Bucket List Item Denied

Lavender Farm Bucket List

*Photo Credit: Pinterest*

One of my ideal things to do locally, once again, has been put off. It’s to visit a lavender farm. Every year we keep thinking oh it will be there and was proven wrong this time. I want to be able to stroll through the purple sea and enjoy the breath taking scenery before me. I want to experience the life that surrounds the place and maybe purchase a reminder of what the day was like. Now, I will do my best to avoid the bees as I’m sure are there too but will still love the idea. There have been other times when I could have gone by myself but wanted to share it with a family member. I have heard great things and seen flat out gorgeous pictures of nature so that’s part of its appeal but the fact that we had a few options of going some place close to home really hit hard. Mostly, I am known for liking sunflowers but am not opposed to other beautiful plants. A lavender farm seemed like a good alternative.

While doing a little research on the flower, lavender is apparently used to treat back pain and insomnia by the Ancient Greeks. If true then I should always keep a bouquet around just for their healing properties. It’s meaning is purity, devotion, serenity, grace and calmness. Last but not least, it is known for its beauty, fragrance and multi purposes.

I hope one year I will get to go to a lavender farm. 

Quotes About Magic

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I have a small obsession with quotes and I love words because when I can’t eloquently put together my own thoughts sometimes someone else has nailed it perfectly. While, I recognize the bottom list is  not totally obsession, it does paint a picture using only black and white of books and magic. I read one book during stay-at-home and kinda in that in-between phase of wanting to read another but enjoying the downtime. But it is summer and maybe I’ll get to finish all the books I have already started. Sometimes reading is like an escape. So I hope these quotes below are something one can escape too.

#1. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl

#2. “I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a book.” - JK Rowling

#3. “Books are uniquely portable magic.” - Stephen King

Happy Memorial Day

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Happy Memorial Day! Even though today is a day of rememberance, I still enjoy basic things that help bring out the best of this holiday. I’m not a big healthy eater so eating watermelon doesn’t do it for me. However, I do remember the poppies being worn and the flags being waved. Sometimes there’s even sparklers and hamburgers. If one is lucky, there might be a pool or lake involved. Memorial Day is also kind of like the kick off to a beautiful summer, whereas Labor Day is marking the end of one. I also remember learning about this holiday in school and Flanders Field. It is extra fun when you get to celebrate with the ones you love.

And it’s gotten me to thinking about heroes and heroines. Nowadays, our heroes look like grocery workers, nurses and other front line essential workers. Not only the ones that our protecting our country. That they don’t necessarily need a cape and superhuman strength to battle the new normal. What the future Memorial days will look like? That maybe this holiday being celebrated today, our only superpower is to make it fun and enjoyable.

comfortable experience while at home

Experience On Being Comfortable At Home 

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I remember the first time I put on a pair of jeans, during quarantine. Thank God it wasn’t as bad as had imagined but it definitely felt weird. For the most part of this stay-at-home I’ve been wearing anything comfortable. Except towards the later days, when I go in for work, putting on my uniform. It ranges from shorts, sweatpants to Simply Southern TShirts. I’m still not wearing normal clothes often  but am not as sloppy either. I pull my hair back in a pony tail because my hair is the longest it’s ever been. EVER! I wear my accessories to feel normal. If I really wanted to, I could go out in public wearing a mask and being safe. I can’t say that I’ve taken the bra off during this time but there were times I really wanted to. But there were moments when I gave my hair a break from washing the night before. So I’d say I did alright and am a complete fan of being in everything soft. I even got more sweatpants because I felt they were needed to be around the house. Apparently, this is an interesting topic during the coronavirus. Should we even put on pants is a question I’m sure others have wondered. Rest assured that is covered while I’m typing away this post, so no surprises. :) It does make me appreciate the value of dressing down for the day or sometimes. 

Rainy Days

Rainy Days

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Some people live for rainy days. It’s a chance to not go out if you don’t have to, curl up on the couch and watch a good movie or read a book. One of the downsides is sometimes it’s hard to sleep too. You hear the winds thrash the windows or you hear the pitter patter against the window. There are those who like to have a good cry when it rains because of both the beauty and sadness, rain brings. While some things are good, I can’t help but think that there’s something more to the rain. Like it helps makes nature grow, for example. But maybe it’s more of how calm it is after the storm passes. That life has many storms and once they disappear, sometimes you wonder what created that storm in the first place. Maybe it could also be apart of some sort of test or something, like what other people notice about how you handle a rainy day. Do you skid on the surface because there’s so much water or do you just occasionally wistfully look out the window?

I love the ones who live for rainy days because there’s something endearing about it. It’s like still getting excited when  the sky changes color or how pretty the moon is. The little things in life that makes things awespiring. I’m in between. Some times a rainy day is what’s needed to slow down and  other days it’s nothing but an inconvenience because there are things I’d rather be doing. Nature is working itself saying it’s not just that, that’s growing but you will grow with the rain fall. That when it rains, not only does it pour, but it’s a chance to be calm. Be calm with the rain. 

