Have you ever heard the term '#KitchenGoals'? If you search it on Instagram, you are sure to find some of the most beautiful and flavorful kitchens you have ever seen. From contemporary cabinetry to modern styled lighting to an island you could practically sleep on, there are so many charming elements to each and every kitchen viewed simply by using this hashtag. Not only is Instagram a popular tool when picking out preferred kitchen designs, but Pinterest (please give me a follow :)) has also become a fan favorite as well. When Ryan and I moved in to our house in the mountains of North Carolina in 2014, we knew that redesigning our kitchen would be a goal of ours. We love our house because it is very spacious and functional. However, what the house had in practicality, it lacked in kitchen space. One could not open the refrigerator and the dishwasher at the same time because they would clash. Counter space was limited, everything was very closed off and natural light was only view-able through a small window. Here are a few photos of our kitchen before. We knew this kitchen would be temporary so we saved for five years so we could build our dream kitchen. Then, in the Fall of 2018, we met with our contractor Ronnie Jones Construction and started the process to build our brand new kitchen. After our initial meeting with plans for demo day to start within a few weeks, I knew it was time to find someone to help me design this kitchen. If you know me at all, you know that spreadsheets, planning and organization are my strengths. If you come to me with an idea for an event, it will likely be fully planned within the next week. I take pride that my mind operates that way; however, I can also humbly admit that when it comes to being creative or having a knack for design, this is an area I struggle in. Thankfully, my best friend of 20 years Jenn, with Jenn Fussell Interiors, has immaculate taste in pretty much everything and came to my rescue. Since the day we moved in to our house, Jenn has been instrumental in the design of it all. She drove to Boone on my 29th birthday and helped me pick out paint colors for every single room in my house. I knew with her taste in paint colors alone, that she would be the right person to design this kitchen. Getting Started With this kitchen remodel, we knew we wanted to make our new kitchen more 'open concept' (thank you Joanna Gains for giving me life with this new term). Not only did we want to remove all the enclosing walls, but we also wanted to expand by blowing out the two existing hallway closets. When we met with our contractor Ronnie he gave us an even better suggestion and recommended that we extend our kitchen out as well, which would double the size of the kitchen. Done, Done and Done! Then, on October 25th, with our design drawn up and permits pulled, we officially started construction on our new kitchen. Over the first few weeks, Ronnie's team worked diligently on the extension of the kitchen before starting on the interior. It was neat to see the footers laid and the cement poured, followed by the actual extension added on (picture below). It was perfect timing because our contractor finished the exterior just about the time Boone winter settled in. For anyone who has never experienced a high country winter, it can be quite beautiful but also quite chilly. Demo Day For any of you that love HGTV's Fixer Upper as much as I do, you know when you hear Chip Gaines say his infamous 'It's Demo Day', it is a very good day. This day happened for us on December 1, 2019. I remember the feeling of coming home and seeing all the walls blown out and already feeling a sense of wonder as I experienced how much bigger my home already felt with this added and renovated space. Here a few pictures below to capture the difference from the beginning stages of the interior demolition Throughout the next two months, Ronnie and his team continued to work on the interior of the kitchen from early to late hours. His team was diligent in working hard and providing a quality end result. Because the walls that were removed were load bearing walls, we needed to put a few beams in to hold up the second floor. It was very impressive to see these beams come together and we loved them so much that we ended up creating additional 'fake' beams to match. Meanwhile, while the contractors were hard at work, Jenn and I were in full planning and accessorizing mode. The wonderful thing about Jenn is, while I am on the mountain and she is in Mount Airy, NC, she could still help me with every single detail from a design perspective. No matter what time of day, I could Facetime, message or call and get her thoughts on how to move forward on a certain design element. From the layout of the beams, to the placement of the lighting, to the cabinet colors, to the countertop design, to the brand of appliances, Jenn was there every step of the way helping me pick out items that would not only look good together but also match our vision for this kitchen. Here are a few more pictures capturing the interior renovation: The Finishing Touches In February 2019, our kitchen renovation was starting to come to an end. We could see the final product was in sight so we headed to Charleston, SC for my husbands art show and let Ronnie's team finish up the final touches. When we returned home on Tuesday, February 19th, we walked in the door to a complete kitchen. I truly wished it was an episode of Fixer Upper and there was a camera crew following Ryan and I around so our reaction could be captured. We were both in awe and immensely impressed with the end result. Everything came together so well and flowed so naturally. Below are the final photos capturing our dream kitchen. To express how much I love this kitchen would be hard to do. While there are still some things I want to do such as window treatments, accessorize with area rugs and other decor, that will have to come in a later blog post. For now, I am thoroughly enjoying this new space. I love looking out the window and watching my toddler play on his swingset. It is truly the perfect place to cook, entertain and congregate with my family. I am grateful to our contractor Ronnie Jones Construction for their hard work on this project. I am especially thankful to Jenn Fussell Interiors for making this vision a reality. Finally, I am thankful to my husband for supporting this idea and helping bring this idea to life.
