Angel Oak

Angel Oak

7:30:00 AM


Do you ever just sit back and think about what life would have been like 300-400+ years ago. It would be about 1716 or 1616. There's a reason I'm asking you this, don't worry. 

 There's a tree just outside of Charleston South Carolina, that is about that age. It's been there for a really long time and it's massive. We drove down a slightly bumpy, unpaved road and stood in awe of this huge tree. 

South Carolina

Photo creds to my lil sis for taking this amazing photo. 

We actually visited this guy twice on our trip. The first time, it was unbelievably rainy, and the second it wasn't (obv). The tree stands at about 66.5 feet tall, and about 28 feet around.  The branches were held up by some posts in the ground, but they reached down and under ground a bit before popping back up toward the sky. The trees longest branch is a distance of 187 feet! 
It was really amazing. 
The world is amazing and it blows me away every time I experience it. 
I will probably say this a lot but, maybe it was because I went social media free and phone free, I just felt really luck and in love with life. 
Johns Island

South Carolina

Visiting the Angel Oak tree is free to the public, so I would highly recommend that if you're in the area you come and visit. You can read more about the tree at this website! I hope you enjoyed this post!
If you were alive 400 years ago, what do you think you would be doing? Do you think you'd like it? I don't really know if I would, everything now has made life so much easier. 
I hope you're all having a great summer so far! Make sure to leave a comment or two :) 
x Kenzie

Asheville

Sunny Point

7:30:00 AM



It would be really nice to tell you that it never rained on my trip down south, but that would be a lie. The weather held off for us until we were under shelter, and could make our way quickly from the hotel to another restaurant. 

Asheville
Sunny Point Cafe was another spot on our recommendation list given to us when we checked into our hotel. It was located just down the highway from where we were staying, half indoors and half under a porch area. I ordered a little cocktail that arrived in such a pretty pink color with a flower to top it off. 
Mimosa

This was probably one of our quietest meals, as we had all been to the Biltmore estate earlier in the day and were quite tired. My first impression of Sunny Point was that it was quaint. They have a garden in the back where they get their fresh veggies for salads and other dishes, which I thought was pretty cool. 

The portions were huge! Luckily for me, my mom and I were able to share a BLAT, though I didn't really eat any of the bacon, so my half was more of a Avocado, Tomato on a croissant. 
It could have been that we were so exhausted when we arrived to dinner that night, but it was definitely my least favorite meal. The salad was delish though, I can just look back and say I have had better dishes. 

Have you ever had a meal you weren't thrilled with? Have you ever been too tired to enjoy a meal? I hope you're all having a great summer! 
x Kenzie


Asheville

Brewing in the Mountains

7:30:00 AM


I love exploring. (You probably guessed that). I love tagging along just to see what something is like. Being in different places means there are a lot of different things to see, my step-dad really loves breweries. I tagged along (mostly because I didn't want to just sit in the hotel room). 

Wine
There are so many breweries in Asheville, but they are all fun, and most of them are dog friendly! Our first stop in the search for stickers (which is the main reason we even went out into the rain), was at a brewery hidden off the street. There was the cutest puppy there and I couldn't resist giving it a little pet! 
Asheville

Everyone working at the breweries was really nice, each one had a unique inside. 

Asheville

Asheville

I don't mind going into the breweries, sometimes I ordered a sweet tea, but I really just wanted the experience of the town rather than the experience of sitting inside a hotel room. 
Where are your favorite places to go for a drink? Do you have a favorite brewery near you? 
I hope you don't get stuck in the rain! 
Have a great week! 
x Kenzie


Asheville

On Top of the World

7:51:00 AM


Nature amazes me. I love being surrounded by it. Which obviously explains why I love summer and warm weather. While visiting Asheville, just outside of the city was Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock is a nice hiking spot where you can see the beautiful mountains that North Carolina calls its own. 

North Carolina

The road up, was a bit curvy, but once we reached the parking lot I was already taken back by the beauty of it all. We arrived pretty much as soon as the park opened, which mean the sun wasn't too hot just yet, and there were hardly any crowds at all! 
The hike up included 1,962 steps round trip. Being hot and sweaty was incredibly worth it as I took in the scenery. 
North Carolina

Once we reached our top destination (the flag), we met some really kind people, who took a few family shots. I just loved looking over the valley and admiring how beautiful this world really is. You don't even have to go that far to find out! 

