Category: lifestyle

Go Ahead! Change Your Life

Donna George6 Comments

 

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Have you ever wanted to change your life? Many say they do; few actually do it. Why is it so hard to change?

All of us are capable of making decisions that can change our life and move towards something new and different… easy peezy, right? So why are we holding on for dear life to sameness? 

Stop saying “what if ” and start saying “I’ll try It”

Would that work? It would help. Making a declarative statement always helps.

 

It probably sounds like a hundred articles you’ve read somewhere before, but how often have you put real change to the test? The kind of change that challenges you to exercise in the wee hours of the morning when you’re exhausted or deprive yourself of food that satisfies you to the very core of who you are?

Change is real 

Constant

 And moving all around us

Filling our days with raw life.

 No filters

It’s unpredictable with no grace for emotion. No one really enjoys losing comfort zones when you can’t reach back and grab on to what once was there, right? From that angle life’s depth of field looks different, a little foggier, not as much clarity that sameness gives.

Nothing Stay The Same; It’s a Process

Change is a process, not an event. Stages people! We are constantly experiencing new stages (and some are better than others).

  1. Baby Steps – definitely get a POA together, but don’t overkill
  2. Self Acceptance – being okay with who you are desiring to improve
  3. Face your fears – don’t let others intimidate you from what you want to do
  4. Be patient – Not so tough on yourself
  5.  Celebrate your breakout of sameness

And the Newness fades quickly too. It seems the scent looses its mystery and the odor becomes ordinary, and the strange becomes familiar, things once admired loose their attraction. Such a wonder… The lure of change.

Have you ever experienced a big change in your life? Most of us have and made it through to the other side a stronger person. These changes teach us a lot about ourselves that we don’t always want to know yet, but it’s usually a tool for our toolbox. In a second part series I will share a change that I survived that changed my life. Please feel free to share your changes on the website on FB or any of my social media platforms. I would enjoy reading your story and sharing with the blog community.

Happy trails
Donna George

 

 

 

 

 

 

Space In Between

Donna George1 Comment


In every city lives an oddity sometimes, a proverbial “space in between”. Some beautiful alley’s that many gather around while others never notice.

Every alley is unique, marked distinctly in its own way from the street and life surrounding it. The width is different, the odors, and the structures that give it dimension all contribute to the street personality.

In comparison to people, street alleys are less fearful than digging through the deepest corridors of the human mind.

Do you love alleys or avoid them? Why? Have a favorite one? Send a photo explaining what attracts you to it. A view is worth a thousand words…

Happy trails.                                                                      Donna George

Blades of Grass

Donna George2 Comments


Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Less to have to worry about, yes?

Sometimes life confronts us with Simplicity and others times we simply stumble upon it.

Either way, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Happy Trails 🙂

Donna George

7 Reasons To Love Street Fairs

Donna George16 Comments

Street Fairs are a grand, old fashion fun way to gather residents and visitors alike to celebrate a city’s traditional event. Street Fairs are typically part of a larger event that takes place (free to the public) in addition to paid events like concerts, parades, and garden parties, etc.

7 reasons to love a street fair

One of the largest festivals in North Carolina happens to be the Azalea Festival, which takes place in Coastal Wilmington. The Azalea Festival honors the “Azalea Flower” and it’s been a tradition since 1948 in the Wilmington area. The festival is scheduled during peak bloom time for the Azaleas, beautifying the scene for all the social events to follow.   You can read more about the Azalea Festival and its rich history and events here.

And if you’re interested in viewing more photos of the beautiful Azaleas in full bloom, look here at some gorgeous photos I posted at Greenfield Lake last year during peak bloom time.

As the events unfold in various places around the city from the beach to the country clubs, the street fair remains in full swing, featuring Artists (local and from other states), food vendors, dancers, bands, retailers and e-tailers, eager to introduce their product and themselves to the public. Lots of everything, silver jewelry, soaps, paintings, clothing, hats, and wind chimes. There is something for everyone’s taste. Wait till you see what I purchased!

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The combination of sugary treats make the Street Fair totally worth it! You must try a deep fried milky way or a red velvet oreo’s when you get a chance, and if the likes of fried candy  don’t excite you, the fair favorites like cotton candy, funnel cakes and candy apples are always a win.

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2016 Azalea Festival Street Fair

The local restaurants and business along the Street Fair path are busy, but well prepared for the anticipated large crowds. Below is local favorite, Front Street Brewery.

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Street vendors line their tents up and down the streets hoping to grab passerby’s attention. The folks seem to come prepared with patience and don’t seem to mind the long lines. Thankfully, the city blocks off the roads from car traffic, making the Street Fair pedestrian friendly.

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Here is a photo of the wind chime I purchased from a cute couple named Barb and Ron from Columbia, SC., who make chimes out of their garage from wine bottles. I love this chime, what do you think, stunning huh? 

 

Wind chime

From the Street Fair location along the Cape Fear River many get to see the historic Battleship. Oh, so here is a photo of the impressive USS North Carolina Battleship as it sits parked in its home, directly across from downtown in full view of Water Street.

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The USS North Carolina Battleship welcomes visitors daily to come see what lies within her quiet, majestic, but stately steel walls, filled with history. The Ship is a beautiful part of the downtown Wilmington landscape. If you have time or you’re interested, check out the details above or better yet, come see it for yourself.

