Instant Pot Update

As I was enjoying my adventures this weekend, I had someone that asked me about my instant pot. If I had
cooked anything else in it. I wanted to take the time to say yes, I have cooked a few different meals. I am still not sure if I totally like it. It does work pretty well but I feel like this is more of a fad for me.

So my other attempts have resulted in the steam still coming out which I was told is normal sometimes as it builds. Yea.. well I don't like that. , This thing is scary enough and I need to know it is not going to explode. Lol

Another question I was asked was do you like your crockpot better? Yes. But honestly, my crockpot has spoiled me. I can put it in. Leave it for hours and go to work. The Instant Pot is faster and I cant seem to leave it yet. Lol

Next question. Is it really faster? Yes but not always by a lot. If you have frozen meat, yes, it is faster  It does cook it completely if you use the correct time. An over all meal? Yes, it is faster. I cooked ribs and they were so tender. I made my own sauce and just added it with the ribs. I have also made a few other dishes and I have been pleased. Some things are just better left to the stovetop. These things are jot faster. I have seen a loI think I may do a blog on a recipe and let you know how it goes. Step by step.

Overall, I still love my crock more. Lol but I am working on this fad.

Mayberry, NC Adventure Day

Saturday was one of our adventure days. When we go on these adventures we don't really plan a trip. I will always suggest this if you don't have a large family. The more decision-makers you have the more complicated things can get.  I think my kids would have enjoyed these trips when they were younger.

We stopped at several locations so I am breaking this blog into two. The first one will be about our trip to Mayberry, NC. If you are old like me (haha), you will remember Andy Griffith. You will also remember his humor. I love laughing. Anything comedy is for me. So, of course, my heart is warm whenever someone can make me laugh. I loved the Andy Griffith show and even his other performances. So, of course, I want to go to Mayberry and see everything.

Let's start with the Andy Griffith Museum  We went here first and it did cost to go to this. It is $8 a person. When you walk in you get a map of all the places to visit and become a sheriff. The museum is very interesting and has information from the time he was a baby until he passed away  They had replicas of the courthouse and jail. And of, Andy telling jokes. I loved walking around and hearing his voice. The memories were wonderful but the laughter always makes me smile. If you have time this is a must-see. We left the museum and they have a mural of the show covering an entire room inside downstairs. You can be Barney Fife and get a kiss on the cheek. Lifesize photo opportunity of course, once you go back upstairs there is another museum that includes Betty Lynn and the siamese twins Chang and Eng.  There is an additional room with more on the life of Andy Griffith. All of this was pretty cool and all of it was free except the main museum. There is a statue of Andy and Opie in front of the building and there was a photo inside with Andy leaning on it. So just imagine he was right there at one time. Then we went by Floyd's Barber Shop and Snappy's Lunch. You can get your hair cut but walking in is free. Then we rode but Andy Griffith's childhood home. You can actually stay the night here so just driving by will have to do. If you are not staying ther is the courthouse and jail. All set up just like in the show  You can sit at the desk or get locked up  All in the name of fun of course  Right beside that is Goober's garage. The garage is now turned into a gift shop. You can ride in an old police car from here and see all the sites for $40 a car ride. I think it is 4 or 5 people per car. It was super exciting to feel and hear all the memories of Andy. I would recommend this trip. There is another museum downtown. We didn't take the time to go to.  I will surely have to check this out at a later time. The grave of Chang and Eng are also in Mayberry but we didn't go to this either.

Before I leave Mayberry, I want to mention the people carved into a brick wall. They are life-sized and carved as if they are sitting in seats in the wall. These are famous people and it is an amazing sight to see. I also want to mention right outside of Mayberry is the Largest Granite Quarry in the world. They have an overlook for you to look down into it  It is interesting to see the process this takes to get little rocks starting with a solid mountain of granite  I would love to go back when they are blasting.

There is so much to tell about this place which is why Facebook never allows me to have enough room. I have added a few of the pics I have but there was so much to see. I do think this is a worthwhile and cheap experience  You can get caught up in the tourist traps if you want but we did not and just visited the places we wanted to see. What I mean by tourist traps is the stores that line the downtown area pulling you in with ads of items with  on the An  Griffith show. Not a bad day trip.

Chocolate Festival

Yes, We went to the Chocolate Festival in Morehead, NC. If you love chocolate it is everything you would dream of. Chocolate everywhere is an understatement.

