S'mores Dip

It's summertime and one of America's favorite desserts this time of year is S'mores! Nothing will ever really take the place of the "old fashioned" way - toasting marshmallows on a clothes hanger over a cozy firepit. But this way is super fast and will feed in a crowd in just a few minutes. Definitely worth trying when in a hurry, you're without a fire pit, or you just want a pretty, yet tasty summertime treat!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a combo
• 15 jumbo marshmallows, halved
• Graham cracker squares

INSTRUCTIONS:

Adjust oven rack to center position and place a cast iron skillet onto it. Preheat oven to 450 degrees with the skillet inside. Once oven is preheated, use a pot holder to remove it from the oven. Put one tablespoon of butter in the skillet and swirl the skillet until the melted butter coats the bottom and sides. 

Pour chocolate chips (or really any kind of baking chips you'd like; I like to mix chocolate with caramel:) in an even layer in the bottom of the pan. Arrange marshmallow halves over the surface of the baking chips, until they are touching sides and completely cover the chocolate. 

Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until marshmallows are toasted. Pay attention to them - they can go from white to crisp in no time! Carefully remove skillet from oven and allow to sit on counter (but not hot stovetop) for about 5 minutes.

Serve hot with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even apple slices!

Enjoy!

- Staci

I am not a personification of my social media feed.

Let's talk social media, specifically Facebook and Instagram because they are the only two I can seem to keep my arms around. I confess, for a very long time I had a love-hate relationship with social media feeds. I was torn between wanting to share and also with feeling that posts had more to do with ego than actual sharing.

I finally realized that my feelings were spawned by others' views of media feeds. There seems to be two MAIN camps: those that poke holes at all positivity posts and those that feel some entire feeds are made up of negativity. There is a small segment of us in the middle - in the gray, if you will - that just enjoy viewing everyone's pictures of their families and pets and vacations, and tend to just overlook the more negative posts or the folks who are forever sick or being hurt or feel ignored by others.

While I hope people are "following" us - meaning the B&B - I can honestly say I have no idea how many followers we have on Insta OR Facebook. On the other hand, I spend several hours of research a week on how to use social media to promote our business. The reality is that social media is THE way to advertise today...and it's FREE!! We'd be nuts to NOT utilize this resource that will only continue to change and deepen and grow as the years go by.

Some days, I feel like the more I learn, the more I don't know. I finally switched my personal Insta to primarily business; meaning, I changed it from MY personal name to Wildernest Bed & Breakfast. Yes, I'll still post pics of the grands, the doggies, the food...but those things are WHO we are, so it makes sense to me that our potential guests would like to see what we view as important.

We spend ENORMOUS amounts of hours on our front porch, so front porch pics are important to me. Pictures of our cabins, the food we serve, and views of the property are paramount to - not only promoting our business - but also giving small glimpses into who we are as business owners. We're family people, first and foremost, so there will always, always, ALWAYS be crazy amounts of pictures and stories of our grands, our kiddos, and our pets.

The one area that I question the most is: am I being real? Authentic?

Because THIS I can promise you. For every delicious food picture I post, there are at least THREE that are HORRIBLE! My sweet husband is very vocal and descriptive during our meals together. When it's good, there is NO doubt. His vocabulary and adjectives (some appropriate and some not so much:) leave no doubt that it's a dish worth repeating. But when he is silent; eating but with no commentary, I know it's bad. Very, very bad, usually! Ha!

For every "positivity" post, I promise I could post three things that AREN'T going well in life. Sometimes I think our family could have their own reality show. We have SO. MUCH. GOING. ON. right now! Most good, but some sad, some scary, some uncertain...So, sure, I make the decision each and every day what I want to share with others. The truth is that I WANT to be a voice of positivity. I WANT to point others to what gets me through: JESUS.

At the same time, even though I don't post about it on a regular basis, we have our own set of difficulties that we deal with on the daily. We've given up a regular, dependable salary to take a chance on "us" and this dream of a B&B. We celebrate with our kids who have kids and who are expecting another! (Hopefully we'll have a gender reveal later this week!!!) We also have kids who are going through infertility treatments, including surgery, medications, injections...We celebrate and we console, and many times both on the same day. We have parents with new medical issues, and our place in the "sandwich" of the family is that of the meat that holds both ends together. That's just where we are.

I could post all this, and I would never, ever discourage others from posting whatever they like. For me, I encourage myself with prayer, positivity quotes, and focusing on the good things in life. This naturally segues into my social media posts. It does as much, if not MORE, good for me than it could ever do for others.

Maybe most importantly of all is the growing of our family business - the B&B. We want that to be "the face" of our social media posts. We share certain pictures of family, pets, the grounds, the cabins, etc. because we want our potential guests to have a sense of who we are and what we value. We are two normal people: a couple who are deeply in forever love, who have grown children who are growing their own families, who have parents who are facing new challenges in life, who have meals that flop, ideas that fail, who laugh, cry, hurt, and rejoice.

We are normal.

We are not the personification of our social media feed.

The Boho House

The Boho House has been a popular rental here lately. It's easy for ME to see why...after all, it is my Happy Place! Fun, flirty, and all things girly, this one-story log cabin welcomes, inspires, and encourages one to kick off their shoes and stay a while.

Formerly known as The Bunkhouse before its "makeover," this gem served as both my office and our brick and mortar boutique last summer before I ultimately decided to close out the retail and concentrate on what we do best...the B&B.