Okay, finally I get to the 7 Reasons To Love Street Fairs… Are you still with me?

                                    7 Reasons To Love Street Fairs

  1. You can lollygag around in the streets with no traffic worry.
  2. Carnival rides and parades are always happening.
  3. The amazing food trucks; Guilt free zone for junk food.
  4. Meeting new artists and discovering new products they’re selling at their booth.
  5. Street talent, individual and group performances.
  6. Be outside in the fresh air and sunshine:).
  7. Spending time with friends and people you know, but haven’t seen in a while.

Street fairs are a fun add-on to other events, or can simply be the main event. Either way, it’s a great way to spend some free time when you get the chance..

Making my way around the convoy of venues, I was pleasantly surprised when I bumped into a friend helping out another friend at a tent event. A smiling face emerges… Jesse Munto (You might occasionally read some of her thoughts on my blog comment section).

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That’s my list of 7 Reasons To Love Street Fairs, hopefully one of them resonates with you. What do you love about Street Fairs? What fun did I forget to mention that you experienced at a Street Fair?

Never give up your sense of wonder, there’s too many places to wander. When is the last time you set out to wander? 

Not all who wander are lost

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Happy trails
Donna George
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6 Ways To Boost A Summery Front Door Entry

Donna George4 Comments

 

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Rumor has it the front door entry is the soul of the home. Now that spring has sprung and Summer is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate  your outdoor entryway with a fresh makeover. The front porch of your home is the first chance to welcome your guests and make a lasting impression.

You don’t need to spend a ton of money to freshen things up. Just use your imagination, a little creativity and elbow grease. No matter what type of decorating ideas you envision, it can be yours.

6 Ways to Freshen Your Front Door Entryway

  1. Think about what inspires you, relaxes you or simply gives you pleasure. Then begin to organize and gather like-items that will tie together a theme to tell a story.
  2. Start with a clean slate. Clean everything! Sweep all the surfaces, scrub away all the pollen and finally… Spruce up and shine the window panes.
  3. Consider the style of your house before choosing an entryway idea. Will it complement your home and add interest or become a distraction?
  4. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a fun, seasonal color. Pick a color that enhances your theme and provides an attractive contrast to the house.
  5. Hang a new wreath on the door that showcases the details of your new theme. Wreaths are core decorating pieces that tie your idea together so make it count. Try a DIY wreath, (photo of my beachy wreath below, it’s my first) – how did I do? It was inexpensive, under $30.00 and fun to make.
  6. Purchase a cheerful doormat for your porch that adds to your new theme.

 

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For my wreath I used a twig wreath, burlap ribbon, and chose some favorites from my shell collection With a little help from a glue gun, a small wall plaque and a couple feet, the assembling was easy.

If you need more front porch ideas, try looking here, there are ideas galore. Grab one and try it, but send me a photo.

Are you a beach enthusiast, enjoy coastal photography click here or sign up and join me…

 

Happy trails
Donna George

Big Brands + Local Boutiques Unite With A Fashion Show, To Raise Awareness For Children’s Program.

Donna George4 Comments

 

Big brands + local boutiques unite with a fashion show to benefit children’s program.  The Cape Fear Volunteer Center sponsored the 2nd annual Heart of the Matter fashion show to raise awareness levels and money for the Big Buddy Program, which supports 325  at children in the local Wilmington NC community.

The event brought together a talented model cast that walked the runway flawlessly and worked diligently to make this event successful.

Model Cast Partners
Karlie Moss
Viviana Urena
Flavia DeSousa
Kelli Derengowski
Miriam Urena
Jennifer Basker
Jordon Roghelia
Dana Hurt
Kelsey Sanders
Alexandria Seabrook
Katie Diggs
Shaneikwa Jones
Rebecca Bell
Angeli`a Fonville
Jesse Holman
Alex Pugh
Jonathan Ward
Sarah Dorsey
Jeremiah Conway
Lindsey Carrier
Vernell Dyson
Dianna Dames
Elissa Riley
Skylar Davis
Matt Saul
Kathi Montgomery
Kenzie Hansley
Haila Moss
Luis Romero

Highlights from the show…

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Event Photographers
Mark Steelman
Byrds View Photography and Videography
Bruce AlleyCat Evans
Christopher Newkirk 

 

Event Hair & Makeup
Bangz Hair Salon & Spa


Margaret Parr, Primary
Brittany Carter
Pamela Anderson
Yoshie Brown
Shania Ward

 

Event Leadership
Annie Anthony, Directot CFVC
Faith Priore, Event Intern CFVC
Donna George, Stylist

Don Jewel, Event DJ
Ashlea Kosikowski, Host

Collaboration / Mentions
Shinita Williams, Planning
Mark Steelman, Planning
Backstage Direction, Alison Sessoms

Entertainment
Beach & Boots Dancers
Song, Jeremiah Conway

Retailers
Aqua Fedora
Belk
Camille’s
Charlotte Russe
Coastal Gypsy
Gap
Island Passage
Old Navy
Tusc 


Special thanks to over 30 Volunteers! You were wonderful.

The Heart of the Matter show was a successful, fun fashion show. Thanks to all who participated, purchased tickets and attended the event. Congrats! United we can make a difference.

Thanks for your help.

Happy trails
Donna George

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