Category: Fun

British Blues

11/6/2018

(This post contains affiliate links)

I have a confession to make...
I miss British Television! I know I say I have no time to do anything, much less watch TV...but who doesn't enjoy sitting on the divan and vegging out to classic tv once in a while? (Especially after a mind numbing day at the office!) And honestly there is nothing better than binge watching Doctor Who as you sip tea and unwind! Lately I've seen something called BritBox on Amazon. Have see seen the adverts too?

Prime Members Start Your Free Trial of Britbox with Prime Video Channels

Seems now Prime Video Channels are a Prime benefit that lets you choose your channels. Only members can add BritBox and 100+ more channels—no cable required and you can cancel anytime. What a deal! #OMG!

Was this invented just for me?
If you haven't watched much British tv then I invite you to give it a try. I think you will be surprised at the acting and the depth of the plots, or the silliness of the comedies. But who doesn't want to have a good laugh?

Plus it gets even better, you can try it for FREE for a limited time! Also it's easy to cancel if it's not "your cup of tea." lol

Click the link above or the banner on the side and I will put the kettle on and meet you there!

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Weekend Reads Continued

11/2/2018

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Hi!
It seems ludicrous to think I went on a "book buying fast" for most of the summer, doesn't it? I stayed away from Amazon (for books anyway) and did my best to avoid books stores, not that those really exist anymore. So just recently I've started shopping again. (You can read about the fall mini book haul here.) I held back, so it's a short post, lol.

Part of my recent promise to myself has been to stop working so much and find time to do things I love. I have put so much on the back burner lately because of work, but now that I am taking time to read, make art and travel again I feel so much better! #WIN

So far I've read two books from that mini haul.

The first book I read was this delightful book on Frida and Diego by Catherine Reef. This is a lovely book filled with the artists stories, photographs, history and art.

Frida and Diego by Catherine Reef

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes
Setting: Mexico
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes, there are enough stories, antidotes and photographs to make it light reading. If you want to skim these powerful artists histories and learn a bit about politics of the time, its great. It is a light, enjoyable read. One rainy afternoon I lazed around with a pot of tea and read it cover to cover.
Spoiler: I learned more about the artists and politics of the age. I had no idea Frida was hit by a streetcar nor how much pain she endured. I really didn't know much about their relationship or how it impacted their art.
If you are looking for a "traditional" autobiography you will probably not like this.

The book itself is art.

The richness of the paintings featured are captured well.

I am happy to add this book to my collection.

Reading in front of the fire is the best.

The second book I read this week was Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes (Fantasy)
Setting: End of the world - so mostly England
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes, especially if you are fan of either author or need a good laugh. There is a lot going on as the end of the world approaches, but you will enjoy the characters and their bumbling, as the lines between good and evil blur.
Spoiler: Parts are laugh out loud funny, other parts you need an understanding of Britain and the British to really fully appreciate the humor.

This has been on my list to purchase for sometime, but I never seemed to remember it at Amazon. The used bookstore had a well read copy for $1 so I couldn't pass it up. Next I will probably buy in hardback.

Pretty much sums up the book.

Frightening how true parts are though! Yikes!

Now I'm off for a mini road trip~ Have coffee, can travel!

And I packed the new sketchbook - Catch you later!

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Holiday Overload

10/25/2018

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Did that picture scare you?

Hello,
How goes it? October is almost over (insert scream here!) And while it almost feels sacrilegious to even think about Christmas, I am planning out my seasonal shopping and travel this week. I’ve already begun a gift list, started shopping & now its time to decide if we head to the snow or the tropics for the break.

But the holidays aren't all about shopping, there is food to consider too. I have even been researching some festive vegan desert recipes to try!

In my defense, because I know you’re all reading this post in absolute horror right now, it all started with trying to plan a holiday get away. I know, I should already have the shit locked down. To make it even worse, I have friends planning their 2020 holidays, asking me to rsvp to galas and crap, (damn overachievers!)

Meanwhile I'm having trouble planning/committing to dinner tonight. Work has been good lately, but its left me too busy to even leaf through the many vacation advertisements I receive. So lets get planning now, because better late than never.

