Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jan 17, 2012, 12:05 am
Flexibility wasn't something that I was known for about 5-6 years ago. In fact, I was probably one of the least flexible people you would likely come across in your lifetime. However, over the years, I have learned that you can't NOT be flexible while simultaneously holdi...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Dec 15, 2011, 10:00 pm
Foodie Friday is a weekly feature here on Wayfaring Wanderer where I fuel my obsession with food. It really is a problem. One that I don't mind indulging in, though. Although I might feed my insatiable appetite more often than I really should, but can you blame me?! I'm not...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Dec 9, 2011, 1:26 pm
Executive Chef Sean Brock is transforming the way you think about Southern food. His philosophy is simple: “If it ain't from the South, it ain't coming through the door!” A restriction like that can put some severe limitations on a fledgling restaurant, but it's a commi...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Dec 8, 2011, 10:40 am
I sat there frozen in disbelief as Cody knelt down in front of me with a tiny box in-hand. Looking around the room in the busy restaurant at the people watching this happen, I said, “Are you effing serious?!” Tears immediately began streaming down my face before the mom...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Dec 6, 2011, 11:22 am
Everything you've heard about Charleston, SC is absolutely true! I'd be really surprised to hear if you hadn't learned anything about this charming city yet because it's pretty popular. The Holy City entertains nearly 4 million visitors on an annual basis. Good thing it's l...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Dec 2, 2011, 10:22 am
If you've been following Wayfaring Wanderer for any period of time, you know that I have a slight (ok, BIG) obsession when it comes to food. Not only that, but I'm also pretty crazy about taking pictures of the food that I consume when I'm eating out. Yeah, I can cause a s...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Nov 30, 2011, 9:03 am
This past week I had the opportunity to take a hike on one of my most favorite trails around Boone, the Boone Fork Trail. It's a 5-mile loop that starts right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I'm a big fan of this hike because of the varied terrain and scenery that can b...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Nov 22, 2011, 3:29 pm
{Random Instagram Image} Here's a fun fact: My first blog post was published on June 26th of 2006. That means that I've been blogging on Wayfaring Wanderer for a little over five years now. Sheez louise, that's a long time! When I started blog...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Nov 14, 2011, 11:18 am
Have you thought about Holiday portraits for the family, but have yet to make any arrangements? Look no further! For a limited time, I'll be offering Holiday Mini-Sessions here in Boone, NC and Blowing Rock, NC, and I'd love to photograph your happy fa...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Nov 2, 2011, 10:14 am
What used to be a struggling logging town back in the late 60s, Helen, GA has since been revamped to simulate an alpine village in order to promote tourism. It's not quite like what you would find in Germany, but the town has a unique look that captivates many visitors. You...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Oct 27, 2011, 1:07 pm
October has been one crazy, fun-filled month! 3 out of 4 weekends have been spent out of town. We're actually going to be home this weekend, thankfully. I'm really happy that I don't have to worry about packing and other preparations to leave town, it'll be nic...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Oct 20, 2011, 10:22 pm
Living with a mountain man who has been growing a beard for the past few years has helped me become more appreciative of those that grow facial hair. It's not that I didn't think beards were awesome before I began dating someone who is into that sort of thing, b...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Oct 11, 2011, 10:02 am
I've driven by this place a dozen times, and I've told myself repeatedly that I'd eat there one of these days. Six years later, it finally happened! Honestly, I don't know how I let that much time pass before I actually ma...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Oct 5, 2011, 3:18 am
  One thing I learned from my first roller derby competition is that you call it a BOUT. Not a match or a game, but a BOUT! I'm glad they clarified that in their little brochure because I would have been calling it everything but that, probably. Goi...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Oct 3, 2011, 1:42 am
I must confess. This year, I was a little bummed out about not having a grand getaway planned for my birthday. You see, for the past four years or so, taking a trip for my birthday has become a tradition, but not this year. It's ma...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Sep 23, 2011, 1:29 am
Have you ever had a moment when you really wanted to complete something, but didn't know how, so you quickly determined that you'd do whatever it took in order to learn whatever you needed to so that you could accomplish what you wish you could do? Yeah, that'...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Sep 21, 2011, 12:52 pm
Fall is in the air here in Boone, NC, although we've had mostly gray skies, and rainy weather for the past four days or so. That aside, I know my favorite season of the year is on its way, and I couldn't be more excited! What about you? ...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Sep 16, 2011, 11:48 am
