Bucket List 30

Most of us make bucket lists of things we want to do before we die. Since I will be having a BIG birthday on 8/1/13; I decided to make a list of 30 things I would like to do before I turn 30 years old. Not listed in any particular order.

1. Attend a Zac Brown concert.
2. Volunteer time or donate monthly. 
3. Road trip to 9/11 memorials in Washington DC & New York City.
4. Learn sign language.
5. Get family pictures including pets.
6. Go to Atlantic City, NJ Casino.
7. Blog once a month.
8. Go on an Air Plane.
9. Learn how to surf
10. Get a conceal & carry permit.
11. Swim in the Grand Caymans
12. Take a break from the computer at least one day out of each month
13. Donate blood
14. Become financial stable
15. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
16. Go indoor skydiving
17. Reach weight loss goal
18. Swim in Montego Bay, Jamaica
19. Participate in Relay for Life
20. Climb the Statue of Liberty
21. Scrapbook our wedding & honeymoon albums
22. Go target shooting & try to at least hit near the target.
23. Learn to crochet
24. Adopt a family at Christmas time.
25. Grow a garden
26. Exercise at least five days out of the week.
27. Pay it forward daily
28. Watch sea turtles hatch and head to the ocean.
29. Hike the Appalachian trail
30. Visit Niagra Falls

Things that make you go hmmmm Part 2

Things that make you go hmmmm Part 2

• Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?
• Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
• Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
• Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
• If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
• Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
• Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
• Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
• Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
• Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
• How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
• Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
• In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
• How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

Its just that simple

Its just that simple

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.

2] Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on. 

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write. 

4] All things in life are temporary.  If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either. 

5] Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold! 

6]  Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end! 

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities. 

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything  worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision." 

9] When you pray for others, GOD listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.

Pet Peeves

My top twenty pet peeves

I don't have pet peeves I have whole kennels of irritation. - Whoopi Goldberg

• Diesel trucks at a drive thru, if you have to turn off your truck to order. How do you think the person in front and behind you feels when they have to scream there order out.

• Commercials that are so much louder than the TV shows.
• People that wait until the last minute.
• Restaurants that give you rolls, but never enough butter to go with them.
• People who don't vote and then complain about the results.
• Drivers who don't use a turn signal.
• People who throw cigarette butts on the beach.

• Kids who tease dogs through a fence. 
• People who go the wrong way in a parking lot.
• Someone with a full cart of groceries gets into the 10 items or less line.
• You pull a string hanging from your shirt and it doesn't break, but only becomes longer.
• People that don't send thank you notes.
• Getting stuck at red lights, while nobody is going the other direction.
• People who ride their bikes in the road when a sidewalk is right there.
• No toilet paper or paper towels in public bathrooms.
• People who don't control their bratty children.
• When people don't RSVP to an event.
• Grocery clerks that want to bundle the receipt with my change. Hand me the money separately so I can put it in my pocket, and then hand me the receipt or place it in the bag.
• People sitting at a red light and continuing to sit there when the light turns green because they're on their cell phone.
• Driveways that make cars bottom out.

I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I enjoyed gathering them...it took me about four weeks just so you know.

Just for Love

In observance for Valentine's Day...I wanted to share my top twenty love quotes from one of our local writers whom I love everything he writes....NICHOLAS SPARKS.

Found this online an loved it!

