7 THINGS TO DO, SEE AND EAT IN NEW SMYRNA, FLORIDA

Last week, we went down to New Smyrna Florida with Ironman's parents.  For 8 days we enjoyed the ocean-front view, walked on the beach, laid by the pool, took naps, watched movies and ate good food.  It was great to get away from the Fixer Upper for a while and spend some time with family.  Here are the 7 things that were my favorite while we were down there.

1.  BEACH FRONT DOWNTOWN - New Smyrna has a really cute downtown with lots of places to shop and eat.  There are boutiques, ice cream shops, bars, burger joints, juice and smoothie bars, candy shops and pretty much something for everyone.  The best part is you can walk right off the beach to get there!  Several times, we walked the half mile from out hotel, down the beach and right up into the downtown areas to get a fresh juice!

2.  BEACH - I was so amazed that cars could drive on the beach.  Solves the problem of not having enough hands to carry everything you need.  But it also means you have to watch out for cars when you're out.  Funny story, one night when we were there, some people left their car out on the beach too long and it almost washed out to sea!  Luckily they came back right in time.  Tons of men got behind the car and pushed it as the girl drove it out of the water.  The locals standing next to us said that they see cars float out to sea at least once a week!

3.  GO JUICE - This is the cute juice and smoothie bar that we would walk to and I highly recommend you try it out if you're in the area!  It looks like a food truck, but doesn't go anywhere.  The weather has to be good, though, because the only seats are outside on the picnic tables.  Every time we went, the employees were super friendly and seemed happy to be there.

4.  THAI MANGO - This was a great place to eat Thai food and there were several vegan options!  The waiters were welcoming and helpful and the food was delicious.  The wait was a little long, but I'm pretty sure they cooked our meals fresh, so it was worth the wait.  Plus, for such good food, the price was super affordable.  I think our dinner total was $14, if I remember correctly.

5.  CAFE VERDE - This place had some great Mexican food, including fried Yucca!  I haven't been able to eat that root since we lived in Bolivia, so I was super excited to get some.  I got some vegan tacos and Ironman got a vegan rice bowl.  It was the first time I had ever eaten big chunks of tofu so I was a little concerned at first, but was happy to find that I actually liked it!

6.  THE BREAKERS - And if you just want some good old American burgers and fries, The Breakers right on the beach and at the edge of downtown, is the coolest place to go.  I love the atmosphere.  And of course, they had a veggie burger, so we were set.

7.  FARMERS MARKET - On Saturday morning we went down to the farmers market and stocked up on lots of fresh fruits and veggies for the week.  There were lots of artists with booths set up and I bought a turquoise bracelet to add to my collection.  The best tent, though, was the lady with all the pineapples.  I can't remember the name of her business but she had fresh pineapple juice that you could buy and sip on while you shopped!

There's tons more to do, see and eat in New Smyrna.  If you're looking for a place to go vacation, I'd highly suggest this area!

5 TIPS FOR TRAVELING AS A VEGAN

Ironman and I travel as much as we can and we often get asked how we eat on the road!  It's not hard to be vegan travelers.  It just means we have to be flexible and creative.  Here are the 5 tips that I would give to other travelers who are trying to stick to the vegan lifestyle!

You can watch my YouTube video on the topic, or scroll down to read my blogpost:

1.  HIT THE GROCERY STORE - Stock up on your favorite fruits, veggies, grains and nuts if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen.  Breakfast can be as easy as a smoothie or a big bowl of cut up fruit!  For lunch, whip up a salad with spinach leaves, colorful veggies and top with avocado.  And dinner can be rice, topped with steamed veggies.

2.  FIND A JUICE/SMOOTHIE BAR - Most juice and smoothie bars have plenty of options for vegans!  Just look through their menu and be sure to ask them questions about ingredients.  Plus, they often have smoothie bowl too.  Yum!  I could seriously spend all my money at these places.  It's like heaven.  Not cheap, but heaven all the same.

This smoothie bowl was amazing!

3.  LOOK UP VEGAN RESTAURANTS - They are not always available, or listed online, but if you can find a vegan restaurant, you'll have tons of options!  Chances are it will be a little more expensive than a regular restaurant, so be prepared.  Some restaurants aren't 100% vegan, but will have vegan options.  This is probably your best choice if you can find it.

4.  GO OUT TO A REGULAR RESTAURANT - When all else fails, go eat at a regular place.  You can almost always find something vegan or ask for substitutions.  Usually I just focus on the salads and sides.  We often have to ask the waiter to hold the meat and cheese and add extra veggies, but they always do.  Easy peasy.  Even a baked potato and steamed veggies would work!

We got a veggie pizza, no cheese, extra veggies!

