My 5 Favorite Places To Travel...And They All Make The Best Honeymoon Destinations
I became a worldwide traveler at a young age thanks to my time in the military. Since leaving the military I have continued to travel on my own. I have a love for traveling and my hope is to be able to retire within the next 10 years from the conventional work force.
Once I retire, I plan to move abroad for a few years and be home-based in Marseille, France. I will write novels, do freelance writing, and travel Europe and Africa. Travel writer perhaps? Not sure the world needs another travel writer.
The below cities are my top 5 places that I have visited and plan on visiting again. I am going to share a little about each of these wonderful places with the hopes of encouraging you to get your travel on as well.
My Top 5 Places Vacations and Honeymoons
Bali, Indonesia - Bali is an Indonesian island located just 8 degrees south of the equator. It is breathtakingly beautiful and a popular destination for honeymoons and those looking for great resorts. The weather is pretty warm all year long, pretty hot on some days. During the day you can hike a volcano, surf, do a jungle excursion, or visit ancient temples or palaces. I spent a lot of time relaxing on the beach during the day. The nightlife is nice with great dining, dance clubs, bars, and moonlit walks. I also spent a lot of nights dancing it up.
Corfu, Greece - Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. I fell in love with Greece, Corfu in particular, although I never developed a taste for Ouzo, which seemed to be everywhere. I became a greek food fan (yummy lamb gyros on the street) and enjoyed the shopping experience. I bought lots of lavender scented goods. I found Corfu to be both stunning with amazing views from all points of the island and wondrous with all of the Greek mythology. The Mediterranean weather is wonderful and warm and the setting is romantic. Definitely worth a return visit.
Mallorca, Spain - Mallorca is a Spanish island and all I can say is "PARTY". Actually I did all of my fun-having in Palma, which is a city on the island. I nearly had enough fun to last a lifetime in Mallorca. It is beautiful, and fun, and made me feel a little wild. I spent my days sipping daiquiris on the beach, swimming, and parasailing. I spent my nights dancing up a storm and flirting with an endless parade of really cute guys. Ahh to be young. My return will be somewhat tamer...somewhat.
Marseille, France - I love, love, love Marseille, which is why I will be moving there. Marseille is a port city in the south of France. It is France's second largest city behind Paris. I like Paris as well but Marseille is slightly slower and gives me better access for all of the European travel I plan on doing. Plus the cost of living in Marseille is very reasonable. Marseille is a lovely city by the sea with wonderful Mediterranean climate. It is also a very culturally diverse city and many people speak English. I used to be fluent in French but not so much anymore. Before moving there I plan on regaining my fluency as well as learning passable German. I picture my future self seated at an outside cafe reading a book and sipping a cafe au lait.
Napa Valley, California - Yes I am aware that Napa is neither foreign nor exotic like the others on the list, but that does not make me love it any less. I love great wine and great food and Napa has both. Plus I am a California girl and it's a relatively short trip to get away to a nice B&B in Napa. There's some really good French restaurants located in Napa, some very pricey ones too. For me, Napa Valley is romantic and relaxing. If one doesn't feel romantic and relaxed in this locale, you are doing something wrong or you are with the wrong person.
This is my past and my future travels. Life is too short, and although we all have the what ifs, and the shoulda coulda lists, I am doing my best to keep my list short. Live your life with few regrets and missed opportunities. You are not getting any younger and time will not wait for you.
Side Note: Ouzo is a distilled alcohol beverage that tastes like black licorice. Yuck!
Photos provided by Pexel
10 Chick Flick Movies To Watch When Feeling Heartbroken
Whether you are nursing a broken heart, feeling sad and lonely, or just needing a good chick flick to remind you that you can make it through, I have the list for you. Although all of these movies, and the women in the movies, are very different, they are all experiencing the love struggle.
We all go through it at some point in our lives. Breakups are hard, divorce is devastating, and unrequited love feels like torture. When you are feeling down, or sad, and just need a little something to get you out of your funk, I recommend the below list of chick flicks.