At the time, Ali and Peyton were both still working for me and - together - we were all "feeling" the Boho vibe. It's more than just a look; it's a message. Everyone woman and girl is beautiful. Be yourself. BeYOUtiful! We had such fun finding great deals at dollar stores on inspirational signs, pillows, and wall decor that so perfectly conveyed our message. Ali spent hours painting  - a bookshelf, a dresser, and wooden crates. Together, these sisters brought my vision to life.

In the Boho house, I can do all kinds of things that I can't in my own home. Or - I won't anyway! We mixed color in the most fun ways - bright yellows, corals, blues and greens. I spent hours deciding on bedding and even now - a year later - I am literally OBSESSED with my decision. The truth is this adorable cabin is STILL my hideaway when it is not rented. Sometimes I stop in just to sink into a comfy chair, kick off my shoes, and enjoy the quiet and the beauty of the space.

It's a joyful place. There is simply no way one can spend time here and leave feeling anything other than happy and at peace!

We're so happy to have recently updated our B&B website to take online reservations and payments! If you are interested in The Boho - whether it be for a personal retreat just for yourself, a girls night in, a full-blown girls' weekend, or a slumber party for your daughter, please give us a call or check out wildernestbedandbreakfast.com.

I can't wait to share this special space with you!

photo creds: Nichelle Martin

Spicy Meat Lovers Breakfast Casserole for (1) x 2

Happy summer, y'all!

I've been behind in blogging due to a cRaZy end of year in the classroom, plus a frenzied effort to pour every ounce of leftover energy into organizing things around my house to help ease the transition into working/officing from home.  (More about all THAT in a future post:)

We have cabin guests here at the B&B who are staying for 3 nights. Whenever we have guests who stay multiple nights, I always try to alternate savory and sweet "main dishes" for breakfast. This morning it was all about the savory!

It actually started last night since this dish is soooo much better after spending the night in the refrigerator. This gives all of these powerful flavors to mingle and marry nicely, all the while absorbing into the cubed French bread that lines the dish.

Ingredients:

6 oz of pork sausage ( I used hot, but you can use regular or even Italian sausage)
4 slices of bacon
1 cup of seasoned cubed potatoes (You can either boil your own and then saute with a little onion and green or red pepper, garlic pepper, and salt OR you can use Ore-Ida Potatoes O'Brien)
2 medium eggs
3/4 cup of milk (I used half and half for a bit more richness)
salt, pepper and/or garlic pepper to taste
2 cups of French bread, cubed (you can also use day old brioche or English muffins)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (any kind you prefer)

Instructions:

• In a medium-skillet, cook the sausage, drain, and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate
• In same skillet, cook the bacon, drain, and crumble or chop into desired size pieces
• Prepare potatoes 
• In a small bowl, beat the eggs.
• Whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper.
• Spray (2) individual oven-safe dishes with cooking spray. Line the dishes with the cube bread
• Layer the sausage, potatoes, bacon, and cheese.
• Pour the egg mixture over the entire dish. 
• Cover securely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.
• The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Keep dishes covered with foil and place both on a cookie sheet. Bake covered for 30 minutes, until eggs are set.
• Remove foil, sprinkle with a bit more cheese - if desired - and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.
• Garnish with parsley or thinly sliced green onions, salsa, and/or sour cream.

Enjoy!

Changing of the seasons.

What a year of transition!  Transplantation. When I first named this blog many years ago, it was

because it seemed I was being transplanted - both literally and figuratively. Little did I know that was Just. The. Beginning.

Since that first Transplanted Gal blog post:

• My parents sold their home and moved onto our land
• We built our dream home and moved out of our little beloved cabin
• Both sons married, one of them having the first EVER wedding on the property
• Wildernest Ranch Bed & Breakfast, LLC became a reality
• Our 3rd grandchild was born
• We opened the B&B
• Mike retired
• Expansions to the business included an event venue and two precious tinies
• After years of teaching English II, I switched to Culinary
• Mike received a call and was offered his old position with Donaldson, except with less travel
• We've witnessed 18 weddings at our property and venue, and countless parties & reunions
• I turned in my final letter of resignation and made the decision to "come home" to run the business full-time

Friday was my last day with students as we finished final exams. I've taken all of my personal belongings home, cleaned out the culinary kitchen, have all of my student computers and other technology ready to turn back into Tech. I've finalized grades and printed out my last grade verification sheets, cleaned out my desk, and have begun saying my "see ya laters." 

Tomorrow at 1pm I will drive out of the faculty parking lot for the last time as a TEACHER.

If I've learned anything in my 50+ years of living and loving, it's that nothing stays the same. Changes are inevitable; some are grand and exciting - others leave you heartbroken and desolate. With each new season comes new challenges, new adventures, new discoveries, new realizations.

The past year has probably been one of the most challenging for me up to this point. I think I may have cried more in the past 12 months than I have my entire adult life. My heart has been ripped apart again and again as I've tried to support my brother (who I love SO very much) through the most difficult chapter of his personal life; but we've grown closer as a result.

Together we've witnessed our parents' new health issues, and are continually learning new ways to support and care for them has been heartbreaking at times; but our love for family and our intense desire for them to know we're here for them has only deepened and solidified.

We've celebrated with one set of kids as they announced a new pregnancy, and we're over the moon excited to become grandparents to the fourth grand buddy OR grand doll. Yet - at the very same time - we've mourned with another set of kids who are facing infertility issues, and - as a family - we've come closer to each other and to God as we trust Him to make them parents.

