This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
This is a paid affiliate partnership with Decocrated. All opinions are my own.
As September draws to a close, I spent the day adding spooky touches to my fall decor. New this season, treats for Halloween from Decocrated. This add-on box for 2021 contains the right blend of spooky vibes and festive fun.
Take a peek at the pieces inside the new Decocrated Halloween Box and see how I switched things up a bit for the upcoming holiday.
Halloween Add-on Box 2021
If you’ve never heard of Decocrated Curated Home, check out my initial review HERE. This subscription box company specializes in curating home decor that mixes brilliantly with what you already own and use. The boxes arrive to your front door four times a year, in time for each new season.
Plus Decocrated members have access to the online Decoshop and add-on boxes that come out around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter and 4th of July.
This add-on box celebrates Halloween with hauntingly sweet decor in a festive orange, black and white palette. The Deco Creator for this box is Adriana Cullen, of AC Craftiness.
The collection is pictured below. See where these pieces landed.
Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – the 2021 collection
Pillow Talk
The lumbar pillow cover for Halloween 2021 features cobwebs on a black background, on one side, with orange tweed on the flip side. After Halloween, this pillow can remain as a fall pillow, turned to the orange side.
I paired the spooky pillow with the Farm Fresh Pumpkins one I already owned. And I placed both behind a little vignette set up on the wood and tin tray from the very first Decocrated box I received in winter 2019.
On the tray: the wooden candle holders from the fall 2021 box plus fall themed items and a HOME sign from my own collection.
Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – pillow
Dining Room Shelves
Although already decorated for fall, I tweaked these shelves in the dining room, adding Halloween pieces.
On the top shelf, the ladder and linen from the fall 2021 box remain, along with the wooden lantern from the Christmas 2020 box and the flocked pumpkins from fall 2020. I added the BOO tabletop print and the fun wooden bottle cutouts, all from last year’s Decocrated Halloween box.
The second shelf holds black and white stacked pumpkins, a tabletop sign and a simple black vase with orange beads, on one end. At the other end is my rustic wire box holding the black metal clock from summer 2021, an orange candle and the wooden plaque from last year’s fall crate.
And finally, the third shelf is home to my own decor pieces plus the dark green metal pumpkin and colorful wooden beads from the fall 2021 box. The framed art features postcards I bought while on my Italy trip, in 2017.
Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – dining room shelves
Signs of the Season
The crescent moon wall art and the metal plaque both ended up on the covered front porch, ready to welcome visitors.
Bats and stars adorn the Trick or Treat moon sign, while “Enter if you Dare” gives a playful warning on the metal sign. After the holiday, it’s easy to remove both of these signs and return the front porch to fall, until after Thanksgiving.
Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – signs of the season
Table Vignette
The rest of the new Halloween items gathered on the dining room table on top of the cloth runner from fall 2020 and the wooden runner from spring 2021.
The crate, filled with black and white pumpkins, comes from the fall 2020 box. I swapped out the wooden signs, moving the Harvest Moon one to the crate for Halloween. The spiderwebs towel is from this fall’s box.
On the other end rests the clip frame, holding the cat silhouette with the words “Trick or Treat”. The black metal “haunted house” is big enough to hold a candle inside. Use an LED candle or a small tea votive in a heat safe container. And the cute ceramic owl bowl is perfect for holding succulents, a small candle or Halloween candies. Mine will soon hold individually wrapped dark chocolates!
Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – table vignette
Bonus Photos
Although they don’t feature items from the Halloween 2021 box, these areas contain pieces from previous Decocrated boxes. Those items really do mix and match well with other Decocrated pieces and your own decorations.
Hot Tea Station
I set up my hot tea station for fall. Decocrated pieces include the sleigh shelf on the wall, the perpetual calendar and the tiered tray. This station, set up last winter for hot cocoa, remained in place all year and I enjoyed it so much. I simply change the decor with the seasons.
Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – tea station
Entry Table
The little entry table switched to a black and white Halloween theme. On the table top, the black metal candle ring from fall 2020 holds white tapers. The wreath with black berries can hang on the wall but I love the way it looks with the candle ring.
And the black and white pillow cover on the bottom shelf is from last Halloween’s box. I bought the cute Hocus Pocus sign last Halloween.
Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – Hocus Pocus
Do You Decorate for Halloween?
Is your house decorated yet for fall? And do you add Halloween pieces too? I’d love to hear about your ideas for the season.
If you’d like to purchase these fun Decocrated add-on boxes, subscribe first, by purchasing a seasonal box or a yearly subscription. Use this link. At checkout, use my code CINDYM15 to save $15 off a single box or a yearly subscription.
Then you can buy an add-on box. Preorders for the Christmas 2021 box are available now!
I’m so excited as we enter this extended time of holiday celebrations. And I love decorating my house this time of year, shifting from fall to Halloween to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. These truly are my favorite months of the year!
Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Decocrated Curated Home. I may earn a commission for items purchased through my links, all at no extra cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
One of the reasons I wanted to visit Charleston, South Carolina was because of the city’s historical buildings and sites. Truthfully, most of Charleston has historic value. The whole downtown area and south, to the tip of the peninsula, is called the Historic District.
For an overview of fun things to do in Charleston, check out this post. While you are exploring the area, watch for these historic sites to see in Charleston as well.
A Brief History of Charleston
Founded as Charles Town in 1670, in honor of King Charles II, this colonial town welcomed its first settlers from Bermuda and Barbados. The original settlement, located on the Ashley River, lay a few miles northwest of the present day city.
A second thriving settlement, located at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers replaced the original Charles Town in 1680. By 1690, it was the fifth largest city in North America.
In the early 1700s, Charles Town became Charlestown. And in 1774, South Carolina declared its independence from Great Britain on the steps of the Exchange in Charlestown. The British attacked the settlement three times, laying siege in 1780 and forcing a surrender. They evacuated the city in 1782. The next year the city officially changed its name to Charleston.
Between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, Charleston experienced growth and an economic boon, due to cotton, indigo and rice crops. These cash crops were tended to by enslaved people from Africa first, then enslaved African Americans after the importation of enslaved peoples was banned in 1808.
Civil War and Charleston
The first battle of the Civil War occurred on April 12, 1861, when Fort Sumter in the Charleston Harbor was fired upon. After a day and a half of bombardment, the fort was surrendered. The Union control of the sea allowed repeated bombardment of Charleston, causing much damage.
Sherman’s army moved through the area, causing the evacuation of Charleston in February 1865 and the burning of public buildings and cotton warehouses.
After the end of the Civil War, federal forces remained in Charleston during the Reconstruction. By the late 1870s industries renewed the city, with new jobs attracting new residents.
Charleston struggled economically for decades before tourism began to draw visitors and an influx of money in the 1920s. Today the city is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston
There are many interesting places to visit in Charleston. Walk down any street in the Historic District and there are signs and plaques detailing the historical events that took place there.