10 Chick Flick Movies To Watch
Under The Tuscan Sun
A writer impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany in order to change her life.
Based on the life experience of the author Frances Mayes, this movie will take you from the heartbreak and despair of divorce, to love and romance, and all the in betweens that come with moving on and finding yourself.
Take away from Under The Tuscan Sun is that sometimes what seems like the worst thing to ever happen to you, can turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. Breakups are hard, but necessary at times to shed our old selves and find our happy.
Waiting To Exhale
Based on Terry McMillan's novel, this film follows four very different African-American women and their relationships with the male gender.
The single life can be sad and lonely, and so can married life. What I love about this movie is that it shows you that there is no formula, or one way to find happiness. Married life in rich suburbia can turn out to be just as painful and unfulfilling as a life of sleeping around with lots of men hoping someone will love you.
Take away from Waiting To Exhale is to never give up, and know that it is never too late to start over. As scary as the thought is that you may be alone, or that you may not find the "one", you will never know if you do not put yourself out there.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
A British woman is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.
Bridget is a bit of a flake, who struggles with her weight, and has body issues. I think many of us can relate to her. She unfortunately falls for the wrong guy, essentially choosing the bad boy over a really good man, only to potentially lose everything.
Take away from Bridget Jones's Diary is to look inward, not outward for happiness and validation. Once Bridget worked on her self and started to feel confident in who she was, she was able to make better life decisions, and find real love.
How Stella Got Her Grove Back
Stella Payne is a very successful 40-year-old stockbroker raising her son, Quincy, and living in Marin County, California, who is persuaded by her best friend from college, Delilah Abraham, to take a well-deserved, first-class vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica. As she soaks in the beauty of the island, she encounters a handsome young islander, Winston Shakespeare, who is twenty years younger. Wikipedia
Stella is an uptight professional who takes a chance on a romance with a much younger man, who seems to be her soulmate. With problems at work, and her son spending time with his father, a getaway is just what Stella needed to destress, but falling in love was not on her itinerary.
Take away from How Stella Got Her Groove Back is to be open and willing to take chances. Of course it is possible things will not work out, but you will never know if you do not try.
Bridesmaids
Competition between the maid of honor and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride's best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef. IMDB
Forever the bridesmaid never the bride is a fear that many women have. Not everyone wants to get married, but most of us do not want to be alone, or feel like we will never experience that special kind of love.
Take away from Bridesmaids is that things change, life can be unfair, you cannot force things, and sometimes everything goes wrong at the same time. You cannot force friendships, and you cannot force relationships. And more importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help when you are going through it, and remember you will come out of it on the other side better and stronger.
Girls Trip
When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush. IMDB
Life happens and many of us long for the simpler times before there was divorce, cheating spouses, and debt collectors calling. This movie is great comic relief, with some real life stuff we can all relate to on some level.
Take away from Girls Trip is that while we are all entitled to our privacy, and to discuss our woes in our own time, hiding truths and lying to yourself and your loved ones is not the answer. All truths are eventually revealed, but you may find relief in sharing your heartaches, sadness, and struggles with others sooner rather than later.
Romancing The Stone
A mousy romance novelist sets off for Colombia to ransom her kidnapped sister, and soon finds herself in the middle of a dangerous adventure hunting for treasure with a mercenary rogue. IMDB
Romancing The Stone is one my favorite movies because it really is like a romance novel come to life. Joan Wilder initially seems really passive and weak, but it is not long before you see that she is wild, and spirited, and longing for adventure.
Take away from Romancing The Stone is step out of your comfort zone, and just go with what feels right. You might be surprised, and might even surprise yourself.
