Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Make Fresh Homemade Pasta — Guest Blogger Everyday Lillie

There is no comparison between fresh homemade and dried storebought pasta. Try these two recipes for homemade pasta – one vegan and one with eggs.

Make Fresh Homemade Pasta — Everyday Lillie
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Preparing To Travel: What Do You Need To Think About

There are a number of things you need to know before embarking on a travel adventure. For many people, going on a trip is something they’ve always wanted to do, but it’s not something you can simply just start without any preparation. You need to do a lot of planning and research, and you also need to learn how to control your expectations. Because every location and journey is unique, it’s important to brush up on the essentials before you go; read on to find out more. 

Photo by Leah Kelley on Pexels.com

Saving Money 

If you want to spend less money when traveling, you need to learn how to save money. There are a lot of things that might add up if you approach your adventure like a typical vacation, so it’s vital to spend some time thinking about what’s most important to you. To save money, you may have to give up staying in posh hotels and dining out every night.

Reducing the amount of luggage you bring, learning how to get inexpensive flights, and even traveling in the off-season can all help you save money when you travel. When you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to look for ways to save money and tailor your trip accordingly. 

Pack Carefully 

What you can and cannot do while you’re gone will be dictated by how you pack, so prepare accordingly. Of course, if you’re just going to stay in one hotel, it doesn’t hurt to bring a few extra things with you since you won’t be dragging them around from place to place. If, on the other hand, you want to travel, you’ll want to learn to pack light since you don’t want to be carrying heavy baggage from place to place and run the risk of losing things on the way.

It’s difficult to pack lightly if you’ve never done it before, but a general guideline is to bring just what you need, bearing in mind that you can purchase some items at your destination if you really need to. Check that you have adequate room for your crucial papers and gadgets that you will need while you are there. You’ll most likely need your phone, a power bank, a camera, and a travel adapter to charge all of your electronics. If you’re planning on camping or hiking, you’ll also need your specialist equipment from ECOGEAR FX

Important Documents 

Depending on where you’re going and the country you’re coming from, you’ll require a different set of paperwork. You may be required to travel with a certain passport and a visa in some cases. If you don’t do your homework in advance, your trip will be a disaster; you might not even get to go in the first place. You should always double-check your understanding of the requirements before proceeding so you aren’t disappointed and don’t lose a lot of money. 

Also, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of your papers in a separate location just in case. On top of this, always have all your passport information and additional passport photos with you on any trip. This could save you a lot of trouble if yours goes missing. Having a backup plan in case you lose your passport while traveling might make things a lot less stressful.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Hot Air Balloon Mishap

Jackie&Me Balloon Ride
Celebrating after Balloon Ride

I can’t recall a time when adventure was not on my mind. I’m the thrill seeker who will travel halfway around the world to bungee jump off the highest bridge.

This is my friend Jackie (curly hair) who lives in England. Our birthdays are close so we enjoyed celebrating together when she lived here for a couple of years. A hot air balloon ride was my birthday gift that year and hers too. 

We live in a large city so we had to fly northeast. We lift off heading for the cow pastures in the distance. The sun slowly went down giving a beautiful light display. As we were landing the wind picked up. Before I know it we hit a tree, bounce up and over to another tree. I wasn’t scared of crashing, my interest was cow patties and cold champagne waiting. The mishap added to the adventure.

You will find ballooning in the French countryside on my Bucket List.

I would love to hear what you have on your Bucket List. 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Survivor · Travel

Blog Tour Interview With Gosia Nealon Author Of The Last Sketch

Today I had the privilege to talk with Gosia Nealon about her debut novel The Last Sketch. Be sure to check out the details below on how to win a copy of her book. 

About the Author

While Gosia Nealon is a proud New Yorker, she was born and raised in Poland. Her journey to the Big Apple revealed a wealth of cultural differences, but also the values that connect us all. Like the fierce desire to protect family, find love, and ultimately, discover who we are and why we’re here. Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, “The Last Sketch.” Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
 

The Last Sketch

They both hold tight to a terrible secret. When they cross paths in war-torn Europe, will their destinies lead to ruin… or victory over evil?