According to CNN (As of last November) the 15 the best places to have a Christmas break are:

Malta - Hmmmm, I don't think I've ever been to Malta.
New York, New York - Done it and LOVED IT!
Bath, England - Done it and LOVED IT!
Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona is always a good idea. Although I've never visited in the winter.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland - Lapland is on my list for the Aurora. Kills to birds?
Nuremberg, Germany - One of the BEST Christmas destinations, but always swarming with tourist.
Honolulu, Hawaii - Hawaii is also always a good idea.
Quebec City, Canada - Hmm, never thought about a visit in the winter.
Reykjavik, Iceland - Love Iceland (See my last visit here)
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - Haven't been here in AGES, but it might be the perfect place.

11. Salzburg, Austria - Love Austria and never get to spend enough time there.
12. Santa Claus, Indiana - How is it I've never been?
13. Strasbourg, France - Okay, we all know I will pick France.
14. Queenstown, New Zealand - On my list to visit soon.
15. Valkenburg, The Netherlands - Love the Netherlands, so a holiday visit would be cool.

What do you think? What is your favorite holiday destination? Are you escaping the cold for a tropical vacation? I enjoy that myself - some years we have gone sailing to the tropics and others we have searched out the Christmas markets in Europe. Still not sure what direction we will go. I'd love to hear your suggestions

(Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Then a again, we may stay closer to home this year...

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Top Trending Ski Destinations

10/4/2018

Kayak has just released their top trending ski destinations for 2018. You better get booking if you want a spot for the holiday season.

Top Trending Ski Destinations
Banff, Canada (29% increase in searches)
Quebec City, Canada (28%)
Taos, New Mexico (27%)
Big Sky, Montana (26%)
Stowe, Vermont (21%)
Jay, Vermont (17%)
Mont-Tremblant, Canada (11%)
Mammoth Lakes, California (4%)
North Conway, New Hampshire (3%)
Breckenridge, Colorado (3%)

See you on the slopes!

A Lesson For Us All

10/2/2018

#respect

Favorite Form of Exercise

9/24/2018

Confession Time:
I have been doing yoga off and on since I was a teenager. But sadly the last few years I haven’t practiced more than once or twice a month, if that. :(

In August I committed to a daily workout and couldn't be happier. I currently spend about 30 minutes every morning stretching and relaxing in different poses. Yoga makes my body feel good. It feels great on my spine, and I can feel the tension in my back releasing as I perform the different poses. From there it is easy to flow into my morning meditation and writing. #BIGWIN

And yes, all this happens before work.
Last year I could not have imaged having time enough in the mornings for more than that cup of coffee as I ran out the door! But since I have hired extra help in the office, I have gotten my life back. Thankfully my entire morning has changed for the better.

How am I finding extra time for yoga?
Waking up earlier (and going to bed earlier) ensures I have time for Yoga in the mornings. I used to stay up late working and then felt like crap the next day. Now I have a set schedule and relaxing night time routine. Not only do I feel better, I'm also calmer and unruffled all day long.

The yoga has helped me feel less stressed mentally and my body feels more open and relaxed. This is true even when work gets crazy and I have to work those long hours. I have also noticed when I do morning yoga I'm less likely to eat crap or have another cup of coffee.

What is your favorite form of exercise? Does it help you beat stress too? I’d love to hear.

Also tune in tomorrow for more of September Blogging Challenge.

8 Things I Am Currently Loving

9/8/2018

The blog challenge continues. Read past posts here, if you need to catch up.
Today I am sharing 8 things I am currently loving. These are not linked or sponsored. Just my personal finds that I use everyday and love.

Buddha Tea

If you visit here often or follow me on Twitter you know I love tea! And I love trying new organic, eco-sourced products.

This month I'm drinking Root Chakra Tea. Buddha Teas are not the cheapest teas, nor the most expensive, but they are some of the best. I want to say I paid about $6.50 for a box?

Garnets!

And they help plant trees!

I am also loving these three products.

