Please excuse the tardiness of this weekend update, but it has to be documented because it was pretty much the perfect fall weekend. It started off bright and early Saturday with Alyssa, Michael, and Jenn at Bullock Farms in Cream Ridge, NJ. You guys already know how much I love my state, but I had honestly never heard of this cute little town nestled in Central Jersey.
obligatory blate group shot
We did all the falling. There was no enforced dress code, but there may as well have been (please note the leggings/cardis/scarves/ and boots). Yup, no bloggers to be seen here, move along! This farm was great, too. First of all, it was super crowded. And they were inexpensive! We were able to go on a hayride, go pumpkin picking (fresh off the vine!), and I purchased 2 medium size pumpkins, apple cider donuts, AND apple cider for less than $20! #fallingonabudget
silly pics (there was a cutout, how could we not?), tractor hayride, and the pumpkin patch
After filling our bags with pumpkins and our bellies with apple cider donuts, we headed over to Cream Ridge Winery just down the road. I've been to quite a few wineries, both in NJ and NY, and this one is definitely one of my new favorites. First off, the staff was hilarious. Cream Ridge Winery is a family run business, and they made you feel like a cousin visitng on a holiday- they were warm and welcoming. Like, "C'mon in! Sit! Have a drink! Relax!" They asked us if we were celebrating a special occasion. "Are you celebrating a birthday? Bachelorette?" To which Michael slyly replied "It's Saturday?!" Well played girl, well played.
Cream Ridge Winery
One of the first things you notice about this particular winery is just how many fruity and sweet wines they have. I mean, look at that menu below! The best part? They let you have 10 tastings for a mere $5, which is just about unheard of. Not only that, but they also made recommendations based on other things you liked/didn't like, and gave several free tastings. As in, I paid for 10 and got at least 13. And they were all really good. Some I liked more than others based on personal perferences (I'm not a huge fan of super sweet wines, but I love me some dry reds), but I can't say that any were too acidic, which is one of my biggest complaints in some wines. I even took home several bottles, which I don't do unless I really like them! I also got an apple peach chutney which I can't wait to try!
After the tastings, we were able to snag a table outside where live music, conversation, and wine flowed freely. It was a gorgeous afternoon with great company, and I couldn't have asked for a better day.
Cheers!/tasting menu/group shot
On Sunday, I was up and out early again, this time to America's Oldest Winery, Brotherhood in upstate NY. This was one that Blue had been to years ago, but it was my first time.
Wine tour/giant barrels in the Long Vault
Overall, I liked it, but it didn't have the home-y feel to it that Cream Ridge Winery had. This one was huge, super commercialized, and crowded. Also unlike Cream Ridge, they didn't have any vineyards on site (all of their grapes were imported from either the NY Long Island North Fork region or California), they bottled other companies' products on site due to their large bottling facility, and they had tours. I'm not going to lie; I was surprised by not only how many kids were at the winery, but how many were on the tour and at the tasting. I understand that you can't always get a sitter and you still want to live your life, but at what point does one think "hmmm... maybe I shouldn't bring my toddler to a wine tasting..."? At least they were mostly well behaved.
making momma proud by going to "church" on a Sunday
I always like tours because I seem to learn at least one thing new every time. This time, I learned about how champagne was made (it's actually kind of gross), in addition to some history on the winery. Fun fact: It is America's Oldest Winery because during Prohibition, it was able to stay open due to the amount of sacrificial (read: church) wine it produced and sold to churches. The tour group was at least 25 people deep, so we were able to get our own private tasting in The Chapel. (It used to be a religious chapel. It has since been turned into a tasting room for when the other ones get overcrowded.) I honestly don't remember the last time I was in a church on Sunday, hence me cracking up when Blue mentioned it before snapping the pic. (For the record, I'm Catholic, I just don't go to church except on high holidays.)
