I wanted to help my fellow Hokies out with some fun game day tips on what to do and where to eat. Most people have a traditional game day schedule that they have always done, but maybe it's time to switch up your plans. Try something new!
Lunch
Before the game, stop downtown and grab a quick bite to eat! There's an assortment of restaurants to choose from. There are all different types of restaurants. If you are looking for a quick grab and go option Moes or Chipotle would be great! If you are looking to sit down and have a meal check out The Maroon Door, Greens, or The Cellar!
Grab Gear!
Forgot your Virginia Tech shirt? Or just need a newer one... Don't worry! The Campus Emporium has plenty of Hokie gear to choose from. Grab a t-shirt or any other fun attire for the game. They have a large assortment of spirit gear to choose from. Don't forget while you are here in town pick up some Christmas gifts for your fellow alumni friends and family!
Tailgating
Tailgating is always a must! It gets everyone excited for the game. Tailgating is a big tradition in College Football and a big tradition in Blacksburg. Bring your cornhole boards, chairs, and tents!
Hokies win!!
From the second enter sandman starts playing, the energy in Lane is incredible. We are certainly excited about that energy making a comeback this season. Everyone in Blacksburg is always hoping for a Hokie win.
Homecoming Weekend
These are good tips for each game day weekend, but especially for this weekend's game. This Saturday is the homecoming game and it is Maroon Effect! Get ready this will be a very exciting game and weekend for all Hokies. If you are in town for homecoming make sure to follow my tips! Eat at your favorite restaurant that you ate at back in the day, retire that old Virginia Tech shirt from your college days and go grab a new one, and lastly reminisce and enjoy the game and Lane Stadium like you always have!
See y’all at the games!!!
XOXO,
Dottie
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It’s almost that time of the year where all the students move back and Fall semester begins. Crazy how fast this summer flew by! With the start of the semester approaching you might be feeling stressed. Don’t stress, I am here to help! I am so excited to have you guys back in Blacksburg! Here’s a few tips to stay sane and be prepared for school to start:
Start Packing
Don’t wait until the night before! Start getting all of your belongings together now. This way you won’t forget anything.
Create a Schedule
When are your classes? Make sure to write your schedule down so that you don’t have conflicts arise. Make it cute if you want, there are several online schedule templets to use.
Rest Up
Resting up is very important! Get sleep while you can. It is also very important to get a good night’s sleep before if you are driving to Blacksburg for move in.
Make a to-do list
Making a to-do list is a good idea. This will help you when you’re trying to pack the suitcase and car. It is also useful to double check and make sure that you have everything.
You’ve got this Hokies! See y’all soon!
XOXO, Dottie
]]>Hey guys Dottie here! I’m still enjoying my Summer; I hope you are too! I have been up to a lot this past week. I’m here to report about all of the wonderful outdoor activities The NRV has to offer.
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Here are a few of my favorites…
Tubing the New River
Tubing is a great way to cool off this summer. There are serval local tubing businesses. It is a great cost-effective summer activity for the family.
Hiking the Cascades
This scenic, 4-mile round-trip is located along a shaded mountain creek to a 66-foot-tall waterfall. This is all a part of the Jefferson National Forest. Hike is considered low to moderate difficulty. Picnicking area is at the beginning of the trail. This is a good spot to have a picnic with the family before making the hike to the waterfall.
Explore Mountain Lake Lodge
Set in the middle of a 2,600 acre nature preserve and surrounded by Appalachian Mountains, rustic and historic Mountain Lake Lodge is the ultimate retreat. Breathe in crisp, fresh air, dine on gourmet fare and build family memories with fun indoor and outdoor activities. We offer a variety of accommodations, from rustic cabins and cozy cottages to lodging in our historic Main Stone Lodge. Expansive meeting and event venues set the stage for romantic weddings and relaxing business events. Arrive to an unhurried pace and enjoy adventure and comfort in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
Floyd Store Friday night Jamboree
The Floyd Country Store has become a traditional gathering place on Friday nights for musicians, dancers, and visitors from all over the world. The Friday Night Jamboree is an outstanding and authentic experience shared by old-timers and new visitors alike.
The New River Valley is an awesome place to make summer memories! Get outside and start enjoying our local beautiful area that we live in. Be sure to always check back on my blog to see all of the fun stuff I’m up to this summer!
