Mandii's Muse

Remember this post when I introduced you to Coby Greer? Seriously, if you haven't checked him out yet, you have my permission to leave this blog and check him out. Hi Coby!  He released " Streets of Baltimore " as a tribute to Bobby Bare on August 4. (You guys, I'm obsessed! Such a great song!) TODAY, he has another song out called "500 Miles Away from Home," and it features Coby and Bobby Bare. Seriously, go download it. You won't regret it, I promise. It is outstanding! This is one of Bobby Bare's most popular songs. Ladies and Gents, he paid tribute to Bobby Bare and now he's singing with him! Isn't that every musicians dream to sing with their musical heroes? I'm thinking that's a yes. He's proving the doubters wrong by producing good quality  country music. You can decide for yourself, and I think you will fall into the category that goes something like this: Download all of his music ASAP. That's pretty much ...

Do you remember when I did this post about Bon Jovi's new CD? I gave my thoughts on each song, and then gave my overall impressions of the album at then end. Well, let's do that again shall we? I am going to cover Would You Come Along by Coby Greer. Image Would You Come Along came out on Dec. 11, 2015. I bought mine off of Amazon, and you are going to want to buy one too. It should be no secret how I feel about Coby's music. #Love Can I consider myself a Greer Girl? Is that a thing? Can we get shirts made?! Remember, these are just my thoughts and impressions. I'm so not a music critic, but know good music when I hear it. Your favorite song will be different than mine. Anyway, let's get on with the song by song breakdown. You're So Fine: If you are feeling down about yourself, you need to listen to this song. He's basically telling you that you are beautiful with no makeup and your pj's on. Confidence.Booster. Um, THANK YOU! I'm All A...

My mom and I took dinner into my grandparent's house one night. She made pepperoni rolls, and I made this peach crisp. I used canned peaches, and omitted some of the sugar, but this would be even better with fresh peaches. I can't wait to make this in the fall with apples! I found this recipe on Pinterest from Sally's Baking Addiction. You can find the recipe here! It is delicious, and if you make it let me know what you thought!

Hello! It's a Monday. I wasn't quite sure what to title this post, so forgive the generic title. I am going to be 100% honest, and say that I am truly grateful that I still have two more weeks before I get back to the subbing grind. I have been enjoying lazy mornings, random errands, and no set schedule. Anyway, back to the post at hand! I have been obsessively watching the Olympics. The swimming has been freaking fantastic. Michael Phelps is the GOAT, Katie Ledecky is superhuman, and Nathan Adrian is the world's cutest anchor. I'm pulling for my girls Kerri Walsh Jennings, and April Ross. USA Men's Basketball has made me say not very ladylike things to my TV screen. Coach K better whip these youngin's into shape. My sweet dog had some trouble crossing from the kitchen to the living room area. Bless his heart. The garden has been in full bloom (except our zucchini's.) I'm on the hunt for recipes to use up tomatoes and a variety of peppers. Any sugg...

My mom and I went to an essential oils class at a local bed and breakfast. This was our first experience making them, and using them. I can't tell you how much we learned! The lady that was giving the class was a Young Living brand rep, and she taught us a lot! We had the option of making a  two rollerballs, or a hand sanitizing spray, or one of each. My mom and I both made roller balls. I made a Focus blend and an Immune Boost blend. My mom made Sleepy Time and Open Airways. Did you know that it takes about 21 seconds to have the oils enter your system and begin working? That's amazing! I will give you a run down of the oils that made up each blend. I can't tell you how many drops are in each because we had helpers make the rollerballs. *All blended oils are mixed with Fractionated Coconut Oil Immune Boost: Cinnamon, Clove, Lemon, Tea Tree, Oregano, Rosemary Sleepy Time:  Cedarwood, Frankincense, Bergamot, Open Airways: Cardamom, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, L...

