these months of unemployment. This past summer, I finished up a degree in Graphic Design with the Art Institute, which I'm really ecstatic about. It was an amazing learning experience that I gained a great deal from. I wanted to add Graphic Design to my skill set because I've always appreciated aesthetics, and I genuinely wanted to know more about creating compelling designs. Meshing Graphic Design with my love of Photography seemed like a no-brainer to me. I feel as though the two outlets go hand-in-hand and that having both would give me an advantage in the world of working for myself.

Photography has been in my life since the age of 10 when my Dad gave me my first 35mm camera. I remember thinking how awesome it was because it had a time/date stamp, talk about old school. Anyhow, it's that one thing that has always stuck with me in varying degrees. Some points in my life I'd be doing it more than others. However, my camera hardly leaves my hands for very long. It's what I absolutely love to do more than anything. So, there's no doubt that this would be something that I would be doing for years to come. It was only natural that it would eventually become part of what I do as a way to generate income.

The problem with knowing what you love to do and turning that into a way to create money is that there is a great deal of uncertainty involved in working for yourself. For me, though, there is no other way because I am not going back to what made me unhappy. Not gonna happen! I won't lie to you. I've struggled with a lot of demons this past year that have tried to prevent me from embarking on this new journey, but I somehow managed to clear the hurdles put before me with as much grace and humility as I possibly could. Now, here I am, ready to reveal what has materialized from all my hard work.

Behind the scenes, I have built and designed a new website for my photography/graphic design business. Instead of using my name, I decided to go another route. The name of my business and website is Discovery Photography & Design. This new path has been one filled with discoveries and realizations about myself and my dreams. It seemed so fitting for me to give it this name.

My focus will be on portrait photography because I have learned that I absolutely love to shoot people. I'm a sucker for capturing the love that families share for one another. As far as the design part of it goes, my goal is to work with small businesses to develop designs to suit their specific needs. I excel at concept development and bringing those visions to life through graphic design. I have come to love it as much as my photography.

Like I said in the beginning of this post, I'm excited and terrified all at the same time to (finally) share with you what I have been working toward for the last year and a half. The process has been slow going, but I know that it's happening at just the right time. I'm as ready as I'll ever be! Are you ready to see? Because I'm finally ready to let go...

To visit my new website, follow this link:

http://www.discoveryphotographyanddesign.com

I welcome any and all feedback that you have to offer. And I truly appreciate the support you are willing to give (and have given thus far). If you know of anyone who could benefit from my photography or graphic design services, please share my information with them! I also invite you to “LIKE” the new fan page I have set up where I plan to share sneak peeks of recent photosessions, as well as other great photography & design related things that happen to catch my eye.

“LIKE” Discovery Photography & Design on Facebook:

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Linville Falls Foray with an Out-of-town Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000

It's too bad that you can't pick the type of weather you will have when you're on vacation. Sometimes, it's rainy and overcast, which can put a damper on what you originally wanted to do. Although I think that during those times when plans don't work out the way we envision that we make some pretty wonderful discoveries anyhow.

One of my very good friends from back home came for a visit this past week. It's been about 4 years, since she's come up here, so this trip was long overdue! Unfortunately, the mountains didn't welcome her with the most favorable conditions. It rained all day long prior to (as well as the day before) her arrival. I hoped that it wouldn't be like that the entire time she was here, thankfully, it stopped raining on the morning she was heading our way.

While it was still overcast and foggy, at least it wasn't pouring rain. Even though Boone's weather was being uncooperative there were fun things that I could do with my out-of-town friend who was anxious to see some sights. I thought that a waterfall hike was the perfect thing for us to do because of the heavy rains we had recently received. That was the easy part, though. The hard part was figuring out which one we'd visit!

One thing that is a must-do for any friends visiting from out-of-town is to take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, even if the visibility isn't the greatest. That helped me to narrow down which waterfall I would take her to. Linville Falls, which is just off the BRP, seemed to be the best option because it is a rather large waterfall that isn't too far of a drive from Boone. It is probably one of the most popular falls around this area because of how easily accessible it is.

There are many different vantage points from which you can view Linville Falls. They have a main trail that takes you to several overlooks, which are fairly easy to navigate. During this particular visit, though, I wanted us to have an up-close view of the falls. This meant that we had to take the more strenuous Plunge Basin hike. The hike itself was only .7 miles to reach the gorge, but it took some time getting down there with all the rocks and exposed roots littering the trail.