Although you can experience historical Charleston on your own, I highly recommend a historic walking tour as well. My favorite is the Two Sisters Tour. On my tour one of the sisters, Therese, shared fascinating stories about many of the sites listed below. I encourage you to experience a tour with a knowledgeable guide, to learn more about Charleston’s long history.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Located at 122 East Bay Street, this landmark was completed in 1771 and played an important role in South Carolina’s history.
During the Revolution, British forces converted the lower floor of the Exchange into a dungeon for American prisoners of war.
The Exchanged hosted South Carolina leaders as they debated and then approved the US Constitution. The building is one of four remaining structures where the founding document was originally ratified.
In 1791, city leaders entertained President George Washington on the upper floors, with dinners, dances and concerts.
There are darker deeds that happened in this building as well. Watch for more about the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in October, in Ghost Stories from Charleston.
Historic Site to See in Charleston – Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
St. Michael’s Church
Completed in 1761, St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church in Charleston still standing. It’s located at the corner of Meeting and Broad Streets.
When he visited Charleston in 1791, George Washington attended church here, sitting in pew box number 43.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – St Michael’s Church interior
78 Church Street and Heyward – Washington House
George Washington stayed in Charleston for eight days, occupying a Georgian style double house at 87 Church Street, built in 1772. Thomas Heyward, Jr. was one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The city rented this property for President Washington’s use during his stay. It opened in 1930 as Charleston’s first historic house museum under the name Heyward – Washington House.
Just down the street, at 78 Church Street is another house associated with Washington. The President stood on the second floor balcony to deliver a speech to the citizens of Charleston.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – 78 Church Street
The House that Belonged to Aaron Burr’s Daughter
Theodosia Burr, daughter of Aaron Burr, married South Carolina governor Joseph Alston. They lived at the house at 94 Church Street, along with their son.
You remember Aaron Burr, vice president and the person who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. If you are a fan of the musical Hamilton, there is a song called “Dear Theodosia” that expresses Burr’s love for his daughter.
Theodosia’s story ends mysteriously. She and her ten year old son both contracted malaria. The boy died and Theodosia grieved deeply for him. She set sail on a ship in early 1813, bound for New York to visit her father. The ship sank. Theodosia’s body did not wash ashore. She was never found, fueling all kinds of speculations about what happened to her.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – Theodosia Burr’s house
Sweetgrass Baskets
Gullah is a word used to describe the language and culture of those in this area who descended from West Africans. The Gullah culture is deeply intertwined with Charleston, from Lowcountry foods to the crafting of sweetgrass baskets.
You can watch the creation of these beautiful baskets at the Historic Charleston City Market. Or find Gullah women crafting baskets on Meeting Street. They continue a West African tradition handed down to them through generations.
The baskets originally processed rice, a common crop in both West Africa and South Carolina. They are made by bundling dried sweetgrass and coiling it into unique circular designs.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – sweetgrass baskets
Earthquake Bolts
As you wander the streets of Charleston, you might notice metal plates in a variety of shapes on houses and buildings. These are earthquake bolts.
These iron reinforcement rods were inserted through the walls of buildings and secured at the outside ends with large washers and nuts after the great Charleston earthquake of 1886.
Scientists estimate a magnitude of 6.9 – 7.3. It caused 60 deaths and did $5 to $6 million in damages. That cost today equals $158 million.
Owners who didn’t like seeing the unadorned ends on their house exteriors covered them with cast iron decorations in the shapes of stars, crosses, circles, lion heads, butterflies, diamonds and letters of the alphabet. These reinforcement rods protect against hurricane gales as well.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – earthquake bolts on houses
Catfish Row
At 89 – 91 Church Street stretches a three story building with a swinging sign attached. The sign reads “Catfish Row”.
A hundred years ago, this building housed former slaves who made a living selling cabbages and other vegetables from the windows. Back then that narrow lane through the archway bore the name Cabbage Row, as a nod to the produce sold there.
Author Edwin DuBose Heyward lived down the street. Cabbage Row inspired his novel Porgy. The main character, Porgy, was based on the real life Sammy Smalls, known in Charleston for his tangles with the law and for riding through town in a goat drawn cart. In his book, Heyward changed the name of Cabbage Row to Catfish Row. His book led to a play and later an opera called Porgy and Bess.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – Catfish Row
Dock Street Theatre
The original Dock Street Theatre, located at 135 Church Street, opened in 1736 with a performance of The Recruiting Officer. It was the first building in the 13 colonies designed for use as a theatre. The first opera performed in American, Flora, took place at this theatre.
Unfortunately, the original theatre burned in the Great Fire of 1740. In 1809 the current building went up, as the Planter’s Hotel. That building fell into disrepair after the Civil War. The City of Charleston acquired the building in 1935 and constructed the current theatre within the shell of the hotel. The grand reopening of the Dock Street Theatre took place in 1937.
Renovations from 2007 to 2010 brought the building into modern times with updated heating and air conditioning, state of the art lighting and sound systems and new restrooms. The theatre typically offers more than 120 performances a year.
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – Dock Street Theatre
Circular Congregation Church
There’s a reason for Charleston’s nickname…the Holy City. It offers diversity in spiritual practices with many different kinds of churches. The tall steeples from those churches are visible across the city.
The Circular Congregational Church is one of the oldest continuously worshipping congregations in the South. Charles Town’s original settlers founded this church about 1681. The surrounding graveyard contains about 500 graves with monuments dating back to 1695.
The first Meeting House on this site gave Meeting Street its name. This third church structure occupies the same spot as the previous two. Bricks from the second circular church, which burned in 1861, formed this current sanctuary, completed in 1892.
So Much History to Offer
Charleston offers so many old stories. It’s impossible to walk very far without encountering a historic marker.
The city has endured wars, economic ups and downs, malaria outbreaks, fires and earthquakes. Those calamities along with strong ties to the trade of enslaved peoples brought painful times of reconstruction and growth, on many levels. Charleston does not gloss over its history or ignore it or glorify it either. Rather, the people here seek to learn from their past and tell their stories accurately and in depth.
I have more stories to tell from Charleston too.
Have you visited this city? What historic places did you see?
Historic Sites to See in Charleston – Circular Congregational Church
Historic Charleston
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
Thank you to The Adventure Challenge, for sending me The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
I love adventures, trying new experiences, randomness and solo travel. So when I came across this company, The Adventure Challenge, the name alone caught my keen interest.
The more I investigated the company, the more I loved their concepts.
Want to freshen up the fun…as a couple, a family, a friend or on your own? I do! Check out my experience with The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition. And find out how you can bring the challenges into your life.
What is The Adventure Challenge?
The Adventure Challenges are scratch off adventures, suitable for adults, families and individuals. Each hardbound book contain 50 fun and unique challenges to experience with a partner, spouse, friends, family members or on your own.
The challenges are designed to…well…challenge you! They encourage you to get off your phone and electrical devices and connect with each other…or more deeply with yourself. The challenges are the perfect way to explore your city or the great outdoors, try something new, reconnect with your inner child or make new friends.
Plus, the challenges are fun. The keepsake book makes it easy to document the memories, with snapshots and a few words about the experience.