5.  WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS - Don't leave home without snacks.  If you have no idea about the area, go prepared.  You don't want to show up and find out there are no decent grocery stores, juice bars and no restaurants with vegan options.  I love keeping bananas, nuts, protein bars, carrots and dates around for quick and easy for snacks.  These have held me and Ironman over for many trips!

People often think that it's hard for us to go out to eat, but it's really not.  The secret is just being prepared and flexible.  Know the menu ahead of time, if possible.  If not, just look it over and find something that works.  We have yet to go somewhere that we weren't able to find something to eat!

HOW TO TRULY PROTEST FOR CHANGE

This morning, I was checking my FaceBook and came across my moms post about the football players kneeling in protest during the national anthem.  I saw the news a few days ago, but didn't give it much thought.  However, after reading my mom's post and the comments that she got, I couldn't get it off my mind.  I don't think that this protest is a problem with patriotism, or government, or racism or the flag or the right to protest.  The real problem is the heart.  

My mom with patients in Ethiopia.

Want to talk about protesting for change?  Let’s talk about my mom.  She was burned and almost died.  The hospital in Bolivia didn't give her the care she needed, so she was brought to the USA and survived.  It took her years of wearing compression suits and physical therapy to get to where she is today.  You know what she didn't do?  Go back to that hospital in Bolivia and take a knee in front of it.  You know why?  That would have done absolutely nothing.  But, instead, she survived her own accident, researched and researched, learned everything she could possibly learn about burns, talked to countless doctors and experts, returned to Bolivia, began to visit other patients in the burn clinic, provided for them on her own, eventually opened a non-profit called Burn Care International, raised the money to care for those burn victims and has helped over 10,000 patients with rehabilitation for over a decade.  

THAT is protesting for change.  

So, my question is, are these players willing to do what my mom has done?  Are they willing to truly stand up for change?  Or are they only going to kneel?  

Because we live in a sinful world, there will always be things that we need to improve on.  No country or culture is perfect, but America has so much to be thankful for.  While growing up overseas, I was able to see how the majority of the world lives and I learned how truly privileged we are here.  We have resources that much of the world will never know.  And yet we don't recognize them as blessings because we are so used to them being part of our everyday life.  The fact that you have internet access and are reading this on a computer or cell phone means that you are living better than the majority of the world.  

My mom helps an Ethiopian girl try on her first
compression suit!

I agree with my mom.  What did kneeling actually do to truly change anything?  Sure, we are talking about it.  But, what else?  Has anything actually changed since they kneeled?  However, what if these men had instead began to consistently pray together, as a team, for change?  And what if these men went out into communities and physically worked for change, using their own time, energy and money?  What if they banded together and formed non-profits and raised money to help with changes?  And what if they used their network to find other people who can influence change, begin to meet with them and come up with a plan to move forward?  And what if, they continued to work together passionately for years and years?  Can you imagine the kind of change we would see then?

My mom is in Ethiopia right now, training people how to care for burn victims.  She has gone to China.  Bangladesh.  Bolivia.  She even has helped many people in the USA.  Several times a year, she is overseas, helping people.  She has given her time, energy and money to help people around the world since I was a child.  That is truly standing up for change.  So, instead of these players kneeling down and showing their disapproval, what if they stood up, spoke up and actually lead people somewhere?  My mom is just one person, working for change.  Imagine what these players, together as a team and with their platform, could do for change.  People don't follow someone who isn't going anywhere.  People follow someone who is inspired, has a plan and is moving forward.  Are these players willing to do what my mom has done?  Are they willing to sacrifice years and years of their time, energy and money for something they say they care so much about?  

My mom training her new Ethiopian seamstress how to measure, cut
and sew a compression suit.

However, I keep having to remind myself that no matter what we do, the world is never going to be perfect.  We are sinners and we need God.  We can work together to make positive changes, but there will always be problems with the world.  Who knows…maybe these men kneeling will somehow make some type of change.  But, as for me?  I’m supporting my mom, who goes to the hard places and helps the hurt people, consistently, right now, today.  She is making real changes in real people’s lives.  

This isn’t about politics, government, race or whatever else it may come across as you read this post.  This is about our hearts.  My mom’s heart is in the right place.  What do we know about these players?  I know nothing, except that they kneeled down in protest during a game.  Do they truly want real change?  I hope so!  We could use it.  But what are they willing to do about it?  Are they willing to go to the lengths that my mom has gone to?  Only time will tell.

Visit my moms website: Burn Care International

Tons of people talk about change.  It's actually a pretty popular topic.  But, how many of those people actually do anything about it?  Like, really do something about it.  My mom is changing lives, one person at a time.  She cares about burn victims.  She is passionate to see them live better lives.  She is constantly protesting for change through her actions.  What do you care about?  What are you passionate about?  And are you truly protesting for change there?

