~Keeps Me Going~

I have collected a few things over the years that have been key at keeping me happy and fresh as I jump all over the map exploring. Thinking some of these finds could definitely help all my friends as they travel along the globe, finding their own adventures near and far. 

GET TO WORKBOOK - This planner was a find via InstaGram. It is great for anyone that has their own business, busy moms, those with projects-even weight loss and journaling! Each month features pages to list upcoming tasks along with areas to "brainstorm" and a monthly view calendar followed by each week. It has a sturdy spiral binder and the pages withstand many types of ink and markers with little to no bleed through. Check out gettoworkbook on IG or go to the webpage at www.gettoworkbook.com  


HDMI CORD -If you are a traveler that is headed to stay in a hotel or rental, this cord is a MUST! This easily plugs from your laptop to most any newer, flat screen tvs and will allow you to play all your online streaming entertainment through the tv. It will keep you from spending money on the pay-per-view and could even prevent you from forgetting to return movies back to the Redbox. Of course, I think Netflix/Hulu accounts are great to have while on the road. You may be able to talk up a friend or family member to add you to their account so it could potentially be "free" (maybe trade for some awesome gift shop treasures). Before purchasing, make sure your laptop has an HDMI port!

LIMEFUEL BATTERY PACK - This was another incidental find on Amazon when I was buying stuff for a Europe trip. They are so sneaky, how you buy one thing then you suddenly have 10 other things that YOU HAVE TO HAVE! This was one of those items and it had some great reviews. I have used it a lot and it will last through many smartphone charges. It has the ability to charge phones, tablets and anything else that has a USB port. This thing lasts forever, too! With just my phone plugged a few days a week for charging while I am away from any plugins, I only recharge the limefuel pack every 2-3 weeks. You can't get that from those other fancy power packs! www.limefuel.com Check out this website for all their products!

ESSENTIAL OILS -I do love my YoungLiving family and trust their products and how they have changed my life and the lives of my family and friends! The stories are so powerful and the product is amazing. All the oils have many different uses and signing up to get the Starter Kit is a great way to try out some of the most common and widely used oils. Peppermint, Lavender and PanAway (pain relieving oil) are all included in the starter kit and are three oils I can't travel without. Peppermint is used as a "driver"-it drives oils deeper into the tissues to "beef" up their effects and also can be mixed in your water for a minty flavor. PanAway is to be used with a dilution of a natural oil to help headaches, joint pains, muscle strains, ect. Lavender, for me, is a great relaxation and sleeper oil. I love putting a dab behind my ears and nape of my neck to relax my nerves and help me fall into a quick slumber. DiGize is one of my new purchases from last month-some of my family swears by it! It is good for bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel issues, and that yucky full belly, over eating feeling! Progessence Plus is another new oil that is used to help with hormone balancing and combat that monthly visitor ;). There are many oil companies out there, do the research and get with a trusted brand and maybe even try from a few companies to see how they compare. I love YoungLiving because of the family experience and support along with great products and opportunities to expand your knowledge. Another oil company that I have found that seems to stack up well is Edens Garden-I have been happy with the products that I have tried. It is easy to get one that fits your budget and need. 
Message me if you would like to learn more about YoungLiving and try a starter kit!  <--click font="" there="">

CRABTREE & EVELYN -This was introduced to me a few years ago by an amazing coworker. Their products are great at making your rough spots smooth.They come in many light, refreshing scents. It is literally like putting on liquid, silk gloves. 

SPARK & MNS 3 - Advocare is a great company that is dedicated to changing your life. It can help you lose weight, maintain, or put on those gains. There is a large and growing family that is ready to stand behind you and encourage you as you put in the work and use these products to push that dedication a step further. Spark is a great product that gives you that "all day" boost of energy and focus to get your work done. It comes in many great flavors and can easily be mixed in your water bottle. The effects are pretty fast and you can say goodbye to those afternoon blahs or that lack of mental alertness. I take MNS 3 as my daily supplement. It comes in a package for each day that contains two "before meals" and two "with meals" pill pouches. This specific one helps control my appetite and boosts my energy to last through my work days (or nights). Click here to sign up and try Advocare for yourself! One of the best ways to see Advocare change your body is by taking the 24 day challenge. It is a great way to try out many of the products and watch your body improve in every aspect as you cleanse it from the everyday "trash" and reset your metabolism and improve the ability to absorb the nutrients you need to succeed! Check out #24daychallenge on IG to see some amazing stories of others who have taken the challenge. I can't wait till my package gets here!

