Off the Shelf- The Right Questions

Welcome to the first edition of "Off the Shelf." At least once a month, I am going to post about a book I found inspiring and encouraging. A few years ago, I went into a personal and spiritual slump that was extremely difficult to pull out of. It took many long talks with family and friends, many prayers, lots of inspiring books, and the determination to turn things around before life started to get better. Now that I'm on the other side of this difficult time, I hope that I can suggest things that will help others to overcome as well! 

This month I read The Right Questions by Debbie Ford. The author presents a series of ten questions to really help you delve deeper into your personality and get to the root cause of one's unhappiness. These questions are designed to give you a better understanding of who you are, what you really want in life, and what you need to change to achieve your goals. Each chapter contains a different question, such as "will this choice propel me toward an inspiring future or will it keep me stuck in the past?" While this may seem an obvious question, we all have times where we make decisions that do keep us stuck in the past, without consciously thinking about it. Rich in thoughtful analysis of why we make the decisions we do, even at the expense of our deepest desires, as well as use of case examples, this book is a wonderful tool to help you get back on track. I love the concept of the "inner flame" and how each decision we make either adds to or diminishes this internal flame. 

I hope others enjoy this inspiring book as much as I do! This book has really helped me think about the choices in my life in a new light. 

Thank you for reading! Be sure to enter your e-mail in the box to the left to get updates from Pines and Peaches! 

Monday Motivation

I love this quote! It helps me remember that even my mistakes are opportunities for learning. Instead of beating myself up for messing up, I need to accept it, learn from it, and never give up!

Thank y'all for reading! 

Product Review- Rodan & Fields Eye Cream

Welcome to my first product review! At least once or twice a month, I am going to talk about a product that I absolutely love and I think you will too! 

Recently, I bought some Rodan & Fields Eye Cream from a sweet lady at work who sells their products. This is the best stuff! I have tried over-the-counter stuff, Avon, Mary Kay, etc. None of them are in the same category as this. I have only been using this about two or three weeks now, and I am already getting comments from other people about how I look more rested. The dark circles and puffiness around my eyes have improved so much in only a few weeks time. This eye cream is a little pricey ($58) but it is well worth it. This jar is supposed to last about six months, so it lasts a while. A little bit goes a LONG way. I love this product, and can't wait to try some of their facials and other cosmetic supplies. 

Thank y'all for reading! Be sure to enter your email at the left to get updates from Pines and Peaches! 

Five Ways to Find More Reading Time

I love to read! It is my all-time favorite hobby, just ask anyone who knows me. When I talk books to others, the comment I hear most often is "I just don't have time to read." We've all been there. Life gets hectic, finals are looming, mandatory overtime at work, kids are sick, and on and on.  The list of things that can come between us and books is endless. As we are heading into fall (meaning here come the holidays!), things are about to get crazy for us all! Here are five ways I manage to squeeze in as much reading time as possible, even during the crazy times. :)

1. During the Commute- Listen to audiobooks! This was a lifesaver during college when I was swamped with homework, studying for tests, working, tutoring, and then more homework! My favorite audiobook was And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (narrated by Dan Stevens, aka Matthew from Downton Abbey) and The Once and Future King by T. H. White. 

2. Exercise - Hit the books while you hit the gym! I like to prop an e-book up on the front of the treadmill or elliptical. Obviously, if you are walking outdoors or riding a bike, you should probably opt for an audiobook and earbuds. 

3. Arrive early- Get to work ten minutes early, and read in the parking lot (but don't lose track of time and be late!). I often try to leave a little early to catch a few extra pages before clocking in!

4. Download Kindle and/or Nook apps- I have both on my phone and I use them all the time. In a waiting room? Read until you are called back. Waiting for the bus? Read until the bus shows up. Also while you ride the bus. Long line? Distract yourself by reading on your phone. I read three books in Disney World last year, just by using the long waits as an opportunity to read. All your friends cruising social media on their phones? Read while they cruise Facebook. Really, the possibilities are endless here. Trade Candy Crush in for books. It's a swap you will never regret lol. 