1. “I finally understood what true love meant...love meant that you care for another person's happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be.” Nicholas Sparks, Dear John
2. “That he would love her no matter what she told him, and that he was the kind of man who loved her already and would love her forever.” Nicholas Sparks, Safe Haven
3. “Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it” Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember
4. “True love is rare, and it's the only thing that gives life real meaning.” Nicholas Sparks, Message in a Bottle 
5. “While I sleep, I dream of you, and when I wake, I long to hold you in my arms. If anything, our time apart has only made me more certain that I want to spend my nights by your side, and my days with your heart.” Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe
6. “So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.” Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook 
7. “He was the toast to her butter.” Nicholas Sparks, The Lucky One
8. “You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.” Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
9. “I love you more than there are fishes in the sea and higher than the moon” Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight
10. “I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ” Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook  
11. “Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.”  Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song
12. “Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Loves is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It dose not take offense and is not resentful. Love take no pleasure in others people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.” Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember 
13. “I fell in love with her when we were together, then fell deeper in love with her in the years we were apart.” Nicholas Sparks, Dear John
14. “Spending time with you showed me what I’ve been missing in my life.” Nicholas Sparks, The Choice 
15. “I guess what I'm trying to say is that you are there, in everything I am, in everything I've ever done, and looking back, I know that I should have told you know much you've always meant to me.” Nicholas Sparks, The Wedding
16. “Loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the world.” Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue 
17. “I gave you the best of me, he'd told her once, and with every beat of her son's heart, she knew he'd exactly done that.” Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me
18. “Being in love, I find myself smiling for no reason at all...” Nicholas Sparks, Dear John
19. “I had no choice. Love does funny things to people.”  Nicholas Sparks, True Believer
20. “In the instant their lips first met, there was a flicker of something almost electrical that made him believe the feeling would last forever.” Nicholas Sparks, The Guardian

My favorite all time movie

 Happy Valentine's Day!! I hope each of you have a lovely day!!!

Things that make you go hmmmm Part 1

Things that make you go hmmmm Part 1



• How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
• Why do you have to 'put your two cents in'... but it's only a 'penny for your thoughts'?  Where's that extra penny going to?
• Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
• Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
• How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
• Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up like every two hours?
• Why is 'bra' singular and 'panties' plural?
• If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
• If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
• Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Stay tuned for part 2 of things that make you go hmmmmm. Hope you enjoyed!

Savannah Helms

Beaufort, NC - Coolest Town I say "Yes"

Beaufort, NC

Whether you are a first time visitor to Beaufort and its website, or a frequent user, it is my pleasure to welcome you. Founded in 1709 and North Carolina’s 3rd oldest town, there is much to see and appreciate. There are many beautiful restored homes that pre-date the Civil War, and the water vista and tree lined streets are most picturesque. We are home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum and its Queen Anne Revenge artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship which sunk off the Beaufort Inlet. In fact, Beaufort in its early history was captured by pirates. Beaufort is also home to the noted Nicholas School of the Environment of Duke University and one of the earliest NOAA labs is still alive and thriving in Beaufort.


Many yachts and sailboats moor in our Town public docks and you are welcome to walk the waterfront, enjoy the salt air and look across Taylors Creek for the wild ponies and horses that make their home on Carrot Island. You can take Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks excursions from our waterfront, kayak down Taylors Creek, or take a water taxi across Taylors Creek to swim and picnic on Carrot Island. You can also shop in specialty shops or eat in our great restaurants. You will then see why Look Magazine has designated Beaufort as the top undiscovered beach resort community. Our culture and heritage are important assets to be cherished. Our citizens are friendly and Town staff and employees provide good, efficient services at reasonable costs. So it is with pride that we welcome you and invite you to visit for a while or make this your home. Sited: http://www.beaufortnc.org/experiencing-beaufort

So with that being said: Please vote for Beaufort, NC in America's contest for being one of the smallest coolest town. You can vote everyday up until the end of the month.VOTE HERE

Nifty Ideas Part 1

Nifty Ideas
Received this in an email and thought it was just too amazing not to pass along. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

For your July 4th recipes or just because hull strawberries with a straw.

Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.

Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls).

Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band.

Overhaul your linen cupboard – store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.

I hope you enjoyed these ideas....I already am doing #5. Thinking about trying #1 because I just don't like the hull. Watch for part 2 for even more great ideas.

The Reason for the Season!

Merry Christmas from the Crystal Coast of North Carolina.

December 20, 2011 - 69 degrees

As most of us begin our travels during the upcoming holiday week, I hope you all have safe travels to your destinations. Gathering with friends and family...lets remember the reason for the season.

Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

Luke 2: 4-19 says:

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

~Savannah Helms

Caring for Kids

I had the pleasure of taking a needy kid shopping this year through the Swansboro Rotary. I would have to say this was one of the highlights of my Christmas season. I went with another rotarian and in place of my bossman.