Let's hear less talk.

Let's see more action.

The world could use it.

3 REASONS TO USE ACCESS OVER OWNERSHIP

I was listening to a podcast by The Minimalists the other day and they said something that really made so much sense.  Choose access vs ownership.

Example #1: Barely used item.  I've only used the cake plate a few times in
our marriage.  I haven't gotten rid of it, but if I did, it's something I know I
could borrow from a friend or family member!

What do they mean?  Let me see if I can explain.  Instead of buying home gym equipment, join a gym so you have access to those machines and weights.  Stop buying books and go to the local library instead.  Skip the DVDs and go to the movie theatre.  Ask your friends to borrow an item instead of buying it.  See what I mean?  Basically, instead of owning everything you could possibly need, own less but find a way to have access to what you do need.  Not convinced?  Here are my 3 reasons why I think that they are right:

Example #2: Special occasion item.  We only use this ENO when camping, but
I don't get rid of it because we enjoy it when we do go camping!

1.  MONEY: It costs money to buy things and many times, we don't need something as much as we thought we did.  Stop buying more stuff and save that money.

2.  SPACE: It takes up space to own things and chances are that your space is already filled with things you don't use very often.  Get rid of those items and clear up that space.

3.  TIME: It takes time to take care of the things that we own.  If you don't care for them, they don't last.  If you do take care of them, you have less free time.  Get rid of those items and enjoy more free time.

Example #3: Frequently used item.  I enjoy owning my bike
because I love to go riding often.  This is not something I
would want to have to constantly borrow.

Be ok with not owning some items.  Learn to find access to that item by renting or borrowing.  Another genius idea I heard on The Minimalists podcast is to think of craigslist as your "storage locker".  When you need something, go on craigslist (or FaceBook groups) and find it.  Get it and use it.  Then, put it back on craigslist for the next person who needs it.

If you haven't used an item in 90 days, chances are it would be a good item to find access to instead of owning.  Go through your entire house.  Each room, drawer, closet, shelf, box and storage bin and start to clean out.  Trash or donate the items that you haven't used in 90 days (you can keep Christmas decorations or things that can really only be used once a year).

Don't be fooled.  I believe all this, but can still use some work at my own place!  Although the goal isn't perfection, it is good to be conscious about the things that we own and why we own them.  Living with less usually means that we can truly live more!

What will you choose?  More stuff?  Or more adventures?

You already know what I'll choose.

3 REAONS WHY DIETS DON'T WORK AND 3 THINGS THAT DO

Diets come up everywhere.  FaceBook.  Instagram.  Conversations.  Commercials.  It's all over the place and it's what a lot of us talk about on a regular basis.  We want to look and feel our best and we have a mental picture of what we think that looks like.  The only problem is that diets don't work!  Why?  Here are the top three things that I see happen when someone I know goes on a diet:

Juices and smoothies are my favorite!

1.  DIETS LEAVE YOU HUNGRY.  Many diets have you eating less food, restricting certain foods and even counting calories (which seems almost impossible).  This means you'll most likely be confused and hungry (and end up making poor choices when in a rush), which means you'll be thinking about food even more than you normally would.  Which brings us to the 2nd reason...

2.  DIETS MAKE YOU MEAN.  When you deprive yourself of all the foods you love and enjoy, you're naturally going to be unhappy for a while.  Plus, if you need to detox from sugar or caffeine, it's going to be even worse.  You might even feel terrible.  And during your diet, you're going to be dreaming of the future days when you can eat all that food your missing.  Which takes us to the 3rd reason...

3.  DIETS ARE NOT SUSTAINABLE.  Once you've reached your goal, you're probably going to go right back to eating how you were before.  So, after time, you're going to backtrack and lose all that progress.  Not only will you be discouraged, but you'll most likely feel even more out of control than when you started.  You'll feel like a failure and might be afraid to try again, leaving you stuck in a rutt.

Dieting doesn't seem to turn out too well for most people.  Experiencing hunger pains makes people anxious and going without certain beloved foods makes people unhappy.  It's just bad all around, especially if you can't keep it up.  Yo-yo dieting is not the way to go for long-term health.

My favorite work out buddy :)

But the real problem is with our attitude about food.  We shouldn't choose short-term dieting to quickly meet goals.  What we should be doing is choosing a lifestyle that promotes long-term health.  so, what does that look like?

1.  EAT WHEN WE ARE HUNGRY.  Instead of focusing on eating 3 meals a day or 6 small meals a day or not eating after 7, etc., what if we just ate when we felt hungry?  And I don't mean a craving that comes and passes after 20 minutes.  I mean truly hungry.  Give yourself time to be hungry for a while, let your stomach be empty and allow yourself to experience some hunger pains!  I promise it won't kill you.

