tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12317156816009763542024-03-15T21:10:20.361-04:00Life Music LaughterMusic can paint a picture. It can take you back to another moment in time with such vividness. Through music and laughter our lives are intertwined. This is the soundtrack of my life.Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.comBlogger1149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-60453664405607086002019-10-28T10:16:00.000-04:002019-10-28T20:22:54.578-04:00Turn your travel photos into custom wall art.<br />
When I travel, I like to take a lot of pictures; of everything. I share many of the pictures on Instagram and Facebook, and show them to family, but then they often get forgotten on my phone or memory card. Until now! I've decided to start using my travel pictures as artwork in my home. This way, the pictures on my walls represent not only things I like, but also memories of the journey to get the picture.<br />
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Photowall.com offers a couple great options for getting your own images made into art including a really cool wall mural. Just think of the possibilities...that great mountain pic for your living room, or you and your family enjoying a joyful meal for a warm kitchen wall, or maybe the place you met your significant other for a bedroom wall, endless options for art when the image is your own. When they offered me a chance to try their product in exchange for a review I jumped at the chance to have one of my favorite pictures from my trip to the Aran Islands turned into art.<br />
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I love the idea of having a wall mural, and photowall.com's look really cool, but I couldn't pick just one picture for a whole wall, so I decided to do my picture on canvas. The process of ordering was easy. I picked the size that I wanted and uploaded my image. Then a few days later, my image on canvas arrived.<br />
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The canvas print arrived nicely rolled in protective paper with everything needed to hang the canvas, but when I saw the pieces of wood and the bag of screws, I was worried that I had made a mistake. You see I am not a bit crafty! I don't do straight lines and I just knew that I would mess it up...but I didn't!<br />
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The instructions were so easy to follow! Just pull the backing off the sticky part of the wood. Adhere it to the edges of the canvas. Fold inward. Insert and tighten the screws. That's it! No tools, and only a few minutes later and I have an awesome piece of art!<br />
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I'm so happy with how fast the turnaround time was and especially happy with how great this looks.<br />
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Now to decide which wall to hang this art on!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89RDV708HEvVdu0KZqs0RegE5ik2gawoQBpj8ZZxljoS14_d2zb0e-nOBGq6o73bOYxDuW-L69C69YYA2nUcwntgpLZveTqP1vu5pi9s9iCboxrW_WnKgTxBC-pI4CMA4NTwm6hFRLJNQ/s1600/20180328_131240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89RDV708HEvVdu0KZqs0RegE5ik2gawoQBpj8ZZxljoS14_d2zb0e-nOBGq6o73bOYxDuW-L69C69YYA2nUcwntgpLZveTqP1vu5pi9s9iCboxrW_WnKgTxBC-pI4CMA4NTwm6hFRLJNQ/s400/20180328_131240.jpg" title="custom canvas print" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canvas print </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9s2oYON9jXD04MS6FCJgrmbeN73y9cCSzHoT7EhfxREZ9ifq814pHKYu9BazYGiM3IwOsn7S1-NMbccO_3sZs6PQhLH3i6hyxU0XZXobl-S77EOyRN7DZXBMkr5Xu6-51HbMJexZAUQO/s1600/20180326_151834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9s2oYON9jXD04MS6FCJgrmbeN73y9cCSzHoT7EhfxREZ9ifq814pHKYu9BazYGiM3IwOsn7S1-NMbccO_3sZs6PQhLH3i6hyxU0XZXobl-S77EOyRN7DZXBMkr5Xu6-51HbMJexZAUQO/s400/20180326_151834.jpg" title="custom wall art canvas print" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">custom wall art</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFLnpAQi7UNV0JaRNRvmOl6RKqATNvbq2EUDYybB_wq4MdoiOjkqubaOSoanZzZn-fjUdObnriTBSjjd0Vrp2ThA4GDq_npD6AbtCfgG-_aPEvGwVZhNSvI-Y5ONVYI-NCOneVRAwRhxR/s1600/20180326_150122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFLnpAQi7UNV0JaRNRvmOl6RKqATNvbq2EUDYybB_wq4MdoiOjkqubaOSoanZzZn-fjUdObnriTBSjjd0Vrp2ThA4GDq_npD6AbtCfgG-_aPEvGwVZhNSvI-Y5ONVYI-NCOneVRAwRhxR/s400/20180326_150122.jpg" title="screws that need no tool on back of canvas print" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screws that need no tools</td></tr>
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If you want to have some of your travel memories put on canvas, or a wall mural, check out photowall.com<br />
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Disclosure: I received this product free for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-60278850840587941682019-10-01T19:09:00.000-04:002019-10-28T21:25:32.270-04:00Family Travel in New OrleansWhen people think of New Orleans, they often think of Bourbon Street and the late night revelry meant only for adults, but New Orleans can be great for family travel, too, with plenty of things for kids to do. I first took my girls to New Orleans when they were 10 and 12. They liked it so much, we took them twice after that. Here's some of the things you can do as a family in New Orleans.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">piano in New Orleans</td></tr>
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<b>Music:</b> One of the best things about <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60864-New_Orleans_Louisiana-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Orleans</a> is the music; everywhere you go a tune can be heard. From amped up street performers, to clubs rockin' out with live bands, to kids tappin' out a beat with soda cans on their shoes; <a href="https://amzn.to/2MSchGu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">music</a> is the essence of New Orleans and it's a great place to expose children to varying styles. Many restaurants offer live music away from the craziness and age requirements of Bourbon St including several places to have a nice Jazz brunch on the weekends. Just keep in mind, many popular places like Preservation Hall, may have long lines so get there early to keep your young child from getting too antsy.<br />
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<b>Audubon Nature Institute:</b> New Orleans is home to a zoo, aquarium, and an Insectarium that are all easy to get to from anywhere in the city. I recommend getting the combo pass to save some money and see more than one of them. I especially like the aquarium and Insectarium because they are so close to the French Quarter, but the zoo is really only a short trolley car ride away. The aquarium has a nice display of freshwater critters that are native to Louisiana, along with more traditional aquarium life. The Insectarium will teach you all about bugs including which ones are good to eat; yes, free samples are included.<br />
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<b>Art:</b> There is a lot of art to be found in New Orleans, and many of them use a bright color palette, so it's a fun way to introduce your kids to art and help them develop an early appreciation for it. You can find many artists selling their work in Jackson Square, and many of the little shops throughout the French Quarter display the work of local artists.<br />
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<b>History:</b> New Orleans is a city full of history and intriguing stories. There are museums like the National WWII museum and their are plenty of walking tours to be found that take you through the history of the city, architecture, and even food tours to give your little ones a taste of New Orleans.<br />
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<b>Food:</b> One of my favorite things about New Orleans is the food. Of course, you have to take the family to Cafe Du Monde where you can watch the beignets being made and then have 2 or 3 orders of yummy powdered sugar covered deliciousness. There are plenty of restaurants that cater to families including Pat O'Brien's where your child can get a non-alcoholic hurricane in a collector's glass while you enjoy the more kicked up version.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beignets at Cafe Du Monde</td></tr>
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There is plenty more to do and enjoy in New Orleans. It is a great place for all ages. You can try on wigs at Fifi Mahony's on Royal St. and enjoy a picnic lunch by the river with a Po-Boy from Central Grocery. No matter what you decide to do, your family will love their stay in New Orleans.