Once we got to the school and checked him out to go shopping, I noticed we had a shy child on our hands. But, by the end of the day we had him smiling and talking. He was 5 yrs old and had two older sisters and a brother. He also told us he had a cat & a dog. On the ride to The Jacksonville Mall we had asked him if he had eaten breakfast that morning, he said "no". So we began to name every place we knew we would pass on our way. Once we came to Bojangles his face lit up and he said "Yes I really like Bojangles." So that's where we stopped.


We then proceeded to The Jacksonville Mall to begin our shopping. Myself nor the person I went shopping with didn't know much about children much less about clothing for children...but I have to say we did an awesome job. We bought the majority of his clothing and a pair of shoes from JcPenny because they had teamed up with the Rotary and were offering a 40% discount. The shoes that he wore shopping were in rough shape so we went to Shoe Show and bought him another pair.


Throughout the day we noticed that he would stop at the Christmas trees and play with the ornaments. So we asked him if his parents had put up a tree yet, he said "no". So our next stop was Walmart and that is where we bought him a prelit Christmas tree and ornaments. And what Christmas wouldn't be complete without toys.


Then we ate lunch at Red Robin where he had to play with his new toys and tic tac toe (which I lost everytime) while we waited for our food. I know that we made this child's Christmas and I am so glad I was able to be apart of it. Thank you to the Swansboro Rotary and to JcPenny.

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that - as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.  ~Charles Dickens

I'm Thankful

Thanksgiving Challenge: Everyday in November, post something you are thankful for:

Day 1: Thankful for my husband Jon. Busting his butt to provide for us, the pups and our beardie!!! He works so hard at work and school. Yep thats my husband!!

 Day 2: Thankful for my wonderful family. I have to say I have the best family in the world. First and foremost my parents and sister what would I do without them. From my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles I am thankful for each and every one of you!!

Day 3: I am thankful for my furbabies and our bearded dragon. As for my furbabies...Mufasa & I have been together since he was seven weeks, he is now eight years old...I find myself loving him more and more everyday. Ginger is Jon's furbaby so I adopted her and she is a great watch dog and I love her to pieces. As for Berri she is a wonderful little dragon...although with her recent brumating she has made me fearful that I'm going to lose her. Apparently this is normal. I ♥ them all and thankful to be their mommy!!

Day 4: I am thankful for my job! Especially the state of the economy these days I am thankful that I have a job with great benefits. I ♥ my coworkers and yes bossman that includes you.


Day 5: I am thankful and proud to be an American! Thankful to live in a country where I am free and have rights. Thanks to all of those who fight for our freedom!


Day 7: I am thankful for my health. Although my health hasn't always been the best...it def. hasn't been the worst that I have seen in others.


Day 8: I am thankful for the ability to cook and bake. And I know Jon is thankful as well. We both do pretty good with this ability!!


Day 9: I am thankful for clean water. Anyone who has lived in most of the United States all of their lives probably can’t imagine not having clean, drinkable, water. Sadly, in a great number of people in the world do not have it. It is truly a blessing on many levels.


Day 10: I am thankful for my five senses. Seeing: The sunrise out your window of a cruise ship. Hearing: Ocean waves crash on shore. Tasting: Pumpkin Shrimp Bisque from the Ruddy Duck. Smelling: Thanksgiving dinner. Touching: Hold hands with my ♥ Jon.


Day 11: I'm thankful for our armed service men & women. I appreciate my freedom and having rights as an American. Thank you!!


Day 12: I am thankful for weekends!! Every once and a while you need a good weekend...nothing but relaxation...even if its just for a lazy Sunday. Thankful that most weekends Jon & I spend the majority of the weekend together and we have jobs that allow us to have Sat. & Sun. days off.


Day 13: I am thankful for faith. Knowing that miracles and the Lord do exist.


Day 14: I am thankful for a car and the ability to drive. I love to drive and thankful that I have this right because if not that would be a long 15 mile walk to work daily.


Day 15: I am thankful for technology. Facebook, Blogs, Coupon sites, Amazon.com, Online Banking and so many more. I would have to say that technology sure makes my life easier.


Day 16: I'm thankful that I am crafty and creative. I know I truly get this from my momma. Working on a diaper cake for a beautiful little girl.


Day 17: I am thankful for life...thankful for waking up every morning and able to get out and seize the day.


