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SEP
2019 23
Health & Wellness
0

WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE DO FOR ME?

Woman receiving acupuncture treatment.

In an environment of stress, illness, and disease, acupuncture is a relaxing way to calm the body, restore balance and well-being.

Acupuncture was developed in China over 2,500 years ago to treat illness and prevent disease.

Acupuncture treatments and Chinese medicine are a drug-free, safe, natural and effective way to support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Qi (pronounced “chee”).

Qi is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, sickness and chronic pain may result.

Acupuncture Treatment

The whole-body approach to relief involves determining your body’s imbalances by a practitioner asking about your health history and performing a physical exam.

A detailed treatment plan can involve recommending herbal remedies, massage, and stretching to support your health and boost your immune system.

During acupuncture sessions, the patient can expect thin, sterile, disposable needles to be inserted in specific areas of the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing process to get relief, stress, anxiety, and pain throughout the body.

Where you feel pain isn’t necessarily where the needles will be inserted. The community acupuncture place I go to, the acupuncturists practice a style of acupuncture which mostly uses points in the hands, feet, and head to treat problems anywhere in the body.

For the back pain I experience, tiny needles are placed in my hands and the inside of my legs to treat my spine. There are points in the ears that can treat different parts of the body as well.

Woman receiving acupuncture from a doctor

By needling the acupuncture points, the nervous system is stimulated into releasing chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.

These chemicals, called endorphins, can reduce pain and influence your body’s immune system to restore balance.

Upon the acupuncture needles being inserted in my skin, it feels like a dam being opened and water being released except I believe this my blocked energy being unlocked through the increase of blood flow to the problem area.

I instantly go into this meditative state of relaxation and feel my muscles let go and relax into the lazy boy chair.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by the following:

  • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Back Pain
  • Cancer
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Colds & Flu
  • Depression
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Neck Pain
  • Opioid Addiction
  • Pain
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Stress
  • Hormone Imbalance
  • Lung Allergy

News flash, acupuncture can help with these common conditions and more! The good news is using a natural approach can put you on a path to a healthier lifestyle.

Many of these conditions respond well to acupuncture. The cost benefits alone are something to pay attention to especially if you pay a co-pay.

It can be cheaper to seek treatment at a community acupuncture cooperative versus paying co-pay fees for care at a health clinic.

The number of treatments and length of time to notice changes can vary and takes patience. Some individuals can notice a difference quickly after one treatment than others.

Alternative treatments combined with conventional methods along with adopting some simple lifestyle changes can lead toward a healthier, happier, pain-free life.

How Acupuncture Helps

I am not saying you should fast track to the nearest acupuncture and wellness clinic and not consult a medical professional, but take this into consideration for a few seconds.

Which is more beneficial to health, taking just prescription medication for anxiety, pain, and other recurring conditions that can lead to developing an addiction and long-term health problems?

Or leverage acupuncture treatments with conventional health treatments that can eliminate symptoms and potentially reduce the need for medication?

Even with health insurance, one of the roadblocks to maximizing healing and recovery is the cost of co-pays. Community acupuncture fees are comparable to most patients’ co-pays.

A picture of a patient receiving acupuncture in the right calf

Acupuncture treatments at a private office which can range from $75 to $95 for an initial visit and $50 to $70 for routine visits.

The location I visit (Minnesota Community Acupuncture) once a week has a sliding scale from $20 to $40 with patients paying what they can afford based upon the number of treatments they need.

To make acupuncture accessible and affordable, practitioners see multiple people at once instead of seeing one patient at a time.

The acupuncturists recommend staying an hour to rest and receive the holistic benefits. An added bonus, military veterans get one treatment free a month where I get acupuncture.

What a great way to promote a natural approach to health and healing. One treatment a week for an hour over a course of 4-weeks at $160 a month or $280 a month? That is a 50% savings for lasting benefits.

By making treatments affordable, patients can come in often enough to really get better and stay better long term.

Why Acupuncture Is Worth A Try

Here is one more point I have to offer for a common problem that affects 80% of all individuals at some point in their lives, back pain.

In a recent German study, patients reported the acupuncture treatments they received were more effective for lower back pain that most conventional treatments.

In addition to practicing self-care techniques to improve posture, exercise, and managing stress, acupuncture can restore the body back to its natural balance.

Give acupuncture a try. What do you have to lose except an hour of your time to meditate?

For additional self-care tips and ideas for pain-free living, check out my post, Daily Self-Care Checklist.

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SEP
2019 16
Health & Wellness
0

HEAL YOUR GUT WITH GINGER

Ginger and turmeric powder on spoons.