FLOWERS & CANDLES - Who can honestly say they don't love the site of flowers and candles? The smell, freshness and positive energy they exude. Waking up and seeing fresh flowers in the sunlight can make your day a little better and kissing the moon goodnight as the shadows of a candle dance around your room; this is what happiness and hugs are made of. I love being able to pick of local flowers from a farmers market and the possibility of a homemade candle is always pretty good. It is a good way to bring nature and the local vibe in your surroundings. 

Reflection & Projection

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Sitting on a stretch of sand all to my self in the early days of June gives one time to watch the waves, watch nature, watch the cleansing of the shore as the sea crashes with its foamy cloak and pulls the sand back to its underworld, leaving a smooth glassy path for the birds to trot and dig for delicate crabs. Sitting, reflecting and becoming part of this magnificent repetition as my breath rides on the ebb of the cascading waves- back and forth, in and out...

Taking this rhythm and settling in to the thoughts of reflection and projection of my current life, where I have been and where am I going. This year is coming to a half way point and am I putting in all I can to propel myself to where I want to be? 

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Are we taking time to find that rhythm, to find that moment to reflect and project- to push us to be the person we want to be, the one that lets nature cleanse us or the one that lets it hunt and gather our souls? 

It is our duty to find our niche in the cycle that helps move the us forward- moves us to be that smooth glass, clean and new and not littered with trash from the past.

We unite as one- mind, body and soul - one wave after wave after wave and we thrust ourselves forward on life, to change it, to wipe away the heaviness of the debris,  bringing forth a new and clean slate to start again- everyday, every moment. 

 ~all pictures taken by the owner of this blog on the beautiful beaches of Nantucket, MA-USA~

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

 Not only is this city known for the friendly neighbor icon, Mr. Rogers, but also you may have heard of their football/hockey/baseball teams! 

However, this isn't the neatest thing I found during my time in Pittsburgh. The city, nestled among three rivers boasts the most bridges of any city in the world, 446! Most of them are quite spectacular and are necessary for the city's transportation.

 I also found it pretty cool that many of the bridges downtown are that "Steelers gold" color that is so iconic for representing the city. The color pops against the buildings and makes for a gorgeous cityscape photo.

The history of steel and glass mills are evident in the architecture of the city buildings in which I also found gorgeous. I really felt, after visiting this city for a few days, it is highly overlooked for all the accomplishments Pittsburgh has achieved. This city of prideful and hard working people have made tremendous changes in American history. 

Once an industrial center in Northern America for its steel and plate glass production, Pittsburgh birthed the first ferris wheel, first commercial radio station broadcasting, Polio vaccine, first US public television station which paved the way for Mr. Rogers, first retractable dome and the birth of the ....  :-) emoticon smiley. 

I also learned, this city has a major art scene! I love all types of art and mostly the strange and cool handmade items. There are many galleries and museums around the city for any type of art flavor you would be willing to indulge. I checked out the Mattress Museum that was near where I was staying. It was made up of several small buildings around a block that were easy to get in and out of and find your way to the next stop. They were set up in "reclaimed" buildings that were used in a very neat way to present each piece. It really was neat how you were "in" the exhibit. 

the above photo is of a futuristic land that was all constructed of different materials and put together much like a small dollhouse would be. there were lights and movement and moss. i really fell in love with it!


to the left is a piece that reminded me something out of star trek. it was pretty cool how it was displayed in a dark section of a room (you can see it in the background of the above photos) it gave off this sort of a magical floating ambience, like i was walking through space. 











the picture right is of one of the more famous displays per Yelp! there are several mirrored rooms with lights, dots, etc. that inject you into the art. the mannequins were a bit creepy...!!









Another building was the artwork I was very eager to see. It was by an artist that took staples and yarn to the EXTREME. The (whole) three story building was absolutely covered in black yarn stapled to the floors/walls/ceilings. It was like you were all snuggled up in a bird's nest. 

 Objects from different stages in life and the black string tying everything together seemed to project a sadness, struggle, and loneliness- however, the dark mental space it projected on me did seem cozy...does that make me crazy? I am not sure what the thought was behind this idea, but it was my favorite! I was totally amazed by the amount of time it took to weave this yarn              around the space of the building.  