Day 18: I see this fitting for today...since its payday! I am thankful that we are able to pay our bills on time.


Day 19: I'm thankful for weekends with my family. Most of my family is 4 to 5 hours away but when we get together its like we see each other everyday. Waking up in the house I grew up is amazing and I value the closeness of our family and traditions we have set over the years.


Day 20: I'm thankful for paved roads, road signs and electricity to power the stoplights.


Day 21: I am thankful that I have a great sense of humor. Which only adds to my wonderful personality! :o)


Day 22: I am thankful for in-laws that treat me like family. ♥ you guys!!


Day 23: I am thankful for powered appliances...as I am baking my cheesecakes for tomorrow. Couldn't imagine not having my mixer and oven.

Day 24: I am thankful for Thanksgiving...gathering and eating with family and putting up CHRISTmas decor.


Day 25: I'm thankful for the seasons...My most favorite season is fall...the leaves changing colors, family gatherings begin, and our anniversary.


Day 26: I'm thankful for my clothes and shoes. I'm thankful that I'm able to purchase the items we want or need. I'm also thankful that if we don't use the clothes or shoes we have a great organization in our community to donate the clothes.


Day 27: I'm thankful that we live in an age of medical breakthroughs. I know one day there will be a cure for cancer and other illnesses.


Day 28: I'm thankful that we live in Carteret Co, NC. I love the fact that we can go to the beach in less than five minutes. Also we have some awesome seafood around here...oysters, shrimp and flounder...you can't beat it.


Day 29: I'm thankful for take out. You know those days that you just don't feel like cooking. Well I'm thankful we have plenty of places to order from and they deliver.

Day 30: I am thankful that Jon & I have been Christmas shopping a little each weekend since Oct. so we can enjoy the holiday season upon us and not lose our sanity out in the crowds.

All Hallows Eve

Nothing beats a haunted moonlit night on All Hallows Eve.... And on this fatal night, at this witching time, the starless sky laments black and unmoving.  The somber hues of an ominous, dark forest are suddenly illuminated under the emerging face of the full moon.  ~Kim Elizabeth

What can I say I love Halloween...the decorations, candy, carving pumpkins, dressing up and trick or treaters.  Also, Halloween is the kick off for the most wonderful time of year.


So this Halloween was no different...we decked the house out with Halloween decor. We even had a fog machine in the yard...although we had to move it around a couple of times for the full effect due to the wind. We carved pumpkins the Wednesday prior to Halloween with my sister in law and her little sweetie Kaylee. Also we had our neighbors come over...Carmen and Kayden.

All of our pumpkins.

Jon, Savannah & Kaylee

Prior to the big day...Jon & I designed my costume...I was a black spider. This took some creativity because its hard to find a costume that covers your butt these day. Anyhow...I purchased some black pantyhose, doll stuffing, black face paint, black nail polish, black thread, black turtleneck, black headband and styrofoam balls.


I stuffed 4 pantyhose with doll stuffing and put two more layers of pantyhose so you couldn't see the stuffing.  Then came the most grueling part...sewing the legs on to the turtleneck. I may be crafty but I dislike sewing. While I was sewing Jon painted the styrofoam balls black and put red dots on them for eyes and then glued them to the headband.  After what seemed like a four hour process I was finished...finally. Now comes the trying on part...tried the shirt on and Jon stitched up all my arms to move at the same time. Then Jon proceeds to paint my face black for the full effect and then put my headband on. Then we took photos and then three hours later all the black paint was off my face. I opted out of wearing the black paint to work the next day.


So its the big day...get all dressed up and get in my car to drive to work...should of thought about this a little more....I had to wear my seatbelt illegally to drive to work and my legs were all over the place. My boss lady dressed up as a witch and brung in her black cat with her...the day seemed to creep by...I think that I had something to do with all the legs. 

Anyhow the real fun was starting once it got dark.  I got off work early and got the house all ready for the trick or treaters.  We had so many trick or treaters I thought I was going to have to run out to get more candy.

Trick or Treaters

Kaylee



Joslyn, Savannah, Dylan, Justin & Heather



I hope you enjoyed my Halloween Blog and pics.

A Mother's Love

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." Washington Irving

My mom & I...my first time in the ocean.