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-12191358728170066672019-01-03T07:56:00.000-05:002019-10-28T20:25:35.659-04:00Five Tips For Choosing Your Next Travel Destination<em style="font-family: arial;">When I get back from a trip, I can't wait to start planning the next one. It's like I need to have the next destination planned so I have something to look forward to, something to work for. With so many wonderful places waiting to be explored, choosing what's next can be a challenge? Blakely Trettenero shares her tips for choosing your next destination.</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Your Boston vacation was great, especially that side trip to Salem to learn all about witch trials.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The Grand Canyon lived up to its name and orca watching off the San Juan Islands was breathtaking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">That was all in the past, though. Now it’s time to plan the next big excursion, and pack your favorite bags for adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">But with so many places to visit, how do you choose the right one?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Blakely Trettenero, a world-traveling chef who has visited more than 30 countries, says her advice is to leave nothing to chance, which is the approach she takes for her own travels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">“It would be fun to say I just close my eyes and throw a dart at a map,” says Trettenero, host of the Hungry for Travels (</span><a href="http://www.hungryfortravels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial";">www.hungryfortravels.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial";">) and Cooking for Bimbos (</span><a href="http://www.cookingforbimbos.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial";">www.cookingforbimbos.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial";">) websites. </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">“But there’s a lot of planning and research that goes into every vacation.” </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">When pondering where to go next, she recommends:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><strong>• Pick five possible places you want to see.</strong> These could be in the United States, such as Las Vegas, New York City, New Orleans, Miami and San Francisco. Or they could be foreign destinations, such as London, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid and Venice. Then decide when you want to go, how long you want to stay and what you want to budget for flights and accommodations.<br /><strong>• Compare flights to every city.</strong> The internet makes this easy to do. Check the prices and the times that flights are available. If you’re on a tight budget, this is when crucial differences might begin to emerge. <br /><strong>• Check out potential accommodations.</strong> Some cities are more expensive than others. Look into all the options, such as hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and other possibilities. Could you save a substantial amount of money if you stayed just outside the city you want to visit?<br /><strong>• Find out about surrounding cities or countries.</strong> You don’t want to stay in one place the whole time, but you also don’t want to spend a lot of time traveling. Research how to get from one place to another, such as a bus, train, ferry or rental car. “You want to know this ahead of time,” Trettenero says. “In the Greek Islands, I made the mistake of not looking up the ferry schedule. Because of that, I missed visiting one island altogether.”<br /><strong>• Stalk social media and the internet.</strong> Hashtags can help you find what others are saying about your destination choices on social media. <a href="http://www.lifemusiclaughter.com/2016/06/a-weekend-trip-to-mall-of-america.html" target="_blank">Travel blogs</a> are a great source, too. You can also just Google the places and find statistics, photographs and points of interest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Once you’ve gathered the information it’s time to make your choice and your reservations.<br />“It’s worth pointing out that there isn’t really one ‘right’ choice,” Trettenero says. “If you have a blast and come home with great memories, then that destination was the right one.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blakely Trettenero, host of the Cooking for Bimbos (</span></em><a href="http://www.cookingforbimbos.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><em>www.cookingforbimbos.com</em></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><em>) and Hungry for Travels (</em></span><a href="http://www.hungryfortravels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><em>www.hungryfortravels.com</em></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><em>) websites, is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Fla. She is a world traveler, having visited more than 30 countries, and is becoming a frequent guest on TV.</em></span></span></div>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-74847566275419136392018-02-14T07:07:00.000-05:002018-02-14T10:07:31.497-05:00It's Valentine's Day, Tell someone you love them!I've not always been a fan of Valentine's Day, (my argument against it is <a href="http://lifemusiclaughter.blogspot.com/2010/02/love-is-in-air-make-it-stop.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Too many people are left feeling bad when they don't have a significant other to celebrate with. Now, I still feel bad for people that are alone and sad about it, and I still don't like people feeling pressured to buy gifts, but... we need to find more positive in life right? Certainly the world can benefit from more love so let's do this!<br />
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Valentine's Day is not just about couples. It's about celebrating love in all it's forms. It's not about flowers and candy and who gets the best gifts. It's about remembering to tell people you love them. Tell your friends. Tell your family. Tell your children and your pets. Even tell the person that makes your latte. Let everyone know that somebody loves them for some reason. And most importantly, tell yourself you are loved! Make sure no one feels alone today. Make sure everyone feels loved.<br />
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Love is too awesome to keep to yourself; share it with the world!<br />
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Valentine's Day is about LOVE! What could be wrong with that?!<br />
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-35076597992816537432018-01-02T18:41:00.000-05:002018-01-03T16:40:06.633-05:00How To make Kindness an Everyday Habit<br />
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Every January, I reflect on the previous year, and ask myself what I can do to make a positive difference in the coming year. The answer is always the same; kindness. I try to always live in positivity and kindness, but, admittedly, it isn't always easy. Sometimes it can be difficult to infuse into our everyday lives. I take comfort in knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a great difference in not only the happiness of others, but also my own. That's why I'm happy to share this article on how to make kindness an everyday habit. I hope you find your year filled with happiness and kindness.</div>
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<b>A Four Step Process for Making Kindness an Everyday Habit in 2018</b></div>
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When Lady Gaga recently told her fans that kindness – not wealth and fame – is what creates harmony in the world she may have been on to something.</div>
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Research has shown that being kind makes us happier and also is contagious, inspiring others to be kind as well. For example, one such <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224540903365554&source=gmail&ust=1483479318169000&usg=AFQjCNHDh5VFBTvwOBzHYaKpiRQVM2OrVg" href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224540903365554" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">study</a> published in the Journal of Social Psychology linked performing acts of kindness to an increase in life satisfaction.</div>
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That’s why as people make their resolutions for the coming New Year, they should make up their minds to commit purposeful acts of kindness every day, says Gabriella van Rij, a kindness activist and author whose latest book is <em><a href="http://amzn.to/2hKV03S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Watch Your Delivery</a></em>.</div>
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“Making kindness a habit changes lives – your own life and others,” van Rij says. “I believe we’re born with innate kindness, but we’ve just forgotten about it because we’re always running. We’re just too busy doing other things and we need to remind ourselves to be kind.”</div>
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She says we as a society have dropped the ball on human kindness and it’s time we picked it back up.</div>
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“I truly believe that we are all born with innate kindness, but then the hand that feeds us or the environment makes us abandon it pretty fast,” van Rij says. “By the time we are 5, we have learned to compete and to strive for success. It’s time for a new measuring stick for success.”</div>
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She says by following a four-step process, people can put a little more kindness in the world and quickly fall into the habit of committing kindness every day:</div>
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<strong>• Be kind to yourself.</strong> It’s hard to have the patience to be kind to others if we can’t even take the time to be kind to ourselves. “This might seem selfish, but it’s not,” van Rij says. “By being kind to ourselves, we shape our attitude toward others.”<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
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<strong>• Answer rudeness with kindness.</strong> This one is difficult, van Rij acknowledges. “When someone is rude to you, the first thing you do is instantly react and not always in a positive way,” she says. “And the second thing you do is say it’s about me. They were nasty to me.” But van Rij says it’s not about you, it’s about the emotion. By answering rudeness with kindness, you diffuse the situation and there’s also a certain satisfaction in seeing the change in the attitude of the person who was rude.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
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<strong>• Watch your delivery.</strong> The tone that accompanies your words is as important as what you are saying. Do you need to soften your tone? Does what you say sound more aggressive than what you mean? Body language also can send a message you didn’t intend, so be aware of your body language and your facial expressions.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