The Chapel/ wine tasting list/wine tasting set up
The wine was very 50/50. I really loved that at Cream Ridge, we were able to pick and choose whatever variety of wines we wanted. Here, you got 5 tastings, and they were pre-chosen. I wouldn't have picked them beforehand if I was given the opportunity because half of them didn't sound like ones I would enjoy, and I was right. The only thing I bought from here was Meade, because I learned that it was the only one that was used at the NY Renaissance Faire and I freakin loved that stuff.
people grape stomping/me, at the wine tasting/a motorcycle couple dancing/ the wine vault
After the tour and the tasting, Blue and I got a few glasses and people watched for awhile. There was a large motorcycle group there that looked like regulars; they all had the Brotherhood insignia on their denim jackets. They were super nice, but my favorite part was when this couple started dancing to the Dj's music- they were really good! (Please note this woman's leather chaps snapped over her jeans.)
But then... The DJ called the grape stompers up. Ummm.....WHAT. I have literally wanted to do grape stomping for years. Not to actually make wine, just because it looked like fun. I couldn't believe that you could do that here! It's been on my 101 in 1001 list, and I was determined that now would be the time. I went up to the DJ to sign up, and he initally told me all the spots were filled, btu I guess at the last minute someone pulled out because he approached me and told me I could do it, and the last competition was starting in 5 minutes!
action shot:grape stomping/aftermath/winning
I competed against two other women. We each had our own bucket filled with grapes, and had to stomp on them (barefoot, obviously), for the length of one song. Afterwards, a guy came around and measured how much juice we got via a ruler. AND I WON! The prize was a bottle of wine, and the label says something like Grape Stomp Champion. Yay for free wine, but I was just so excited that I did it!! And, because sharing is caring, here is my first ever personal video on the blog. (I know, I can hardly believe that I'm sharing this either.) Blue tried to get all of it, but my phone cut out due to lack of memory (ha...hahaha). I only actually speak once, but I hope you enjoy!
Recently my friend's niece won the grand prize in a tricky tray- a FREE trip to ANYWHERE in the continental U.S. for TWO, air and hotel included. To say I'm jealous would be an understatement. So I put together my own list of 5 destinations where I would choose to go if I won such a fantastic trip.
California- San Francisco and Napa Valley
Apparently I've been to San Fran, I just wasn't born yet. My mother loves to tease me about that, especially since I've wanted to go here since Full House first became popular. And even though I'm not a huge fan anymore, my first stop would be seeing the house. Then I'd take trolley to the Golden Gate Bridge, because it's the most famous bridge in the world. Next stop? A night tour of Alcatraz. I mean, it housed one of the most notorious inmates of all time, Al Capone. Is SF known for any particular food? Because I want that too.
The "PNW"::Portland, Oregon//Seattle, Washington
You know what I've heard most about Portland? Well, it rains a lot AND VooDoo Doughnuts so hitting that up is a must. I'd also want to visit their Old Chinatown, go hiking, and try some of their craft beer, maybe with a movie at one of their famous movie brewpubs. I think it'd be cool to visit the International Rose Test Garden too, because rose is one of my favorite scents, and it's "the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States."
In Seattle, I obviously need to see the Space Needle. While I'm in the area, I'd head over to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. I like seeing really odd things, so I'd take a walk down Bubbleum Alley. I'd make my way over to Pier 57, take a ride on the Great Wheel, and visit the Seattle Aquarium. I've never heard of this EMP Museum, but the tag line says "Music+Sci fi+ Pop Culture" which sounds awesome. Also, is there a Sleepless in Seattle tour? I'd want to go on that, because I adore that movie.
The Bourbon Trail in Kentucky
Do you know that I JUST learned that there is an actual Bourbon Trail? I'm not kidding. They have a map and a passport, which gets stamped as you visit each bourbon distillery (there are 9). And I'm going for my birthday trip in December! We're staying in Bardstown, which (from reading reviews) everyone says is a super quaint little town. It was actually voted the "Most Beautiful Small Town in America." So I'm going to drink all the bourbon and eat all their delicious foods. If I had more time, and being that "hotel" is included in my dream travel package, I would also want to stay at Blackberry Farm. It beautiful and it has it's own micro-brewery!