I recently had the opportunity of spending a week with my mom. It was an amazing week and I hope to be able to do this more often.


Here is a few highlights of our week together:

We went to Fort Macon and walked the beach searching for shells for crafts. Went to the Educational Center and looked at their exhibits. Christmas shopping all over the place....Morehead City, New Bern and Jacksonville. MICHAELS - We seem to be some crafty ladies so we had to get supplies for some ideas we had brewing. Worked on a sea turtle puzzle and glued it afterwords. Completed two wreaths and worked on some Christmas gifts. Book signing for Nicholas Sparks new book "The Best of Me". We also went to some used bookstores. Here is some photos of our wonderful week together.



Nicholas Sparks & I...after waiting 8 hrs in
line it was worth it.



The signed book.







My Halloween wreath we made.



Spring wreath we made.







A daughter is a mother's gender partner, her closest ally in the family confederacy, an extension of her self.  And mothers are their daughters' role model, their biological and emotional road map, the arbiter of all their relationships. - Victoria Secunda

Oct 2011 - Yummy

We had the pleasure of trying some new restaurants and some great food during the month of October.  They were so good, I decided to give them their own blog review.

NC Seafood Festival - Morehead City, NC

This festival has grown so much since I had last attended and actually looked around and viewed all the vendors items. We walked around for several hours...sampling and nippling on food. Arrived about lunch time...so Jon & I shared a seafood combo plate: crawfish, fried alligator bites, and fried shrimp. My fave was the crawfish...somehow I think I have some New Orleans roots that I don't know about. Jon really enjoyed the alligator bites, although they were a bit greasy. We also tried the twice baked seafood potato...this was so delicious and yummy. The potato had shrimp, onion, cheese, and bacon. And I'm not talking one of those small potatoes this one was about the size of my palm. A+ got to go!

Kate's Pancake House in Carolina Beach , NC

We ate breakfast here on a Saturday morning, they were extremely busy but it was well worth the wait. Jon & I both ordered breakfast platters. Bacon, grits, home fries, cheese eggs, and toast. I really enjoyed the bacon and grits the best. A+ if you are in the area you must try it.

Flaming Amy's in Wilmington, NC



This is similar to a Mexican restaurant with focus on burritos and nachos. Jon had a double beef stuffed burrito...with no rabbit food as he says. I had Nachos with beef, beans and all the fixings. I rate this place a A+...you really can't mess up Mexican food. This place has a great atmosphere and the food was awesome.

Shagger Jacks in Oak Island, NC

We enjoyed our dinner outside under the stars, it was a lovely evening. I had crab legs with melted butter. Jon had a bacon cheeseburger with fries. Mmmm Mmmm...my crabs were so good...but I had to work hard to get to the good stuff. For dessert...Key Lime Pie and Triple Chocolate Pie. Everything was excellent and I rate this place A+...the service was great, atmosphere was relaxing and laid back, food was great value for your money.

Taylor's Cafe in Southport, NC

A favorite among Jon & I...we have been here for breakfast & lunch. On this trip we had breakfast. There was a little wait...but well worth it. We decided to have the platters...eggs with cheese, bacon, ham, grits and home fries...the whole nine yards. This was one of the best breakfasts...I have ever eaten. So just in case you don't know they have the best lemonade I have ever tasted...has fresh fruit in it. A++ - Excellent doesn't even describe this place.

Crab's Claw in Morehead City, NC

My mom and I ate lunch here. This little place has views of the ocean and their food is delicious. For a starter my mom and I had coconut shrimp and jalapeno corn bread. For our meal we had a crab pot which includes corn on the cob, red potatoes, shrimp, crab, onions and carrots. A+ - Must try really good.


Thank you for reading my Yummy Blog.







Happy Anniversary!!

Happy 1st Anniversary to Jon & I....October 9, 2011

Had a wonderful first anniversary...we went to my grandparents house in Oak Island, NC. Leave one beach for another...just to get away and have a mini vacation. It was a beautiful weekend and reminded me of our wedding day. Before I left work on Friday I had some beautiful flowers delivered.

