To much of our time is spent indoors or having our retinas fixated on our computers or phones! I think value is added to our lives when we spend time with the ones we love, outside enjoying the amazing things God has provided us. I hope y'all {trying to be a little southern} don't mind me sharing my "sunshine stories" with you. Since moving out of the grey north-- I am so excited to get out of the house and explore. My adventure "guru" sister, Emily lives near Charleston and has started her "Free tour" of the South [Check out her blog: www.Emilymirek.blogspot.com ] And I shall be sharing stories of our kayaking, fishing, hiking adventures and everything in between! I hope you enjoy! And if you have any secrets or tips for traveling-- please feel free to share!!
Enjoy my "Sunshine Stories"
(Yes the name is lame lol) -- Stories are chronilogical, most recent is @the bottom.
A big part of my life takes place near water-- whether it be; eating fresh seafood (I am obsessed), putting my feet in the water or fishing! My boyfriend, Jake, owns his own fly tying company... so you can imagine that we are always on the search for a "fishing hole".
{{Ps- check out his website and stock up on your favorite hand crafted flies, made in America @ www.SteelieBrosFlyCo.com I promise you won't regret it!}}
There is probably nothing better than hopping in your kayak and heading out on to the water with your friends, family or someone special;) Being a fitness fan- I also don't mind the BIG ass waves that come when you are kayaking in a fairly large lake... Heaven forbid my boat were to capsize... but as long as I am safe in my boat, I am happy! This also gives you an opportunity to get a work out in!!! Whhhhhhattttttt! Ya...if you have never kayaked then you should! Your shoulder muscles get a pretty good workout! (Oh yeah!)
(Above is a group of photos for the wonderful, Lake Erie in the Silver Creek/Dunkirk area! There are beautiful clear and calm days, that make kayaking SO amazing! If you have the chance to check out the lake- hop in a kayak and take a trip towards the cliff and see what special "hangouts"you can find on the cliffs! Be careful though, getting on to the rocks can be dangerous if the waves are strong!)
#ThrowBack to Last summer! {We have not gone out on tooo many adventures yet but who doesn't love a funny video! Enjoy!} My cousin, Rowan is problably one of the funniest kids I know! He is always trying to push the boundaries and break a few rules!
April 2014-
This
is very strange for me. I work from home, after moving down south, I
began looking for a job and I realized that it would make sense for me
to "push" myself to reach certain goals within my BeachBody business
(since I had the free time to actually pursue my dreams). It has been
about a month in a half and I actually have been able to reach a few of
my financial goals through my at home, online based business. And with
that being said I was invited to spend a little time down by the beach!!
(WOO!) I feel almost guilty for not staying home this week to "work" I
have also realized that THIS is why I am working my business from home!
So I can reach those goals and so that I can actually enjoy mini
vacations with my friends! SO, in the end, I am silly for feeling guilty
and my tip for you (reading this): If you have the ability to pursue a
dream job or have the ability to work from home and make your
living....DO IT!!!
Hilton Head, South Carolina!
Well, if you ever have a chance to go there... you should! It is a great vacation spot! I think the best part of taking advantages of just getting in the car and traveling by yourself or with your friends... are those moments when everything just slows down a little bit and you are riding in the car with your hand floating in the wind as you drive down a road covered in big beautiful trees, that seem to frame the street like a picture frame. Those are the times I am really and amazed at how amazing life is.
Anyways.
If you don't like beaches BUT you LOVE purses, clutches, jewelery that is inspired by a beautiful south... then check out Spartina449 (You can just Google Spartina 449 if you don't trust my link!) Lol! I bought these two gems there #iminlove
----->>>>> Seriously though... check out there stuff.. it is amazing!