There is a secret that I've been hiding from you. It's a BIG one, too. One that is positively life changing in so many different ways. I'm excited and terrified all at the same time as I head in this new direction. But it's time that I made this lea...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Sep 12, 2011, 1:00 pm
It's too bad that you can't pick the type of weather you will have when you're on vacation. Sometimes, it's rainy and overcast, which can put a damper on what you originally wanted to do. Although I think that during those times when plans don't work out the wa...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Sep 1, 2011, 7:40 pm
(FOODZIE TASTING BOX CARD) When I choose to spend my dollars on one of my most favorite things—FOOD—I'm extremely selective about where my money goes most of the time. I like to be locally responsible by keeping my spending habits close to home. Going to the farmers market & eating at non-chain...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Aug 26, 2011, 11:10 am
(My Fried Green Tomato Sandwich) I got excited when I heard that we'd be getting a bunch of green tomatoes in our weekly CSA goodie bag from our favorite local farmers at Creeksong Farm. There was no doubt in my mind as to what I'd be using them for because I've been craving Fried Green Tomato...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Aug 18, 2011, 10:45 pm
(Beer Flight @ Thirsty Monk) Asheville is a town with many nicknames. For three years in a row it's won the title of Beer City USA among voters in a national poll. With 10 local breweries operating in this one city alone, I think that it's earned such a distinguished label. I'm not a huge drinker my...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Aug 17, 2011, 12:45 pm
Sometimes I miss being able to head to the beach on a whim. Don't get me wrong, I love my mountains, but I do love playing in the sand and salt water, too. Scouring the shore for shells with my nephew is something I miss even more. To reach the coast from here in the High Country it would take at le...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Aug 12, 2011, 3:17 pm
This diner-style restaurant tucked away on Wall Street is a perfect place to start your day in Asheville. Due to its popularity we were met with a short wait where we hung out on the sidewalk. But we didn't mind, because this place came highly recommended by people we know and friends on Facebook. I...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Aug 10, 2011, 12:47 am
(HOGWARTS CASTLE) I'm still surprised when I hear from some people that they haven't seen any of the Harry Potter movies. The books, I understand, not everyone enjoys reading. If you've read all of the books and refuse to watch any of the movies, well, that's just plain weird. Then again, maybe I'm ...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Aug 5, 2011, 11:28 am
(TRAY OF CUPCAKES @ SISTERS MCMULLEN) Last week I published a blog post about some of our favorite restaurants in Downtown Asheville, NC. Part 1 of the Local Restaurant Guide to Downtown Asheville, NC included great places to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, there was one crucial component ...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Aug 2, 2011, 11:36 am
I can't say that I'm a huge architecture buff, but I like to photograph cool looking buildings when I'm out and about exploring a city. Downtown Asheville, NC is home to a wide array of architectural wonders, so there are always interesting buildings that catch your eye when walking down the street....
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 31, 2011, 11:30 am
It was a sad day when the beloved Mellow Mushroom here in Boone closed its doors. Since then, many people have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this newly renovated restaurant. Not too far from their previous location, the new and improved Mellow Mushroom will reside right on King St. across f...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 29, 2011, 8:47 am
(MAYFEL'S CHALKBOARD) It's refreshing to see a larger city like Asheville, NC so engrossed in the slow-food movement. I mean, it is what many foward-thinking food lovers are concerned with these days or so it seems. People who are consciously aware of where their food comes from want to know that in...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 28, 2011, 12:13 am
Riding roller-coasters (or any other ride, for that matter) has been an excitement-filled thrill that I've enjoyed since I was the proper height. Yes, I would be completely terrified about what I was getting ready to encounter, but I would only hesitate for a brief moment before taking the plunge. I...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 15, 2011, 11:35 am
To me, blackberries are a quintessential sign of summer. Blackberry pickin' is something I enjoy doing year after year, even if it is slightly dangerous! Cody and I are lucky enough to have thick blackberry bushes lining our lengthy driveway that produces a ton of fruit come mid-summer. Not only tha...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 13, 2011, 9:32 am
I became a fan of theme parks at a very early age. Disney World was the first one that I can remember visiting, it was one of my absolute favorites growing up. Our Dad took us to the Magic Kingdom every single year until I was about 12 years old. Once my sister and I got older and outgrew the belove...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 8, 2011, 12:45 pm
During a short summer trip we ate at some of the best restaurants Charleston, SC has to offer. The list we compiled beforehand was extensive, but with just 5 days to explore the city, only a select few made the cut. From seafood to southern-style cooking we tried many different things while sampling...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 1, 2011, 1:56 pm
