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10 Best Fruits And Veggies To Help You Stay Hydrated This Summer
Summer is finally here! We wait all year for the long, warm, and sunny days. This is the time of year when we spend the most time outside swimming, having picnics, going to the beach, hiking, and playing.
Those activities are great, but it is very important to remember to protect our bodies while out in the heat. Summer weather is getting hotter and hotter so finding ways to combat the effects of the high heat is a must for health and safety.
When dealing with hot weather, hydration is the key to feeling good and taking care of ourselves during the summer months. We can become dehydrated rather quickly in hot weather, especially when engaging in activities. Many people do not drink enough water, which is why it is important to recognize when we are dehydrated.
Also, it is extremely important to know and recognize the signs of dehydration in infants and children as well. Little ones and the elderly are the most vulnerable to heat-related conditions.
Dehydration Signs
Signs Of Dehydration In Adults
Extreme Thirst
Dizziness
Fatigue
Dark Urine/Low Urine Output
Confusion
Signs Of Dehydration In Infants And Young Children
No Wet Diapers For 3 Or More Hours
No Tears When Crying
Irritability
Dry Mouth/Tongue
Listlessness
Foods That Hydrate
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are over 95 percent water. They contain vitamins C and E, and is great for the skin.
Tomatoes
Incorporate tomatoes into your diet by adding tomatoes to your salad, sandwiches, and wraps. Tomatoes are 95 percent water, and contain vitamin C, which is good for skin health.
Watermelon
Watermelon is 92 percent water, and may actually hydrate faster than water. Watermelon contains magnesium, potassium, and sodium, all of which are needed to properly hydrate.
Strawberries
Strawberries are 92 percent water. Strawberries are plentiful during summers months, and easy to incorporate into your snacks, and meals.
Grapefruit
The grapefruit is 88 percent water. Start off your day right with a grapefruit for breakfast. Grapefruits contain vitamin A and C, potassium and biotin, all of which are good for the skin.
Carrots
Snack on carrots in the summer. Carrots are 87 percent water, and loaded with beta carotene, which helps protect the skin.
Cantaloupes
Cantaloupe is 90 percent water, and loaded with vitamin A.
Celery
Hydrate with celery. Celery is 96 percent water, and may hydrate you just as fast as drinking water.
Zucchini
Cook with zucchini this summer. Zucchini is 95 percent water, and a great source of folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
Iceberg Lettuce
Add iceberg lettuce to your meals this summer to stay hydrated. Iceberg lettuce contains 96 percent water, and has vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
One of the easiest things to do this summer to help with hydration is to just make a salad. Make a super hydration salad by adding iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and carrots. Or you can make a nice fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapefruit.
Most fruits and vegetables have high water content. Whatever your plans are this summer, remember your sunscreen, and don't forget to hydrate.
What do you do to stay hydrated in the summer heat? Do you primarily rely on water and sports drinks to provide your hydration needs? Or do you enjoy eating all of the fresh fruits and veggies? Please share!
Photo by Toni Cuenca from Pexels
7 Signs Someone Does Not Like You
Dealing with people is unavoidable. Some of these people you may like and others not so much. The same applies to them when it comes to you. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay, but knowing who doesn’t like you and who is not your friend is helpful as it will impact how you deal with them.
If it’s a coworker then keep it professional and polite. If they are an associate or a friend of a friend, limit interactions or avoid them altogether. Regardless of the role they play in your life, always choose your own mental health and well-being over trying to win them over because who cares, you’re amazing.
Here are the signs to look for and be aware of when someone dislikes you.
7 Signs Someone Dislikes You
Their Body Language Is Off
When someone does not like you they tend to keep their body turned away from you. Or their body language may seem openly hostile or threatening, including balled fists and unpleasant facial expressions. We often tell on ourselves with our body language and usually when we don’t like someone our body will send out cues, even if we are unaware that it is happening.
They Avoid You
Usually, when people dislike someone they tend to avoid any interaction with them as much as possible. However, on occasion, it may be difficult to avoid some individuals altogether if you are colleagues, have the same friend circle, or perhaps are even related.
