I was supplied  products for this post by Mapiful. While this is a sponsored post, all content and opinions expressed here are my own

When I chose to move to a small town, I never thought life would change so drastically for me.  Born and raised in Newark, NJ, I was privy to much excitement with things to do, places to go and people to see.   On a given whim, I was being able to hop over to NYC catch a theatre show, late night jazz spot or maybe dinner at some swanky restaurant.  I lived a wonderful life and had many friends and family there so deciding to make the big move was extremely a tough decision.  You can read more about my visits home here.   I was nervous, worried and a bit depressed because I didn’t know anyone living in South Carolina, let alone Whitmire, except for my husband’s grandmother and a couple of his cousins, but once I moved and got settled I met some wonderful people.  I remember a cousin of mine said to me… “Kim girlllll – you’re going to move down there and put Whitmire on the map!!”  We laughed and joke at that comment – but who knew that it would come to fruition – lol.  Remembering the first big event I hosted here was our family reunion.  I was truly happy with the turnout and the fun we had (this picture made the front page of our town newspaper 🙂 – how about that!)

After I began to mix, mingle and meet people I became well acclimated and completely adjusted to small town living.  After serving a few years on the town’s Economic Development Board, I later  was elected to become the president and spear-headed the i2i Yardsale which you’ve heard me talk about.  This was the promotional video we created for last year’s event.

I also wrote a grant to host the town’s first book signing event of a national best-selling author, Benilde Little.

In addition to all of this, I started my blog and was featured in Flea Market Decor magazine, Curated Quarters and Apartment Therapy

Over the years, I’ve found homes for some of my family members who have moved here and are moving here and I’m completely excited about that.  So here it is, 17 years later and I’m reflecting back how wonderful life has been in the town I dub as a bedroom community, Whitmire SC.

Let me give you a bit of information about Whitmire.  It’s a town in Newberry County, South Carolina, that runs along the Enoree River and nestled in the the Sumter National Forest.  The population is approximately 1500 with homes valuing between $50-100k.  I know, small right?  It’s a place where you won’t find new developments, shopping malls, heavy traffic, and busy streets.  But it’s centrally located to all the big cities of Columbia, Greenville & Spartanburg and if you spare a few more minutes you can get to Charlotte in an hour.   But you will find a town of friendly folks, small businesses, and quietness.  It’s where hunters come during hunting season, folks who love river rafting come in the Summer and camping out is all year long.   Every now and then, you’ll find a yardsale or 2 pop-up as you come through.  Most of the time when I mention Whitmire, the usual answer is – yea I’ve passed through there – and there’s nothing there.  I shake my head and say “well, next time stop and see”,  because to me, that nothingness is the beauty.   It’s a town where you can kick off your shoes, lay back, chill and relax and not have to worry about horns blowing, heavy car traffic, and noise pollution.

It’s a town of old mill homes, cottages and plantation homes, and people are {slowly} lovingly rehabbing them.  Let’s face it, everyone can’t or chose not to live in newly developments, so there are towns like Whitmire that you can make yourself at home.

To add to my permanent home journey, I was thrilled when the folks at Mapiful reached out to collaborate with me to express my story.  Since I’ve had my share of putting Whitmire on the map, it was only perfect to have it shown to display.  Ordering the map was pretty simple, you just log onto their site Mapiful, select your destination (it could your hometown, a favorite vacation spot, or any place where you may fantasize about visiting) , select the style, color and order.  Each Mapiful print is unique and can make a great reminder of the moments that mattered most to you.   You can even select a frame and have your map framed and shipped.  To make it even better, they’re having a Mother’s day sale for a Limited offer on site: “GET 50% OFF THE 2ND PRINT!  Isn’t that fantastic!!  You can create a second map for a gift for Mom and one for yourself.

After I received my map, I was so impressed that I’m going to order one for my hometown, Newark, to add to my life’s journey.  Honestly speaking, I would have never thought of having a map in my wall decor, but this really is a great gift idea.  I’m very happy they reached out to me and can’t wait to order the other to showcase in our family room.   Whitmire may be small, but it’s  worth to map about.

I hope you all are staying safe and healthy and as always – Happy hunting as you thrift your house into a home!

CIAO!!!