We've lost friends to death this year - more than I ever thought possible in one year. It's been almost surreal. From motorcycle accidents to cancer to heart attacks, so many lives we've been invested in have come to an end, claiming people who are so very special to our lives. Yet each time has driven us to our knees and only served to make us more aware of how precious every single moment of this life really is.

Time is fleeting, and each day must count.

But I know it must also be a balanced life.

I've learned what it means to work weeks on end without a "day off," between my role as a teacher and a B&B owner. I'm also learning that a power nap on the couch or an occasional marathon of a favorite show doesn't mean I'm letting things "slip."

I've experienced what it's like to drop so many balls in so many roles this past year that I've very often wondered if I was fit to do ANY job, let alone try to keep my arms around the ones I've had. Yet each of these roles have blessed our family, our home, our marriage, and my spirit. I've learned to go to bed early on those hard days and trust that tomorrow is a brand new day, with brand new chances to do better.

We've missed countless ball games, special events, and birthday parties of our grands because it has literally taken all of our time, energy, and resources to get the business where it is today. We can't get those time back nor can we make up for them, but we CAN now begin to make new memories. Like Friday night lights in Richardson come fall, trips to Austin for the new birth, being present for karate tournaments, birthday parties, and impromptu quick Dallas "turn-arounds" for dinner dates with our grown kids.

I've cried over the students I am saying good-bye to, over aspects of teaching that I will miss so very much, and even over the fact that I will no longer be classified as a TEACHER - a role I have been so proud and honored to carry.

Oddly enough, there were no tears today. There may be tomorrow; don't hold me to this statement:)! I recognize this next season and anticipate it. I know it will be full of moments that I expect, and maybe even more that I don't. I know there will much laughter, more tears, gains and losses.

I promise my family that I will smile more, hug tighter, laugh often, play with childlike abandon. I will work hard to continue to grow our business, but I'll put the business of family first. More living room picnics with my love, more Legos and coloring with George, more girls' trips with my mom and daughters-in-love, more cheering at games as Carter plays and Kendall cheers. More front porch conversations with my brother, and also with my sis-in-law, friends and neighbors. 

More church. More prayer. More Jesus than ever before.

Once more...

I'm a transplanted gal.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Teaching Deconstructed.

I am down to one week left with students. One week from today I will give last hugs as kiddos rush for the hallway, anxious to get their summer on. The year will end in much the same way it has ended for me for the past many years.

Except I won't be returning in August.

This fact is both exciting and terrifying to me. I, too, am ready to begin summer but maybe even more anxious for fall and for this new opportunity to focus entirely on our growing B&B and on our growing family. I'm looking forward to more road trips to see our kids and grands, to having a bit more energy to devote to the upkeep and tending that a bed and breakfast needs to be truly successful, and to being present for my parents in a way that I haven't really been able to for the last several years.

This is an exciting time!

Yet any new venture (or risk) can be terrifying as well and I wouldn't be honest if I didn't confess I've spent many a sleepless nights since making the decision to "come home." It's not that I don't trust the decision. In fact, everything has aligned so perfectly that it leaves no doubt that God is truly directing our footsteps. Spiritually and mentally, I am so ready. Emotionally - not so much.

Teaching is something that is so hard to define. It is more who you are and much less of what you actually do. When you have a heart for teaching, it's about the relationships first and all that comes with the job second. And these relationships...

Y'all.

These relationships are so strong and they tug at your heartstrings and - each year - you are left changed. See, it's not just the students who do the learning; teachers learn just as much, maybe more. We learn that compassion, encouragement, and a little grace does more for a student's overall success than academics itself. We learn that behind every face that looks to us is a story that needs to be told and - sometimes - we are THE safe place for that story to be heard. We learn that we don't, in fact, know everything and on certain days we feel we don't know anything.

Teaching is not about the exhilarating moments; it's about those exhilarating moments that happen once in a blue moon that tide you over until the next one, when and if it should come. It's about a student sending you a Facebook message of appreciation after he receives his Masters and you both recall that first six weeks that he sat in your class during his sophomore year...and the battles you had. It's about a student that is one of the very first to text you on Mother's Day, even though she is graduated and a mother herself now, to tell YOU Happy Mother's Day. It's about the daily conversations where you listen, laugh, worry, sometimes shake your head in confusion, but more often nod in understanding, and always end your Friday classes with, "Have a great weekend. BE SAFE."

It's about that "beginning of the year tired" and "end of the year tired" that just can't be explained, only to magically be replaced by renewed inspiration and excitement for a brand new year after roughly 8 weeks of rest and recuperation with your "normals."

It's about keeping peanut butter crackers and popcorn in your desk drawer for hungry students. Occasionally overlooking a sleeping student because you know they are working a full-time job that includes late nights, WHILE maintaining a near perfect GPA and - can I just say - showing up! Loving on the surly and the ones with stinky attitudes because it's not YOU they are angry with; they're just angry. For a variety of reasons. It's about knowing their names, but also saying them out loud and often. Discovering their hobbies and initiating conversations about them. Finding out what they do in their spare time and making sure to go through their drive-thru window at work occasionally, asking about a mom recuperating from surgery, quietly giving a hug to a student who is (even more quietly) observing the anniversary of the death of a sibling, and slipping a few bucks to yet another student so they can attend a school event and not be the only one in class not able to go.

It's about realizing that grades are NOT the great equalizer and they should not be what makes or breaks a student's record - or their heart. It's about the loud classrooms where interactive learning is taking place, according to the state TEKS, sure, but even more so according to what students need the most of that particular day. Even if that means scrapping your well thought out lesson plans and taking off on another trajectory. It's about saying, "I don't know" when you don't know something, but following it up with, "but I'll find out and get back to you." It's about seeking out a student whose feelings you accidentally hurt and saying, "I'm so sorry. I was wrong."