The best part, for me, is the catch. The challenges are hidden. You don’t know what the challenge is, until you scratch it off. If you’ve followed me for very long, you KNOW I love playing games built around randomness. The Adventure Challenge books are like the games I play, where I draw random slips of paper out of a jar, and do the activity I select. There are no “do overs”, in those fun games I make up or in The Adventure Challenge.
Excited to try my first challenge in The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition.
What’s Inside the Book?
You can purchase an Adventure Challenge book only or a kit that comes with the book and an instamatic camera. Each page in the book includes a scratch off adventure, with a few clues about the challenge, a space to write about your experience and a place to attach a small photo.
There are four rules to using the challenge book:
Disconnect to reconnect – unplug from everyday life, connect with others or self and have fun.
No take backs – you must do the adventure you scratch off. If the adventure makes you uncomfortable a bit, that’s good! Discover new things about yourself and others.
Document the journey – take a photo of each challenge and write about it in the book.
Show it off – upload photos of your adventure on social media and tag #theadventurechallenge.
Each scratch off challenge has icons posted with it, clues about the adventure to come. Some examples:
$ is approximate cost of the adventure
clock symbol represents best time of day to do adventure
hourglass equals approximate duration of adventure
silverware means you will eat a meal
shopping cart is a heads up you’ll need some supplies
house means you’ll complete this adventure at home
car means you’ll go somewhere for this challenge
sun is for daylight hours
moon represents nighttime fun
Adventures don’t have to be done in order. They are divided by categories. You can choose any adventure you want or randomly select one.
Page from The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition
Scratching Off My First Adventure
I asked for The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition. Why? Because I immensely enjoy this type of random experience that pushes me out of my comfort zone or teaches me something new. There’s another reason as well, that I share at the end of this post.
For my first adventure, I HAD to choose one on the “It’s an opportunity to learn something new” page. I selected number 19, Party Trick or Treat. Icons indicated no cost, could be done anytime and approximate time to complete, one hour. Two other symbols showed me it was a chill exercise and could be done at home.
I scratched off the adventure with one of the gold plastic discs provided and read my challenge: Research top ten party tricks, find one that speaks to you and learn it. Share with a friend via Facetime.
Yes! First, I rarely go to parties. And if I do, I NEVER do a party trick. New experience coming up!
Can you guess which party trick I chose?
Move a Straw Without Touching It Party Trick
After researching top ten party tricks, I narrowed my choices down to three. I initially ruled out the straw one, because I don’t use plastic straws. However, in a funny little twist of fate, I ended up with a single straw that day. Decision made.
The trick: Balance a straw on top of a bottle and ask a friend if they can make the straw move, without touching it or knocking it off the bottle. When they can’t, show them that you can.
Pick up straw and rub it on your clothes or on your hair. Return to bottle top and bring hands close to the straw without touching it. The build up of static electricity causes the straw to spin on the bottle top.
I practiced this party trick a few times and discovered that my long silver hair created the right amount of static electricity. I set up my iPhone and created a short video of me performing the trick…and sent it to my grandkids. They want to try the trick as well.
I documented my fun adventure with an instamatic photo, from an Instax Mini camera I borrowed from my granddaughter, wrote briefly about my challenge and included the date. Want to see my trick? Catch the Instagram Reel HERE.
My documented challenge.
How I Will Use The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition
I enjoyed my first challenge! It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, which is always a desired experience for me. And it was fun to document.
Here’s the most exciting part of all this for me. My word for next year is…adventure. How perfect this solo edition is, for 2022. With 49 remaining challenges, I intend to experience one each week next year, and perhaps make up a few of my own to create 52 adventures. There’s actually a blank page at the end of my solo edition book that I can use for these extra adventures.
The well made, attractive book is destined to become my memory book for 2022. This is something new, right there. I can’t wait to begin, the first week in January. You know I’ll write about some of those adventures.
You don’t have to wait though! The Adventure Challenge books make wonderfully unique gifts for weddings, anniversaries, your spouse, your family, your grown kids and their families. And…there’s a new Blind Dates edition for some crazy fun if you are dating.
Or perhaps you know someone like me…or you are someone like me…who enjoys the thrill of challenging herself to go beyond, go past comfort zones, fears and limiting beliefs. Someone who likes to have fun while learning more about herself. This is THE ultimate gift for her…or you.
Check out the various books and the camera/book kits HERE. Use my code GOINGBEYOND to save 10% off of your order.
I learned a party trick!
Adventures…Yes Please
In the introduction at the beginning of the book, founder Bryant S. Ellis reminds us that we can become entrenched in repetition and get used to doing the same old things. He believes that random creativity shocks us out of our normal day-to-day life. It gets us exploring again…ourselves and the world around us.
I agree. And I actively and intentionally choose adventures and going beyond on a daily basis. I’m grateful for this new to me company and their Adventure Challenges. They will be foundational to my growth and my fun next year.
How about you? Are you ready to challenge yourself and enliven your days with adventures? Grab a challenge book and get to scratching. Don’t forget your code for 10% off…GOINGBEYOND.
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
As I planned my trip to Charleston, an important consideration was accommodations. I knew I wanted to stay in the historic district downtown, since I was exploring on foot. A base of operations is what I needed, a centrally located place that made it easy for me to walk to where I wanted to go.
That was my must have. Bonuses for me included a free breakfast, a charming room, a refrigerator in the room and as an extra, extra bonus, a pretty outdoor space. Could I find all that, without spending a fortune?
Indeed I could. I found it all at the Meeting Street Inn.
History of Meeting Street Inn
Although there are some hotels specially built for that purpose in Charleston, many of the city’s accommodations began life many years ago as something else. This is true for Meeting Street Inn.
The Charleston Theatre, built in 1837, originally occupied four lots at 173 Meeting Street. Unfortunately, the theatre burned to the ground in 1861. German immigrant Adolph Tiefenthal purchased the lots where the theatre once stood. In 1874 he constructed a three story brick building in the traditional Charleston single house style, characterized by the single room width with the house set at right angles to the street.
On the ground floor, Adolph opened a restaurant and saloon, selling German beers and Rhine wines. He and his wife and their three daughters occupied the top two floors. Adolph died four years later and descendants sold the building in 1903.
Over the years various businesses came and went on the first floor including an antique boutique, liquor store, auto parts shop, bicycle rentals and a dental equipment supplier. After Hurricane Hugo struck in 1989, the building fell into disrepair. Francis F. Limehouse bought the building and renovated it, creating the lovely Meeting Street Inn. Her work on the inn sparked the restoration movement that transformed the Charleston Historic District.
The beautiful Meeting Street Inn lobby.
Meeting Street Inn Amenities
The inn features 56 charming, spacious rooms, six of them in the historic building, each with private baths. The rooms open onto piazzas that overlook the garden courtyard or open directly onto that outdoor space.