So let's begin with the moment you walk in. Tables are lined up for check in. You did have the option to purchase tickets online so of course that would have been faster. We did not do this but still the line moved quickly, although the lady did have trouble using the card machine. There were people helping her and they even opened another line as she figured it out. It didn't take long for her to learn and the line moved very quickly then. When I walked into the main area, I was not sure where to start. They were selling tickets to win a jersey from the teams playing at Super Bowl this year. After passing that table there was a hot chocolate table. You could get a sample and of course I did. I tried the chocolate lovers. It was so good, I bought a cup. I knew at this point I was in trouble. At the first chocolate booth and I was buying chocolate. They even had the powder mix for sale. I think it would have been a good idea but I needed to see what else they had.

I am not going to go through each booth but I am going to touch on a few that stood out. The first one that comes to mind and one of my favorites was the chocolate martini booth. They had chocolates that went with wine and even chocolate coffee beans. We all know this would be my favorite booth. They had all them so you could sample. It was my favorite, did I already say that? Another booth had chocolate covered strawberries and truffles and other candies. They had jumbo chocolate covered strawberries with gold flakes. These were almost too pretty to eat.  Another booth had chocolate covered apples. When I say apples, don't take that lightly. They had on the chocolate any and everything that would make a apple better. Nuts, M&Ms, toffee, caramel, pretzels. Way too many to name. Several booths sold cakes and pies and cupcakes. Some sold just candy. Reese cups, moose tracks and mints. These was even a booth with smores with homemade marshmallows. Also do not forget candy bars. If you got a golden ticket in your bar you won a prize. The list of sweets goes on and on.  The best part was there was samples and you could pick and choose what you wanted to take home.

I have to talk about the extras they did to make the festival fun. They all have them and some are better then others. The festival had drawings throughout the day. They announced it as you walked around so you never missed if you won. One of my favorites was the pudding eating contest. It was who could clean their plate the fastest without hands. All you had to do was enter. They had Marines down to little kids. The announcer was awesome and really kept it entertaining. The other thing they had was a chance to go to a Chocolate spa. You read right.. chocolate spa  It did cost extra for that. However, how fun would that be.  They also had contest going on for all age groups. They also had the cakes entered available to purchase by the slice. I was excited to see all the entries. The cakes were beautiful and it was hard to choice a favorite but after thought and some talking. I would have chose the rice krispie cake that actually had a small rice krispie box pretending to spill on top of the cake. How creative.

Now the best part of all of this is, This festival was all to raise money for several non profits. They all work together as one to create this event to benefit others. Here are the places they donate the money to:

• Second Blessings Community Outreach
• Bridge Student Ministries
• Coastal Community Action
• Bread & Barley

We really enjoyed the festival and continued our day traveling more but this was an amazing stop. 

First Watch Review

I have written a few blogs. I just have not released them yet because I'm still adding. However, today I did visit a place that has recently arrived in the Greenville, NC area. I have heard several good things about the place so today was my day to try it. This place was First Watch.

When I am trying a new place for the first time. I notice the little things  How the people act  how the food was and of course the cost. I also notice how food is displayed, how often I get checked on and what the place looks like inside.

First question I always get is. Was the food good? I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. If you know me I judge hard. Lol and I will take points off for things that are important to me. Therefore, I like to explain why they got the score which I will at the end. I got the Skillet Hash Parma. This has potatoes, sausage, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms and two cheeses. On top they put two eggs just the way you liked them cooked. This was served with fresh fruit and multi grain toast with preserves. The Parma was amazing. I could not eat it all, so there was plenty. The toast was different to me. I want sure about the multi grain but it actually tasted really good  I know there are people that could not have ate it cause of the actually grain pieces in it. It was loaded with a lot of butter and I had to wipe some of that off. I know I shouldn't complain about butter. I'm from the south but it was caked on and I wanted to taste the toast. It was that thick. Plus they had provided preserves and this had to be tasted on the toast right? The preserves were on point  Not too sweet but sweet enough to taste like strawberries. Perfect. The fruit ended up being about 4 pieces. But I really wasn't  expecting that on my plate because they did not say that on the menu. It was melon and pineapple and was fresh. The Parma was delicious cab I say that again? As I said before I did bring some home and shared it with my granddaughter and she loved it too. With this I had coffee to drink. We all know how I LOVE coffee. The coffee was a little disappointing. Let me add they only had regular sugar and Stevia. I really don't like Stevia so I used regular sugar and creamer. It was really strong flavor. I don't like dark black coffee. So this is why I say yuck. If you like really strong after taste coffee, you will like this. I am a medium roast and smooth after taste coffee drinker. They give you water as well. This saved my day. Lol  I also ordered the million dollar bacon. Everyone I talked to told me this was a must try. They were correct. This was so good. Most of the time I don't get appetizers cause then I can't eat my food. But this was really good and worth the extra.