Teaching is indescribable.

This post could go on and on because my heart is full to overflowing today. With excitement. With terror. With aaaalllllll the emotions that fall on the spectrum between these two. So I'll stop here and save some for later.

I just attended the Top 10 Breakfast (it will get a post all its own) and survived with a minimal amount of tears. But then I walked back into my classroom and dissolved into a puddle.

I'm a teacher.

Puddles happen.

The Farmhouse Movement.

It seems that, for the past several years, there's been a movement back "to the farmhouse." I was first pulled in by the phenomenon that was "Fixer Upper," where JoJo & Chip Gaines flipped homes and turned ALL kinds of homes into a modern day farmhouse - whether or not the house was founded on literal farmland. 

The movement, though, is about something so much bigger than an actual house. Or the layout and decor of it. It's much more about the concepts, beauty, simplicity, and personality of a well-loved place from days long gone by. Something held snugly in between tales of times gone by and the expectations of all the future offers. A spot that is less about the farm, and more about the house. 

For a lot of us - me included - it's a "back-to-our-roots" movement where families simultaneously move toward more sustainable options and sustainable, healthy connections to one another. Whether we reside in urban city blocks, suburban neighborhoods, or wide open spaces we like to call "the country," we are more mindful of who we love and how we are choosing to live this one life we've been given. We love and lead more intentionally. We prioritize according to what is best for those we love most, instead of what is most "urgent." 

Toward the end of 2018, I realized I'd spent the better part of the year living my life according to the urgent, and not necessarily what (or rather who) is most important. Our family - children, grands, my parents, and friends. I was spending the least amount of time with the ones I love the most. This wasn't intentional...which is my point, I guess. 

I wasn't living intentionally.

I was catering to the to-do lists and the busyness of this season of life. Instead of savoring each morsel of this extraordinary life, I was prisoner to schedules and the clock and the calendar. It wasn't that these things and activities weren't important; they were and ARE. My issue lay with how I organized my time and my abilities. It had to do with taking better control of my schedule and learned to say "no" to the things that weren't necessary, and yet robbed me of time with my loves. 

There weren't any New Year's resolutions for me this year, but there was an intentional pivot. I chose PRESENT as my word of the year. Not as in gift, but as in being present. In the moment. Aware. Present for the important events. The important occasions. The important people. 

I'm trying to stay the course, and stay true to this pivot. Be at all the grands' special events. Cultivate an even deeper relationship with each of our kids. Communicate more. Laugh often. Call friends. Celebrate the everyday as well as the big stuff. 

It's a matter of coming full-circle. Living an authentic lifestyle, where family values come first, ingredients are pure and simple; where we not only know our neighbors, but call them friends, and where spending our time well trumps to-do lists. 

I appreciate the ability to work hard and run a business. I'm proud of my career as a teacher. I'm beyond thankful that I've been blessed to do both over the past several years, and that the business, which is my passion, is doing so well, and that teaching - which is my calling - still fulfills me. Even though it's time to choose - and, of course, I've chosen the B&B, I know that teaching and my students will always be a part of who and what I am. I appreciate all of this...the figurative move toward the simple things.

I also cherish the move toward the literal simple things: mason jars, shiplap, big front porches, open windows, and a good quilt on the bed. I love homemaking and decorating, finding ways to make our home reflect the things we care most about. I love beautiful sunrises and gorgeous sunsets, and love them most from my own front porch. 

I like this farmhouse movement.

This is a movement toward happier homes and healthier families, both literally and figuratively. 

Savor: My Next 90 Days

Anyone who knows me well at all, knows I love a good planner/calendar! So much so that I may go a tad bit overboard. I currently carry THREE around with me on the daily!

There is a method to my madness though, I promise! The first is our business planner, which I use solely for just that...business. It contains all the reservations for each of the cabins, as well as the venue, plus it holds contact info for all of our brides and their important people. Updated financials are catalogued there on a monthly basis just so I can quickly flip to it at a moment's notice. Yes, this is all on our computer and much of it in our phones, but - call me stuck in yesteryear - I can't help the love I have for hard copy! I've used the same design for the past three years, and have purchased them all from an online boutique through Jane, called So Kali. I'm not posting a picture of it here right now because I'm being just too lazy to snap the pic and upload, but if you're like me and love a great planner plus a little personalization on the front cover, this one's for you! The planners aren't generally listed for sale until around Fall, but she has bill trackers, prayer journals, and much more! Definitely worth a look around! Then bookmark her for your next year's planner!

The planner that stays in my purse full-time is my personal one, and also one that contains all of my classroom and lesson plans. I used to do a full-on teacher planner, but finally gave that one up this year and - instead - consolidated it with my smaller, personal one. It's a good one, though, by Agenda 52! I'm pretty sure I picked this one up at Hobby Lobby, and it was either insanely on sale or I used my 40% off coupon! I'm obsessed with this one because you can customize the inserts; that's really the only reason it works so well for my lesson plans, and also for meal planning and shopping lists, too! LOVE it.

 
I so did NOT intend for this to be a full post dedicated to my planner/calendar addiction; I meant to gush on and on about my newest one only - the My Next 90 Days by Savor Life. It helps to organize your life 90 days at a time, and truly, TRULY promotes a more intentional way of approaching your busy days. Of course, it helps tons that it's full of inspirational quotes and has very deliberate 4-pillar  method: your 'savor life' list which helps keep you focused on what's most important, a 90 day vision, a weekly and daily ritual list, and - finally - a place to organize what they call your "gorgeous chaos." It takes the "nourish to flourish" approach and has room for literally everything you need to remind you to stop, think, rest, drink your water, plan your day intentionally, get in your prayer time, and you simply do it 90 days at a time!