]]>Hey Dottie is back and ready to report on all her Summer fun! From splashing around in Claytor lake to watching Fourth of July fireworks, Dottie has been pretty busy this summer working up quite a sweat… and a heavy appetite. She’s here to report on all the yummy baking she has been doing for family and friends. The best cooking comes from finding local produce. Here are a few favorites…
Looking to chef something up in the kitchen with the family? Check out one of Dottie’s favorite recipes from this summer. This plant- based summer recipe is perfect to make with the family with the fresh produce you just scored from local markets. Follow the recipe for these amazing plant based lemon bars and let us know what you think: https://thegreenloot.com/vegan-summer-dessert-recipes/
The best memories are made around the kitchen. It is so satisfying to shop at the local Blacksburg community and come back to make a fresh dessert to celebrate in the summer sun. Dottie is always cooking up yummy treats with friends and families. Be sure to check back and see what other fun activities Dottie has planned for the summer.
]]>Is everyone having a great 4th of July weekend? I sure hope so! Just in case my fellow hokies don't know what to do this weekend, here are a few ideas that I think would be tons of fun:
Historic Smithfield the Spirit of America Celebration
Friday July 2nd, 2021
5:30-8:30pm
Ring in Independence Day with the whole family at Smithfield! Enjoy shopping, cooling off with shaved ice, horseback riding tours, and observing artillery displays. At 6:30 there will be a ceromony featuring excerpts from The Declaration of Independence. Following the ceremony will be a cannon salute.
Hike The Cascades
Spend the weekend hiking Cascades Falls Trail. Cool off by swimming in one of The New River Valley’s most sought after waterfalls. The trail is a 3.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pembroke, Virginia. This trail is easy-moderate, bring the kids and the dogs!
Eat at The Blacksburg Tavern After your Hike
After hiking all day you're going to get hungry, stop into Blacksburg Tavern on your way home. The tavern has great fried chicken that your family and friends will love.
Fireworks at The Old Blacksburg High School
July 4th, 2021
9:30-10:30
The fireworks show hosted by The Town of Blacksburg will be held rain or shine! Bring the family out for a night on the lawn. Don't forget a chair or blanket and get there early to get a good spot!
Have fun this weekend, and stay safe!
Xoxo, Dottie
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I hope everyone is enjoying some of the warm summer weather and getting some fresh outdoor air. With it being the start of summer, I want everyone to take a moment and think about what some of their goals and aspirations are for summer 2021!
Whatever they are - cooking goals, fitness goals, education goals, outdoor goals, etc. - write those down, remember them for the rest of the summer, and do try to have them accomplished when summer comes to a close.
Some of my goals this summer are:
1)To be more adventurous and go do things I haven’t done, like checking out deerfield trail.
2)Explore more places around the country and the world. It's okay to venture out of Blacksburg every now and then.
3)Make sure to do at least an hour or more of exercise each day
4)Try different recipes and cook a new dish every 3 days. I can get local ingredients fresh from the farmers market.
5)Read more for fun and maybe even learn a new language
6)Finally, my main goal and most important one for this summer is something everyone should have on their list: relax and HAVE FUN!!!
I leave you with one final question, what will be your big summer 2021 goal?!
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>I just wanted to pop in and say congratulations to all of the seniors graduating this year.
Although this year might not have gone as imagined, know that your hard work has paid off! You have achieved so much and are working your way up towards success. Whether you are graduating from Virginia Tech, VCOM or another local program we hope you had the best time with us here in Blacksburg!
I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of you successful Hokies!
'Til next time
Xoxo, Dottie.
]]>The semester is almost over! Crazy, right? I can't believe it. As the semester nears an end, you may be feeling overwhelmed with upcoming final exams and assignments. Don't fret, I am here to help! Here is what gets me through finals:
- Get moving
Take breaks to go for a walk at Heritage Park or do yoga at In Balance!
- Nourish yourself
Treat yourself right and enjoy nutritious meals and snacks to keep you going! Head to Tea & Jam Cafe for a buddha bowl and a smoothie or grab an iced latte from Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea.
- Rest up
Sleep is so important to keep you on your A game.
- Make a checklist
Prioritize what needs to get done first and cross out assignments as you complete them.
- Study in ways that work best for you
Whether that be making flashcards, re-reading the chapters, or having your classmates quiz you, do what you know works for you!
You've got this, Hokies!
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>Hiya Hokies! Dottie here.
Happy Earth Day! What a wonderful day to celebrate the beautiful place we get to live on.