In this blog post, I will share a ginger drink recipe for gut health and mental health.

The properties of ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar help with removing toxins, reducing inflammation, and increases the elimination of waste from the body.

For an added bonus, enjoy a morning shot of a teaspoon of fish oil and two ounces of this elixir.

The vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help beat depression and vitamin D deficiency in northern latitudes lacking sun exposure in the winter.

Fish oil with omega 3 may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and prevent chronic conditions in individuals at high risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.

Always consult with your physician before adding a supplement to your daily routine.

ginger drink

Ginger Drink Recipe

The properties of ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar help with removing toxins, reducing inflammation, and increases the elimination of waste from the body while tasting delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 112 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 10 pieces organic cystaliized ginger cubes
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tbsps apple cider vinegar with the mother
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated turmeric

Instructions
 

  • Boil two cups of water
  • Add 10 ginger cubes, freshly grated turmeric, and apple cider vinegar, and water to the blender.
  • Blend for 15-30 seconds
  • Steep one cinnamon stick to the ginger drink
  • Transfer the liquid mixture to a heat proof glass container
  • Refrigerate overnight

Notes

I use a Nutribullet blender to pulverize the ginger cubes. The blender is good at blending hot liquids. 
I love the strong flavor of cinnamon. Steeping one cinnamon sticker in the ginger drink mixture overnight brings the healthy elixir together. 
Do one to two-ounce shots throughout the day to improve digestion, ease an upset stomach, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Keyword apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger drink, turmeric

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SEP
2019 09
Travel
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FOOD IN ACTION VOLUNTEER TRIP TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

An image of three boys
An image of a house
An image of three girls
An image of a girl playing with arts and crafts
An image of kids packing meals for starving kids
An image of a cooked meal pack

I was looking to find a non-profit organization to volunteer at that involved helping children. A friend recommended Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). FMSC is a Christian non-profit founded in 1987 that addresses food insecurity and poor nutritional needs by providing nutritious Manna Pack meal formulas for malnourished children.

The MannaPacks are fortified rice soy protein meal that helps to supplement nutritional needs. Meals are donated around the world to FMSC food partners in the Americas, Carribean, and Africa.

The headquarters is located in Minnesota with additional locations in Illinois and Arizona. According to the website, last year FMSC shipping 288,374,664 meals to 80 partners in 58 countries around the world.

Thinking it would be a good team-building event for my staff and as a way to give back, we volunteered our time to pack meals.

Upon arriving in Eagan, we were given a presentation on the number of children experiencing hunger and how this organization has helped countries around the world.

Food in Action

Volunteers have the opportunity to see how hand-packed meals and are distributed in the Americas, Caribbean, and Africa in partnership with Praying Pelican Missions, throughout the year. FMSC hosts Food in Action Trips to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nicaragua. 

Another way to support FMSC initiatives is by hosting mobile pack events fundraising or participate in a study abroad program.

An image of a woman prepping a meal
A woman showing us how she supplements a Manna Pack with small portions of meat.

In addition to packing meals, FMSC has an online marketplace an individual can purchase jewelry and clothing. One $12 short necklace made out of magazines provides 27 meals to children in Uganda.

When participating in a Food in Action trip of six days and five nights, you get the chance to meet with food distribution partners that deliver meals to schools, orphanages, and remote communities.

The individuals live in poor health and sanitation conditions who don’t have enough to eat.

The Work Towards Ending Child Hunger

I got to witness the wonderful work FMSC does in the Dominican Republic and get involved. During the 6-day trip, we traveled around the island delivering MannaPack meals.

We prayed with adults and played with children at schools, churches, and orphanages. I walked away from the experience humbled and blessed to have the means to volunteer my time to help end child hunger.

A truck of food supplies
Manna packs being loaded on a truck or delivery to an orphanage.

The places we visited, I was amazed at the living conditions. The individuals living below the poverty line were not phased by us being there. You could feel the strong connections to community and family that help each other to get through the good times and the bad.

I have never felt welcomed by people with gratitude and kindness of this magnitude. There were many words of thanks and genuine smiles.

An image of a welcome sign
One of the schools welcoming our team.

I definitely plan on going another trip in the near future perhaps to Haiti or El Salvador.

To learn about additional domestic and international missions Praying Pelican Missions supports, click here.

Other ways to help the less fortunate and vulnerable is through acts of kindness by supporting non profit organizations.

Whether you are planning to volunteer or take a vacation in the Dominican Republic, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case something goes wrong such as an unexpected illness or injury.