They Give You Frosty Energy
When they cannot avoid you directly and interaction is forced, you may notice their behavior is cool towards you. They stand or sit far away from you and refuse to engage in any conversations you are part of unless they are forced to.
They Avoid Eye Contact
When someone does not like you they do not even want to look at you. People who dislike you will avoid eye contact with you. And when they are forced to make eye contact, they will give you the dead-eyes stare.
They Are Passive Aggressive
They may offer backhanded compliments or be overly sweet with you at times but with this behavior, you have to be on high alert and watch your back. They may also make jokes at your expense or try to embarrass you in front of others and pretend that it is all in good fun.
They Seem To Try To One Up You
Someone who dislikes you may be subtle or directly in your face with their attempts of showing you up or making you look bad. It may seem like they are in an unspoken competition with you and they will take great pleasure in beating you.
They Are Short With You
When someone dislikes you, their tolerance level for any mistake or imperfection from you is very low and they will show it. They may verbally express their displeasure with you or display negative body language towards you with deep sighs, rolled eyes, and crossed arms.
While it is important to recognize when someone does not like you, it is also important that you can accept that fact. Not everyone deserves your energy and is not worth your time. There is no need to launch an investigation into why someone doesn’t like you because not everyone has to and what purpose is really served. We cannot make someone like us.
You may not be for everyone, just like not everyone is for you. The moment you accept that you don’t have to be liked and that life is not a popularity contest, you will feel a weight lift. The desire to be liked is a desire for validation and your sense of worth should not be externally generated.
What are your thoughts on being disliked and recognizing the sign? Please share your thoughts and experiences!
“Better to be disliked for being you, than being liked for being someone else.” - Matt Haig
7 Shows To Stream This Fall For A Cozy, Fun, Or Spooky Night In
It’s that time of year again when the weather has cooled and a night snuggled up on the couch sounds more appealing than ever. Maybe you want to enjoy a nice glass of wine, or something hot to drink or perhaps you are looking for viewing options on one of your many streaming services.
There are never-ending options of movies and series to watch if you have the time but if you want some help narrowing down where to start this fall, I have my picks for you. A few are family and others not so much, but all are entertaining and worth a watch. So here’s my list of shows to stream this fall.
7 Shows To Stream This Fall
Bodies
Four detectives in four different time periods of London find themselves investigating the same murder. - IMDB
You will be intrigued by the mystery and the how and why but you need to pay attention to keep track of timelines and investigations. Categorized as crime, drama, and history, Bodies, a limited series, is now streaming on Netflix.
The Fall of The House of Usher
To secure their fortune (and future) two ruthless siblings build a family dynasty that begins to crumble when their heirs mysteriously die, one by one. - IMDB
This Edgar Allan Poe-inspired series is dark, spooky, and sexy. With a strong supernatural element, each episode is named after and closely aligns with a Poe tale. For Poe fans, like myself, you will be intrigued by how each story is woven and connected to his classic work. Categorized as drama, horror, and mystery, you can watch all ten episodes of The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix.
The Morning Show
An inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning, exploring the unique challenges faced by the team. - IMDB
Season 3 just dropped on Apple TV and it does not disappoint. This show is binge-worthy, fun, and completely over the top in some of the best ways. The Morning Show is streaming now on Apple TV.
Goosebumps
A group of five high schoolers unleash supernatural forces upon their town. Now, they must work together in order to save it. - IMDB
Based on R.L. Steins work, this family-friendly spooky viewing. Categorized as adventure, comedy, and fantasy, Goosebumps can be watched on both Hulu and Disney Plus.
The Wheel of Time
Set in a high fantasy world where magic exists, but only some can access it, a woman named Moiraine crosses paths with five young men and women. This sparks a dangerous, world-spanning journey. Based on the book series by Robert Jordan. - IMDB
Season 2 recently premiered after a nearly two-year wait, and it was worth it. It is beautifully shot, and action-packed. We meet new characters, both heroes and villains, and learn more about the world created by Jordan. Seasons one and two are available to watch on Amazon Prime.
