Storm Chasing

My husband is a Left Coaster so East Coast weather patterns fascinate him. Having not seen one in person yet, tornadoes are his particular passion. This has led to him becoming something of a storm chaser. Today, a band of storms came up the coast, sending large water spouts inland that turned in to a few actual tornadoes in nearby towns. Instead of taking cover, my husband took to the road and headed 15 miles South-East to Topsail Beach in the hopes of seeing this for himself.

Even worse: I joined him! I blame a bad case of Christmas cabin fever. I needed to get out of the damn house.

Wind and rain were heavy upon our arrival but (much to his chagrin) the worst had already passed. The better half of our time spent on the island was under sunny skies.

Whether sunshine or storms, I love being at the beach. Not being a particularly religious or spiritual person, I still love the feeling of seeing something so grand and powerful, thus making my own problems feel so insignificant in comparison. That first sprint out to the waves breaking on the sand is a timeless ritual. I did it when I was a small child and continue to do it to this day.

Poncho: gifted by my mother
Puffer vest: Eddie Bauer Outlet
Beanie: Target
Sweater: Gap
Leggings: American Eagle
Boot socks: Target
Rain boots: Target



Eat your heart out, Jim Cantore!

The wind was holding me up in this position

Boots covered in sea foam. This is as close to a White Christmas and playing in snow as we get in Coastal Carolina.

Question: Why do I let him talk me in to such things?
Answer: Because he is so cute! *duh*

Sun starting to break through the clouds

Much calmer on the Intercoastal side of the island

The Only Thing Thin About Me Is My Blood

I woke up and it was below freezing. I had to scrape frost off my windshield. In light of everyone in the Northeast being pounded by a blizzard, I shouldn't whine but I am a less-than-hearty North Carolinian who hates anything other than beach weather. Funny thing about North Carolinians: you will often find people down here bundled up with a beanie and a sweatshirt and long johns and gloves when temperatures dip... but they will still be wearing flip-flops. I am guilty of this. Today's outfit involved a sweater dress, a parka, boots... and bare legs.

Sweater dress: Mossimo at Target
Parka: New York & Company
Boots: Modcloth
Purse: Target
Necklace: World Market
Sunglasses: Mudd at Kohl's

Trying to get brave enough to remove the parka

Terrified of the cold

In other news: who knew that World Market had such cool (and affordable!) jewelry? Yet another reason to go there, besides to replenish my wine supply.

Girl's Weekend 2012: Mildin' Out

When I called Southern Helle in desperate need of a getaway from work and she suggested a low-key spa retreat in the mountains, I jumped at the idea. As I move up the military food chain, my work has progressively gotten more and more stressful, and a chance to truly recharge and relax was a perfect idea. Lakeview at Fontana is nestled right off the main road but far enough away to forget it all but making the next happy hour. Our girl's weekend package came with three spa services. One of the ones I chose was an all-in-one massage with Grace, their masseuse. She definitely has magic hands and with the aid of hot stones turned my tensed out body into a puddle of blissed out goo by the end of the house massage. I am already mentally planning our return trip and pondering if I can just schedule three massages. They were that good!

Bryson City is a quaint mountain town but had lots of quirky interesting shops to feed Southern Helle and I's shopping addiction. It definitely has its own personality and I quickly found several have to have items, a christmas present and the shop, Humanite. If you haven't heard of it, read Southern Helle's post about trip to see how Erin also uses her store to give back. We had arranged an after hours trip there through the spa that included wine. After hours shopping with a glass of wine in hand is the only way to go! Among the many purchases included an amazing orange militaryesque coat that I am sure will be featured in a future post and a green and yellow dress with cut outs on the back. Anyone who knows me, knows that coats and jackets are my downfall and I could almost fill a closet with my coats alone. If I had had another glass of wine I probably would have done even more damage to my credit card! But, we had more Bryson City shops to explore.

High on shopping and wine

Why hello Mr Scarecrow

Preparing to explore Bryon City shopping
Between the natural beauty of the area, the five star treatment from everyone and everything at Lakeview at Fontana, Grace's amazing massages, the savory crepes from The Cork and Bean, Humanite, mountain music and good beer from Nantahala Brewery, and the chance to escape the world for a few days with my best friend by me, this past girl's weekend was one of the best in Southern Helle and I's 15 year friendship. the only true question left is, Is it too soon to go back?