Amenities include:
oversized jacuzzi in courtyard
complimentary continental breakfast
complimentary evening wine and nibbles
valet parking and self parking off site
24 hour front desk assistance
recommendations and help with travel planning
four poster beds
turn down service
hair dryer
complimentary shampoo, conditioner, soaps and lotion
ironing board and iron
safe for valuables
refrigerator in room
high speed internet
charging station in room to plug phones into
elevators at either end of the piazzas
ice machine and snack vending machines in covered outdoor room in courtyard
complimentary coffee, tea, hot water and ice and water dispenser in lobby
Guests may enter the property through the lobby, where the front desk is located. Or, after checking in, you may enter through the privacy door which opens into the courtyard.
Rooms
Traditions rooms include standard room with one queen size bed, standard room with two full size canopied beds and standard room with two full size canopied beds that open directly onto the courtyard.
Deluxe rooms include one queen size canopied bed with walk in closet and double French doors that open to private café style balcony or two full size canopied beds with walk in closet and double French doors that open to private café style balcony.
The larger historic rooms, in the oldest part of the building, include king size canopied beds, walk in closets, high ceilings and a shared, outdoor veranda.
The view from my fourth floor piazza.
My Experience at Meeting Street Inn
All the history and amenities are impressive, however, what you are really wondering is…how was my stay at Meeting Street Inn?
It was wonderful! What began as my “base of operations” quickly became my cozy home away from home. Here’s the breakdown of what works so well, staying at Meeting Street Inn.
Location
Situated in the heart of the historic district, Meeting Street Inn, at 173 Meeting Street, is close to everything. The City Market is across the street as is one of the stops for the free DASH bus. I could easily catch the bus if I wanted to ride around the city instead of walk.
One block over is King Street, the avenue for shopping, dining, art, antiques and nightlife. A short walk in the other direction brings you to Waterfront Park, Charleston Harbor, the Battery and East Bay Street with the famous Rainbow Row of colorful houses.
And Broad Street is a few blocks south, which means the South of Broad neighborhoods full of beautiful, historic houses begin right there. Everything I wanted to see, with the exception of Magnolia Plantation, was all within walking distance from Meeting Street Inn. I’d head out in the mornings to explore. Eat lunch. Go back to the room for a cup of tea and then head back out late afternoon for more exploring and supper.
Extra Bonus Points
The only concern I had, the whole time I was in Charleston, was where a nighttime walking ghost tour I experienced was going to end. It began in Waterfront Park, half a mile away. I knew it would be dark when the tour ended and I wasn’t sure how far I’d need to walk, alone, to get back to the inn. Happily, the tour ended TWO blocks from Meeting Street Inn. I smiled all the way back to my room.
The oversized jacuzzi in the courtyard.
My Room
I stayed in a traditional room with a queen size four poster bed, on the fourth floor. My room was exceptionally clean, comfortable, charming and cozy.
The bathroom was large, and super clean, with a tub/shower combo and complimentary toiletries. The wide counter was perfect for setting up my own packed toiletries from home.
There was a small balcony off of the back of the room, that looked directly into a tree. However, that was fine with me. I love trees! And it became a silly little ritual to step onto that balcony, morning and evening, reach out and shake a branch of the tree, as if greeting an old friend. The balcony was also my temperature check point. Every morning, it was warm and humid!
Enjoy these photos of my room:
Gorgeous four poster bed. On the other side of the bed was a little step stool, in case one needs help getting into bed! I didn’t need it.Comfy chairs by the shuttered window. This was my afternoon tea spot.Writing table, that became my catch all every day, little refrigerator and next to that, the armoire with TV, drawers and hanging space.And the bathroom. I loved the ample counterspace plus the door had a full size mirror.
Amenities
I loved everything about my room, slept so soundly in the comfortable bed and felt at home. Additionally, how convenient to grab breakfast in the morning before going out to wander about. I’m vegan, however the inn offers cereals and packets of oatmeal that I could eat, plus bagels, English muffins, banana and blueberry muffins, yogurt, milk, coffee, tea and juices. All food items are packaged or wrapped for safety. The nibbles in the evening, which consists of crackers, cheeses and fruit, are already plated and wrapped as well.
The in room refrigerator meant I could keep plant based milk, snacks and leftovers there, which was so helpful.
I appreciated the water and ice dispenser in the lobby. I stopped by three times a day, at least, to refill my metal water container. And in the afternoons I fixed a hot tea. I brought my own tea bags, but no need. Meeting Street Inn offers an assortment of teas.
And the garden courtyard is a wonderful place to relax. I walked through it multiple times each day and spent my first evening in Charleston perched on a chair there, soaking the wonder in. The beauty of the courtyard soothes the soul…and a weary body after a full day of fun exploring.
I adored the courtyard.
Meeting Street Inn Staff
And finally, I must mention the staff.
From the moment I walked into the lobby on Sunday afternoon, until I left on Thursday morning, I felt cared for. I called the inn a couple of days before arrival, to let them know what time my flight landed in Charleston and when I expected to be there. I was greeted by name on Sunday, as I walked into the lobby. The kind man at the front desk had my keys ready for me and all the paperwork printed out for my inspection.
Everyone at Meeting Street Inn, from front desk personnel to cleaning staff, expressed kindness, courtesy and helpfulness. If I asked a question, I got an answer. When I walked by the lobby via the courtyard, I received a friendly wave and a smile through the window. When I filled up my water container I was asked how I was enjoying Charleston.
I Love Your Hair!
My first full day at the inn, I met one of the cleaning staff, up on the fourth floor veranda. Because I adopt eco-friendly practices as much as possible, I placed a “Do not disturb” sign on my door so that my room wouldn’t be cleaned. I reused my towels, made my bed each morning without a change of sheets and gathered up my own trash. This sweet young woman told me if I needed anything, to let her know. And then she complimented me on my long silver hair.
I smiled and returned the compliment. She had the most gorgeous long dark hair, styled in micro braids. And her beautiful face just lit up when she smiled. On Tuesday morning, she quietly knocked on my door, just as I was about to leave to join a historic tour. She wanted to make sure I was okay and wondered if I needed anything. I gratefully accepted two washcloths. We laughed as we said again how much we liked each other’s hair. And as I walked with her down the veranda, toward the elevator, she told me that she was off the next two days and wouldn’t see me again. This endearing woman told me goodbye and wished me much fun during my remaining days in Charleston and safe travels when I left. She made my day.
The staff is truly exceptional here.
The welcoming view stepping through the street side door, into the courtyard.
I Highly Recommend Meeting Street Inn
The location, the rooms and amenities, that courtyard and the staff…together they create the perfect place to stay while in Charleston. I highly recommend this accommodation because where you stay has a profound effect on the rest of your trip.
When I return to Charleston, and I will return, Meeting Street Inn will once again become my cozy temporary abode. In fact, it will feel like I’m returning home when I visit.
Have you explored Charleston’s Historic District? Where did you stay? And do you have any questions about Meeting Street Inn? I’m happy to answer them or tell you more about my happy experience there. If I can’t answer your question, I know the good people at the inn will help me out.