Local winery/brewery Beliveau Farm is hosting their first annual Earth Day Weekend Celebration! From 12 pm to 6 pm April 24 and April 25, there will be informational displays and guided discussions. This is the place to be!
Vendors such as Baseline Solar, The American Chestnut Association, The VT Entomology Department, and local ancient grain (GF) Brewer John Hildreth will be there, so you won't want to miss out.
Yvan and Joyce, the owners of Beliveau Farm, will be hosting discussions on their solar panels and lavender farm. There will also be a hike as well as a wine tasting for $30 a person.
All ages are welcome! Reservations are necessary, so call 540-961-0505 to reserve your spot!
If you're anything like me, you have been LOVING this beautiful spring weather. When it gets warmer outside however, I struggle to find what recipes sound good to try. I've done my research and will link my favorite recipes below!
The longer it sits in the fridge, the better it tastes! That's why I love making extra of this dish- leftovers for days!
Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Stuff whatever veggies you have inside and you have a lovely meal ready for you in a very short amount of time!
Pair this with a side of fruit and some chips and you have yourself the perfect packed lunch!
Hopefully these recipes get you to start dreaming of some yummy spring dishes.
Talk to you soon!
Xoxo, Dottie
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Happy National Beer Day! We are so lucky to live in an area that has so many great Breweries. Here are some of my favorite local spots!
Go for brunch! They have breakfast pies, cinnamon rolls, french toast, fruit bowls and other delicious options to pair with your brew.
While they do not have their own food, they team up with local food trucks to provide tasty meals to compliment their drinks. The Cabo Fish Taco Truck will be there Friday and Saturday. Sunday they will host Big Lick Ice Cream! You don't want to miss it.
They host Virginia's only gluten-free brewery from ancient grains! Some of their recent brews featured Maple Ale and Oatmeal Stout.
Which one will you be going to??
Xoxo, Dottie.
]]>As you may know, April Fools is a day full of pulling pranks and telling jokes to get a laugh out of people. This year however, people may be more sensitive than normal due to the pandemic. Instead of focusing on pranks, take this day to show random acts of kindness! This can really go a long way. Here are some ideas:
- Compliment someone
Whether this be someone you know or a stranger, say something nice!
- Make little gifts to give out
You could focus on an Easter themed basket full of chocolate and Easter eggs! Give them to family members in the mail or give them to your neighbors.
- Say “thank you”
While you are out running errands, be sure to say thank you to the workers!
- Send someone a photo that you like of them
Go through your camera roll and find a picture you enjoy of a loved one. It will be sure to send a smile to their face
- Call a loved one
Calling can be more personal than texting. Try to FaceTime to see their face!
- Pay for the person behind you in the drive thru lane
You may even start a pay-it-forward chain!
- Pick up trash
While walking, bring a trash bag and gloves with you and pick up any litter that you see.
- Help out around the house
Ask what needs to be done and do your part to help out!
- Thank a professor
Take the time to let your professor know that you appreciate their efforts this semester!
And lastly, always remember to be kind to yourself as well!
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>The weather has been gorgeous recently! Now is the BEST time to get outside and explore. Here a few things on my bucket list for this season in Blacksburg:
Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech
The garden spreads over six acres of land! The landscape is beautiful featuring decks, bridges, and walls constructed by the Landscape Construction Classes. The garden is full of plants from around the world.
Bring your family, friends, and even pets to Rising Silo! Live music happens every weekend. Enjoy local brews and a farm-to-table menu from the restaurant.
Coal Mining Heritage Park
The trail was built in 2010 to honor the history of the local coal mining between Blacksburg and Christiansburg. The trail intersects with the Huckleberry Trail, so you are in for a nice long walk or bike ride!
Enjoy the weather by hitting balls at the driving range or playing mini golf! There are also batting cages open for those who aren’t the greatest at golf.
Get outside and smell the roses!
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>I love any reason to get festive, so I am over the moon that it is St. Patrick’s Day! Living in Blacksburg, we are so lucky to have so many tasty options available for dining.
If you’re feeling Thai for dinner, be sure to check out Café de Bangkok. They are having Saint Patrick’s Day drink specials available until March 20th. Try the Key Lime Pie or Gin Mint Julep Shooter for $4 or the Green Whiskey Bucket for $10!