Austin, Texas
Austin is known for being "weird" and that's exactly why I want to visit it. A "Cathedral of Junk"? Thousands of bats taking off from a bridge? Food from your backyard/trailer/food truck/etc? Sign me up. I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to go see the State Capitol, but honestly, I'm not that interested. I know Austin is popular for it's craft and microbreweries, so taking a tour would definitely be on my agenda. I also hear that there are lots of little specialty and oddity shops on Congress Ave. so I'd check that out too. But the number one thing I'd like to do in Austin is go to Austin City Limits Music Festival, because I've never been to such a large festival and Austin is known for their music, right? Oh, and grabbing a beer and sitting in this natural pool looks pretty inviting too.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Every single one of these places, particularly Cafe Du Monde (give me all the beignets) and Pat O'Brien's. Also, all of these things too. I want crawfish, original po'boys, fried alligator, some gumbo or jambalaya, snocones, and those yardstick drinks. I want to go on a ghost tour, listen to all the big brass and jazz, and hit up Mardi Gras World, because I'm too much of a wuss to go to the actual Mardi Gras.
Bonus: Chicago, Illinois
I'm adding this as a bonus because 1) I already have 5 places and 2) I've actually been to Chicago once before for a conference in college, but I want to go back. I remember having deep dish and drinking hot chocolate while watching people ice skate at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, but I've seen Crown Fountain or Cloud Gate aka The Bean! Other places of note? Well, the 2nd tallest building of the Western Hemisphere, and a stroll down Navy Pier. I'd also like to see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, preferably while noshing on a Chicago-style Dog.
It's time to link up with Steph and Jana for another edition of Show Us Your Books! I always wind up reading less than I want to, because sometimes I get stuck on a book that I just don't particularly like, but have a hard time leaving, which wastes time I could be spending reading something else I truly enjoy. I think this is one habit I need to break! But here's what I did get through this month: The Sister's Club- Lauren Baratz-Logsted- 4 stars
From Goodreads: "Four women have little in common other than where they live and the joyous complications of having sisters. Cindy waits for her own life to begin as she sees her sister going in and out of hospitals. Lise has made the boldest move of her life, even as her sister spends every day putting herself at risk to improve the lives of others. Diana is an ocean apart from her sister, but worries that her marriage is the relationship separated by the most distance. Sylvia has lost her twin sister to breast cancer, a disease that runs in the family, and fears that she will die without having ever really lived.
When Diana places an ad in the local newsletter, Cindy, Lise, and Sylvia show up thinking they are joining a book club, but what they discover is something far deeper and more profound than any of them ever imagined." My Thoughts: First of all, I liked that the story was told from each person's point of view. And I absolutely loved Sylvia's character. Yes, she came off as kind of a bitch initially, but I feel like she was also the easiest to relate to (maybe a little too much like me), and would drop everything in a heartbeat for the people she cares about. Her words may seem harsh, but they are meant with love, and as a wake-up call because she believes in you and that you can do better. At the same time, she is scared as well, and though she may try her hardest to shut people out, she definitely needs these ladies, and is grateful when one breaks past her hard shell. This is how I felt about each of them:
Diana- annoying; when she went on and on about weight loss, I started skimming.
Cindy- youngest, most naive, but also most open and able to change
Sylvia- my favorite, blunt
Lise- wannabe author, ex-college professor; I couldn't connect with her very well I think the idea of the book club and how it evolved into just a group of women who liked to talk, drink, and be friends is exactly how my book club turned out; a book was chosen and spoken about loosely, but overall it was a place/time where we could get together and just talk. I thought the story progressed seamlessly, and each character had a clear voice. This was a quick read about love and friendship.
*This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Lies We Tell- Meg Carter- 2 stars
From Goodreads: "The last time Katy saw Jude was on a school trip, when Jude was attacked by a stranger and Katy ran away. Twenty years later, Jude is back, and her reappearance coincides with a series of unsettling incidents: a stranger appears in the downstairs flat; one night Katy’s house is vandalised; her mother is mugged and her home ransacked. And Jude seems to know an uncomfortable amount about Katy’s current life...