The Spa's mascot, Sylvester, or as we affectionately called him Chunk, for his never-ending appetite.
Navy Blue Turtleneck: Victoria's Secret
Dress: Francesca's Collections
Black Boots: DSW Warehouse
Jeans: The Limited
Leather Jacket: Wilson's Leather
Purse: Marshall's
3/4 Length Blazer: Target

Excursions in Hiking

One of the many advantages to Southern Helle and I's recent trip to the mountains for our spa retreat was seeing the Smoky Mountains in all of their fall splendor and doing a little hiking. We arrived while all of the fall foliage was at its peak (and just in time for wine at happy hour!). Our first morning we had well intentioned plans to go to yoga after a light breakfast (which included the most amazing granola I have ever had - Out of the Blue Granola, which also has a great story). Yeah, we didnt make yoga. Any day we were there actually. Oops! Instead of yoga we took one of the meandering trails that led right out from the spa's property. The trail was beautiful in all its morning glory and a wee bit longer than expected. Southern Helle and I definitely got a better work out than in yoga!

Doing my best Rocky impression, at what I thought was the summit of the trail.
On Sunday morning, after another morning of pampering, and with the reward of scrumptious crepes from the Cork and Bean, in our minds we decided to explore the Deep Creek trail of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We saw some gorgeous views, a mighty creek and a waterfall. It also gave me the opportunity to break in my new hiking boots some more. Of course my hiking attire naturally consisted of jeans but at least no heels:

Taking advantage of the parks natural light and shadows

The Bryson City area had a lot of different trails to choose from and the weather was perfect to explore them without being cold or too hot. I can't wait to go back and walk some more of them!

Jacket: Target
Running Pants: Target
Hiking Boots: DSW Warehouse
Jeans: American Eagle

Happy Camper

I have filled my Cool Girl quota for the year by actually agreeing to go camping with my husband this weekend. Camping usually isn't my cup of tea (or, in my case, glass of wine). It reminds me too much of being back in the Army and going out for training exercises, aka "going to the field". I hate bugs and I hate getting dirty and I hate having to hike to the bathroom and I hate it even more when there is no bathroom to hike to.

Of course, opposites attract and Mr. Southern Helle loves all things involving the great outdoors. He would go all Mountain Man and drop off the grid if I would let him. Turns out he actually makes camping pretty fun. Translation: he did all the dirty work. I have decided to keep him around in case the Apocolypse ever really does take place. Especially if he makes me his awesome "Hobo Dinner". See recipe and pictures below. I have never eaten so well on a camping trip in my life.

Camping isn't exactly the stomping ground for high fashion so my outfits are aimed more towards function and practicality. I did try to have fun with my T-shirt choices at least. Even though it looks like I was shooting for a trend with my high sock bun, I honestly didn't feel like dealing with my rat's nest mane and opted to just pile it on my head and forget about it.

Day 1 outfit
T Shirt: Etsy shop Bodhicitta
(Not from NC? This Etsy shop is dedicated to all things NC so you may have to search elsewhere. And sorry about your luck. It really is the best state in the Union!)
Flannel: Arizona Jean at JCPenney
Shorts: Forever 21
Shoes: Sperry Top-Siders

The intercoastal waterway. The beaches are one of the reasons I love this state (as seen in my newest favorite T-shirt)

Wasn't me!



You may have to search to find him through all that camoflague but I swear Mr. Southern Helle is in this picture.
Also, I promise that I am not wearing socks with these shoes. My right ankle is wrapped due to a graceful tumble I took a few nights earlier.

Beautiful sunset

Day 2 outfit
T Shirt: Busted Tees
Sweatpants: American Eagle

As seen in my T-shirt choice, I was a little over camping at this point.

And now for the famous "Hobo Dinner" recipe/tutorial:

Chop up chicken, shrimp, veggies (we had mushrooms, onions, peppers and zuchini)

Place above items on foil. Throw in some minced garlic, salt, pepper and a few pats of butter. Accidentally spill your Moscato on it then decide to add some on purpose. The French have been doing it for years so why not you too?

Fold long ends and roll up short ends. It should look like a shiny burrito. Throw it on hot coals for about 40 minutes. All there is left to do now is eat it. This beats the ubiquitous campfire hot dogs anyday. In fact, the smell drew in our hot dog eating neighbors who were very, very jealous. I didn't share a single bite with them either.