HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Tomorrow is a day to give Thanks for all the blessings in our lives.

This year, more than ever, I have so much to be thankful for:

my family, Cody, my friends, my dog, being home

in Arkansas, my job, my health, etc, etc.

So, here is to all of my followers and fellow bloggers...

Wishing everyone a safe and happy

Holiday with family & friends!!

#28, Try Something Daring... ZIP LINE!

Webster's Dictionary defines a Zip Line as "a cable suspended above an incline to which a pulley and harness are attached for a rider". My definition, on the other hand, is a little less technical. I would call it was an intimidating but amazing ride!! Adventure Zip Lines in Branson definitely provided the thrill I was looking for in #28 on my 30 by 30 list, Try Something Daring!

The first few times you take off, you are scared of the 70 feet between you and the ground... but after a while, when you pick up on how to gain speed and steer, you realize that you have the most beautiful view of the city, the Sevierville forest canopy and the rest of your surroundings!! Even though I was a little scared at first.... this was definitely an enjoyable experience.

If you are ever in Branson, you should definitely give this a try! http://adventureziplinesofbranson.com/

#8 Visit a Vineyard...well in this case, a Winery

Check off #8... Visit a winery=complete!!

While in Branson, Cody and I took a trip to the Stone Hill Winery. The actual "home" of Stone Hill is Hermann, MO, but they have a location in Branson as well. We loved hearing how the winery was established and touring the facility...but the best part, of course, was the wine tasting!! After this experience, I'm definitely a fan of Stone Hill wines! If you are out looking for an amazing red or white, you should give one of theirs a try.

Just a little history for you: At the turn of the 20th century, Stone Hill Winery was the second-largest winery in the United States and the third-largest in the world; it produced 1,250,000 gallons in 1900. Its wine had won numerous awards in international fairs, including Vienna in 1873, Philadelphia in 1876, and St. Louis in 1904. Due to Prohibition, the winery was closed in 1920, along with virtually all others in the nation. During this time, the family earned money by using its wine cellars to grow mushrooms for sale until 1965. In 1965 the Held family made Stone Hill Winery the first in Missouri to be re-established. In 2008, wine production was 260,000 gallons. The Stone Hill winery is owned by the Held family, with the property passed down from generation to generation.

Trip to Branson & Big Cedar Lodge

Last Wednesday, Cody and I headed out on a much needed getaway to Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, MO. We had an absolute blast!! I got a few things accomplished from my 30 by 30 list (which will be in later posts, of course) and we got in some shopping while we were there. The trip was amazing and Big Cedar is just as wonderful as ever!

Here are some pictures of our 3 days in Missouri.

Our private cabin with a view of the lake. We grilled steaks on the back patio the last night we were there.


Inside our Cabin... there is so much attention to every detail.


Christmas Lights were up at Big Cedar for the Holidays!



Trying to take a self portrait...notice I said trying!


Bent Hook Marina at Big Cedar...we got there after they closed, but the view was amazing.

Branson Landing is ready for Christmas

Fountain at Branson Landing...that's a water show behind us.


Cody had Joe's Crab Shack for the first time!


The last day, we enjoyed spending some time at the stables. You wouldn't believe how many horses we saw. We planned to go horseback riding, but they were closed, and then it rained the next morning.
More Pictures to follow in 30 by 30 posts!!

#20 on my Thirty by Thirty... Trial 1

I'm struggling to find a Hobby that I'm passionate about, or anything that I could say I would enjoy doing every day. I enjoy Blogging, but I don't make a habit of it and sometimes I go weeks or months without a post. I like to shop, but that hobby is way too costly. Cooking is fun but adds pounds to the waistline. So... yesterday, while on my lunch break, I think I decided what I want to attempt.
With all of the moving that has taken place in my life over the last year, I have found that many of my pictures and memorable cards/tickets have been lost in the shuffle. I thought to myself, "if only I was a scrapbooker, then I would have all of those memories neatly in one place". Right then and there, I headed to Hobby Lobby! I loaded up on colorful pages and a nice cloth scrapbook. I even got stickers, markers and glue sticks to put it all together. Now... do not confuse me with the "hard core scrapbookers"... I am not planning to attend any classes or join any clubs. I just want all of my pictures and memorabilia in a place where I can find it, and I suppose making it look cute in the process isn't so bad, right?!?
If anyone else is a scrapbooker, let me know your tips. Hopefully this first project will lead to a new Hobby for me!

"Haute" Razorback Dress!

My great friend and old college roommate, Amber, has started her own business, and I couldn't be happier for her!! "Haute Threads Boutique" specializes in making custom dresses out of your old college t-shirts. Amber makes each dress to the specifications of the customer and each one is different and unique. Just look at the one she made for me:

It's a long sleeve black shirt with embroidered Hog and Houndstooth skirt. I was planning to wear it for the Halloween game vs Vandy but plans changed, so I will definitely be showing it off at the UTEP or LSU game (or maybe both!)

I'm so thrilled for Amber and her new business!! If you are interested in a College/NFL/MLB/Etc custom made dress, let me know, and I will get you in touch with her. She also makes them for young girls and they are absolutely precious.

Thanks again Amber! I truly love it!