In the mood for American food? Head on over to The Black Hen and Bar Blue for dinner! From 5 pm until 8 pm they are having a special menu offering unique dishes. Try out the the Luck of the Irish, which features pub pretzels, bangers, pub cheese, soda bread, Guinness mustard, and pickled stuff. You can also never go wrong with an order of Fish and Chips or a Pastrami Sammy.
Feel like staying in? Try ordering online from Souper Hero, the “ghost kitchen” that was started during the pandemic. The Irish Stew and the Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup are just a few of the great menu options available.
To be even more festive for this special day, order a draft beer from The Coop. From 5 pm until 12 am, all draft beers will be green and will be offered for $1 off!
If you’re stopping for dessert after dinner, definitely step into Sugar Magnolia. They have delicious sweet treats like ice cream and truffles. Sugar Magnolia also offers retail options, so head on over to the Nora Fleming section to grab a St. Patrick’s Day mini for extra good luck!
There are many great options to choose from in Blacksburg, so however you end up spending the day, enjoy it! It will be great! #Blacksburghasit
Stay lucky.
Xoxo, Dottie.
]]>Spring is right around the corner! We have been so lucky to get a sneak peek of the beautiful Blacksburg weather recently. I have spent a lot of time walking the Huckleberry Trail and sitting by the Duck Pond, basking in the glorious sun.
March 14th will begin the Daylight Savings Time change. Get ready to move your clocks forward one hour! While yes, we are going to miss out on 60 minutes of sleep, the good news is that we will get to enjoy longer days!
With longer days ahead, what are you going to do with your extra time? Get a jump start on spring cleaning? Grab fresh fruit and vegetables from the Blacksburg Farmers Market? Grab a smoothie from Tropical Smoothie or a salad from Roots Natural Kitchen? Hike the Huckleberry Trail? The options are endless! Blacksburg is full of entertaining opportunities, so you really can't go wrong. #Blacksburghasit
Have fun brainstorming!
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>As you may know, March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD). IWD was first celebrated in 1911 with a supporting group of a million people. This day has continued for over a century and serves as a celebration of the achievements of women across the globe. IWD is supported by many individuals, community groups, professional organizations, charities, non-profits, media, and more.
This year’s theme follows the hashtag #ChooseToChallenge. This campaign is asking individuals to challenge gender inequality and to celebrate women, in hopes of creating a more inclusive world. To show support, people are submitting photographs holding up the #ChooseToChallenge hand pose and sharing the posts to various social media platforms. Anyone is able to participate, regardless of gender identity. This is a great way for communities and organizations to show support. People are also showing support by embracing the IWD colors of purple, green, and white. There are also many virtual events being held all across the world. For more information about IWD and how you can get involved, click here.
IWD is a day for celebration, inspiration, and change. No matter how big or small your contribution to this day is, every little action counts in making the world a more equal place.
Peace and love <3
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>Dottie again. Tomorrow is National Skip the Straw Day! I always try to be as environmental friendly as I can, but I am always looking for new ways to help the environment. Here are some things you can do to start living more eco-friendly:
- Use reusable straws
My favorite are metal and bamboo. Skip the plastic straw and use your own!
- Turn off the lights when not in use
You will get the added bonus of a lower energy bill.
- Opt to walk when you can
This will also save you on gas money!
- Use reusable grocery bags
Eats Natural Foods on N Main St has a variety of reusable grocery bags. They even have other reusable products like straws and food wrap made from bees wax!
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>I hope you have been enjoying all of this snow! Next Thursday is one of the Virginia Tech Spring Break days. It can be hard to decide what to do on a day off, so I am here to help. Take this day as a mental health day, you deserve time to rest and enjoy yourself! Here is what I am going to do on my day off:
- Make a delicious breakfast
I know when I’m super busy I sometimes skip breakfast or just throw together whatever I can in a pinch. Take the extra time in the morning to make a tasty breakfast that you will enjoy!
- Get your body moving
Opt for your favorite exercise! Whether this be yoga, dance workout videos, HIIT workouts, or going for a run, do something active! You will feel great after.
- Catch up with loved ones
Now that you have a little free time, catch up with those you have not had the time to talk with recently!
- Put on your favorite movie or show and relax
Make some popcorn and have a bowl of ice cream while watching your favorite thing on TV.
We are often so busy we do not spend the time on ourselves, but please take this day to treat yourself!
‘Til next time
Xoxo, Dottie
]]>Dottie here. Valentines Day is the perfect occasion for a picnic! Whether it is you and a loved one, you and a friend, or you and a fury friend, you deserve to enjoy a picnic! Here are some of my favorite treats to make the perfect picnic:
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Decorate them with some pink and red sprinkles and pink colored chocolate!
