Weekend Shenanigans

Guess who had a THREE DAY WEEKEND last week? !?!?! Probably the last one I will have for a while. Work will be number 1 on my list for a while. Any how... On the agenda was sleep and clean. Well I can tell you cleaning did not happen. It was more sleep than anything. But what did happen was Saturday Adventure. I love to get out of the "city". Back in so.cal my favorite mini road trip destination was Lake Arrowhead. Who would think that the 1 drive to serenity would be missed so quickly. So I decided to search pinterest for gorgeous nature life around North Carolina. As green as this place is, all the amazing destinations are at least 2 hours from my house.  Eek. I'm glad I don't mind driving. The road trip I decided to go on was to Hanging Rock State Park. FYI I am obsessed with waterfalls. This 2 hour trip was worth it. The water was so pretty coming down the rocks. Guido had fun splashing in the creek. For a pup who hates water, he sure loves hikes to waterfalls. My dad, pup, and I went to only 2 of the many waterfalls at the state park. I am sure I will be going back. I can't think of anything else more peaceful than a small hike to a natures beauty, waterfalls.

If you know Guido (the Pup) you know he hates water. Well he dislikes baths and pools. But Mother Nature's Water he loves!!! I can't get my dog out of creek water, strange pup but I love it.

 I think our 2 mini hikes equaled a total of 1 mile.  

We found out that VA was only 20 minutes away so we crossed into another state. This last month has been me in more states than I have ever been in. All we did was drive back home, but next trip will include some tourist-y stuff. Hope everyone has a good week. 

Don't forget to check out my first giveaway [HERE]

Have a good Week everyone!!!!

Giveaway | G&G Gems

I am not a full time blogger at all. At least not yet. But from the beginning of my country life journey, I knew I wanted to remember everything from moving, packing, the drive, and everything in between. With the blogging life and pre-blog journal, I have had amazing an amazing and supportive group of people all over. These relationships are all very special. I try to be just as supportive as everyone is to me. 

Amanda from Fifty Shades of Grits and Grace and I have teamed up for a special (2) winner giveaway featuring two beautiful gemstone pendant necklaces from her shop G&G Gems. We will be giving 2 lucky winners a statement piece for supporting our blogs. First place winner with receive a Large Aqua Aura Quartz Pendant Necklace and the Second place winner will receive a Green Calcite Pendant Necklace.

Here is a Special Note from AMANDA:

"I am thankful for all of you, and all of the love, support & kindness that you bring to our little space of the internet and blogging world.

I am also thrilled to announce that we have even more handmade gemstone pendant necklaces arriving in our shop very soon! Please keep your eyes peeled and please favorite our shop for the newest listings. Especially since we will be offering a coupon code! You can find that code below ;)"

SPECIAL COUPON CODE: August 17th-21st, 2015! Take $5 off $20 or more in our shop G&G Gems. Use code GIVEAWAY at checkout before midnight CT on Monday, August 24th.

And now for the giveaway! Just follow these easy steps via the Rafflecopter widget below in order to tally up your chances to win one of these wonderful gemstone statement necklaces! Winners will be chosen at random and announced within 48-72 hours of the contest ending via both blogs: Fifty Shades of Grits and Grace & City Girl with Country Charm

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wishing you all a wonderful week and GOOD LUCK! ;)

Disclaimer: Giveaway applicable to all countries. 18+ or older to win. City Girl with Country Charm & Fifty Shades of Grits and Grace are not responsible for damage/loss via mail. Must respond back to e-mail within 24 hours or a two new winners will be chosen. Good Luck!

The Not So Dirty South | NC GREEN

Happy Friday Y'all. I lovin I can say that now. ok I'm lying I sound funny haha. I must say how green it is in this lovely state of North Carolina. So green, I walk out of my front door and I think I'm in a National Forest. No but seriously, it's amazing how many trees and grass and land out here is not dead. I mean don't get me wrong, So. Cal is gorgeous, however for every dead tree in California there is 5 beautiful green trees here just in Raleigh.
Sometimes when I walk Guido, I take pictures of the scenery. I would take more but everything is green here it starts looking alike.

