As more of us get vaccinated in the US, we are hoping we can reach some level of herd immunity by the summer. Recognizing it may take much longer, many of us are tired of being cooped up and are planning to travel, anyway. As more vacation destinations are opening, and restrictions are being lifted, there is a growing desire to book that flight soon. Here are some facts and tips to consider as we both make travel plans for 2021……
Before I knew the world was going to shut down, I had already planned to launch my blog on my birthday in March and with some consternation there really was no turning back. A year later, I celebrate my blog’s first anniversary with a great deal of optimism. Not fully understanding what I was committing to, one unexpected benefit has been the sharpening of my discipline skills to stay on course. The pandemic clearly played a role in derailing many of the topics that I was hoping to cover through my travels. Nonetheless, I feel a sense of accomplishment as I share with you the ups and downs of committing to a blog, lessons learned, and next steps into the future.
In search for a cocktail recipe (preferably with Tequila) to celebrate a Covid inspired birthday/anniversary I came across this book of which upon opening it I assumed it would mostly be a collection of cocktail recipes. Little did I know that Ms. Ivy Mix was about to take me on a journey through all of Mexico, the Caribbean and South America on the history and culture of the makings of Tequila, Mezcal, rum, cachacas, pisco and many other Latin-based spirits derived from agave, sugarcane and grapes. If you love exploring the world of cocktail mixology, this book will open your eyes to new spirits less known in the US yet worthy of your taste buds.
March 2020-2021 will always be remembered as the beginning of a lost year for most of all. As I reflect on this past year committing to self-care and dressing up went out the back door. No spa, no pedicure, haircuts, even wearing jewelry made no sense. Shopping online and zooming became our connection to the rest of the world and will most likely be with us post COVID. Frankly, the convenience is mind-blowing. (I hate driving to Home Depot to buy a light bulb or some silly contraption that you have to hunt down). Also, as much as I yearn to have face-to-face meetings, I have a growing appreciation for Zoom’s efficiency. But these minor inconveniences are not what defines this past year.
I recently came across an interview of Sophia Loren and her son Edoardo Ponti, a filmmaker much like his father and had recently cast his mom in a film that piqued my curiosity. During the interview at the age of 86, Sophia was both enchanting and captivating. At her age, she still evoked a presence of confidence and sensuousness that immediately reminded you of her films as a young starlet. No doubt in my mind that I had to see this movie featured on Netflix. Since February is the month of love….
Tired of sheltering and dealing with the cold weather? We are all yearning when we can begin to do day trips, weekend gateways and make plans to new travel destinations. A chance to breathe and enjoy the air of a new destination, a welcoming change to our immediate surroundings. Spring can not arrive soon enough, as many of us are dealing with another dose of snowy, freezing weather. Once the temperature climbs to 40 degrees and hopefully vaccinated, I plan to get away for day trips to New York City……..
We all know that messaging in advertising is powerful in influencing us to purchase something that we didn’t need until they told you must desperately have this. One type of messaging that has drawn my attention for some time and that I enjoy taking photos of is those quirky sidewalk chalkboards that we bump into when strolling thru a commercial area. Today, there are chalkboards everywhere, not quite cluttering the street, yet enough of them to notice how unique they are at engaging an audience. Signs are quick to read and are both funny and……
By now, many of us, especially those living in the north, are running out of steam being cooped up during the cold winter months, continuing to shelter and use masks, wanting to be on some far away exotic beach. The pandemic continues to rage on and is now mutating, becoming more contagious. I, for one, am being cautious as I am plotting how to escape from the daily boredom of working at home and not being able to socialize and be outdoors.
Over 80 million households have watched Netflix’s Bridgerton since December when it first aired. The acclaimed Shonda Rhimes has proven that with a limitless budget and creative license she can deliver lavish storytelling that is both provocative and scintillating. As someone who has always loved period stories, Bridgerton is a weird combination of Jane Austen, Downtown Abby, and Dynasty.
So much elegance, opulence, backstabbing, gossiping, and let us not forget love-love-love. Ladies and gents looking for romance and marriage hoping that it brings them both status and happiness (especially status). In a world of privilege, what could be more important than attending balls, parties, and events in search of the right marriage? You get to experience the pressure and limitations imposed on these women to have their parents, and in this case, a brother decides…..
It’s been said the first 100 days of the year are critical to sticking with your resolutions. If you get that far in keeping a consistent pace, you just might have developed a new habit. But three months and ten days is a long time,
and most folks….