2.  EAT UNTIL WE ARE SATISFIED.  Once you begin eating, only eat until you are satisfied, not full.  It takes about 20 minutes for your body to register what you have eaten, so take your time to eat slow, chew your food and listen to your body's signals.  You'll feel much better after a meal if you didn't over-do it.  No matter how good the food was, no one likes that stuffed feeling when you get up from the table.

3.  EAT FOODS THAT LEAVE US FEELING WELL.  Chances are that huge burger and fries at lunch didn't leave you feeling well.  And I bet that late night bowl of ice cream and bottle of wine didn't help either, right?  Don't just eat to eat.  Think about what you are putting into your body, how you feel as you are eating, how you feel an hour after that meal, how you'll feel tomorrow and how the food will effect your long-term goals of life-long health.

Love when I travel and find healthy options!

Ironman and I eat plant-based because we feel better eating that way.  Sure, I'd love to binge on Krispy Kreme Donuts or a burger and fries or drink red wine every night.  When Ironman met me, I was basically surviving on Cinnamon Sugar Pop-Tars and loving every minute of it.  But, when I eat that way I feel terrible.  My stomach is a mess, I'm uncomfortable in my clothes, I'm sluggish and I gain weight.  It's not "just food", but it truly affects the rest of my day and life.

Don't go on another diet.  Instead, spend time educating yourself on food and exercise and make small changes that you can sustain.  Your body will thank you in the long run!  It doesn't matter if it takes you years.  What matters is that you will be able to look back and see how far you've come over time.

What is one small change that you can make today and keep it up?

Walking is my favorite exercise :)

Need some ideas?  Here are some things that I've changed over the past year and a half and I can definitely tell I'm feeling much better!

-get moving daily: this can be a simple 10 minute walk around the neighborhood, a bike ride with your kids, a class you enjoy at the gym.  It doesn't have to be anything crazy.  The best exercise is the one that you are going to do!

-clean up your diet: cut out packaged and processed foods, sweets, alcohol and anything that doesn't leave you feeling your best after a meal.  It doesn't have to be all at once.  Just chose one small change to implement this week.  Then, next week, add one more thing.

-live a balanced life: get outside for some vitamin D, spend time with friends and family you enjoy, go to bed earlier, stick to a budget, incorporate essential oils into your day, take a vacation.  Create a life that you love and cut out the things that aren't doing you any good.

You don't have to go cold turkey.  One thing at a time works.  Change one thing today.  When you are ready, change one more thing.  Before you know it, a year will pass and you will be a totally different person!  It isn't a diet that makes you healthy.  It's consistently making good choices.  Do that and see how you feel.  It may get worse before it gets better, but I guarantee you it will get better with time!

4 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU DON'T AGREE

The older I get, the more I encounter strong opinions.  Sometimes, strong to the point of being down-right hurtful.  Maybe when I was a kid I didn't read into things?  Or maybe people just assumed that I'd grow up and make the "right choices".  Well, I've grown up (at least a little) and made the right choices for me, but it sure does rub people wrong some days.

Let's just cover some areas where Ironman and I have gotten pushback over the years.

-We got married while still full-time college students.
-We became missionaries and lived on a ship for 6 months.
-We didn't use our degrees.
-We don't have jobs with "benefits".
-We've been married ten years this December and don't have kids yet.
-We eat plant-based.
-We travel every time we've saved up enough money for a trip.
-We sell essential oils.

There have been other minor things here and there, but over the years, these topics have been the major ones that we heard about pretty often.  Most times, we try to explain our decisions in hopes that someone will understand.  Many times, we just laugh it off when we know the person doesn't really want to understand us, but simply take a swing.  Sometimes, we just roll our eyes and huff.  But, a lot of times, we (especially me) act like everything is fine, but go home a little hurt.  One comment here or there isn't what gets you.  It's the years of comments that finally take their toll.

See?  My daddy is drinking black coffee out of a Toilet Mug
and I don't judge.  Daddy, you just do you!

 
Each person is different.  So, instead of getting offended when someone doesn't think exactly like you, try doing these 4 things:

1.  EVALUATE.  If you're curious about someone, that can be a good thing!  It shows that you are genuinely interested in other people.  However, if you are offended or think that they are making the "wrong decision", ask yourself why?  Could it be that you are just jealous of what they are doing with their life?  Do you wish you could make the same choices, but you are too scared to do it?  Or do you simply wish you had the courage to stand up for your own different choices?  Spend some time thinking about why other people's choices affect you so strongly.

2.  ASK.  Going back to being genuinely interested in other people.  That's great!  If you really don't understand something, but want to because you care about that person, just ask!  Chances are, they would love to share why they make the choices they do.  Just remember, as you are listening, don't judge.  Truly listen, without being ready with your own reply, and hear what they have to say.  And remember, it's their life and in the end they are accountable to God, not to you.  Probably, in the end, it won't even matter anyway!  Haha, that helps a lot with perspective.