For fans of Gone Girl and Girl on the Train, THE LIES WE TELL is an addictive, complex and completely gripping psychological thriller in which present and past intertwine to devastating effect. Forced to revisit the same rocky waters of friendship and power they inhabited when they were fifteen, as the story reaches its explosive climax, Jude and Katy realise that when it comes to memory, truth and family – nothing and no-one are what they seem. " My Thoughts:
I read this because it was described as a psychological thriller for lovers of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. Maybe I set my expectations too high based on that description, but more than half the time I thought Katy had some major mental issues, and I couldn't connect with her at all. In writing this, I suppose she did have a mental health condition, PTSD. But other than one or two incidents, the pieces and "bad things" that happened to her in present-day didn't seem to make any sense and many threads were left loose in the end. Switching between past and present sometimes left me confused, and I had to re-read certain parts. I did finish this because though some "mysteries" were easily solved before Carter straight up announced them, there were some that she revealed at the very end, and it kept me intrigued. However, I didn't like how the end left room for a follow-up book.
*This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eleanor & Park- Rainbow Rowell- 5 stars
From Goodreads: "Two misfits. One extraordinary love.
Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.
Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.
Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try." My Thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book. The only other thing I've read by Rainbow Rowell was Attachments, and this was completely different. It's YA, and I suppose it would be categorized as romance, but there was so much more. The characters were so well-developed, and it didn't seem as fake or predictive as some others I've read. I've read that some authors write in a very formulaic manner, especially within this genre, and it didn't feel that way for this novel. It was easy to relate to those initial feelings of a first love and the awkwardness that goes along with it. Maybe it's also because I was a bit of a nerd in high school, but this story hit home. It was descriptive in that I could actually picture not only the main characters, but the town and townspeople that were mentioned. I've heard that a lot of people didn't like the ending, but I thought it was pretty perfect.
Right now I'm struggling through The Martian. I'm only 30 pages in (where I've been stuck for, oh I don't know, going in 2 weeks?), and I still can't get into it. Erin mentioned that it picks up around page 60, so I'm trying to stick with it until at least then, but it's difficult. I'm starting to think something is wrong with me because pretty much everyone who's read it, especially in Bloglandia, loved it. I mean, I straight put it down to read Eleanor & Park, and I've never done that. What do you do when you just can't connect with a book, especially when it gets such rave reviews?
You ever notice how no one forgets or gets confused when it's Friday? For instance, it will be Tuesday and you'll be like "Man, I thought it was Wednesday!" but that never happens on a Friday. Also, why doesn't everyone get off for Columbus Day? I remember that we used to at our company, but they took it away a few years ago. I'm taking off anyway because I can, but I miss the days when we just had it off. Are you off on Monday? I'm kicking off this three day weekend with Amanda as per usual. Favorite Song: Edward Maya ft. Andrea and Costi- Universal Love
Favorite Recipe: I was first introduced to Pastina when I fell sick right around the beginning of the year. A friend made it for me, explaining that it was a known Italian comfort food- and boy was she right! It's basically little pasta, milk, and butter. Lots of butter. And it's delicious.
I love the little stars!
Wish List Item: How cute are these earrings??! I'm not sure I would wear them, but I know quite a few bibliophile friends who would adore them. You can get them on Etsy .
Favorite Reads: Did you hear that HBO is coming out with a new series called Vinyl in January?
Have you heard of Pumpkin the pet raccoon yet? Be prepared for cuteness overload.
I've always taken a napkin to the grease on my pizza, unless it was Domino's or Uno's, because I didn't like the way all that grease felt in my mouth. looks like there are some health benefits to this habit too!
I'm pretty sure I've covered just how much I love Mindy Kaling, but this article listing some life lessons from her new book were spot on.
I really can't fully comprehend that it's already October, minus the cooler temps. It snuck up on me so fast I forgot to send out my rent check (sorry landlord), and would have forgotten to purchase my train pass if it hadn't already been mailed to me.