The Golden Bachelor
Follow a new kind of love for the golden years, when a hopeless romantic is given a second chance at love in the search for a partner with whom to share the sunset years of life. - IMDB
Yes, I know, this seems like an odd choice to be on this list but I just really enjoyed this show. It’s fun and sweet, and quite surprising. I highly recommend you give it a watch on Hulu.
The Midnight Club
The Midnight Club follows an octet of terminally ill teenage patients at Brightcliffe Hospice as they gather at midnight to share scary stories. - IMDB
Created by Mike Flanagan, the writer behind the Tha Haunting of Hill House and Black Mass. This is a dark show, for several reasons, and full of jump scares. You can watch all 10 episodes on Netflix.
I hope you enjoy my recommendations. Happy Fall watching!
10 Quotes About Acceptance
Life will throw you curve balls and how you deal with them is the real test. Sometimes things do not work out as we hoped they would or as we expected, but the ability to accept things outside our control is key to our mental and emotional well-being.
Acceptance is the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. Though challenging, accepting what is can be freeing. Once we accept something or someone for what it is or who they are, we can move on and be at peace.
Here are 10 quotes about Acceptance
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. ― Lao Tzu
Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance.” ~ Gautama Buddha
“Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself.”
― Deborah Reber, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love and Learning
“The most confused you will ever get is when you try to convince your heart and spirit of something your mind knows is a lie.” ― Shannon L. Alder
“We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.” ~ Carl Jung
“You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
“Anything in life that we don’t accept will simply make trouble for us until we make peace with it.” ~ Shakti Gawain
“Accepting all the good and bad about someone. It’s a great thing to aspire to. The hard part is actually doing it.” ~ Sarah Dessen
“If you cannot endure to be thought in the wrong, you will begin to do terrible things to make the wrong appear right.” ~ Sydney J. Harris
“Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It's about knowing and accepting who you are.” ― Ellen DeGeneres, Seriously... I'm Kidding
What’s your favorite quote about acceptance? Please share!
The Benefits of Self-Hypnosis
The concept of self-hypnosis may sound odd, but the benefits it may provide make it worth giving a try. There is nothing like self-empowerment and finding new ways to cope, heal, and improve. Self-hypnosis can do that for you.
Hypnosis is all about the power of suggestion. Self-hypnosis involves a person using relaxation methods and visualization to enter a hypnotic state. Once in that state, you can implant thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in yourself that may be life-changing.
Benefits of Self-Hypnosis
Help Control Anxiety
Through self-hypnosis, you can use calming techniques to reduce panic attacks and calm yourself in situations that would normally induce stress and anxiety in your body and mind.
Improve Sleep
Self-hypnosis will allow you to put your mind and body at ease, clear your thoughts, and fall into a deep sleep. Self-hypnosis will convince your brain it’s sleepy and it is time to go to bed.
Improve Fitness
Self-hypnosis can put you in a state of can do. Whether it is running or lifting weights, self-hypnosis will help you breathe through physical challenges, allowing you to push your body further.
Control Urges
It’s no secret that many people will visit hypnotists to try to quick smoking and lose weight. Self-hypnosis works the same way. Trying to cut out snacking, watch less television, or just clean up your potty mouth, self-hypnosis may help.
Changing Your Inner Voice
At times, we are unkind to ourselves and can be overly critical, destroying our own confidence and belief in our abilities. Self-hypnosis can give you the positive talk and self-confidence you need to push through and believe in yourself.
How To Hypnotize Yourself
To hypnotize yourself, you need to find a quiet place to be by yourself. You can sit in a chair, sit on the floor in meditation style, or lie down on a bed. Next, you will do a body scan, starting from the top of your head all the way down to your toes, relaxing each part of your body as you do so.
Once relaxed, set your intention, whether that is to focus on anxiety, sleep, improving your inner voice, or any other goal of your choosing. Take slow, deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth as you focus on your intention. Allow your eyes to become heavy and fall closed and you continue your focus on your intention through visualization.
After successful visualization, begin to verbalize your intention with words like “I am a runner. I can run faster. I can run longer.” Repeating the mantra again and again for five to ten minutes, after which time, you can slowly bring yourself out of your hypnotic state.
