 Hey Valentine!
Sugar is sweet. Lemons are tart. I love you more than a unicorn fart.  (The Vatican City at the Heart of Rome) You are still allowed to dream about your next magical destination...
I was sitting at the bar in my kitchen today, (honestly texting) and had this odd feeling someone was looking at me....  I store my kale in a vase to keep it green longer, don't you?  I looked up and spotted this wee little Lady Bug on my Kale. Its cold here so I thought poor baby must be dead. But I gently picked it off the kale and found it to be very much alive.  His name is Barney and he now lives in the Avocado Jungle (aka my den) lol Stay tuned for more of Barney's adventures lol.
Hi Travel Family!
Yesterday's post was about a movie we watched and since then people have been emailing me asking where they can find it. Amazon! Of course!
Note: That is an affiliate link, which I make (maybe) a few pennies off. BUT that has nothing to do with my movie review. Read my review here if you missed it. If you enjoy off beat science fiction why not give it a try?
We were too busy today for movies, lol. 
The weather is crisp, but nice (read no snow/ice/rain/blizzards) so I'm doing a few DYI projects, I hope to post about tomorrow.
Speak soon!
 (2017) Kyle Gallner and Azura Skye in Alien Code Hello Travel Family!
How are things? This was not a travel week for me, sadly. :( I had company over and we were looking for a movie to watch... Note: We were not BFFs so the list from the 39 Movies was not going to cut it. He suggested Alien Code. A 2017 low budegt release that neither of us had seen, but had heard good things about. The whole idea of aliens, time travel and how we would fair isn't new, but this movies take on it was novel enough to keep you watching. The flim was actually quite good. The selling poit was the acting. The leads were very talented and way above par for a low budget movie. At time it had that kinda campy feel to it, but the actors made you quickly forget that. If you are looking for a good scifi flim no one has seen, check it out. Speak soon~  Yes, it's VEGAN leather! Hi there lovely reader, How are you? Are you as excited about winter travel as I am? Probably or you wouldn't be here. Until I can hop on the next train, plane or boat I'm at home working away to pay for all those upcoming adventures. So being I haven't done one of these "whats in my bag" posts in a long time I thought I would overshare with you today. (I did a What's in "My Shopping Bag" in 2016. If you want to go back down memory lane.) I actually changed out my trusty black bag for a more "fall vibe" this week. What do you think? It's a vegan leather bag from Vince Camuto I received from FFF. (I think it was in the autumn box, which I don't think I've even reviewed yet? ) Opps! I really like this vegan leather bag. I find it roomy, without being bulky. One downside is that it doesn't have a snap. A snap would make it perfect.   Pretty. no?  See? It needs a snap.  So how much stuff do you pack into your work bag? I usually have files or notes, depending on what meeting I'm going to or what I'm doing that day. Other than that I try to keep my load to a minimum.  So of course I have my Mac and art supplies....  But also a lot more...  I carry cords, a charger and ear buds. You probably do the same.  Plus external hard drive, a hair clip, pens, lipstick, lip balm, a mala and a tigers eye bracelet. The jewelry is for when I need to look more put together. They match most of what I wear day-to-day and can dress up my outfit if I suddenly have a meeting that requires me to look more professional. Same goes for the lipstick. The jewelry is from www.Serenityreikiclinic.com as are the small bags. I use them to corral the small items.  I also carry a sketchpad and copic pens and assorted pencils.  So I can make art anytime!  Everyone usually asks about the earbuds...  Wireless is soooo nice! So thats currently all that's in my work bag. Half the time I don't even bother with carrying a purse. I just add my wallet and keys to this bag and off I go.
So tell me, what 'must have' essential am I missing? Or what is the one thing you can't live without in your bag? I'd love to here. Until then~  More book reviews! How are things? I'm catching up on my book reviews today, both here and at Goodreads. According to the site I've only had time to review nine books this year. Of those some were really amazing...while a few let me down. (See below for one that really sucked ass.)  These are the three I'm reviewing today. Guess which one sucked? Two of the books I recently read were written by Kim Newman and one is a "collection". One of the Newman books is part of the Anno Dracula series, (which I love! ) You can find my review of book two of the series here and book one here. While reading the first book I knew I wanted to read the entire series, so I've been collecting them.  (Book two and three.)  I was very much looking forward to book three. This one takes place in Rome in the late 1950's.  This book is number three in the Anno Dracula series. Judgment of Tears by Kim Newman This book was also released as Dracula Cha Cha Cha in the UK. I started reading this series and was immediately hooked. I really enjoy the authors witty style of including historical and fictional era characters in the story along with a good mystery and lots of twisty plot turns. It's not your typical Dracula saga at all and if you are a Twilight fan - you will hate this.
 Yes, that's a James Bond spoiler!  The next book I dived into was Angels of Music also by Kim Newman. This one is not part of the Dracula series.  (List of the Angels) Angels of Music by Kim Newman I read this book because I'm touring Mr. Newman's catalogue, lol. This isn't part of the Anno Dracula series, but familiar characters do pop up. The book is a collection of stories set around the Phantom of the Opera and the women (Angels) he employees as spies, assassins and general heroes. Most of the cases are of course, paranormal or have a paranormal twist.
