Pik-n-Pig

Turns out that North Carolina has some awesome food. I had heard about this western and eastern bbq debate here in North Carolina and I didn’t really know what to make of it since I don’t know much about BBQ in the first place. But I knew I had to at least start somewhere and I wanted some authentic North Carolina BBQ because well I have lived in NC a year already and never had NC authentic BBQ! So I did a little research and came to find a little local joint not to far away from Fayetteville that I wanted to try. So Clark and I made our way to Pik n Pig for dinner one evening. There was also a little air field with some cool little airplanes and we got to see the pilots fly them when we were leaving. 

It was such a cute little joint and locally owned. We were seated quickly and helped by serval different waitresses. We didn’t have a specific waitress everyone just seemed to help everyone. I don’t know if it was like this because they weren’t vey busy, but either way it seemed to work and we always had someone to help us. Clark and I both ordered the pulled pork sandwiches, I ordered hushpuppies and a corn bread muffin with mine. I figured if I was gonna do southern BBQ I might as well go all out. Clark had a few hushpuppies and french fries. We also tried the BBQ sauce they had to offer, it was sweet and yummy and I think that is what this western/eastern NC debate is about. I don’t know but I will figure it out... maybe. 

I picked up this dress at Target the other week and I have already worn it a few time and I love it. Mostly because it had pockets. This is my first dress/skirt with pockets. And boy was I missing out. Now whenever try on a dress even ones I already own I find myself wanting to put my hands in pockets. They are just so fun! The print on this dress is also one of my favorites. I am a big fan of tribal prints and I think they are gonna stick around this fall. And if not I am wearing them anyways because they are totally my style.
love, Carlee

Dress: Target

Sandals: Old Navy

Sunglasses: American Eagle

Kalawi Farms and Ben’s Ice Cream

On Saturday, Clark and I took a little road trip to Kalawi Farms and Ben’s Ice Cream. They have the best roadside peach stand and homemade ice cream stand. I actually discovered this place in a 2011 Our State NC magazine that I was reading at Clark’s Barbershop while I was waiting for Clark to get his hair cut. I am very glad I came across the article because this fruit stand was awesome. It was about 45 minutes away from our apartment but we made it a fun little road trip out of it. 

Once we got there, the place was hopping. There were about 10 cars and a line for the homemade ice cream. We searched around for the best peaches and asked which ones were the sweetest. Which was the Win Blo. They also had a great little station set up where you could try all the different peaches that were available for sale. We decided on the Win Blo peaches and bought a box of about 20 peaches for 9 dollars. The people were very helpful. I actually didn’t know about all the different types of peaches so I was glad that the people could help out and also the sample stations was awesome! 

After we bought the peaches we put them in the car and made our way to Ben’s Homemade Ice Cream. There were lots of different homemade flavors, Peach, Cherry, Blueberry, Karmel Krunch, Cookie Dough, Vanilla, Cookies and Cream... Clark and I both decided on the peach ice cream made with the peaches grown right there at Kalawi farms. Clark got it in a bowl and I got the homemade waffle cone. We sat outside and enjoyed our ice cream in the warm summer breeze. If you are traveling on Hwy 211 near Eagle Springs I recommended checking this place out. During the summer the lady said there were open from 8am-8pm everyday. But I would recommend calling to find the specific hours. 

This outfit is perfectly lightweight for a trip in the car. I also love this lace tank. I lost my favorite lace tank, last pictured here, I must have left it at the hotel in Charleston SC. And although this tank is different I like it a lot. I especially love the details on the neckline. 
love, Carlee

Shorts: Old Navy

Sandals: Gap

Tank: Target

My DIY abstract painting

The other day I walked to AC Moore craft store from my apartment. I was actually gonna go to TJ Maxx (again) but instead I made my way into the craft store which was next door. And let me tell you it was one of the best decisions I made all week. They carry awesome high quality craft stuff just like Michaels or Hobby Lobby but I found that they have way better deals. And no this post isn’t sponsored by AC Moore I just fricken loved there stuff and wanted to share. So anyways, I came across a deal for 2 canvas for $10 (I am not a painter so I don’t know if there canvas were good quality or not but they were perfect for me) and then I found acrylic paint on sale for 2 for $1 so yeah I knew that I had to buy some stuff. I figured this was the perfect time to check off the goal of painting an abstract painting this year. I picked out 4 colors of paint, the canvas, 4 new drawing pens, 2 drawing pencils all for $25. I got a 15% military discount and used a 40% off one regular priced item coupon I found on my phone while I was roaming the store.

The next day I pulled out the canvas and paint I didn’t really have a specific technique I wanted to use. I actually don’t know that much about painting but I knew that I could do something abstract. I had pinned some abstract art a while ago and used that as inspiration. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) I just kind of started. I painted a little bit then let that dry. I blended the blues at the corners and the orange/yellow. I tried not to mix the orange and the blues to much because I figured that would turn into some ugly brown color. So I was careful then those two colors got together and let dry completely. I only used 4 colors at the beginning then I went to AC Moore again at lunch one day and got two more colors. So there is a total of six colors: Seaside, Robin’s Egg Blue, Turquoise, Melted Butter, Carrot, Light Pink and they are My Studio Acrylic Craft Paint. 