Dirty Dancing
Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle. IMDB
Dirty Dancing is one of those movies I could watch all of the time. I love seeing the romance and feelings grow between Baby and Johnny. They are so different in many ways, but Baby is tough and a fighter, so you can see some possibilities. For me, one take away from this movie is that you can have something lovely and wonderful, but not all things are meant to last.
If I am being completely honest, Johnny and Penny seemed to be in love and just didn’t realize it. I know no one wants to hear that, but Penny and Johnny had off the charts chemistry. Another take away is that sometimes we are looking in the wrong direction, and can miss someone right in front of us.
Pretty Woman
A man in a legal but hurtful business needs an escort for some social events, and hires a beautiful prostitute he meets... only to fall in love. IMDB
Pretty Woman is most certainly not your typical fairytale, but still swoon worthy in many ways. Julia Roberts’ character Vivian is very sweet despite her occupation, and Richard Gere is rich and handsome, but somewhat emotionally unavailable.
Take away from watching Pretty Woman is that no matter how much you are hurting or how bad you think life sucks at the moment, it could be worse, you could be “tuting” to make a living.
Never Been Kissed
A newspaper reporter enrolls in high school as part of research for a story.
Never Been Kissed is a sweet, teeny, somewhat mean girl movie with Drew Barrymore. Josie is now an adult, but in high school she was smart, socially awkward, and horribly bullied. Returning to high school gives her an opportunity for a do over, but also brings up painful memories.
Take away from Never Been Kissed is to be brave, stand up for yourself, and go after what you want. We all have fears of failure, and fears of rejection, but isn't it better to take a chance than to live with regrets?
These movies are really great to watch anytime actually, but they are also great reminders that sometimes you have to go through it, to get through it.Life and relationships do not always turn out as we hoped or even imagined, but the great thing is that sometimes they turn out better.
Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels
Chimichurri Sauce...My Recipe For Great Make Ahead Meals
Chimichurri is a Central and South American uncooked sauce, often used as a marinade for grilled foods. There are two kinds of chimichurri, a green sauce and a red sauce. Chimichurri recipes vary depending on country of origin, and my recipe has its own variation.
Chimichurri is very flavorful, and works great on meats, poultry, and seafoods. I always make the green sauce and my family cannot get enough of it. When I first started making and grilling with chimichurri, I usually used chicken or steak. The one day, while in Trader Joe's I saw some chimichurri salmon. Needless to say my daughter and I were in love with this dish, but unfortunately they stopped selling it. I was on my own.
The process of making chimichurri is very simple and fast if you have a food processor. If you do not have a food process just finely chop all ingredients for a more rustic style sauce. It will taste the same either way.
Chimichurri Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup finely chopped Cilantro
1/4 c finely chopped Parsley
4 Garlic Cloves
1/2 c Olive Oil
1 Lemon, Squeezed for Juice
1 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Directions:
Add all ingredients to food processor and blend for about 1 minute. The sauce should be liquified, with some thickness. Taste sauce and add additional salt and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Immediately use sauce to marinate, or place in lidded mason jar and refrigerate up to one week.
Make Ahead Prep
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cup of sauce, and little goes a long way with this flavorful marinade. I most often use this sauce for steak, chicken, and salmon. For meal planning purposes, toss some chicken breasts (4), salmon fillets (4), or cubed pieces of steak(1 lb.) into freezer bags.
Add about a 1/2 cup of sauce into each bag, making sure meat is completely coated in sauce, and seal tight. Be sure to label bag with what's inside and date it as well. Use within three months of freezing.
That's it! A super easy, versatile sauce, that makes meal planning easy. I hope you enjoy!
5 Ways To Show Your Loved Ones How You Feel
It never fails that something will happen and remind me how short and fragile this life can be. Sometimes it is the death of a loved one, or even a casual acquaintance. Other times it is a horrible dream, that reveals the fears I have lying right beneath the surface.
Lately it seems to be a matter of turning on the news, and seeing the horrible things happening in the world.
I am sure you tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, or perhaps just think about telling them, but may never actually get around to uttering the words. Action is more valuable, meaningful, and telling than any words could ever be.