The children's museum, an Aviary and an Andy Warhol museum are also nearby...but I didn't get the chance to go. Defiantly will have them on my return list! There are also several little craft/handmade stores that feature items from area artists. (I love that stuff)

From the little bit of research I did when planning my trip, I found that Pittsburgh has a very hip, new and upcoming food scene. Now this was defiantly something that I wanted to experience. I watched a few youtube videos and read some articles I found on the web and Pinterest. I decided in my few days there I had a pretty good chance to check out some of the staples of the Pittsburgh palate. One of the first places I visited was the Primanti Bros to eat one of there best selling famous sandwiches. Now, I may go missing after saying this...but it wasn't really that great (to me). Looks amazing but it needed a bit more seasoning and a lot more burger. One place I went downtown to gorge my self was Meat & Potatoes. Holy Cow!! Make a reservation and go there hungry! The meal was amazing! Unfortunately I ate before even thinking about a picture. Look it up on Yelp! and read the reviews. So worth every guilty, sinful calorie. 

  One of the fun things I saw to do in early December was to take a stroll through the gingerbread house display. I left being so jealous of every kid that got to do this growing up! I have no idea why I never experienced making one of these creations, but these people are masters! The middle was set up like a town and had two trains going through tunnels around a huge Christmas tree. The houses were made by elementary school classes, families, individuals, churches and organizations. Was pretty cool to see all the types of candy and the things people think of to design their gingerbread creation. 

If Pittsburgh was never on your list of places to visit...put it on there! The warmer months seem to offer many more things to do outdoors (water tours, city tours, sporting events). Early December was bitter cold and windy and most of the touristy things were closed for the winter. So, won't you please...pack your bags and go experience a strange language featuring words unknown out of the city limits,  overdose on Heinz ketchup (the museum was pretty cool too!), catch a baseball game that has a perfect view of the cityscape, ride up Mt. Washington at sunset, eat tons of yummy food, and explore the city of bridges!

Red Rocks....rock

...first glimpse of the red rocks from 89A as you top over the hill...

 Sedona, Arizona

Now come on, admit it....that is just fun to say. Feels good rolling off your tongue. Go ahead, say it again-Sedona, Arizona....yeah. Pleasure, as your tongue works, saying each syllable. The rhythm and rhyme is pleasing to the ear and holds something magical. The same magic that is found deep in the pockets of the southwest. Towering red rocks stand like a fortress around this small community. Placed in a divot among the vortex boasting structures sits a small city thriving on the unnatural natural way about living one with nature. Crystals and energy sources can be explored along with those of the "unearthly" third kind.  

Why would you pass up the opportunity to pack your car and set off to go car camping and explore the sites of this enchanted land of the rich and famous?!


Heading north from Phoenix taking an entry from 89A you will pop over a hill and come face to face with a view of the painted cliffs that surround Sedona. There is a small, quick turn off to the right that will allow you to stop and attempt to capture the beauty and magnificence that mother natures slaps you with. 



Sedona hosts many trails and choices to explore. You can take a jeep, helicopter, or hiking guide to seek out the sites. With a little research and free maps from the visitors center you can get a good idea on the scenic route to take and stop at overlook vistas on your own. 

The trail systems  go on forever and it is very wise to take water, layers and a snack along with a good map.

The first hiking area that I came to on my way into town was the Red Rock State Park. It does charge a fee to enter and is good for all day. Has many trails and information on the area and the rocks and habitat that you will face will out in the wild. You will start down in a valley that is surround by a stream then up the red cliffs you climb to different look outs over the park. Great to get a feel for the  area and what you will see once you get into actual Sedona. The rock here is much more deep red than what you will see in the community. 

Taking Red Rock Loop Rd on around past the park you will end up right in town but will have the joy of passing some great views and houses-very eclectic and some very strange.

One of the most popular sites you can't miss is a visit to The Chapel of the Holy Cross that was built in the side of the red rocks. There is limited parking up the winding drive and limited ability to turn around so beware...also, the only public bathroom is a port-o-potty at the bottom.

The view from the top is spectacular overlooking the natural habitat and walking in the chapel shows the amazing ability of those that constructed this building using the rocks as part of the foundation. 

There are spas, hotels, and B&B's in town and several campsites that lay to the north. Staying overnight was a treat! To be out in the wilderness, under the dark starry sky by a camp

 fire... really brought me face to face with nature!

Pack your bags and make yourself just as important as those famous people of the west coast...you won't regret it! 

