Who Said This!?! ;)

Why Not?!?

Abruption

Looking for a little romance to spice up your e-reads library (or bookshelf)?  I just happened to finish Abruption, by Riley Mackenzie.  This is the third book by these authors (yes, there are two!).  This book is not part of their debut series, Beautifully Awake, it stands alone. However, like true Riley Mackenzie form, this book will grab at your heartstrings, keep you on your toes, make you blush, and leave you with hope.

This book also made me LOL from time to time as well.  I have the privilege of knowing one of the two authors (my future sister-in-law!!!) and I can totally recognize her voice throughout not only this book, but all three.  I would love to share more about this book, but I don't want to give anything away!  

So get yourself a copy and I will revisit this book again next month!!!

Amazon US ➤http://amzn.to/1VCtYFK
Amazon UK ➤http://amzn.to/22HmW7B
Barnes&Noble➤ http://bit.ly/1n3Tmsq
iBooks ➤http://apple.co/1MNVmuS
Kobo ➤http://bit.ly/1R5Zvks

Enjoy Life Now

Recent research has shown that 56% of Americans have not taken a vacation in the past 12 months.  Perhaps a reason stronger than money, is the need to keep one's job.  Americans have been trending the non-vacation time for decades now and it continues to worsen.

When I was in France two summers ago, I found Paris to be rather... quiet.   Come to find out, August is a time when many Parisians take a vacation.  This happens all throughout Europe!  They take weeks off and not only that, they are expected too!

As a teacher, I am very fortunate to have 2 months off over the summer.  Even though that means that I am a stay-at-home mom for those 2 months, the time away from my job does wonders. Visiting my family in Western New York and taking a break from the fast paced life in NYC does wonders too!  If I am lucky enough to actually go away... well, then that makes it all the better!  By the time September comes and school begins, I am ready!  I am refreshed and honestly, ready and excited to start a new year!  It is too bad that most people don't get to experience that rejuvenation.

If you have the opportunity to take a vacation (even a stay-cation) of any sort, do it!  It will be worth it to you in so many ways!!!

(Information found at http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-08-19/even-fewer-americans-are-taking-vacation.)

Not for an Escape but for an Experience

Why You Should Travel More

I haven't done a great deal of traveling in my life until more recently.  What held me back more than money, more than spending vacation time moving and then going back to visit family, was I wasn't setting realistic opportunities to travel.  I wanted to go abroad, Europe in particular, and I was so focused on doing that and I didn't  even stop to think about the beauty and wonder right in my own backyard.  The United States is such a beautiful, rich, and diverse country.  It is so vast and there is so much to see.

Once I set more realistic opportunities for my self I found that in two years I had traveled to all four corners of the United States (Maine, Florida, Washington, and California).  I was even lucky enough to visit some others in between.  They were all beautiful in completely different ways.  Once I started to travel more, I got a taste for all that it offered.  It became a priority to see more the world.  I now spend less money on materialistic things, manage my vacation time differently, and take advantage of opportunities when I can.  As a result, I have been to Europe twice in the past two years!

Everyone has their own stories for where and why they travel or why they don't.  I think everyone should, even if it is just for a two-hour one-night getaway. A change of scene can do wonders.  I thought that this article made some great points in showing the benefits for traveling.

5 Reasons You Should Travel More by Michelle Phan

1.  It gives you perspective.

2.  It reduces stress.

3.  It increases your knowledge.

4.  It helps your physical health.

5.  It makes us more social beings.

To read this article in it's entirety, please click here.



Where are some places that you have visited?  Please share your experiences, photos, etc.  :)

The Fjords in Norway... A majestic and breathtaking view.  

Aging Gracefully

Have I mentioned that I am 37 years old?  Have I mentioned that I am having a mid-life crisis?  Perhaps I will share this story another day;  however, what I will share is that my anxiety stems from growing old.  Aging.  And all of the changes that go along with it.  So it was no wonder that this article, "9 Things People Aging Gracefully Do" caught my attention.

I suggest reading the whole article (by Yagana Shah) here.  But here is the low down...

1.  They workout to get strong, not skinny.
      Sounds like my last 6 posts!  I'm trying!

2.  They stress less.
      Overall, I'm a pretty chill person.

3.  They've let go of regrets and grudges.
      I can't say that I have any regrets.  I have a few grudges I need to get over, but I have also                  let many people in my life go because of their negativity.  

4.  They learn something new each day.
     I don't know about everyday, but I certainly do try! 

5.  They don't overdo it with the makeup.
      Does wearing makeup made with natural ingredients count!?!  I wear makeup everyday.  But I 
      don't go overboard and overdo it.

6.  They stay positive.
      I try... This blog is as much about keeping myself positive and it is spreading to others.

7.  They get enough sleep.
      I go to bed too late.  This is one of my weak ones.

8.  They embrace their changing looks.
      I have been in denial for a while about this one.  I am trying to work through this one, hoping that
      working out and using my chemical-free Lemongrass Spa (of course I make a shout out!) skin             products will help prolong my youthful appearance.  

9.  They eat and drink to their health.
      Does that mean with a glass of bubbly?  LOL... I do try and eat healthy, but I also indulge as             well.  I am working on finding that happy and healthy balance.  

Sooooooooo... how do you fair up to this?  7, 8, & 9 are my top areas that I need to improve in to help make my aging process for graceful so hopefully I can nip this mid-life crisis in the bud, ASAP.

**Sorry about the rough formatting here.  Tried to fix it a few times and nuthin'.  ;(