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<strong>• Acknowledge kindness when you see it.</strong> When you acknowledge the kind acts you see, that person will be encouraged to continue to spread kindness. Acknowledging kindness in others also will serve as a reminder to you about how you can show kindness.</blockquote>
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“Unfortunately, one of the reasons we don’t always treat each other well is that we are a fear-based society, and fear only breeds more fear,” van Rij says. “But luckily there is an antidote because just as fear breeds more fear, I believe kindness grows more kindness.”</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>About Gabriella van Rij</strong></span></div>
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Gabriella van Rij (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.gabriella.global/&source=gmail&ust=1483479318169000&usg=AFQjCNEEHpzsWKURdDqrNBxZlY7crBUy6w" href="http://www.gabriella.global/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.gabriella.global</a>) is a speaker, author and activist whose latest book, <a href="http://amzn.to/2hKV03S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Watch Your Delivery</a>, explores how we often fail in communicating. She began her life as an orphan in Pakistan, and today is a frequent guest on TV and radio. She also is the author of <a href="http://amzn.to/2iY4cyd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Can Find My Might</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2hKUanS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">With All My Might</a>.</div>
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Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post but this site uses affiliate links. The article was posted with permission.</div>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-85896663790579601382018-01-01T13:37:00.000-05:002018-01-03T16:58:24.552-05:00Make Your Resolution Mean More With 100 Good Deeds. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year where people everywhere are making resolutions for the new year. These resolutions include everything from lose weight and be healthier, to get organized, travel, and be happier. There is nothing wrong with any of these resolutions. They are all good focuses to have, but they are all focused on the self. That's the funny thing about New Year resolutions, we end the year with a focus on giving to others, and go right into the new year with a focus on "me"; how do I make "me" better.<br />
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What if you made a different kind of resolution this year? A resolution that focuses on giving to others throughout the year. And, what if you had a way to hold yourself to that resolution, so it doesn't fade way like so many of our other resolutions do? Might giving to others actually result in you being happier? I think so.<br />
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It's proven that the act of giving increases our own feeling of happiness. Just think about how good you feel when you find and give that perfect gift! You can hold on to that feeling of giving by resolving to do a good deed everyday. One simple act of kindness can make a huge impact in the life of someone else. It can be as simple as telling someone they're beautiful, to holding the door for someone, to picking up trash at the park. Just do something good and it will feel good for you and for others.</div>
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We all start new focuses and resolutions with the best intentions, but as we get going in our busy lives many of these focuses fade away. Often, we feel defeated and resign ourselves to do better next year. The reason this happens is our goals are often too lofty, and not specific enough to stick with, and we don't have anything to remind us to stay accountable. The <a href="http://www.100gooddeeds.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Good Deeds Bracelet</a> solves this problem.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 100 Good Deeds Bracelet</td></tr>
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The 100 Good Deeds Bracelet serves as a reminder to do simple acts of kindness. Each bracelet is hand-braided and strung with 100 glass beads and 1 rubber ring. As you do a good deed, you move the rubber ring over one bead with your goal to complete 100 good deeds and move the black ring to the other side of the bracelet. By setting a specific goal to reach 100 good deeds and by having the reminder bracelet, you are more likely to reach your goal, and create a habit of giving back.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signed by the woman that made it.</td></tr>
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The bracelets are available in 19 colors, and 2 sizes at 100gooddeeds.org. One of the best things about this bracelet is that just by buying it you are already doing a good deed by helping to empower a woman! Each one is handcrafted by vulnerable women worldwide, many of which are HIV positive. By making these bracelets they are able to provide for their families, and have a renewed sense of meaning in their lives. My bracelet was made by Makensia in Haiti. </div>
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The mission behind the 100 Good Deeds movement is such a positive one that I couldn't wait to be involved. Receiving the bracelet was just an added bonus; a gift that I will treasure because I know that it was made with such pride. In turn, I will wear it with pride and do my best to honor the spirit of this movement by making this a year of good deeds. </div>
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Let's make our resolutions mean more this year, by focusing not only on improving ourselves, but by improving the lives of others!</div>
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*Update: This was originally posted in 2015, and my bracelet went several places and saw many good deeds. The final good deed was leaving it in a hotel room in Colorado Springs where it was hopefully found and enjoyed by someone else. Though, my bracelet is gone, the spirit of it is not; with this new year, it is just as important for us to spread kindness and good deeds. May you have a wonderfully happy year!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I received the bracelet for free. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received for this post. I blog with integrity and only recommend products and organizations that I approve of. Read my complete disclosure policy <a href="http://lifemusiclaughter.blogspot.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-26033830476783868262017-11-24T06:29:00.000-05:002018-01-03T16:51:51.018-05:00How To Start a Family Giving Back Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After Thanksgiving is over, the holiday season kicks into full gear. We quickly start thinking about finding the perfect gifts. We often get so caught up in buying things, and making lists of what we want, that we forget about the true joy of giving. You can change this by starting a giving back tradition with your family. Use this holiday season to think about giving back to the community and helping those in need. By getting your children involved with this, you can teach them the importance of giving to others.<br />
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Make a plan to give to others in a way that works for you and what your family is comfortable with. You may be able start a new tradition for you and your family that will bring new meaning to the Season of Giving. Here's some ideas to get you started:<br />
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<li>Find a local shelter/ soup kitchen to volunteer your time to cook, or serve food.</li>
<li>Organize a canned food drive with a local charitable organization.</li>
<li>Have your kids help you shop for toys for a local toy drive.</li>
<li>Replace gift exchanges at work with a group effort to buy needed items for a local shelter.</li>
<li>Check with a local school to see if they have any families in need that you could "adopt" to help provide a happier holiday.</li>
<li>Money can be tight, if you can't afford to donate money, or buy new items, make this the time of year to clean out your closets and donate good used items. Have your children do the same.</li>
<li>When buying gifts, buy from companies that have programs to give back, or benefit small communities. Many online shopping programs offer charitable options like <a href="http://amzn.to/2EOIvfA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">smile.Amazon</a> or you can use a cashback shopping site like <a href="https://www.ebates.com/r/AMETHY212?eeid=28187" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ebates</a> and donate your earnings.</li>
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Get your children involved with your plan to give back. Instead of having them write their Christmas lists right away, have them think about children that may not have as much, and ask them how they think we can help. Then they can write a "giving list". This can help children to get excited about giving by using their own ideas. It may also help them to appreciate their own gifts even more.</div>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-25498781393083219272017-04-24T17:26:00.002-04:002017-04-24T20:00:48.581-04:00Music Monday: Awesome Mix Volume 2 It's Monday and that means music! It's been a long time since I've done a Music Monday post, and to say a lot has been going on since my last one would be the understatement of the year, century even...but we won't get into that just now. This post is all about celebrating music, and what better way to celebrate it then by taking a look at the latest great soundtrack.<br />
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Today's songs are from <a href="http://amzn.to/2pYYtzb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span id="goog_401103556"></span>Awesome Mix Vol. 2<span id="goog_401103557"></span></a> from the second Guardians of the Galaxy movie, which I am so excited about! The movie hits the theaters on Cinco De Mayo, but you can enjoy the soundtrack now. Check out some of these great 70s songs from the album and take a trip down memory lane, or imagine a journey into space, whatever, your Monday, your music. Enjoy!<br />
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Pretty good mix right?! You should totally check out the rest of the songs, and of course, get ready to see what is sure to be just as awesome as the first <a href="http://amzn.to/2peOjd4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2pXVnbM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B071Y3BG3W&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=limula-20" title="Guardians of the Galaxy 2 soundtrack" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=limula-20&l=li3&o=1&a=B071Y3BG3W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Have a wonderfully musical week!
