Shop Crush - A Secret Forest Patisserie

I recently started following the cutest pink-haired gal, Vanessa, on Instagram.  Her profile says sunshine & lollipops.  How could I not follow her?!  So as it turns out, Vanessa is quite the talented lady and makes incredibly beautiful lollipops.  They're nearly too beautiful to eat, but with flavors like pecan pie, rose champagne, and honeysuckle, I'm sure I could manage!  Natural ingredients like fruit and edible flowers or detailed little marzipan creations are encased in the flavored treats.  Take a look at just a small sampling of the sweets available at A Secret Forest!  I'm still trying to decide on a flavor, because they all look and sound amazing!!

Clockwise from the top, the flavors are plum, jasmine, and cherry.

These beauties are rose champagne flavored and my personal favorite, because I have a serious affinity for Marie Antoinette!

Fixer Upper For Sale

During a recent adventure with Heidi, we made a stop at a mini golf course that has just sort of been left to the elements.  The property, which includes some kind of building and batting cages, is for sale but there's definitely been little upkeep on the property.  I've driven past the place lots of times and was glad to finally check it out, although I was a little sad to see it in such ruin.  The once grand Victorian house that could be seen from the road, was in total ruins and I think was at least partially burnt down.  The mill house was still standing and I think was at least a temporary home for someone, as evidence by the pile of blankets and empty cans of cat food.  Weird, right?!  I wish I would have taken more photos, because I'm not sure how much longer the rest of this place will remain.

Vintage Vinyl

The title of this post makes it sound like it will be about old records, but I have something different in mind.  I recently found the cutest little stuffed vinyl bunny, pictured above, and the collector in me just had to see what other stuffed creatures came in vinyl form.  Here are a few cuties I found on Etsy!

1/2/3/4/5

6/7/8

Do you like American music?

Here's an old favorite to start off the week.  Happy Memorial Day to all my American friends.  I'm enjoying a few days off from work and deciding how to spend my birthday tomorrow.  Hope everyone has a great week!

You rock!!

For the rest of the month, use the code 'yourock' to get 20% in my shop, because you all do seriously rock!  There are lots of goodies left and I hope to add some new things soon!

Local Adventures - High Rock

At the end of a winding mountain road in Cascade, Maryland, along the Appalachian Trail, there is a beautiful overlook called High Rock. There are huge clusters of graffiti covered rocks and, at one point in time, there was a large observation tower.  If I remember correctly, it burned down long ago. If you grew up or live in the same area as I do, chances are you have been to High Rock plenty of times.  It's a popular spot for hang gliders, hikers, and people just looking for a spot to hang out.  I haven't been there in years, but the views are still just as breathtaking as ever.  I got to enjoy a bit of alone time there recently and although I am quite terrified of heights, I was able to enjoy those amazing views from a comfortable distance!

 I wasn't lying about the graffiti.  It's everywhere!

 These are the steps that lead up to the big overlook.  I actually only go as far as the next to last step!

 Can you believe that people sit right on the edge of this?!  There's actually a little metal grate right on the edge of this that you can stand on as well.  Scary as hell!

 I made my way to a more isolated area to get this view.  It was so quiet and lovely!

 I had to snap a photo of this, because my momma is Jude!  Could this be some fan art?!

 I spent most of my time off to the sides of the main rock.  It was fairly busy that day, but this area was empty. 

Shop Crush - Insanely Sweet Jewelry

I'm not sure how I've gone so long without knowing about Natascha and her shop, Insanely Sweet Jewelry.  From the looks of her shop and blog, we share a love of dolls, Alice in Wonderland, and Marie Antoinette and anyone who makes things out of doll parts is alright by me!  Here are just a few of the amazing creations available in her shop right now.  Check out Insanely Sweet Jewelry to get a better look at these lovely pieces!

Music for Monday

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  I think the cold weather has finally left town and we are moving right towards summer.  Here are some tunes to get your week off to a good start!  Enjoy!

Just Clownin' Around!