I can’t wait to see them all again…and walk through that courtyard on my way to my room.
Click this LINK to learn more about Meeting Street Inn or to reserve a room.
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
I first heard about finding your big why ten years ago, in a Keller Williams sponsored class called BOLD. More than training on real estate, the objective of the class was to create a life worth living through shifts in mindset and daily practices that support who we are and what we desire to do.
At that time my big why focused more on an immediate desire…to take my oldest grandchild on a trip to Italy for his high school graduation gift. Looking back now, I realize that wasn’t a big enough why. However, we did travel to Italy four years later…Dayan, my daughter and me.
What I’ve learned since that class is to keep going deeper, to discover the BIG WHY beneath all the other desires and dreams.
I’m here to help you, in finding your big why as well.
What is a Big Why?
So, what is a big why?
A big why is the strong motivation for doing what you do. It’s not just a goal or a wish, it’s more expansive than that. The big why connects to life purpose and it is what gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you going, when life gets tough.
Your big why can change as you grow and as life shifts. However, it always aligns with who you are…your most authentic self…and with want you want to do and why you want to do it. Plus it grows beyond you, to include your impact on others and the world.
As a parent with young children, your big why is likely to focus on raising decent human beings. As the kids grow and you experience growth too, the big why shifts to something even BIGGER.
Ultimately, your big why helps you create a life that you love.
“He who has a why can endure any how.” Frederick Nietzsche
Finding Your Big Why – travel isn’t my big why however it’s an important component of it
Finding Your Big Why Through Reflection
When finding your big why, a time of reflection is helpful.
Grab a pen and a notebook and start by asking yourself these five questions:
Who am I, right now at this stage in my life?
What lights me up and makes my heart sing?
What do I do best?
Where do I add value?
What matters most to me?
Let’s look at each of these questions briefly.
It’s important to know who you are, who you really are. Detach from labels such as “parent”, “spouse”, “teacher”, etc. At a heart and soul level, who are you? Write phrases that begin with “I am….”. I am compassionate or I am a big thinker. I am drawn to nature or I am a solitary person.
What makes your face light up and joy bubble out of your heart? List those things. You know you are on the right track when people tell you that your face lights up when you talk about a certain subject.
What natural talents and gifts to you have? Are you creative? Do you come up with out of the box solutions to problems? If you feel stuck, look at what you excelled at as a child or teen. Those are natural abilities.
In situations, what values do you add? Are you clear thinking and logical? Intuitive and insightful? What strengths do you offer to others?
And finally, what is MOST important to you? Saving animals? Teaching others? Expressing compassion? If you could do anything, without money as a concern, what would you do?
Finding Your Big Why – Therese living her big why…helping others learn about Charleston
Charting Out Your Big Why
Dr. Margie Warrell says that our life’s work and purpose sits at the intersection of talents, skills or expertise, passions and values.
On another page in your notebook, draw a circle in the middle of the page and label it PURPOSE.
Draw four lines outward from the circle and connect them to four large circles. Label each one: TALENTS, SKILLS, PASSIONS, VALUES
Free write in each category. Add your talents, the skills that you have, what you are passionate about and your core values. Look for repetition. Look for overlap.
When I did this exercise writing popped up in three categories, letting me know that it is an important part of my big why.
Finding Your Big Why – chart out your talents, skills, passions and values
Asking Why
Now, armed with your reflections and greater clarity about your purpose, write down what you want.
Then ask why you want that. Write another sentence, explaining the why. Then ask why again…and again…and again, until you get to the Big Why.
Remember, you aren’t looking for inspiration here. You are looking for the motivation that powers you through discouragement, difficult circumstances or the desire to quit.
Here’s an example:
I want to travel and work remotely, from anywhere in the world, making a fabulous income. Why?
I want to experience solo adventures and also take my children, grandchildren and other family members on trips. Why?
I want to expand my perspectives and other people’s perspectives too. Why?
I want to see life in bigger, more meaningful ways and live differently. Why?
I want to live life beyond fears, comfort zones and limiting beliefs. Why?
I want to live life beyond fears, comfort zones and limiting beliefs so that through my experiences and my writing, I can help others do the same.
Finding Your Big Why – my solo adventures are a way of living my big why
Living in Alignment with Your Big Why
I want to live life beyond fears, comfort zones and limiting beliefs so that through my experiences and my writing, I can help others do the same.
That sentence is my big why. It’s evolved over the last few years.
Everything else in my life connects to my big why. Travel, blogging, what I post on social media, solo adventures, creativity, my plant based lifestyle, spending time with my family…all of it connects.
Travels and adventures continually push me beyond my fears, comfort zones and limiting beliefs. Blogging and posting on social media are forms of writing that allow me to creatively express my truths and stories. My plant based lifestyle fuels my body so that I have the energy to do all the things I want to do. And I live my life as an example to my children and grandchildren, not so they do what I do but so they see what it looks like when someone follows their passions and lives an expansive life.
Every thing I do is in alignment with my big why. If it’s not in alignment then I’m pulled out of my purpose and my passion. There is a deep knowing that forms in the gut, an instinctive knowing that I can tap into, when I’m feeling out of the flow of my own life. That knowing guides me back into alignment with myself. It helps me say YES! to new opportunities and no to what does not align.
What is Your Big Why?
Using the info above, I hope you can craft your own big why. I’d love to know what yours is, if you want to share it in the comments below.
Write your big why and keep it in a place that is easily seen every day. My big why has become the tagline to my blog…and my life. Plus, I’ve written it as an affirmation as well.
“I am living life beyond the edges of fears, comfort zones and limiting beliefs so that through my example and my writing, I can help others do the same.”
Go deep within, to discover your big why, and then broadcast it outward, into the world. Let it powerfully motivate you and influence every part of your life.
And if you have any questions, please ask me!
I’ve living my Big Why, which has become extremely important during my Year of the Wild Woman.
Helpful Books from Amazon:
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
I recently returned from a solo trip to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. Although I’ve experienced solitary getaways within 100 miles from home and flown solo across the US to meet up with other people, this was my first big solo adventure. For the first time, I explored a city I’ve never visited before…on my own.
It was a wonderful experience and one I’ll never forget.
I have a wealth of information and photos to share from my trip. I’m starting this series with Fun Things to Do in Charleston.
Charleston South Carolina
Charleston is a port city in South Carolina, founded in 1670 as Charles Town. It soon became the fourth largest city in the colonies and the wealthiest.
Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, antebellum houses and a rich history that stretches back to the Revolutionary War. The downtown historical district includes the French Quarter, the South of Broad neighborhood, the Battery promenade and Waterfront Park that overlooks Charleston Harbor.
Why Charleston as a destination for my solo adventure?
I felt drawn to Charleston after reading a series of books by author Karen White. Her Tradd Street Series, set in the historic district, features an endearing cast of characters, ghosts and mysteries to solve. Karen writes so beautifully about Charleston that I felt compelled to see the city for myself and wander the streets South of Broad.