3.  APPRECIATE.  No one is ever going to agree on everything.  That's what makes us unique!  How boring would it be if we all were exactly the same?  What in the world would people talk about?  Just give it time.  You never know.  In 10 years, they may come full circle and agree with your stance.  Or, you could be the one that changes!  Time flies, people learn and grow, change their minds, make new decisions...let them be who they want to be at that moment and support them in that right now.  Don't burn your bridges with people you care about over something that really doesn't matter in the big picture.

4.  DISTANCE.  If you can't bring yourself to evaluate your own self, ask sincere questions and appreciate the person for who they are, then maybe you need to distance yourself.  If it's just someone on social media, simply unfriend or unfollow them.  Easy peasy.  If it's a friend or family member that you will run into often, then just don't bring up that topic again.  Simple!

Surround yourself with people who love you and accept you for who you are!

Recently I noticed several people I follow on Instagram and YouTube making comments like "I know you haters are gonna leave something in the comments" (or something along those lines) in many of their posts and videos.  For one, I can't understand why someone who doesn't like and support them follows them and takes the time to leave mean comments.  What a waste of time.  And secondly, how sad that these people feel like they have to continually give their "disclaimer" so that they don't offend anyone.  What in the world is wrong with people?  Thank goodness we are all unique and have something to offer.  That's what makes it fun to meet new people, continue to get to know old friends and learn through others around us.

I don't want to be another hater.  The world already has plenty.  I want to know myself and be confident enough to stand up for what I believe in.  And I want to genuinely love others and be interested in what they care about.  People already have enough difficulties in their lives.  I don't want to be another thing that gets them down.  I want to be a supporter and I want my family and friends to know that I've got their back.

What do you want?

10 THINGS I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW

I feel like I'm a walking advertisement for so many things.  When I love something, though, I want to tell everyone all about it so that they can get it and love it too.  I have lots of favorites, but here are the things that I've been crazy about lately:

Don't you love the silver?

1.  BIRKENSTOCKS - I basically wear these all summer and then switch them out for my Tom's wedges once the weather cools off.  Cute shoes is a must, but they also have to be comfortable or I won't wear them.  Love the companies that have managed to master this!  This pair of Birks are so great because they are comfortable for lots of walking, which is great for a traveler, and they are a cute color and style that can be dressed up or dressed down.  They are a little expensive, but I've worn them almost daily for a few years now, so I'd say I've gotten my money's worth!

2.  CROCKPOT MEXICAN QUINOA TACOS - I leave out the taco seasoning and do my own.  These are so good!  Fill a tortilla, add some avocado and caramelized onions to the top.  Bam.  You've got a meal.  Plus, it's made in the crockpot so it doesn't get much easier than that.  This is my go to meal for guests.  Seriously, get the ingredients and make it tonight.  I haven't had anyone not like them yet.

3.  YOUNG LIVING CEL-LITE MAGIC MASSAGE OIL - I've gone through a few bottles of this stuff this year and really love it.  It's got a sort of orange tint, so it makes my skin look like I have a little more color.  Also, it's moisturizing, so I don't have to use lotion.  And finally, it helps smooth out skin, so bye bye cellulite.  Oh and before I forget, it has grapefruit which can help in breaking down fat.  So, yea, I would highly suggest you get some of this stuff.  I've really loved it and what it's done for my skin and "trouble areas"!

One of my favorite Young Living products!

4.  VAN LIFE - Google VanLife.  Or search it on Pinterest and Instagram.  It's basically my dream.  Sell everything you own, build a van into a tiny house and hit the road.  I look at their photos daily and wish that could be me.  Luckily, Ironman and I are planning our own road trip after Christmas.  We are hoping to rent out our newly renovated home and be gone for several months.  We considered getting a van, but decided to outfit his truck instead to save time, money and then we don't have to worry if we buy a van that turns out to be a dud.  It's no fun breaking down.

5.  YOGA - Over the past year and a half, I have been trying to work out at least every weekday.  I feel so much better and my body has changed a good bit.  I started out with lighter workouts like Barre and other classes at the gym I was interested in, but then moved up to doing some HIIT workouts.  Although I got better results with HIIT, I felt like I kept hurting myself (it's always my hips and knees) and it would set me back.  So, recently, I've become more consistent with Yoga and I've really enjoyed it and can already tell my strength and flexibility are improving!