Ways To Show Your Loved Ones How You Feel
Physical Affection
No I am talking about sex. Sex is physical, but does not require feelings of love to do it. On the other hand, hugs, hand holding, a rub on the back , and even a gentle squeeze of the hand can show love.
Hugs are comforting when given by someone we care about. Hugs are even known to lower blood pressure, and help reduce stress.
Listening
Sometimes the best way to show our love for a loved one is to just listen to them. Some people are always open and have no issues verbalizing their feelings and struggles. For others, it is not easy for them to admit sadness, feelings of helplessness, and sometimes feelings of hopelessness.
Whatever the circumstance, be there for them when the time comes, and they are ready to talk. It will be your job to listen. Try to listen without judgement.
Kind and Thoughtful Gestures
Pure love is truly expressed in the simplest ways. It is not about fancy this, or an expensive that, but about the little things that show you truly care about someone by making an effort.
A kind gesture can be as simple as picking them up their favorite cup of coffee, or taking a picture of something you know they would appreciate and sending it to them with a "wish you were here" caption.
Being Available
By just being present, and being available can be one of the most comforting and loving gesture one person to do for another. Everybody is always "busy", but making the time for someone, even when you have little to spare, is a loving gesture.
Being Vulnerable
It can be uncomfortable to be vulnerable at times, even with those closest to us. It is never easy to confess our fears and failures, but when we do, it is usually with those we care about most in order to offer a measure of comfort to them. We lay ourselves bare to show them they are not alone, and that we all struggle at times.
There is no one way to show love, there are many ways. For me, it's simple things, not the grand gestures that melt my heart. Don't get me wrong, grand gestures can be nice, but it's the little things that happen daily that show where your heart truly lies. Words of encouragement, a daily check in on someone's well being, or even just getting them a small gift because when you saw it you thought of them.
I realize that many of us want and need to hear the words "I love you", but like many other words spoken, they can be meaningless without action. My mantra is show me, don't just tell me.
How do you show your loved ones how you feel? Do you do small acts, or big gestures. Please share!
“Being loved deeply by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. “ - Lao Tzu
Maria V. Snyder, One Author, Three Great Fantasy Book Series For Women And Girls
I ran a book club a few years back, and it was great. Each month a club member would select the book to read and agree to host the meeting. There were no rules for the genre of books, it was just whatever interested the hostess. One month a friend of mine chose the book “The Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder for our book of the month.
Prior to this book club selection, I had never heard of this author, nor was I particularly into the fantasy genre. I felt obligated to read the book to be able to reasonable discuss it at the next meeting. I started reading with dread, and within two chapters I was hooked.
The Study Series (Soulfinders)
The Study series was my introduction to the fantasy world of Ixia and Sitia. The Study series has many wonderful characters, but the story primarily resolves around Yelena, a young woman discovering her magical powers in a world where magic has been forbidden, and danger lies all around.
Not only will you fall in love with Yelena, but with as Valek well, her partner and love. As Yelena discovers her powers, she uncovers who she is, where she came from, and finds her purpose. Yelena is no damsel in distress, and rescues others, and sometimes needs saving as well, from herself.
Poison Study
Murder, mayhem and magic…Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.
But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position. - Book Excerpt
Magic Study
A lesson in loyalty—a master class in intrigue...So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities—powers forbidden in Ixia—has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.
But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy—even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim. Will my magical abilities save me…or be my downfall? - Book Excerpt
Fire Study
The Apprenticeship is Over—Now the Real Test has Begun. When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before….
Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear. - Book Excerpt
The Glass Series
The Glass series is revolves around Opal Cowan, a seemingly ordinary girl, with extraordinary abilities. Opal's story begins in the Study series, and continues in the Glass series. Opal comes from a family of glassmakers, and is a glass maker herself. The interesting and amazing thing about Opal glass is the touch of magic all of pieces consist of. Opal's gifts are unique, valuable, and dangerous to many, which is why Opal is a threat.