Of course the crazy amount of mother nature's beauty there is, it comes with a price. Talk about bi-polar weather. It is no joke when people tell you that if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes it will change. One minute its sunny and zero humidity, the next its a storm warning through the county. Sometimes the humidity is what makes going outside horrible. Well that and the mosquitoes. Apparently I arrived in North Carolina during their worse humidity in 20 years. I have been the mosquitoes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I couldn't even walk the pup-pup without getting a new bite. I get so excited when I can walk outside and enjoy our walks, which hasn't been many. I'm a girly girl, however this humidity makes me sweaty and gross. 2 showers minimum!!!! 

The humid weather sure did get the best of my family last week, while I had a day off it was decided to go to the NC State Arboretum and take pictures with my Canon Rebel (here). 1 water bottle for three people wasn't such a good idea. I am pretty sure the disgusting weather made me lose a few pounds that day. We didn't stay for long, but the pictures we got were beyond amazing. I must applaud myself, National Geographic here I come. (just kidding y'all). This states beauty in one place was perfect. Can't wait to go see more. 

I hope everyone has a good weekend. 

keep reading everyone, big event coming soon!!!!!!!!!!

The Not So Dirty South | Road Trip Edition

Welcome to the home of zero traffic, no smog, mosquitoes galore, and the wonderful humidity. I'm in North Carolina Finally!!! Sorry for the delay post, but between getting my settled in my apartment, working like crazy, and my favorite thing I called sleep, I have been a little occupied.

I must say I do not think I could ever move across country again!!!!!!!!! I love California it will always be home but holy crap. I believe that drive took a lot of energy out of me. It's been about 3 weeks and I am still physically exhausted. I'm sure starting my dream job two days after arriving here didn't help, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Road Trip: Excuse me when I say my parents and I kick ass in driving across country. Between heat, gas stops, thunder storms, and one over night stop, we made it here in time. My deadline was Saturday, July 18th due to the fact my apartment was ready then. Left early Thursday Morning. & when I mean early I mean 4 am / the moon is still up 4am. I remember continuously planning out my trip. My ideal trip  CLICK HERE was set. Like I planned, I drove out my little sentra out of CA. Disclaimer: if driving through CA to Arizona, do not get gas in the last city of California, wait 5 miles and Arizona is so much cheaper. ** While my mom drove the states of Arizona, I attempted to sleep in the backseat. My backseat was a little more cluttered than I planned but lucky for me I can get somewhat comfortable almost anywhere. But having the cutest pup snuggled in my lap, I realized sleep was a little harder than I planned.

I do know I did nap because New Mexico was the next state I would drive. Nothing scenic in that state! I remember I drove until I couldn't drive anymore. I'm pretty sure that was the end of Texas. I am about 75% sure my mom drove part of Texas and I drove the rest but with it being 5:30 am and insomnia going on, a two-week old drive seems a bit fuzzy. I know I got tired because there was no way I was driving into a lightening storm. If you know me you know my biggest fears are thunder // lightening // and earthquakes. While the storm was going on I felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz. By the time I woke up Oklahoma was almost over. I can honestly say the gas station in OK was probably the cleanest public bathroom I have ever been in! Arkansas was in the near future, I slept probably through all of that state. My stomach was in knots so eating anything other than saltine crackers was not in my plan. Then Tennessee, I really thought Oklahoma would take us forever to get through, however Tn is a longer drive.
Other than seeing Graceland, Memphis TN, lack of sight seeing happened in my favorite state.

I was so tired I had to have someone else drive as long as I could drive to downtown Nashville, well that didn't happen. My eyelids were shut for a while. Luckily my mom's phone found Jack's BBQ so my stomach was happy. It wasn't in the best area but I knew how to get us to Brentwood. I have been there too many times to not know how safe Brentwood Tn is. My dad basically until he couldn't drive anymore and that was our one hotel stop. It was in Gatlinburg. Pro: only 35-40 minutes away from ole smokey. Con: I would've been late for signing my lease. Oh well, until next time Tennessee.

As I drove through the Smokey Mountains from Gatlinburg to North Carolina, The weather got musty and humid, but when I say the view looked like National Geographic, I am not joking. North Carolina Welcome Center was goregous. If my home was anything like it, I'd love it. And I was right !!!!

something amazing coming soon....!!!! 

Featured | Ashley from That Southern Mama

Hey y'all, I am Ashley.. I am a wife and girl mama [ toddler & 7 month old ] living in Bama. I blog over at That Southern Mama. On my blog you can find mama/wife related stuff, beauty & fashion, recipes, & even some inspiration. I love coffee, Jesus, regular Target trips, trying to stay organized in my messy beautiful life, a little wine or beer, and family time. Today I wanted to share some motivation with you, but before we get to that I just wanted to say thank you to Delene for allowing me to take over her blog today!