Everytime I glimpse it on my desk, or laying open on the coffee table, or on a stack of books where I'm working in my home office, I smile. Every. Single. Time.

The reason?

At the end of THIS 90 days, I will be walking out of my role as a classroom teacher and into my new one as FULL-TIME B&B owner/operator!!! My heart, of course, is alllll over the place. I'm going to miss SO much about the teaching life, primarily my students, awesome coworkers, and - yes - a dependable monthly income! But if I've ever in my life known something for certain, it's that this is the right time, the right decision. I am ready.

What I don't want the next few months to be is a race to the finish. I want so badly to finish the school year out at the top of my game, which isn't always an easy task when my time, energy, and attention is pulled in such opposite directions. I want to live each day intentionally, knowing that there is purpose and pleasure in each and every one of them. And hard work. Always more hard work, right? Every morning, I glance at the list for the day, where I begin with what is Number One for every day: prayer first. This is the time of day that settles me, and helps me prepare in a calm and logical manner whatever the next 15 hours might hold.

So...this super long post in essence is really all about the last two paragraphs only.

In 90 days my life will once again change. I'll go through yet another "transplantation." My daily prayer is that each and every day lived between this one and that last one will be chock full of only the important, the essentials that fuel my spirit, nourish my body, and keep me in a place where I can be my best for my husband, our family, my role as a teacher and tender of young hearts, and my responsibilities in our business.

Traditional B&Bs or AirBnB.

7 Major Differences

Clearly I am biased towards traditional bed & breakfasts/inns, especially our very own Wildernest Bed & Breakfast  :) Most of us have met the strict guidelines and inspection of B&B Registries, plus regional and local guidelines.

However, because Mike and I have had several great experiences in AirBnB properties on some of our travels, plus the fact that we're listed on AirBnB, I feel I can provide a rather accurate portrayal of the major differences between the two that are most likely to affect guests.

Pricing

AirBnB quotes a price per night, and then the guest pays an additional 10% directly to AirBnB. There are a wide range of prices. Many times a cleaning fee is attached as well, as might be a refundable security deposit if everything is left in good condition. 

At Wildernest, we quote per night as well, and - because our four cabins are distinctly different sizes and types, there is also a rather wide range of prices. We do not attach a separate cleaning fee; and we don't require a security deposit on anything other than our event venue. There is, obviously, our Texas .06% hotel tax. 

Hospitality

When reserving through AirBnB, it is only after the booking that the guest is provided with the exact location of the property. Most times, this is not an issue; however, we have had a couple of experiences where we would have opted to stay closer if we had known. Communication occurs directly between the owner and guest, just as in traditional B&Bs, but the guest is generally on their own to find the apartment, house, or cabin and let themselves in. 

In this regard, we are not all that different. The main exception is that our exact location can - and is - given at the time of reservation. It is actually pinned on several spots on our B&B website, as well. We communicate directly with the guests and - while they all receive their door codes before arrival and usually let themselves in - we are on-site and available should anyone have difficulty and - also - so that we can personally meet as many of our guests as possible.

Food

Many AirBnB locations do not offer breakfast. They'll often leave a welcome little snack and some bottled water, but that is usually all. Some have coffee or K-cups, but some will let you know ahead of time that you'll need to bring all food items with you. 

After much thought, and trying it both ways, we at Wildernest have opted to serve breakfast to our AirBnB guests as well as the guests who book traditionally. We found that many times we have some of each staying in our cabins at the same time; it was just as easy to deliver crates to all four of the front porches as it was to do so to just one or two. Plus, it's one of our favorite parts of inn keeping and we enjoy spoiling all of our guests while they're at Wildernest.

Space

This next part all depends on whether the AirBnB house is a home to the owners or if it is a guest house and/or a second home. If people opt to AirBnB their main house while they are away, very often drawers and closets will have clothes and personal items in them. This doesn't bother some; to others, it is awkward. Personally, I would never stay in one that was anything more than a true guest house. 

While our B&B does not have closets, per se, we offer hooks for hang-ups and places to lay your luggage. We also offer luxurious spa robes for the guests' comfort during their stay. This is for our traditional B&B guests as well as though that stay with us via AirBnB.

Cleanliness

This, too, can be widely diverse in both categories. The biggest difference is that room maintenance is up to the guest while in AirBnB and even most B&Bs. We, for one, do not enter the cabins to do anything, including cleaning, unless asked or invited by our guests. We prefer for our guests - both traditional and AirBnB - to feel as though the space is theirs during the duration of their stay. If there is a maintenance issue or something that requires our attention, we are happy to show up promptly and take care of the matter.

Guests who prefer daily housekeeping service are probably better candidates for hotels.

Maintenance and Safety Issues

These issues can honestly turn up any place. It's how the issue is handled that separates the properties.

Mike and I haven't had any REAL problems in the AirBnB properties we've stayed in. As far as neatness, and even cleanliness, they've varied, but there's not been anything that has caused us to call the owner. Oh wait, yes...once we did call because the coffee pot was not working. Within ten minutes the owner's daughter was at our door with a brand new coffee pot, though! And one other time we did leave the night before we were to check out. The place wasn't really "us," plus we were just ready to get home. AirBnB doesn't require (at least they don't verify) that each property has a fire extinguisher.