And that’s all there is to self-hypnosis. The Benefits of Self-Hypnosis is a wonderful way to tap into your subconscious and create meaningful change in your life! Through guided relaxation and visualizations, you can explore and rewire your mental and emotional habits to achieve your goals, reduce stress, and become your best self! Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.
Note - Please be advised, I am not a doctor and this blog is not a substitute for medical advice.
Holiday Movies To Watch This Season
It is that time of year again and if you want easy, stress-free, commercial-free, and yes a romantic Christmas comedy full of cliches, I have the list for you. Who doesn’t love a cheesy, romantic holiday movie? I know I do. I love watching them while cooking meals, baking cookies, online shopping, wrapping presents, or just vegging out on the couch or in bed.
While I love me some Love Actually and have finally conceded that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, don’t judge me, you will find neither on this list. You can just sit back with a glass of wine or hot cocoa and enjoy the fun, silliness, and the somewhat predictable Christmas movie love fest.
Here’s what to watch now on Netflix.
9 Holiday Movies Worth Watching Now
Falling For Christmas
In the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter.
It was good to see Lindsey Lohan in a new movie. This is a typical cheesy Christmas movie but is also sweet and funny. You can watch it now on Netflix.
Love Hard
An LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.
This holiday rom-com encompasses all the typical elements and has just the right amount of cuteness and humor, and a little lesson on the perils of online dating. Sometimes people are not who they seem to be.
A Castle for Christmas
To escape a scandal, a bestselling author journeys to Scotland, where she falls in love with a castle - and faces off with the grumpy duke who owns it. - IMBD
It was great to see some familiar faces in this holiday romantic comedy. Think Blue Lagoon and The Princess Bride. Okay maybe that’s taking it back a little too far but you get my point. Holiday romance is not just for twenty-something-year-olds.
Operation Christmas Drop
Congressional aide Erica (Graham) forgoes family Christmas to travel at her boss's behest. At a beachside Air Force base, she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz (Ludwig), who knows her assignment is finding reasons to defund the facility. - IMBD
Set in the backdrop of real-life operations that help small pacific islands every year, this fictitious romance is a sweet reminder of the importance of generosity and the true Christmas spirit of giving.
The Holiday
Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. - IMDB
The Holiday came out over fifteen years ago, but it’s still fun and relatable, and in some ways, and perfect for this time of year.
A Snowbound Christmas
Marketing exec lands a spot on a big project but before the presentation, a snowstorm traps her and her boss at a resort where they realize there is more to their relationship than just business. - IMBD
I believe this originally appeared on Hallmark but nevertheless, this is a sweet, and family-friendly holiday movie.
A Christmas Prince
When a reporter goes undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop on a playboy prince, she gets tangled in some royal intrigue and ends up finding love - but will she be able to keep up her lie? - IMDB
A Christmas Prince is great for the family to watch together. Very cheesy, and Disney-like but also sweet and heartwarming. It is actually a trilogy now, so you can also watch A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: A Royal Baby.
Holidate
Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way. - IMDB
This was a surprisingly entertaining rom-com. This is funny and cute but it is not family-friendly due to language and content.
The Holiday Calendar
A struggling but talented photographer inherits an antique holiday advent calendar, the contents of which seem to predict the future. Will this magical calendar lead her to love this holiday season?
I love the magical elements added to this holiday story. This is another family-friendly Christmas movie that everyone can sit down together and watch.
Some of these are old and some of these are new but they are all perfect for this time of year to curl up on the couch and watch. Or to just enjoy as you wrap gifts or relax. I have watched them all and hope you give a couple or all of them a try too! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
All The Best Things About Fall
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air, the slightly yellow tint of the sun, and beauty all around as the leaves began to change color. I love the baking, the decorating, and the soup making.
I hate having to resist all of the goodies everywhere but take comfort in being able to hide under an extra layer of clothes.
Planting Season
I plant lots of herbs as the air turns cooler and check daily for the sighting of sprouts. My efforts are usually rewarded around the fourteenth day. Pumpkins are being carved, goblins are on display, and zombie warning signs are going up.