With the help of my travel agent Ken, from Galaxsea Cruises & Tours, my solo trip came together for September.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston
While in no way a complete list of fun things to do, these activities are a great way to get to know Charleston, especially for first time visitors.
Begin at the Charleston Visitor Center
A great first stop, after arriving in the city, is the Charleston Visitor Center. You can request a Visitor’s Guide online before your trip and find a wealth of information about the city, including itineraries, first time visitor guides and hotels and lodgings.
Located at 375 Meeting Street, the visitor center is housed in an old railroad building, constructed between 1840 and 1856. The center is open daily, from 8:30 – 5:00. Helpful staff offer city maps, the DASH Trolley map and suggestions, plus they can make reservations for tours and attractions. The tour buses depart and return to the center.
The DASH Trolley is a free transportation system for the downtown area. It is very similar to a hop on/hop off bus that makes numerous stops on its circuit around historic downtown. You can board the trolley at the Visitor Center and get off…and back on…at any of the stops around town. While I enjoy walking a city, the trolley was extremely helpful when I wanted to get across town quickly.
Currently, masks are required when riding the trolley.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – Visitor Center and free Trolley. You can see part of the brick visitor center reflected in the trolley windows!
Shop the Historic Charleston City Market
One of the stops on the trolley route is the Historic Charleston City Market.
Charleston’s number one most visited attraction is the City Market. Located at the corner of Meeting and Market Streets, this is the nation’s oldest public market and the cultural heart of Charleston.
Three hundred vendors sell their wares there, ranging from traditional sweetgrass baskets to clothing and jewelry to arts and crafts to food. The city market is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from Charleston or to get a feel for the community.
The market stretches down Market Street, with three long open air sheds and an enclosed air conditioned Great Hall. There are public restrooms available on site. The city market is open daily from 9:30 – 5:30.
Currently, masks are required inside the city market.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – City Market
Pineapple Fountain Photos
This iconic landmark in Charleston is located in Waterfront Park, next to the harbor.
Waterfront Park is a 12 acre park featuring walking paths beneath live oak trees, benches, wharfs and two fountains. One is attractive to children as a place to splash and play. The other, Pineapple Fountain, draws visitors with cameras ready to snap photos.
Pineapples are a common symbol in Charleston, representing hospitality. Children and adults are encouraged to wade in Pineapple Fountain. Because of its popularity with families, tourists and photographers, you may have to wait to get that perfect shot. Or visit early in the morning, before parents bring the kids to play.
I timed my photos carefully, snapping pictures when kids disappeared around the other side of the fountain!
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – Pineapple Fountain photos
Walk Along the Battery
After snapping photos at Pineapple Fountain, walk the Battery located alongside Charleston Harbor.
Gorgeous harbor views draw the eye on one side of the Battery while parks and pastel antebellum houses vie for attention on the other side.
The Battery is a defensive seawall and promenade, paralleling East Bay Street as it heads south to the end of the peninsula. Fort Sumter is visible out in the harbor, as is Pinckney Castle, the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, Fort Moultie and Sullivan’s Island.
The Battery is a refreshing place for a morning or evening stroll, with the breezes blowing in from the harbor.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – walk the Battery
Explore South of Broad
South of Broad is the neighborhood literally south of Broad Street in the historic district, at the tip of the peninsula. This neighborhood of tree lined streets features magnificent 18th and 19th century houses and churches.
South of Broad housed Charleston’s original residential area for wealthy planters. There are so many historic structures here, including the Heyward-Washington House where President Washington stayed for eight days while visiting the city.
Spend an afternoon strolling this neighborhood. There are pretty hidden alleyways to wander down, cobblestone streets to explore and impressive wrought iron gates to oooh and aaah over. It’s a beautiful area that includes Tradd Street, my inspiration to visit Charleston.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – explore South of Broad
Photograph Rainbow Row
While in the South of Broad area, head back toward East Bay Street for one of Charleston’s most famous block of houses, Rainbow Row.
Located from 79 – 107 East Bay Street, these colorful houses have a unique history. Built in the 1740s, the 13 townhouses originally featured drab colors. Merchants ran their businesses on the ground floors and lived on the top floors.
After the Civil War, the area became run down and neglected. All that changed in 1931 when Dorothy Porcher Legge and her husband Lionel Legge purchased a section of the houses. She restored the homes, painting them in pastel colors to brighten up the area. Owners of the other houses on the block followed Dorothy’s example and painted their houses pastel colors too.
Rainbow Row is another spot frequently visited in the city. Because the houses are occupied, with cars parked along the front sidewalk, it can be difficult to get a clean photo. I found that snapping one from the corner, down the row of houses, worked best for me.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – photograph Rainbow Row
Shop and Dine on King Street
If shopping is your thing, take a walk up and down King Street, located one block over from Meeting Street.
King Street offers hotels, shopping, dining, nightlife, fashions, arts and antique stores in the historic district. At more than 300 years old, King Street is the second most historically and architecturally significant street in Charleston, after Meeting Street.
King Street features some of the city’s trendiest restaurants plus art galleries, flourishing businesses, exceptional shops and a robust nightlife. The street is divided into three districts: Lower King is the antiques district, Middle King is the fashion district and Upper King offers dining.
The free trolley makes several stops along King Street. I dined there several times, at different vegan cafes, riding the trolley to my destination and then walking back to my accommodations.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – shop and dine on King Street
Learn About Charleston with a Historic Tour
There are many, many tour options available in Charleston. You can take a horse drawn carriage ride, take a city tour bus or participate in a walking tour.
Personally, I prefer a walking tour as it seems to me the best way to really get to know a city. How interesting it is to walk the city with a knowledgeable guide who can tell the stories that make up the history of Charleston.
I highly recommend Two Sisters Tours. Join sisters Therese and/or Mary Helen, seventh generation Charlestonians, on a two hour walking tour of the city. These ladies, both retired attorneys, know their city intimately.
I enjoyed this tour on my second day in Charleston, with Therese as the guide.
Therese is energetic, personable and extremely knowledgeable about Charleston. She didn’t recite a memorized list of facts about Charleston. Therese knows Charleston and tells the old city’s stories with humor and a heart for her community. I learned so much about Charleston from Therese and appreciate her passion and enthusiasm.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – historical tour with Therese of Two Sisters Tours
Scare Yourself with a Ghost Tour
For a journey into Charleston’s darker side, schedule a nighttime ghost tour through the city. Again, many such tours exists, from horse drawn carriage rides to tour buses to walking tours. You just can’t beat walking next to those graveyards and spooky old houses at night though.
I joined tour guide John, with Ghost City Tours, after my first full day in Charleston. Due to its long history, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, pirates, fires and hurricanes, Charleston is considered one of America’s most haunted cities. Ghost City Tours offers two tours, one for adults only, with more macabre themes and stories, and one for families with slightly more tame stories suitable for all ages.
I chose the family ghost tour simply because it began earlier, at 7:00 PM rather than 10:00.