There's a definite chill in the air, and I'm snuggled under a throw blanket on my couch, enjoyingsipping on a new-to-me pumpkin ale, Shipyard Pumpkinhead (I'm not enjoying it; it tastes like pumpkin spice and cloves, but at least now I know). It was a long day; not necessarily bad, but not necessarily good either. There's an uneasy quietness in our department, filled with held breaths and tiptoeing on eggshells, just trying to stay under the radar until there's more work to do. There are rumors surfacing about our group and the possibility of some organizational changes. I had my annual review at work on Tuesday and voiced my concerns. I think I surprised Bossman with my candor, but I'm tired of all the whispering and side glances. I told him what I've heard and how I'm feeling- worried, nervous, and anxious. Like I'm waiting for the carpet to be pulled from under my feet. I thought he would be able to give me some insight, but he seemed completely caught off guard. To be safe, I guess I'll start looking for a new position, even though I really don't want to. Here's some other stuff that's up with me lately. Reading: I took a break from The Martian to read Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell which I just finished (details on Steph's Show Us Your Books/ Oct. 13), so I'm getting back into it now. Listening To: Ryan Adam's cover of Taylor Swift's entire "1989" album. I'm not a huge fan of covers in general, but this one is really good!
Wearing: sweats. My biggest, ugliest, oldest, and most comfortable sweats. #aintnoshameinmygame Watching: Well, I finished catching up on The Walking Dead. 5 seasons in 5-6 weeks. (Oh, and I found this article, which perfectly describes the love affair of binge watching a show. Also, I love an article where GIFS are so perfectly utilized.) And I just finished watching Honey Boo Boo's latest music video (in which I may have lost some brain cells),... huh. I'm actually NOT watching anything right now. Got any suggestions for me? Smelling: Fresh Bamboo candle from B&BW because it's one of the lightest, cleanest, freshest scents, and even though I know it's more summery, I have 3/4 of it left, and I'm not wasting it. Eating: Leftover Chinese food. Wonton soup and chicken and broccoli with white rice, to be exact.
Planning: A Halloween party! I'm SO excited! I am co-hosting with Blue, and was put in charge of decorations, specifically. You better believe I immediately created a Halloween Pinterest board, and started writing ALL the lists! Themes (Asylum), menu, cocktail list, things to buy, and of course costume ideas. We've already nailed down all of these (have I mentioned that I LOVE event planning?), bought/found everything for the costumes (DIY is my fave), and purchased (at least) 3/4 of the decorations. The last time I threw a house party was when I was a kid, and I can't wait for the reveal (which may come after Halloween, since it's on 10/30- sorry in advance)! Loving: An author commented on my review of her book on Goodreads! I didn't even know authors read those reviews! Needing: to pull out my fall gear. And find my space heater so I don't run up my heating bill like I did last year.
Anticipating: A mini-vacation to the Hamptons next week, ending with the Jack O'Lantern Blaze event where there are literally thousands of jack o'lanterns artistically carved and all lit up. I'm *super* excited.
Sharing is caring- what's currently up with you lately?
When most people think of New Jersey, they think of this ridiculously stupid (albeit slightly amusing) TV show:
Unfortunately yes, she's one of ours
Yes, we have taxes. And Snookie. And an area down the shore where guidos unite to GTL in their beaters (such an ugly term) and get drunk and make complete asses of themselves. But we are so much more than that! We have diners. LOTS AND LOTS of diners.
via Google image search
These three, Tick Tock, Park West, and 6 Brothers are my favorites due to location, but there are many to choose from. You never need to wonder where to get a late night/early morning fix. Fun fact: My friends and I went to Tick Tock Diner after our prom. And tipped in change. Not my proudest moment. And while you're there, you may as well get Taylor Ham//Pork roll, egg and cheese on a bagel or roll.
I'm so Jersey, I took this pic on the highway.
Depending on what part of the state you're from, you call this product by a different term. In North Jersey, we call it Taylor Ham. The Central and South Jersey folk call it Pork Roll. I'm not sure why, but it's a HUGE regional distinction. Regardless, just about everyone who likes/eats meat loves it as a solid breakfast sandwich choice. "The Shore"
No one here goes to the beach. We go "down the shore." If you say it any other way, we'll know that you're a transplant. And normally that's followed by your preferred beach location. Mine is Point Pleasant because it has a boardwalk, aquarium, and a beach bar, but it's not as crowded or filled with drunk kids as Sleaze Seaside Heights (where The Jersey Shore was filmed).
