divorced – Page 3

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC Morning Walk

Published on January 9, 2013January 9, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

While I’m working on the next blog for the Biltmore Estate I thought I’d share a photo I took on my morning coffee walk from the Biltmore Historic Inn to Antler Village.

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Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC – Introduction

Published on January 7, 2013January 12, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

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About three years ago I stumbled upon information on a “castle” located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The first time I saw a photo of this estate I thought “I want to go!” This American castle, also known as the Biltmore Estate, is located in Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore is a National Historic Landmark with America’s largest home, gardens, winery, and world-class luxury inn. The summers can be HOT (and very humid) so one of the best times to visit is the in spring. Needless to say, everything is in bloom and the appletree flowers float down around you like spring snow. With spring just around the corner, I wanted to tell you about it so you’ll have enough time to make your reservations. And yes, you can do this trip alone. I’ll give you some tips that will help ensure you pull the trip off with success. Over the next week or two I will post a series of blogs that will cover the following:

– How to get there (I found a beautiful back-road that will get you off the beaten path and give you some incredible views as you drive from the airport to the estate)

– About the Biltmore Estate

– Where to stay including information on the world-class luxury Biltmore Inn (located on the grounds)

– What to do (and what not to do)

– Where to eat

– Where to drink (There is a winery so wine tasting is a must)

– In addition I’ll include some tips for the solo traveler to ensure you have a fabulous time

Click to FOLLOW so you can start planning your trip!

Nor-Cal Day Trip – Seafood & Farmers Market Adventure

Published on January 3, 2013January 10, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Here’s a fabulous place for lunch and local farmers market if you’re looking for a day trip in Northern California. From Santa Cruz, take Highway 1 south. As you weave your way along you’ll run into the town of Moss Landing. I know I’ve mentioned this place before but wanted to give you a few more details. The first place you’ll want to stop is The Whole Enchilada Farmers Market which is on Highway 1. Everything is locally grown and the prices are very inexpensive. They also have some exotic fruits and vegetables which are hard to find. From there head over to a recent find of mine called Phil’s Fish Market. I guess most people know about this place (As I’ve noted by the looks of shock when tell people about it – “What? You’ve never been? Are you completely mad? I’ve been eating there for years!”) Anyway, once I found it, I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s super casual so dining alone is no problem. Be sure to get there early because it’s always packed. When it’s warm you can sit outside and enjoy an ocean view. After lunch the options are endless! Monterey! Carmel! Let me know if you go and if you have a favorite item that you order, I’d love to share that too.

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The blue dot shows where the farmer’s market is. You can also see the call out for Phil’s. Hope you head over soon!

Arizona Evening Beauty

Published on December 30, 2012December 30, 2012 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Last night we enjoyed happy hour at one of the local restaurants called The Herb Box Market at Southbridge. My sister is always in search of the perfect happy hour so if you live in Scottsdale, please send your recommendations! Happy hour is a great way to enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant without handing over your entire wallet. Also, if your traveling solo it’s the best time to dine. (You might even meet someone) The tastings are all 50% off and the wines and drinks are also discounted. The kids sip off the crazy mixed drink menu sans the alcohol while we adults hit the grape. Following happy hour we walked over to Southbridge and saw this incredible sunset. The desert sky seems to have a fairy that paints and blends the most beautiful colors. It was a wonderful evening. Today we’re visiting the Arabian Horse Farm tour and we can’t wait! Click to Follow and you’ll be first to see these spectacular animals.

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Flight Etiquette…Time to Change Your Ways? ;)

Published on December 29, 2012December 29, 2012 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

It’s a few days before New Year’s Eve and I’m heading to Scottsdale Arizona where I’ll bring in the New Year with my sister and her family. Being Papa Stan’s daughter, I am here two hours early. I know, I know, I can alreadly see eyes rolling. That’s right, I’m an Early Airport Arriver (EAA) and I’m not ashamed of it. In fact, I am on a mission to help others become EAA’s too. I’m not the girl you see who is running through the airport frantically pushing people out of the way to just barely make my flight. I don’t slide through the doors before they close them and look like I just finished a Body Pump class as I find my seat. I know there are different thoughts about arriving early or just in the nick of time so I thought I’d let you know why EAA is the way to go. If you can convince me otherwise I’m totally open for some good reasons, but for now I remain unconvinced.

Top 3 reasons why you should arrive early:

1. You won’t look like a total idiot racing through the airport. That may sound harsh but it’s true. It’s just not a pretty sight to see anyone run while pulling something behind them. It concerns me and makes me think they might fall, or harm other people along the way. This is not another way to trim pounds. If you want to do that, hit the gym when you get to your destination.

2. The world will not be angry at you. Here’s another pet peeve I have with people who arrive at the last minute. We’ve all seen it. You’ve gotten to the airport on time. You approach the mammoth line of people waiting to go through security. As you inch your way along you see someone being escorted to the front. Who could they be? A movie star! Is that Brad Pitt??? Craning your neck you watch them show their ID and boarding pass. They actually look a bit wild-eyed as they tell the security guard their flight leaves in less than 20 minutes. Ugh! And what about us? We remain in the horrific line and look like we’re waiting for a ride at Disney Land – This type of madness just needs to stop. What would happen if just once they were not escorted to the front and actually missed their flight… Would they change their crazy ways?

3. You’ll have time to shop! Ok, this one may not be all that great but I have been known to find some interesting things while leisurely walking to my gate. Also, you may find a fabulous coffee shop (I love Illly) where you can have a double espresso avec a splash of half and half. Adjust to suite what you like.

I hope this has at least inspired consideration for an EAA attitude. 😉 With that, I’m off to catch my flight!

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Moss Landing CA Excursion

Published on December 28, 2012May 27, 2014 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

rniIf you head south on Highway one from Santa Cruz you’ll pass a town called Moss Landing. A lot of people probably drive right by. At first glance, your eyes are drawn to the huge smoke stacks. But don’t let that deter you – there are some beautiful…