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-86574652906469876582016-11-04T12:44:00.001-04:002016-11-07T13:00:35.411-05:00Is Doctor Strange Worth the Cost of the Ticket?Okay, so, in general I always like a superhero movie because it's a chance to remove yourself from real life and just be entertained. I especially like the Marvel universe that Disney has created with the intertwining story lines. So, it was probably a given that I would like Doctor Strange. What I wasn't expecting is just how much I would like it!<br />
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Doctor Strange is a complex character that has to make a journey from arrogant rich selfish surgeon to a much deeper spiritual being. It's a Marvel movie, so it tells this story with fun and humor, and it certainly has it's share of action and excitement, but it's just a little deeper than some of the other Marvel movies we've seen. Doctor Strange becomes part of a group of spiritual defenders like they say where Avengers protect the physical world, they protect the spiritual.<br />
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They practice magic like sorcerers, and are able to change and bend reality in a mirror world which makes for a visually stunning film. I'm not a big fan of 3D, but Doctor Strange is worth putting on the glasses. And, it simply must be seen on the big screen to get the full visual effect of seeing the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60763-New_York_City_New_York-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York City</a> skyline folded in on itself. Don't wait to rent Doctor Strange; go see it in the theater. It's worth the price of the ticket.<br />
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Much of the movie was filmed on location in <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293889-Nepal-Vacations.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nepal</a>, so you get a chance to see another part of the world. While on location, Benedict Cumberbatch said he was inspired to give back to the children there. You can help do that by taking a picture in your favorite hero pose. See the video below for more details or go to the <a href="http://marvelstudiosheroacts.com/#/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hero Acts website</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R0K2X3JNph0" width="560"></iframe>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-47958664767295261672016-10-23T21:02:00.003-04:002016-10-23T23:00:43.085-04:00Vegetable Chili with Kale and Quinoa RecipeFall is here and the weather is turner cooler, even here in Florida. The cooler weather is perfect for a day outside, hiking, and exploring all your favorite local <a href="http://www.lifemusiclaughter.com/2016/06/summer-travels-top-10-road-trip-songs.html" target="_blank">travel</a> spots. After a day of adventure, it's nice to come home to a nice hot comfort meal, especially a healthier version that's quick and easy.<br />
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This <a href="http://www.lifemusiclaughter.com/2015/03/anti-inflammation-recipes-to-help.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> for Vegetable Chili with kale and quinoa is the perfect way to get the comfort of chili with a healthier twist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWZcM7HM4ypQNs4-C4Xzbpf6tzD99SAWXrVHCWS-zSM7v_wSvSSCV229pKaEmYfbsk92FPe_8rtkKTk16we1rYmcPlcqoSOZm-qkMYVmn5o_x-UG_1W4OWRUFZ8K_gwMxmTFYr7j1qy3F/s1600/Vegetable+Kale+Quinoa+Chili.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWZcM7HM4ypQNs4-C4Xzbpf6tzD99SAWXrVHCWS-zSM7v_wSvSSCV229pKaEmYfbsk92FPe_8rtkKTk16we1rYmcPlcqoSOZm-qkMYVmn5o_x-UG_1W4OWRUFZ8K_gwMxmTFYr7j1qy3F/s400/Vegetable+Kale+Quinoa+Chili.png" title="vegetable kale and quinoa chili" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Vegetable Chili with Kale and Quinoa</u></b><u style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: red;"><u></u><u></u></span></u></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Makes 8 to10 servings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>2 tablespoons olive oil<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>½ medium onion, chopped<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>1 carrot, peeled and chopped<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>2 celery ribs, chopped<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>1 medium zucchini, chopped<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>1 small yellow squash, chopped<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>1 red bell pepper, chopped<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>4 ounces sliced mushrooms<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>3 (15-ounce) cans <a href="http://amzn.to/2eXM5eJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HORMEL® chili</a><u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>½ cup quinoa<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>2 cups chopped fresh kale<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Directions</b>: In large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-low heat. Sauté onion, carrot and celery 10 minutes. Stir in zucchini and next 3 ingredients and sauté 8 minutes. Stir in chili, quinoa and kale and simmer 15 minutes.<u></u><u></u></div>
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What's your favorite twist on chili?</div>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-73468065211028259242016-10-03T17:02:00.001-04:002016-10-03T20:00:45.544-04:00Queen of Katwe Provides a Positive Look at Life in East AfricaLife is a collection of small moments that like pixels combine together to create one beautiful image. If one pixel is placed differently, or one moments is changed the picture, the life, is completely altered. Disney's <i>Queen of Katwe</i> gives a glimpse at one girl's life and how it was forever changed with the moment that she discovered the game of Chess.<br />
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There are several words to describe <i>Queen of Katwe</i>: inspiring, heartwarming, entertaining, but the most important one to me is, real. The movie simply tells a good story. There aren't any Hollywood twists, or special effects, this is just Disney getting back to story telling that is good for the whole family. <i>Queen of Katwe</i> is simple and delightful. <i>Queen of Katwe</i> has so many interesting characters that show that even when times are hard, kindness and positivity can rise to the top.<br />
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It also gives us a real view at the colorful life in Kampala, Uganda. The director has lived in Kampala where the movie was filmed, for 27 years, and the cast is all African. This helps to give us a glimpse at a culture that is often twisted to only show the dark side of poverty and disease. <i>Queen of Katwe </i>shows that poverty, but it also shows the love, strength, and fun that fills their lives. The story is filled with positive role models from the coach that teaches the children to play chess and encourages them to chase their dreams, to the mother that will do anything to keep her family safe, to the leading character, Phiona, that demonstrates her strength and tenacity through difficult times.<br />
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I left the theater feeling all the warm and fuzzies,with the end credit song (#1 Spice) stuck in my head, and a giant grin on my face. With my daughter currently serving in the Peace Corps in East Africa, it was nice to get a glimpse at what the world around her is like. It has also further enforced my desire to travel to see the countries of Africa and experience the vibrant culture for myself. Wanderlust has hit me hard! Hopefully more to come on that trip, very soon.<br />
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Bottom line, this is a good heartfelt movie that is absolutely worth seeing, no matter what your age. Oh! and make sure to stick through the credits for some extra fun including the song below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DZ1OblYm5YY?rel=0" width="500"></iframe>
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Disclosure: I attended a free screening of this movie for the purpose of completing this review. All opinions are my own.
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-50363837879554037732016-09-18T21:32:00.001-04:002016-09-18T23:01:30.089-04:00Bridget Jones's Baby is the Sequel You Didn't Know You Were Waiting For!I didn't know that I even needed another chapter in the Bridget Jones saga, but as I watched the newest edition to the series, Bridget Jones's Baby, I realized that it was exactly what I needed.<br />
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Can you believe it's been 15 years since the <a href="http://amzn.to/2ciXtA9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">first Bridget Jones's movie</a>? I had to look it up. I watched the Bridget Jones's Diary recently, and it is still a good fun movie, and aside from some little fashion things, it still holds up, and makes for a great watch when you're having one of those "just let me stay in my jammies and wallow in ice cream" kind of days. Which, coincidentally is just the kind of day Bridget is having at the start of Bridget Jones's Baby.<br />
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It's Bridget's birthday, and the only guests at her pity party are some sad music and a pint of ice cream, but this is a much more mature Bridget Jones that has come a long way in the last 15 years, so she won't pity herself for long. In Bridget Jones's Baby, Bridget, (Renee Zellweger,) is now a forty-something London girl, with a successful career, that just wants to have some fun. She has plenty of fun, until she finds out she's pregnant and isn't sure which guy is the father. That could put a little wrench into anyone's plans!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3sAzPDNbtf9_6kuKP0AyUAmsX4hhbZXj3yyMxptdkrupGAy4qJNCV6xW8ii2Ujn_bIRO_x3u4VHUfffVWORqz62kBYS0PEgJB_xCV0_1ffX7wquIaxQx5UWu-pNrAGJynT4Y3oy3-xYx/s1600/bridget.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3sAzPDNbtf9_6kuKP0AyUAmsX4hhbZXj3yyMxptdkrupGAy4qJNCV6xW8ii2Ujn_bIRO_x3u4VHUfffVWORqz62kBYS0PEgJB_xCV0_1ffX7wquIaxQx5UWu-pNrAGJynT4Y3oy3-xYx/s400/bridget.png" width="268" /></a></div>
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Bridget Jones's Baby is a delightful movie, even if you haven't seen either of its predecessors. It's warm, funny, and real. The plot of not knowing who the baby's daddy is is played out well with validity and laughs, and the cast has just the right spark, not to mention the good looks of the two leading men, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey.<br />
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The <a href="http://amzn.to/2ciWv6M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bridget Jones's Baby soundtrack</a> is not too shabby either, though at one point hubby had to quiet me as I might have been having a little too much fun with the upbeat songs. I can't help it, when good music is playing I can't sit still.<br />
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Bottom line, go see this movie. It is full of laughs, and good fun. Just remember to leave the kids at home, Bridget Jones Baby is rated R for language and sexual situations, which means it's the perfect movie for a girl's night out or date night. I left this movie feeling quite fulfilled with the journey of our heroine, and I really can't wait to see it again!<br />
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Oh, and, don't let those guys tell you it's a chick flick, hubs went with me, and he enjoyed it, he even full on laughed at some scenes. Who knows what this could mean for me, maybe I'll even get him to watch Bridget Jones's Diary with me for a night in...fingers crossed.