6.  GOLD JEWELRY - When I was in high school, I got my "colors" done.  Have you ever heard of that?  I'm a summer.  I look best in jewel tones and silver jewelry.  So, for most of my life, I've only worn what matched my skin type.  However, the last few years I've branched out and gotten some things that aren't my color and started to wear some gold jewelry.  I do believe that every person looks best in certain colors and tones, but it doesn't hurt to get outside the box sometimes!

See my gold earrings?
PC: Emily Christopher

7.  GRANITE COUNTERTOPS - They aren't in yet, but I have dreamed of having granite countertops and it's about to become a reality!  We were going to go with wood, but changed our minds and I'm super happy about it.  We should be enjoying them by sometime early next week.  Follow us to see our photos!  I'm hoping that they will inspire me to cook and bake more...we will see!

8.  MARY HIGGINGS CLARK - I don't know about you, but I love a good mystery.  Mary Higgins Clark always twists her story at the very end and leaves you wondering how you never guessed that outcome.  Plus, the books are clean and easy to read.  If you live in Florence, there are tons at the Thieves Market out by the airport for super cheap.

9.  CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS - Sometimes you just need chocolate right?  And peanut butter of course.  Ironman and I try to eat pretty healthy and avoid sugar, but I love sweets.  So, every now and then we make these chocolate peanut butter cups and store them in the freezer.  They are quick, easy, good ingredients and it hits the spot every time.  Make them for a Friday night treat.  And then send me a quick thank you :)

This is a Fascia Blaster!

10.  FASCIA BLASTER - Have you heard of the Ashley Black Fascia Blaster?  Well, this is my new obsession.  While on our recent road trip, we stayed with friends in DC who had a sauna and a few Blasters.  I would get in the sauna and blast away every night.  In only 5 days, I could tell a difference in the softness and smoothness of my skin.  So, I came home from the road trip and asked for a Blaster for my birthday.  I know it sounds crazy, but check out the Facebook page and read some of the testimonials!  Also, just this week, I've found this Young Living Relaxation Massage Oil is amazing to use with the Blaster. You have to use an oil with the blaster anyway, so I chose this one and love that I don't have to worry about harmful chemicals.  Plus, I've been Blasting at night and when I come home I am super relaxed from all the lavender and other essentials oils in this massage oil, I sleep like a rock!  So, my plan is to use the Cel-Lite Massage Oil to Blast when I do it in the mornings or use the Relaxation Massage Oil when I Blast at night.  My 10 year anniversary is December and we are also going on a family cruise, so I am very motivated to make the next 3 months count!

So, what is something that you are loving right now?  I'm always up for trying new things or learning something new!  Share in the comments :)

20 THINGS TO DO, SEE AND EAT IN COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA

 While growing up in Cochabamba, I would visit the states and get questions like "Do you have running water?", "Can you even listen to the radio?" and "Do you actually live in a hut?".  If I wasn't laughing or rolling my eyes, I was usually trying to explain that Cochabamba was a huge city with everything that we had here in the USA and I actually liked living there better.  I had more fun things to do with my friends there and much more freedom.  I could walk all over the city or take a bus or taxi to anywhere.  I just googled the population of Florence, SC and came up with a huge 38,000.  The Cochabamba Valley, however, is well on it's way to a million!  Yea, let's just say that my social life took a hit when my family moved back to the USA for me to go to college.

Cochabamba has so much to offer and I get homesick each time I think of it.  My mom is there now and I'm so jealous.  So, in case you want to make the trip to this amazing place, here are the 20 things I suggest you do, see and eat:

View of Cochabamba from El Cristo!

1.  Villa Tunari - The jungle is only a scary bus-ride away!  It's like a different world down there and you shouldn't miss out on it while you are so close.  Bonus, if you want to feel out of control, go to the monkey farm and cross your fingers that they are taking the bear out on a walk on the dog lease.

2.  Tarata, Arani and El Lago de la Angostura - I know, I know.  I said things to do, see and eat in Cochabamba, but these places are right outside of the city.  If you like old architecture, you would love Tarata and Arani.  And then on the way back into the city, you should stop by Angostura to enjoy a slow lunch and even some water activities and a zip line if you're brave enough.

3.  Palacio Portales - Patiño was once one of the 10 richest men in the world!  He built this home by shipping materials from France, but had a heart attack before ever living here.  There are beautiful gardens and a tour that you can join.  It's easy to get to, just off of one of the main streets in Cochabamba.

If you go to the jungle, pack for lots of rain!

4.  Villa Albina - Also owned by Patiño, but farther out of the city so it's a hike to get there by taking multiple buses.  There is more space, so the landscaping and gardens are even more impressive than his home in the city.

5.  Cristo de la Concordia - This huge Christ is slightly bigger than the one found in Brazil.  You can drive up to it, take the stairs (which is torture and you'll probably get mugged) or jump on the cable car.  Take a picnic and plan to spend a few hours at the top, enjoying the view of the entire city from every angle.  It's truly the best view of Cochabamba.