Before we get to the big question about cost I want to talk a little about service and atmosphere. We had the most wonder waiter. He did make sure we had everything we needed  The place was very busy, yet he kept up. Also, he was such in good spirits  A little boy beside me was playing tic tac toe and he stopped to play with him. Engaging and acting disappointed when he clearly let the little boy win. It was actually so sweet. This young man really needs a shout out. So kudos to you young man. Now atmosphere. The place has the design of a farmhouse. The food is suppose to be healthy but presented as if you were on the farm. Lots of laughter and families were having a good time. The place was clean and all the workers were attentive and doing their job and doing it well. This place is very pleasant and feels like home with a crowd of course. Lol.

Time to talk money. I have heard some say it was pricey so I am going to give some comparisons. It is higher the McDonald's and Burger King. Compared to Denny's and IHop? Well, it would depend on what you order. The special is the grand slam at Denny's and it is about $8. So yes it is cheaper. However if you order the skillet and compare it to First Watch's skillet. It is a little over a dollar more at First Watch But you don't get fruit, preserves or toast with Denys skillet. The food at First Watch is suppose to be healthy and fresh food. Also, First Watch does have a plate that has the regular breakfast. Such as eggs, meat, toast and so on. This runs about $10.50. So no it is not a $5 breakfast. And it can be as much as going to IHOP or Denny's  Again. If you get extras like I did. It runs a little more. Just like when you ask to add pancakes at IHop's. Lol So, I honestly have to compare it to one of these places. Except they have much healthier choices and fresher food. Which you can tell by the taste. This does not mean I don't love breakfast at either of the other two places.

Now.. would I go there again. Final answer... yes  I really want to try the cheesy grits  Lol but I agree with the fact it isn't somewhere I would go everyday. Just when I want to have breakfast, brunch or lunch with someone special like today. I loved the atmosphere and I really enjoyed the food. I may get another form of drink next time

The reason they got a 4 and not a 5 was. It is hard to be perfect. Lol but the coffee was a huge issue for me. Also the fruit supplied really should have been left off or at least presented a little better.  And the butter issue.  Just put that on the side. Cause seriously that was way to much butter for this southern girl.

I would recommend the place  I think you would enjoy it and find it wonderful and the food delicious. You should always try new places. You never know what you may find.

Traveling help

A lot of people comment about us traveling. I have people that follow along and really enjoy seeing where we will go next. I do not always show where we are but I always try to share experiences that are fun and exciting. 

One of the questions I get asked often is "How can you afford to travel." When traveling, it is easy to end up in the "tourist trap" areas. These are the most fun-packed "looking" areas and they always have some of the most exciting things to do. I have enjoyed some of these places and would even go back to some of them. I am not saying to never go to any of these places. What I would suggest is finding the places you really want to see. Make sure it is something you would be interested in completely and then pick a few of those places depending on your budget and enjoy. I would never recommend that you go to all the fancy locations in that area. I would not even suggest you do over three. The reason is that these places are made to please the senses and look pretty, have interesting things, and even encourage you to up your packages to see 5 other things. I personally have found that this can be tiring and also way over what I really wanted to spend. I also have found that some of the places I would not have spent the money if I had researched a little more. You do not want to spend your vacation or travel time extremely tired because you are trying to see it all. So keep that in mind. If there is more that you really wish to see. Make sure you allow time for another trip and enjoy the one you have for now. 

What we do is search the area and surrounding areas for free or cheaper things to do. I have found I enjoy the $3 museum just as much as the $35 museum. I also am amazed at how little people know about what is in your backyard. So make sure you also check what is around you for day trips. I would recommend you research these places as well. I also search for the most interesting places to visit or unusual places to visit in the area. I was amazed by how much you learn about history, nature, and companies by just visiting these places. I also have found some amazing little quaint things that are surely unique. I love finding these places and it feels sort of like a scavenger hunt. 

Some days when we just want to get out of the house, I will search for an area for free places to visit, museums in the area, most visited places, unusual or unique places. I do not stop here. I look for signs along the way. I also search for town as I get close to them while traveling. We have stopped at so many places along the way to find some really cool places. Every place we have found along the way has not been amazing but they all have been interesting. I also make a note of places that sound really cool. I may want to visit them soon. 

As I write, I can think of so many places I would say to visit if you are in that area. I have memories of my favorite, of course. This is is why I have to say some of the most exciting places were actually accidents or just a sudden stop. So, I would always ask people that have visited the area. Ask me and I will see what I can find or if I have been there and share with you. I also do not mind telling you of some of my favorites. 