Poland, 1944. Wanda Odwaga will never stop resisting. As the Nazis occupy her beloved homeland, the twenty-three-year-old artist vows to do whatever it takes to help the underground movement mobilize against Hitler’s forces. But she’s devastated when the Gestapo storms her house in search of rebel leaders, killing her heroic father and leaving the face of his murderer forever etched in her mind.

New York. Finn Keller longs to balance the scales. Having escaped Germany with his mother as a teen, he’s disgusted his estranged twin brother has become a ruthless Nazi henchman with a vicious reputation. So when a covert government agency approaches him with a dangerous undercover mission, Finn willingly risks his life to play his part in turning the tide of war.

Still grieving her unforgivable loss, Wanda’s thirst for revenge takes an unexpected leap forward when she once again encounters her father’s killer. And as Finn dives deeply into the role of impersonating his cold-hearted sibling, he’s captivated by the beautiful Polish woman frozen in front of him… her eyes blazing with the promise of murder.

Can these two players in a deadly game survive the ravages of a sadistic conflict? ————-

Tell me about winning the Genre Short Story Category at the 89th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing competition? 

My short story was awarded Fourth Place in the Genre Short Story category. Thanks to that, I started believing in my writing, and shortly after, my other stories came.

Being born in Poland, how much of the book is based on stories told about people’s personal experiences? 

Growing up in Poland, I learned a lot about World War II, but my storyline and characters are all fictional.

How do you form your storylines?

I do prolonged research, outline the entire story, and then write the first draft. Later I do many corrections.

How long did the writing process take?

18 months.

What do you want your readers to come away thinking after reading your book? 

That true love can survive the worst.

“The Last Sketch” is your first novel, what’s next for you? 

I’m already working on my second World War II novel.

Writers are often avid readers. What type of books do you read for pleasure?

I like historical fiction with romantic elements.

What are some of your other personal leisure activities?

I love spending time with my family.

How do you want fans to contact you? 

My website: www.gosianealon.com

Find on Amazon 

Enter here to win a copy of The Last Sketch

It was a true pleasure talking with Gosia today and I encourage you to check out this fascinating, and heartwarming book.

Happy Reading

Melinda

@lookinglight

 

 

 

 

 

The Book Review Crew

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Workplace Health & Safety When Your Workplace Is On The Road

It’s important to make sure that we’re able to stay safe and healthy in our workplace, no matter where that might be. Nowadays, whether you’re working as a delivery driver, as a trucker, as a taxi driver, or simply traveling around from one client to the next, more and more of us are driving for work. As such, we need to be aware of the health and safety needs that come with that working environment, as well.

If your career involved any long-distance driving or you spend more than an hour a day driving, you should make sure that you keep the tips below in mind to protect yourself from the risk of accident, injury, and illness.

Photo by Mike Jones on Pexels.com

Driving healthily

Sedentary lifestyles that don’t involve a lot of movement aren’t great for your health in a variety of ways. Aside from an increased risk of weight gain, you could also be looking at the development of musculoskeletal injuries if you’re not careful. As such, make sure that you take into account proper driving posture and keep yourself upright as best as possible. It’s also encouraged that you stop at a car park or where it’s safe to stretch or even do a light exercise if you have been driving for more than a couple of hours. Otherwise, pain could be a distracting factor when you should be keeping your focus on the road.

Take road safety seriously

You might think that, of course, road safety is important. You might think that you’re perfectly careful and capable of managing risk on the road. However, if you drive for your work there’s a good chance you drive more than most people, so you also have to spend more time ensuring your safety than most people. As such, you should look at training courses such as defensive driving courses that can teach you advanced techniques for keeping yourself safe. Defensive driving is all about being more aware of the nature of risks on the road and how to drive so that you’re best positioned to extricate yourself from any situation that could manifest the risk of an accident.

