2019 Year in Review

2019 was our first full calendar year living in South Carolina and it did not disappoint.

It was a pleasure to explore what the region has to offer. Here are some of our experiences. 

Strolling through my fantasy neighborhood in Beaufort, SC.

The stunning beach of Hunting Island State Park in St. Helena, SC.

Brewery/bar hopping in Asheville, NC while enjoying the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The difference in landscape after a 3 hour drive is incredible!

 

A ride down to Florida and enjoying a completely different landscape in Clearwater.

First time to Georgia walking along the Savannah River in Augusta.


Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg, SC was another treat with its sea of roses.

Swan Lake in Sumter, SC was a gorgeous retreat.

The Old Sheldon Church Ruins in Yemassee, SC.

The whimsical work of Pearl Fryar in Bishopville, SC.

Walking the Lake Murray Dam and hanging our love lock.

The impressive topiaries of Greenwood, SC.

Our young butterfly garden is working. We had 4 monarch caterpillars. Since they find a hiding spot for their next phase of life, we don't know if they made it or became a snack for another creature.

The garden also became a huge attraction for the birds, particularly due to the addition of a birdbath which is being enjoyed at all temperatures. 

We have been to many restaurants to check out their offerings and more importantly, sip our way through a flight of beer to sample micro brews.  

Twisted Spur Brewing had the best presentation with the flight arriving in a carving of the South Carolina state.

Of course we went on many nature walks seeing our first alligator and rattlesnake (2 things I never expected to see wild here) as well as explored the city of Columbia.

Business has been very healthy, so much so that I cut back on social media quite a bit this year. 

Reducing social media use creates more hobby time opportunities. So I started focusing on reading classics and was surprised that one of my favorites was Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment.

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I was expecting a boring tedious read but really ended up enjoying this psychological thriller that was, at times, quite humorous. 

While that novel is not for everyone, one that I think may be was another favorite. This was John Steinbeck's East of Eden. 

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I had seen the 1955 film starring James Dean earlier in the year when it was on Netflix.  While I enjoyed the film, it leaves out the first half of this epic read so the novel is much more entertaining.


This venture will continue into 2020 as it is proving to be much more amusing than anticipated! It has been a great way to discover authors of whose work I would love to read more of. 


I hope you all had a great, fulfilling 2019 too.

Wishing all my readers a marvelous 2020! 

Thank you for stopping by. ~Val

2018 Year in Review

2018 was my most life changing, challenging, exciting year yet!

Our Massachusetts house went under agreement right away in May. Jim and I waited it out before house hunting. 

Then we put life on hold, headed south and searched. We found the perfect home in a perfect location.

downtown Lexington, SC

We wanted to head south for the warmer climate more suitable to us. South Carolina was a perfect fit.

We also wanted a better quality of life. Relocating to a more affordable part of the country has given us just that. Our lives have significantly improved in more ways than I ever imagined.


Besides the move, this year was full of first time experiences. Here are a few fun ones.

We did not know female praying mantises do this when they are angry. This little lady was on our front porch and did not want her photo taken even though she looks like she is striking a pose.

Carolina Mantis

A whimsical southern swamp.

Congaree National Park

A tree tunnel.

South Boundary Ave, Aiken, SC

Tons of Spanish moss.

A boiled peanut experience (Jim warned me)! It is probably a taste you have to grow up with.

Lots of flowers blooming in December.

camelia shrub blooming in December

In terms of my business, in the last quarter I spent time improving listings, sourcing and adding new inventory so I am looking forward to moving into a fresh, efficient year! 

Although I love challenging myself, my only goal in the new year is to enjoy the simple pleasures each day has to bring.

I hope you have enjoyed your 2018 too! Wishing you a happy, healthy, successful new year!

Thank you for stopping by. ~Val

2017 Year in Review

I'm back from an unplanned blog world absence! 

At the end of October we were affected by the horrible hurricane season and lost power for 4 days. After being shut down for those days I just never got back into my normal routine since the holiday season was in full swing then.

I thought 2017 was pretty uneventful but when looking back in my blog I was wrong! Just the second half of the year was mellow.

Our kitchen went from this:

To this after staining the cabinets, painting the brick, replacing the dishwasher, replacing 2 light fixtures and adding a granite counter. The vintage ceiling fan is still in place but we just can't seem to find the right one to replace it with.