Storm Glass - As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowan understands trial by fire. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it from happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic. Yet the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control her powers…powers that could lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known. - Book Excerpt
Sea Glass - Student glass magician Opal Cowan’s newfound ability to steal a magician’s powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares to defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan’s lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks, because another man—now her prisoner—claims Ulrick’s desire for blood magic has eclipsed his passion for her.
In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn’t sure whom to trust. And now everyone is after her special powers for their own deadly gain, making her path more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. - Book Excerpt
Spy Glass - After siphoning her own blood to defeat her enemy, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. More, she’s immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in her world.
Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. She also discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood—and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or learn if they’re lost forever… - Book Excerpt
The Healer Series
The Healer series is my favorite of all Ms. Snyder's series. Avry is a powerful, selfless woman, with healing abilities like no other. A plague has killed many people, and Avry and healers like her have been blamed. Filled with guilt of all the deaths she may be responsible for, and dealing with the loss of her loved ones as well Avry goes on the run.
Avry, always the healer, is determined to discover what caused the plague, and to find a cure. On her journey, Avry saves many lives, and makes many enemies and allies too, including Kerrick her love, and Tohon an evil Prince who has a mental hold on her.
Touch of Power - Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.
Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life… - Book Excerpt
Scent Of Magic - As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confidant, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.
Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat. - Book Excerpt
Taste Of Darkness - She’s fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears? Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he’s gone forever.
But there’s a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision… - Book Excerpt
There are many other books by Ms. Snyder not mentioned in the above list. If you are looking for something for young adults (YA), and dystopian type genre, I recommend Inside Out and Outside In by Ms. Snyder. The books are great for preteens and teens and has a little bit of a mystery.
I hope you give these books a try. I never would have thought they were my thing, but I love to read, and these books fed my obsession. Are you familiar with these series? If so, what is your favorite?
5 Signs You’re Being Ghosted
Ghosting, the process of someone you love or care about disappearing from your life both physically and emotionally, cutting off all forms of communication, without any explanation. Ghosting be can be done by virtually anyone in your life from a romantic partner, or a best friend, to even a family member.
I admit that I have ghosted in the past, but hear me out before you judge. In a land far, far away, where there was no social media or texting, I was in a relationship. He was truly a wonderful person, whom I loved very much, but in my heart I knew it was not meant to be.
The last time I saw him, I knew it would be the last time. I didn't feel sad, or upset. I really didn't feel anything. We said goodnight to each other and would never speak or see each other again. There was no fight, or hurtful words, and technically actually no break up. But two people so different was never going to have a happily ever after.
When I think about it, we ghosted each other. Just disappeared from each other's lives, no explanation, and no goodbye.
5 Signs You’re Being Ghosted
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No Response To Texts
There was a time when you would send and receive good morning and goodnight texts to and from your man, and there was always an immediate response. If you are being ghosted, you do not receive any acknowledgment or response to your text.
Unfortunately a lack of response can leave you worried, or confused. You wonder if they are ok, or if the even received your text. This one is a little tricky so don’t jump to conclusions too fast. This could be a sign of ghosting or that someone lost their phone.
Drops or Blocks You From Social Media
Maybe you are someone who has a ton of friends and followers on social media, or perhaps only a few. Suddenly you realized you haven’t seen pictures or a status update from your bestie or your boyfriend.
You do a little research only to discover not only have you been unfriended, but also blocked on all of their social media accounts. You have definitely been ghosted.
They Are Always Busy
You and your guy used to always do dinner and a movie on Friday nights, but suddenly now he always has to work or has other plans. No one is that busy. If you are important to someone they will make the time to see you and spend time with you. If they don't have the time, it's because they do not consider you a priority.
