Relaxation & News

Another Random Thursday! 

They really aren't so random when you do them each week, but at least the topics are! 

But be sure to stick around to the end! Good news is at the end of this post! 

Topic:

So here goes, here are the things that help me relax:

|one|

Summer Vacation. 

Do i need to explain this one?

{source}

|two|

Getting my monthly massage! 

I originally started going or a few reasons and after about 2 years of regular monthly those reasons are not as strong. One reason was for a shoulder that would not stop hurting and my neck that was so filled with tension that it was difficult to move! It was also intended for me to relax as well. I wanted "me time" and to take care of myself! After these last two year, I am not stopping, NO WAY!

|three|

Lavender 

The scent really gets me to a whole different level of relaxation! This was like heaven: 

|four|

Wine! 

Epoch is one of my favorites! 

Here's their labels and I would gladly take a bottle of either the Authenticity or the Ingenuity like now! 

|five|

Friends & Family

Lets face it these people are usually associated with something fun, whether it be a holiday, trip to Disneyland, lunch or dinner out, and even a hike or two! Surrounding myself with good people really helps me relax! 

That's what helps me to relax... what helps you relax? 

Check out what others have to say: 

And now for the GOOD NEWS! 

Hmm let's see ... how do i put this... 

Starting today, I will also be blogging over at 

with my friends Windy and Lin! 

I am way excited about this and think the trio we have formed will be all kinds of awesome! 

Stop by and check out my post over there today too! That's right, two posts from me today! 

RT: Travel anyone?

Gosh I need a vacation...

But with a kitty that has been sick, it has not been decided whether we are still going on our planned road trip or not. Our little Lily has been feeling better, but i would hate to see her relapse. It wouldn't be a good thing. And this girl would not be up for traveling. All I would be in the mood for would be movies and a Costco sized box of Kleenex! (Look at me, all pessimistic... ) She's doing well and all I can do is THANK GOD for that! It's not time for that cute kitty to leave this world. She still has so much to do and see! 

So, all this talk of a possible canceled vacation has me only thinking that i need to take one! So which would it be...

Well... let's choose one for each because I just love to travel! So I guess my answer is ALL THREE! 

|one|

Beach

This beach is on the island my mother grew up on. I love the red sand and in the summer months, there are tourists as far as the eye can see! I love the shallow water and the history of the place in general! There is a wall built under the water that was built to protect the beach during war times. There is also said to be a cave that was built that went from a high cliff above this beach to under the water all the way to Sicily! All for people to escape! So if I took a trip to a beach, I would love to take my hubby here! He would also get to meet my family! 

|two|

Rustic Cabin

These may not count so much as cabins, but they are close enough. These are not far from home, but my hubby and I have definitely wanted to give them a try! We would love to do this with a bunch of friends and just hang by the beach for a week! Shopping and restaurants are close by if you want a quick trip down to hang out, but if you stay down there, you can cook your own meals in the kitchen that is fully functional! 

|three|

City

My sister lives here, so this would kill two birds with one stone. My hubby and I really want to visit Europe period and this would be my choice for the city we would see together! So much still that I'd love to go back to see more of or even just see anew! 

That's my Random Thursday post for the week! 

Link up with us! 

Haven't Kicked the Bucket Yet

This girl is H-A-P-P-Y, HAPPY! 

One more work day and I've got 5 WHOLE WEEKS OFF!!!! 

Ugh! I cannot tell you how much I need the break ... anyway... moving on ...

...for this topic....

Well ... I've done a couple "bucket list" posts for myself. There's the one I did a while ago that is more of a "I hope I do this sometime in my lifetime" list and then the one I did for this summer. Either way, here's my five things: 

One to Start Soon: Make a list of 100 books you want to read and read them. 

One Already Crossed Off the List: Watch the fireworks at Disneyland - Done on July 3rd. 

One To Do By Age 50: See a koala

One I'm Wondering Why I Listed It: 
Spend a week at a Silent Retreat 
(I must not have remembered how much I like to talk! That one will be difficult to cross of the list!)

One That I Can't Wait To Do: Visit all Fifty of the United States

*My 5 things are from both of my lists!

So what are some things on your bucket list?

Please share. 

A Little DIY for your Thursday

Topic for this week for Random Thursday .... its getting tough to introduce these posts ... I lack the creativity today! So here it is! 

In december my hubs and i moved into a tiny apartment... i vowed to not do much DIYin or crafting! So I thought i would share a project that has been mentioned here on this blog before .... check it out! 

Click here to see how to make this little do-hickey! 

This handy little thing has worked wonders for my car! I love that i have a spot for trash and I have trained my hubby to empty it every time we fill up on gas! It really has been so convenient! 

With no end in sight to this apartment living thing (that i am oh, so fond of, do you sense any sarcasm?) I thought i would share some of my pins that I would love to do to a house that is new to me... and all will be DIY projects because the Lord knows that I will need to save money when that time comes! 

These would be great for a home office! 

Love these mason jar lights! (Will have to see if they match the home we buy!)