The fall herbs to plan are parsley, cilantro, mint, chives, rosemary, and thyme. All of my favorites to cook with.
Fall Foliage
To see the changing color of the leaves is a sight to behold. As the season change, so does the amount of sunlight trees and plants receive. With shorter days and less light, comes the beautiful changing of leaves from green to yellow, orange, and red.
Maybe you are fortunate enough to live in a place that offers all the beauty that fall has to offer, but if you do not, there are maps online to show you the best locations to enjoy the scenery.
Halloween
Halloween arrives and small and big children prowl the night on the search for free candy, trading cuteness for chocolate. Will a chill in the air, and a smile on my face, I hand out candy as I admire all the cute and clever costumes.
October ends and on the hunt I go for the perfect turkey. I will brine the turkey for at least twenty-four hours in a tried and true rosemary-garlic solution that will yield the tastiest, moistest turkey one could dream of.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and appreciation. We have good food and spend time with our loved ones, both friends and family. We enjoy cocktails and football, good conversations, and share plans and hopes for the new year to come.
On Thanksgiving night our beautiful Christmas tree goes up. Tired yet content to sit on the sofa with the family to watch lights flicker on the tree and listen to the fire crackle in the fireplace. Thanksgiving has once again come and gone.
Christmas Celebrations
December comes and the shopping frenzy begins, for most, but not me. I am an early shopper so most of my presents are wrapped and under the tree at this point. I enjoy evening walks around the neighborhood with the hubby and my girls, with my thermos of tea in hand, to spy all of the wonderful Christmas decorations.
On Christmas Eve, technically into winter, we open stocking gifts and track Santa. There is a tinge of sadness in my heart because I know my favorite time of year is coming to an end all too soon.
Christmas morning comes with me sitting by a fire, sipping coffee, and watching the children and husband open their gifts. Although happy I still have to resist the urge to pout about how fast it is all coming to an end. I remind myself to be thankful for all of my good fortune.
Dinner will consist of sides and a yummy baked ham before heading off to the movies. We come home from the movies to a Christmas tree with no presents under it and trash bags full of wrapping paper. There’s a mess to clean up and l can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
It begins...
What do you do during the fall? Do you have any fall or holiday traditions for you and your family? Please share your traditions or any suggestions!
It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves! - Winnie the Pooh
Best Harvest Wreaths For Your Front Door - Fall 2022
September kicks off my favorite time of year, and it is just a few days away. I love fall. The weather is so crisp, and fresh. It feels almost perfect. Then add to the near perfection with the beauty as leaves start to turn, and kids go back to school, it is just heavenly. For this blog, I decided to offer some suggestions on some of the prettiest autumn wreaths to hang on your front door.
Fall is my favorite season, and one of my favorite times of year to decorate. I do simple decorations both indoors and outdoors, and change it up as the season progresses. The options are endless with fall because you can keep it simple, and still have lovely decor. I usually start off fall with beautiful, colorful wreaths decorating both the inside and outside of my front door. I also hang one off the Juliet balcony in the front of my house. It literally takes minutes to transform the look of your home.
5 Beautiful Harvest Wreaths
Appalachia Berry Silk Fall Door Wreath 22 inch - Autumn Berries and Foliage Enhance Home Decor, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, Beautiful White Gift Box Included
Montgomery Hollow Silk Fall Door Wreath 26 inch - Large Autumn Door Wreath for Outdoor Display, White Storage Gift Box Included
For me, there is just some about wreaths. Adding a wreath to your door or hearth somehow makes your home feel more cozy and welcoming. I have several wreaths for every season, which keeps my wreath storage container packed.
Weston Fall Berry Wreath 22 Inches - Enhances Front Door Decor with Designer Quality, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, Beautiful White Gift Box Included
As the weather cools, you can start to add pumpkins and gourds to your garden for additional pops of color. While this blog is about harvest wreaths, which work great at Thanksgiving as well, don't be afraid to shake things up with halloween themed wreaths.