They Avoid You In Places
You go to the same school, work at the same place, or go to the same gym, but you never see them anymore. A change in route, or routine in combination with the other signs is indicative that you are being ghosted.
No Eye Contact During Interactions
So you are pretty sure they have been avoiding you, and when you do run into them it is awkward, uncomfortable, and they will not look you in the eyes. They avoid eye contact because of guilt, and fear that you will bring up their recent behavior. A friend or love who cannot look you in the eye is likely no friend or love. They are ghosting you.
What To Do
If you think you are being ghosted, and it is by someone you truly care about and want in your life, confront them. You owe it to yourself, and to them, to create the opportunity to clear the air and make things right.
One time, and one time only, call them, email them, or make time for a face to face discussion. Maybe they are just not a good person and have decided they have no more use for you. Or it’s possible you did or said something that hurt or offended them and they are upset with you. Either way, move on after your attempt at reconciliation is ignored.
It can be said that the act of ghosting is a cowardly one, and I tend to agree in most cases. I also think that sometimes ghosting is necessary because there are no words. There is nothing else to say, nothing else to do, but fade away.
Have you ever been ghosted or ghosted anyone? Please share your experience!
“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.” - Mark Twain
Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is here again, and it can be nerve racking to find just the gift for the man that has everything, or never wants anything. While this blog will be full of gift suggestions for your man, and your dad, I think the best way to go is to request a gift list. This is common practice in my family, for adults and kids alike. This ensures gift satisfaction since they are getting exactly what they asked for. The below recommendations are just to add an element of surprise, and wow factor to your special one’s Father's Day.
The key to great gift giving is knowing your loved one well, but let’s be honest, some people are just difficult to shop for. For the guy who doesn’t know what he wants, or does not “need” anything, go the gift card route. Get him a gift card to his favorite store, and call it a day.
Gift Ideas
If your children are young then you know your kids need help getting their father his gift. If they are older they still need help with remembering to be "thoughtful" or coming up with ideas for a gift. He is not your dad, but of course we want to show appreciation for the man who has been a wonderful father or father figure.
If your fella has hobbies then I suggest a bundle of gifts with that theme. If he loves to golf, I recommend golf balls, tees, gloves, hat, and a nice trunk locker bag for him to organize his stuff. If he is a hiker or camper I suggest you hit up REI and go crazy, no seriously. For the hiking/camping bundle I suggest hat, sunblock, ready to eat meals, warm socks, sleeping bag, and tent night lights.
For the "manly man" go for grill stuff or liquor. ManCrates.com has some of cutest gift ideas around for men. A ManCrate is basically a gift basket of meats, nuts, grill stuff and many other themes, but the cool factor is that it comes in a small crate and crowbar to pry it open with. Now if your guy is a scotch drinker, a good gift bundle idea would be a nice bottle of scotch, a decanter for it, and two scotch glasses that are customized with his initials.
Lastly, let’s not forget the sports lover. I would recommend ball caps, tee shirts, and jerseys of his favorite team. If you could get your hands on some sports memorabilia, or playoff tickets that would make his year.
We tend to go out all for Mother's Day, but sometimes the great men in our lives who are also great dads tend to be forgotten. It makes me happy to try to find new and exciting ways to surprise my loved ones, and show them how much they mean to me. How do you do it with your family and friends? Do you wing it, asks for lists, or just do gift cards?
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6 Things Needed To Be Happy In A Relationship...For Me
The are many elements needed to have a good relationship. You need trust, good communication, and compatibility just to name a few. But what about being truly happy in your relationship? I believe that you can have a good relationship, with a good person, but still feel like something is missing.
Happiness is very a personal, individual thing. What makes me happy in a relationship will not necessarily be what makes you happy in your relationship. Happiness is the state of being happy. Being happy is all about joy, well being, and being in that good place.
6 Things Needed To Be Happy In Relationship
Great Conversation
Being with someone who is capable of holding an interesting, intelligent conversation is very important to me. I want someone with whom after years together we can still have great talks, heated debates, and challenge each other's thinking.