We - as inn keepers - have jumped through hoops to make a few guests happy. It's one of those times where "the customer is always right," even when they may not be. We've refunded partial and full refunds when we really didn't have to, but a good, solid review means more to us than taking a hard stance, particularly when most folks are nice about addressing the issues they are having. Now...having said that...we HAVE had our share of crazies. I'll just leave it at that for now. We have some stories, I assure you! LOL! We also have a fire extinguisher in each cabin.

Reviews

AirBnB encourages feedback and reviews on their site. If you are a guest, you begin to receive emails and app notifications from the company almost immediately after you leave the property. It takes less than 5 minutes to go through their online review process. We try to do it promptly because we know, as B&B owners and operators ourselves, feedback is your number 1 resource going forward.  On the flip side, the owner also receives email and app notifications to remind us to leave a review of our guests. It offers you a place to leave the public feedback, but also a spot to leave a message that only your guest will see.

In each of our cabins, we have a traditional guestbook that is signed by ALL of our guests, whether they be AirBnB or traditional. We look forward to reading these and are always so very disappointed when someone either forgets or neglects to leave their thoughts and impressions of your place. Again, it's our main resource moving forward. These reviews are used to either continue doing things as we have or look for ways to shore up things.

In the end, staying at a B&B OR at an AirBnB property is our personal choice. We will opt for this route 85% of the time. There are those occasions, however, when a really nice hotel room is what we want, what we need. If you are wanting privacy and just to be another "face in the crowd," then a hotel is the way to go.

B&Bs - traditional AND AirBnB - cater more to the individuals and the couples and families. While privacy can certainly be sought and found in them, trust me, your host and/or hostess is always close by to ensure that your stay is as comfortable and relaxing as it possibly can be!

Navigating social media.

A couple of years ago Mike and I jokingly (but also seriously; does that make sense?) said that our brains simply could not handle any more new technology when it comes to social media. I flourished in all that was Facebook, while he held out many years before finally throwing in the towel and creating an account. But the others...Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snap Chat, and - now - even Marco Polo, were just too much to keep up with. Never mind the fact that I truly do not think I have the right brain cells to navigate Snap Chat.

It's hysterical watching my students snap all day and work those phones like a boss with one hand, while I deliberate over each and every FB post and carefully and thoughtfully choose each photo for Instagram. I joined Twitter a number of years ago, broke up with it, got back together with it...a few times, but then ended that relationship for good. To quote Taylor Swift, "We are never, ever getting back together!"

A while back when we decided that I would most likely be running the business full time after this school year, and that - if that was going to be the case - then I needed to try to grow it even further, I knew I needed to really throw myself into Instagram and Pinterest. I researched like a doctoral candidate, learning why the heck a hashtag was so almighty important, and how to attract the "right" people to my pins. I have to say, I thought I had come. So. Far.

Until I took an online social media workshop for businesses and realized that I. KNOW. NOTHING.

I learned about Tailwind, which helps you coordinate, schedule and then pin to your boards, and Insta pre-sets so that you're Insta feed looks "uniform and inviting." Now, I realize that some of you probably are laughing at this point and saying, "Oh, she's so funny; she didn't know about TAILWIND?"

Um, no.

In addition to not knowing about it, I quickly realized that learning about all of the available technology that is so handily at your fingertips to help you gel your blog and your business website with your Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, is like going down a rabbit hole. A very deep rabbit hole! The last week or so I've found that I'm alternately fascinated and elated with the possibilities, but also bewildered and frustrated. LOL!

However...I feel like I've been "hooked." Now it's not only a challenge to figure it all out, but I'm looking forward to seeing if this can really help a business...and a blog...and a website... 

                                                            G R O W.

Please! All of you that have any tips for me at all, feel free to drop a comment!! 

Winnie the Pooh said it best.

"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others." ~ Author Unknown

I am retiring from teaching.

I typed, backspaced, typed again, backspaced again...numerous times, trying to capture the perfect opening sentence for this blog post.

The truth is, I don't think there is one. Even after deciding on the direct approach, I still hesitated over the word retiring. We all know it's not an actual retirement in which I will still draw a significant amount from TRS each month. Because teaching was a mid-life career change, I couldn't possibly live long enough OR work long enough to reach the formula by which teachers can "officially" retire with any hopes of a semi-decent income. 

Yet, I don't think the right word is QUITTING.

You quit something you no longer enjoy. You quit things that are too hard. You quit things that don't ignite your passion. 

If you were ever really a teacher of the heart, as well as of the mind and soul of a child, you don't quit teaching.

You simply leave at the end of a school year and don't return the next.

The thought of this already makes my heart constrict in something close to pain. As all teachers know, most days are mundane, and also filled with attitudes (poor ones, especially if you teach high school like I do:), lots of tardies and absences, headaches, and much longer hours than the general public realizes. But...just ONE of those rare, sweet days when there is a "light-bulb" moment, or when something extraordinary occurs that your lesson plan didn't account for...just ONE of those is enough to carry you for days, and even weeks at a time.

Many of you thought last year was to be my last in the classroom. For a while, I did as well. Then I had the amazing opportunity to return to my hometown high school as the new Culinary Arts teacher and I just couldn't pass that opportunity up! It has certainly been a wonderful year up to this point, and I get to enjoy three more months in this role, one that I've come to cherish and love and embrace. It doesn't replace my English teacher's heart, but it's a close second:)

Since last August, I've been fortunate (that's lucky AND blessed) to be able to combine my two significant passions - that of teaching and of the hospitality industry - and share these two with about 75 students each day. We've learned recipes, methods, safety, OSHA standards, front house etiquette and backhouse rules and regulations. 