To view this whole process from start to finish, please give me a follow on Instagram at @mtnmommanc and view the 'Kitchen' highlight. This is also where I will post more photos as I continue to add more bits of flavor, design and decor to this new kitchen. For a list of all vendors used, please see below and thanks for following along :). List of Vendors
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Picture this.....a beautiful deserted beach, a magical vacation to the happiest place on earth, a cruise ship waiting to take you to your stunning destination....all of that sounds heavenly doesn't it? Absolutely!! Planning it though? Not so much. That is where Juli Russ with Wishes Family Travel steps in. About Juli A resident of Royal Oak, Michigan, Juli became a concierge travel agent in the fall of 2014. As a wife and mother of two, Juli LOVED planning all of their family vacations. She had a knack for planning each and every detail of their trips and soon discovered she wanted to help others plan their own magical vacations. Thus, she started her own part-time business as a Disney travel agent and by 2015, she made it a permanent career. Since the establishment of her business, she has helped many families plan every detail of their Disney Vacation. Whether it is a trip to Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL, a visit to Disneyland in California, or a magical Disney cruise to a top destination, Juli is there from the very first step till the time her client returns home. Juli is great at planning vacations because she works directly with her clients to find the perfect fit for their dream destination. On top of that, she also helps with coordinating dining plans, securing transportation, booking lodging, etc. She is a true advocate prior to and during her client's getaway. While Juli specializes in planning the perfect Disney vacation, she is also licensed to plan getaways to other travel hot-spots such as the Caribbean, Europe, and many other countries. Pictured below are a few photos from some of Juli's favorite destinations: What Clients Are Saying With a following of over 900 people on her Facebook page and Instagram, it is no wonder why Juli has become one of the most sought after travel agents. I can speak from personal experience and attest that Juli was absolutely phenomenal in planning our recent Disney vacation. She handled all of the arrangements, coordinated our character meals, booked our fast passes, created a special itinerary for the week and provided recommendations on things to do and places to eat. I am so thankful I trusted her with our vacation. Here are some reviews from a few other very happy customers: Concierge service all the way! Juli does it with flying colors! Every trip she's planned for me has been flawless. I love that I can hand her the reigns and just show up for my vacation. Any mom can understand this. ~ Catherine Flores Juli was absolutely AMAZING while helping us plan our first Disney trip with 3 small children! She was very helpful and answered all my questions. It was our very first time traveling with our 3 children that under the age of 7! Our trip was very well planned out and stress free! We highly recommend Juli to all of our friends and family and anyone else that is looking to plan a trip with her! You will not be disappointed! We will defy be booking with her in the near future!! ~ Alicia Andrade Juli is such an amazing travel professional. She is there throughout the planning process to make sure every piece is perfect. Juli is even available during your vacation if you have questions. She genuinely cares that her clients have an amazing vacation experience! ~ Sarah McClure GIVEAWAY!!! If I have not sold you on utilizing Juli as your go-to travel agent yet, I encourage you to contact her to learn more about her various concierge offerings. Juli is kind, professional and can help you from the comfort of your own home. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a complimentary quote and a FREE Mickey and Minnie plush set ($25 value) from Juli. This will be perfect for your next family vacation! Here is how it works to enter to win:
1. Follow me on Instagram at @mtnmommanc 2. Like this post on my Instagram page and/or my personal Facebook page 3. Tag as many friends as you want separately in the comments of my Instagram page and/or personal Facebook page to be entered into this raffle 4. Winner will be announced Friday March 1 Good Luck! Earlier this month I took a step out of my comfort zone and did a full blown makeup tutorial and shared it on my Instagram story. I debated about doing this for months and found myself hesitant because I do not love to 'show myself' on camera. As crazy as it sounds, I love to highlight what other people are doing, what I am cooking, my favorite products, etc., but I have never loved being the one front and center on camera. Even moreso, I have always loved makeup. I think it is so fun to try new cosmetics out and see what works and what doesn't. I have even loved doing my friends makeup whether it be for a night out, a wedding or a special event. So, I decided to branch out a little bit and did my own makeup tutorial and frankly....... you guys blew me out of the water with your response. I received so much positive feedback as well as so many great questions. I love helping people look and feel their best and I believe your cosmetic routine plays a special part in that. So whether you are getting ready for a casual Wednesday, a night out with the girls or a special occasion, I wanted to share my makeup routine, as well as some tips and tricks to help you as you are creating your own cosmetic look: For the Face:
Eyes
I hope you found this helpful. Makeup is something that I am always experimenting with so if you have any cosmetics tips, drop me a note with your best advice. If you need assistance finding the perfect shade or color, please feel free to message me here. Happy Makeover!