I used my figures to blend and like I said I am not a painter so my technique might be totally lame but it worked for me and I really like how it turned out. I am excited to start another one, since I got two 18x24 canvas I have a blank one sitting by my window waiting for color. I think I want to get two more colors of paint but keep the same color scheme as it goes with our bedroom and I would like to hang the painting above our dresser. I wasn’t planning on leaving white space but after I let it dry I thought it was done. I really liked it and I didn’t want to continue and ruin it. So it is done and I love it. 

If you have any questions about what I did or supplies let me know?

love, Carlee 

Cape Fear River Trail

I am always looking for new good walking trails and new places to enjoy the outside while letting Knox get some exercise. Knox is still a puppy and a hyper ball of fun so sometimes walking on the trails while there is other dogs and people is difficult. But we still like taking him and man does he get worn out. The Cape Fear River Trail was awesome they had poop bags and trash cans (for the dogs) and also had water stations for the humans and the dogs. And the water jugs must be replaced during the day because the water was super cold and fresh. 

We walked this trail in the evening last weekend and while it was cooler than usual it was still SO humid. Coming from the Pacific Northwest I am still not used to the humidity. Although, this is my second summer living in North Carolina I don’t think I will ever get used to it. Oh well I guess I can struggle through the summer because I have noticed that the spring and fall in NC are very lovely. With good mild temperatures and no humidity. 

Lately, life has been pretty relaxing and normal. I have been working on an abstract painting. I bought a bunch of supplies from AC Moore the other day and all yesterday I was painting which was really relaxing actually. I took my time, let it dry, came back to it, see if it needed more. Just kind of went with the flow. I have another canvas and I want to do another one but I have a feeling it I rush into it, it might turn out crappy. Anyways, hope y’all have been having a good week, I am off to walk my dog.
love, Carlee

Top & Sunglasses: American Eagle

Shorts: DIY

Converse: Nordstrom Rack

Krispy Kreme

Aww the beloved donut and the always yummy Krispy Kreme. I know donuts are pretty ‘in’ right now but I mean have donuts ever really been out. I remember as a young adolescent we would have basketball practice at 6am and after practice we got to go to the store and get donuts and chocolate milk before school started. We also did the same thing when I was 15 and in drivers ed because our drivers ed class was at 6am before school started. In my hometown we didn’t have a Krispy Kreme so the donuts from the bakery section in our store did the trick. Actually the nearest Krispy Kreme to my hometown in WA was 3 hours away. So when we did get a Krispy Kreme donut it was actually kind of a big deal.

Once I moved to North Carolina last year one of the things I realized was that Krispy Kreme donuts are sold in the grocery stores. They are in the Food Loin down the street, at the commissary which we go to every Sunday, and the gas stations. In Washington you can only get them in you go to an actaual Krispy Kreme shop or if you got lucky and someone was doing a fund raiser and selling Krispy Kreme’s. So seeing in the store was awesome....then I was like ‘wait, I am gonna need to have more self control now.’ I try to have as much self control as possible and lucky for me I actually can’t find my favorite Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the stores/gas stations so I have to make my way to the shop.

Clark and I made our way to the local Krispy Kreme on Monday night. You see, Clark came home from work and said “I had a Krispy Kreme today.” I was obviously jealous and needed one too. So after we let dinner settle we drove all of 5 minutes to the Krispy Kreme and got ourselves a couple of doughnuts. They are having a summer promotion right now and there are two new doughnut flavors: carrot cake and banana cream pudding. There was also a game seeing if you could match up the Southern saying with there meaning. Clark and I guessed all of them right and we were pretty excited about that.... well I was.

I actually really like this Krispy Kreme it is the only one in Fayetteville, North Carolina and the doughnuts always seem fresh. They also have a drive up which is backed up most of the time so I recommend going in (you get the see the doughnuts being made.) Also Krispy Kreme was founded in North Carolina so you know this is an old store front which I think is pretty cool. And the one thing you can’t beat, is that it is open 24 hours a day. I mean.... could it get better.

Anyways writing this post up has made me hungry...I am off to the kitchen.
love, Carlee

Shorts: American Eagle

Blouse: Old Navy

Sandals: Macys

Bag & Belt: Target

Side street

This weekend was very laid back and relaxed. We had a BBQ and pool party on Saturday and it was a blast. About 12 of our friends came and we met some new girlfriends/boyfriends and we all had a cookout on one of the grills that our apartment complex has and then we migrated over to the pool when we were too full to eat anything else. We actually ended up bring the other food and drinks over to the pool patio with us and munched on chips and brownies until they were gone. After the pool party which started at 1pm and ended at 5pm, Clark and I made our way inside and cleaned up/ put food away. I really wanted to make s’mores but didn’t end up doing any at the BBQ so we stood over the stove and made some in the evening... it was perfect. 