John guided us expertly through Charleston’s more tragic sites, with intriguing stories of the restless undead. He told us at the beginning of the tour that his job wasn’t to convince us that ghosts exist. His job was to share the stories and let us make up our own minds. John didn’t need to convince me. I already believe in ghosts! I highly recommend this tour. Click link for more info.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – ghost tour with John of Ghost City Tours
Educate Yourself at the Old Slave Mart Museum
There is no denying that slavery and Charleston are intricately entwined. It’s a part of Charleston’s history that is difficult. I appreciate that the city does not gloss over this dark past or attempt to downplay its significance.
Rather, Charleston seeks to expand the stories of the enslaved people who helped to make the city what it was in the past…and what it is today.
On Chalmers Street is the Slave Mart Museum, the place where traders brought people to sell and trade them from 1856 – 1863. The Old Slave Mart is the only known such building still in existence in South Carolina. Auctions of the enslaved ended November 1863. The property changed hands many times until 1938 when Miriam Wilson bought it and opened a museum featuring African and African American arts and crafts. The city acquired the building in 1988 and opened it as a historic site and museum in 2007.
The museum features displays that chronicle Charleston’s role in the international slave trade and the domestic trade within the south. It is often staffed by individuals who can trace their history to Charleston slaves. While it is a painful history to learn more about, I believe it is so essential that we do so. I spent a solemn hour there, studying the displays, pondering the significance and feeling all of the emotions.
The Old Slave Mart Museum at 6 Chalmers Street is open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 – 5:00. Currently a mask is required while inside.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – educate yourself at Old Slave Mart Museum
Visit a Plantation
There are several plantations in the Charleston area, accessible by car or by tour bus. The good people at the Charleston Visitor Center can help set up the tour of choice.
I originally wanted to visit the tea plantation, owned and operated by the Bigelow family, because that’s the brand of tea I drink. Alas, this plantation is far enough away from Charleston that it’s difficult to get there…and get back…without a car.
So with the help of a staff member at the Visitor Center, I chose a Magnolia Plantation and Garden tour, primarily because of the acres and acres of wild gardens there. As destiny would have it, it was the right plantation for me to visit. I’ll share in a separate upcoming post about Magnolia Plantation and what makes it so very special.
I enjoyed wandering the extensive gardens, riding a tram through marshes, swamps and woodlands and taking a guided tour inside the plantation house.
Fun Things to Do in Charleston – visit a plantation
Charleston Series
Over the next few months, I’ll share more posts about Charleston…the city’s historical tales, ghost stories, the inn I called home for five days, vegan eats and more.
This was an important trip for me and perfectly timed during my Year of the Wild Woman. I proved to myself that I enjoy solo travel, that I can handle all the details involved in traveling this way and that in general, people are good hearted and kind.
It was fun to experience “going beyond” and “following curiosity” in such new to me ways. I left Charleston a few days ago, grateful for all that this trip taught me and grateful as well for the warm welcome I received in this beautiful city.
I’m ready to plan another adventure…
Have you visited Charleston, South Carolina? What was your favorite thing to do there?
How I explored sunny, humid Charleston…in breezy layers plus hat and sunglasses.
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
In the weeks leading up to my solo adventure, I stopped by several stores, looking for something cute to pack for my trip. I’m not sure why I think I need new clothes when I travel. This time it seemed like an automatic response to knowing I had an adventure coming up.
As I browsed clothing racks, looking for flowing pieces I could layer over tank tops or short sleeves, I had a realization. In fact, it was more of a “what are you doing??” thought.
The last couple of years I am more interested in slow fashion, rather than fast fashion. So what was I doing, out looking for more clothes to buy, just because I have an upcoming trip? Standing in a department store, I determined that day to do differently. I decided shopping my own closet made much more sense, on many levels, over purchasing more clothes.
These are the outfits I pulled together for my trip, shopping my own closet. Have a peek!
What is Fast Fashion and Slow Fashion
Fast fashion is the term that describes clothing that’s created quickly and inexpensively and moved into stores to take advantage of trends. Supply chains among retailers make fast fashion possible.
As a result, consumers can update their wardrobes quickly and affordably. Sounds good right? However, this over-consumption of cheaply made clothes is contributing to the huge growth in textile waste, pollution, depletion of natural resources and human rights violations in factories. The fashion industry has moved deeply into a throw away mentality.
On the other hand, slow fashion does the opposite. It advocates for manufacturing respectfully in regards to people, animals and the environment. It also supports creating clothing ethically and in a process that ensures quality made apparel that lasts for many years. Slow fashion focuses on high quality, sustainable materials. These clothes are often sold through small, local shops using locally sourced materials. Or they’re sold through online shops with sustainable practices including shipping methods. Toad&Co is such an online shop.
Thrifting is part of the slow fashion movement as clothing is kept in circulation rather than thrown away. Read more about the benefits of thrift store shopping here.
Shopping My Own Closet
Truthfully, I didn’t need to buy more clothes, not even through a thrift shop. All I needed for my trip, including the long flowing garments, hung in my own closet.
And, I enjoyed shopping my own closet immensely! I carefully considered what I needed for the trip. Although it’s warm, the evenings cool down, here at home and in the state I’m traveling too. I quickly discovered I could pull together the perfect outfits, a sort of capsule wardrobe, that didn’t require much room in my carry on.
I found the experience of doing flat lays for the outfits fun too, as I climbed up on a step ladder to snap photos. In fact the whole process was much more entertaining than shopping in a store.
Here are my outfits, shopping my own closet.
Travel Day
I’m flying to my destination. Airplanes are typically too cool for me, so long sleeves or a lightweight jacket or wrap are a must.
For the trip out, I chose black skinny jeans, a black and pink long sleeve button down shirt and my boots (man made uppers). My boots are the MOST comfortable walking shoe that I own. So they are going with me. However, they take up too much room in the carry on to pack. So I wear the boots.
I can roll up the sleeves of my shirt if I get warm or leave them down against any chill.
black jeans – 2 years old, purchased new
plaid shirt – 3 years old, purchased new
boots – 2 years old, purchased new
heavy socks – 1 year old, purchased at a discount shop for .50 for a pack of three
Day One Outfit
Black jeans again, paired with a light sage green racer back tunic and a darker sage green short kimono. The embroidery on this darling kimono is gorgeous and carries over to the back up near the neckline, although my long hair usually covers it.
The kimono is lightweight enough to allow air to flow during the day and yet offers some protection against cool evening air.
The gray and black shoes are my ONLY new purchase for this trip. I bought them a month ago, after wearing less supportive shoes at Silver Dollar City hurt my feet. I’ve been walking daily, for the last 30 days, also in preparation for this trip, and I properly broke in the shoes.
black jeans – 2 years old, purchased new
racer back tunic – 4 years old, purchased new
short kimono – 4 years old, purchased new
walking shoes – 1 month old, purchased new
Day one outfit
Day Two Outfit
This outfit is built around the long, flowing kimono is shades of gray. See? Why did I need to shop for flowing garments when I already own them?
Underneath is a gray, short sleeve, stretchy tee. If the weather is warm, I can always remove the kimono, although it is very lightweight, and just wear the tee. The skinny pants are dark gray.
