words to video
I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.
Top 5 Relationship Deal Breakers...The List We All Need To Have!
In my opinion, having relationship deal breakers is really about self-worth and self-respect. You are saying to yourself, "this is what I deserve, and I will not settle for less." You can call it being picky, but I call it being smart.
Many of us have a mental list, written lists for some, of all of the traits and characteristic we want in an ideal mate. We usually know, or hopefully know, what we need to be happy in a relationship, and having a partner who has your ideal traits can help that happen. You may want a mate who is smart, funny, outgoing, and handsome.
You can find that "ideal" person, they are out there. The problem is that sometimes you can meet someone that checks all the boxes of your ideal mate, but they may also be full of traits that are unacceptable.
My 5 Relationship Deal Breakers
Dishonesty
Dishonesty is a lack of honesty or a tendency to lie, cheat or steal. I think it goes without saying that no one wants to be lied to or betrayed by someone they are in a relationship with. Dishonesty is a deal breaker for me because I cannot be with someone I do not trust.
For me, blatant lying is not the only way to be dishonest. Being secretive, hiding things, and omissions are also forms of dishonesty.
Selfishness
Selfish people care only for themselves, and they are primarily concerned with their own interests, benefit, and welfare. A partnership with a selfish person feels like anything but a partnership. Being with someone who takes far more than they give is painful, and is a definite deal breaker.
Watch out for this one because it will be hard to spot early in the relationship because you will want to take care of and do a lot for your new love. It may not be until much later that you start to realize how one-sided the relationship had been.
Pay attention to how much they allow you to do for them, but rarely reciprocate or inconvenience themselves for you.
Disrespect
Disrespectful people are rude, discourteous, and overall unpleasant. I have a zero tolerance rule with disrespect. We show others how to treat us, and if we allow them to be, treat, or speak to us in a disrespectful manner there will always be a lack of respect.
This rule also applies to being with someone you don't respect. Maybe you never respected them and settled, or lost respect for them along the way, but if you do not respect your partner, it can be difficult to treat them in a respectful manner. Be mindful that this is still a deal breaker.
Emotional Unavailability
An emotionally unavailable man is unable to share and communicate his emotions, and be open and honest about his feelings. The emotionally unavailable mate will suck you in, and then break your heart. Both men and women can be emotionally unavailable, although there are some differences in how they go about it, the relationship results can be the same.
An emotionally unavailable partner can seem like a challenge, a challenge you want. You will want to be the one to heal them, and break down their walls. Unfortunately you may get a lot more than you bargained for.
Communication is very important for a healthy relationship, but this will be lacking with an emotionally unavailable mate. This is a deal breaker because life is short and you are not going to change them.
Lack of Motivation
Motivation is an act or reason to accomplish or achieve a goal or goals. A lack of motivation can be a sign of depression, or a sign of being lazy. A lazy partner is a big deal breaker.
A partner who lacks motivation will lack passion, and honestly it is difficult to respect a lazy person. Being with someone you cannot respect is unwise, and it would be settling.
Relationship deal breakers should be reasonable if you want to have healthy relationships, but non-negotiable once you set your standard. These deal breakers will vary from person to person. We all determine what is right for us, but there should be no settling just for the sake of keeping anyone.
What are your relationship deal breakers? If you have never thought about your deal breakers, I recommend that you do. How many on this list are your deal breakers too? Please share!
"The moment you start to wonder if you deserve better, you do." Unknown
10 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, and hiking and playing.
All of those activities are great, but it is very important to remember to protect our bodies while out in the heat.
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 know the signs of dehydration in infants and children as well.
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
Love VS Crush and Infatuation...Here’s The Difference
I think many people often mistake crushes and infatuation with love. It’s easy to see how the two are mistaken for love because the feelings are so intense, but there is a difference. A big difference in fact. In the movies, adorable couples infatuated with each other fall in love and live happily ever after, right?
In real life things tend to be a little different.
Crushes and infatuation go hand in hand, and are very similar. Crush is defined as a brief but intense infatuation for someone, especially someone inappropriate or unattainable. Infatuation is defined as an intense but short lived passion or admiration for someone or something.
Unlike crushes and states of infatuation, love truly sees and accepts their object of affection. Love is an intense feeling of deep affection.
Love is patient, love is understanding, and love is forgiving. Love desires a deep connection, while infatuation craves physical interactions.