I love FeatureFridays. It is one of my most favorite part's about maintaining a blog. While I love to write, I REALLY love to highlight local businesses who are out there hustling and grinding. So for my final FeatureFriday of 2018, I have the opportunity to spotlight one of the hardest workers I know, my wildly talented wildlife artist husband, Ryan Kirby Art. Now I know that I have a very unbiased opinion, but if you have a knack for art, wildlife, or anything of the sort, Ryan Kirby is one of the best wildlife artists in the country. Born and raised in the small town of Hamilton, IL, Ryan spent his early childhood on the family farm hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Whether it was a cold November morning or a crisp summer night, you could always find Ryan doing something outside. He loved it, he thrived off of it. Nothing came between him and his love for the outdoors. About Ryan As an adolescent, he started to take a few art classes and noticed that he was fairly talented. He did not fall in love with art right away; rather, he noticed that when his teacher said 'draw a house,' his house just looked a little better than other's houses. As he grew up, other local outdoorsmen began to notice his talent and started commissioning him to paint their dogs. Ryan had a way of capturing these hunting dogs so beautifully, even in their own setting. Pictured below are a couple commissions he painted. As Ryan continued to explore his artistic abilities, he took a few art classes in high school. One class in particular, taught by Mr. Mullins, was where he really learned the fundamentals of art. In 1999 he entered the Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest and took home first place. While he was excited about this great honor, it also taught him a lot of fundamental business aspects at a young age. At 16 years old, he was cutting checks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service . Pictured below is his award winning junior federal duck stamp. After Ryan's senior class of 49 students crossed the stage on graduation day, he went on to Bradley University in Peoria IL. Initially he had his mind set to be an engineer, but after much consideration, he stuck with his gift, enrolled in their art program and graduated with degrees in Graphic Design and Multimedia. Upon graduation from Bradley, Ryan packed up and moved south to Edgefield, SC for a job as a graphic artist and illustrator for the National Wild Turkey Federation. It was his first job in the outdoor industry (and first real job ever, for that matter). He learned a lot there, made some great friends, and gained context and connections that he has been able to rely upon in his career as an artist. Seven years after graduating college and working for a steady paycheck, he launched out on his own as a graphic designer and wildlife artist. The evolution and work of Ryan Kirby Art Anyone who has started their own business knows the fears that come with it. The fear of not being successful, the fear of not making it, the fear of not being able to provide. The establishment of Ryan Kirby Art was no different. Ryan experienced the same hesitations all entrepreneurs face. What Ryan understood most, amidst all the fears, was if you stay light on your feet, take many small calculated risks, and adjust as necessary, you WILL build a successful business. Over the past six years as a self-employed entrepreneur, Ryan has juggled the many facets of being a full-time graphic designer in the outdoor industry while also painting part-time on nights and weekends. While he genuinely loves both, he always finds himself continually trying to improve his wildlife art. Whether it's reading his favorite book Alla Prima by Richard Schmid or working on his nightly #sketchdaily, Ryan is always striving to advance his artistic abilities. When asked where he gets his inspiration for his art, Ryan's first response is always from his experiences outdoors. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, Ryan regularly will carry a camera with him on each and every hunt he goes on. He will capture a certain scene from that hunt, bring it back to his iMac, photoshop wildlife into the image and then use that final photo as a reference to paint from. For more on Ryan's inspiration, including how art and wildlife have had tied into his life, check out the below video created by Josh Lawler with Mega Vista Media. As Ryan has continued to expand his knowledge in art, he has developed more of a 'loose' approach. While he enjoys painting all wildlife, his favorite animals to paint are deer and turkey. It is so amazing to watch a blank canvas come to life with the touch of a brush stroke. Not only has he become talented at painting these species, but he has also expanded his art to also focus on elk, waterfowl, sporting dogs and predators. A few of my specific favorite's are : Crossing Guard, Bound & Determined, Georgia (that's our black lab), and Chief. Awards & Exhibitions To say that I am one proud wife would be the understatement of the century. It has been such a joy having a front row seat as Ryan experiences success in doing what he loves. From the days where he painted nights and weekends in a guest bedroom, to now showcasing his work annually at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, an art exposition designed only for originals, or being the featured cover artist for Outdoor Life Magazine, Ryan is so worthy and deserving of his achievements. While he has earned many awards throughout his career, there are a few that I would be remiss if I did not mention:
GIVEAWAY!!! If I have not sold you on Ryan Kirby Art yet, I encourage you to check out their website, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube channel. One look at Ryan's art and you will be as impressed and inspired as I am. Whether you are a first time visitor to Ryan's website or a faithful follower, I encourage you to take advantage of the 20% off all prints and apparel special, using the code DECKTHEWALLS, now through midnight Saturday December, 15. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE Artist's Proof Canvas Giclee of 'The Defender' ($350 value). The Defender was also selected for the 2015 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Premiere Art Program so this piece is very special. Here is how it works to enter to win:
1. Follow me on Instagram at @mtnmommanc 2. Like this post on my Instagram page and/or my personal Facebook page 3. Tag as many friends as you want separately in the comments of my Instagram page and/or personal Facebook page to be entered into this raffle 4. Winner will be announced Friday December 21 Good Luck! As a high country local, there are so many fun things to do and SO many yummy places to eat. Honestly.....one of my favorite things about living in the mountains of North Carolina are the restaurants. I am a foodie and even my sweet hubby knows that I would rather him take me out to eat than buy me a new purse or fancy jewelry. There is just something so sweet about congregating with your friends, your spouse, your family, whomever ....at a local restaurant and creating laughter and precious memories that you can hold on to for years to come. As a student for five years + being a local for almost five years, I have had the opportunity to visit many of our neighborhood spots here in the high country. Ryan and I love going out to eat and taking our time (because let's be serious, when eating out with a toddler, there ain't no time to waste. You get in and get out :)), We love to order drinks and appetizers, visit for while and then come back around to order our entree. We always try to pick something unique on the menu to allow ourselves to try something new. So whether you are a local and are intrigued in trying something new, or you are visiting the high country for the first or tenth time, I am providing my top 10 list of restaurants to eat at in the Boone/Blowing Rock/Banner Elk area. # 10 Local Lion. Known for their homemade potato doughnuts and their freshly roasted local coffee, this espresso bar will surely leave you coming back for more. My top picks ~ The Maple Glazed Doughnut & Hazel Truffle Latte. #9 Sorrento's Italian Bistro. A family run business and has been serving Italian dishes since 1983 to locals and travelers to the quaint town in Banner Elk, North Carolina. My top pick ~ Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. #8 Our Daily Bread. The perfect combination between a cafe and a sandwich shop located right in the heart of downtown Boone, NC. Park you car, grab lunch and then shop around at all your favorite boutiques. My top pick ~ Chicken Salad Melt served with fresh fruit. #7 The Tapp Room. A laid back, casual restaurant that provides a wide variety of items on their menu, a great selection of drinks and is the perfect place for a low-key night or a celebration after game-day. My top pick ~ Tuscan Chicken Sandwich. #6 Proper. Known for providing homestyle southern cooking, this restaurant is perfect if you are looking for a quaint atmosphere with delicious southern cuisine. My top pick ~ Meatloaf. #5 Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub. Located on 321 in Blowing Rock, this eatery is perfect for the whole family with a delicious menu and affordable prices. My top pick ~ Cobb Salad with Grilled Salmon. #4 Cobo Sushi Bistro & Bar. This one-of-a-kind dining experience includes the Japanese art of sushi, but also has plenty of non-traditional and contemporary menu items. They offer a fun-loving, casual, yet elegant atmosphere that welcomes all. My top pick ~ Chocolate Martini, Co-Bang Shrimp, The Appalachian Roll & Six Layer Caramel Cake by Whisk Bakery. # 3 Vidalia Restaurant & Wine Bar. The perfect place for a date night. Located in downtown Boone, Vidalia offers a delicious menu that will meet any customers pallet. My top picks ~ Pimento Cheese, Vidalia Burger & the gluten free flourless chocolate tote by Whisk Bakery. #2 Ransom Pub. Located in the heart of downtown Boone, Ransom offers a fresh take on traditional pub fare. My top pick - secret garden pizza and ransom mac and cheese (toddler approved too). #1 The Peddler Steakhouse. A restaurant that is near and dear to my heart as I worked here for five years, The Peddler offers the best steak in town. With a wide variety of meat options, each entree is cooked over a glowing Tennessee Hickory charcoal. Not to mention, they also have a salad bar that is, in my opinion, one of the best one in town with over 40 garden fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses and other toppings to choose from. My top picks - New York Strip with seven pepper seasoning, grilled salmon, stuffed baked potato & tollhouse pie. I hope you found this list helpful. If you have a favorite place to eat in the High Country, I would love to hear from you. I am always looking to try new places so comment below with your recommendations!
As we are settling into the fall season and are experiencing cooler temperatures, what could be better than a yummy plate of warm stir fry. This recipe is part of the Arbonne 30 Days to Healthy Living Program that I am currently doing; however, it was too good to keep to myself so I wanted to share with my audience. Now, if you are like me and are fairly busy and on the go, you might not have time to spend your Sunday afternoon cutting up veggies, baking and chopping your chicken and so forth. Thus, I have modified this recipe to make it as timely, user-friendly and budget-friendly as possible. This recipe is also husband and toddler approved :). I hope you enjoy and if you do end up trying this recipe out, comment or message me with your pictures and feedback! I would love to know what you thought! As a side tip- if your nearest grocery store participates in online shopping, I would HIGHLY recommend taking advantage of this. You can type in the ingredients that you want for any certain recipe on your list and pick them up at your convenience. We specifically shop at Harris Teeter Online; however, many other grocery stories also participate in this program. Step 1- Ingredients
Step 2- Directions Follow these easy step by step directions:
Voilà!! If the smell alone does not make your belly rumble, the first bite of this delicious meal will have you feeling so happy that you made it. I have made this a number of times for my husband and my toddler and they both always end up going back for seconds. I hope you love it as much as we do. Send me your recipes!!