May. 2014
We are right around the corner from a State Park, so almost every weekend we pack up some water (because you need it to survive...ya dumb dumb!) and head out! This past weekend {{Memorial Day Weekend}}
What started off as a fun walk to the river (like 3 mile walk to get to the river) turned into a swimming party! I suppose my insane fear of what lies beneath the water's surface was surpassed by the heat and the idea of cooling off in the beautiful river! We ended jumping into the fast moving current and maneuvered through some rocks! Basically we found a natural water slide! I suppose the moral of the story is:
If there is fast moving water and it is super hot out... JUMP in! You will probably have more fun that you knew was possible. Oh and bring your friends too!
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| Weird filter- yes. Good picture of Emily- yes yes yes! |
June. 2014
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Let's Talk Safety:
Oh, try to bring a buddy! Seriously, ladies especially, do NOT travel or go "exploring" alone. I don't think I can emphasize this enough. It is NOT safe. I know we have all probably seen that one CSI episode where the pretty girl goes for a walk and then never comes back. So, seriously take a friend! If it two of you (both females lol) take something that will help protect you. Take a small pocket knife, a whistle, pepper spray and make sure you tell someone where you went and when you should be back. Don't be stupid.
#Rantover :) I will tell you about my fishing/exploring buddy! Jake is my fisherman <3.
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End of June:
If you can't already tell who takes ALL of the pictures.... it is me. I fell in love with photography 3 years ago and since we moved, I haven't really photographed much of anything (with a device OTHER than my phone) so I decided to bring the big ole' Canon to the river. We didn't catch much of anything BUT I get some good shots of the Steelie Bros { +Steeliebros Fly }on the river. This day was a little tough (we lost someone very dear to us.) I don't think I personally have ever felt more closure over the passing of a loved one more than I did while we were at the river. There was a calmness over the water and the soft, warm breeze surrounded us. I felt as if he was fishing right along with us that day.
Here are a few shots! (Sorry we only ever go to the same fishing spots)
If you want to check out my check out Steelie Bro's Blog or check out my facebook page (and follow me!) @@ Jem_Photography
July 2014.
We traveled home for a while at the beginning of July. Nothing like getting out of the HOT South Carolina Sun and traveling back up north, where 75 & sunny feels AMAZING! Spending the 4th of July with Family and a FULL weekend of Wine Tasting {{Stay tuned for a wine tasting LIST soon}}
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| Sunset on the 4th. Dunkirk, NY. |
Anyways, we spent time fishing on the ponds at +Steeliebros FlyCO property, with the minature "pro fisher" Aiden. Aiden is Jake's nephew... so I kind of consider him my half nephew [since Jake and I have been together since before he was born lol]. So once you mention fishing to him.... he basically sprints back to the ponds. {I think we tried to talk him into leaving for almost an hour... it wasn't working, he didn't want to leave.}
Aiden with Uncle Joe, trying to catch some big fish. (left)
I am not even sure how many fish he caught that day..BUT every fish he did catch.. had to be documented.There is nothing like going home. Those brief moments when you can actually just relax and listen to a fire with the "peepers" in the background, surrounded by family,
those are the best moments.
Other Exciting WNY activites included:
Two Graduation parties. Zumba (several times) with my grandma. Wine tasting at local wineries #love and just hanging out with our amazing family
My parents came to visit and we were finally able to take them to see all the fun places we had found within the first few months of living in Columbia (South Carolina). One of the coolest spots we went was the Conagree National Park. It was free! We were able to walk for miles on beautiful trails! There were insanely tall trees (of course) and all the sounds were amazing.
those are the best moments.
Other Exciting WNY activites included:
Two Graduation parties. Zumba (several times) with my grandma. Wine tasting at local wineries #love and just hanging out with our amazing family
August, September & October:
Why haven't I updated this page for three months! Regardless, I am updating it now, so prepare yourself for a ton of fun stuff!
Mid/End of July:
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| The cool thing about pathways is. . . they always lead somewhere. |
My parents came to visit and we were finally able to take them to see all the fun places we had found within the first few months of living in Columbia (South Carolina). One of the coolest spots we went was the Conagree National Park. It was free! We were able to walk for miles on beautiful trails! There were insanely tall trees (of course) and all the sounds were amazing.