North Carolina

While the trek to the flag was only (lol) 651 steps one way, my sister stayed behind while my mom, step-dad and I climbed to Exclamation Point. It was stunning up there as well. Out of all of our side stops, I think Chimney rock would have to be my favorite.

Hike
After we had made our way down the steps, my mom thought it would be a nice treat to have a bit of ice cream and catch our breath before heading back into the truck and onto our next destination (Charleston, four hours away)
Panorama
Top of Exclamation Point
The world is so pretty, and I love exploring it! I hope you enjoyed these photos and all of my travelling blogs so far! Let me know if you'd like to see something in particular! If you have ANY questions leave them in the comments, or shoot me an email!
Do you like to hike? Have you ever had your breath taken away by nature before? 
Can't wait to hear from you! 
x Kenzie
(make sure to check my other Chimney Rock photos and photos from my trip on my Instagram! )



Crisp

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

8:00:00 AM



Last summer, I made this Strawberry Pecan Crisp. While that went over really well, I decided that this year after picking fresh strawberries from a field, and borrowing my grandmother's fresh rhubarb from her garden, that one of my favorite summer treats would be made. 

Vegan

This recipe is dairy free (and vegan). It's also delicious and simple to make! 
Here's what you'll need
8x8 Pan
Bowl
2 cups rhubarb
2 cups strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vanilla
1 tbsp cornstarch
pinch of salt
pinch of cinnamon

Topping:
3/4 cup + 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
1 and 1/4 cup oats
2/3 cup brown sugar
strawberries 

Here's what You'll Need to Do
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl, stir the sugar, vanilla, cornstarch and salt together 
Add strawberries and rhubarb and stir to coat. 
In a different bowl, stir flour, oats, brown sugar and salt until combined
Pour the fruit mixture into the pan and top with topping mixture. 
Top with a few strawberries, or wait until after
Bake for 40-45 minutes until top is firm and fruit is bubbly. 
Let cool for 30 minutes and serve warm!

Healthy

I used extra cinnamon in my batch (just because I like it), but you don't have to! 
It goes really well with any type of ice-cream when you serve it. 
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! 

What is your favorite summer fruit dish? This one is definitely mine and I cannot wait to make it again sometime soon! 
Make sure to comment below! 


Balloons

Balloons and Fireworks

7:00:00 AM


One great thing about summer, besides the weather, is that there seems to be so much more to do. At least, for me anyway, I'm definitely a warm weather person and would rather be sweating than freezing any day. One of the activities that I attended last, was held in my hometown. It's a festival surrounded mainly around Ribs and Balloons. It's one of those festivals that I grew up going to, seeing the balloons glow and float over the houses. 
Rib Fest
The first few days were a bit cool, but that didn't hold some people back from enjoying the time. By the end of the weekend, we had gorgeous weather, which was great!  

Having run of the table, meant that I saw some pretty funny things throughout the night. Including a goat that kept escaping and (my favorite) a couple who was young at heart and wanted to ride the camel.
Old Couple
Serious Relationship Goals here folks
There are also a ton of food trucks and different vendors that sell ribs for everyone to enjoy. Though I just got some kettle corn this year, every line was super long, which means the food is delicious! 
Wisconsin

Wisconsin


Balloon Duck

SkyBalloon

Gold FireworksOctopus
On Saturday, the last day of the fest, my family met me at my Grandparents house, which is just a short walk from the grounds and we watched the fireworks together. It was beautiful weather, and I had so much fun helping out. I definitely have a lot of funny kid stories just from the couple of hours that I spent there! One kid told his dad he wanted to ride a cantaloupe instead of a camel. 


How is your summer going? Have you been to any festivals like this? I wrote a post last year mentioning this festival, you can check it out here! 
Have you gone on any fun summer adventures?
Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading as always! 
x 


Asheville

Biltmore Estate

8:00:00 AM


I love looking at beautiful landscape, big homes and thinking about the history behind it. While I was in Asheville, we visited the Biltmore Estate. The estate was built by the Vanderbilts and is surrounded with beautiful gardens and distant mountains. It is so beautiful. 

