 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~
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 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!  On 12/22/12 I started this silly little blog. My thought was it would be a good place to store my travel memories and also let my friends view my adventures while traveling. I never thought it would last this long or that I would have so many readers around the world. *feeling all shy and shit now. I'm pleased to report my pictures have gotten better. (Thank God!) And I feel when I do actually write the posts are better. (Maybe not a lot, but it is a work in progress.)  I have shared my wanderlusting adventures from:
The Azores Iceland Italy Scotland England France Spain USA And Mexico, the Caribbean, Switzerland and a few other cool places. Also there have been many reviews, because I do buy a lot of stuff and blurry food pictures, because I also eat a lot, lol. Also some random rants about great deals and stuff that angered me over the years. (Surprisingly you are still reading this!) Thank you for continuing to read these random posts and sending me nice messages. I am grateful for your friendship and encouragement through all this. Here's to another fun and travel filled year ahead! See you at the airport!  This post is about plants, another of my obsessions. Sometime back, (I think it was September??) I went on a plant buying tangent. I love plants, but being I travel so much it's tough to keep them alive. I do have a crew of nice people that help me take care of my house/yard and animals, but.... I love many different types of plants from Orchids to Succulents so it can be a challenge for people to tend each one on it's own schedule. That's why I stopped buying plants and cleared out my greenhouse in Texas. I have had plants on my balcony in Paris, (remember shopping for plants there? Where did I put that post?) And we had way too many plants in England, all of which I left when I moved. So I have held off on buying plants here, but I gave in and started collecting again, lol. #ItsAnIllness I always gravitate towards pretty plants when I'm out shopping, as you can see from my IG posts.  Just say, "no!"  They are so hard to resit! I think it was early September. I bought a set of these plants for my bedroom, but they ended up sticking out from the wall too far and blocking my entrance into the vanity area. So one ended up in the living room. The first thing I do when I add a new plant to my collection is repot it.  I bought pots on sale at Lowe's. They are okay for now.  So anyway remember when I bought these lovely Parlor Palms?  The plants as of today.  Both plants are growing and looking pretty good.  (Spot both plants in this picture?) They take low light well, but cannot tolerate a dry soil. With almost no humidity, (Remember I now live in the desert) and also running the heating, it is very dry inside. I have to mist them daily, to keep them healthy and full. When they do dry out they tend get yellow or brown tips on the leave fronds. So they require a bit of maintenance, but they lend so much color to the house! I'm so glad I was able to get them and keep them alive. I still have minimal furniture in the house so the plants really make it more homey and warm. Meanwhile my veggie crop... I didn't grow all that much this last year. I was so disappointed that the raised beds were doused in Round Up and therefore unusable. The previous tenants didn't plant or want weeds so poison was their answer. Because of this my veggies had to go into pots on the patio.  I also ended up with one more crop of bell peppers this fall.  But when the potatoes were gone, they were gone. They were outside and we had a freak hail storm and they didn't make it.  Big Potato harvest! lol I really didn't raise the potatoes for a "crop" lol. I had a potato sprouting and thought I would just throw it in a flower pot. I chopped it up and planted the pieces. It made a lovely thick plant for my patio.  The other plants including the herbs and baby succulents are wintering well inside.  I grew this Oregano from a seed. This is the Oregano I grew from seed last spring. It needs to be separated and it will probably make enough to share with the neighbors, lol. I love having fresh herbs all year long.  The Avocado is also doing well.  (Today)  I also added more succulents to my collection this past summer.  And these joined the collection in October. #HelpMe  Some didn't make it, but most are thriving. With so many babies I started to get creative. (I also ran out of pots, lol) I planted a small fairy garden with the tiny succulents I rescued from the "dead shelf" of Lowe's. I'm not kidding when I said I was on a buying binge. #Obsession  (Last summer)  (Today) I bought the tiny mushroom houses on Ebay for less than .50 for both, lol. Because the fairy's need houses right? I think it made it look so cute and the plants do seem to be happy. I actually have plants in every room of the house now. But I have slowed down on buying since it is winter. I plan on planting more veggies next spring after I return from Canada. In the meantime I intend to enjoy the plants here.  Catch you later~
These are some of the best travel inspired gifts I've found...for very little $$
It's that time once again...