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-43708139132382306472016-07-18T15:11:00.002-04:002016-07-18T17:00:33.533-04:00Songs of Positivity, Because We Need More Peace and LoveMusic has always been an incredible force, one that soothes, heals, and uplifts. It is a medium in which many messages have been shared over the years. With all the violence and negativity in the world, we could all use some positivity and one place we can find it is in music. If music isn't your thing find positivity in <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28926-Activities-California.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">travel</a>, nature, family...look for it it's there. Sometimes we focus so hard on the negative in our world that we forget it is full of good, and sometimes you have to be the good that the world needs. Look around there is inspiration everywhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzph45Wowf4Uuwv3HQ2U2oxEfln6CktHHfYgppQF2prcl7RIPrsK67HQS8UGaqW_dyzgaWkmZBs3jkPAo-HgSMurE0NRn5F4O1xj7wCP2W7mc7tN393Lj7aIshhk-0b8KAWIHiPSk1-Y1/s1600/Inspiration+Everywhere+daisies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzph45Wowf4Uuwv3HQ2U2oxEfln6CktHHfYgppQF2prcl7RIPrsK67HQS8UGaqW_dyzgaWkmZBs3jkPAo-HgSMurE0NRn5F4O1xj7wCP2W7mc7tN393Lj7aIshhk-0b8KAWIHiPSk1-Y1/s400/Inspiration+Everywhere+daisies.png" title="Inspiration is Everywhere" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's some of the best songs of positivity that I'm listening to now.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I have to thank my daughter for introducing me to <a href="http://amzn.to/29HnrvU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nahko</a> and his soothing peace loving songs. This one really speaks to me about making positive change in our lives.<br />
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Dirty Heads has a new <a href="http://amzn.to/29Hn2tn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">album</a>, and it is truly great. I love this first track that reminds us to be in the moment and love life. I expect to be hearing a lot about this band as they go mainstream with this new album. There currently on tour with Sublime with Rome, look for them and go see them for some more of their unique <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g28926-California-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">California</a> sound.<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/29QmC1W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frank Turner</a> is a very different sound from the ones above, but I always like the folksy rockin' good tracks he makes. Each one has a message of positivity and enjoying life; something we need more of.<br />
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So what songs with a positive message are you listening to? Where do you find inspiration? Tell me I want to hear them!
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-17759521287459748192016-07-01T13:52:00.001-04:002016-07-01T14:01:08.422-04:00ID Your Pet Day, Keep Your Dogs SafeWe spend a lot of time with our dogs outside in Summer. We do everything from trips to the park to road trips and just hanging by the pool. We know how important it is to keep dogs safe, and cared for in the hot <a href="http://www.lifemusiclaughter.com/2012/07/5-tips-for-spending-summer-with-dogs.html" target="_blank">dog days of summer</a>. It is especially important to make sure your dog has a tag with an ID because with all the time spent outdoors in the summer, dogs are more likely to escape. The tag helps to make sure they are returned home. This is why the SPCA has designated July 1st as ID Your Pet Day.<br />
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<li><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">A personalized ID tag is the best way to increase the likelihood your pet returning home. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Make sure your pet is fitted with a collar and ID tag</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> that includes your name and phone number.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Implanted microchips can serve as an important security measure to ensure that a pet is returned home in the case of a lost collar and ID tag.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Download the ASPCA Pet Safety App to access personalized instructions on how to search for a lost animal in a variety of circumstances:</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.aspcaapp.org/&source=gmail&ust=1467479104915000&usg=AFQjCNG9bkSV6RkyAvtC-EkUpzw5100Skg" href="http://www.aspcaapp.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ASPCAapp.org</a></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></li>
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If you're traveling with your pet this summer, find <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?geo=&pid=3826&typeaheadRedirect=true&redirect=&startTime=&uiOrigin=&q=dog+friendly+hotels&returnTo=__2F__&searchSessionId=659CADFF46DE500D79DDDCCEEDCBAC131467394618387ssid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dog friendly hotels</a> worldwide.<br />
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Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links, which just means if you click on a link, we might make some money from the advertiser.
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-76740641173749431622016-06-13T18:45:00.003-04:002016-06-19T13:48:44.465-04:00Summer Travels: Top 10 Road Trip SongsWhen I think of the best road trips I've taken, I realize that they all have the same things in common; conversation, laughter, and fun music. I will never forget the road trip to the mountains when I heard my daughters in the back seat singing along to Faith Hill's <i>This Kiss</i> with their little voices full of heart they belted out "BISCUITS BISCUITS". To this day, when I hear that song I can't help but sing the lyrics wrong and giggle. It was a beautiful vacation and it was made even better with music.<br />
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I recently heard of a peer to peer <a href="https://turo.com/rent" rel="" target="_blank">car rental</a> network, Turo.com, that is helping people make money by renting their own vehicles. I think this is a really cool concept and what struck me most is that many of the car owners are making playlists, and leaving CDs for the renters to enjoy music on their road trip. This got me thinking about what songs I would put on my road trip playlist. It took me awhile to narrow it down, because there are so many great songs that I love to listen to when I <a href="http://www.lifemusiclaughter.com/2015/10/family-travel-new-orleans-there-is.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">travel</a>. I think for a road trip the music needs to be a nice balance of energy and mellowness; not too hard and not too soft. If it's too energetic it's hard to sit still, and if it's too mellow you'll just want to pull over and sleep. So, it was a struggle, but here it is: the top 10 road trip songs.<br />
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1. "Wagon Wheel" by <a href="http://amzn.to/25YyYKk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Old Crow Medicine Show</a>- The song is catchy and melodic, and hey, it's about a road trip so...yeah, it's on here!</div>
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2. "<a href="http://amzn.to/1PpAImt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It's Still Rock and Roll To Me</a>" by Bill Joel- This song brings back memories of riding in my dad's T-top Corvette, and it just brings a smile to my face.</div>
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3. "<a href="http://amzn.to/1UtGHfu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Life's Been Good</a>" by Joe Walsh- I'm not sure why this needs to be on here, but it just feels right. There is something about it that says put me in a car and let's go!<br />
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4. "<a href="http://amzn.to/1UOx6id" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paradise By the Dashboard Light</a>" by Meatloaf- This song seems to always get played on my road trips. It's fun to sing along to, and at 8 minutes long you can cover quite a few miles while you listen to it.</div>
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5. "<a href="http://amzn.to/1Oob46G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody</a>" by Queen- What more could you ask for with this one...you can practice your falsetto and bang your head all in the same song, and f your car has enough people you can each take a part in singing harmony. That's road trip fun right there!</div>
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6. "<a href="http://amzn.to/1UOxFIG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Stop Believin</a>" by Journey- This is one of those songs that everybody seems to love. I don't think there's been a time where everyone didn't sing along to it. It's fun and perfect to give you energy on that long drive.</div>
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7. "<a href="http://amzn.to/1Xon9vi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tiny Dancer</a>" by Elton John- I like this song for the road because it's peaceful, but not so peaceful that you risk falling asleep.</div>
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8. "Cover of the Rolling Stone" by <a href="http://amzn.to/1tpJbBm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show</a>- They're a little raw, very campy, and just plain fun! Put this old song on and bob your head as you sing along.</div>
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9. "<a href="http://amzn.to/235X2Jv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All Summer Long</a>" by KidRock- With it's sampling of old familiar tunes, great story telling, and a nicely laid out guitar riffs this is perfect for wherever you're traveling.</div>
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10. "<a href="http://amzn.to/1S4GPMK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Boys are Back in Town</a>" by Thin Lizzy- This song just feels like you've arrived and you own this town, whatever town that may be on your road trip...even if you've never been there before.</div>