Be aware of the risk of accidents

Prevention is, indeed, the best cure, when it comes to dealing with accidents. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a plan in case the worst does happen. Make sure that you have a contact number for legal help like motorcycle accident attorneys if you do ever get into an accident. What’s more, make sure that you invest a little more into your insurance coverage. You’re going to need the extra financial compensation because it’s not only your health and your vehicle you need to cover, it’s your livelihood, as well. Of course, you should keep an emergency kit in the car to make sure you’re physically equipped to deal with any accidents, too.

Keeping your eyes open

Drowsy driving is a serious safety hazard and one that’s especially dangerous for those who spend longer on the road than most people, such as those who drive for their work. If you start finding yourself yawning or blinking a lot, otherwise feeling tired, or even starting to nod off, you should address the problem as soon as possible. Getting enough sleep is the single best approach, but you should also make sure you avoid alcohol as best as possible. Caffeine can help, but your best bet is to find a place to stop and get some sleep safely before you get back on the road. Either way, as soon as you recognize the signs of drowsy driving, it’s your priority to act on it.

Know your limit

You might be happy enough to drive long distances for your work, but you need to make sure that you’re not pushing it too far. For one, in most places, there is a legal limit on how much you can drive, be it per day or per week. If you drive too much, then it will inevitably become harder to focus as time goes on, which is when you might be at your most vulnerable. Furthermore, driving can affect your mental health, with the impacts becoming more severe the longer you drive. As such, it’s essential to take breaks, not just from a legal standpoint, but to ensure you’re giving yourself the necessary emotional self-care, too.

A lot of people enjoy the freedom of driving for work, especially as a freelancer, and would prefer it to any office environment. However, that doesn’t mean you should be blind to the risks. Keep the tips above in mind and protect your health on the road.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Protect Your Car Wherever You Go: Tools To Carry With You

When you are on a long car ride, it is essential to have the right tools in an emergency. If your car breaks down or gets into an accident, some items can quickly help you get back on the road. Here are the things you should carry with you when traveling by car and increasing safety for both drivers and passengers.

Photo by Scosche on Pexels.com

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are a must-have item for any car owner. Not only can they be used to tighten screws that need tightening, but it also doubles as a tire iron should your tires ever go flat, or you get into an accident and need to remove the hubcaps. Because of this secondary use, it’s good practice to always take a screwdriver with you just in case.

There are many different types of screwdrivers that you can get. Some have a flat head while others have a Phillips’s head, and some even come with interchangeable heads to handle both tasks at once. If you’re low on space in your car, it might be best to go for the latter. The only downside is that these screwdrivers tend to be a bit expensive, and the interchangeable heads can sometimes get lost.

Wrenches 

A lug wrench, also known as a wheel wrench or just a lugger, is essential for all car tools. The tool gets its name from being used to remove lugs that hold on tires and wheels. Lug wrenches are available in many sizes for cars made by different manufacturers, so it’s essential to have one that fits your specific vehicle.

This is not the only type of wrench you’ll need. A socket wrench set will help to complete your tool kit. It’s a good idea to get one with metric and standard sockets in various sizes you can use for multiple purposes. These types of wrenches are best carried along rather than lugged around because they are heavy and bulky.

A pocket wrench is a good choice if you’re looking for something small and lightweight but still effective at removing nuts or bolts. They come in handy when your car breaks down on the side of the road, and you need to remove lug nuts to replace a flat tire. This tool can also be used as an emergency repair kit if you are stranded with a broken belt or hose.

Power Tools 

If you want to carry some power tools with you on the go, carrying a drill is by far one of the most important ones. If you are frequently traveling or wanting to do construction work in remote locations, then this tool can be essential for helping get things done quickly and efficiently. Whether they need it for work or travel purposes, many people have a drill in their car.