(Lamb Slider w/ Rosemary) As many of you prepare for this three day weekend, you may have holiday festivity planning on your mind. When I say festivities, I really mean the food. Let's face it, that's pretty much all I care about these days. Due to the fact that I just got back in town after being a...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jul 1, 2011, 12:32 am
A contest where readers posted food photos for an opportunity to win a new Sony WX9 has been running for three weeks on the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page. If you weren't aware, you're too late to the party because the time to participate has passed. It's time to announce the winner!   The only r...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jun 9, 2011, 2:03 am
Sitting amidst a table full of people who were just as crazy about taking pictures of their food (and eating it) as I am was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in my life as a blogger and photographer. It's something I rarely—if ever—get the opportunity to do. I wish that it we...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jun 3, 2011, 4:54 pm
The Sony Foodie blogger event happened nearly two months ago, but I still can't stop thinking about how awesome everything was from the food to the WX9 to the outings they organized, each detail was thoughtfully planned and prepared by the Sony Electronics staff and Chef Chris Ivens Brown, vice pres...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Jun 1, 2011, 11:45 am
  On Memorial Day, I had the opportunity to do a photo session for a newly engaged couple that happens to also be my neighbors. We scheduled the shoot at a nearby trail since both Andi and Ryan are pretty active people who spend a lot of time outside. An outdoorsy session surrounded by lovely scene...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 26, 2011, 8:05 am
I didn't realize how many knots I had until my Megan began working her magic. One after another she attempted to release the tension that was binding my neck, shoulders, and back. Lucky for me, the chronic pain that I used to experience on a daily basis is a thing of the past. However, that doesn't ...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 23, 2011, 11:53 am
  Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter the “Celebrating Spring Shutterfly Giveaway”. Many of you shared how you plan to celebrate spring and I hope that you've been doing just that! The weather here in the High Country has been up and down, but overall it's been wonderful. Well, ...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 20, 2011, 11:06 am
You'd think from all the pictures of food I post that Cody and I have the worst diets on the planet. Sad to say, but to some extent, we do. I'm sure it doesn't come as a surprise that we indulge a lot more often than we probably should with foods that are greasy, fattening, and generally unhea...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 18, 2011, 1:44 am
  It's been three years since Cody and I started going to the annual Appalachian Trail Days in the small town of Damascus, Virginia. (This year they were celebrating 25 years!) It has become one of those events that automatically gets put on our calendar every year because we have such a great tim...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 13, 2011, 2:52 pm
Anyone who knows Cody and I well enough will be the first to tell you that we may be mildly obsessed with food. Some of our most favorite events throughout the year are greatly dependent upon the food that they serve. For us, that can make or break an event because we really like to eat. Festivals ...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 10, 2011, 9:13 pm
This is such an exciting time of the year for me because I've been waiting months for the growing season to begin again. I'll admit that my household's healthy eating habits have been in decline since winter began. There's really no excuse either. It's not like we can't go and buy veggies at the gro...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 4, 2011, 12:22 am
While it has most definitely warmed up here in the High Country, the weather still likes to yo-yo. Some days it's nice enough to keep the doors open, which the kitties really like, while other days, it's downright icy. Although not cold enough to warrant our monitor heater being turned back on. It's...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - May 1, 2011, 12:51 pm
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Apr 21, 2011, 11:53 am
I am entered to win a giveaway with Sony Electronics along with 834 other contestants. This means that my odds of walking away with the $10,000 grand prize to take a journey of a lifetime aren't too bad. That is, if I can get your help!  My virtual postcard entry for the Sony Reader™ $10K Ge...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Apr 19, 2011, 1:45 am
On the morning I set out to explore, a thick fog enshrouded the grounds. The faint mist present in the air clung to my camera and clothing as I slowly meandered around the gardens. So much for the sunny San Diego California weather I envisioned beforehand. I won't complain because the misty morning ...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Apr 15, 2011, 3:03 am
During my trip to San Diego, CA for the Sony Foodie event, I connected with some lovely ladies who work with a website called Foodspotting. Upon visiting this website, I was instantly hooked because I love love love food photography and this place was filled with images of meals from people all ov...
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Jessica M. posted an article on Wayfaring Wanderer - Apr 12, 2011, 9:56 pm
On the morning we received our cameras, a brief overview of the features were given and in no time we were all snap happy and testing out the various modes and settings. I was blown away by some of this models highlights because it offers some really neat capabilities. While I could go on...
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