We don't pump our own gas This is actually the law- we are not allowed to pump our own gas. I didn't even know how to pump gas until I was a senior in college (in PA). It was a terribly embarrassing situation, because I'm pretty sure I sat in front of the pump for a good while before I realized the gas attendant sitting inside the little shop was staring at me in confusion and a car behind me started beeping. Fun times. Atlantic City Back in it's heyday, it was basically the East Coast equivalent to Las Vegas with its Trump-owned casinos and boardwalk. In the last decade it has fallen remarkably, but it's still good for a "local-ish" bachelorette party or if you just want to get your gaming on.
Kid-Friendly I wasn't surprised to learn that NJ is the only state in the country in which all 21 counties are listed as metropolitan areas due to population. It's a great place to live, especially if you have kids. We have some of the best schools in the country, not to mentions lots of museums, parks, over 10 zoos, Liberty Science Center, and (just for fun) Six Flags Great Adventure! The Meadowlands It makes me a bit sad to know that the only sports teams we have are the NJ Devils hockey team and the NJ Gladiators pro-soccer team (Thanks for stealing our Nets, Jay-Z!). However, those NY Giants and NY Jets? They're playing on our soil! Not only that, but we hosted the last SUPERBOWL 2/2/2014 (Seahawks/Broncos)!!! In addition, the Meadowlands also hosts a flea market every Saturday from Spring-Fall, the NJ State Fair, horse racing, other festivals year round. Tomato Pie Not to be confused with "pizza." (I know, I made the same mistake.) I believe tomato pie originated in Trenton, NJ and it's similar to pizza, but it's made by putting the cheese on first, and then the sauce. And yes, it tastes different, in a good way. My favorite is a white clam pie with late onions and hot peppers. Don't knock it until you try it!
Location, Location, Location Wanna go skiing? We got that. Rather do some fishing or hiking? We got that too. Care for a swim? Head on down the shore. We have two of the greatest cities surrounding us- New York City on one side and Philadelphia on another. We have mountains, valleys, farmlands, and the ocean. And we get to experience all four seasons. What more could you want?
Garden State No I don't mean the movie, though that is about our grand state as well. I mean the fact that we make lots of fresh and delicious produce, and have a ton of farmer's markets. In fact, NJ is ranked in the top 5 of our nation's blueberry, cranberry, spinach bell peppers, and peach production, among many other fruits and veggies.
We have one of the most iconic and spectacular skyline views in the country.
just sayin.
Statue of Liberty// Ellis Island// Liberty State Park
Most people think that these are part of New York. However, they are in Jersey waters. We actually took the ownership issue to the Supreme Court, and won. PART of it is in NY, but the majority of the islands (and the surrounding water) are in NJ. We're weird.
I'm sure every state has some urban myths, but we have magazines about it. And we have our "Jersey Devil" who is said to live in the Pine Barrens Forest and attack anyone who comes near it.
The Jersey Devil
We have our own hot air balloon festival. I just think that's pretty cool. Arts/Theaters Need some culture in your life? We have just the venues for it. Check out an outdoor concert in our amphitheater, listen to some jazz at Count Basie (Red Bank), watch a live performance at the State Theater (New Brunswick), or visit the place that launched Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi at The Stone Pony (Asbury Park). There are songs about us. "Us" being Jersey girls. And by songs I mean one, but it's a classic!
"I know a place where the dancing's free
Now baby won't you come with me
'Cause down the shore everything's all right
You and your baby on a Saturday night
Nothing matters in this whole wide world
When you're in love with a Jersey girl"
Bruce Springsteen. Bon Jovi, and Frank Sinatra, among many (many) others!
Jersey Strong This is a phrase trademarked by the New Jersey fitness club chain Work Out World in 2007, repurposed after Hurricane Sandy for rebuilding efforts on the Jersey Shore. But it's a phrase that many of us New Jerseyans live by; we are strong, resourceful, and resilient. We can be known to be a bit loud, and sometimes a bit brash, but we just don't like to get bullied. Overall, I think we're a friendly group who stand up for what we believe in. We've certainly got personality, and we're pretty proud of that!
the iconic image of rollercoaster in the ocean at Seaside Heights after Sandy
Jersey girls can be known to throw down.
And just because it's funny and somewhat true, here is a regional map of our population:
I'm linking up with Mattie for Tell Us About It! What's cool about your state or country if you live abroad?