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Wherever the road may take you and whether you're driving in your own car, or trying out a personal rental service like <a href="https://turo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Turo</a>, fill your travels with good music and good times.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: Photos were provided by Turo, no other compensation was received for writing this post. All words and opinions are my own. This site uses affiliate links.</span></div>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-89895017595887538952016-06-10T18:15:00.003-04:002016-06-13T22:32:44.571-04:00A Weekend Trip to Mall of AmericaBack in the early 90's, I heard about this mystical mall creature with 4 floors of shopping, an aquarium, and an amusement park all under one roof. An amusement park inside the mall! I knew that someday I had to go there and see it for myself. Last week that someday came. I went to the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.<br />
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As I walked past the Lego store and in to <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g42881-d109973-Reviews-Nickelodeon_Universe-Bloomington_Minnesota.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nickelodeon Universe</a>, I was instantly transformed into a kid again. This was a teenager's dream, so many stores to shop in, plus movies, rides, games, and oh so much more! Can you imagine growing up with this as your local mall hangout spot? Oh the fun!<br />
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I rode a roller coaster, played games, ate fried <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/cute_kawaii_happy_cheese_throw_pillow-189766353821868541?rf=238690899979127022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cheese</a> curds, and laughed with some <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/spongebob_patrick_just_bein_boys_t_shirt-235559589381215296?rf=238690899979127022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nickelodeon</a> characters. I also found some great deals at some of my favorite stores and got a massage while hubby got his hair cut; this place is so much more than just a mall!<br />
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Besides the sheer size of the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g42881-d109972-Reviews-Mall_of_America-Bloomington_Minnesota.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mall of America</a>, (by the way, it is massive,) I was most surprised by how clean it is. With the thousands of people that come through everyday, and the sticky sweet treats being served, I expected it to be dirty and dated, but it was clean and modern. Mall of America has not only maintained the facility, but they've continued to add new stores, rides, and attractions.<br />
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The newest attraction is FlyOver America, a flight simulation ride that uses the newest technology to soar over <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/vintage_america_travel_postcard-239658153961169884?rf=238690899979127022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">America</a>. With the wind in your hair, the mist on your skin, and the scent of fresh pine over the trees, it's easy to forget that it's a simulated ride. Each flight is intro'd by a little video that highlights music genres from America in one safety song. The song is campy, but enjoyable if you allow yourself to have fun with it. The flight itself lasts about 10 minutes and is well worth the ticket price.<br />
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With so many things to do including putt putt golf, a mirror maze, and of course shopping, the Mall of America attracts thousands of visitors, but it never had that overcrowded feeling. There were times that it seemed more crowded than others, but it was still easy to move around, and the employees seemed genuinely happy, even on a busy holiday weekend.<br />
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Mall of America made for a fun weekend, and with so much still that I didn't do, and an expansion in the works, (can you believe it's going to be even bigger?!) In know we'll go back. It was only a short train ride from the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Flights-g42881-Bloomington_Minnesota-Cheap_Discount_Airfares.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minneapolis St. Paul airport</a>, so it might be a good place to go on a future layover when I'm in need of some childlike fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nickelodeon Universe laser show</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw62HBS8G8mPdWJZBAf40NbTXQBLV2fZIVc2jmYwSqEB8qHaKPuU6ISfdxLpa0UF3tPP9odcSRgLKd61xEvduqSbkiA6AfOvxugBpiLM3r8WFbMKOGsO2N1JrYglO9cKn8jW0VAvQ7_bqz/w689-h643-no/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw62HBS8G8mPdWJZBAf40NbTXQBLV2fZIVc2jmYwSqEB8qHaKPuU6ISfdxLpa0UF3tPP9odcSRgLKd61xEvduqSbkiA6AfOvxugBpiLM3r8WFbMKOGsO2N1JrYglO9cKn8jW0VAvQ7_bqz/w689-h643-no/" title="Spongebob Patrick Star Amethyst Moon" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughter with Spongebob and Patrick </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g42881-d109973-Reviews-Nickelodeon_Universe-Bloomington_Minnesota.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spongebob Plunge</a> is 1 of 5 roller coasters at Mall of America</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego Store at Mall of America</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a couple of Ninja Turtles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG69NdywpIuyPC7-faMUBmhu75i7sdrNwQ5KKFZ9st3_pTQIfG0MDjmtTrnoKpSPyLuToeWj7SQMpMPJxJcB8MjQh16psgR3mUiguI-3NLWumOy-4HJB1SZMWXZ7NmLQcisl_4FQai6gQL/w518-h643-no/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG69NdywpIuyPC7-faMUBmhu75i7sdrNwQ5KKFZ9st3_pTQIfG0MDjmtTrnoKpSPyLuToeWj7SQMpMPJxJcB8MjQh16psgR3mUiguI-3NLWumOy-4HJB1SZMWXZ7NmLQcisl_4FQai6gQL/w518-h643-no/" title="Jimmy Neutron ride" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy Neutron ride</td></tr>
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I experienced <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g42881-d109973-Reviews-Nickelodeon_Universe-Bloomington_Minnesota.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nickelodeon Universe </a>as part of an event. The opinions expressed are my own. This site uses affiliate links.</div>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN, USA44.8588217 -93.30940509999999244.7687757 -93.47076659999999 44.9488677 -93.1480436tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-38950918835319430032016-06-05T22:00:00.000-04:002016-06-13T22:35:00.939-04:005 Tips for Summer Travel With Dogs<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px;">Summertime is a great time to grab the leash and head outside. Take your dog hiking, head to the beach or even a road trip with your dog, you can enjoy all of these, just make sure you're following these 5 tips for traveling with dogs in the summer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e10p9BrR_gncEbC9dF2Ma0-B-1CsGtdumBK7vX79jc61gIiptK7LcdY6NPqgrtACihyphenhyphenqrqh81aBDABlTTIJQZbPo7vKrLmL0TMw3qam9n2xQnV7MEO0OapV1yehdq_CVtGJngxIv7qsK/s1600/dublinsummer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e10p9BrR_gncEbC9dF2Ma0-B-1CsGtdumBK7vX79jc61gIiptK7LcdY6NPqgrtACihyphenhyphenqrqh81aBDABlTTIJQZbPo7vKrLmL0TMw3qam9n2xQnV7MEO0OapV1yehdq_CVtGJngxIv7qsK/s320/dublinsummer2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7435972990933806"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With school days coming to an end, temperatures rising, and vacation plans being made, there is no doubt that summer is upon us. Summer, is a great time to spend outdoors with family and friends, and it’s also a great time to grab a leash and head out for a trip with the dogs. I like to take my dogs on the occasional road trip, to the local dog beach, and to the coffee shop for their favorite treat; a cup of whipped cream.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No matter where you're traveling with your dog, whether it's weekend away or just a trip around the block, while you’re enjoying the summer with your favorite furry pets, keep these things in mind.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Just like you get extra thirsty and can get dehydrated in the heat, so can your dogs, maybe even more so. No matter what you’re doing outside, make sure to have plenty of fresh clean water for both you and your dog. I suggest bringing a <a href="http://amzn.to/211Fk8j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">travel pet bowl</a> to make it easy. Remember, if you do take your dog to the beach, that salt water is not any more drinkable for dogs than it is for humans.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7435972990933806"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Toys:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Dogs love to play with everything from <a href="http://amzn.to/1O9DyB8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">balls</a>, to sticks, to old <a href="http://amzn.to/1TVGJ1v" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ropes</a>. They’ll take anything to get your attention and get you to play. My dog loves to steal socks because he knows we’ll chase him for it. When you head outside, along with the water and <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/paracord_twisted_braided_leash-256446558444995242?rf=238690899979127022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">leash</a>, you must also think about what toys to bring. Make sure to use toys that are specifically made for dogs. This will keep them from choking on small parts. By bringing <a href="http://amzn.to/1UlOQSn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">toys</a> with you, you’ll keep them from being harmed from something that was not meant to go in a dog’s mouth, that they might just find laying around.</span></b><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=limula-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00KUR5E8G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay cool:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> With all this traveling, running, ball chasing, and frisbee catching, your pooch is bound to get hot and need a rest. Be alert for signs of fatigue and overheating. Remember dogs don’t sweat to cool off, so you must make sure they get some rest from the hot sun. Find some shade under a tree, or bring a <a href="http://amzn.to/1LKp6eT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pet canopy</a>, and don't forget to bring a large <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/yellow_umbrella_luggage_tag-256901242106543907?rf=238690899979127022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">umbrella</a> for your own touch of shade.