Tips for hiking:
Bring extra bug spray and make sure you coat yourself in some before your fun journey begins.
Also- wear a hat. You don't know when and where there are ticks. :)
Something else that would have been fun to do is kayak or canoe down the rivers in the Conagree... Although it looked kind of eery when we were there! Lol #saveitforthespring <- :)
Of course after every hike you must refuel your body! So, let us talk about foooood <3
I think one of the coolest parts about South Carolina is the cuisine. Seriously, in the small home town I was born and raised there were probably 10 restaurants. and maybe 4 of them you could frequent happily... BUT down in the South, there is AMAZING food everywhere!!
>>Ever see +Food Network's Diners Drive- ins and Dives?! Well, if you are visiting Columbia, South Carolina and are interested in good burger check out: Pawleys Front Porch. My mom watches Triple D literally all the time (some how, watching shows with amazing food, relaxes her lol) So when she was down visiting we were able to stop in quick for a burger! It was GREAT! We sat outside on the front porch (duh) and we split a burger...which I would suggest getting your own, but we weren't too hungry! :)
We stopped in quick before heading down to Charleston, South Carolina to visit with my sister for the week! :)
Traveling with family is always fun, I don't really understand kids and families now a days because as soon as a preteen gets in the car they turn on the headphones and tune out their family. I think the best memories are made when you are stuff in a tiny car and you are road tripping!
Obviously, if you don't venture to downtown Charleston when you are near Charleston... there is something wrong with you. I think everyone falls in love with Charleston a little when they first go. The air is warm and kind of smells like the ocean (unless you walk near the random horse barns down there). The streets are lined with adorable (some time over priced) shops. People just seem HAPPY. Besides falling in love with the overall vibe of the small historic town, it is a great place to learn a little bit of history. Since the South is literally PACKED with historical stories, you are bound to learn something when you visit! We took a carriage ride through the city! I highly recommend doing! If it is a hot day... you better! :) It is a great way to get off your feet for a while and explore the city while learning about the history of the town! #ExploreCharleston
Oh, yes. Naturally a must see if the: Market! :) It is basically a high class (everything is a reasonable price) flea market... minus the fleas (lol). Adorable little vendors set up their merchandise and occupy their little space throughout the day.
Every time my parents come to visit we walk through the market. However we never really buy anything.. which is strange. :)
On the water <3 Another magical thing about Charleston (besides the sea food) is the number of amazingly fun things to do on the water! You can board a schooner (a big, fancy ship) and explore the harbor or you get hop on a little river cruise thing (I don't know what they are "officially" called) Here is a photo of the Ravenel Bridge from the river boat ride we went on! :) aka- a photo you can only get if you were (A.) Swimming or (B.) on a boat!
Two Tiny Beach Tips:)
Traveling to the BEACHHHHH :) #whodoesntlikethebeach
Welp, there are like a million difference beaches you can go to:
1. Folly Beach: I like Folly Beach, however I think it is kind of crowded but if you like crowded... then you will be at the right place! Also, there are a ton of cute shops, resurants and bars! It seems like a ton of fun! {I have only spent a little time there but I did like it when we went!
2. My favorite. I think <--- Sullivan's Island! I suppose I only really think of two beaches when I think of Charleston. Like I said before there are a ton more (I am sure but Folly & Sullivans are really the only two I can speak from experience about!)
After our boat ride, the next day we went to Sullivans Island and spent the day with my family. There is something so magical about the ocean. I never really thought I would live a short distance from the ocean but I do...which is crazyyy!
Bring extra bug spray and make sure you coat yourself in some before your fun journey begins.