The drive to Oak Island is nice and didn't get bad until the two lane road into the island. (Slow people + Driving a Mustang = Impatient) We arrived around 9:30pm on Friday night. Sleep came fast since we had been on the road for two and a half hours.

On Saturday morning we woke early so we could catch the ferry to head over to Ft. Fisher. Terrifying ferry ride they had to put it in reverse twice because of other boats on the waters. (Hint: If it is bigger than you move out of its way.) Once we arrived in Ft. Fisher we tracked down a place to eat. (Next blog...New Restaurants we tried in the month October.) Stopped at a stretch of beach and took some pictures.



It was slightly windy don't mind our hair all over the place.

Headed over to the Ft. Fisher Aquarium. If you have not been you must go. I have been only be to Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium but I have to rank Ft. Fisher up there as my favorite. I think that was mostly because of all the turtles they had there. I love turtles. Also, another neat feature was that they had a diver in the tank talking about the fish and waving at the kids. Here are a few pictures.



May what big teeth you have.

Turtles eating good.

Hey do you have food?

Seahorses

The real nemo.

How many turtles can you put on one log?

After the aquarium we went to the mall and officially started our Christmas shopping. We shopped for several hours and then went back to the place we were staying and took a nap. Went to a lovely restaurant for dinner.

Sunday - Our actually anniversary.  Woke up around 8am or so. Cleaned and packed up and headed out on the road. Ate breakfast at the best little place in the world. I wish I could of ate all of my food. We then went to The Christmas Shop...7 days a week of Christmas...wonderful little store.

The two and half hour drive home seemed to go by faster during the day. Anyhow got home and unpacked. Took a nap with our pups. For dinner we met my parents at Olive Garden.

Year old cake

Tradition has it you have to eat your wedding cake top on your anniversary. We did this...not to sure about the cake...don't know if it had something to do with being without power for 36 hrs due to Hurricane Irene or that it was old. But we ate it anyways. I have you know my husband stuffed the cake in my face yet again.

Probably day old cake.

Our anniversary weekend was absolutely wonderful and we look forward to many more.

“Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Loves is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It dose not take offense and is not resentful. Love take no pleasure in others people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.”

Snapshot

A quick snapshot of our first year of marriage.



Kaylee with her mom and dad.

After the hustle and bustle of getting back in the grove of things, unpacking and tons of  laundry from our honeymoon. We begin to decorate for Halloween...Jon & I may be in our late twenties but we are still kids at heart and love decorating for all the holidays. We craved pumpkins with Kaylee (our niece) and her family, this was her first time craving pumpkins..she had a blast. Halloween comes and we had to chase down trick or treaters...they were scared of Mufasa and Ginger. Halloween comes and goes and so do the decorations.



Mufasa with Kaylee's rubber duckie.



Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching...I am working on recipes...my weakness anything with pumpkin in it. I made pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin soup. Its time for the dinners and leftovers. We went to my parents house the weekend prior to Thanksgiving and then we go to Jon's aunts house on Thanksgiving Day. So we get two weekends of Thanksgiving...thats alright with me. The day after Thanksgiving we begin Christmas decorating and wrapping gifts. Christmas Day is slowly approaching and I listen to nothing but Christmas tunes...at work, car and house...I mean everywhere. We went to my parents and grandparents houses the weekend prior to Christmas and then did Christmas with Jon's family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.



Jon & I for our first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. Helms





We had snow for Christmas!







 







My Family



We purchased a bearded dragon in December...Berri, she will be 1 yr old this month.

Yay for the New Year 2011: We had a total of three snow storms at the beach this winter...crazy right. Jon started the Aircraft Maintenance program at Craven in January.

Our first Valentines Day as Mr & Mrs. Helms. Jon bought me a plant, chocolate, steak dinner and a chick flick, doesn't get much better than that.



Diaper Cake

Ginger




Berri

 

Started making diaper cakes in March because I knew so many prego ladies and I wanted to do a unique gift.  In May we went to Kings Dominion for the day...walked all over the place...enjoyed Busch Gardens a whole lot better. In August what    a busy month...lots of baby showers, 10 yr class reunion, and Hurricane Irene. 

  





 Yay for our first year of marriage, what a busy and fast year that was.

 

Savannah Helms