World Nomads provides travel insurance to travelers from over 140 countries and is backed by reputable insurers and 24-hour assistance providers. You can click here to get a quote. Don’t forget to read the policy details to ensure that it’s right for you.

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SEP
2019 05
Food
0

2 INGREDIENT PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP RECIPE

Cup of pumpkin spice latte.

‘Tis the season for those sweet and spicy smelling coffee drinks that remind us that fall is right around the corner. Scents of clove, cinnamon, allspice wrap the fragrant spell of aroma around us like a wool blanket.

You have probably noticed the long line wrapping around in the corner of the parking lot in the morning at your favorite Starbucks location.

Coffee lovers united, waiting to get their hands on everything pumpkin spice whether it’s a latte, cold brew, loaf, or muffin.

Thinking you’re smarter than those folks, you wait until the afternoon to get your pumpkin spice fix, but you will find yourself empty-handed with no beverage and no pastry due to a mass sellout.

The supply truck bringing the goodies won’t arrive until the next day.

No Drama, No Worries My Friend

I will share the best-kept secret to not standing in line. Order ahead using the Starbucks mobile app.

Folks standing in line will do a double-take as you walk up and grab that fab drink with your name on it and walk out in less than 30 seconds like a hustler.

Yeah I know, you parked in a spot designated for deliveries and you need to get out ASAP before that ticket lands on your windshield. Hey, it’s seasonal.

We gotta get all that fall goodness before it goes away. The things we do for a pumpkin spice…

I got your covered with what I call my ‘lazy girl two-ingredient pumpkin spice syrup’ when I don’t feel like standing in that long line.

For the amount of time it takes to stand in line for that pumpkin spice cold brew, you can make your homemade syrup with only two ingredients.

Ball 12ct 4oz Quilted Crystal Jelly Jar with Lid and Band - Regular Mouth

I am a huge mason jar fan. These glass jars can be used over and over again to store dry ingredients and leftovers.

The amount you will make with this recipe is so small, you can take it along with you on your travels or make wherever you are in the world.

If you are flying, just remember, only 3-ounces liquids are allowed.

Pumpkin Spice Maple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (I found a 4-ounce bag on nuts.com for $4)
  • 3-ounce 100% maple syrup (my go-to is a 25oz bottle from Trader Joe’s for $13)

Directions

Pour maple syrup and pumpkin spice blend in a 4-ounce container. Mix ingredients together either with a spoon. Or put the lid on the jelly jar and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.

Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of minutes for the pumpkin spice flavor to penetrate the maple syrup for a more robust pumpkin spice taste.

I found it tasted better sitting overnight in the fridge. Add 1-2 teaspoons (or to taste) to your favorite coffee beverage, ice cream, oatmeal, or pancakes.

My favorite drink is adding 6-8 frozen coffee (made the night before).

One cup of whole milk, one teaspoon of the syrup and one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk.

Blend all the ingredients for 15-30 seconds. Enjoy.

100% of profits provide clean water and education - Three Avocados

If you are liking this drink mix, for more Starbucks inspired recipes, check out my post, DIY Tea Lemonade Made 3 Ways.

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SEP
2019 02
Travel
0

10 MUST SEE PLACES IN GEORGIA

Georgia's MLK Jr.'s historic site in Atlanta.

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King’s life, how he grew up to stand up for civil rights and social justice.

2. Municipal Market of Atlanta

This market has everything from fresh produce to delicious homemade pastries. Get some of the best BBQ at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

3. Centennial Olympic Park

Learn about the history and legacy of the Olympics and the year-round community events the park supports.

4. South-View Cemetery

Take a self-guided tour through the cemetery home to MLK Jr.’s parents Daddy King and Alberta Williams and Alonzo F. Herndon.

5. Oakland View Cemetery

Take a self-guided tour through the cemetery home to Gone With the Wind’s Margaret Mitchell and Atlanta’s First Black Mayor Maynard Jackson.

6. CNN

Take a behind the scenes tour of the world’s largest news organization started by Ted Turner in Atlanta, Georgia. Are you a beer nerd? Stopover at the Porter Beer Bar and drool over the 36 beers on tap.

7. Margaret Mitchell’s House

Tour the home of the author, Margaret Mitchell who wrote, Gone With the Wind.

8. Stone Mountain Park

Take the Summit Skyride cable car up to the top of the mountain for a magnificent view of Georgia or walk up to the top via the Cherokee trail.

9. Atlanta History Center

Learn about Atlanta’s history and how this city has grown to be one of the top cities for music, film, and food culture.

10. City Market

Walk the Georgian historic open-air market of four blocks. Stop and eat at The Grey, a Greyhound bus station terminal converted into a restaurant.