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Use a leash:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Even though your dog may be well trained to stay next to you, if you’re in a public area that is not a designated dog area, you should always keep your dog on a <a href="http://amzn.to/1LKowgW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">leash</a>. This will avoid your pooch harming themselves or someone else if they happen to get startled by strange noise or surroundings.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fireworks:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> With Independence Day celebrations, sporting events and <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=amusement+park&geo=&pid=3826&typeaheadRedirect=true&redirect=&startTime=1465886000812&uiOrigin=MASTHEAD&returnTo=__2F__&searchSessionId=7630BC4E22752EDA749F4045C87500FA1465871598738ssid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">amusement parks</a>, there is bound to be plenty of fireworks. While you and I may ooh and aah at the colorful displays in the sky, many dogs are terrified of these displays. Because of the loud noise of the <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/fireworks_dog_bed-256129282479682316?rf=238690899979127022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fireworks</a> your dog may become frightened and attempt to run from the noise. Unfortunately, many dogs go missing because of this, or worse get injured in their attempts to get away. If you don’t know how your dog will react to these sounds, you may want to keep them indoors so they will be safe and secure during the fireworks.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spending time outdoors and traveling with your dog is not only great for their health, but it’s also great for yours. Fresh air, exercise, and a happy pooch is a recipe for a healthier happier lifestyle. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, and don't forget to bring those summer tunes with you to groove to!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>♪Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime♪</i></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy the dog days of Summer and keep your dog safe and happy!</span>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-59584923632512971812016-05-25T10:39:00.000-04:002016-06-27T16:15:58.917-04:00Lunch at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, Disney SpringsWe recently went to the newly named and revamped Disney Springs, (formerly known as Downtown Disney) for some lunch and shopping. We grabbed a small bite at the Indiana Jones themed <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34515-d8666676-Reviews-Jock_Lindsey_s_Hangar_Bar-Orlando_Florida.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.</a> This small bar is decorated with worldly items from Jock's many adventures including some pictures of our favorite snake hating archaeologist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuGXj8olYm1fMrP6S3Jn7XusRgjUdxuoMNKoVKUfwMKM7asXvOJfDQeOluQ3gTBRIuYDUiMx9YmH6Kb-gaFWF-BgBRuFrJTR03G1EBS-7vTp3IokOlrxU_VFFiaIpRInIljfaZsWxnigd/w363-h643-no/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuGXj8olYm1fMrP6S3Jn7XusRgjUdxuoMNKoVKUfwMKM7asXvOJfDQeOluQ3gTBRIuYDUiMx9YmH6Kb-gaFWF-BgBRuFrJTR03G1EBS-7vTp3IokOlrxU_VFFiaIpRInIljfaZsWxnigd/w363-h643-no/" width="360" /></a></div>
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We enjoyed drinks on the deck overlooking the pond, but if your <a href="http://www.lifemusiclaughter.com/2015/10/family-travel-new-orleans-there-is.html" target="_blank">travel</a> here is during hotter or rainier it weather would be best suited for inside the hangar seating. Jock's has a great selection of specialty drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The "Cool Headed Monkey" is a refreshing fruity cocktail perfect for a hot <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/fragment/ACCOMMODATION%3Ffrom_tpa%3Dtrue/https://www.tripadvisor.com/ThemePark-g34515-d8428124-Walt_Disney_World-Orlando_Florida.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Florida</a> day. If you're looking to hold off on the alcohol, I recommend the Poisonless Dart, it's like a Shirley Temple with a twist.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Headed Monkey, Anti-dote, Poisonless Dart</td></tr>
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Let me tell you the food was delicious and the portions were big! I absolutely loved the wings, and the pretzels were the best I ever had.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lao Che's Revenge, Spicy Asian sticky wings</td></tr>
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Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is great for drinks and small bites and we really enjoyed it. Something to keep in mind if you're traveling with small children: Disney has designed Jock's to have an old world dive bar feel so the food menu is not very extensive, and though children are welcome there isn't much for traditional kid's meal foods, so they may need to broaden their tastes a little; or just bring them a snack from somewhere else in <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34515-d130846-Reviews-Disney_Springs-Orlando_Florida.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney Springs</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/yUy1LmVX8hBXKp6bLiNIcCsC0nxZKIhXZEzwkl5H8wLWmrIrF5yM50eaxSAafWC43jHmdndxmcTh89FSa6SDCgU2pzyzEk321_TgbDl9gUVxPXnG0dNK_938XGAs5SueDhQgs9avRZc_JxCBJ0wFvhhWzlGfqLfBk04qbOfYWN6GFVyWE7ulGHFHimBJF25j8Wbg98EJiLQutF_pOCAR5z-M0vVQsIOLGGO84u8Ev2MEhykWx_dOeKO97yVFnuJJN1k3EhrnudY-qDUuXT4BBeL10smmYygkZef8z4jYX1vICj5_YFrs3YOv-ry36qVPiSQrRDKVpBSst7IZGHuIV-grPtZ39HAftEG7Nsc_mfaTRedJNUWz6XjKnlg8VgEG_v0mmnjO2FIezgmQaqMptpWsisa1lwjjJYlSN5YNOfTF5J8CSdQHEA8lfyq1GHlDzmXQbRDDvREaMgXCDOFfLRbWEMuxQzGZwIWtKEWB05Iuwa_XLWDIuA1YcdJ7DASkiV6ytu581kTUfqTRUbd9FKBRSN-xwSK44GV0bxRqkDfmy3t7bR6aXdbbOYECsmeDOfsZRg=w540-h643-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/yUy1LmVX8hBXKp6bLiNIcCsC0nxZKIhXZEzwkl5H8wLWmrIrF5yM50eaxSAafWC43jHmdndxmcTh89FSa6SDCgU2pzyzEk321_TgbDl9gUVxPXnG0dNK_938XGAs5SueDhQgs9avRZc_JxCBJ0wFvhhWzlGfqLfBk04qbOfYWN6GFVyWE7ulGHFHimBJF25j8Wbg98EJiLQutF_pOCAR5z-M0vVQsIOLGGO84u8Ev2MEhykWx_dOeKO97yVFnuJJN1k3EhrnudY-qDUuXT4BBeL10smmYygkZef8z4jYX1vICj5_YFrs3YOv-ry36qVPiSQrRDKVpBSst7IZGHuIV-grPtZ39HAftEG7Nsc_mfaTRedJNUWz6XjKnlg8VgEG_v0mmnjO2FIezgmQaqMptpWsisa1lwjjJYlSN5YNOfTF5J8CSdQHEA8lfyq1GHlDzmXQbRDDvREaMgXCDOFfLRbWEMuxQzGZwIWtKEWB05Iuwa_XLWDIuA1YcdJ7DASkiV6ytu581kTUfqTRUbd9FKBRSN-xwSK44GV0bxRqkDfmy3t7bR6aXdbbOYECsmeDOfsZRg=w540-h643-no" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flight of pretzels with beer cheese fondue and spicy mustard.</td></tr>
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<!-- Below is the AtContent repost button code. Please don't delete or change it in any way. --><script async="true" src="https://w.atcontent.com/-/2vOkH6eElQW/amethystmoon/7bu0blXDNs2.text/Panel/Autocheck"></script>Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-45499539945350059532016-05-09T15:21:00.001-04:002016-05-11T17:00:35.153-04:00P!nk Creates New Song and Video for Disney's "Alice Through the Looking Glass". <span style="font-size: small;">P!nk has a written a new song for Disney's new movie "Alice Through the Looking Glass" and it is quite wonderful. The video is designed to give you the feel of the film with whimsical style and typical P!nk flair. It's like a musical journey to a faraway land of garden tea parties, chess boards, and a touch of madness for good flavor. See the video for "Just Like Fire" by P!nk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Disney's "Alice Through the Looking Glass" marches into theaters on May 27th.</span>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-76637691970154065152016-05-05T15:08:00.000-04:002016-06-15T21:34:02.785-04:00How A dog's Story Can Teach Your Children About Life<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I strongly believe that for as much as we do to give pets a happy life, they do so much more for us. In my house, our pets are an important part of our family. Just like any family member, they can sometimes be frustrating, but they enrich our lives so very much; I can't imagine life without them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One common method parents use to teach children responsibility is pet ownership, where kids help feed, clean and generally look after pets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As important as instilling a sense of responsibility is, there are many more lessons pets can teach us, says Cheryl Smith, a rescue-animal advocate who founded a non-profit that assists pets in need. Smith, a public defender, has cared for rescue animals since childhood and believes they can help humanity as much as humans help them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Our courtroom deputy found a scared and thin little Chihuahua, alone on the street; I had to adopt the little guy, who I named Oliver,” says Smith, who adds the incident was the impetus for her to write “Oliver’s Heroes: The Spider Adventure” (</span><a href="http://oliversheroes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">oliversheroes.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">) and “Oliver’s Heroes: Two Paws Up.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oliver joined the rest of her six rescue dogs. Smith says the happy dog pack features the perfect characters for teaching the following life lessons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong>• Acceptance of others, despite arbitrary differences:</strong> Humanity has bred dogs to suit a variety of purposes, resulting in an enormous diversity of physical and character traits. Despite the differences, most dogs have an innate ability to assemble into a pack. In Smith’s children’s book, when the group encounters different kinds of creatures, such as a polka-dotted and striped spider, the dogs judge the spider on its character and not its exotic markings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong>• Overcoming fear, together:</strong> Oliver and his friends go places like the woods, which are unknown, unpredictable and scary to some. The <a href="http://www.lifemusiclaughter.com/2012/07/5-tips-for-spending-summer-with-dogs.html" target="_blank">dogs</a> who are scared are reassured by those who are not, which is a great example for children who may fear the next grade level, or moving to a new town.