Cherryfield Manor

I have a delightful review to share with you today. On our recent trip to North Carolina we were able to stay in the lovely Cherryfield Manor in Brevard. I found the property on tripadvisor.com and the owners gave me a discount in exchange for this review. From the very beginning of my contact with the owners, Troy and Louise, I have had a wonderful experience. 

Driving up to this property was an adventure in itself. You can hardly tell it's a driveway and it runs right beside a line of trees and then ends with trees on both sides. The driveway circles the house, which is a neat feature. It was really like a cottage in the woods with complete privacy. My kids especially loved the forest and the meadow. We were visiting family, so we weren't home enough to spend hours and hours on the property, but they did a little exploring (of course!) and found the apple orchard and the creek. If we had not had so many plans already, we would have had plenty to explore outside. 

This home was built in 1946 and purchased by the current owners in 2005. The house was built to high-quality standards: stone exterior, poured concrete foundation, all plaster walls, all hardwood floors, no carpet, with fairly new high-definition roof with warranty remaining, new Trane dual-system heating and air conditioning, new kitchen counter-tops, some new appliances, etc. There is an old barn on the property, a covered picnic shelter (as shown above), a large apple orchard, several black walnut trees and heavily-wooded hardwood forest. There are four bedrooms and it sleeps eight. It is very private and peaceful.

I have stayed in multiple rental properties, and I have to say that this one had some nice surprises. In addition to it being a fun, older home (see the video below for more of the unique history) and having plenty of room for the seven of us to spread out and enjoy, it also came with coffee in the cupboard and laundry soap in the basement! Normally when I have stayed in other rental houses, I have to bring all my own groceries, including coffee and laundry soap. The fact that there were already coffee filters and coffee was a huge plus. The laundry machines were located in the very clean basement and again, it was just such a surprise to find soap and dryer sheets already there for guest use. Thank you, Troy and Louise, for your attention to the small but meaningful details.

The only downside to staying here is no Wifi. That is clearly stated on the tripadvisor.com page, so it was not a surprise to me. I just mention it because it would not be convenient if you plan to take your laptop and get a little work done while on your holiday. I had not taken our laptop, so it was not a big issue for me. Yay for work-free holidays! 

By the way, Troy and Louise live right next door (although you cannot see their house from this one), and they are wonderful! It was a pleasure to be able to meet them in person, and they were willing to do anything we needed during our stay. 

To book this property: Cherryfield Manor

This property is also for sale, so if you're in the market for some prime real estate in the mountains of North Carolina, check out the realtor's video below:

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: I received a discounted rate in exchange for this review. I did not receive any additional compensation. All opinions are my very own. 

What I Wore

So, as promised a couple of weeks ago, I thought I'd share some of my favourites and not-so-favourite fashion trends.

Chevron? Not so much. I think the only thing I own that is chevron pattern is one journal. Not one stitch of clothing, although I have seen a cute top or two lately that I wouldn't mind having in my wardrobe.

I cannot find the one I own online, but here are some other cute options:

Bangle or multiple bracelets? Yes. I love the layered look. There are so many to choose from these days.



High-Low? No. Not really for me. My girls don't even really like this look too much. I did just get one top that is slightly longer in the back, but that is my one exception.

These are a similar style to mine: 

From tjmaxx.com:

From zulily.com:

Animal print. This is one that has been surprising to me, as I have changed my opinion in the last few years. I LOVE this look, especially a leopard print, in particular. Shoes, purses, scarves, tops, I think they're all great.

These are both on zulily.com right now:

 These are on target.com:

And this is on amazon.com: 

What about you? What are your thoughts on palazzo pants?! What are trends you adore?  And what are some you just do not care for? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comments below.

Blessings and love. xo

Linking up: The Pleated Poppy. Pop over to find more outfit inspiration.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that when you use my links, I make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your kindness.

Prayers for us in this transition

Good morning,

I wanted to share this letter that Bob recently sent out to all of our prayer and financial supporters regarding what is going on with us. Some of you are already aware of this and have responded with such kindness and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We couldn't have made it through these last two and a half years without your generosity. 



Hi Friends,

I want to thank you for your financial support and prayers over the past 3 years as our family took a journey of faith to come back to America to help prepare our country for awakening and revival.  We are grateful to our American and Canadian friends during this time.

I want to let you know that I will be leaving Intercessors for America at the end of July.  I have realized that it is not the right fit for me moving forward.  The bottom line is that it is just not working, and we are honestly burned out as a family. I am currently working a part-time job and looking for another, while working on a career change for the long haul.

I am volunteering on staff at a church here in the Northern Virginia area.  For those who are interested in continuing ministry support, please let me know.  I am working with our sponsoring church, Ridgecrest Baptist in Greenville, Texas, to best facilitate this accordingly.

We appreciate your friendship, thoughts and prayers during this perplexing and challenging time.

Bob Royce
bob.royce7@gmail.com



We would appreciate your prayers as we continue to seek the Father for His next step for us. So far it's a blank slate, and we are eager for Him to start writing again. Thank you!