 This was one of the more gruesome tales.  Now on to the 3rd book - 'Haunted Trails' which is so misleading.  This Introduction doesn't match the book. UGH! File this one under NO, Just NO! This book wasn't what I thought it was, I thought it would be actual stories of camping, hiking, outdoor adventures with the paranormal or at least “urban legends” type stories. It was more like a middle school collection of short, classic (read old), ghost stories, mostly taking place in the UK. So if you are not familiar with the horror of overgrown hedges or abandoned manor houses it won’t really scare you. Some of the stores were well written, but not any more frightening than normal ghost stories you would tell around the camp fire. I’m donating the book to a school library.  Famous authors, short tales.
But fortunately look what just came in the post today!  More reviews soon!  Everyone should experience Mardi Gras at least once in NOLA. #TrueFact (And if you like it then over and over.) I didn't go this year nor the year before. My friends from New Orleans usually come to visit me. Because to be honest most of the locals leave the French Quarter during Mardi Gras and let the tourist run wild. And wild it becomes...  But it all depends on what Krewe you follow and what type of experience you are after. There are parades, parties, formal masked balls, etc. Not just drunks puking in the streets. I prefer now to only celebrate Halloween in NOLA or go for Jazz Fest. I'm thinking about a trip in early December, which is a lovely time to go as well. I went in 2013 and was ill, so it wasn't that much fun. #FML :( But if you can't go to NOLA, bring it to you! I don't decorate for Valentines Day - instead we pull out the creepy dolls and crazy stuff I have bought over the years in NOLA.  Some of the dolls and feather boas, candles, and of course beads I've collected over the years.  I also have posters, Krewe tokens and lots of other stuff, lol.  What do you think? Festive or creepy?  They will only stay out for a week or so, lol- cause they don't really go with my decor either. Decorating aside, I really want to spend one Carnival in Venice. Can you imagine?  Oh how cool would that be?  #OMG!  Happy Fat Tuesday, where ever in the world you are!
I went through a pile of books inJanuary...too cold to do much outside and all, lol
Here are the ones I have managed to rate so far - I have also included the "3 Word Rating" system...if you don't have time to read my full review. Generally if I don't like a book I stop reading it and do not review it...as I figure it is a waste of my time. So usually any book I take the time to review I at least mildly like or can find some virtue in. As you can see by my past reading posts here and here - I have eclectic taste in reading material. If you click the image of the books you will go directly to Amazon and can grab them at a good price, used or otherwise. This is an affiliate link. I have four more books I still need to write a review on so hopefully there will be a part three before March, lol. Of all the books I've read lately I really enjoyed Anno-Dracula. It could be because I just came off a week long binge of watching Black Butler and was already in a dark and depraved Victorian mindset, IDK. But it really is a witty, well written book, complete with Mrs, Stoker, Professor Moriarty, Inspector Lestrade and other notable characters. 
 
Anno Dracula
3 Word Reivew: "I LOVED IT" Two pages in and I'm looking for more in the series! This was witty, well written and an all around brilliant read. I loved all the classic characters and events woven in an alternative Victorian London ruled by Dracula. I played "spot the vampire" and other famous people in this gritty alternative reality. I found quite a few and was surprised at the ones I missed- check Wiki to see if you can recognize all of the classics woven into the plot. Warning: if you are a lover of the "Twilight Saga" this isn't for you. This is gritty, ugly, vampires and other beings behaving badly, chewing up Victorian London in a deep fog and not a single one is sparkly. Looking forward to reading the next in this series. When I'm not reading about vampires in Victorain London I like to read about Ancient Ruins in the Southwest, lol  
Ancient Ruins of the Southwest
3 Word Rating: I Need THIS This is a welcome guide for every traveler when they are exploring the southwest, so glad I found it. In this book there is a clear descriptions of each site, time-saving tips for the traveler, nearby towns and other helpful information. Filled with photos of ruins, petroglyphs, artifacts, and maps, this easy to follow book will enhance your trip to the areas listed. Use this book to plan your visit and make the most of each trip. #Win Overall great guide to archaeological ruins of the American Southwest. Can't wait to start exploring some of the sites listed in this book! I also happened on a good book on modern astrology...  
True as the Stars Above
3 Word Rating: Well Written Book Well, actually I had to search this book down, as I understand it is out of print now. It was the worth the effort! I enjoyed the writing style and loved the book is full of information. It's a witty and a well researched look at astrology in modern times. The author shares information and answers questions about astrology you might have. Believe in it or not, you will learn more about this art and the also some of the famous people who swear by it. Glad to have this book in my collection. What are you currently reading? Catch you later! |
Author Welcome to my (I'm excited to travel again) blog, my healthy Vegan lifestyle blog and my life! It's a lot, but it's my passions and I just love to write about it. Here I share tips, stories and photos from my adventures and life. This is the place where people can find daily inspiration to travel and motivation to live healthier lives and laugh a bit too! 
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