Everyone needs some motivation sometimes. I know I have for a few months now. Packing, moving, looking for jobs all the while doing my normal mama and wife duties. I enjoy turning through the pages of my Bible and finding some inspiration.. some motivation to get stuff done. If you are in need of some motivation for whatever you are trying to do, here are a few of my FAVORITE Bible verses that will help you! 

Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it. 

Ezra 10:4

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Philippians 4:13

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

Psalm 46:5

I have a few digital prints available in my Etsy Shop with that verse. 

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. 

2 Chronicles 15:7

"Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." 

Matthew 17:20

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 

Galatians 6:9

Where do you turn for motivation? Your bible? What is your favorite verse to give you that push you need?

Belated Moving Monday | Car Ride

With the craziness of the weekend and last day at Buffalo Wild Wings behind me, talk about time crunch. I'm done packing all the big shipping boxes [which will be sent out tomorrow]. Now it's time to pack my little Sentra that will take me into the country life.

Some stuff is much needed on a day and half trip. 

1. Bare Minerals Moisturizer | 2. Bare Minerals Touch Up Veil | 3. Bare Republic Sunscreen Lotion | 4. Maybelline Eyeliner  | 5. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Intenza Mascara | 6. Bath & Body Works Country Chic Body Spray | 7. Secret Destinations Hawaii Citrus Breeze | 8. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue | 9. Apple iPad Mini | 10. Canon Rebel T5 | 11. Yurbuds Inspire Earbuds

I can't wait to go back through my favorite and Gatlinburg with my Canon and enjoy the country side. Lets be real here, it is a day and half drive most of my time in the passenger seat with Guido so most likely I will be loading up the iPad with some movies. I am not gonna lie I probably won't sleep very much so looking like I am wide awake with my natural makeup is gonna come in handy. Other than my entertainment, my munchies will be a must. Can you say starbucks overload? I am pretty sure I will be finding an in&out in AZ before I am no longer surrounded by the delishisness of fries + spread. 

Hope y'all has a happy Tuesday. hehe I better get used to saying y'all

Special Sunday Edition

I never thought I'd post on a Sunday. Well I never thought I would have time. But with my allergies deciding it was time for me to sneeze and sniffle my morning away, why not write?

With my move being 4 days away, it finally hit me how much I'm leaving in Cali. My friends and family, and friends who are family. My going away party was a success. Thanks to Alycia, Mom, Dad, Sis, Grandma, Nino, + everyone else who pitched in. With all my goodbye hugs I must say my "tias" really know how to make sure the sadness hits. It finally hit me how far away I will be from everyone I love. I am lucky though people plan on coming to visit / skype / call. Guido and I will miss everyone very much.

I'm glad I stole my hacked my god-brother's phone yesterday at the party. The selfies came out great and I realized I am definitely getting the Galaxy S6. The shutter sensor for selfies is a BONUS. Thanks Chris for the phone!

WARNING: instgram [@delene_andrea] will be overloaded with BBQ pictures. 

Most pics will be in my new place once I order them from MPix. 

With my dream becoming a reality this week, lots of posts will happen.  Well as long as I'm not sleeping or driving.  

Everyone have a blessed Sunday and the rest of the week. 

Across Country Drive | take 2

So somehow my original post was deleted. Lame!!! But we will try this again. Officially a week until I am on the road and with the decision of which route, when to leave, who drives what is basically all on me. ok not really the who drives what but you know what I mean. There were 2 route options so with only one including my favorite city . I-40 straight thru was the winner.

California | Arizona | New Mexico | Texas | Oklahoma | Arkansas | Tennessee | 

North Carolina

Since the days are getting closer researching routes and time frame is pretty important. [ I'm not one who would want to end up in NOLA randomly lol ] Knowing when my apartment is ready was my deadline. I'm not financially capable of doing a week long road trip. As great as that sounds working until the very last minute was my goal. With that being said I'm 2 shifts away from leaving my job after 4.5 years. I think I'm done babbling for now... I figure two days will be plenty of time to drive. Especially knowing both of my parents will be helping me. 