Saranac Berry Fall Front Door Wreath 22 Inches - Lush Seasonal Foliage and Berries, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, with Beautiful White Gift Box
Montgomery Hollow Silk Fall Door Wreath 26 inch - Large Autumn Door Wreath for Outdoor Display, White Storage Gift Box Included
I hope you found my wreath suggestions helpful. They really are quite beautiful. How will you decorate your front door and home this fall? I am always on the lookout for more lovely wreaths. Please share your wreath or decoration suggestions!
What To Watch on Netflix in March 2022
There is always something new to entertain and delight from one streaming service or another. February was a great month for the return of some of our favorite shows, and March is shaping up to be even better.
I love a good binge-worthy show, and my recommendations all have two seasons with the exception of The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window and Murderville, which have just one season but are ridiculously binge-worthy. All my picks for March are light, fun, and not too heavy.
I have five recommendations for you and I think you will enjoy them all.
What To Watch On Netflix March 2022
The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window
When a handsome neighbor moves in across the street, Anna, a heartbroken woman for whom every day is the same, starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel. That is until she witnesses a gruesome murder - Or did she? - IMDB
I binged this show over a weekend. It’s weird, suspenseful, and kept wondering what the heck was going on. I didn’t know whether or not to take it seriously, although the strange title should have clued me in. The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window is a spoof of several other recent movies but is funny because it makes fun of some of the unbelievably silly plots of the other movies.
Kristen Bell is great and makes this series worth watching. I highly recommend it, but it should be noted this is not family friendly programming.
Bridgerton Season 2
Wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family. - IMDB
I read all the Julia Quinn books years ago that this series is based on. Season 2 of Bridgerton follows Julia’s second book on the series, The Viscount Who Loved Me. Season 1 was very hot and sexy and I would imagine we are in the same treatment for season two.
Season 2 premieres on Friday, March 25th.
Sweet Magnolia Season 2
Three South Carolina women, best friends since high school, shepherd one another through the complexities of romance, career, and family. - IMDB
Season 1 left viewers on a cliffhanger and Season 2 picks right up on the same night. Sweet Magnolia is wholesome viewing and feels like it would fit right in on The Hallmark Channel. It is entertaining, and relatable for the most part. This is easy binge programming and enjoyable, with Season 2 ending on another cliffhanger.
There is no smooth sailing for the women of Sweet Magnolia. Available now on Netflix.
Murderville
Eccentric detective Terry Seattle teams up with clueless celebrity guest stars to investigate a series of murders in this improvisational crime comedy.
Murdervile is quirky and funny, with an interesting concept. I loved watching the guests improv as they try to assist in solving crimes in the most ridiculous fashion.
Murderville is available now on Netflix.
Space Force
The people tasked with creating a sixth branch of the armed services: The Space Force. - IMDB
It is hard to believe that Space Force is actually a real thing, but it is. Hopefully, its employees are a bit more competent. Steve Carell is as funny and quirky as ever, with John Malkovich being weird and hilarious. If you like The Office you will like Space Force.
There are two seasons to binge and belly laugh at. Space Force is available now on Netflix.
This Netflix watch list is meant to be light-hearted and fun. I hope you enjoy my recommendations and come back and share your thoughts with me. Tell me what you about the shows and share your own recommendations. Happy viewing!
The Writer and the Billionaire: A Novel
Searching for your next summer read? Look no further than my new novel The Writer and the Billionaire.
The Writer and the Billionaire is the story of Sascha Gills, a newly divorced writer whose life changes forever when she is swept off her feet by the charming, handsome, and spectacularly rich Devon Montague. But it’s not all smooth sailing—and someone from Sascha’s past seems determined to keep it that way. As Sascha and Devon’s relationship is tested by struggle and heartbreak, can they persist and ultimately triumph in love?
Here is your sneak peek!
Chapter 1
Sascha sat staring at the paper she had just signed. Her marriage was officially over! She had not been single in over eleven years, but six months ago she’d woken one morning and realized that she was not happy and had not been for the last five years. She did not want to be married to Lucas anymore. She needed a fresh start.
Lucas had been her college sweetheart and at the time seemed to be her soul mate. Thinking back on her naivete made Sascha giggle slightly, feeling a little silly for even believing in soul mates.