In order to be a great conversationlist, one also needs to be a great listener. No one is happy all day everyday, but it is nice to be able to talk to someone you trust to vent and get advice.
Laughter
Being able to have fun, laugh at yourself, and laugh with each other deepens your relationship bond. Laughter is what will get you through those tough times, as life's inevitable difficulties arise. Laughter is healing, calming, and a big stress reliever.
Adventure
I am a bit of a homebody by nature. I love curling up on my couch with a great book, or binge watching Netflix. But I also love a great adventure. The more unplanned or unexpected, the better.
I need someone who is willing to pack a bag on a Thursday night for a last minute trip Vegas or Vermont.
Comfortable Silence
While I love a good conversation, I also enjoy quiet time together. You know you are in a good place with each other when you do not feel the need to talk all of the time. You can drive together for hours just listening to music and enjoying the scenery, and be completely comfortable and content not making meaningless chatter.
Space
I am happiest in a relationship when I am given my personal time and space. I need time to read quietly, focus on writing, and watch my guilty pleasure television shows. I think time away from my partner lets me recharge, makes me miss them, and overall makes me a better girlfriend or wife.
Passion
I need passion to be truly happy in my relationship. I want to feel passionate about my partner, and I want to feel wanted and desired by them. There also needs to be a passion for things outside the relationship. I am passionate about writing. I want a partner who is passionate about something as well. Passion is sexy.
Being in a relationship does not guarantee happiness, but I do believe that if you know what you truly want and expect in a relationship, you will have a better chance of finding your happy. No one can be any one person's everything, which is why space, time apart, and hobbies that interest you are important to maintain your happiness within your relationship.
In order to have a good relationship you need trust, good communication, and respect, and all of these are the foundation for a solid partnership. But how do you make a relationship a good relationship great? For me I need the six elements for happy to take a good relationship to the next level.
How do you define happiness in a relationship? Do agree or disagree that one can have a good relationship but still not be happy? Is this asking for too much in a relationship? Please share!
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night til it be morrow." William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
15 Minute Chicken And Zucchini Stir Fry...
I love making stir fry, and usually do so at least once a week. Stir-fry is quick, easy, and simple to change up a recipe in a pinch. Not to mention they are healthy, low calorie, and very filling.
This recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight meal, or as meal prep your weekly lunches.
For this recipe I used chicken breast, but it works just as well with beef, pork, shrimp, and even ground chicken or ground turkey. This is a crowd pleaser, so double the recipe if you want leftovers. It's simple enough that my preteen knows how to make it, but you can still feel good about making a home cooked meal.
Ingredients:
2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cubed
1 Large Zucchini, Peeled and Cubed
1/2 Yellow Onion, Diced
2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce, GF
1 Tsp. Minced Garlic
1/2 Tsp. Ginger Paste
1 Tbsp. Cornstarch
Directions:
In a large skillet drizzle olive oil and add chicken and onions. Cook chicken on medium high heat until cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Add cubed zucchini, garlic, and ginger and stir. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender. Next sprinkle cornstarch over stir fry, and add the soy sauce. Stir once again, and allow to simmer for about 2 minutes.
I suggest serving over brown rice or rice noodles. One of my favorites to use is Rice Ramen. It's gluten free, filling, and absorbs all the flavors of the stir fry. So yummy!
I hope you enjoy! Please share your stir fry tips.
5 Signs He's Cheating...Or Is Thinking About It
Trust is everything in a relationship. It is a miserable feeling when you think your partner may be stepping out on you. Chances are, if you are suspicious you have a pretty good reason to be so.
It's that gut feeling, and really just knowing your man. If something feels off, then that it is because something is off.
It is a big leap to go from having a suspicion to accusing. I had the unfortunate experience many years ago of playing detective in a relationship, and as much as I enjoy being right, I had hoped to be wrong in that situation.