With looking up which way to take and when ...yada yada yada, Google Maps was my go to on exact directions. Lucky for me its not very hard when it is only 1 hwy. I have been on road trips with my "sister in law" numerous times and we have concluded the love/hate relationship with the 40. I have been on it enough to know when it's time for me to pull over. Oklahoma and I are not friends. But Texas is.

Pros of Hwy 40: lots of signs for rest stops // welcome areas // gas // food // restroom , fast route , somewhat empty

Cons of Hwy 40: certain states are speed traps , pitch black in one state at night {no lights} , 2 lanes only {sharing hwy with semis} 

Last time I drove the I-40, I was coming back from Missouri [Ft. Lost in the Woods/Leonard Wood] to be exact and I remember stopping at the most twice in each state. That included snack stop + potty breaks for the dogs & humans. That was about a day and half trip so I know with 3 people driving it will not take longer than 2 days. The only detour in my plan is Nashville & Gatlinburg Tennessee. Excuse the fact I'm obsessed with Nashville, But Jacks BBQ is a must whenever in Nashville. The thought of smoked meat, homemade style mac&cheese, baked beans makes me gain the weight. Be prepared on my instagram: @delene_andrea for the #foodporn obsession when I get there. 

Gatlinburg is my next detour because I love some flavored LEGAL moonshine. And in the middle of the smokey's is where Ole' Smokey Moonshine is made...bonus. For a about 2 hours I will be a tourist sampling different ones and buying probably everything in the gift shop. 

 [insert DRINK UP here]

  

I know my family is really worried about weather and gas. So thanks to Google, roadtrippers.com & intellicast.com are my go to during the trip. Roadtrippers gives an estimate on how much gas and places to stop {waffle house & crackel barrel is a must}. Intellicast will be checked daily to give me the weather forecast on the hwy. It's a great website because It just gives the cities on the highway, no other random infomation. I will probably look up if they are apps just to make life easier for all of us. 

Is there any other apps, websites, or stops I should know about? 

happy thursday y'all 

Feautured | Amanda from Fifty Shades of Grits and Grace

Hi, I am Amanda Cruse from the blog Fifty Shades of Grits and Grace. I am a southern mama of two from Alabama blogging about a strong passion and eye for style, fashion, beauty, food, her southern roots (drawl included) and a little bit of everything between. If you get a chance, we would love for you to check out our blog and all the amazing recipes and reviews we have to offer ;)

When my long-time friend, Delene, from City Girl with Country Charm asked me to do a style post to be featured on her blog my first reaction was gratitude, followed by a slight panic attack. What would I write, what would I feature, what types of apparel items would I include? So many thoughts went rushing through my head it was hard to catch even a single one of them. Finally I decided that I would just wing it, wing it as I do posting on my blog. Sometimes I hit a wall and lose focus on what I want to post about, but then it usually always comes to me once I get my fingers moving and the paragraphs flowing.

I really love fashion, style, accessories, and everything that goes along with paring the perfect items to create that perfect, signature look that is just your own. Take it from me, when I say that I am no fashionista, there is no truer truth to be told. I have no fashionable bone in my body. But what I do know about fashion is that if you can wear it, rock it, feel confident, and own it - it honestly doesn't even matter if you are wearing a burlap sack. Granted, there is nothing appealing about a burlap sack, but if you wear it right, it could easily be the next hit trend. Confidence is half the battle, y'all ;)

My style is an acquired taste for most and most certainly isn't what you would think of when you think typical southern girl. That's okay. I have never been one to go with the flow or confrom, if anything I define myself as quite the little rebel. I have an obscure outlook on what I think fashion is or isn't. It's not fancy dresses, expensive jewelry and the highest pair of heels you can stand to walk in. To me, it's so much more and the way you chose to style yourself says is a little deeper than the pair of destroyed jeans you are rocking on any given day. My fashion has changed so much over the last few years, especially when I was trying to be someone I wasn't for the people in my life that thought they should control every little thing I did. Before I met my ex-husband the majority of my wardrobe consisted of things from Buckle - Affeclition, True Religion, Miss Me, Billabong. I also loved Pac Sun until our local one closed in both malls,talk about a bummer. I tend to go through seasons with my style. For a few months I may walk proudly in a raggedy pair of blue jeans, a cut off tee and tennis shoes, and months later I am wearing boho rompers and flowers in my hair, maxi dresses and cute little wedged sandals, and a few months from that I may have on my Slackjaw Americana or Deadskull Co. or tee, cut-off sleeves, destroyed black jeans, spiked jewelry and my cowboy boots. I really don't have a set style. I just throw on whatever I am feeling that day and own it. My current trend is the badbass biker chick tattooed look. Because let's face it, I am a pretty badass person at times and I do have a couple tattoos, so I think I wear that look well if we are just being honest ;) The best part? I can definitely pull it off and above all, OWN IT. I guess that's the Biker side in my, thanks Daddy!