5. Lunch breaks-Take a book with you (or use one of the apps in the last bullet point) and read on lunch. I work close to a lovely park by a river, so weather-permitting, I will grab some fast-food and read in the park during my lunch break. If you don't have a lunch date, take a book and read while waiting for your food. If your lunch date is boring, read the entire time JK JK. I have been known to pack a lunch, then go eat in my car and read. Lunch times provide a nice, solid hour of extra book time! 

I hope that some of these ideas will help you get a little bit more book time. Happy reading!

Thank y'all for reading! Be sure to enter your email address to get all the new updates from Pines and Peaches! 

Monday Motivation

This is one of my all-time favorite quotes! I recently swapped careers, despite well-meant advice to the contrary, because I knew I was in the wrong place for me. Sometimes, we just know that we are on the wrong path and we have to take steps to get back on the right trail! I am so thankful and happy that after much prayer and many, many job applications, I am finally right where I need to be. This quote was my mantra while I was struggling to change career paths, and I hope it brings some hope and inspiration to some of my readers.

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Summer 2017 Wrap-Up

The kids are back in school, which means the summer is officially at its end. I hope you all had a wonderful summer, I know I did! Summer 2017 was great for me, as it provided me several opportunities to travel and spend time with family. Here are a few of my summer adventures: 

Memorial Day in Milledgeville, GA
I met up with my beautiful cousins for a girl's trip over Memorial Day Weekend! We toured the campus of Georgia College (stunning campus, makes me wanna go back to school!), then we headed over to Andalusia, the home of Flannery O'Connor. This breath-taking farmhouse was converted into a museum and gift shop. The farm also has a few hiking trails, barns, and a flock of peacocks! We had a lovely time!

Lovely old barn at Andalusia. 

Georgia College, home of the Bobcats!

We wrapped up our weekend with a visit to the spooky, abandoned Central State Hospital. Closed in the early 90s, there are over 200 buildings just sitting there, empty and decaying. Why haven't the paranormal shows checked this place out? It definitely looks and feels haunted! Check out these creepy photos:

Entrance to Central State Hospital. This is where former patients would be checked in. 

Grayton Beach, FL
In June, I went with my husband and his family to Grayton Beach. Located between Panama City Beach and Destin, this beach is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. There are tons of shops nearby (heads up, they are pricey), as well as several food trucks. Bike rentals are available, and there are plenty of sidewalks to ride on! The highlight of our trip was eating at Hurricane Oyster Bar, which we visited twice! The Crab Cake Po'Boy was to DIE FOR! We also made a trip to Eden Gardens State Park, which is a beautiful park located on the beach about 15 or 20 minutes from where we were staying. Overall, I still like Panama City best, but this was a great beach if you are looking for a smaller place to stay. 

Callaway Gardens
For my final summer trip, my mom and I went to Callaway Gardens at the end of July. If you have never been to Callaway Gardens, you have missed out on a treat! There are over 10 miles of walking and biking trails, zip lines, shows, gift shops, restaurants, and more. We caught the "Birds of Prey" show, which was fantastic. Then, we rented bikes and rode on the trails for about three and a half hours, and STILL didn't visit everything! I can't wait to go back and hope to make a return trip in the fall. While you are there, be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden and eat at The Country Kitchen located inside the Callaway Gardens Country Store! 

Thank y'all for reading! Be sure to follow me to get updates on all my newest adventures by entering your email address in the box located on the left! :)

Welcome to Pines and Peaches!

Welcome to my new blog! This blog will be all about inspiration, happiness, and living in North GA. I live in Northwest GA with my husband and our many pets. My favorite hobbies are traveling, reading, writing, and playing with my fur babies.  I decided to start a blog as an outlet for my love of writing! (and it gives me an excuse to talk about the things I love!) One thing I love is to bring a bit of joy to someone else's day! Smiles are free and make a world of difference! Expect lots of feel-good posts about travel, pets, books, and more! Glad to have you as a reader!