The truth is, if you think he's cheating, he probably is. Or at least he wants to, or is thinking about it.
The 5 Signs Of Cheating
He Seems Distant
The distance you feel can come in the form of physical as well, but he is mostly going to be mentally and emotionally distant. He is no longer open with you and is not interested in you.
He is not interested in talking to you very much, and when he does talk to you, he is barely listening or engaged.
Physically he can avoid you by working late or avoiding your home life. He may also create distance by sleeping on the couch, or coming to bed after you have already turned in for the night.
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You Catch Him In Lies
The lies are the biggest telltale. He is not where is said he was going to be. He is not home when he said he would be. You can tell he's lying to you even though you cannot always prove it.
He Avoids Intimacy
He avoids your touch, and is no longer very affectionate. Kisses, hand holding, and cuddling are a thing of the past. He rarely initiates sex anymore, when once upon a time he couldn't keep his hands off of you.
When you do have sex with him he is not there mentally. He seems to be a million miles away, and possibly even thinking of someone else.
A big sign of intimacy avoidance is failing to look you in the eyes. Gazing into each others eyes is extremely intimate, and creates a connection. Failure to make that eye contact shows that he may be emotionally checked out of the relationship, and focused elsewhere.
He's Secretive
He doesn't allow you to see his phone, his emails, or his wallet. If you walk into the room unexpectedly he will close his laptop or close out of things on his computer. He has changed passwords, and gets defensive when you ask questions.
The Relationship Feels Off
Your partner has become different, almost like a stranger to you. It feels off because it is. You sense that he is no longer into you, he is no longer in love with you, and is just going through the motions.
What To Do
You have options if you think you are being cheated on. The first is to confront the situation directly and ask your partner if they are having an affair, including emotional and online affairs. Of course this is the scariest option because you may not get the answer or response you are hoping for, but for many of us it is better to know.
There is also the big possibility that he is going to lie because he's not quite ready to call it quits, and leave the comfortable home life.
You could take a more conservative approach, and just discuss your concerns about how you feel the relationship has changed, and tell your partner how it makes you feel.
The positive to this approach is that it puts your feelings out there, but if he is already done and emotionally closed to you, this conversation will go nowhere. In fact, the discussion may annoy him and give him an excuse to grab his keys and go get some "fresh air".
The last option is to play detective. This is probably the most mentally anguishing and painful choice to make, but you may find the answers you need. You clearly do not trust him, and will drive yourself nuts trying to find evidence that there is someone else, all the while hoping there is no evidence.
The positive is that you may not find a smoking gun, but the negative is that your gut is telling you he is involved or in love with someone else.
The Reality
A cheater is not likely to admit to cheating. They will usually lie through their teeth, until you have indisputable evidence of their infidelity. Trust your instincts in this case, because chances are your gut is on to something. They are cheating or thinking about it.
Counseling is usually recommended for marital issues, including infidelity. Of course this would mean that your man has come clean about his cheating, and is willing to do the work to get the relationship back on track.
I suppose the "positive" in the case of marital infidelity is that a man is statistically unlikely to leave his marriage for his lover. However, the negative in this matter is his motivation for staying in the marriage. A man will stay for financial reasons, for the kids, and to maintain a status and the appearance of a happy family life.
The 5 signs listed are not all inclusive. In fact, you may find that your man becomes extra nice, and buys you gift to help him alleviate his guilt. He may also have a revved up sex drive with you to cover up his extra activities, and also to relieve his pent up sexual desires because he cannot have the other woman in the moment.
We all have our relationship deal breakers, and only you know what is tolerable and acceptable for you. Many relationships survive infidelity, but I am not sure if anyone ever gets over the broken trust, and feelings of betrayal.
What are your thoughts on cheating? What signs do you consider red flags? Please share your experience!
"No relationship is ever a waste of time. If it didn't bring you what you want, it taught you what you don't want." - Unknown