The most important thing about having a drill in your car is to make sure you have spare batteries. If the battery dies, it can be frustrating for people who are on-site and need it quickly. For this reason alone, many people carry two or more chargers with them at all times because they know that one of their tools will likely run out of battery power.

Extra Parts 

It is essential always to be prepared for the worst, especially when you are on the road. Most people know that you need to carry things like food and water if your car breaks down somewhere with no nearby gas station or convenience store. However, it’s also beneficial to have extra parts readily available should something happen during your travels.

Air Compressor 

A portable air compressor is a great tool to have on hand for emergencies, but it can also be helpful in everyday situations. Whether you are working with car tires or any other inflatable item that might need some additional pressure, an air compressor will come through for you every time. Knowing how to use one safely and adequately is essential, though.

Mechanic Toolset 

Generally, it is always nice if you are prepared for anything that comes your way. That is why having tools on hand in case of an emergency can be a savior when dealing with car problems or make things easier until help arrives.

A great set of tools should be part of your car toolbox. You never know when you will have an emergency, so having the right tools at hand is essential if something happens while on a trip or in another city. So it just makes sense that you should bring some necessities like Chevelle coilovers with you if possible.

Pliers 

Pliers are another crucial tool that every car owner should carry in their car. It is a multipurpose tool that you can use to perform many different tasks such as cutting wires, twisting and pulling objects apart, gripping things tightly, etc. For example, when your trunk gets stuck, it is impossible to open without the help of pliers because the lock is metal.

Be Prepared! 

Now you know how to protect your car wherever you go. Moreover, you can easily do this with the right tools and items in your trunk, no matter where your travels take you.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Travel

Updated Interview With Photographer Cindy Knoke

The Pandemic has changed everyone’s lives in so many ways that I wanted to check in with Cindy and see how she is coping with the Pandemic and how it has had an impact on her travels.  

I’ve updated the post to include more of my favorite photos. 

A little about Cindy’s background.

Cindy is a trained psychotherapist and had a thirty-year career as a therapist and mental health director. She retired early to travel and that is when she started paying more attention to taking photos. On Cindy’s first trip to Africa, I took photos as usual with those throw-away cameras you could buy in drugstores.

My husband was the family photographer and had a decent, but not pricey, Canon camera. He looked at my photos, said they were better than his, gave me his camera, and showed me how it worked…… That is the extent of my photography training. 

How has the Pandemic, from a time and photography standpoint changed your life? 

The pandemic has dramatically changed my life as it has for everyone. Going from traveling 4+ months every year to being mostly housebound, and taking care of my two-year-old twin grandsons while their parents work, is quite a change. 

How many publications have you been published in and which ones?

My photos do end up all over the place, but I don’t keep track of where. People/magazines and even businesses are good about asking if they can use my photos and I am always pleased when they do. I don’t enter contests or submit to professional journals. Actually, that’s not entirely true, I did enter The Nature Conservancy photo contest about a decade ago when I first started taking photos and made it into the finals which shocked the bejeezus out of me. I was using a really cheap camera!! ;) Most of my photos are taken with a Sony HX 400 which costs under $300.

Have you traveled stateside lately?

We did some limited stateside traveling after we were vaccinated and before the Delta variant messed everything up. We traveled up the California coast and into Oregon. We stayed in the desert. We are renting a beach house at the end of the month with the kids and grand twins, but no travel by plane or out of the US. I miss traveling viscerally. 

How many future trips do you have planned at this time? What are some of the locations you are traveling to? 

Antarctica is still on the books for a return trip in January. It was canceled this year. It looks very unlikely that we will go due to Delta, and the fact that many of the countries we would be traveling through are being overwhelmed by covid. I do wonder if/when life will ever return to the way it was before.

Has COVID-19 changed your life? 