Once we reached the bottom, I expected the waterfall to come into view, but I forgot since my last visit that you can't see it from the end of the trail. In order to get an unobstructed view of the waterfall, you have to do some scrambling around the rocks. It was a little iffy at times, but we ended up making it to a good spot.

I knew that my friend would be in awe over this incredibly beautiful natural wonder, the water was rushing like mad! We attempted to soak it all in the best we could before hiking back out. I attempted to take pictures, but wasn't super successful in doing so, because I accidentally left my fresh batteries in my other bag. Doh! At least, I have something to show for it, even if it's not the best photo.

Good thing I had the Sony WX9 on me, too! I ended up using the point and shoot to take a short video that you asked to see on Facebook. Well, here it is. If you want to view it in HD, click on over to Vimeo.

The hike out wasn't bad at all.
It did require a bit of a climb to get back out of there,
but it was (and my friend agreed) a great hike that was well worth the effort to see such a lovely sight.

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My First Foodzie Tasting Box | Foodie Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:40:00 +0000

(FOODZIE TASTING BOX CARD)

When I choose to spend my dollars on one of my most favorite things—FOOD—I'm extremely selective about where my money goes most of the time. I like to be locally responsible by keeping my spending habits close to home. Going to the farmers market & eating at non-chain restaurants is something I do often. However, there are times when I make an exception, because, let's face it, I have my weaknesses.

(FOODZIE TASTING BOX GOODIES)

I don't recall when I first learned about Foodzie, but I've been following them on FB for some time now. If you've never heard of this online marketplace before, it's a website where you can learn about and purchase food related items from small food producers and growers. It's sort of like Etsy for foodies! You can find all sorts of different products on their website from snacks to sauces; they offer a little of everything there. You almost have too many options to choose from if you're an indecisive person like me!

(SIMPLE SQUARES)

That's when their Tasting Box proves to be most useful. On a monthly basis, Foodzie assembles a package with single-serving sized samples of various products, so you can try a few different things, all for one low price of $19.99 (shipping is free!). I wasn't exactly sure what to expect since this was my first Foodzie Tasting Box, but I decided to place an order and eagerly await the surprise. The hand-packed items came in a matter of days. I could hardly contain my excitement, but I somehow waited until Cody got home before digging in.

(SCOOPING KETCHUP)

This month's tasting box had a theme that was centered around childhood favorites with a grown-up taste. Enclosed in the tidy little box is a card that gives you a description of all the items it contains. In total, I received 6 different items to sample, although we've only actually tried two of them at this point. We're trying to pace ourselves for once! Haha It's hard, too, because all of the products we received look and sound soooooo delicious.

(JUSTIN'S PEANUT BUTTER)

Here is a list of the items we received.

North Fork Sweet Potato Chips
Sage (1) + Rosemary (1) Simple Squares (The sage flavor was fabulous. Way better than any granola bar you'll ever eat!)
Gourmet Scooping Ketchup
Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (Not pictured)
Justin's Nut Butter: Classic Peanut Butter, Chocolate Hazelnut Butter, Honey Peanut Butter, & Maple Almond Butter
Marshmallow Crunch Bar (This was the first thing we devoured. Not your typical Rice Crispy Treat, that's for sure. This one wasn't overly sweet or gooey. I loved the crunchy texture.)

(MARSHMALLOW BAR)

The rest of these items will not last long in this household! It's only a matter of time before we go through all the samples Foodzie sent in this month's box. Ordering one of these tasting boxes was a welcomed treat, and even though we have yet to try everything in this package, I'm happy that we'll get another one next month. Sometimes, it's nice to surprise yourself with a treat such as this. Any small way that I can bring a bit of joy into my life is worth it to me. I suppose that this is where I should be thankful that I am easy to please. Just feed me and I'm happy! It's true :D

What do you think about the Foodzie Tasting Box? Would you like to receive one for yourself?
Which of these items do you want to taste test?

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Super Tasty B.L.F.G.T. or Fried Green Tomato Sandwich | Foodie Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:10:00 +0000

(My Fried Green Tomato Sandwich)

I got excited when I heard that we'd be getting a bunch of green tomatoes in our weekly CSA goodie bag from our favorite local farmers at Creeksong Farm. There was no doubt in my mind as to what I'd be using them for because I've been craving Fried Green Tomatoes ever since we got back from our trip to Asheville.

I can't say that I've done my own fried green tomatoes before, but I've surely tasted more than my fair share. That's for sure. I knew that the recipe for FGTs wasn't all that complicated, but I went online to find some tried and true recipes to follow along. When I search for recipes, I do it in the Google images category because, of course, I'm obsessed with food photos. Once I came across a good-looking thumbnail I clicked through to check out the recipe.