Do you remember this series? It's been a while. Do people even still put music on iPods anymore? Anyway, pull out whatever music device you use, because it is time to update it with some new tunes! I'd like to introduce you to Coby Greer. Doesn't his name just sound like a singer/songwriter name?  I Image didn't find Coby, rather he found me. He actually followed me on Twitter, (I'm @mandiiduke) and I am SO glad he did! I checked him and his music out, and was hooked. Coby is a native of Alabama, but now lives in Music City. (That's Nashville!) Audiences have enjoyed his singing since he was 14 years old. Coby has that great traditional country sound, but with a modern twist. To me, his sound is that of the country music I grew up with: songs that tell a story, with a catchy "gets stuck in your head" tune. Think Clint Black, Randy Travis, and Clay Walker with a whole lotta Coby mixed in. He's worked stages with many of the legends of count...

While I was attending the wedding in Dawson, PA I wanted to find something to do the morning after. It isn't any fun to just go home after a mini vacation. Haha! So I found a winery that was 10 minutes away from Linden Hall in the town of Mount Pleasant. From this moment on, Greendance Winery will be what I compare all other wineries too. It is just the cutest place! Its formal name, Greendance Winery|The Winery at Sandhill is such a hidden treasure! Literally! After making a "sharp left turn" (according to my GPS!) We found this gem. Tucked back in a grove of trees stands the winery and all of the cabins. Inside one cabin is a Farm Store. Here, they sell their homemade pies and cookies. Plus jellies, spreads, local honey, and of course, the many berries. The owners provided berries to the White House for not one, but two State dinners! How cool! There is a whole cabin dedicated to desserts. My parents and I shared the cheesecake with raspberries, and can I tell yo...

Phillip G Cochran Church I'm not entirely sure when I've had a summer this busy. Honestly, I swear there has been something going every weekend. I'm not complaining. Okay, maybe a little bit. How in the world is it almost AUGUST? SLOW DOWN Summer! For reals! One of the highlights this summer has been all of the weddings I've been to. I'm a sucker for a wedding. I went to a beautiful one, and want to share it with you! First of all, the wedding was in the Phillip G. Cochran Memorial Methodist Church. This is located in the little town of Dawson, PA. Can I just tell you it was absolutely stunning! This church is listed on the National Register of Historic places. The bride's father officiated, and they had a traditional ceremony which I love. So heartfelt and meaningful! The reception was at Linden Hall. My parents had visited there on their honeymoon. Remember when they went here too? Again, this place is just beautiful. The food was outstanding, and the...

I recently went on a quick overnight trip, and wanted to show you what was in my overnight bag. The photo I have doesn't show everything, but you can get the general idea. I took a workout/lounge outfit. Just so I don't have to wear my pj's all the time. Next, I took a pair of Skechers, because they are the most comfortable pair of shoes. They also go with the lounge outfit! Then I brought a low pair of moccasins and a pair of wedges. You never know when your feet are going to start hurting! As far as the outfit goes, you will have to check back and see "what I wore!" I packed my favorite Equate cleansing cloths, a mini hairspray, and paper mask. I made sure to pack my contacts and glasses, which I almost forgot! I also have my trusty toiletry bag, which I always keep full of the essentials: deodorant, toothbrush, bodywash etc. Believe me, this little purchase has came in handy on more than one occasion. I was only gone one night, so I didn't need to take ...

Shay and Erika created this series, and while I missed the link up, I'd still love to share with you who I'd love to be stuck on a stranded island with! Two people came to mind very quickly, but I struggled with the third one. First of all, I would choose the Duchess of Cambridge. She will always be Kate Middleton to me, so forgive me. I think she is the epitome of grace and elegance. She can wear a tiara, and then hike up a mountain looking as fresh as a daisy. How does she do it? I would be a sweaty, disgusting mess if I did that. I'd love to talk about the Royal family, and those beautiful clothes she wears. I'd also like to see if she can get Jenny Packham to make me the green Aspen gown she made the Duchess. Next, I'd love to be stranded with Reese Witherspoon. I just love her southern charm. She has great style. If I was independently wealthy, I'd buy one of everything from Draper James. I'm sure she'd probably get annoyed from me quoting mo...