I am certainly much closer to my grandsons than I would have been before the pandemic. My daughter and son-in-law relocated their family from The Bay Area and bought a house close to The Holler, and this has been a very positive change for all of us. But there is a lot we all have given up. Just going places locally without considering crowds, distance, and safety is a thing of the past. I am glad I live in The Holler because we are surrounded by nature and open space and that is a balm for me. The pandemic has dramatically changed my life as it has for everyone. Going from traveling 4+ months every year to being mostly housebound, and taking care of my two-year-old twin grandsons while their parents work, is quite a change. 

Previous Interview

Cindy Knoke has traveled the world, to the most unusual off-the-beaten-path places you can imagine. Her photography is a window to the world. I asked Cindy a few questions to learn about her photography background and how she plans for the monumental trips.

At what age did you pick up your first camera? Did the world look different through the lens?

My first camera was a silly Swinger Polaroid camera which I got at around age 6. It had a jingle associated with it which I loved and remember verbatim today, “Meet the Swinger. Polaroid Swinger. Only 19 dollars and 95! Swing it up. It says Yes! Take the shot. Rip it off.” This was the essence of my photographic knowledge!! Laughing……. Here’s the jingle starring Ali McGraw:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7k2uwJmwxo

I had family members growing up who were talented photographers but I never even thought to be one of them and never had any cameras. In adulthood, my husband, Jim, was our photographer and had good cameras. I used to buy those throw-away cheap plastic cameras at drugstores for trips since I liked taking different photos than he did.

When we retired, we started dedicated chunks of travel time. Jim looked at my photos from the cheap camera, compared them to his, said, that I had something “special,” and gave me his camera a Canon, and showed me the basics on how to work it. That was my introduction to photography and it has been a serious joy in my life ever since. Jim is the person who encouraged and guided me to it for which I remain very grateful. He still encourages me to this day. I am not a trained photographer by any means, definitely self-taught and a hobbyist, not a professional.

What type of camera and software do you use now? 

I use two cameras a Sony HX400 and a Sony RX10 V. I use the 400 the most due to its variable zoom up 1200mm equivalent. I also have a Sony underwater camera which I hope will have a chance to use during our upcoming trip to the Cook Islands.

What software package do you use for editing?

I use Sony Play Memories Home and Windows Photos. You travel extensively, how do you plan for each trip? Jim and I discuss, propose, and agree on where we want to go. We use the internet to do all the research and planning. I propose an itinerary and Jim tweaks it. We devise the modes of transport together although Jim takes the principal role here. I book the accommodations and Jim books the transport. Half of the fun we have in traveling is in the planning. When we are not traveling, we are planning! 

How do you get access to the amazing Cathedrals and the intricacies of others visited? 

We use the internet extensively. We research online before we go, and while we are traveling. Whilst traveling research for each specific locale is key to finding unusual places.  Blogs are excellent travel resources leading us to interesting out-of-the-way places.  Travel is so much more fun when you plan a trip according to your particular interests, and internet resources allow everyone to do this!

Thank you, bloggers!! Your posts improve my travel, and my life too, of course! Bloggers Rock!

You can visit Cindy’s blog at cindyknoke.com

You won’t forget the great places she’s been.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from her extensive collection. 

 

Please be sure to check out Cindy’s extensive collection of photography and poems on her website.

Happy Snapping!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward · Travel

This and That About Me

Your most favorite travel story?

It would have to be traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia alone two weeks after the 911 bombing. Not only was it my dream trip since I was a teen but as a woman traveling alone in a foreign country you stand out as an American. The world knew what had happened and people from every background and country came up to me with hugs and words of sadness. It was so surreal. I could never recreate that trip of a lifetime. I count the days I can return to St. Petersburg! The people are beautiful and the city is breathtaking. I have to add the Restaurant Manager gave me a private sampling and lesson on Caviar and it was an eye-opener. I left Russia with cans of the best caviar. 

Favorite bands or singers from your adolescence?

Donny Osmond 

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?

On the last night on my trip to Russia, the Manager asked to make me a special meal. It was salmon with loads of the best caviar on top. It was so savory it was out of this world. It came with a side of traditional Pelmeni and of course a bucket of Vodka. 