Hearing her giggle, her husband and his lawyer looked up at her from across the table. In an irritated tone, her now ex-husband said, “Is there something about this that you find amusing?”
His voice snapped her from her thoughts and wiped the little smile from her face. Her first impulse was to say that she didn’t find anything funny, but after a second thought, she decided not to bite her tongue any further.
“You know, actually I do find something funny. I find it funny that I ever thought this pathetic excuse for a marriage could have lasted. And even funnier than that is the fact that I let a sorry excuse for a man like you make me feel bad about myself for so long. The truth of the matter is that I deserved better than you, and you know it.”
“Oh, please, get off your high horse. You weren’t exactly the most loving, supportive wife. I am the one that deserves better,” he responded, not surprisingly.
Sascha rolled her eyes and looked down at her vibrating cell phone. A no-caller-ID caller again. She reminded herself that she really needed to get a new phone number.
Handing the papers back to her lawyer, Sascha stood up and said her final words to Lucas. “When are you going to stop blaming others for your failures? You know what? Don’t bother answering that. I can say that I am done being your excuse for never succeeding. I truly hope that someday you find your way and can become the man that you have always wanted to be.”
When Sascha walked out of that conference room, she felt as if a weight had been lifted. Sure, she was thirty-four, almost thirty-five actually, and was starting over, but she wasn’t scared. She was excited, in fact. To be honest, she had not felt this type of exhilaration since her college volleyball days. Sascha had once been one of the country’s top volleyball players and could have gone pro, but instead, she chose a simpler life with Lucas. After graduating from the University of Southern California’s MBA program, Lucas and Sascha both got jobs with financial firms and moved to San Francisco to start their lives together.
Sascha had grown up in a middle-class area in a Northern California town and was happy to be somewhat close to her family again. She thought that Lucas was happy too, but nothing ever seemed to make him happy. Not his job, not their sex life, and certainly not his wife. While Sascha had quickly found success at her investment firm, Lucas seemed to have trouble holding a job. He always quit or was fired for one reason or another. Of course, it was never his fault. His bosses were always jerks who picked on him, or Sascha was putting too much pressure on him or not supporting him. Never were his troubles his own doing—not his bad attitude, and certainly not his lack of competence.
When he began to become depressed, Sascha did everything she could to get him out of his slump. Nothing worked, and of course he refused counseling at that time, both individual counseling for himself and marriage counseling for the both of them.
One day Sascha went to him with an idea that she thought would solve all their problems. She suggested that they open up an investment firm. She had a wonderful client roster, many of whom she was sure would more than happily follow her if she left her current powerhouse firm of Chase & Sanders.
To Sascha’s surprise, Lucas was immediately receptive to the idea, and they quickly got to work on this new venture. At first it seemed like Lucas was truly happy with her and things were getting better, but that was just wishful thinking on her part.
They rented a small office in a downtown building with a monthly rent that was more than twice their monthly mortgage, but Sascha wanted—no, needed—to believe it would pay off and be worth it in the long run. Fortunately, Sascha had been able to put away quite the little nest egg thanks to large commissions she had received at her old job, but she was still a little concerned about leaving her safety net at Chase & Sanders. Despite her concerns, she knew she needed to do this for Lucas, and for the sake of their marriage.
She had been right about many of her clients choosing to follow her, but it was not long before she saw what many of Lucas’s previous bosses had seen. He gave his clients the worst financial advice, encouraging them to make risky, damn near irresponsible investment decisions, even causing one of their clients to lose more than $5 million in one week.
In a matter of six months, Lucas had ruined their business and destroyed Sascha’s reputation as a financial adviser. They had gone through all their savings and had gotten into horrible financial debt. They were close to losing their home when Michael, an old friend of Sascha’s from college, helped them out, unbeknownst to Lucas, who would have flat out refused the help. Sascha felt a little guilty about keeping Michael’s aid from Lucas, but she had already lost so much because of his poor judgment she refused to lose anything else, especially her home.