We've shared laughter (lots), tears (not as many but very poignant), thrills, field trips, our problems, "counseling" sessions, and more hugs and smiles that I can even begin to count.  

To say that I'm going to miss teaching is so much of an understatement. Yes, I'm going to miss fulfilling that part of my heart that needs to teach. But I expect I'll always find a way to have teachable moments. I don't believe a real teacher ever vacates the profession; you simply widen your scope and allow for other things to have room in your heart and life as well as teaching. 

That's the fork in the road that I have come to. It's time to widen my scope. Our business has been blessed far beyond what we deserve, and certainly much more than we ever expected it to be this soon. "Soon" is relative since we opened the B&B five years ago! Time has flown and we have worked so, so hard to make it a place that is warm and welcoming, a real asset to our community, and the realization of what we had dreamed for it.

It can't continue to grow and flourish without me taking a day-to-day, "hands-on" position here at the B&B and venue. It's almost humorous to me that I thought I could continue to do both for even a couple more years. Whether it's age or energy, or (hopefully) just the sheer magnitude of what a business with four cabins and a wedding/event venue require - I have found that I can't teach AND be a proprietor and do justice to them both.

I had to make a choice.

I'm sure over the coming months I'll blog more about this newest upcoming transition. Once more, a transplanted gal. When I first named the blog years ago, I had no idea how many times I would refer to myself as a girl transplanted. I think God has had His hand in all of this much, much longer than I have. As always, I am trusting Him for guidance, for direction, and - especially - the wisdom to care for the roles in which He has entrusted to me.

My marriage. My family. Our business.

Quick Getaway to Hot Springs!

I am woefully behind in blogging about our quick little getaway to Hot Springs a few weeks back. One of our New Year "try-fors" (instead of resolutions that cause you to feel such guilt when you break them:) was to have more frequent away time from the B&B. Those are the only real times when we can slow down enough to have honest talks about the things that really matter.

Things like our business. Our other two careers. Our finances. Our marriage. Our family. Our church and friend relationships. It's easier to have the tougher conversations when you're in a neutral place AND you're having a little fun as well!

We chose Hot Springs for this trip for two reasons only: 1) it is close and an easy and pretty drive and 2) my friend Kait and her hubby recently visited and told us all about the most adorable tree house they stayed in.

So...of course we rented a tree house as well. Not the same one, but one in the same area.

This space was was quite magical in several ways. First of all, the B&B owners' attention to detail was beyond supreme. They thought of literally everything. We like to think we do a pretty good job of that ourselves, but we humbly bowed and acknowledged their amazing touches that made the stay so enjoyable. We did laugh out loud (literally) though when we realized that the cabin and the surrounding views were so very similar to our right here at Wildernest. Maybe not in the mountains, but certainly in our part of the piney woods on the hilly Sulphur River ridge.

We basically did five things while there: slept, ate, and spent quality time together. Okay, so we only did three things...but we did a lot of each of the three! We ate fantastic food, strolled downtown, had long, luxurious conversations, and slept to our hearts' content. It was certainly a much needed step OFF the treadmill of life.

Even if for a mere quick 48 hours.

The Boho House.

When I proposed turning "The Bunkhouse" into "The Boho House" last summer, I know a few people were dubious. Namely, the males in my family! :)

"Bunkhouse" ran true with our other cabin names, and "Boho" was a bit of a departure from our norm. Both Ali and Peyton were working for me (WITH me:) then and they were my main inspiration for the whole boho/girly/she-shed vibe that we ultimately created.

Turns out that my instinct was right on; SO many groups of ladies and girls have enjoyed birthdays, parties, and girls' weekends in the past year!

With a totally feminine decor that shies away from cutsie pastels and - instead - embraces the bolder jewel tones that, at once, feel empowering and soothing. If that makes any sense at all!

I absolutely love for The Boho to stay booked, but I definitely take advantage of the space when it's not and when I'm at home. I share an amazing home office with Mike, but occasionally I like to pack my book bag, computer, planner, a few snacks and hide away for a few hours of work in The Boho. I instantly relax and go into a major chill mode, but I get So. Much. Done.

So, if you're looking for a great spot for a girls' getaway, a Bunco party, a shower...The Boho is for YOU! Check out the pictures below! There is a propane grill available for your use, as well as a fire pit that is for The Boho only. Bring all of your S'mores fixings, your favorite drinks, and have fun with your girlies!

Visit wildernestbedandbreakfast.com for even more pictures and to make reservations! Or, you can like us on Facebook and message for reservations.

              

       

Our tinies.

Pre-Construction, Pre-Movement to the Woods:)

I don't remember just when we began to toss about the idea of incorporating a couple of built out shipping/sea containers into our B&B's cabin inventory. But I do remember I was not a fan at first!

Unlike Mike, who claims that I am the visionary, I have a difficult time seeing the end result of something so...out of the ordinary. He - on the other hand - saw it all from the first time we stepped out of our truck to view our first container purchase. Where I saw dents and dings, dirt and grime, he was already envisioning primer, sheetrock, wall placement, plumbing fixtures, and electrical outlets. Where I saw a big, empty - yet very TINY space, my husband saw cozy, cabin getaways that a certain segment of our guest population would absolutely adore.

We had already watched about 1373.86 hours of HGTV and DIY, meticulously studying ways to maximize every square inch of liveable space, carefully noting the do's and don'ts when it comes to doing it yourself. We were all read up on timelines and sticking to your budget and where to invest more money and where to save it. 