Looking for more travel ideas around the United States and abroad? Check out my list of domestic and international travel posts here.

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AUG
2019 25
Travel
0

MINNESOTA: 9 UNIQUE & ENJOYABLE PLACES TO VISIT

An image of mill ruins.
An image of Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis.
An image of Downtown Minneapolis.
An image of a bridge.
A image of lighthouse in Duluth, Minnesota.

1. Foshay Museum and Observation Deck

You might look up and feel like you have seen this architectural wonder before. The Foshay Tower was modeled after the Washington Monument in DC. 32-story office tower turned into a 230-room hotel (W – Minneapolis – Foshay).

At the top of the floor is a museum and observation deck with magnificent views of downtown Minneapolis. Stay for the weekend. Go down downstairs and around the corner to Manny’s Steakhouse or Key’s Cafe located on the first floor of the hotel.

Make room for a nightcap on the 27th floor of the hotel to the Prohibition Bar and take in the 360-degree views.

2. Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge

It’s the only bridge made completely out of stone. A former railroad bridge now serves as a bike and pedestrian lane. It’s the second-best place to watch the 4th of July fireworks from.

The first best place is in a kayak nearby on the Mississippi River sitting front row with the boats and folks looking on above.

3. Eat Street

You know you are in the right place when you start taking in the strong smells and aromas. You will find yourself standing on the street corner trying to distinguish the smells from one another and deciding which place to start eating first.

Located near Downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Avenue, within a few blocks are 40 restaurants that will be delighted to see you. The street passes through Minneapolis, Richfield, Bloomington, and Burnsville.

Yup, you can just start at one end, drive and eat until completely full.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxbDUDbNGmU

4. Canal Park

Duluth has lots to discover: new breweries, skiing, formal and informal dining, old mansions, an aerial lift bridge, the north scenic railroad, lighthouse, and the annual Grandma’s Marathon.

Visit Duluth in the wintertime and walk on Lake Superior to the Apostle Islands to see beautiful crystal formations in the caves.

Return in the summer and drive over to Bayfield, Wisconsin, and go kayaking around the Apostle Islands (in total there are 21 islands) and visit shipwrecks.

5. Nicollet Island

An island surrounded by a major city in the Mississippi River with picturesque views of Saint Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. Nicollet Island sits in the middle between downtown and northeast Minneapolis.

There are plenty of biking and walking paths that lead you away from the noise of the city to being covered by trees out of sight out of mind.

For years I would drive across the Hennepin Bridge that connects Downtown and Northeast Minneapolis without knowing what was below me.

Staying for a couple of hours isn’t enough. Stay overnight at the Nicollet Island Inn and enjoy a horse carriage ride.

6. Taylor’s Falls State Park

Minnesota isn’t just known for its 10,000 lakes, but also for its state parks and close proximity to nature.

Just short of a two-hour drive from Minneapolis, this place is for you if you like rock climbing, hiking the bluff, and learning about the history of glacial potholes and Devil’s Parlor.

Rent a kayak and float down the St. Croix River or go on a scenic boat tour and see how the glaciers carved out the St. Croix River Valley to make Taylor’s Falls one of the top tourist destinations in Minnesota.

7. AVEDA Institute of Minneapolis

A company with a conscience. AVEDA founded by Horst Rechelbacher in 1982 is considered the “the father of Safe Cosmetics.” A Minnesota based company that combines the ancient practice of Ayurveda and connecting by taking every person who walks in on a sensory journey of holistic beauty and wellness.

The inside of the school/store looks like an elegant museum. The next time you walk past someone and smell a distinct aroma, we won’t be offended if you give us the biggest compliment of, “you smell like AVEDA.”

I am such a fan that instead of packing a tote of necessities for a previous overseas deployment, I filled the tote full of AVEDA products to get me through the 12 months.

8. Wahlburger’s at the Mall of America (MOA)

I must have walked past this place a million times asking why there was always a line wrapped around the corner. When Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block decided to open a burger joint with his brothers, I admit it, I was a skeptic and for good reason.

Minneapolis invented the Juicy Lucy burger. It wasn’t until I watched their reality show, The Wahlbergs that I decided I needed to check myself, put my money where my mouth was and go wait in that line.

We had one thing growing up that converted me, government cheese. Of course, explore the rest of MOA. Come for the burger, stay for the legos.

9. Mill City Museum

Minneapolis at one time was the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” Ever heard of Gold Medal Flour? An explosion destroyed part of the mill. Over time it was taken over by the homeless.

Today it’s been transformed into the Mill City Ruins. Concerts are held there and if you are lucky to get tickets, you can view the 4th of July fireworks. Mill City Summer Opera hosts an outdoor opera inside of the ruins every July.