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong>• The regular expression of gratitude:</strong> Anyone who has ever rescued an animal has probably experienced the gift of gratitude in return. These rescue animals tend to be more loving and are less likely to take for granted what’s given to them, such as love, food, shelter and company. It’s a great reminder for children to keep in mind as they mature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong>• Now is a good time to have fun:</strong> Dog owners are constantly reminded of at least one thing – the time, and the time is always now to play catch, enjoy a treat or simply bask in the company of companions. Remembering that the time is now, and that now may be a good time to enjoy <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3772150/type/dlg/https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Attractions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fun</a>, is a lesson children may not want to lose as they grow older and take on more responsibility.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: medium;"><strong>About Cheryl Smith</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><em>Cheryl Smith is a public defender who started a non-profit, Just The Place Inc., to assist in the care of pets when owners were experiencing difficult financial situations or environmental crises. She was inspired to write “Oliver’s Heroes: The Spider Adventure” (</em><a href="http://oliversheroes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><em>oliversheroes.com</em></span></a><em>) after her courtroom deputy found Oliver, a dog who was alone, thin and scared on the street.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Disclosure:<em> I was not compensated for this post, but this site does use affiliate links.</em></span>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-12384555910345856582016-04-25T16:49:00.001-04:002016-04-25T17:00:38.409-04:00Prince and Dancing With Girl ScoutsLike many people, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the the death of Prince. I wouldn't call myself a fangirl, but I do have a great appreciation for his artistry and his contributions to music. As an 80's girl, I think Prince's music has been a huge part of my life's soundtrack. There was, "Little Red Corvette" and "Kiss" and I still break into a chorus of "Raspberry Beret" when I think of shopping at the Five and Dime; yeah my small town still had one of those when I was little.<br />
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Oh, and Remember when we actually thought 1999 might be the end of the world? So, naturally, we were going to have the most epic party to compare all other parties to and the Purple one realized the need for a theme song for those awesome parties. ♪<i>Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999</i>♫<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buy on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MariaDdesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy</a></td></tr>
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Probably the biggest impact on me, and I'm sure every other 80's girl, was <i>Purple Rain. </i>Purple Rain was one of the cassettes I ordered for the super low cost of a penny, yes a penny for all 8 cassettes...well a penny and half of my soul. Anyway, I got Purple Rain, and I played it over and over and over. I couldn't get enough of it. It went to girl scout camp with me, and the girls in my cabin made up dances for each song and played it until our troop leader told us to keep it down, then we played it some more, but a little quieter, and then a little quieter still.<br />
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As I got older, the songs took on new meaning, as I began to understand the meanings behind them. I began to see how Prince's music gave a message to express yourself, enjoy yourself, and just be yourself. That is the importance of Prince, not just the music, but the freedom of expression. We are all artists in one way or another, and we must know that it is okay to let that artist be free.<br />
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Next month, I will be traveling to Minneapolis for a fun trip that includes a visit to the very club that Purple Rain was filmed in. What was already going to be a meaningful music adventure, is now sure to be that much more emotional, with the loss of this one of a kind artist.<br />
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Have a musically awesome week!
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-18612290728429776892016-04-22T16:05:00.001-04:002016-05-26T17:00:55.779-04:00Friends, Labels, and DrugsFriends are a lot like drugs, they can solve many problems, make you feel great, sometimes even a little loopy, but sometimes even a good thing can have bad side effects. So, wouldn't it be easier if they each came with their own "friendship warning label" so you know what to expect. Because all friends are great, but some you can only handle in small doses.<br />
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For example, I have a friend who has a "never been a mother complex" you know the one that doesn't have kids, never wants kids, but wants to not only tell you how to raise yours, but also wants to mother you! I still love her, but sometimes I just need a break from her. So, because I know this, I know not to schedule a long day alone on an island with her because she would surely become shark food by the end of the day.<br />
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Another friend is the "lack of movement may cause drowsiness" she is a ton of fun, but if she's not doing something to keep her entertained, she quickly gets sleepy eyes, and the night will soon be over. So simple solution for this label, when we go out it's never just a bar to sit and chill, we have to go somewhere to dance and mingle.<br />
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Then, there's the 2 friends that are like drugs and alcohol, they just don't mix! After one night of drama with them together, I now make sure to give them there own time on separate nights!<br />
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So what should you know to be my friend? What's on my warning label? Well, I'm the friend that will never call, but I'll be there when you need to talk. I'll buy your birthday gift months in advance but forget to give it to you. I don't respond well to being told what to do, but I'm always open to new things. I will be the first to jump on stage to dance, and will try to drag you with me. I love music of all kinds, and I sometimes break out into song in the middle of our conversation. I'm a bit of a nerd with a love of books, unicorns, and exploring new places. I love hanging out with friends, but sometimes I just want to be alone, and if we're on vacation it will most certainly involve good food.<br />
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We have our strengths that make us great and our opportunity areas that make us unique. We should all own our little quirks because they make us who we are. It's our diversity that makes us interesting, and keeps our friendships strong. In friendship, be willing to compromise, but don't compromise who you are. Be yourself and wear your "warning label" with pride.<br />
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What would your friendship warning label say?<br />
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-66213623019225592432016-04-20T10:39:00.003-04:002016-04-20T11:00:47.764-04:00Wordless Wednesday, Take a Closer Look at the World Around You.Life is an adventure, what will you discover when you see the world from a different view?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Franconia Notch, New Hampshire</td></tr>
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-92122745615288209182016-04-18T13:21:00.001-04:002016-04-18T14:00:43.908-04:005 Songs For Tax DayIt's Monday and it's Tax Day, not a great combination, but hopefully not as bad as it sounds. Hopefully, like me, you took advantage of the weekend and got those taxes done and done! Each year as my kids ages got higher, the tax refund gets lower. I'm happy that I'm still getting a refund, but I think it's time to face reality that with both my daughters out of college, it may be the last year for that. So, unlike that year the oldest turned 16 and I was surprised by the loss of the child tax credit, I'm gonna try to get in front of this change and make some adjustments because the only thing worse than paying the taxman is being surprised about paying the tax man. Ugh! Now, enough talk about taxes, let's let the music speak.<br />
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It's Music Monday, and this week is all about the hard work we do for the money we need. Here's 5 songs for Tax Day.<br />
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Now get out there and do that work you do with a song in your head and a groove in your step. Work hard but not too hard because Life should be fun!
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231715681600976354.post-91958616501654763472016-04-13T16:49:00.001-04:002016-05-26T16:25:53.257-04:00Celebrate National Pecan Day With Nonni's Biscotti and Enter To Win- EXPIREDApril 14th is National Pecan Day, and I'm happy to celebrate what is probably my favorite nut. Pecans are heart healthy and full of antioxidants, but most importantly, they are delicious! I like them raw, roasted, salted, in my oatmeal, toasted, and in desserts. I certainly don't need any excuse to eat desserts, especially one with pecans, but it sure feels nice to know that there is a delicious options with lower calories out there. I'm talking about Nonni's Turtle Pecan Biscotti!<br />
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Find out how you can win a box of your own.<br />
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I've written about Nonni's before because they are a really good treat, but I think the Turtle Pecan may be my favorite flavor, yet! It was certainly my daughter's favorite, she made that very clear to me. It has that delicious buttery caramel, and the finest pecans, and is dipped in chocolate. Yum!<br />
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I feel really good about eating Nonni's Biscotti because of the real simple ingredients they use. I also love the convenience of each one being individually wrapped; I can throw it in my bag and have it for a snack or dessert. Nonni's Turtle Pecan Biscotti and a tea or coffee or whatever, are great for an awesome afternoon break!<br />
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I want to share this delightful treat, and celebrate National Pecan day with a giveaway. One person will win their own box of Nonni's Biscotti. Just enter below!<br />
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I wasn't compensated for this post, but I did receive a free box of Nonni's Biscotti to try, and I really do love it! I hope you will too!<br />
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Amethystmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281654875299175221noreply@blogger.com0