Do you enjoy clean eating/clean cooking too? Do you have any favorite clean recipes that are a must to try? I am also looking for new ideas so please send me your recipes and I will be glad to feature one of them on my next 'CleanEats' blog post! Want to see more? Follow me on Instagram at mtnmommanc. Look forward to connecting with you! Have you ever had that moment where you are looking for the perfect outfit? Maybe you are going on a first date and you are wanting to make a good first impression. Maybe you have a wedding coming up and you cant't seem to find anything in your closet that fits or is in season. Or maybe it's game day at The Rock and you are ready to sport your black and gold to cheer on the App State Mountaineers (whoop whoop). Whatever your circumstance, we have all been in a place where we just need a little umph in our wardrobe....a little pep in our step. That is where Boone Belles steps in. About the Owners Established in May 2014, Hilary Carpenter and Leigh Anne Dwyer, joined by their parents, started this family owned business with the intention of bringing the latest trends in fashion apparel and accessories to each and every customer at an affordable price. As a frequent visitor to the high country growing up and then attending Appalachian State University for their undergraduate studies, Hilary and Leigh Ann knew there was a need for a boutique that provided patrons with a wide variety of clothing and accessories that would allow them to look and feel their best, but do so without breaking the bank. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 When the 2008 recession hit, Hilary and Leigh Ann found themselves finishing up their education degree while their father suffered from the collapse in the economy and unfortunately lost his job. Upon graduation, they moved to Winston Salem, NC where they started their teaching career, at which point their parents started their own small online business. For months, Hilary and Leigh Ann would work all day in the classroom and then help their parents on nights and weekends with their small business. It was a rough time for their family, but trusting in their faith and walking through that season together was the contributing factor that helped them get through such a hard time. One day, while Leigh Ann was in Boone for a visit, she noticed the 'For Rent' sign on the building where Boone Drug previously existed. She went back to her family and approached them with the idea of starting a boutique that carried clothing and accessories that would not only appeal to college students, but to women of all ages in the high country, to provide the latest trends and fashions at an affordable price. After much discussion and prayer, they opened their first store located on King Street. About Boone Belles When the store launched in May 2014, word of mouth quickly got around that this newfound boutique would meet anyone's needs. With a client base that consists of women of all ages, their store associates work hand-in-hand with the customers to help them find the perfect item. As a boutique that carries mainly clothing and accessories generally priced at $50 or less, Boone Belles also features popular brands such as Simply Southern, Girlie Girl Tees, Tervis Drinkware, Shiela Fajl, CC Beanies and Bridgewater Candles. Here are some of my favorite looks that have been featured on their direct Facebook & Instagram pages: Not only does Boone Belle's have their local roots planted on King Street in Boone, NC but they also recently opened a second location in Blowing Rock, NC as well as an online presence where customers can conveniently shop from the comfort of their own home. In addition to being true to their roots, Boone Belles also regularly donates to the local Boone community. With their background being in education, they love to host fundraising events that give back to local teachers and schools. In addition, they regularly partner with the Appalachian Panhellenic Council to raise money for their lovely neighbors, F.A.R.M. Cafe. It is no wonder they were voted ‘Best of the Best’ women’s boutique by the Watauga Democrat. Customer Reviews With over 17K followers on their Facebook and Instagram pages, it is no wonder that Boone Belles has become one of the go to boutiques of choice for customers that are seeking trendy and fashionable items at an affordable price. Here are just a few reviews from some very happy customers: “ I love this place! It was my first visit over the weekend. Employees are very helpful and friendly. I so like the jewelry here. It's so pretty and unique. Prices are reasonable too!” ~ Imani Bansal “Was in your store on Saturday for the first time. I will definitely be back and shopping online. Your clothes are trendy and affordable! The associates were helpful and the products were great! My mother even found a top she adored!” ~ Samantha Blevins “Favorite store in Boone I love walking through and finding new outfits for date night or a day out! Everyone that works there is so nice too!!” ~ Illyse Champaign GIVEAWAY!!! If I have not sold you on Boone Belles yet, I encourage you to visit them to check out their various apparel and accessory offerings. Even if you are not local to the high country, it is worth the trip to come meet with a sales associate and allow them to help you pick out your next outfit for that special event. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE CC Beanie and one signature winter scarf ($32 value) from Boone Belles. Here is how it works to enter to win:
1. Follow me on Instagram at @mtnmommanc 2. Like this post on my Instagram page and/or my personal Facebook page 3. Tag as many friends as you want separately in the comments of my Instagram page and/or personal Facebook page to be entered into this raffle 4. Winner will be announced Friday November 16 Good Luck! When I first set out to do this blog, my goal was to make it about all things faith, family, food and fun. I got so excited about getting in a rhythm, building an audience and highlighting some of my favorite food and wellness tips that I have not really had a chance to capture one of my proudest parts of my life....my husband Ryan. As we approach a very special anniversary, the day he said those three special words nearly 8 years ago (wow!), I wanted to share a little bit about our love story. So before closing this screen out completely in hopes of avoiding the mooshie 'Ooooo's' and 'Awweeee's', take a peak and continue reading about the lucky lady that I truly am. How we met This is a question that we are asked regularly. We both usually tag team the story and by the end we are laughing till our bellies hurt. Not to be exact (but let's face it, I have the memory of an elephant), it was May 20th, 2010. I was single, working in downtown Charlotte, NC and living at Lake Norman with all my friends. I got a call from a friend Michael who got tickets to the NASCAR All-Star race in Charlotte and was looking for a place for him and his roommate (aka Ryan) to stay. There was a group of us that was going to see Dierks Bentley at Coyote Joes the night before the race so I asked him to join us for the concert as well. That Friday, we all met up at my friend Allison's house before the concert. Not too soon after I got there did Michael and Ryan arrive. I remember all the girls in the room looking at eachother as soon as Ryan entered the room ( he was/is pretty easy on the eyes :o)). We chatted for a few minutes and headed to the concert. While at the concert, Ryan and I did not really talk much. We each did our own thing and enjoyed hearing some great country music. We joke about it now, but right at the end of the night, our taxi had pulled up to pick us up. I searched the whole venue trying to track everyone down. The last one to find was Ryan and, sure enough, I had to pull him away while he was mid-conversation with another girl, exchanging phone numbers ( I did not get pretty looks when I did that :-/). To this day we still joke about how it was like herding cats and how 'Momma Kim' had to make an appearance. Here are a few pictures of our evening at the concert: Saturday came and a few of us girls met up with the guys at the NASCAR race. This night was a game changer for Ryan and I. We sat next to eachother the whole night and chatted about work, life and everything in between. He was kind and had a great sense of humor. There was definitely a spark and I was eager to get to know him more. Here are a few more pictures from our time at the race: The First Date For the next three months, Ryan and I casually emailed and messaged back and forth. On occasion, he would call and we would spend a few hours on the phone. It was easy and enjoyable. In August 2010, I invited him to be my date to a wedding I was a bridesmaid in. He accepted and that was our official first date. We danced, we laughed and we had the best time together. Here is a picture from that first date (thanks Blair and Byron for getting hitched :o)): Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder Over the next two and a half years, Ryan and I embarked on a long distance relationship. He was in Aiken, SC and I was in Charlotte, NC. Every other weekend, one of us would make the two and a half hour drive to visit the other person. Songs like 'This I gotta See' and 'Right Where I need to Be' became our go-to road music as we traveled down I-77. We enjoyed doing things that all couples do. We kayaked, took road trips, went to church together, visited eachother's families, cheered on the App State Mountaineers....the list goes on. Sure we missed eachother, but it made our visits that much sweeter. Eventually, he started his own business which allowed him to move to Huntersville, NC and rent a house a few minutes away from mine. It was SO nice to be able to do 'normal' couple things together. We went on walks with Georgia (our sweet black lab), cooked dinner together, enjoyed random date nights....it was pretty swell. Here are a few pictures of our time as a long-distance couple: The Engagement It was January 14, 2013. At this point Ryan and I had already been ring shopping and picked out a setting that I liked so we both know an engagement and soon to be marriage was in our future. It was a Monday and I was riding the bus home from work around 5:30pm. He called me about every 5 minutes asking ' Are you close? When will you be at your condo? How much longer?' It was becoming a little odd with how concerned he was about when I would be home. As I walked up the stairs to my condo, the door was cracked a little. When I opened it, there were tea light candles spread all throughout the floor of my condo and our favorite song ' It Did' by Brad Paisley was playing in the background. In that moment, he led me to my back deck that overlooks the water and proposed. It was one of the sweetest moments of my life and I remember thanking the good Lord in that moment for bringing such a loving and Godly man into my life. It took nearly two hours to call all of our family and friends to tell them that we were engaged that when we finally got to dinner that night to celebrate, it was 10pm and only one place in town was still serving supper. This was a very precious memory that I will forever cherish. Here is a picture from the night of our engagement: The Wedding For the next seven months I was in full force wedding planning mode. Anyone who knows me knows I am an event planner by trade so this was actually really fun. BUT, you know how they say rain on your wedding day means good luck?? Well, we sure had all the luck. It did not just rain, it monsooned ALL DAY. I remember sitting in the bridal room just looking out the window at the beautiful ceremony site and watching the rain pour down on all the flowers, chairs, you name it. Thankfully, with the help of Heidi Crowder Weddings & Events (who is amazing, BTW), we were able to transition everything inside. Our family and friends were able to witness our marriage and Ryan and I were able to unite as husband and wife in a beautiful setting. Check out our wedding video that my brother put together that captures our special day: Building A Home After we returned from our honeymoon, we settled into our new home that we were renting in Cornelius, NC. It was so enjoyable getting to do day-to-day things together. I loved waking up and cooking breakfast or coming home from work on a Friday night and renting a movie. About a year into our marriage, a career change for me took us up the mountain to Boone, North Carolina where we purchased our first home together. We always knew we wanted to raise our family here and it has been such a blessing to call this little town home for the past four and a half years. Welcoming Rhett Daniel Kirby About a year and a half into being official residents of Watauga County, we learned we were expecting our first child, a baby boy. We were so thrilled and prayed feverishly for this little boy every day leading up to his arrival (and then on). Shortly after, on June 11, 2016, we welcomed Rhett Daniel Kirby, weighing 9lbs 8oz and 21inches long. He was perfect in every way. You always hear there is no love like the love of a parent for a child. Those words never rang truer than the first time Ryan and I held Rhett. In that moment, nothing else mattered except loving and caring for this precious soul that had joined our family. Now that he is almost two and a half years old, we have gotten to experience the true joy of watching him grow up. Although it is going by fast, it is such a delight to not only experience life with him, but also see life through his eyes. He has a determined personality and can go from hot to cold in about one millisecond, but he is also caring and tender-hearted. If another child falls down in his class, he is the first one to go check on them to make sure they are okay. He loves hard and in turn absorbs love from everyone else around him. Just like any parent, I could go on and on about how proud I am of my little boy. But for now, I will just share a few pictures of this precious child that I get to call mine: He is before all things and in Him all things hold together
It has been 8 years since Ryan walked through the door that Friday night at my friend Allison's house. Eight years since we had our first date. And eight years to the day that he first shared his love for me. Sure we have had some amazing times, but like any other couple, we have also had growing pains. Relationships and marriage can be hard. They take work, effort and a strong foundation to lean on. Colossians 1:17 reads 'He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.' This verse has been our prayer for our marriage and continues to be. I am so grateful for the gift of this love story and even more thankful that this love story is rooted in our faith in the Lord. In the word's of one of my favorite shows, Grey's Anatomy, I am so thankful that he is my 'person.' Food For Thought As you are reading this over, I encourage you to think about your own love story with your person. Reflect on the good, but also on the not so good because those are the moments that make you stronger. Tell that person how much they mean to you and share your heart with them so they feel loved and adored. Every love story is different, but they are all beautiful. Feel free to drop me a comment and share your own love story with me. And thanks for letting me share a little bit of ours with you :). Calling all dessert lovers!! Does your mouth water at the sight of that delectable cookie, cake or pastry? Do you have a dangerous sweet tooth? Than you are sure to LOVE this month's FeatureFriday as I highlight one of my FAVORITE local bakeries here in the mountains of North Carolina ~ Whisk Bakery. About the Baker Owned and Operated by head baker, Chelsea Johnston, Whisk's mission is to create the best and most tasty decadent dessert for each and every one of their customers. Established in 2016, Chelsea started baking for friends and family just as a hobby. Baking was something she learned she was passionate about and thoroughly enjoyed. When she and her husband Robert, welcomed their son Camden in April 2017, Chelsea decided to pursue Whisk Bakery full time. As a full service bakery, Chelsea works directly from her in-home professional kitchen to create cupcakes, cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, pastries, gluten free items and other assorted treats. With each order that comes in, Chelsea uses the highest quality ingredients and carefully sculpts each treat to create a savory experience that is sure to satisfy everyone who tastes her work. The Work Since Chelsea launched Whisk Bakery and committed to making delicacies full time, she has experienced a tremendous growth in her business. Customers come from all over North Carolina to experience one of her delicious cakes or desserts. While special occasion cakes (made with her very own homemade icing) are her favorite to create, she has recently enjoyed experimenting with other appetizing treats such as macaroons (her husbands favorite :)) . On top of that, she has also enjoyed making scones, pies and gluten free items. With many of her customers having a gluten intolerance, she is able to produce many desserts that are not only delicious, but also meet the clients health restrictions. In addition, while many of her clients will place custom orders via her website or social media, Chelsea also works directly with two local restaurants to provide desserts for their dining patrons. You can find her desserts at Vidalia Restaurant and Cobo Sushi. Here are some of her other most recent desserts she has made: More photos of her delicious creations can be found here. What customers are saying Not only has Whisk Bakery become one of