We tore up the downstairs flooring and discovered beautiful hardwood.

We hired a professional who replaced some old pine inlays and refinished the living room, hallway and dining room. What magicians and his crew were!

We removed 2 layers of nasty old linoleum from the kitchen and half bath. This was after most of the top layer was removed. Way worse than all the carpet removal we had to do! The odor we uncovered was quite unpleasant too.

Then we had luxury vinyl tile installed. It is quite a product. Everyone who sees it thinks it is ceramic until we tell them otherwise.

We created a hosta garden that flourished as the season went on. These plants were happy to be upcycled since they were formerly in the front yard having to deal with way too much sunshine!

After the last of contractor help around the house I was able to settle down and get into some fun stuff like the flame painting of copper.

oxidized pieces

and conversation pieces

I did my first craft fair in 8 years this past holiday season. That was fun so I am hoping to sign up for more in 2018!

I hope you had a wonderful 2017 too. Wishing you an amazing, fulfilling 2018! ~Val

The Year in Review

2016 is coming to an end. What a year it has been! 

Jim and I moved in to our first house together. She has been a bit of a fixer upper but nothing we weren't aware of at purchase. Yes, we got a great deal! Since this photo was taken she has gotten a new roof, new chimney, updated electrical, repaired foundation inside and out and a new fence. Not to mention the little things we have done without contractor help! Wow, that's a lot!

We have had fun exploring our new city's different restaurants.

 Its fantastic architecture of buildings re-built in 1882 after a devastating fire.

Downtown artwork depicting its history.

Its parks and reservations.

I got my first pixie cut when I decided to go natural and never color my hair again. This has made my life just a little bit easier!

The biggest thing that happened this year was Jim and I got married!  Ok, so I'm clearly a very private person! 

We both said we would never get married but from time to time this would come up in conversation that maybe we should go for it. So one night over wine we decided to do it. The next morning we went to City Hall to get the ball rolling. 3 weeks later it was a done deal!

We wanted to run off and do this in private but knew we would feel guilty about not telling the moms and dads. Since Jim's parents are in MA during the summer it seemed like perfect timing.

This was the size of our wedding above. I am next to Jim's parents and he is next to mine. It is obvious when you look at the moms because we each look like our mom. 

Combined, these sets of parents have over a century of experience in making a marriage work and last.

We were married in the backyard where I grew up. Wow my hair is getting grey!

The minister of my mom's church officiated the ceremony. She was really sweet. I was concerned since Jim and I aren't churchy (is that a word?), but that was not a problem. I have great respect for the churches that accept and appreciate everyone. I bought a classic Calvin Klein dress that I will get plenty of future wear out of. 

I wanted this whole thing to be as quick and stress free as it could be and it was!

No dull moments this year! I would say it is my best year yet. It is not easy saying that when I know it has been a difficult year for many across the globe. 

I hope you have enjoyed my year in review and that I didn't shock you too much with the husband and wife thing. 💕 2017 will likely be another year about the house. We wish to conquer the kitchen and half bath remodel this coming year so we will see!

Thank you to all my lovely readers. Wishing you an awesome, fulfilling 2017! ~Val

End of The Year Review!

2015 was quite a year!

It was my first full calendar year for being self employed as well as living with Jim. I wouldn't change a thing!

This year I ventured onto Amazon with a findings shop! I wish they would create attractive store fronts for sellers like they do with Amazon Handmade. Anyway I am still thankful for the site helping me grow my business.

When thinking of the highlight of the year I would have to say being asked to take part in an episode of New England Chronicle. If you missed it, it can be viewed here: Keeping it Symbol: Rock On. My part comes in around 2:30 on the time counter. I certainly never wanted to be on television but was really flattered to be asked and I'm so proud that I went through with it! 

I treated myself to a new camera.

But some subjects weren't too happy about that considering this dude's face!

I tried my hand at resin. Very cool! Of course I haven't had time to do more with it.

I experimented with tofu. This chowder, although not pretty, is a favorite of ours now!

Discovered some neat places.

Had some fun custom orders!

Survived an insane winter!

I wonder what this winter has in mind for us!

I hope you all had a fulfilling 2015! Wishing you an amazing 2016!!! 

Happy New Year!

Thank you for stopping by. ~Val