On Sutton Place

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Goodbye, Summer. Hello, Grand Strand Plus Other News

Can you believe that we just got home from Virginia, and we’re packing up and taking off again? Our destination is a quick trip to South Carolina’s Grand Strand. We’re staying at MiMa’s cottage, and it’s our last beach trip of the summer. Truthfully, we’re just going down for the fried shrimp and the outlet shopping.  I’m kidding, sort of.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Before we go, I wanted to share a few things with you to wrap up the month.

We are officially back in school.  Sleeping in is a thing of the past. I try to be up at 6 a.m. every day. I really need that morning time to sip my tea, and, well, just sit there for 30 minutes.  Afternoons are now rushed.  That time of the day from afternoon pickup to getting dinner on the table is not smooth sailing. I really try to plan meals that are simple and easy. I hope you checked out the four back-to-school meals I shared on Monday. Out of those four, the pasta, broccoli, and tofu meal is the easiest, and is the family favorite.  As a proud mom, I had to share my son's first day in first grade. His little sister didn't want to leave the classroom. She starts preschool next week.  Yea!


I have a first grader.
Speaking of food, I ate like a queen when I was in Roanoke, Virginia, and at the Homestead Resort.  I would hate to count up the calories I consumed in one day, but my attitude is that a vacation is about indulging; not calorie-counting.  You can head over to Skimbaco to get a taste of my indulging habits, and I also have a new favorite craft brew. 


Scrumptious cheesecake at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia

If you are a blogger reading this, then you know that as a blogger you make some fabulous online friends blogging.  People who don’t blog really don’t understand this, but trust me, it happens, and it’s wonderful.  You exchange email pleasantries from time to time, and you catch up with each other by reading your respective blogs.  As you all know, I don’t have much talent other than checking into a luxury hotel, but the DIY bloggers in the blog world are so talented.  You know who they are:  You pin their work on Pinterest like crazy.

Check this baby out!

Sutton Place Designs
My blogging friend Ann of On Sutton Place sent me her handiwork from her Etsy shop in the form of this vintage grain sack tote.  Apparently, I have some luck because I won her giveaway by linking up this post about what a llama taught me aboutblogging.

To see a blogging friend’s own beautiful work was awe-inspiring.  She is so talented.  She gave up her job in education this year to nurture her own business.  She is on her way to a successful year.  The vintage French grain totes are $65.  As the holidays approach, Ann also has some cute items that would make great gifts.  I’m fond of her tea towels and lavender sachets.  If you visit her, please tell her that I sent you. 

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

And for my local Triangle friends, mark your calendars for the First United Methodist Church-Cary 20th Annual Children’s Consignment Sale beginning Friday, September 14-15.  You can find all the details on the sale’s website, and they are still seeking consignors this year.  I just spent $160 at Target on Friday for some basics like socks, underwear, boy’s jeans, toddler Champion sneakers in fuchsia, and some school snacks. Raising children can certainly put a dent in your wallet, so definitely check out the sale if you are in the area.  The proceeds support the church’s missions.



If you are new to this blog, and this post was helpful to you, or if you enjoyed this post, I would love it if you could share it via Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It helps others learn about the Hines-Sight Blog, and it is the only way people learn about this blog since I do not advertise.  I also have a Facebook page, and Twitter account, and would enjoy interacting with you there as well.  I am also on Pinterest. 


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Goodbye, Summer. Hello, Grand Strand Plus Other News
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What this Llama Taught Me About Blogging

He didn't say much on our trip to Tweetsie Railroad in May, but he certainly showed his personality. He followed us on the trail, and at times, I thought he was going to spit at me.



As a travel blogger, I take a lot of photos, and this charismatic llama never even made it in my travel piece on the Boone area.  But, I kept his photo because I thought he was funny.  He just sat there on my phone waiting to be in the limelight.  Today is his day to shine , and he's making his debut for my friend Ann's "Gold Medal Blogging Tips" link-up.

When I started blogging last year, I would never have put a photo of a llama on my blog because I thought it was funny.  I felt that all my posts on the blog needed to reflect my professional style, and provide my readers with a well-written story.   I showed some personality through my writing style, but what was missing from my blog was the fun-loving side of my personality.  The person who my family and friends see daily.

I am certainly not a Martha Stewart. I turn my laundry pink. I burn my food, and my house is a mess.  I have not one crafty bone in my body. I fail miserably at decor. I'm not even a good photographer.  Some may say that I shouldn't be blogging at all.

The only thing I really have to offer my readers are my adventures, or better yet, my personality. As a former journalist, I love to tell you a good story, and put you in my suitcase for my "Pack Your Bags" features, but I certainly don't travel all the time.  We have a lot of downtime in this house, and a lot of troublesome trips to the grocery store.



My readers are seeing a little more of my personality through Instagram and Facebook where I share snippets of our daily lives.  My goal is to bring more personality to this blog space, too.   It's not always easy to do because you've got to find the perfect balance.

One thing I've learned about blogging is that it centers around connectivity to others, and without being yourself or showing some personality, it's hard to connect to others, and grow.  Readers need to connect with you.

I am so thankful for those who do come to this little space in the web, and engage with me.  I've gotten to know you through your comments.  For that, I thank you and it is truly the core of what keeps me blogging regularly.

I also thank you for finally letting me feel comfortable enough in this space to show a random photo of a llama today for no reason at all except that I think he is funny.

If you're new to this blog today, I hope you come back.

Join me on Facebook for more discussion, Instagram for photos, and Twitter for short chats. You can also have my posts delivered to your email.





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What this Llama Taught Me About Blogging
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