Blessings and love. xo

Weekly Menu Plan {28 July}

Hello, friends! Sorry I have been missing in action. I'll be back soon with what all has been going on. I am not feeling too great tonight and have so much to catch up on, so I'm going to get right to this week menu plan. Hope all is well for you!


Monday - Taco Salad

Tuesday - Sausage in a blanket, fruit salad

Wednesday - Erin's Slow Cooker Beef Roast - I love a good roast, but I've never used apples in cooking my roast. Reading this recipe makes my mouth water, so I cannot wait to try it!

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Who knows?!

Saturday - Snack-y supper

Sunday - Burgers and Simple Chickpea Salad


Blessings and love. xo

Build Your Bundle - Homeschool Edition SALE is live!

The "Build Your Bundle" - Homeschool Edition sale is here! For one week only (July 21-28) save up to 92% on bestselling homeschooling products, including MANY from Cathy Duffy's Top 100 list!
Take a look at the bundles:
Charlotte Mason Bundle This bundle features complete curriculum using the Charlotte Mason Methods for language arts, handwriting, and reading, a full geography curriculum, a plethora of resources for studying nature, artists, poetry, and a variety of "extras" just for mom! Included are popular products: Write From History, Sheldon's New Language Lessons, Handwriting Lessons Through Literature, Fine Art Pages, Grapevine Bible Study, and more! Learn all about Charlotte Mason and enjoy a special bonus (a $90 value all by itself) —the top 5 best selling G.A. Henty audio books from Jim Hodges Productions. This bundle is jam packed full of amazing resources your family will love!
Tots and PreK Bundle Teach your littlest ones about God's amazing creation and the value of virtue using our Tot and Preschool Bundle! Included are popular products from: We Choose Virtues, Character Concepts, Grapevine Bible Studies, and more! This bundle gives you a complete Christ-centered preschool program, including age-appropriate character-building tools, a stick-figure Bible study, a creation-based coloring book, a handwriting curriculum, an independent activity guide (for those times when you need a moment to focus), and much more!
K-3rd Grade Bundle Teach your K-3 children basic skills and core truths through easily understandable lessons and hands-on activities. Our K-3 Bundle includes reading, math, science, handwriting, character training and Bible resources. Your children will experience life in 17th century America as they learn about the settlers and our 13 original colonies. You will have everything you need to savor these first days of discovery!
Elementary: 4-6th Bundle This bundle features Wordsmith Apprentice from Common Sense Press, a Cathy Duffy Top 100 Pick! Included is a science curriculum teaching Geology, also from Cathy Duffy’s Top 100 Picks. You will also find "Mapping the Word With Art", a highly acclaimed curriculum that has a blend of history, geography, and art. There is more: Bible, handwriting and copywork resources, writing guides, timeline cards, ancient history notebooking pages, creative writing for both boys and girls, and an editable weekly homeschool planner for Mom - all for one LOW PRICE!
Middle School Bundle Your middle school students will tour the classical world and develop academic excellence using our Middle School Bundle. This bundle features Learning Language Arts Through Literature and two science curricula, one from Cathy Duffy’s Top 100 picks, as well as your choice of volumes from "A Child's Geography" - a complete geography and history curriculum! Also included is a popular history timeline/book of centuries, Renaissance and Reformation notebooking pages, a classical music curriculum and famous composers notebooking pages, and a creative writing collection that even "non-writers" will love!
High School Bundle Your high school students will develop academic mastery and intellectual maturity using our High School Bundle. This bundle features a New Testament Bible curriculum, an introduction to psychology, a full year of math curriculum, resources for world history and geography, philosophy, home economics, college prep, grammar, a creative writing collection that even "non-writers" will love, an anatomy science unit study from Cathy Duffy’s Top 100 picks, and more! You will receive enough materials for a full year of high school!
Bundle Just for Moms! Save money, strengthen your marriage, and streamline your schedule using our Mom Bundle. Find the encouragement you need and the insight to speak to your child’s heart (even that difficult child!). Whip your home into shape and train your children to do their chores effectively with a Easy Peasy Chores ($18.99 value!) This bundle brims with useful tools to help you bring calm to the chaos. Get them all for just $10!
Build Your OWN Bundles Would you rather hand-pick your selections? There are two "Build Your Own" Bundle Options! You can choose any 5 products priced $19.99 and under for just $25 ~ a savings of 75%! You can choose any 10 products priced $19.99 and under for just $39 ~ a savings of 80%! SO many amazing products to choose from!
BUY MORE & SAVE MORE!
*Lots of ways to save! When you purchase ANY 2 pre-assembled bundles you will get the 3rd pre-assembled bundle of equal or lesser value for 50% off! When you purchase ANY 2 "build your own" bundles you will get the 3rd "build your own" bundle of equal or lesser value for 50% off! Tell your friends about the "Build Your Bundle" - Homeschool Edition Sale using our referral system that is found on the top of the website! When 10 of your referrals visit our site using your unique link, we will give you a code to save 10% off your total purchase! *The B2G1 50% off offer applies to pre-assembled or "Build Your Own" Bundles only. Discount taken off the lowest priced bundle. See site for complete details and FAQ.