6.  Martin Cordero - If you love nature, you'll love this botanical garden.  Trees all over giving shade, grass everywhere giving you plenty of places to sit or lay down and plants and flowers of every kind. This is another great place to take a picnic and enjoy a few hours.  Plus, it's free!  Actually let me just say, the Bolivians are champs at finding a shady spot to eat and nap.  Don't be afraid to do it yourself. There are parks all over the city and you'll see what I mean.  Join in, have your picnic and take your siesta.

Volunteer at Burn Care International!

7.  Burn Care International - My mom was burned in 2001 and almost died.  After she pulled through, she opened up a non-profit for burn victims.  Her clinic is in one of the local hospitals and has helped over 10,000 patients!  Go check it out, meet the staff and volunteer your time.

8.  La Cancha - This market is about 5 sq miles and has everything you could ever possibly need or want.  It's crazy, crowded, kinda smelly and you have to watch your pockets.  But, it's something you can't miss if you want to really experience Cochabamba.  Just take someone who knows the area, if you can, since it is pretty easy to get turned around in there!

9.  Saturday Market - I've always thought of this as a smaller, much nicer version of La Cancha.  It's mostly a lot of fresh fruits and veggies and some random things.  It's right on one of the main roads and there are little wheel-barrow boys that you can hire to carry your stuff!  We lived just down the street and they would wheel our stuff straight to our front door.

10.  El Prado - Long park with restaurants on all sides.  You can go walk around, sit and people watch, stop by for lunch or come and enjoy the night life.  It was always my favorite place to go on weekends in high school.

Search far and wide for this ice cream truck!

11.  Lai Lai - Best Chinese food ever.

12.  Dumbo - Great french fries and ice cream.

13.  La Estancia - Biggest and tastiest steak you'll ever eat.

14.  Páprika - Good food and environment.

15.  Los Castores - Best salteñas.

It's normal to be eating in a restaurant and have a beggar
come in, asking for your food.  When it's children, it's heart-breaking!

16.  Edén - Great bakery with tons of options.

17.  Sole Mio - Good pizza, which is hard to find in town.

18.  Para Tí - Absolutely the best hot chocolate in the world.

19.  Las Islas - Food trucks galore and anticuchos (my fav).

20.  Aragatza - Ice cream truck to die for.

20.  Tunari - Oh and before I forget...if you like to hike, this is for you.  Tunari is the highest mountain peak overlooking the city.  You can drive up pretty close to the top and then hike the rest of the way.  It's super hard (I only did it once), but the view is worth it!

The view of the Andres from our bedroom window during our last visit.

I know I'm biased, but Cochabamba is one of the coolest cities in the world.  Rich history.  Great weather.  Best food.  Beautiful parks.  Surrounded by the beautiful Andes mountains on all sides.  So much to do.  And actually pretty cheap!  Plus, if you want to do the "typical American" things, you can.  There is plenty of shopping, movie theaters, you can go fishing at the nearby lakes, camp, go out for drinks, stay in a nice hotel, watch a soccer game at the stadium.  I promise, you will not get bored!

7 STEPS TO BECOMING A MINIMALIST

People often come to my house and comment that it's so clean.  Let me be clear, it's not really all that clean.  But, it is tidy.  I don't have a lot of clutter so that's a good start.  Each morning, I make the bed and spend a few minutes walking around the house, putting things back where they go.  So, although it's usually pretty dusty and needs to be vacuumed, most people don't notice (or don't tell me).  No matter who you are, you can live like this!  All you need to do is work towards becoming more of a minimalist.  You don't have to go crazy and live out of a backpack, but you can survive with less stuff.  Much less stuff.  Less stuff means less clutter.  Less clutter means less clean up.  Less clean up means more life.  It takes hard work on the front in and consistency afterwards, but once you minimize you'll feel much more peaceful at home.  Ready to try it out?  Here are my 7 steps to becoming a minimalist:

1.  Get rid of your collections.  If it's not being used, it's not really useful.  Do you have that collection displayed somewhere and you just absolutely love to look at it each day?  Most likely you don't and it's all just in a box somewhere collecting dust.  Toss it.  If you can't bare to toss it because it's sentimental, then take it out, use it and enjoy it!  There's no use to have it otherwise.

2.  Get rid of old and broken stuff.  Check your food, toiletries and cleaning supplies for their expiration date.  If it's expired or you haven't used it in 3 months to a year, toss it out.  Chances are, it won't taste good or the rancid chemicals will do serious damage.  Google how long make up lasts.  Chances are, you need to throw out all of it and start fresh.  Also, toss out anything that's broken (you most likely aren't ever going to get around to fixing it).  If you want to get it fixed, give yourself a time limit like "if it isn't fixed by this Saturday, it's going into the trash or donation box".