Michael Ghant had made it big in the software and tech business. He offered Sascha a job as a CFO at his company and a generous starting bonus, which more than caught them up on their mortgage and other delinquent bills. It was shocking and disappointing to Sascha that Lucas, with his education and training, was so completely oblivious to his financial problems. And sadly, worse than him being oblivious was that maybe he just didn’t care anymore.
When Sascha began working for Michael, he made his feelings for her very clear, and she made it very clear to him that she would honor her marriage vows. Being the gentleman that he was, Michael accepted her rejection graciously but made it known to her that he felt she deserved so much more than an unhappy marriage to a selfish, cruel man.
During the course of her marriage, Sascha had gained over fifty pounds and lost all her self-confidence. Once upon a time, she had been a confident, athletic, smart, attractive woman, but Lucas had taken all of that away. As the pounds came on, so did his insults and his reasoning for being unfaithful. As far as she knew, he had been unfaithful at least twice during their marriage, but deep down she knew there had been other infidelities. Just like the cliché, the first woman was a twentysomething girl named Rebecca who was a secretary at a financial firm Lucas once worked for. He told Sascha that it only happened a couple of times and that it meant nothing. Sascha, wanting to believe him, forgave him quickly and foolishly commended him for his honesty, even though there was unlikely an honest bone in his body.
The second affair that came to Sascha’s attention was not so easily forgiven. After years of fighting to make their marriage work, Sascha decided that they needed marriage counseling. At first Lucas refused, but Sascha told him that if they didn’t get help soon, she could not see them staying married. He actually looked fearful at that statement. At the time, Sascha believed that look was about fear of losing her, but later she realized that it had likely been more about losing his cash cow.
Sascha decided to seek the counseling services of a college pal of hers, a woman by the name of Gina Campbell. Gina was very attractive, with her petite frame, long black hair, and olive skin. Standing next to Gina’s five-foot-two frame, Sascha felt like an extremely insecure giant.
Apparently, Gina had never married, which was surprising to Sascha, considering all the boy drama she’d always had in college. Gina was the girl who always had to have a boyfriend—yours or her own, it didn’t matter. She was the girl who had no qualms about sleeping with someone else’s guy and stealing your man. In fact, she seemed to enjoy the challenge.
Of course, Gina’s behavior caused many problems with the other girls in their group and on campus, but Sascha always felt sorry for her. For someone to behave the way Gina did, she must have been terribly insecure and sad inside. Plus, Sascha didn’t feel threatened by Gina. Try as she might—and she tried hard—Gina just couldn’t steal Sascha’s boyfriend Colin.
Colin was Sascha’s college boyfriend before Lucas, whom was tragically killed during his and Sascha’s junior year, by a hit-and-run driver. Sascha was heartbroken by his death but eventually moved on when she met Lucas. Colin had been such a kindhearted, sweet guy. The loss of Colin changed everyone in their circle of friends.
Fast-forward ten years, and Gina Campbell was now a well-respected marriage counselor, with multiple best-selling relationship books and a sex advice podcast. Even though Sascha and Gina had had their ups and downs in college—some might even have called them frenemies—over the years they had gotten along well. Well, well enough.
At first when Lucas and Sascha started their counseling sessions with Gina, Sascha saw immediate results. She believed they were communicating better and had even started to be intimate again after a near six-month dry spell. But sadly, the feelings of a new and improved marriage would be short lived. It was not long before she realized that Lucas was cheating again. When she first confronted Lucas, he denied it and tried to turn everything around on her. She eventually dropped it and went to bed as he stormed out, but her gut was telling her that he was lying and cheating once again.
The following morning, she woke up to Lucas’s snoring next to her in bed. The bastard had sneaked back in at some point in the night. The sun was on his face, and as she looked at him, all she felt was disgust—disgust with herself. How could she have stayed married so long to this creep? she wondered. Looking at him made her realize that she did not love him anymore and had not for a very long time. She got up, got dressed, and went and found herself a divorce lawyer that day.
After hiring the best lawyer her money could buy, she quit her job because she knew that Lucas would try to milk her for spousal support, and she refused to give that lazy, no-good bastard another dime of her money. Let his mistress take care of him!