Reuse the same chocolate from the strawberries and use it on pretzels for a delicious treat!
Add your favorite jam to a sandwich with mascarpone or make a classic PBJ!
You can never go wrong with red velvet!
Looking to add something a little healthier? Opt for fruit skewers with your favorite fruit shaped into a heart! My favorite fruits are raspberries and strawberries.
Something fruity to wash everything down!
xoxo, Dottie
]]>I was so excited to see all of the white outside of my windows. I haven't seen this much snow in so long, I almost forgot what to do with it! Never fret, here are some of my favorite things to enjoy on a snow day.
- Snow angels
Bundle up first! See what beautiful - or not so beautiful - design you can create.
- Snowball fights
Were you apart of the cadet vs student snowball fight on the Drillfield? Start training now because it can get intense!
- Sledding
Students have recently found out that laundry baskets and recycling bins work semi-well as a substitute for sleds!
- Shoveling the driveway
Shovel your own driveway or offer to shovel your neighbors! Great deeds can go a long way.
- Building a snowman
Don't forget the carrot nose! Build a snowman... or a snow Hokie :-)
- Building an igloo
End the snow day right by enjoying a nice hot cup of hot cocoa in your new place!
'Til the next snow day!
xoxo, Dottie
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It’s me, Dottie. I don’t know about you, but lately it seems like I just stare at my computer screen all day long! Working from home, I find that it can be tough to get in my steps throughout the day. Let’s try to get more active! Here are some tips to help you reach your step goals:
- Water Break
Keep a small glass of water next to you. Each time you finish the glass, go to the kitchen to refill it. Since the glass is small, you are likely to get up multiple times to refill it, adding to your step count!
- Take the Stairs
Stop taking the elevator! Whenever you see stairs- take them! It’s an easy way to get in extra steps throughout the day.
- Walk While Talking
If you have phone calls to take, walk while you are on them (if possible). Just don’t get out of breath or be too far away from a note pad!
- Brush Your Teeth Around the House
This may sound odd, but walking around while you brush your teeth can be a great way to add steps to your count! You would be surprised how many steps you can add from this.
- At Home Workouts
Stream a YouTube workout! There are plenty of options online. My favorite are the dancing workout videos- fun music and a great workout!
Following these tricks, you will be well on your way to hitting your step goals for the day.
Keep on steppin’!
xoxo, Dottie
]]>Welcome back! I hope you are as excited as me to be back on campus for the spring semester! As happy as I am to be back, I know it can get overwhelming to work on online classes. I am here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to use when navigating through online courses.
- Act as if it were a real course
While it may be tempting to attend the Zoom meetings from the comfort of your bed, this can cause you to not pay as close attention to the material. Pick a nice spot in your office or at your desk and present yourself as you would in person.
- Get those time-management skills in order
It can be hard to figure out exactly what to do for each class and things can pile up very quickly. To stay in control of your tasks, plan out each class in a calendar using different colored pens for different classes. Cross items out as you complete them!
- Put the phone down!
Having your phone beside you can be very tempting! Instead of having your phone next to you where you could be tempted to check notifications or scroll through social media, hide it in another room! By having your phone in the next room, you will be more likely to focus on your class and less likely to get distracted.
As always, make sure to stay happy! Times are different because of the pandemic, however we are getting through it one day at a time.
Xoxo
-Dottie
]]>1) Write Your Goals Down
According to a study from the Dominican University in California, people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. That's powerful! It is believed that the act of writing your goals makes them "more real", and places them at the forefront of your attention, rather than swimming around in your subconscious.
2) Set Short-Term Goals to Compliment Long-Term Goals
Instead of saying, "I will do [x]" this year, a more effective strategy may be to break down your year-long goal into shorter, more iterative goals. For example, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds in a year, you could divide 30 by 12, which gives you 2.5. Now you have a goal each month, enabling you to stay on target in achieving your long-term goal.
3) Set SMART Goals
Goals need to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. This popular method of goal-setting has withstood the test of time, and for good reason.
Setting vague goals is setting yourself up for failure. When a goal is specific and well-articulated, the requirements for success and failure are clear. This allows the goal to be more easily measured, which tells you how close you are to achieving it.