As far as food, Make sure you take snacks and food with you in a cooler. If you have room stick it in the back seat or on the floor. It prevents spending money along the way. Food is a big thing in this family. lol So having food on hand is a lot cheaper than stopping at a gas station or out to eat every time you are hungry. We have taken everything from sandwiches to fried chicken. We take snacks such as apples, cheese, nuts, and chips. Be creative here as well. If it is for traveling that day, it will last in a cooler for the day and as long as it is on ice, it will last longer. Ziplock bags are amazing but so are containers. Use these to keep water from getting on your items if you are placing them in the cooler. 

For kids, I always had a Mary Poppins bag. lol, At least that is what my kids called it. The reason it got that name is, it had everything in it. I purchase Dollar Tree craft sets. Make sure they are ones you do not mind in your car. There is some scratch and reveal kits, stickers, and coloring items to choose from. I also got other things like mini-games and cars. Anything they like to play with. Other stores have items that are cheap as well. So look and stock up. I never had play-doh but I did allow glue sticks, balloons and lots of crayons. This all depends on age and what you allow in your car of course. I also would tell my kids to hand glue sticks back to me to make sure lids were on or so I knew where it went. Playing games as you go is good too. There are always ipads and some form of electronic but I wanted my kid's mind to be creative. So we had other things to entertain as well. For older kids. Books, games and some crafts work as well. You know your kid. Pick accordingly. 

I always look at finding these places as an adventure. Finding places reasonable makes the trip fun and relaxing. Ask away if there i thoughts and ideas that you would like to know about. 

Instant Pot Fun

As I am about to start this story. I hear my Mom say "What times we live in, how they are changing".. All the new fancy stuff that comes out is growing every day. I always knew technology was going fast but it seems I can not keep up anymore. And that is so unlike me. lol 

This Christmas my daughter got me an Instant Pot. First, let me add. I was told that it is Instant Pot and not Insta Pot. Actually, I read somewhere where it ask you did you know this? Nope. I did not. lol But I do now. I really still am not sure what I am going to do with this thing. I love my crockpot. I use it all the time. This instant pot thing has me wasting too much time trying to figure it out. lol So let's start the adventure. 

I read the instructions that came with the "said" pot. They are not very clear. I did go ahead and do the test run and of course, the water burned .lol or at least according to the pot. So to run a test run. You put 3 cups of water in the pot and pressure cook it. Well, it wasn't long it started flashing the word "burn". Being the nice Mom I am, I hated to take it back. So I waited another week before I tried actually cooking something in it. My idea was to cook something simple. Potatoes. I wanted to make some mashed potatoes. Simple enough, right? Not in Teresa's world. I got the water in the pot with potatoes. And set it all the setting so it would cook. It was not long that steam started to come out all around the lid. Now if you know anything about pressure cooking. It is literally scary. So I wondered if I should approach the pot at all. After several pondering thoughts and what I call "squirrel moments" (Getting distracted), I went to the pot. I was still steaming all around the lid. I looked up online. This meant the lid was not sealed. I figure I would just unplug and wait and then take the lid off. Which I did without any flying potatoes or burns. The potatoes where done. I took the potatoes and went ahead and made the mashed potatoes. It never pressurized at all. So from this, I learned you do not have to use it for pressure cooking at all. 

After this attempted. I was wondering if I should go back to my crockpot. I waited another week and I then had a wonderful idea. Let my daughter cook for me. So she set up and cooked a roast and then mashed potatoes. First thing she did was forget to close the release switch. Steam was coming out and going hard. It would not build pressure again. lol, Of course, she closed it and it started to cook. It went well from there. 

Now I wonder if I want to attempt again. I have heard so much about ribs and how tender they are. The fun at my house never stops. Let's just hope we do not blow the top off the house. lol I am learning as I go.

Deadwood

Tonight we visited a place that I use to visit often but I moved. I go there at least once a year to a family birthday party. The name? Deadwood. This location has several things. A restraunt called the Smokehouse. A saloon called No. 10 Saloon and other forms of entertainment. For example putt putt, a train ride, ice cream shop, and so much more. I think my favorite part is the fire outside that makes you relax and enjoy your stay  I would recommend this place without even having to discuss the food. However, the food is exceptional. Tonight I had the smokehouse chicken with string beans and mashed potatoes but I can also vouch for the fact thier steaks are tender and juicy. They also have a salad bar that is always fresh and has lots of choices. You could make the salad bar a meal itself.  I hope that some of the pictures taken will show what they offer there. It is set upso that you feel as if you are in the Wild West. Before I wrap this blog up. I want to add that they will be bringing back thier dinner show. This was something I had been to before. It is a must see. But beware you may be picked from the crowd to be a juror and go on stage to help with the show. How fun.