Superstitious Desert

~*~Superstitious Desert~*~

Imagine the most beautiful painting...one by mother nature. Colors unattainable by humans. Watching  the sun paint the sky and land as it awakes colliding with the stars of the dark night, painting your surroundings in hues of orange and pink. Colors so pure and alive that it instantly energizes your soul. The sun continues to pour onto the earth and you sit in awe of the vast openness of the desert of the southwest. Mountains and rocks sprawl on forever hiding the small valley of civilization known as Phoenix. 

Phoenix is the place to be in the winter time. I got the chance to spend a winter there  and to live like a local  while exploring the surrounding desert and all, well a little, of what it has to offer. 

Arizona is a state that has several different elevations and it is amazing to watch the change of the scenery. Digging deep in my brain to find the elementary   education from long ago on the different types of biomes that you get to experience while heading from I40 down to Phoenix via I17... to see the changes from  tundra to deciduous to  grasslands then finally desert is an amazing adventure . The way nature interweaves these together with such subtlety is   so  flawless.  The colors are vibrant and unrealistic as you try to take the scenery in but also keep your eyes on the curvy, wheel gripping road that descends into the hidden valley of civilization.

I was lucky to stay with a cousin that is an outdoor, 4x4 type of guy that loves the adventure of exploring. Most weekends were filled with going to different trails and riding over rocks winding our way up to the greenery from the dusty ground of the city. This view is from a ride up to Crown King looking south over Lake Pleasant in the far distance. 

A great hike to take to see the change of the land is to drive (four wheel drive) to one of the trailheads at Four Peaks that sits to the east of the city. There are several options on trails around the area and all are easily marked. The one my cousin dragged me up (kicking and screaming with Kentucky low level elevation lungs) was several miles and took about 3-4 hrs round trip through dirt, brush, trees and snow to finally crawl to a great lookout as shown above. Looking at the haze covering the city in the distance and some of the surrounding lakes proved there was a lot of land out there for one to explore!

Along the grasslands that sit to the north of the city, before you make your final decent into the valley is a secret past world. Hidden in the walls of these cliffs, built buy their own rocks are many old Indian forts. The areas are full of pottery shards, arrowheads and petroglyphs that narrate the past.

 Something else that you will find in these hills are tons of old mines.  Ruins of small make-shift communities that housed miners and saloons full of cowboys during the gold rush and establishment of the route from Prescott to Tucson. Many of the off road trails are old horse and buggy trails used long ago! Some of the mines are privately owned, some are still being mined and some are open to the passing public to explore cautiously. There are a few dedicated internet sites that have old maps of the mining communities and pictures of what they used to look like. Very interesting to see how the wild west cowboys lived and traveled guiding their way through the vast land. 

The desert is unlike any other place I have been. Every turn I would see something else that would stop me in my tracks to take the opportunity to soak in the smell and feel of this new world. You can't help but become an outdoor adventurer in the winter time in Phoenix. The weather stays in the low to mid 70's with sunshine and blue skies. 

One of the great ways to freely explore and enjoy the terrain is to hike one of the million trails on a nearby "mountain". The city is spotted with trails of different difficulty among the many scattered rocky boulders jutting up from the earth. The best part about the winter is it is "too cold" to run into a snake! Pack water and maybe even a snack and head to the nearest trail to perch and watch the traffic and sunsets below.

During the  holidays  people will hike to the top and decorate the shrubs for Christmas.

Thunderbird Park is one of the more popular hiking areas to the northwest of town. It connects a few hilly options so you have the opportunity to make your trail as difficult/long as you wish. The top always offers a great place to rest but also a little note of congrats for making it!

A perfect place to sip some water and let the sweat dry. You are on the edge of the world up there. It was so much fun to just drive and see a mountain with a trail and say....I am going to the top of that today. 

If you get tired of getting dust in your shoes and want a bit of green on your walk, Phoenix offers a great alternative. Throughout the city runs what is called the Greenbelt. It is a paved path that connects the city through parks, lakes, golf courses and communities. Meandering this path puts you literally in the backyard of some of the most gorgeous houses the city has to offer, along with great parks and lakes that are good for a rest stop. The one thing about the Greenbelt is, you are never alone! There are alway people out running, biking, skating, walking or whatever their choice of exercise. The possibilities are endless!

Probably the most famous thing you will see in southern Arizona are the cacti! The Saguaros are everywhere around town and are even "protected" by the city as to not being able to cut them down...you have to replace or move or...build around them! 

 The cotton candy sky never gets old as the sun sets to the west.

The moon and stars take their place in the skies illuminating the heavens with their magic glow. Away from civilization, deep in the desert is the best place to watch the transition.