Want a Better Vacation? Consider a Digital Detox

In the digital age, many of us feel like we couldn't possibly go anywhere without our devices. And if we can't leave home without our electronics, we might not even consider going on a vacation sans smartphone. But if you can embrace the idea of a getaway without texting and social media scrolling, it might do you a world of good. You might get vacation envy every time you look at your Instagram feed. Around 23% of Millennials say that social media significantly influences their choice of travel destination, after all. And now, there are even vacation packages that cater to those who really want to impress with their posts. Cheap Caribbean recently launched a three-night trip to Bermuda that offers personal photo shoots and social media tutorials to travelers who specifically want to … [Read more...]

Twenty Years

You know when you meet someone and just know that you two are meant to be?  That it is love at first sight? This is not that. When these two twenty-somethings met on May 2, 1998. TWENTY YEARS AGO today *insert "land sakes" or a "gracious me" in there* It was a not a storybook romance.  There was no meet cute. Just an "Oh, it's you." at the start of our blind date.  I might have hissed at my friend that I could not see spending a whole evening in my cute LBD with this guy as my date.  He may have insulted me because my attitude wasn't sweet but came with a bite. Sigma Kappa Spring Formal, May 2, 1998 Fast forward through that lovely movie montage of us getting married in Vegas, making a few moves around the country as we get a dog, have three kids, realize we need marriage … [Read more...]

Poor Dental Habits Are Causing Health Issues

Dental health is something people often don't take as seriously as they should. And recent reports, including Australia's Oral Health Tracker, find that people aren't taking care of their teeth. According to Australia's Oral Health Tracker, half of adults don't brush their teeth twice a day. And those who do brush their teeth don't brush them nearly long enough. This is a problem worldwide and more dentists are seeing tooth decay in their patients. Poor dental hygiene is a serious problem because dental health has a direct impact on the rest of the body's health. Dental health issues can lead to more serious health concerns down the line if they're not addressed early on. And because not everybody goes to the dentist on a regular basis, dental problems can go undetected until it's … [Read more...]

Living with Lyme Disease

As we move into the new year, let's get one thing straight. I'm living with Lyme Disease. There I said it. I'm opening up about it more as we move into 2018. Living with Lyme disease means something different for everyone but for me, it means making this year the year of healing. It means a lot of guest posting on here too.  Lol.  Because truthfully since I was diagnosed for the second time in May, my life began to unravel.  I didn't take the time to heal like I did last summer (where I really believe I conquered it) when I got bit the first time.  I didn't rest like before. I kept pushing my mind and my body.  All summer I went full force.  Fall rolled around I continued to do the same creating a schedule that would double my work hours.   And I crashed.  Hard. I thought I was … [Read more...]

Festive Drinks for a Christmas Party from around the World

Christmas is almost around the corner, and if you simply can’t wait to take part in all those incredible parties and family gatherings – welcome to the club! Apart from giving and receiving a bunch of wonderful gifts and eating some delicious homemade meals, there’s one more thing that’s typical of the holiday season– tasty drinks that can instantly put you into a festive mood. Here are three of them that are adored all around the globe, so check them out and have at least one of them this Christmas! The delicious Italian Bombardino If you ask the Italians, a warming glass of Bombardino is at the top of the must-drink list when it comes to the holiday season, which makes this tasty drink the most popular one in this part of Europe. Basically, it’s a combo of brandy and the egg-based … [Read more...]

10 Fun and Simple DIY Travel Projects

*This is a guest post. Affiliate links are used and compensation is received from these links.   Travelling is all about fun and entertainment. You travel so that you can enjoy the beauty of the world and the scenery and nature earth provides us. There are two types of traveling. In the first type, you travel to the latest and up to date urban areas and in the other type you move towards places having more nature. Traveling depends upon your sole character and what you like. Source: Leio Mclaren, Unsplash.com But another thing that provides fun is the DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. In the DIY project, you make some innovating stuff by yourself. DIY projects are even very joyful when linked with travel. There are ten simple projects to be known. 1- Start an adventure … [Read more...]

5 Ways to Feel Good this Holiday Season

I'm just going to say it, the holiday season is upon us!  Let's not fuss and gripe about it being earlier and earlier each year. Instead, focus on the good and all the ways we can feel good this holiday season. Source: Alisa Anton, Unsplash.com You may have noticed that things have changed around here.  Less is more? I'm not sure when it comes to blogging but I do know that serious health issues have made it impossible for me to work and the guest posts have really racked up around here.  That's fine.  While I continue to heal and still figure out what exactly has me in full body pain and fatigue daily, I'm happy to let others share their voice. Share.  That's a great way to feel good.  Share your love. Share your blessings. Share your home and whatever you have.  I love to share my … [Read more...]

TRY SHORTER, INTENSE WORKOUTS = GREAT RESULTS

Who wants spend hours in a gym in the summer?  Not me! I like to get up, get a workout in and go! That's why I asked nutritionist and personal trainer, Sloane Davis to share her short and effective workouts which will give you more time to relax and enjoy summer. Sloane is a mother of two and her story goes a little something like this- Throughout her 30’s and 40's she starved herself so that the scale read a certain number. Hungry, unhappy and deprived, in her 40’s she decided to end the obsession with food, intense cardio and on transition her mind and body – and did it work! See her profile in PEOPLE.com and RECENT TV http://pancakesandpush-ups.com/. Straight from Sloane Herself I'm not a fan of spending hours in the gym especially when it is summertime.  I have other things I … [Read more...]

City Mouse by Stacey Lender

Summer is almost here.  Are you looking for a new book to devour by the pool, on the beach or by the lake?  No matter what your summer destination is or isn't this year Stacey Lender's debut novel, CITY MOUSE is a guilty pleasure read with depth and heart that is sure to spark conversation and is perfect for summer reading.  Why? City Mouse Offers Vulnerability, Wit & Laughs The hook is all in the question that every one of us has often asked ourselves.  Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence?  This is exactly what happens to the main character, Jessica, as she and her husband and two little kids find themselves getting squeezed out of their NYC space that they are renting.  Unable to find what they want or can afford in the city they realize they might … [Read more...]

3 Things You Might Not Know About Me

Last year I did a blog post titled, '10 Things You Might Not Know About Me'. It was a hit.  I was surprised.  After doing this for so long in this space I didn't think that could even be possible.  But today, I bring you three more things you might not know about me.  I'm an only child. I used to play board games by myself as a kid and I have no idea how to play most card games.  I also talk to myself a lot at home, in the car or out in public.  People at Target look at me strange all the time.  That's fine. (See #22) I could eat popcorn every day. All day. There is never a time that I don't want popcorn. Movie theater is best, but I'll pop some at home.  I'll eat it out of a bag, box or in many flavors.  My kids call me the 'Popcorn Monster' and I totally own that title. … [Read more...]