Why I Love Harry Potter Marathons

Why I Love Harry Potter Marathons 

*Photo Credit: Pinterest* 

Harry Potter books have been apart of my life since a young age. I remember getting the first book, a little skeptical, but then reading them with my family. It takes a while to really get into the book but once you do, you won’t be able to put them down. Then I remember wanting the sequel and then the third. The rest is kind of history. I’ve read the book series numerous times. Like each book more than four times. In any kind of game involving Harry Potter I’m a good one to have on a team. Then there are the movies, which is a different kind of magic in itself. Here are a few reasons why I love Harry Potter movie marathons: 

#1. I strongly believe they are played faster on television. Even with commercials. It’s a pretty solid version of the book.

#2. You can generally watch them all in a few days. Usually, it’s not just one film adaption being played. It’s all eight movies. It gives you a chance to be with Harry from beginning to end. 

#3. I honestly hope that these classic films NEVER get remade. That they remain untouched and stay like this forever. They’re just soo good. 

#4. The actors and actresses in these film are all British. They are talented, well known and portray their character well. Even if you didn’t like them!

#5. They’re one of those kind of stories that you can watch over and over again. Even some of the behind-the-scenes interviews are interesting.

Saint Anything Thoughts And Summary

Life is Like a Carousel... 

*My own original photo taken*

Besides JK Rowling, one of my other favorite young adult authors is Sarah Dessen. I know through social media she experienced something kinda hard last year but I still read and like her books. I have now read eight out of fourteen of them. The latest is something I was lead to believe as a fan favorite, Saint Anything. Even if I have a little negative thoughts about them, I still enjoy reading these stories.  I keep going, as it’s one of my goals to complete all of them.

My perspective: I couldn’t really relate to the main female character and found her invisibility a little annoying. Why couldn’t she just voice how she felt about hard situations? I also felt that this edition was a little bit darker than some of her others and maybe longer too. I also could not stand the mother. I did, however, love the fierce female friendship between the main character and a different one. Wish there was more of something else too but overall not a bad book. There were some dislikes but I still got something out of the reading material. It had been sitting on my shelf for a while and was itchy to read a book. So knowing it would still be good I picked this one. One last thing, make sure you have some yum yums (lollipops) or French fries while reading this book. I wish someone told me that before reading!

A summary: Sydney is the younger sibling to her older and only brother, Peyton. He is the focus of the family from praise to concern. But when his behavior becomes so reckless that it involves a drunk driving incident, she seems to be the only one who cares about the victim. When Peyton receives even more concentration from his folks, Sydney is left to think of herself. Until one day Sydney meets and kind of becomes part of a family who is nothing like her own. It is here that she enters a judgement-free zone and meets different people. This book has many themes such as family, love, and new found discoveries. The twelfth Sarah Dessen book.
*Disclaimer: Loosely reparahrased from her own personal website and Wikipedia.

My Fave Nail Polish Colors

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My Favorite Nail Polish Colors

I’ve never been the kind of girl who pays big money to get her nails professionally done. I would rather spend $10 - $15 individually on the bottles of nail polish and do them myself. It’s kind of fun and in a way, very soothing to just paint your nails a solid color. I’ve been painting my nails a little bit more than usual but on a normal schedule don’t always get to do them as often as I would like too. My favorite brand is Essie nail polish. It used to be OPI but I’m not sure exactly what I got tired of. I like finding nice colors too add to my growing collection. One can never have too many nail polishes. Even if it’s of the same color, they all are a little different in shades. I decided to conjur up a list of the colors I use most often: 

#1. Red
#2. Blue
#3. Purple
#4. Neutrals
#5. Black

Thoughts On Disney Family Singalong

Thoughts On Disney Family Singalong 

After watching both editions of the Disney Family Singalong, I can honestly say there wasn’t much singing a long but fond memories of classic favorites. From new ones such as How I’ll Go to Hakuna Matata. It was feel good and fun to be reminded of some of the music out there. So in honor of this event, if I were gifted by the music gods and had a talented voice these would be my choices:

#1. I See The Light from Tangled

#2. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride from Lilo and Stitch

#3. What’s This from the Nightmare Before Christmas 

Mother’s Day

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Happy Mother’s Day

In the past, I have written down favorite moms from television shows like Karen Roe from One Tree Hill. But for this Mother’s Day, I’m going to blog about what mom means to me.

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Motherhood is something I’ve never considered for myself but something I’ve always respected other women who choose that lifestyle. Normally I really get along well with them. Not just my own mother who goes through it but also now my sister, who’s a new mom. So this holiday is really special because it’s the first time she gets to experience it.

I used to work at a restaurant part time a long with my current job, the one I have now. This holiday was particularly an eye opener because I had never seen so many mothers not wanting to cook. In hospitality, Mother’s Day is the biggest day of the year. Not just that but the amount of people it takes to work on their special day.

I don’t remember too many breakfasts in bed, but there were handmade cards, gifts when I got older and nice dinners out. So I guess I’m saying we fell into that pattern to, if we could.

This Mother’s Day is a little different. Believe it or not I actually do have one small gift to give that I had tucked aside from Christmas. Gifts is a traditional activity to partake in because it shows how much mothers really mean to us and all that they do. I also always like pictures with my mom on a Mother’s Day because it captures the memory. Sometimes I try to help do little things that will make it easier.