But then we began construction and...

it all went out the window. Well, not ALL of it; let's just say that had a television camera crew been following US around, it would probably fall under the genre of comedy. Or tragedy. Tragic comedy - there you go!

For real...SHOW ME SOMEONE THAT CAN COMPLETE A TINY HOME IN 6 WEEKS AND I'LL DO THEIR LAUNDRY FOR A YEAR!  (Caveat: must  be a first-time amateur:)

The lessons we learned, y'all. The HARD way. Lessons that had us, alternately, smiling, crying, high-fiving, bleeding, taking ambulance rides for dehydration, c&%*ing, walking away only to return again. And again. And again. 

Now I was already madly, deeply in love with Mike Wilder, but let me just say, watching him pour his heart, soul, (literal) blood and tears into these labor of loves took that love to an all new level. I truly believe this man can do anything he sets his mind to. 

We in NO WAY AT ALL came EVEN CLOSE to meeting our timeline and the Good Lord knows we broke that budget! But the result at at the end of the project, once we set the horse trough tubs in place in the bathrooms, installed the industrial pipe lighting, added the open shelving, hung the precious curtains at each window, placed newly plush towels in their holders, made the beds, and laid the rugs...

There are no words. 

Our two tinies - The Cowboy and The Rancher - must be experienced to understand. They are tiny works of pure art. Cozy retreats, with a window (and a deck, table and chairs) into the raw nature and our trails which surround them. They are serene and beautiful. They are tiny and breathtaking.

They are a piece of our combined souls.

They are the perfect compliment to the B&B!!!

                        

___________________________________________

For MANY more pictures of both tinies, as well as our other facilities OR to make reservations, visit wildernestbedandbreakfast.com or call 903-246-9220.

Hot Springs Getaway

Whispering Pines Tree House

Last year, in January, we had THE sweetest young couple choose Wildernest B&B for their "beginning of the year" getaway. They explained to us that they do this each year, a time to financial plan, have some of the hard conversations, and set both personal and couple goals for the upcoming year.

They very deliberately decided on a place away from home because - we all know - these types of conversations at home often become interrupted, or - dare I say truthfully - even heated? 

My sweet husband and I have taken a cue from them and are taking our "yearly planning" on the road this year. It didn't happen in January, but we are taking this Thursday and Friday off of work and traveling to Hot Springs, Arkansas - just a short hop down the road from us. After taking care of some necessary appointments/duties on Thursday, we'll hit the road and enjoy a couple of nights away to rest, plan, prepare, and set our financial goals for 2019.

This is a first for us, and we will definitely document this time and blog about it in the next few weeks. It doesn't matter if you're newlyweds, married with small children, empty nesters, or enjoying your "Pipe Dreams" like we are - having a PLAN and CONSISTENTLY working it together is just so important.

So...Whispering Pines, we will be tucked away in your part of YOUR piney woods in just a few short days, ready to rest, recharge, and plan. Our mutual couple goal for this year is to live intentionally, move forward with purpose, and take better care of our families, our children, and our grands!

Does anyone relate to this subject? Drop a comment if you want to share! If you'll leave a comment, we'll send you a little takeaway from Hot Springs upon our return!

Many blessings on this Sunday!

Networking...no, FRIENDworking:)

Today was one of those magical, I-can't-believe-it-actually-turned-out-better-than-I'd-hoped for days! We hosted our 2nd Annual Bridal Expo and "Shop our Shelves" at The Hitchin' Post today, and - y'all - it was So. Much. Fun!

My sweet husband worked so diligently and so HARD to make all of my visions for today become reality. Aaaalllll the heavy lifting and grunt work. My vendors not only showed up - but showed OUT - in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY! They engaged all of our guests and each and every booth (table) was alive with all the feels!

Here's a few pics of SOME of our vendors!

Jennifer Reynolds - Mary Kay

Mary Cyrus - Mary Cyrus Photography

Llona Hamilton  & daughter Kristina -
Truly Heavenly Events & Catering

Kinley Wilson - Sweet Cheeks Makeup
(I taught Kinley in English II AND she was on my debate team!:) Now a
full-time college student with an amazing side hustle!!

Kaitlyn Milby - Color Street Nails

Kellie Davis - Xyngular

Tommy Toys - Wedding Carriages

Madison, Taylor, & Kayla  - Danny Rateliff Salon (I taught Madison & Taylor their
sophomore year in high school!!!!) Now they are professionals doin' their thang!
PROUD teacher moments yesterday!)

And here are some of the glowing brides-to-be! I wish I would have managed to get pics of them ALL!!!

Our November couple - Cheslee & Brennan (and bridesmaid)

Kayla (on the right) and bridesmaid! Our APRIL wedding!!

Ashlen (on the right) One of my new friends and
already planning an epic wedding for 2020!

Bride-to-be Kinley (on the right! SO sweet!)

It was such a warm, heart-felt day with excited brides, their entourages, and vendors who are dear, dear friends of mine! Technically, I guess it's called "networking," but the magic that filled the venue today was a LOT more about 'friendworking!' Some came as strangers and left as friends. Friends came and left even closer.

To cap the day AND this blog post, here's a great picture of our November bride Cheslee and her soon-to-be-groom, Brennan, saying "YES to the The Hitchin' Post @Wildernest!"

Today was a truly perfect day! I'm greatly anticipating this year and all of the wonderful blessings it holds for the B&B, the venue, and for all of our friends!