Biltmore Estate

Our first walk around the estate was in the gardens, as it was supposed to rain that day. 
Asheville

Summer

Biltmore Estate

Flower


The estate is also home to a few trails, we took one and had a great time looking at the bridges, waterfalls and a little gazebo on the pond. 

We even spotted a mommy and a duckling! 



The gardens were full of beauty, and as we made our way through them in the humidity and sun, we decided it would be best to tour the inside of the mansion at the hottest part of the day. I took a few photos inside as well! 
Inside

View
Can you imagine living here? With these views all around? That would be amazing! 

There were many films that took place here, they were listed throughout the estate and costumes and photos were lined in almost every room. 


The Biltmore was absolutely beautiful, and I am really glad that we were able to see it and that the rain held off until late at night. If you're ever passing by Asheville, North Carolina, I would definitely suggest going here! The tour does cost money, but it is really worth it! 
I hope you're all having a great week so far! 
Tips for Visiting the Biltmore:
Pack Comfy Shoes
You can do a self-guided tour of the estate (which we did) at any time in the low season, but you have to pick a time that you will be there in the high season (around the 2nd week of June)
Audio Guide Tours are $10.98 per person
There is a rooftop tour that looks really cool and that's $19 a person! 

For more info on prices and things to do and where to stay at the Biltmore visit biltmore.com 



I cannot wait to tell you more about my travels! I hope you're enjoying them! 
x Kenzie 



america

Crab Salad

7:30:00 AM


Summer is in full swing here in Wisconsin, and if you're anything like me, yours is full of events that involve eating delicious food. July is probably the busiest summer month, and my favorite time of the year. 

Crab Salad

 If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that my parents have a Fourth of July celebration with our family and friends. One of my favorite dishes this year was definitely the crab pasta dish! Being in South Carolina last month, definitely encouraged my love of all things from the sea. 

 If you're having a family gathering, or just want to make this dish here's what you'll need:

1 box rotini noodles, cooked and cooled
1 package imitation crab
2 stalks celery
1 can sliced black olives
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (powdered mix)
1 cup mayo
1/4 cup milk

For our party, we actually doubled the batch and made a huge bowl for the 39 people who showed up and enjoyed it. Here's how you put it all together!
Multi-Color

Make the noodles and strain them, let them cool first!
In a small bowl, mix ranch, mayo and milk together
In a large bowl mix noodles, crab, olives and celery together
Pour the dressing over and mix well. 
Chill/ store the dish in the fridge for awhile before serving. 

American Dish

This is honestly, my favorite dish and I hope you all create it and enjoy it as well! 
Do you have a favorite dish at parties? Have you had any gatherings this summer? 
Make sure to leave a comment below! 

Read my last Fourth of July posts at these links! --> 2014 2015

Asheville

Wicked Weed: Asheville

7:00:00 AM


Time goes by so quickly, it actually blows my mind. Just last month I was in Asheville, North Carolina sitting in the warmth of the beginning of the summer with the idea of 12 more days of vacation ahead. One of the first places my family and I ate at in Asheville was called Wicked Weed. 

Menu

With a friendly staff, and a great atmosphere it was the perfect place to have our first real vacation dinner. The Wicked Weed is situated in Asheville's downtown area and has a wide range of menu items for everyone. I had the Eggplant wrap with sweet potato fries and it was fantastic! 
Sweet Potato Fries

Since this was our first time in the city, our extremely nice waiter recommended that we head to the chocolate lounge just down the street. Wanting to just check it out (and being in love with desserts) we decided that it would be a good idea to walk off our big meal a bit. 
Asheville

Asheville

Peanut Butter Cup

Our waiter did not steer us wrong, we each got a little treat and enjoyed a nice stroll back to our vehicle! Asheville was full of little surprises and beauty, and there is so much more to show you in the upcoming posts! 
What kind of chocolate treat is your favorite? Are you a dessert person or an appetizer person? 

Let me know in the comments! I do love hearing from you! 

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