I don't know about you, but I always try (note I said try) to start my shopping months prior to the holiday season. But it doesn't always work out. Mainly because I am super bad at just giving gifts to people as soon as I see them. Shop in October? Give them gifts in October. #Fail And honestly its like Christmas most days at my house anyway....I see something I like and I buy it. (My shopping philosophy in a nutshell, lol.) So I do try and pick up stuff all year long. But as I said, I buy a gift early and end up giving it early, then I feel weird not giving them ANOTHER gift in December...so its best for me to wait to shop, lol. But when you can find such awesome gifts for under $35USD why not make everyday Christmas, right? lol So here are a few things that I think would make excellent extra gifts for the 'hard to buy for' travelers on your list. These can all be found on Amazon and are affiliate links. But you know, I only share items I personally like with you. So can you get a nice gift for under $35 and still be ethical? Vegan? Is it good Quality? Sure! Take a look~ 
This is something most of us need. AND IT IS VEGAN! So not only will it be stylish, it's also good for our animal friends. And at under $25USD how can you go wrong? I actually have gone through a LOT of jewelry cases, looking for a well made one, one that's not too bulky or too large. This one is quite nice and will keep your gems and jewels organized.
Another thoughtful gift for a hard to buy for person... 
Yoga Mat = Great Gift
This is a really nice yoga mat and perfect for taking on your next trip! Compact, but well made.
They will get years of use and think about you every time they do downward facing dog, WIN! This one is priced at $30.39 (Mine is shipping Monday, lol) 
Unisex, vegan backpack! Its Approx. Dimensions are 32cm L x 34cm H x 15cmD/12.6 x 13.4 x 5.9 inches. It features good quality hardware, making it easy to zip, rust proof, and elegant. While it's not huge, it will hold your 13" Mac Book in style! At only $19.99 you should buy it in multiple colors! It would be great to use for shopping, or while out sightseeing and leave the heavy duty backpack for hiking. I ordered 3 so far as gifts.
You know I have to have a book or journal on my list! 
I really like the concept of combining daily gratitude with a 365 day planner. You can log your travel info and have space to list your adventures and all that you are grateful for each day. In fact having the prompt to write something every day you are grateful for makes for a mindful and satisfying life. I like this planner a lot. (Mainly because I wrote it, lol)
There is room to doodle, write your thoughts and a few mandalas to color. Check it out here: 
Books and maps are always fun gifts for travellers!
This one features a world map and each state in the United States is scratch-able So it's easy to see where you've been and where you need to go next. It's a nice gift for the travel enthusiast or adventurer. This one is larger coming in at 33¼ x 23½ inches and only costs $28.49 Another WIN!
So I hope this gave your some inspiration and ideas for the people on your list. If you take your time and really look there are so many awesome gifts out there! What are the most wanted gifts for your family? I'm working on another list of what I bought my son and Secret Santa at work. And I will be posting pictures of my backpack haul Tuesday-so stay tuned for that. See you at the airport- PS: I do make a (very) small commission off the links. This helps cover the cost of this blog and my travel addiction.  I’ve been so busy working lately I haven’t shared a recipe in forever! This healthy and delicious smoothie will make up for it! *Warning* This tastes more like a decadent dessert than a nutritious way to start the day. The natural sweetness of the orange and carrots are balanced by a trio of complementary spices, while a spoonful of homemade coconut whipped cream serves as the perfect finishing touch.  Tip: For best results, use coconut milk that does not contain guar gum to make the whipped cream. Scroll to see the simple receipe. Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 2 Coconut Whipped Cream Ingredients: 1 13.5-oz. can full fat coconut milk, chilled 1 tablespoon organic maple syrup (optional) 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional) Smoothie Ingredients: 1 cup coconut milk 1 large ripe banana, peeled, cut into chunks and frozen 2 large stalks celery, roughly chopped 1 large orange, peeled 4 large carrots, roughly chopped ¾ teaspoon cinnamon ¾ teaspoon ground allspice ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 4-6 ice cubes Optional Garnish: Ground cinnamon Finely chopped walnuts Directions:
 Yummy, vegan and delish! Makes a wonderful breakfast for two!
See you at the airport~ |
Author Welcome to my travel 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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