So celebrating family isn’t cancelled this year. It’s something we can still enjoy. How are you going to recognize the holiday this year?

What I Learned

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What I Learned During Stay-At-Home-Shelter 

This is the day where it’s allowed to go into phase one for businesses. So still no hair cuts but being allowed to leave the house. I have been back at work for a little bit now and hasn’t been that bad. It’s actually been pretty slow and not as much animals to look after. The work load just means more cleaning. Wearing face masks isn’t as big a deal especially since some still don’t but practicing social distancing. Sometimes while wearing them for long periods of time, they can obscure the vision but it can be adjusted.

Anyways, that’s about it. Here are a few more things I learned while being ‘safe’ not STUCK at home.

Number One: Coloring can have a calming effect.
Even before the pandemic, I always liked to draw. I’m also particularly good at tracing. When the pen hits the smooth surface of the paper, an instant peace takes over. It can be like meditation or something that is repetitive. This helped keep me busy and in the end came out with some pretty artwork.

Number Two: Zoom Meetings and Other Social Media.
You don’t have to do every Zoom meeting your invited to. Sometimes it’s just nice to say hello everyonce in a while to let them know you’re still doing okay. To be updated. If one doesn’t feel like doing video calls all the time, a good alternative is to follow the social channels and stay connected. I do this for work and a social program I attend. I am on my screen a lot. But I’m also a millennial and generally am anyways.

Number Three: Cleaning!
Oh my gosh, you guys! My room goals have never been so strong. For the past year, my room has not looked like my room because my family and I are about to move. Nothing is going up on the walls and the color is a gray. But I feel like the items and belongings I have left are things I want with me when we go to the new home. I just weeded out further on the art supplies, weeded through bookshelves and am keeping up regularly cleaning.

Number Four: Exercise.
Eh this one for me could still use a little more work. I know my dog wouldn’t mind. Walking, running and even golfing is still encouraged because they want us to get out there more. However, this makes me nervous too, because whenever I do this activity, there are always several people doing the same thing. Usually I have never seen this many people get concerned about their health. But it’s not for me to judge. Just try and keep a safe distance from others and go about my work out.

Number Five: Speak Words of Kindness or Acts of Kindness.
If you’re like me, then you also live with your parents. So it’s important to think of others and not just yourself. A little compliment can go a long way or going out of your way to do something thoughtful to help out a little. Make sure that they are able to do their job and take care of yourself during those business hours.

This virus makes me appreciate things a whole lot more and to not take things for granted. I didn’t think that level of gratitude could be taken further but it does. As of now, we’re on the home stretch. Keep being safe at home. I always get annoyed when people say stuck at home. Because if you think about it it’s a time to realize what’s important and do things that are good for you.

My Five Fave Snacks

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Over the weekend, I had one of my all time favourite snacks, which is Sourpatch Watermelon. I haven’t had them in a while. I love how sweet they get, once the sour is gone. That one is always a must for me, especially when traveling or going somewhere in the car, and needing something extra special. Sometimes it could be other sweet treats too. So today on the blog, I am discussing unhealthy popular munching items.

#1. Sourpatch kid berries or watermelon
#2. Pringles (Original flavored or Sour Cream and Onion) yeaup
#3. Welch’s Fruit Snacks
#4. York Peppermint Patty’s
#5. Wheat Thins

Everyone’s got them, what are yours? Is it a late night snack or just something to eat out of hunger? There are others I did think of but sometimes they can be crossed categorized. Do I just munch or save them for another time? Just some food for thought.

Happy Birthday Adele!

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As you might remember, Adele is my all time favorite singer/musician. What I love about her music is that she’s so soulful. Her voice and her lyrics are an powerful combination. The singers birthday is on May 5th and wanted to create a songlist of my top favorite from hers. As you can tell, most of the absolute favorites come from a classic in my book, which is her album 21. But tried to add some old favorites as well others. I think that Adele fans are called daydreamers.

#1. Hometown Glory by Adele
#2. Someone Like You by Adele
#3. Rolling In The Deep by Adele
#4. Set Fire To The Rain by Adele
#5. Turning Tables by Adele
#6. Rumor Has It by Adele
#7. River Lea by Adele
#8. Hello by Adele
#9. Make You Feel My Love by Adele
#10. Chasing Pavements by Adele

Happy Birthday Audrey Hepburn!

*Photo Credit: Pinterest*

The lovely Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite actors. I posted about her death back in January but today, on May 4th, we celebrate her 91st birthday. So much for a Star Wars day because in this blog today is Audrey Hepburn day. To make it memorable I’m including a list of some of my favorite quotes by her.

“Living is like through tearing through a museum. Not until later do really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book and remembering - because you can’t take it in all at once.”

“Paris is always a good idea.”

“A woman can be beautiful as well as intellectual.”

“La Ve En Rose is the French way of saying, ‘I’m looking at the world through a rose tinted glass.’”

“Your heart just breaks, that’s all. But you can’t judge or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.”

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge you are never alone.”