30 Days To Move : Day 1

A new chapter in my life is ready to begin. I got the call that the house I have rented for the past 5 years has been sold... we have 30 days to find a new house and make the move.

To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement. But, one step at a time, the evidence of our life here will be packed away and loaded into a moving truck.

I hope that by sharing my 30 Days to Move series I can connect with new readers, share my tips, tricks and errors and make your move, if you find yourself in a similar situation, as stress free as possible.

On Day 1 you might be a hot mess. Filled with a variety of emotions. From anger at the change in your situation, to panic about what to do, where to begin. 

After getting the news that you need to move, the first thing to do is allow yourself about 20 minutes to get yourself together.  Let your emotions play out for a few minutes. Breathe. Get it all out, cry if you need to. Call a friend and get your news off your chest. Someone to listen to you as you feel like the bottom is dropping out makes a huge difference.

Now- 20 minutes are up! Dry your tears, check your anger. This is not the time to worry, panic or act crazy. This is the time to begin a new thought process. A forward thinking thought process. Like it or not, you will be moving. Nothing will change that in most cases. Instead of dwelling on it, stewing over it or going into denial, this is the time to make a plan.

The first step is to browse classified ads, check out the newspaper, craigslist and groups on facebook. Scout out the options online. This will let you know what the average price of rent is and you can get a feel for what is being offered at what prices. Consider this research. As internet savvy as I am, there has only been one rental that I found online that I actually rented. This may have to do with the region I live in. I am not sure. I do think that to find a great place to live, you actually have to get out and look.

After browsing what is available online, prepare yourself to head out and scope out the rentals in your town. This is as easy to do as driving by and actively seeking out FOR RENT signs. Plan to do this on Day 2 of 30.

You have had a crazy day. If you have researched online and got your emotions under control, it is time to take a break. Don't stress or worry the rest of the day. Just keep your chin up, and rest. The next 29 days are going to be physically and emotionally taxing. Reserve as much energy as you can today.

Check back tomorrow to find out what I do on Day 2 of 30 Days to Move.

Better Than Home : The Hampton Inn Bakersfield

When I travel, I look for a hotel that is going to be like a home away from home, someplace I can relax, rest and recharge. In my adventures I have stayed in a variety of places, but there is one place I know I will always have a great stay and that is the Hampton Inn.

When I was in Bakersfield, I had the chance to stay at the Hampton Inn Central. This hotel was lovely. From the second I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile. I was impressed with the lay out of the lobby. I was pleased with how clean everything was.

When I made my way to my room, I sighed in delight. Not only was the room spacious, well appointed and squeaky clean, but also there was a King Sized Bed, just for me! Sigh, whimper, sigh!

As you can see, I hopped right on the fresh, clean king size bed and made myself comfy. Pics were an after thought.

I couldn't have been happier with the room. It met every expectation I had and even exceeded a few!

I can't say enough nice things about the staff at The Hampton Inn Central. From the smiling clerks on duty upon arrival, to the kind clerk in the wee hours of the morning that gave me a new room card after I locked myself out at 4 am.

The free breakfast was also great. From the impressive selection of offerings, to the quality of the offerings. I think this is your winner winner chicken dinner of a place to stay in Bakersfield California. The next time I am in town, this will be my go to place. It was better than a home away from home!

Please note, the Hampton Inn didn't compensate me in any way to write this travel piece. I am sharing my personal experience. However, if anyone from The Hampton Inn wants to talk about inviting me back to one of their hotels... {wink} I am always up for a visit!

When in Bakersfield: You Gotta Eat Here

The first thing I noticed about Bakersfield, is how lovely it was! I guess I had associated the city with country music and expected something other than what awaited me. The drive in from Los Angeles was breath taking.

After a long day of travel, going literally from coast to coast, I was pretty weary. I kept a smile on my face and I made an effort to live in the moment. I wanted to fully enjoy my short time in this new to me place.

Upon arriving to my dinner destination at The Mark, all of my exhaustion fell away. I was greeted by a gracious staff. A Gin Refresher perked me up and prepped me for a completely decadent dinner.

Spinach Artichoke Dip and Fresh Baked Bread gave me a glimpse of what was in store for me. When my Shrimp Alexandria Arrived I was nearly salivating. Served with a superb baked potato and fresh green beans and carrots, this was hands down the best after travel meal I have ever had. 

Reluctantly I left the gorgeous restaurant behind, as I left, the magical voice from the live entertainment carried me away from the scene. It was a dreamy experience. When in Bakersfield, ya need to go here.

Another great little spot in Bakersfield is Mimi's Cafe. I enjoyed an evening nibble with a new friend there. We drank Mimosas {The Triple Berry is fantastic!} and shared the Baked Brie. It was ah-mazing. 

The menu offered tons of tantalizing dishes and looking back I should have ordered something awesome like a burger or something.

Mimi's offers several mimosas!

If you stay at The Hampton Inn, they have a nice {FREE} hot breakfast as well. This was like the best hotel breakfast I have had in a very long time!

They had waffles with whipped cream, cereal, fruit, yogurt, juice, cheese omelets, tons of yummy breads and turkey sausage. Yum. It was a great start to my day!

No compensation was offered to me to write this travel piece. These are my personal experiences!

The Scoop on Dining in Richland County

Richland County, Ohio has a ton of great options for family friendly dining. From chains to family owned, there are some fantastic options for dining in Richland County!

One of our favorite places to visit is Two Cousins Pizza, in downtown Mansfield. The pizza is awesome and the lunch specials are great. My son is happy with a slice of pepperoni pizza and a drink, while my husband and I can't pass up their mini pizzas or pepperoni rolls.

The prices are unbeatable and the pizza is really good!

My son really loves the Der Dutchman in Bellville, Ohio. The buffet features several things he might eat on a day he isn't demanding pancakes. Fried chicken, clam strips, potatoes, fish, tons of veggies, salads and other yummy things are ready to tantalize your tastebuds.

My favorite little spot in Richland County right now is the Blueberry Patch. Picking berries and dining in their cute cafe is the best summer activity!

 Tomato Basil soup that is ah-mazing!

Monte Cristo sandwich with blueberry? Phenomenal!

 The Quiche and Fruit Salad? Divine!

Roo loves their flatbread pizza! It is yummy!


If you are traveling to Richland County, I hope these suggestions are helpful to you for finding a great spot to dine!

Cupcake Liner Crafts

We are always looking for fun crafts to make! When I saw these ideas for cupcake liner crafts the wheels in my head started to spin. These ideas are adorable and easy enough for your toddler or preschooler to make!

I hope this collection inspires you to pull out your cupcake liners and start creating!

Your little princess will love making these Tutu Princesses from Well Nourished Nest.

On a rainy day you might want to try your hand at this Cupcake Liner Rainbow from I Heart Crafty Things.

These Cupcake Liner Butterflies from Crafty Morning might flutter their way into your heart!

If your little one likes Ninjago, don't miss this super cute and simple Ninjago Craft from Love and Marriage Blog.

If your little one loves all things Dino, you can't go wrong with this Cupcake Liner Dinosaur from Frogs, Snails and Puppydog Tails.

Do you have an idea for a fun cupcake liner craft? I would love to hear from you!