The Fried Green Tomato recipe that I found was on Blogchef.net. I like that the ingredient list didn't have too many different items, most of them we had on-hand. It was a pretty basic recipe. And the instructions were super simple, too. One thing that was missing was the cornmeal, but I improvised because it seems like an important element. I used a cornmeal based fish fry that I brought back from New Orleans instead, and it worked just fine.

I worked on coating and breading the tomatoes while Cody fried them up. By the time we were done, there was a pretty enormous pile of FGTs sitting in front of us. At that point, we weren't even that hungry because we had been taste testing along the way. Oops!

The plan was to make Fried Green Tomato BLTs. Or a B.L.F.G.T. :D Although we didn't make any sandwiches that evening because we spoiled our appetites. It was the first thing on my mind the very next day, though. Guess what I had for breakfast! Haha Yep, a B.L.F.G.T.! It was the most delicious sandwich EVAR! Seriously.

Making a FGT sandwich is super simple. All you do is toast some bread, slap on some mayo, layer it with lettuce, add a few pieces of crispy bacon along with your FGTs, and you're all set. Easy peasy!

I had two of those sandwiches that day. This week alone I've had 4 of them! Haha We might even have some leftovers, so I can make another one today. Hmmmmm...is it lunch time yet?!?! :D

What do you think about Fried Green Tomatoes? Love 'em? Hate 'em?
Please share in the comments or on the WW Facebook page!

Like it? Share it! Please :D

5 Unique Places to Drink in Downtown Asheville, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:45:00 +0000

(Beer Flight @ Thirsty Monk)

Asheville is a town with many nicknames. For three years in a row it's won the title of Beer City USA among voters in a national poll. With 10 local breweries operating in this one city alone, I think that it's earned such a distinguished label. I'm not a huge drinker myself, but I've been known to knock back a few here and there. When you've tirelessly walked back and forth on the streets of downtown, you're bound to get thirsty. There are so many options to choose from that it can be a rather difficult choice to make when you're parched and ready to make a pit-stop.

Refreshment can be found in many different forms throughout downtown Asheville. Of course, we didn't have time to hit up every hot spot we intended to, but there's always next time! This post doesn't just outline places to get booze, though. We stopped at a few non-alcoholic establishments as well that I want to share, too.

Here are my suggestions on great places to get drinks in Asheville, NC.

Best Beer Selection: Thirsty Monk — This neighborhood favorite isn't made up of just one bar. It's actually two bars! The upstairs is where you can find American craft beers while the basement bar is strictly reserved for Belgium brews. You'd never know that there was anything downstairs unless you asked, because they have a lot to choose from in the top bar alone. Between the two bars in Thirsty Monk, there are 62 rotating taps. They keep an updated list on their website, so you know what's available at any given time. Cody and I ventured downstairs to take a beer flight. A beer flight is where you get to try several different brews at one time for a low price ($8). I really liked that you didn't have to commit to an entire pint in the event you selected something you didn't care for. On the evening that we went, which was mid-week, there were virtually no other drinkers downstairs. Judging by the amount of people hanging around outside, however, it looks like this might be a local hangout. You can't miss it either. The bar is painted purple!

Best Bar for Cocktails: Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge — The name of this bar was given because it's in what used to be a bank. An actual vault still remains where they have set up a lounge of sorts with cheesy red velvet curtains and a cushy couch complete with a big-screen TV. The rest of the bar was pretty packed with what I deemed to be a healthy amount of hipsters. It was dark and the music was loud, but the drinks were good! I ordered their Blackberry Margarita. It had a nice balance of sweet and tart, and I liked that it came frozen. While they did offer outdoor seating, space was limited, so Cody and I stayed inside with the crowd to finish our drinks. We didn't stay for long, but I would definitely go back to try out some of the other cocktails on their menu.

Best Family Friendly Bar: Asheville Brewing Company (on Coxe Avenue) — Right around the corner from where Cody and I stayed sat this place. It had a low-key vibe that I felt like was a place where you could bring the whole family. By the time we made our way over here, I was over drinking any beer, so I didn't try any of their homemade brews. Cody tried their Ninja Porter and Shiva IPA, neither of which I liked. Apparently, I'm not a fan of hoppy beers. He wasn't overly impressed, but I didn't hear any complaints from him either. My drink of choice was their Electric Lemonade that was this radioactive-blue color. It was extremely sweet, but I loved it! The only food we tried were the jalapeno poppers, although I have heard that they have the best pizza in Asheville. They had a HUGE outdoor patio with a large projector screen where I'm sure they show football games and such. Had we ventured there sooner than our last night in Asheville, we probably would have been back more than once!