If you experience too much failure and not enough success, your motivation will quickly run out, and you will lose interest in attaining your goal, which is why it must be achievable. This is also the case if your goal is irrelevant to you. If you are a bicyclist looking to improve your stamina, for example, your goal should not be to increase your free throw percentage in basketball.
4) Check In Regularly
In order to attain a goal over the course of a year, it is imperative to check in on a regular basis. This could be each day, each week, or even each month. The important thing is having a routine and sticking to it. This will help keep you accountable and informed about where you are in relation to your goal.
5) Tell Your Friends and Family
By verbalizing your intentions and goals to a person you trust, you create yet another source of accountability. It's often much easier to do something for someone else than ourselves (oddly enough).
This technique also allows someone to join alongside you in reaching a particular goal, in which you can help hold them accountable. It's a win-win!
I hope you enjoyed these tips and they prove to be useful for you this year. Have a great 2021, and I'll see you all next week!
-Dottie
]]>Christmas is tomorrow, which can only mean one thing- Santa is on his way. Here are a few ways you can prepare for Old Saint Nick.
1) Clear obstructions from the fireplace and living room
As many of you know, Santa is quite the physical specimen. Height estimates range from 5'7" to 6'6", but his round figure remains constant across the board. In order for Santa Clause to maneuver efficiently throughout the living room, he needs some space to operate. Removing logs, toys, and pets from the living room can go a long way in delivery speed and safety.
2) Provide treats and water for reindeer
Unfortunately, reindeer are often overlooked in the present-delivery process. Recent studies have shown flying requires up to 6 times more calories than walking. We can help with this by placing water and treats such as carrots, lettuce, and celery around the outside of our homes.
3) Keep the cookies warm, if possible
Santa has a long night ahead of him, so this tip is crucial. Warm food has been shown to digest more easily, which decreases the chances for Santa getting stomach cramps while delivering presents. This helps ensure a safe, efficient journey.
We hope you have a fantastic holiday season!
-Dottie and the GDA staff
]]>The holidays are just around the corner, so it is time to start dreaming up ideas of what to give to loved ones! 2020 was a hard year for many, no doubt. Take this opportunity to make the lives of loved ones a little brighter by choosing the right gift to give! Here is a list to get you started:
- Mask Bag
To keep your mask clean and handy.
To make working from home a little comfier!
To make breakfast a little more fun in the mornings.
For all of your quarantine baking needs! Did someone say banana bread?
- Spa Set
To pamper yourself after a long day's work!
For those who are tech savvy.
- Hammock
Whether you're out adventuring the trails or relaxing in your backyard!
- Beanie
To keep you warm - and stylish!
To support your favorite school! Go Hokies!
I hope this list gives you some good ideas of how to give back to your loved ones this holiday season.
xoxo, Dottie
]]>Everyone knows how good the food is on Thanksgiving. My favorite dish has to be either the stuffing or the mashed potatoes, but it is hard to choose just one! What I love about Thanksgiving is that we always make more than enough so that we have plenty of leftovers in the fridge. I have learned to get pretty creative in the kitchen to make the leftovers even better. Here are some ways you can reuse your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Get ready for some tasty creations!
xoxo, Dottie
]]>Thanksgiving is just one short week away! As expected, the holidays are going to look a little differently this year due to the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted a few ways to stay safe while enjoying yourself this Thanksgiving. By following these recommendations, you can be on your way to a joyful and safe night with your loved ones.
For those attending a gathering
For those hosting a gathering
Happy Holidays!
xoxo, Dottie
]]>With the last hoorah of warm weather before it starts to get cold, now is the time to get outside! The leaves have changed colors and autumn is coming at us full force. Here are some of my favorite things to do in the Fall!
Rising Silo Brewery
Blacksburg Farmer's Market
Huckleberry Trail
Coal Mining Heritage Park
Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!
xoxo, Dottie
]]>With the weather being so crisp, you are going to need something to keep you warm! Fall flavors are full of spices that are nice and cozy. Here are some drink recipes to try out that you can drink while curling up under a blanket!
- Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
These drinks are the best for this season!
Stay cozy,
xoxo Dottie
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Halloween serves as the perfect opportunity for you to get creative with pumpkin carving! If you're not sure what you would like to carve, look no further! Dottie has you covered. Here is a list of pumpkin carving inspiration to get you encouraged.
- Ghost
- Boo!
- Nerd
- Cat
- Good Old Fashioned Jack-O-Lantern
Hopefully this list gets you inspired!
Stay spooky!
xoxo, Dottie
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