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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein Entertainment, Lifestyle, Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein

10 Things To Do While Visiting San Diego This Summer

San Diego, California is the perfect spot for families and couples. San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. The historical Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo is a world-famous zoo, and one of the biggest draws to San Diego. The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing 4,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park leased from the City of San Diego. Wikipedia

At the San Diego Zoo you will great exhibits, great food and drinks, and during the summertime, added shows and events. Including nighttime at the Zoo, which has beautiful neon light displays once the sun goes down, music and plenty of entertainment for everyone.

Jaguar at San Diego Zoo

Jaguar at San Diego Zoo

Sea World

Sea World is great place for family fun. SeaWorld San Diego is located in Mission Bay Park, San Diego, California, United States. Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the park is multifaceted, animal-focused marine mammal park, oceanarium, and aquarium—with both indoor and outdoor aquatic exhibits. Wikipedia

Not only does Sea World offer aquatic exhibits and interaction with Marine life, you can also enjoy roller coasters, entertainment, and great food and drinks.

Magellan Penguin at Sea World

Magellan Penguin at Sea World

USS Midway

The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego, California at Navy Pier. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California.

Experience naval aviation on the massive and stunning USS Midway. Not only does the USS Midway provide historical information, it’s a cool experience for kids and adults alike. Stand on the flight deck of the Midway and take in the beautiful views of San Diego.

Coronado Island

Coronado is a California resort city on a peninsula in San Diego Bay. It’s known for the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, which opened in 1888. Across from the hotel, the wide, flat Coronado Beach draws surfers and sunbathers. Its western stretch includes the leash-free Coronado Dog Beach. The Coronado Ferry Landing has shops, restaurants and a small beach.

The home of one San Diego’s naval bases and aircraft carriers, Coronado is a stunning sight to see. With beautiful beaches, great shopping and restaurants, the walkable Coronado is a great destination for tourist and locals alike. Also on the island is Centennial Park, which offers San Diego skyline views.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California, United States. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. Wikipedia

One of favorite spots to visit on the weekends is Balboa Park. It makes for a great place to walk, run, and to just enjoy nature. Also, hidden within Balboa Park are the Japanese Friendship Garden. For a small fee, you can enjoy the gardens and museum which celebrate Japanese culture and the friendship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama.

San Diego Museums

Balboa Park boasts multiple museums that are educational, beautiful, fun, and quirky. Each museum has their own entrance fee or you can purchase a museums pass. Below you will find the museums to choose from.

San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Natural History Museum

Museum of Us

The New Children’s Museum

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Torrey Pines State Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach is a public beach located in the San Diego, California community of Torrey Pines, south of Del Mar and north of La Jolla. Coastal erosion from the adjacent Torrey Pines State Reserve makes for a picturesque landscape.

You cannot visit San Diego without visiting one of the best beaches in the United States. Torrey Pines State Beach is stunning and provides unique coastal beauty, which is accessible for visitors.

Petco Park

Petco Park.jpg

Petco Park is a baseball stadium in Downtown San Diego, California. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres, and has also been used as a venue for concerts, soccer, golf, football, and rugby. The ballpark is located between Seventh and 10th Avenues south of J Street. Wikipedia

San Diego is the proud home of the Padres MLB team. Nothing says summer more than attending a baseball game and if you are going to go to a game, the gorgeous Petco Park is the place you want to be. Great location in downtown San Diego, great food, and a family friendly environment.

Liberty Station

Liberty Station is the former home San Diego’s naval bootcamp. It’s home to stylish bars, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as Liberty Public Market, filled with gourmet eateries and shops. There are also hotels, art galleries and several small museums at Liberty Station.

Liberty Station is a great spot to walk, bike, and dine along the waterfront. Live entertainment, outdoor yoga classes and event miniature golfing can often be found on the grounds.

Old Town

Old Town is a neighborhood of San Diego, California. It is the oldest settled area in San Diego and is the site of the first European settlement in present-day California.

Visiting Old Town is like stepping back in time. You get to enjoy the historical aspects of Old Time while shopping, eating great Mexican food, and exploring the eclectic surroundings.

Craft Brewery

San Diego, California, is widely known as the "Craft Beer Capital of the World". It boasts over 150 independent breweries and is renowned for its innovative and diverse beer scene, particularly its West Coast IPAs. If you are a beer lover, I have a list of my favorite 10 craft breweries in San Diego that you need to give a try.

Ballast Point

Little Miss Brewing

Stone Brewing

Novo Brazil Brewing

North Park Beer Company

AleSmith Brewing

3 Punk Brewing

Pure Project

East Village Brewing

Chula Vista Brewery

The city and county of San Diego has so much to offer any visitor and in my opinion is one of the best places to visit any time of year but especially for a summer vacation.

Tell me, what are your summer plans?


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Lifestyle, Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle, Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein

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

cucumber-salad-food-healthy-37528.jpeg

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.jpeg

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.

Salad.jpeg

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

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Lifestyle, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein

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

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Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

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!

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Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

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!

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Lifestyle, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

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.


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Love and Romance, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Streaming Charlene Eckstein Love and Romance, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Streaming Charlene Eckstein

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!

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Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

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

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Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

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!

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Streaming Charlene Eckstein Entertainment, Lifestyle, Streaming Charlene Eckstein

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!

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