Best Place for a Pick-Me Up: Dobra Tea — This was one of my favorite non-alcoholic spots that we stopped at. As we walked past, the sign outside caught my eye. After investigating their menu, Cody and I decided to give it a try. Going inside was like stepping into a temple adorned with all sorts of oriental-inspired decor, the setting was relaxing and serene. We chose to sit at a small bar in front of the large window so that we could people watch. I wasn't in the mood for anything hot, so I was on the lookout for an iced tea on their extensive menu. They hand you a bell (that you ring when you're ready to order) and a small mini binder with a ton of options to choose from! Still stuck on what caught my eye outside, I decided to go with the Kyoto Kinen. It was a mixture of Japanese powdered Matcha Green tea, local milk and local honey. It had just a hint of sweetness. I found it to be very refreshing! Something unique about this teahouse is that they actually travel to the regions in which the tea was grown to source their loose leaf offerings.

Best Place for a Non-Alcoholic Buzz: Vanuatu Kava Bar — This watering hole isn't located in the heart of downtown, but it was practically right across the street from the Orange Peel, which is pretty dang close. A friend of ours told us about it the last time we came to Asheville, but we didn't get to go. We almost thought that an opportunity to try it was thwarted yet again because they were closed, but we ended up going back later in the day during their happy hour. It was a little hard to schedule because you can't have any alcohol in your system when you've had kava (at least you're not supposed to), so we just had to plan accordingly.

Unsure of what to order, we briefly discussed our options with the “bartender” who offered some suggestions on what to get for first timers. After an explanation about what Kava is, and what it does, we got our bowls of the brown liquid and went out back. I can't say that it was anywhere near as tasty as some of the other things I've shared in this post, but it not supposed to be good. People drink Kava for its side effects, which can have a calming or euphoric effect among other things. It had a bitter and chalky taste that I found difficult to drink, but I almost finished it! My mood afterward seemed a lot similar to how I had already been feeling, so the effects were lost on me. I suppose that I'm just naturally laid-back. :D Although it was an interesting experience to say the least. I'd definitely give it another try the next time we're in town. For a non-drinker, this would be a unique place to go.

Well, that's all I have to share about some of the most interesting places I found to drink in Asheville. As I said, we didn't get to hit all the hot spots we were hoping to, but we'll save those for our next trip! To see more of what this city has to offer, I encourage you to visit some of the other posts I have already published. If you have any suggestions to add, please feel free to share in the comments! Or on the WW Facebook page!

Wanna see more? Check out "Local Restaurants in Downtown Asheville" Part 1 & Part 2

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I Miss Jacksonville Beach Montage | Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Sometimes I miss being able to head to the beach on a whim. Don't get me wrong, I love my mountains, but I do love playing in the sand and salt water, too. Scouring the shore for shells with my nephew is something I miss even more. To reach the coast from here in the High Country it would take at least a 5-hour drive. It's not something we get to do often because of the time it takes to get there. Usually, I'm okay with that, but I've found myself longing for another day by the sea.

Summer feels like it's coming to an end here in Boone, NC, which is probably why the beach is on my mind. This week we've experienced colder temperatures, especially at night. I've been wearing my knee-high Winnie the Pooh socks it's been so chilly! You won't hear me complain, though, because FALL is one of my favorite seasons. Honestly, I can't wait for it to arrive!

In the meantime, I'm going to attempt to soak up every last bit of summer I possibly can before the weather here in Boone completely changes course. So, until the next time I have the opportunity to head to the coast, I'll just enjoy the memories made this past summer at Jacksonville Beach with my family.

How are you soaking up the last bits of summer?

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Early Girl Eatery | Local Restaurant in Downtown Asheville, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:17:00 +0000

This diner-style restaurant tucked away on Wall Street is a perfect place to start your day in Asheville. Due to its popularity we were met with a short wait where we hung out on the sidewalk. But we didn't mind, because this place came highly recommended by people we know and friends on Facebook. It was difficult to tell how large this place was because the dining room was hidden in the back. Surprisingly, it turned out to be much more expansive than it looked from the front. After about 20 minutes or so we were escorted through the hallway lined with creative sketches drawn by customers on the butcher paper used as table cloths. I would have stuck around to take a closer look had there not been an extreme amount of heat bellowing from the kitchen. There were some really fantastic drawings showcased on those walls.