Signs Of Crushes and Infatuation
Featured Video
Feelings Come on Fast
Infatuation hits with an out of this world intensity. You saw them and you knew you had to have them. Love at first sight, so to speak. The feelings didn't grow and develop over time, which is what happens with love, they were almost instantaneous.
Short Lived
Crushes come and go pretty quickly, usually in a matter of months. Love stays, whether the relationship works or not, the feelings are always there to some degree.
Sees Perfection
With crushes and infatuation, it is more about the idea of the person, than the person themselves. Maybe you think you would look great together as a couple, or one or both of you have a certain status in the community or a high income.
The mind creates and envisions the perfect life together, and the happily ever after with Prince Charming.
Crazy Or Irrational Behavior
Crushes can lead to stalking, intense jealously, and obsessive behavior. Sometimes the intense feelings of crushes can also cause risky behavior, and irrational thinking.
Based On Attraction
Crushes are often based strictly on physical attributes since you really don't know the "real" person, and there is nothing else to go on except what you created in your head.
The infatuation begins because you find them beautiful or hot, and strongly desire the person. Usually, the crush is someone who is out of reach for you.
Signs Of Love
Feelings Last
With love, feelings may not last forever, but they do last a while, whether you stay in a relationship or not. Love does not go away after a couple of months, or because you realize they are flawed or look a hot mess in the morning.
Accepts Them, Flaws And All
When we truly love someone, we see their flaws, and we accept them. Maybe he's a little short, or she's a little chubby, but if you are in love you don't care.
Open and Honest
Love is willing to go deep. Love is open and honest. Love wants to share their hope, dreams, and fears, and hear about yours.
Only Eyes For Them
Love only has eyes for you. If the eyes wander, then you are not in love. Love isn't blind to other's beauty, but love's eyes follow their heart.
Their Happiness Is Important
We are willing to sacrifice for those we love and put their wants and needs before our own. Love is willing to be inconvenienced, bored, and patient for the one who means the most.
Their Presence/Or Voice Brings You Comfort
Seeing their face, or hearing their voice can turn your whole day around, and instantly improve your mood. That’s a true telltale of being in love.
The initial feelings of crush and falling in love are very similar. The rush of euphoria happens in both cases. The butterflies, and the feelings of pure joy at the sight of them happens in both cases. But with love, there are thoughts of a future together, and realistic expectations of each other.
What are your thoughts on crushes and infatuation? Do you believe that infatuation can turn to love? Have you ever thought it was love only to realize it was just a crush? Please share!
"I got that feeling, that bad feeling that you don't know, I don't even know her but I hope that she comforts you tonight." Lyrics from The Spoils by Massive Attack
Photo by Bruce Mars from Pexels
A Return To Bon Temps...Can True Blood's Vampires, Werewolves, and Shifters Improve Any Mood?
Stress, boredom, and insomnia can invade our lives at any point. It is recommended to keep yourself busy when you are feeling down, ridiculously tired, or stressed out. Staying busy and active is a great distraction.
One of the best ways to improve your mood is exercise, but that can be challenging if your energy levels are low due to lack of sleep.
When I am overly tired, usually thanks to a horrible night's sleep, or overly stressed, thanks to life, I want to be lazy, but also want to be distracted and entertained. A workout will improve the mood somewhat, but a distraction may still be needed after two hours at the gym.
Writing is always a great distraction, but it also requires thinking. Sometimes you are just going to be too tired or just do not want to think. Reading is usually out of the question because tired eyes do not do well with small print.
So binge watching tv is the chosen distraction. It doesn't require getting off your butt, or thinking too much. You just need to decide what to watch.
The answer to a great distraction can be found on Amazon Video. All seven seasons of True Blood are on Amazon Video, the first six are free for Prime members. I read all of the books and watched the series on HBO with dedication.
Based on the popular book series by Charlaine Harris, a return to Sookie Stackhouse and Bon Temps may be just what is needed to entertain, distract, or cheer up. Lots of sex, violence, some laughs (courtesy Lafayette), and absolute craziness sums up True Blood.
True Blood Synopsis
Thanks to a Japanese scientist’s invention of synthetic blood, vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. And while humans have been safely removed from the menu, many remain apprehensive about these creatures “coming out of the coffin.” Religious leaders, government officials, and vampire fundamentalists around the world have chosen their sides, but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out. - Amazon Synopsis
The Main Characters
Sookie Stackhouse - Telepath who can read your thoughts, and has a thing for vampires, mainly Bill, and sometimes Eric.