3.  Get rid of clothes, purses and jewelry.  If it's old, torn, mis-shaped, discolored, stretched, shrunk, pulled, too small, too big, not flattering or a bad color, toss it out.  If it's perfect and like new, but you don't like it, toss it.  Only keep things that you use and wear regularly and that you love and feel great in.

4.  Get rid of unnecessary items.  Buttons.  Dry pens.  Old chargers.  Unfinished craft projects.  Items you could borrow when you need it once every 5 years.  Items you haven't used in a year.  Things that have duplicates.  Stuff that doesn't fit in the living space.  And for the record, don't keep anything that you wouldn't buy again now.  Don't keep items just because there is space and you think that something needs to fill it.  Every wall doesn't need a piece of furniture.  Learn to be ok with empty spaces.  It will be good for you, I promise!

5.  Get rid of storage containers.  If you have storage to store your things, then you have too much stuff.  Toss the storage containers.  And consider tossing the stored items if they fall into any of the above 1-4.  Chances are if you look at a container or box and have no idea what's in it, then you can get rid of everything inside.  Once you open it up, you are going to remember all that stuff and find reasons to keep each thing that you haven't used in years.  Be careful!

6.  Call in reinforcements.  If you don't have it in you to be a cut-throat, you might want to call one in.  You know that friend or family member who will throw out and give everything away?  Call them and I bet they'd love to come over and help you.  Don't have someone?  Get on Pinterest and type in "minimalist" or other key words that will bring up lists of what to throw out.  There are some great resources and ideas to get you motivated.

7.  Realize that this is forever.  You aren't going to clean out your entire house, kick back and relax away the rest of your days.  Ok, maybe you can chill out for a few weeks.  But, once you do that too long, you're going to notice little piles here and there and before you know it, it's a year later and you'd never know that you worked so hard to become a minimalist.  Just like working out consistently keeps a fit body, cleaning out and tidying up consistently keeps a minimalist home.  You're going to have to work at it daily.

If you are reading this blog, you most likely have more than you actually need.  That's a great place to start!  Begin cleaning out today.  You'll probably have truckloads to donate and trash at first, but it will eventually slow down.  Make it your goal to continue to take a bag to donate or trash each time you fill it up.  The more you do it, the better you'll feel.  It make take weeks, months and even up to a year to get your home to where you want it to be.  But, it will all be worth it.  Imagine your clutter free, tidy home and how much more relaxing your downtime will be.  Also, no more worrying about someone randomly dropping by.  At that point, your house will always be clutter free, tidy and ready for surprise guests!  Life's already stressful enough.  Being a minimalist reduces so much of that.

32 THINGS I KNOW FOR SURE

Every year for my birthday, it's tradition to go to breakfast with my daddy and then ride around in his truck and look at all his job sites.  I love it and look forward to it every year.  Yesterday, as we were driving around, he asked me "What have you learned in 32 years?" and I look over at him and said, "That I don't know nuthin'!".  We both burst out laughing.  I was joking, but then realized that I wasn't really.  As a child, I remember seeing something hanging in my mimi's home that said "As soon as I knew all life's answers, they went and changed all the questions".  I remember wondering what that meant.  However, the older I get, the more I understand it.  I've come to realize, I'm really just winging it.  Sure, I know some things, but a lot of it is just flying by the seat of my pants and hoping it works out.  So, although I don't really know much, here are 32 things that I do know:

1.  It's time to let go of the past

2.  I can't please everyone

3.  It's ok to sleep in, read a book, take a nap or do something relaxing

4.  I really can choose to be happy

5.  I can learn to like things that I used to hate

6.  I'm not a failure

7.  I'd rather travel more than buy more things

8.  Some people just aren't going to understand

9.  God is in control and already knows the outcome

10.  Plus, He loves me unconditionally

11.  I only need a few true friends

12.  I still don't like to work in the yard

13.  I feel my best when I exercise daily

14.  Sometimes you have to set boundaries and walk away

15.  I'd rather have fewer items that are better quality

16.  I have the best husband in the world 

17.  "Drink more water" is almost always the answer

18.  It's never as bad as it seems

19.  Thank goodness I didn't get what I wanted

20.  I don't want to waste my life

21.  Maybe everyone is just trying their best

22.  I love writing

23.  Getting a degree isn't what it's cracked up to be

24.  I'm a mini version of my parents

25.  And momma's always right

26.  I've found my dream job

27.  My sisters are my best friends

28.  Sometimes I need to simply say no

29.  I'd rather work to live, than live to work

30.  Real life doesn't happen behind a screen

31.  Take a deep breath and stop talking so much

32.  Keep dreaming, adding to and checking things off your Bucket List