Ocean Isle Weekend Getaway

A few months ago I was invited to a weekend girls trip.  I'm the girl that's always down for a good road trip and new experiences so I obliged of course.  Sign me up!  I had no idea of what to expect other than I would be in good company.

We first stopped at this little soul food joint off of 85 South..whoa.  They warned me that I would be stuffed when we left.  Buffet style, southern menu. What's not to like?  I had North Carolina style barbecue, fried chicken, greens, mac and cheese and rolls. I'm sure I had a little of everything but these are a staple for me.  Food was fresh, staff was sassy but friendly and the tea (the drinkable kind) was SWEET!  If you're ever headed that route check out Ralph's.

We got to our destination a few hours later.  We walked into the recently updated condo that had an oceanfront view.  The kitchen was quaint but beautifully decorated.  The living room was full of beachy charm.  The bedrooms were cozy with comfortable bedding.  I couldn't wait to wake up to the sunrise the next morning!

I was completely obsessed with this view! To die for backdrop.  This was a perfect after summer, not quite end of the year, pre-holiday getaway.

We checked out the local scenery, drove down to Myrtle Beach to bar hop, enjoyed Halloween festivities, caught a movie and did a little shopping.  Awesome weekend to say the least.  I'm just happy that I got to dip my feet in the sand and soak up some sunshine ocean front in the middle of Autumn.  I suggest to anyone to cut out of work a day or so early and take a little road trip with your girls to unwind every once in a while.  It's good for your soul!

Back At It

For the umteenth time, I am back focused on my fitness.

I'm back from vacation and over and done with the craze of prom and graduation festivities for my 2016 high school graduate.

I've had time to relax, relate, release and decompress.  Thank you Lord!!

So with that being said.  I need to get my butt back in the gym.

Of course, we all need a little inspiration to get to that place.  Kohl's kept sending me emails about saving $10 off of $30..so I said why not look around.

I love their Tek-Gear brand and usually head straight to them..but I remembered that they also sell Nike brand and started perusing the site for some deals.

Low and behold I found four..yes four pairs of bottoms for under $25 each.  Ya'll know I love a deal.
And they are super stylish of course.

Check out the styles I snatched up below:

Nike Womens Relay Dri Fit Capri

Nike Womens Legend Workout Tights

I didn't get to use that $10 off..but I did earn that much in Kohl's cash for my next purchase.

Be sure to get yours before they sell out!

I thought I was a book snob..

          I somehow convinced myself that I was a "book snob".  Over the years I developed a habit of reading books and series of books by particular authors.  I would rarely sway from that approach unless a friend recommended the book or I had just heard so much about it that I had to see what the fuss was all about.  

Well last Spring Break as I made my last minute Target run for travel sized toiletries and whatever else I thought was worthy of tossing in my card..I happened upon an end cap with a few clearance books.  They were probably purchased online and then returned to the store, because they were marked down under $3 each.  I get uber happy when I can buy books dirt cheap even if I don't plan to read them anytime soon.  I've always been a book hoarder and I'm proud to admit it..(insert shoulder shrug).  

I ended up reading one of the books a few months back and got enrolled in a book club because I mailed in this postcard for some free books.  I'm laughing inside because I should really start reading the fine print. Before I knew it I had read and loved the book and signed up for that darn book club and got 5 more books in the mail.  That book was a Harlequin Romance novel.  

I still haven't read all books that were sent to me.  I have since paid whatever I owe that book club..I don't like a regular memberships because I am such a random reader and I love the library.  But after reading a few of Susan Mallery's books, I am no longer one of those people who says oh I don't like those gushy Harlequin Romance books..because obviously I now do.  I had the notion that I couldn't relate to those books as an African American reader because I have a picture of Fabio on the covers imprinted on my brain..but I can.  (and for those who don't know who Fabio is..Google him..I'm an 80's baby). I will remove my snob hat for now.  I've even gone to my local college library looking for more of Susan's books.  But honestly, the writing was great.  The characters were cute and likable and who doesn't love love?