Living
My Favorite Rambling Hikes in the Blue Ridge
The rustle of grass under your feet, The sound of stones skittering down the path, The smell of cool, piney air, The sun on your face, The freedom to go and turn and wander with no road map, The connection to nature… This is what lures me on long rambling hikes in the Blue Ridge…
Read More2017 Holiday Gift Guide
Check off every name on your Christmas list with Pender & Peony’s 2017 Holiday Gift Guide! Hands down one of the best ways to avoid holiday stress is to accomplish your Christmas gift shopping early! No one wants to wade through hectic stores and wait in check out lines Christmas Eve. This applies to online…
Read MoreCurrently Reading…My Southern Journey
Let Rick Bragg take you home with My Southern Journey… This book takes me to places familiar: It takes me to lazy evenings rockin’ on my grandmother’s porch. It takes me on truck rides down back country roads on misty mornings. It takes me to oyster bars in Charleston and a barstool in my favorite…
Read MoreOur Adventure to Grandfather Mountain
Experience the wonder and adventure of Grandfather Mountain with breath-taking vistas, alpine hiking trails, and rugged mountain scenery. If you haven’t been to Grandfather Mountain, then you need to go. Go! Go now! Not only is it a unique natural landmark of North Carolina, but its mile high bridge, mountain scenery, and thrilling hiking make…
Read More5 Laundry Hacks You Need to Know
Learn how I take proper care of the fabrics in my life from clothing and sheets to handbags and shoes with these 5 laundry hacks. Alright, let’s be honest…no one enjoys doing laundry. It is just one of those essential life tasks that we all have to suffer through at least until we become rich…
Read MoreLife is Better at the Lake
Did you know that you can rent a cabin in a lot of state parks? This is a totally new discovery for me, but two weekends ago S. and I did just that to celebrate our four year wedding anniversary. We rented a little cabin on the lake at Big Ridge State Park, and it…
Read MoreMorimoto Restaurant Maui
Eat @ Morimoto This was probably the most romantic, luxurious dining experience I have ever had. Surrounded by 180 degree ocean, beach views and seated under the stars, S. and I relaxed back and let the chef’s 8 course tasting menu lead us through the evening. Morimoto restaurant is the namesake of Chef Masaharu Morimoto (yes of…
Read MoreThe Mill House
Eat @ The Mill House As the main restaurant on the Maui Tropical Plantation, the Mill House is the ultimate in farm to table dining. At the helm of the culinary experience is Executive Chef Jeff Scheer who is creating a unique and timely menu with ingredients that are literally grown yards from the kitchen. If the food…
Read MoreMaui Tropical Plantation
Explore – Maui Tropical Plantation With stunning views of the Waikapu valley and 100s of tropical plants, the Maui Tropical Plantation is an absolute must see while on the island! There are tons of activities: catch a coconut husking demonstration, ride the tram tour, fly down the zip lines, and dine on the freshest grown ingredients…
Read MoreThe Banyan Tree
Explore – The Banyan Tree Probably the most famous landmark in Lahaina – the Banyan Tree was planted in 1873 by the Sheriff to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Mission. The tree was brought from India, and was only 8′ high at the time of planting. Now the tree has a dozen main…
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