I love this small travel toothbrush from FFF. I picked it up as an add-on and love it! Its compact and super soft. It came with three, instead of two brush heads. I honestly have no idea what I paid, but I know it wasn't over $20-$25?

I am also loving the Essential Oxygen organic toothpaste and brushing rinse. I have been using the brushing rinse for over a year, but had a lot of Earthpaste stocked piled. #TrueStory - When I find a product I like I purchase a supply of it. #NOTaHoarder I promise.

Once I used it all, I bought the EO toothpaste to try. Now I really love it too.
The Toothpaste is only $8.09 on Amazon and the brushing rinse is $10.27.

I still like my old brand. but wanted to try the entire line of EO together to see if it was even better together.

I'm also so loving this Acure scrub and Nelson Hair Mask. I use both while soaking (and reading) in the tub, for a wonderful and relaxing afternoon. The hair mask really helps tame my thick locks and makes my hair super silky.

I love all of the Acure products! I finished off my last tube of facial scrub and decided to try this one with Sea Kelp. I'm so glad I did!

I was surprised it was green!

Between the sea kelp and the French clay this is way more than just a scrub. Really feels nourishing on my skin.

Also on my list:
Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day and Night Face Cream, which I also bought on Amazon for around $15USD. I not sure, but I think that was the subscription price? After using it a week I knew I wanted to try it our for several months, so I quickly added it to my monthly subscriptions. It is amazing and so light weight. In this crazy summer heat you don't want a heavy cream on your face, making you sweat even more. I have been using it for about three months now and am very pleased.

Pacifica is another brand I don't think you can go wrong with.

It's not greasy at all and is easily absorbed into the skin. + Like all Pacifica products it is cruelty-free and vegan. #WIN

My last item is a couple of pens I received in a Sketchbox monthly subscription box. I am drawing more and am so pleased to try out new, professional grade products.

So how many is that?

Tea
Travel Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Brushing Rinse
Hair Mask
Facial Scrub
Face Cream
Sketch Box Markers

Odd list I know, but it was honest. :D
Join me tomorrow for the next challenge post.

6 Things I’m Looking Forward To In Fall

9/6/2018

Where I grew up we didn’t have a proper autumn, so we missed out on a lot of fun fall activities. I’m glad to report central New Mexico has four full seasons to enjoy. #Win!

6 Things I’m looking forward to in Fall:

#6 - Boots, Scarves & Sweaters! I do love living in sundresses and shorts, but I also love soft, cozy sweaters and fun scarves. I’m already shopping for new boots to add to my collection.
#5 - Hot tea - It just tastes 100 times better in the cooler weather.

#4 - Fall Activities - Shopping the pumpkin patches, baking, looking for corn mazes, etc. It’s also a great time to go hiking. The snakes are in for the winter and the air feels so invigorating.

#3 - Fall color-Everything and anything is colorful right now. The trees are turning their brilliant shades of orange and yellow.

#2 -Weather - It’s not too cold or too warm. Perfect time to be out in nature or sit home with a book. Honestly I love gray, rainy days and the cooler weather so much! Also because the weather has changed you can burn candles again. You may wonder why I said, "Again?" Burning candles with the ceiling fans on sucks. :(

#1 - And my favorite part of fall is....Halloween!

(Bet you didn't see that coming, lol)

Tune in tomorrow to continue on the September blogging challenge.

Catch you later!

Summer is Ending

8/20/2018

Summers end in New Mexico is one of my favorite times of the year.
There are so many flowers blooming I’m keeping myself busy taking photos of every single one I see, lol! This means I get into hilarious positions next to the side of the road or awkward situations taking pics. #GoodTimes lol

(Have you seen me on the side of the road, upside down with camera in hand? Lol) But it is so worth it! I love all the amazing colors and textures. This years flower crop is really kicking it because of the monsoons.

So with all of the wildflowers blooming & the weather being just perfect, I do not want to stay inside at all! I'm so glad I took the week off. #HappyBirthday2Me

Normally we would have gone on a cruise or made a trip to Europe, but with my friends recent passing, I wasn't in the mood for a grand adventure. Being in nature was just what I needed.