Ah, Friday. A welcome sight. I mean, I guess I'm glad it is Friday, but that just means August is just that much closer. Womp, womp. Anyway, here is what I'm loving this week! First, I have been loving the show Greatest Hits on ABC. I'm a music lover from all genres, so hearing songs that I love being sung by the original artists, and modern artists is just so cool. Plus, I *might* have fangirled a little bit when Hanson, and Backstreet Boys were on. ;) Something that wasn't a favorite was waking up with a strained muscle in my neck. I woke up with it last Saturday, and it still isn't 100% better yet. I took lots of Advil, had my Tens unit on, and ice. My parent's and I had cocktail hour outside last week. It was so nice, and you can't beat a fuzzy navel. Thanks Andrea for the link up!

Andrea did this link up a week or so ago, and I thought it was a great idea. I figured I would tell you about who is in my tribe. Now, I happen to root for another Tribe (Whoo! Go Indians!) so they had to make the list! Image When I was in high school, I'd like to think that I got along with everyone. However, I can't really say that I met my best friends while in high school. Some of you can, and that's great! College was where I've met my friends for life! I don't know what I would do without these ladies! We still text, email, and chat to this day! My first college roommate E'Shell whom I call E, was a saint to put up with me. I'm being one hundred percent serious. College was the first time I left home to stay anywhere. I had NO CLUE what I was doing. We met in an unusual way (which we can get into in a later post!) , but I didn't realize how much I was going to depend on here that first year! The first two weeks of school, you might have...

I really didn't take many pictures from the 4th. I guess that's what happens when you host. I was busy helping my parents set up, tear down, and do the dishes. Earlier in the day, I had to run to the store because we were out of ketchup and mustard. Those are major staples for a picnic! Surprisingly, the store was quite busy. As I was driving home, I drove along one of my favorite roads. I call this an "enchanted forest" road. I love when the trees line both sides, and you feel like you are in some type of Disney princess movie. We had a "smaller" picnic. Meaning there were less side dishes. By the looks of my plate, it doesn't look like it, but we usually have so much more food. My Bubba made rhubarb and strawberry pies, which were delicious! My mom also made lemon filled cupcakes which were also very good! It started to sprinkle just as we were sitting down to eat, but we prayed it would hold off for an hour and a half, and it did! Right when we ...

I really don't feel right posting about my Friday Favorites, in spite of what happened in Dallas. I heard that one of the officers that got killed had only been married two weeks. Two weeks. These officers left behind family and friends who are in shock, and grieving. Our country needs Jesus, now more than ever before.  Whew, one successful week of blog posts down! I think I can, I think I can! I'm linking up with Andrea today for some Friday Favorites! My family and I dog sat this weekend. Lacy is my Cashew's sister. They had a great time together, and they were so good. They are seriously so cute, and I can't stand it! I was listening to my Music Choice channel, and these two songs popped up. Feels So Good was a song that we played in jazz band, so I was remembering playing that in high school. Always by Atlantic Starr, was played at my aunt's wedding. I was 9 months old when she got married, but I was OBSESSED with her wedding video growing up. ...

It has been a long while since I have done a What I wore post! This dress needs mentioning though. This was taken while I was still working, so that is why the picture is in a bathroom. Haha! Would you believe me if I told you this dress came from Costco? Would you believe me if I told you it was $10? Well believe both of those! It is a t-shirt material, super comfy, and I also bought one in black. I mean, how cute is this dress? I can dress it up or down depending on the accessories I wear. The black I can pair with boots and a cute cardigan for Fall/Winter. I'd check your Costco out and see if they still have some!!