Definitely love these barrels! Would love to even do a little herb garden or a small vegetable garden in one or two!

Ok that's my random Thursday post.... hope you enjoyed!

Check out some other DIY stuff! 

PS. My blog is comin' at'cha on FRIDAY!!!! (Well if you are early enough, it will be Thursday night!) 

RT: My Summer Plans

Lots of link ups this week...

so sorry.... 

But, they are definitely ones that I either do normally or that I have wanted to do! 

An original post about my most recent Birchbox items will be coming you way {hopefully} on Friday! 

OOOOHHH and have I mentioned that I vlogged? 

My first one is scheduled to air on this cute little blog next week! 

Oh boy! 

The news was documented on my instagram on Sunday/Monday(?). 

Do you follow my instagram? 

Click below and FOLLOW! 

OK, on to my real post content for the day! 

You should be able to guess at this point! 

Here it is:

1. Finish my Autism Authorization (is it apparent that I am procrastinating this thing?)

2. Workout

3. Plan for my next school year! I plan out my pacing during the summer so that I don't get too caught up in certain units! 

4. Spend time with friends, family and my fur cutie! 

5. Read

6. Continue the house hunt! 

7. A trip to Colorado with my hubby is on the horizon! 

Oh and of course you can add other stuff to this list... check out my bucket list of this summer! 

What are your plans for summer? 

Looking forward to anything in particular? 

PS. Happy Fourth of July! Hope you get the chance to share it with the ones you love the most!

RT: Quick and Easy Peasy

This one is right up my alley...

That's right it's time for my weekly Random Thursday post! 

I love to cook and so this one might be just what i need to end my day (I am, of course writing this post on Wednesday night!) 

|one|

Dump Cake

This is so easy a gnat could do it! I don't have my own picture of one of my hand crafted beauties, but i am totally kicking myself, because i made a beautiful one the other night for some of our friends! 

But here are some links to some awesomeness! 

All Recipes: Dump Cake I & Blueberry Dumpcake (a little more prep, but still easy!)

And leave it to The Pioneer Woman to get it right: Dump Cake

Oh, BTW, it truly is a can of crushed pineapple, a can of pie filling (your choice of flavor), a boxed cake mix, and a stick of butter (melted). Add nuts if you feel nutty! And i swear one of the easiest and most delish dessert you will have with really noooooo fuss!

|two|

Taco Beans and Rice

I found this in a cookbook and have added ground turkey to it.... check out my blog post about it! (link above)

                                                                                                                                             |three|

Flat Bread Pizza

Here's a sneak peak ... with a recipe to come on July 10th!  

What are your quick recipes? 

So much to cook and soooo little time! 

Check out other's quick recipes! 

Finally Thursday

It's FINALLY actually THURSDAY! 

(It has felt like Thursday to me for the last 2 mornings!)

This week's topic for Random Thursday:

First things first, I am interpretting this to mean a deserted island - meaning one with no civilization on it rather than an island with the terrain of a desert. Next, I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed by technology lately. I blame it on the house hunt! So I made a rule for myself: none of these items could require plugging in to a wall. 

With that said, I still got stuck a bit. I then asked hubs what her thought. So today you are getting not just my items, but also his items. Should throw a new twist on the weekly randomness! 

My 5 Items:

1. A really long good book! - after all, who wouldn't like to read on some beach where there is no.one. 

2. A really big warm blanket. - its bound to get a little chilly right? 

3. Hubby and Lily - he's one item i personally like to keep around and Lily is just too cute to leave behind!  

4. A knife - because it will never run out of bullets and will probably come in handy when i get snacky! 

5. Magnesium fire starter - to start a fire to cook the meat that i so barbarically kill! 

And now for hubby's 5 items...

1. Wife

2. Lily

3. Knife

4. Bow and arrow set

5. Magnesium fire starter

My husband definitely would be hunting, maybe with Lily at his side! While i would be curled up with a blanket and a book by the fire! And yes, he told me about the magnesium fire starter, which i added to the list in case he didnt get to bring 5 items. he he! 

Wanna post for Random Thursday? Click! 

Hope you all have a great Thursday! 

Random Thursday: Photo Dump!

I'm back, so, that means I'm back to participating in the Random Thursday link up! 

Topic for the day:

Ok are you ready for this ... these pics go back a ways! 

I loved the card i gave to my mom for mother's day!

Sitting in a box suite at the Angel game! Thanks to my hubby's job!

A hike to Holy Jim Falls with these friends... see the little one passed out?

The falls weren't much, but it sure was a cool hike!

A bird flew into my classroom a few weeks ago! He's pledging allegiance! 

A Memorial day weekend brew-ski at a new restaurant that we tried! 

 It's called Memphis! And the food was good! 

Another Memorial Day weekend activity: We went and looked for a couch. Here are some fabric samples. 

The kitty must be a part of a good photo dump!

 New shampoo to help my awful scalp! A post on this stuff is coming soon! 

 This girl... love her! 

Hope you enojoyed my photo dump! that was a ton! And might I add that this topic was perfectly timed for me! 

Head over to see other photo dumps!