Worst first date story?

It was my first date, my gramps made the guy give him his driver’s license number, tag plate, parent’s name, address, and phone number. I was so humiliated. I told my granny that if this would happen on every date I would not date again. 

What’s your favorite sandwich?

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly with a touch of butter on each slice.

Where did you go grow up and how did it shape who you are?

I was born in Texas in a poor area of town. We lived in a housing project for some time after I was born. What shaped me the most growing up was knowing I could make my own way and not repeat the mistakes of my parents and the way I grew up. Texas is a headstrong state. 

What are your biggest pet peeves?

Passive Aggressive behavior.

What’s one thing you can’t travel without?

Lip balm and hand wipes, long before COVID. 

Tell me some of yours!

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Travel

Gallery Travels: Maui 1997 — Guest Blogger For the Love of Art

I started scuba diving in 1987, it was difficult I’m claustrophobic taking extra classes to handle the thought of breathing underwater. I was fortunate to log over a hundred dives in ten years. A panic attack while shore diving almost drowning two people, this was the start of my Maui vacation. This is not my idea of fun […]

Gallery Travels: Maui 1997 — For the Love of Art
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Avoiding Accidents While On The Road

Nobody wants to be involved in an accident. You have probably seen plenty of news reports and read plenty of stories that detail how bad it can be to be in a car accident. Of course, there are minor accidents as well, but ideally, you should be avoiding an accident altogether. Sometimes, it’s not down to you as you are not the one responsible and things happen. However, you can do everything in your power to avoid getting into an accident and that’s what we’re going to be talking about down below. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Picture Location – CC0 Licence

Don’t Talk On The Phone

The first thing that you should make sure you do is not to talk on your phone while you are driving the car. We know that there are handsfree ways to make this possible these days, but it is still a distraction that you don’t need. What if someone gives you bad news while you are driving and you are no longer concentrating on the road? Or, what if someone starts an argument with you? The road requires 100% of your attention if you’re going to avoid getting into an accident, and that is what you should give it.

In fact, to ensure that you’re not tempted to even look at your phone put it on vibrate. If it has a ‘Do Not Disturb’ setting, put that on while you’re driving also. This way, you will only see emergencies.

Control The Car Temperature

When the vehicle gets too hot, it’s easy for a driver to become detached without even realizing that this is what has happened. Seeing as you don’t know that you’re not actually watching the road, an accident could be imminent and there would be nothing for you to do to stop it. In order to control the temperature, you are going to need to do a few things such as parking in the shade, using a reflective material, and putting it in the front of your car, as well as looking into Window Tinting by Bravo Protection Products or a similar company. 

Don’t Eat And Drive

Finally, make sure that you are not eating and driving. If you are doing this it means that you don’t have both hands on the wheel which is extremely dangerous. All it takes is one split second while you are eating to lose control of the vehicle, and one hand will not be enough to regain the control that you need. This would be devastating if you ended up in an accident, and you would feel extremely guilty for a long time to come. 

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to avoid having an accident on the road. As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and anyone that is in the car with you. You are not responsible for the actions of other drivers, however, if you can anticipate when they are going to make a wrong move before they actually do, this could make all the difference in the world.

This a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Gallery Travels: The Palace Versailles Château Rive Gauche — Guest Blogger For the Love of Art

A short train ride outside of Paris you will find The Palace Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche. This is a must see, the experience is like no other. The museum compares to the top museums in Paris. The gardens are magnificent and perfectly manicured, beautiful waterfall statues are strategically placed. This is before you enter The Palace. […]

Gallery Travels: The Palace Versailles Château Rive Gauche — For the Love of Art
Celebrate Life · Travel

Have a Blessed Ramadan

Sending well wishes to all as you embark on the celebration of Ramadan. May your days be filled with joy, laughter and love of family and friends. May the message lift you spirits and fill you heart.

Photo by fatemah khaled on Pexels.com

Melinda