So if you saw yesterday's post, I recapped a little bit of February and March. Now I can get you caught up from then until now! I was able to go to a Pittsburgh Penguins game! I always love going to the last game of the season. Even thought I didn't get a shirt off the players back! However, it was neat to see the Stanley Cup winning team before they hoisted the trophy. Plus, when you have seats 6 rows behind the glass, you don't say no! The school I work at (still subbing!) had a local meteorologist come and give a presentation. It was a great assembly, and the kids really enjoyed it! I know I did! In the mail one day, I got something from one of my I mean, could JJ and I be any cuter?! many celebrity boyfriends. (LOL!) I got this magazine full of pictures of JJ Watt. Listen, any time he comes in my mailbox, I'm not going to complain. ;) Unfortunately, June was a crazy, and sad month. To start it off, my dad had a kidney stone, and he also got bit by a sp...

Remember me and this little 'ol blog? Yeah, you probably don't. It has been a LONG while. To that, I'm sorry. I promise I'm going to get better. Bear with me as I get back on track. I've missed you! So these next few days I am going to fill you in on what has been happening in my neck of the woods. Let's start with February-March-ish. Well, I got a car. It is an 2002 Toyota Corolla. I really do love it. I thought I was more of an SUV person, but I am enjoying the car. I'd like to get a CD player for it, so this is my summer project. Dunkin Donuts has their $.99 iced coffee back, and I have taken advantage. I've tried making it at home, and it just isn't the same. So Dunkin, you are the best. Can we take a second and appreciate the National score?! YOU GUYS AND GALS! March Madness came and the first weekend, I ROCKED my bracket. Like, better than I've done in a long time. However, the rest of the tournament happened, and I fell, HARD. ...

Image I want to wish all of you a very Happy 4th of July. Stay safe, enjoy your family and friends, food, and fireworks!  Stay tuned for new posts coming your way TOMORROW!!

I realized that I never shared with you my SuperBowl party! Don't worry, it wasn't anything spectacular, but it was fun none the less! My parents did a lot of the cooking, and they did a great job as they usually do! We were all rooting for Devner, and were so happy when they won! We love us some Peyton Manning. (I was rooting for the Patrtiots when they played them, but when the Broncos won, it was all Peyton!) We had my grandparents out and had some BBQ pulled pork, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. So we represented Carolina as well. ;) My mom made cream filled cupcakes (She made me some without cream filling, because I don't like cream filled cupcakes.) with the icing being blue and orange. She's so creative and I can't stand it. To church that Sunday, I wore my orange and blue sweater and had many people asking me if I was rooting for Denver. Yes, yes I was. I can get behind a theme to dress for! That was my SuperBowl party! I guess we will hav...

What did we do before Pinterest? I think we actually hung things up on a bulletin board!! I'm like everyone else and is obsessed. There isn't a better way to keep track of recipes, quotes, home things etc in one area than Pinterest. I'm linking up with Andrea today to share with you my favorite pins! I have 16 boards. So I figured I would give you a favorite pin from each of my boards! You can follow all of my boards here! My Style: I LOVE this outfit! It screams Duke, and the touch of leopard makes it even better! I need to find a blue blazer like this, and those awesome grey pants! For the Home: I think this is so cute! Plus, it is cheap, and would look great on a house or apartment! Favorite Places and Spaces:  Bora Bora is on my bucket list. I'd love to go there and to just relax and look at that beautiful water. I would definitely want to stay in an over water bungalow to look at the fish! Things I Love: You will find a lot of animal ...

Can I get a shout for four day weekends? Unfortunately, my week last week was crazy and I ended up having the flu. I suffered through it Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday I just couldn't do it and called off work. It wasn't the stomach virus that has been going around, but it was the achy fevering/chilling, headache flu. Both of my parent's had it, so I was bound to get it. Yuck! By Thursday I was feeling better and went to the nursing home with my Grandma to play for the residents. My other two grandparents are in there and they were so thrilled to enjoy the music! (I made sure to stay away from them just in case I was still contagious!) After, my parents and I went to Pizza Hut for dinner, and then spent an hour at the mall. Friday, my cousin came out to give me the lowdown on her wedding! I'm a bridesmaid, and wanted to get a feel for what she wanted for her shower, etc. Girlfriend got it covered! She seriously rocks and has almost everything planned! Saturd...