With that said, I wanted to include a few pieces above that I really love that I could definitely see in my closet in the near future. As most know, from my blog, Fifty Shades of Grits and Grace, I have a slight obsession with gemstone jewelry - and rocks in general for that matter. So it's no surprise that I have two or three raw gemstone pieces included in the looks I put together above. I love denim, so the denim sunwashed tunic dress had to be included in the round-up along with the Dolce Vita Haku booties and turquoise sandals. And anyone who knows me know that I cannot ever post a style post without including a bag or two. I really love this Liebeskind Margo Hobo Bag because it has plenty of spaces and compartments. The compartments and space is always a make it or break it for me, especially as a mother. I need all the nooks and cranny that I can get, especially in order to stash away things that I don't want the kiddos getting in to if they just so happen to get their paws on my satchel.

Hope you are all having an amazing week thus far, we are only a hop, a jump and a skip away from Friday! XO

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July is Here!

HAPPY MOVING MONTH Y'ALL

Hello July! Its Moving Month! With 2 weeks left in CA there is so much I want to do and see but so little time. Malibu Winery, LACMA, 1000 steps beach, & of course one last trip to Disneyland on my list but with about 10 days left I'll be lucky if one thing is crossed off my list.
It's offically my last week at Buffalo Wild Wings. After 4 ½ years serving pain in the butt customers, non stop football seasons, and more beer served than one can drink, I am not saying see you later I'm saying GOODBYE. Some of the greatest co-workers to work with. It's definitely bittersweet.

In other news: I woke up with my wonderful insomnia kicking in late last night to a message from my older half sister that I am an auntie to an independent American niece. Sophie is here !!! 9 DAYS late but she decided to be born on July 4th! So proud that she already has a mind of her own. If she's anything like her cousins and aunties, and her great great grandma, my sister better be prepared for a free spirit! Auntie LOVES you and your sister!

Speaking of 4th of July, I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday. Mine was spent in the heat having yard sale pt. ii. and enjoying my dad grilling & a firework show. If you didn't know I'm obsessed with my camera Found Here and thanks to photography 101 I decided fireworks would be fun practice. Didn't turn out too bad. Next year will be a different scene seeing how I will be 2k + miles away.

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A Week of Madness

Hope everyone has a great week.  Mine was more than just wings and beer.  Baseball &  3 parties + a car accident + yard sale. I need a weekend away.

Last Friday my "family" went to an Angel Game.  I'm a Dodger fan but because the Angels is one of my "cousin's" favorite team & he is finally home from Korea we all went. The group of what seems like a million of us never disappoints a good time.  The game didn't get really exciting until the 8th inning.  While the game was un-entertaining I caught up with Marisa!  I got to know her a lot last year and she helped with a lot.  I love her like a friend and sister but since we are both busy it's gard to talk. Anyways the game was good Angels won . Got home and passed out.

With work being Saturday morning & my cousin's welcome party. We don't see each other much but he is someone I look at like a big brother. The best part was 2-stepping with him.  He practiced and it showed. Me not so much (sorry dance friends I failed lol) . Music + Cheap Drinks + Friends + Family = GREAT TIME. I have to enjoy every moment with friends and family seeing how I'm not sure when the next time I will be home.

Sunday was the last party day. One of my not so baby cousins graduated high school. Talk about me feeling old. I remember babysitting her & telling her if she wasn't good she'd be going into the "Dark Room" [my parents walk-in closet] . I am very proud to say she was never put in there.  Can't wait to see how the world will treat her as she's performing all around it. 

Monday approached faster than I wanted and and as I headed my happy booty to work someone hit the drivers side of my car. Where I live accidents aren't surprising but holy cow it has been one big chaotic mess.  Jesus took the Wheel of my car. Cops came and were so nice . Thank you Alhambra PD. Luckily my car is repairable and hopefully done by the end of this week.