While we were waiting, Cody and I had taken some time to peruse the menu, so we would have a good idea about what to order. Our plan—which totally backfired—was to get an entree that we could share, so that we wouldn't be so full at the end of the meal. The reasoning behind that had something to do with the rather large breakfast we ate at the Tupelo Honey Cafe days earlier that stuffed us till dinner time. There were many more restaurants I wanted to try while visiting Asheville, so I wanted to make sure that we'd be hungry come lunchtime. Great plan, right? Wrong!

Like I said, it backfired. Our plate of Shrimp and Grits ended up being a really hearty meal that left us feeling just as full. They were different than your normal run-of-the-mill shrimp and grits. Instead of just plainly piling ingredients over stone-ground grits, they concocted a sauce to top them with. It was reminiscent of a cajun-style gumbo, like you'd find in New Orleans. I enjoyed the spicy kick the peppers added to the mix. While these shrimp and grits were much different than the ones I ate in Charleston, I thought their spin on this classic southern dish was an interesting take.

Early Girl Eatery was a great place to have a homemade meal. It's vegetarian friendly, the waitstaff was super friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxed and laid back. We would have stayed a little longer had we not been in a rush to go meet a friend for a day of tubing. The next time we're in Asheville, it'll definitely be on our list of places to return to!

Interested in taking a look at some of the other places to eat in Asheville?

Visit the Local Restaurant Guide to Downtown Asheville, NC I shared previously!

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter @ Islands of Adventure | Universal Studios | Orlando, FL.

noreply@blogger.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:47:00 +0000

(HOGWARTS CASTLE)

I'm still surprised when I hear from some people that they haven't seen any of the Harry Potter movies. The books, I understand, not everyone enjoys reading. If you've read all of the books and refuse to watch any of the movies, well, that's just plain weird. Then again, maybe I'm the weird one because I rather enjoy reading about wizards that have magical powers. In any event, I think the Harry Potter stories are fabulous. The amount of imagination it took for J.K. Rowling to conjure such a fantastical and mystical world is beyond my comprehension. What I do know, though, is that the Harry Potter stories have captivated me since the beginning.

I've only read up to the 5^th installment of the HP series. However, I have seen all of the films (most more than once), including the most recent movie that brought the epic adventure to a bittersweet end. It was pretty sad to realize that we would see no more movies or read any other books, but it is comforting to know that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure is there to satiate any feelings of loss we might encounter.

(THREE BROOMSTICKS)

From the moment I heard about the Universal theme park opening up this new area, it became my mission to get there. Instead of having to imagine walking through Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts castle, we would have an opportunity to see it in real-life. Okay, so it's not the real deal, but Universal Studios did an incredible job of recreating this imaginary world.

(HOGSMEADE GATE & BUILDINGS)

I was completely enamored by the surroundings as soon as I stepped through the towering gate. The buildings stood tall and were all made of stone. Capturing images of the structures was quite difficult due to the amount of tourists lining the streets. It was impossible to get photos without a hundred heads popping into the frame.

(SNOW ON THE ROOFTOPS IN HOGSMEADE)

One thing that I found particularly odd about the buildings was that they chose to adorn the rooftops with snow. In the summertime it just didn't seem to make much sense. However, I can see that being something special they could do in the wintertime.

(CANDY IN HONEYDUKES)

We stopped in a few of the stores that didn't have lines overflowing out the door. Zonko's Joke Shop & Honeydukes were the only ones we managed to peruse. I made a decision not to buy anything from the candy shop at the time, but I'm kicking myself now for not getting a chocolate toad or flavored beans.

(HOGWARTS CASTLE)

After making our way through the streets of Hogsmeade, we headed toward the Hogwarts castle to take a ride on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. After waiting outside in a long and windy line, we actually got to go inside the castle. My camera was in the locker, so I didn't get any pictures of the inside, but it was wicked awesome. The ride itself was equally awesome. Read more about them in a previous post: My Favorite Islands of Adventure Theme Park Rides.

(BUTTERBEER!)

Once we rode a couple rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and visited a couple of the shops, the only thing left for me to do was grab a cup of butterbeer! I patiently waited in a 15 minute line so I could get a taste. It was well worth the wait, too, because I loved it. The flavor reminded me of cream soda, and the foamy froth on top was sweet. I'd love to have another one right now!

The only downside to the WW of HP was the large amount of people. Other than that, the whole place was amazing, especially for someone who's enthralled by the Harry Potter stories. I'm dying to go back already!

If you had a magical power, what would it be?
Have you followed the Harry Potter books or movies?
Please share in the comments!

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