Currently, there is thunder going on outside and my dog is hiding in the closet. He is not a fan and it makes me sad he gets so nervous and scared. Hopefully the weather clears up this afternoon and we can go play outside. Also, I love A. C. Moore craft store. I know there are only on the East Coast but if you have one near you go there instead of Hobby Lobby or Michaels because they have really good deals/savings and the same exact craft stuff. I got new drawing pens, pencils, paint, and two 18x24 canvas all for $28 with a 40% off coupon you can get online (and also they have a 15% military discount everyday) 

These photos were taken in downtown Fayetteville which is one of my favorite place in all of Fayetteville NC, on a side street. I was going through my own archives for outfit inspiration because well I was uninspired with my wardrobe and I knew that somewhere in my archives was an awesome outfit I can put together that I had wore before. So behold outfit above. And yes I still have the same pieces from two years ago! 

A fire update: thanks for your support from my post on Friday. I want to start by saying that both my Dad’s house and Mom’s house are fine. They both had to evacuate at different times but all my family is good and well and my childhood homes are safe. I feel a little guilty about being grateful sense a lot of people have lost there homes but I am. I am very thankful. Here an incredible video of the damage, it made me tear up watching. One of the childhood homes I lived in at Alta Lake was completely destroyed. Here is a good news video about the wildfires. You will here them mention Brewster, Wa and that is the town I grew up in, went to high school, got marriage in, and where my parents and family still live so it is home. The fire is moving away from Brewster but last I heard the fire still was at 0 containment so not good. I am praying that rain is being sent that way.

I am feeling thankful and grateful for what I have today. Happy Monday.
love, Carlee

Top & Bag: Target

Shorts & Sandals: Old Navy

Please pray for my hometown

My hometown is currently surrounded by wildfires and it is super scary. I grew up in a very small town in North Central Washington about 20 minutes from Lake Chelan. Right now our whole little valley is on fire and it is really not good. There have been wildfires in the area before, growing up in the summer I came to expect one every 3 years or so. It is so dry where I live and wildfires are a semi-normal thing there. But this one is different. 

It is now currently destroying homes and engulfing the town, Pateros, which is 6 miles from my hometown. My Dad and family had to evacuate last night and they spent the night in their car in the post office parking lot. My Dad’s home is okay this morning but they are still evacuated. The place where I went to pre-school has burnt down and the home Clark lived in throughout high school is burnt (so many memories there). It is very sad. 

I feel very helpless being across the country when my family is at home watching there lives burn down. I feel like my childhood is just being ereased. So please pray for my hometown, the surrounding areas, and all the people. 

love, Carlee

I know I usually don’t post stuff like this on here. But this one is really close to home, literally, and it is very scary and I feel very helpless. Here is article from Fox News about the fire and another one from the LA Times. 

Taking Stock| 02

Making : an effort to cross some things off my to do list today.
Cooking : this muffin meatloaf recipe. (so yummy)
Drinking : fruit smoothies.
Reading: awesome blogs like Foreign Room , Brilliantly Kate, and Sometimes Gracefully
Wanting: to start writing to pen pals. If your interest comment below and we can exchange addresses!
Looking: forward to a BBQ and pool party we have planned for this weekend.
Playing: Yahtzee with Clark in the evenings and winning...
Deciding: where we should go camping in August or if we should go...
Wishing: my sleeping pattern was normal.
Enjoying: the cooler air that the rain brings.
Waiting: for the mail man to arrive. He has a box of cherries from WA from my dad’s cherry orchard. (photo above)
Liking: that I already know what Clark, Knox, and I are gonna be for Halloween (it’s a surprise)
Wondering: what I should get people for Christmas (already....)
Loving: the show House of Cards. We are currently almost through season 2 on Netflix
Pondering: where to find the best BBQ joint in North Carolina (hello pulled pork and hush puppies)
Considering: refreshing my ‘Explore’ feed on Instagram every second because I find awesome things/people. #thanksinstagram
Watching: The Office. Just watched the finale... wondering if it is acceptable to already start over.
Hoping: to someday take another cross country road trip but this time along route 66
Marveling: at my Fitbit Flex, keeping my motivated one step at a time.
Needing: to find another good show on Netflix. Any recommendations?
Smelling: freshly baked homemade cookies almost every night. (oatmeal chocolate chip)
Wearing: husbands oversized t shirts
Following: through with July intentions.
Noticing: how frogs come out around our apartment complex past 10pm.
Knowing: that Knox is the best dog. And sleeping on the couch next to me right now.
Thinking: is was a good idea to order in pizza last night to break up the mundane.
Feeling: determination to get inspired and stay inspired.
Admiring: people who follow there dreams even when it’s not the popular opinion
Buying: a bunch of pretty washi tape from Target.
Getting: ready to make new blog buttons for this here blog of mine.
Disliking: the smell of the air outside. There has been a 2 day cloud cover making the air smell stale.
Opening: the box of cherries from WA just arrived! (Photo above)
Giggling: at the movie That Awkward Moments (rented from Redbox last night)
Feeling: good that I got to the end of this blog post.