Bill Compton - Vampire Bill is a southern gentleman, who falls for Sookie and becomes her protector and love interest.
Tara Thorton - Best friends with Sookie since they were children.
Jason Stackhouse - Sookie's older brother, who is cute but kinda dumb.
Sam Merlotte - Owner of Merlotte's, Bon Temp's bar and grill. Sam also happens to be a shifter.
Eric Northman - Vampire Eric is a two thousand year old vamp, who is the area sheriff for vampires, and owns Fangtasia, the bar where humans and vampires meet up.
Lafayette Reynolds - Cook at Merlotte's, drug and V dealer, and cousin of Tara.
Pam De Beaufort - Eric's right hand woman, and trusted confidante.
After watching the first few episodes I remembered why I loved this show so much. I also remembered how much sex there was too. Holy crap! I guess it's not called "good times'' for nothing. I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with the vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, and even fairies. The show may be silly to some, but a nice escape when reality bites.
“You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” - Mandy Hale
Unrequited Love...5 Things You Need To Do When You Have A Crush
Unrequited love is the feeling of being head over heels, hopelessly in love with someone who cannot or will not return the love. The object of love may be unaware, and completely oblivious to the love directed at them. Or they may be very aware of the feelings for them, and completely uninterested and rejecting the affection.
When I think of unrequited love, I often think in the terms of school girls crushes. School girl crushes are usually sweet, but can be obsessive.
At a young age it can hard to convey feelings, and read the object of your love to know where you stand. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprising, is the fact that unrequited love situations do not end with teenage angst.
5 Things To Do
Test The Waters
Love from afar is cute, but it doesn't get the guy. You have to get in there, do some flirting, and see what response you get. I am going to make the assumption that if you believe that you are in love with someone, then chances are you want to be with them.
Test the waters by making your feelings more obvious. You have been hiding your feelings, maybe too well, and they may be completely clueless about how you feel, and where they stand with you.
Confess Your Feelings
There are few things scarier than putting yourself out there and confessing how you feel to someone when you have no idea where you stand with them. Some people are terrible at picking up on clues. If you are not sure that they know how you feel, tell them.
What if they feel the same way? What if they have been in love with you from afar as well? Take a risk, be brave, and be honest. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Move On
After you have confessed your feelings, and the response was less than positive, you have to start to move on. It will be hard at first, maybe even feel impossible after all the time you have spent fantasizing about a future together, but letting go is a must.
It's not going to happen. Sounds harsh, right? Just remember there are plenty of men out there, and believe it or not, you will fall in love again, and be happy, but not if you continue to waste time on "not the one".
Give It Time
With unrequited love, we see all perfection and not the flaws. We are all flawed, but once we place someone on a pedestal, not only do we fail to see the real them, they also become out of reach.
Eventually, over time, as your feelings fade you will see the real them. Not that they should be viewed as a horrible person because they didn't return your feelings, but it is okay to recognize and acknowledge their imperfections.
Analyze
Unrequited love situations can happen, but they shouldn't happen to any one person all of the time. It is important to make sure that you don't have a pattern of falling for people who can't or won't return your love, or are somehow unavailable.
If this is the case, it is important to recognize the pattern, and break it. It's not healthy.
There is a sweetness to unrequited love, but there is also a lot of sadness. It can be hard to see the reality, when your love existed in a perfect vacuum of hopes, dreams, and fantasies.
I look back on the two times I had huge crushes on guys in high school. It was unrequited, they were older, and unavailable. I later had an opportunity with both guys. The first guy turned out to make a better friend than anything else.
The second guy revealed himself to be a no good guy while trying to hit on me years after my crush, but that's a story for another blog.
My experience has been that the guys later regretted missing out on the girl with the crush, but too little too late as I had moved on, and my feelings were gone. I suppose if it was real love it would have stayed.
What is your experience with unrequited love? Did you confess your feelings? Did you get the guy? Did you ever get over it? Please share!
To want and not to have, sent all of her body a hardness, a hollowness, a strain. And then to want and not to have - to want and want - how that wrung her heart, and wrung it again and again. - Virginia Woolf
Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels
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?