I hope there is a breeze when I wear this outfit, so the kimono billows around me!
gray pants – 3 years old, purchased new
gray tee – 6 years old at least, purchased new
long kimono – 4 years old, purchased new
walking shoes – 1 month old, purchased new
Day two outfit
Day Three Outfit
This long tunic is one of my favorite garments. I typically wear it buttoned up over leggings. For this trip, it will serve as a lightweight open jacket. The sleeves can roll up or button at the wrist.
Beneath is a long white tank top and the gray skinny pants. Boots and a pair of dark socks complete this outfit.
gray pants – 3 years old, purchased new
white tank top – 3 years old, purchased new
long tunic – 4 years old, purchased new
boots – 2 years old, purchased new
heavy socks – 1 year old, purchased at a discount shop for .50 for a pack of three
Day three outfit
Bonus Outfit
This is an extra outfit, in case I need a change of clothes, get caught out in rain or just decide to wear something different one evening.
Black jeans pair with a white sleeveless top with a few buttons near the neckline, and a white tasseled shawl. The shawl actually has arm holes which is nice as I don’t have to hang on to it. It stays put.
black jeans – 2 years old, purchased new
white sleeveless top – 5 years old, purchased new
white tasseled shawl – 5 years old, purchased new
walking shoes – 1 month old, purchased new
Bonus outfit
Travel Home Outfit
For my final morning at my destination and the flight home that afternoon, I’ll wear the Toad&Co camp shirt paired with black jeans and walking shoes. If my boots won’t fit into my carry on, I’ll swap out the walking shoes for them.
I love the organic cotton camp shirt and its high quality construction. This shirt will last me many years. Toad&Co is an eco-friendly company I appreciate and want to support. Click LINK if you want to learn more about this brand.
For the return flight, I’ll drape the white tasseled shawl over my arm to serve as a lightweight blanket, if I need it on the plane.
black jeans – 2 years old, purchased new
camp shirt – 5 months old, purchased new
walking shoes – 1 month old, purchased new
This was outrageously fun, creating these looks and photographing the flat lays. And more than having fun, which I’m a big fan of, I feel really good about supporting slow fashion and making wiser, more eco-friendly choices for myself.
My desire isn’t to make anyone feel that they have to do what I do. It’s about me learning how to live more sustainably and then doing better.
Which of my shopping my own closet outfits is your favorite?
Shopping my own closet – travel home outfit
Books about fast and slow fashion, from Amazon:
Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Toad&Co. These affiliate programs provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the companies, all at no extra cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
For his 10th birthday, my great nephew Kaleb knew exactly what he wanted to do…try out an escape room!
Family members joined Kaleb at Andy B’s Space Odyssey escape room, in Tulsa, Oklahoma for this thrilling attempt. Eight of us entered the room with one hour to figure out the clues, solve the riddles and get back out.
Join us in this fun adventure.
Note: I will not share where to find any of the clues or answers to riddles, only an overview of the experience.
Andy B’s
Located at 8711 S. Lewis Ave in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Andy B’s is a family friendly complex that offers bowling, games, escape rooms, laser tag and go-karts. They also have an onsite cocktail bar, grill and snack bar. Check out their menu HERE.
Andy B’s hosts birthday celebrations, company get togethers and bachelorette parties.
They also have locations in Springfield, Missouri and Branson, Missouri.
Andy B’s Space Odyssey Escape Room – we have a problem!
The Escape Rooms
Andy B’s Tulsa offers three escape rooms.
Kidnapped
You and your team of detectives have one hour to solve a string of kidnapping cases before the FBI takes over the case.
Duration: one hour
Recommended for all players
House of Dread
A dinner party with an old friend takes a turn for the worst. What awaits you and the other guests may come as no surprise. Shall we eat?
Duration: one hour
Recommended for adults
Space Odyssey
Decode the message left behind by the missing captain and crew of Odyssey II before you are captured by others on the spacecraft.
Duration: one hour
Recommended for kids and teens
With our party of three children, one teen and four adults, we chose Space Odyssey. I’ve done one other escape room, geared toward ages 13 and older, and it was intense. We had a 10,000 square foot warehouse to search for clues plus zombies chased us. We did NOT escape in time. Space Odyssey is the perfect way to celebrate the birthday of an inquisitive 10 year old and it wasn’t too intense.
Andy B’s provides these fun signs for group photos. Can you find the birthday boy?
Andy B’s Space Odyssey Escape Room
An escape room is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete objectives. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secrets hidden within the room. Games are set in a variety of fictional locations, such as prison cells, dungeons, and space stations, and usually the various puzzles and riddles follow the theme of the room.
Our group received a briefing. We nominated Kaleb as our captain and he pocketed a small walkie talkie. If you get stuck, you can ask for a hint. Unlimited hints are offered and three specific clues if you really need help.
Time for the game to begin! We all filed into the room, set up to look like the interior of a space ship. Our room was fairly dark, making us grateful that we carried our phones with us. We frequently turned on the flashlight apps on our phones, to see better.
Our instructor set up the clock to count down from 60 minutes and shut the door. You are never locked into a room and may leave if you need to. We had one hour to look for clues left behind by the captain and crew of the Odyssey, before aliens found us. We knew that ultimately a key unlocked a box with a button in it. Pressing that button meant we escaped.
Andy B’s Space Odyssey Escape Room – Kaleb at work
Racing Against the Clock
Without giving away any of the details about this particular escape room, I’ll share some general rules that apply to any escape room.
The room is full of clues, hints and puzzles. The trick is to look at EVERYTHING in the room and look for ANYTHING that is out of the ordinary, mixed up or out of place. Search under objects, behind items and inside anything that opens.
We initially divided into teams and that actually worked well for us. Kaleb directed us and led the hunt for clues. The rest of us searched, brainstormed and speculated. A pad of paper and a pen helped organize information. Not everything is important so deciding what to process and what to ignore is crucial.
We did occasionally ask for confirmation, rather than a hint, to make sure our process was correct.
As the clock ticked down, our pace picked up and we joined forces as one team. We had trouble with one puzzle in the room. We knew exactly what needed to happen however making it work proved difficult and ate up precious minutes.
As we raced to complete the room, we ran out of time. But when the instructor came into the room and saw how close we were, she added 10 minutes to the clock and left us playing. What a nice surprise! Kaleb punched that red button, ending the game, with 5 minutes 32 seconds to spare!
Kaleb completing the room, with minutes to spare.
Final Thoughts
We enjoyed this escape room experience! Kaleb captained the group well and everyone worked as a team. Although no zombies or aliens chased us, just working against the clock creates some intensity that kept us moving at a fast pace. It feels good to finish, knowing you correctly solved puzzles and collected the right clues.
I highly recommend Andy B’s if you are in the Tulsa, Springfield or Branson areas. It’s a fun place to spend an hour…or an afternoon…and celebrate a birthday!
Have you ever done an escape room? What was your experience like?
Second group shot
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