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you use my links, I make a small commission, at no additional charge to you. Thank you for your kindness and support!

Sneak Peek: Build Your Bundle - Homeschool Edition

The BIGGEST digital homeschooling curriculum sale EVER is coming! Mark your calendars! Save up to 92% on popular homeschooling curriculum! ONE WEEK ONLY - July 21-28, 2014! Click here to be reminded | Enter to win $100 towards your bundle purchase What is the "Build Your Bundle" - Homeschool Edition Sale?
The "Build Your Bundle" - Homeschool Edition is designed to contain the best educational digital products on the internet! Sprinkled throughout the bundles are well known publishers, including products on Cathy Duffy's Top 100 list! Unlike overwhelming bundle sales with nearly a hundred ebooks, the "Build Your Bundle" - Homeschool Edition is a brand new concept that will allow homeschoolers to pick and choose what they want to purchase ~ all at a MASSIVE discount of up to 90% off!
Take a Sneak Peek at Our Bundles:
	Tots & Preschoolers Bundle Teach your littlest ones about God's amazing creation and the value of virtue using our Tot & Preschool Bundle! This bundle gives you a complete Christ-centered preschool program, including age-appropriate character-building tools, a stick-figure Bible study, a creation-based coloring book, a handwriting curriculum, an independent activity guide (for those times when you need a moment to focus), and much more!
Kindergarten - 3rd Grade Bundle Teach your K-3 children basic skills and core truths through easily understandable lessons and hands-on activities. Our K-3 Bundle includes reading, math, science, handwriting, character training and Bible resources. Your children will experience life in 17th century America as they learn about the settlers and our 13 original colonies. You will have everything you need to savor these first days of discovery!
	Elementary: 4-6th Bundle Your 4th-6th graders will develop foundational skills and gain insight into the ancient world using the comprehensive collection of resources found in our 4th-6th Grade Bundle. This bundle features both a science curriculum and a creative writing course from Cathy Duffy’s Top 100 picks. You will get a popular curriculum that has a blend of history, geography, and art. Also included: Math, Bible, handwriting and copywork resources, writing guides, timeline cards, ancient history notebooking pages, creative writing for both boys and girls, and an editable weekly homeschool planner for Mom!
Middle School Bundle Your middle school students will tour the classical world and develop academic excellence using our Middle School Bundle. This bundle features a full language arts curriculum and two science curricula, one from Cathy Duffy’s Top 100 picks, as well as a complete geography and history curriculum, a popular history timeline/book of centuries, Renaissance and Reformation notebooking pages, a classical music curriculum and famous composers notebooking pages, and a creative writing collection that even “non-writers” will love!
	Bundle for High Schoolers Your high school students will develop academic mastery and intellectual maturity using our High School Bundle. This bundle features a New Testament Bible curriculum, an introduction to psychology, a full year of math curriculum, resources for world history and geography, philosophy, home economics, college prep, grammar, a creative writing collection that even "non-writers" will love, an anatomy science unit study from Cathy Duffy’s Top 100 picks, and more! You will receive enough materials for a full year of high school!
Charlotte Mason Bundle Amazing things await you in our Charlotte Mason Bundle! This bundle features a complete curriculum using the Charlotte Mason Methods for language arts, handwriting, and reading, a full geography curriculum, a plethora of resources for studying nature, artists, poetry, and a variety of "extras" just for mom! Learn all about Charlotte Mason and enjoy a special bonus (a $90 value all by itself) of great, classic audio books! This bundle is jam packed full of amazing resources your family will love!
	Bundle Just for Moms! Save money, strengthen your marriage, and streamline your schedule using our Mom Bundle. Find the encouragement you need and the insight to speak to your child’s heart (even that difficult child!). Whip your home into shape and train your children to do their chores effectively using a popular book "chores program". This bundle brims with useful tools to help you bring calm to the chaos. Get them all for just $10!
"Build Your Own" Bundles Our "Build Your Own" bundles offer you the opportunity to select a certain number of products with a retail price of $19.99 or less for up to 80% off! We have MANY items to choose from, including Cathy Duffy Top 100 Picks! When you purchase a combination of any 2 "Build Your Own" bundles, you will get the 3rd one at 50% off!
*Lots of ways to save! When you purchase ANY 2 pre-assembled bundles you will get the 3rd pre-assembled bundle of equal or lesser value for 50% off! When you purchase ANY 2 "build your own" bundles you will get the 3rd "build your own" bundle of equal or lesser value for 50% off! When the sale goes live on July 21st, tell your friends about it using our referral system that will be found on the top of the website! When 10 of your referrals visit our site using your unique link, we will give you a code to save 10% off your total purchase! The image will look like this: Now, if you are like me, you might forget about the sale when it gets here! We are prepared to send you a reminder email. Click here and enter your email in the "Remind Me" box and you will get an email the day the sale goes live! Pre-Sale Promotional Giveaway - Enter to win $100 towards the purchase of ANY of our individual or "build your own" bundles! Winner announced the day the sale starts! CLICK HERE TO ENTER! Blessings and love. xo