Also- wear a hat. You don't know when and where there are ticks. :)
Something else that would have been fun to do is kayak or canoe down the rivers in the Conagree... Although it looked kind of eery when we were there! Lol #saveitforthespring <- :)
Of course after every hike you must refuel your body! So, let us talk about foooood <3
I think one of the coolest parts about South Carolina is the cuisine. Seriously, in the small home town I was born and raised there were probably 10 restaurants. and maybe 4 of them you could frequent happily... BUT down in the South, there is AMAZING food everywhere!!
>>Ever see +Food Network's Diners Drive- ins and Dives?! Well, if you are visiting Columbia, South Carolina and are interested in good burger check out: Pawleys Front Porch. My mom watches Triple D literally all the time (some how, watching shows with amazing food, relaxes her lol) So when she was down visiting we were able to stop in quick for a burger! It was GREAT! We sat outside on the front porch (duh) and we split a burger...which I would suggest getting your own, but we weren't too hungry! :)We stopped in quick before heading down to Charleston, South Carolina to visit with my sister for the week! :)
Traveling with family is always fun, I don't really understand kids and families now a days because as soon as a preteen gets in the car they turn on the headphones and tune out their family. I think the best memories are made when you are stuff in a tiny car and you are road tripping!
{If any parents are actually reading this insanely lengthy post I suppose I will give a word of advice: Remember when you were younger and those stupid cell phones with Wi-Fi didn't exisit and you actually rode in the car and sang along to songs and TALKED to your family. Well, the next time you and your kiddos get in the car.. take their phones/movies/etc away from them and listen to some music and TALK! #Rantover}Charleston, South Carolina (July)
 |
| House we saw during the carriage ride! |
Oh, yes. Naturally a must see if the: Market! :) It is basically a high class (everything is a reasonable price) flea market... minus the fleas (lol). Adorable little vendors set up their merchandise and occupy their little space throughout the day.
Every time my parents come to visit we walk through the market. However we never really buy anything.. which is strange. :)
On the water <3 Another magical thing about Charleston (besides the sea food) is the number of amazingly fun things to do on the water! You can board a schooner (a big, fancy ship) and explore the harbor or you get hop on a little river cruise thing (I don't know what they are "officially" called) Here is a photo of the Ravenel Bridge from the river boat ride we went on! :) aka- a photo you can only get if you were (A.) Swimming or (B.) on a boat!Two Tiny Beach Tips:)
Traveling to the BEACHHHHH :) #whodoesntlikethebeach
Welp, there are like a million difference beaches you can go to:
1. Folly Beach: I like Folly Beach, however I think it is kind of crowded but if you like crowded... then you will be at the right place! Also, there are a ton of cute shops, resurants and bars! It seems like a ton of fun! {I have only spent a little time there but I did like it when we went!
2. My favorite. I think <--- Sullivan's Island! I suppose I only really think of two beaches when I think of Charleston. Like I said before there are a ton more (I am sure but Folly & Sullivans are really the only two I can speak from experience about!)
After our boat ride, the next day we went to Sullivans Island and spent the day with my family. There is something so magical about the ocean. I never really thought I would live a short distance from the ocean but I do...which is crazyyy!
{I always said to myself: "I want to live somewhere, where I can wear a sun dress, no shoes and eat seafood whenever I want." Little did I ever imagine I would end up living in South Carolina!}
The view from our comfy little spot on the beach at Sullivan's Island.
Ps- Parking is very strange there, find a spot on the side of the road (beware of towing) and don't ruin anyones adorable lawn. Enjoy<3
Oh, yes... before leaving the island we stopped at Poe's Tavern. Yeah, Hiii.. this was probably one of the most amazingly- insanely- delicious dishes I think I may have ever had.. this year at least. O.M.G.
All of the Burger, which is what they are known for (according to the waiter), were named after different Edgar Allen Poe poems.
According to their website and some historical information, Edgar Allen Poe was stationed near/in/around Sullivan's island. Therefore Poe's Tavern was created...years later ;)
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