the most favored bakeries in the high country; but I can attest from personal experience that Whisk has some of the most delicious desserts I have ever tasted (and I have tasted alot :)). My personal favorite is her old fashioned six layer caramel cake. Here are some reviews from a few other very happy customers: Ordered some Salted Caramel Brownie Truffles for a team meeting - sweet, rich, & savory - absolutely amazing! ~ Vicki Stevens Delicious!!! This is one of the best cakes I've ever had. ~ Christy Haynes Lentz Words cannot express how perfect the cupcakes looked and tasted! My fiancé and I were able to have these treats to taste for our future wedding cake---carrot cake and marble. We cannot wait for Whisk Bakery to make our wedding cake because Chelsea's creativity is amazing! ~ Trisha Caviness Bliss Best cupcake ever eaten!! Creative, unique and delicious! ~ Donna Denier If I have not sold you on Whisk Bakery yet, I encourage you to contact them to learn more about their various offerings. Even if you are not local to the high country, they are willing to travel so do not miss the opportunity to have them create your next special occasion dessert. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE 6 layer caramel cake or gluten free flourless chocolate torte & 25% off the winners next order ($50 value) from Whisk Bakery. Here is how it works to enter to win:
1. Follow me on Instagram at @mtnmommanc 2. Like this post on my Instagram page and/or my personal Facebook page 3. Tag 3 friends in the comments of my Instagram page and/or personal Facebook page 4. Winner will be announced Friday October 12 Good Luck! It is FeatureFriday time again and this month I will be highlighting one of my FAVORITE local photographers here in the mountains of North Carolina --> Hope + Union Photography. Established in 2016, Hope & Union's passion is to capture their client's story in a beautiful, honest and compelling way that will be cherished for years to come. Owned and operated by the gal behind the camera, Jamie Sherar, Hope & Union Photography is dedicated to not only collaborating with their clients to ensure their photography needs are met, but they also provide suggestions and advice to help articulate a beautiful memory into a perfect picture. About Jamie Jamie's passion for photography was instilled when she and her husband Paul, welcomed their first daughter Lucy in March of 2015. From the time Lucy was born, Jamie found herself wanting to capture every beautiful moment in her daughters life. From her first bath, to her first beach trip, to her candid playful experiences, to the moment she met her baby sister Ava, Jamie was there to snap those occasions which would translate into beautiful memories that she would cherish forever. What started out as an interest soon turned into a passion and with some coaching and photography lessons from Paul, shortly after, Hope & Union was established. The Work Since the creation of Hope & Union, Jamie has been all but slow. Word of mouth, social media and regular updates to her blog have kept her busy (even with the recent addition of baby Ava). While Jamie specializes in portrait sessions, she is also widely talented when it comes to weddings, engagements, family sessions, maternity, newborn sessions and travel. With her unique style, she loves to experiment when it comes to taking pictures. It is not uncommon to find her balancing on a chair, lying on the ground, you name it.......just to get the right angle....the right photo. Here are a few favorites highlighting some of her work: Reviews
With a continually growing client base, it is no wonder that Hope & Union Photography has become one of the most favored photographers in the high country. Jamie works hard to give all of her clients a quality product that will last a lifetime. Here are few reviews from some very happy customers: "Jamie, you were an amazing photographer. You were so nice to have around and so pleasant and professional. Thank you for being there on our special day!" ~ Olivia Vallecilo-Miller "Thank you Jamie for such beautiful photos! Brandon and I thought you did an incredible job! We really enjoyed how relaxed the shoot was and how you encouraged us to have fun. I appreciated how much we were able to move and how you were so quick to offer advice. ALSO, I loved how quickly I received the photos! You were so fast at editing them!! Thank you so much for working with us! I look forward to doing it again in the future!" ~ Cory Eva Gutierrez Bettis "Jamie is absolutely amazing! We have had her photograph two different family sessions and we were completely blown away by her talent and professionalism. For both shoots we included our puppy and she perfectly handled his rambunctiousness, which is no easy task. She has captured some beautiful moments in our lives and we will forever cherish these photos and will continue to book her for all of our photo needs!" ~ Leann Waldron I can also speak from personal experience and affirm that when it comes to professionalism and receiving a quality product, Jamie is the BEST. We have worked with her for many of our holiday and portrait sessions and have been overly satisfied each time. If I have not sold you on Hope & Union Photography yet, I encourage you to contact them to learn more about their various offerings. Even if you are not local to the high country, they are willing to travel so do not miss the opportunity to have them photograph your next memory. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE one hour portrait session ($350 value) from Hope & Union Photography. Here is how it works to enter to win:
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I am a wife and momma to a sweet boy named Rhett. I live in the mountains of North Carolina and am saved by grace. I believe in all things family, all things food and all things fun. Archives
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