Want to see more of Minnesota? Go on a culinary tour of our Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul. Check out my blog, 15 Places to Eat in the Twin Cities. 

Lonely Planet advertising banner.

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AUG
2019 19
Travel
0

AMAZING SOLO ROAD TRIP TO VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Lighthouse on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Vancouver Island is located in the Ring of Fire where a mild climate allows for all year round exploring, hiking, kayaking, and recharge in British Columbia, Canada.

You have a couple of choices to get here either drive, fly, or my favorite take a ferry from either Portland Oregon or Seattle Washington.

To give you a better visual other than photos, here is a sneak peek of what you can expect to see on Vancouver Island in this YouTube video made by Tyler Cave.

Cannon Beach in Oregon

I have always wanted to visit Oregon after seeing a picture of Haystack Rock in a National Geographic magazine.

Instead of making two trips to the Northwest, I decided to fly to Portland, rent a car, drive up the coast and stay overnight in Cannon Beach.

The air is so fresh smelling off the ocean and birch wood burning that even though it was wintertime, I cranked up the heat in my Mustang rental, rolled down all windows and set off driving up and down windy roads for the next couple of hours.

An image of Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach.

Cannon Beach didn’t disappoint. Located nearby was Ecola State Park.

It’s a great place to go hiking if you are a fan of that and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean.

The next stop was Seaside where I had some of the best oysters.

After exploring the town and buying a couple of art pieces, I was off to Seattle Washington where I would stay overnight at the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle before taking a ferry ride to Vancouver Island.

BC Ferries offers package deals that include a round-trip ferry ride and hotel to Victoria. I chose to stay for two nights. If your stomach gets queasy on boats, check out my post, Simple Ginger Drink Recipe to Heal Your Gut.

It’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case something goes wrong.
You can purchase travel insurance from World Nomads. World Nomads provides travel insurance to travelers from over 140 countries and is backed by reputable insurers and 24-hour assistance providers.

You can click here to get a quote. Read the policy details to ensure that it’s right for you.

Sightseeing Solo and Group Tours

After sleeping in, I hit the ground running and did a walking food tour of Victoria. For 45 USD, you go on a 2-hour culinary journey.

Other places I recommend visiting are:

  • The Butchart Gardens
  • Royal BC Museum
  • Beacon Hill Park
  • Craigdarroch Castle
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Depending on how much time you have, you can visit these places separately or save yourself some time and book a tour through Viator.

Looking for more adventure? Take another ferry and go island hopping around the San Islands before returning by ferry back to Seattle Washington.

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AUG
2019 12
Travel
0

ROAD TRIP CROSS COUNTRY TO ARIZONA

Road trip to Arizona from Minnesota.

Mixing up how you travel, whether it is by plane, train, car or bus, each mode of transportation changes your perspective of how you see your surroundings. I recently drove round trip from Minnesota to Arizona.

I was not only nervous but wondered if it was a good idea to travel solo and could physically and mentally make the long trek.

In total, the trip took 4 days and around 30 hours one way.

I thought it would be fun to do some sightseeing along the way. I had never been to Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico or Arizona except for brief airport layovers.

Driving through the southwest is not only beautiful, but the amount of hospitality given to me during my brief stays reminded me of how we treat people in the Midwest.

Bellevue in Nebraska

The drive from Minneapolis to Bellevue is a little over 6 hours. Driving through Iowa is a treat seeing the wind turbines, farm, the smells of manure, and the never-ending rows of cornfields.

I stayed overnight at the Candlewood Suites Bellevue where there was a kitchenette to make a home-cooked meal and indulge in an Epsom salt bath. Check out my post on DIY Food Recipes for at Home and on the Road.

Colorado Springs in Colorado

The 9-hour drive to Nebraska is anything, but exciting. Cell reception is poor and you are left to your own thoughts. The journey doesn’t have to be completely boring.

Download some audiobooks or podcasts for those dead spots and learn about a new topic. Each time I have made this trip, I have stated in either Denver or Colorado Springs.

An image of a dinner dish of quail and macaroni

If you stay in Denver, be sure to eat at The Fort Restaurant and try some bone marrow, tongue, or the wild game plate. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a couple of miles away. I recommend going online to check and see the latest concert playing.

If you stay in Colorado Springs, you have to make a stop to Pikes Peak Cog Railway and take the train to the top or hike it.

It’s a great workout if you are preparing to climb some of the tallest peaks in the world like Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Everest. Don’t forget to visit the Olympic Training Center as well.

Albuquerque in New Mexico

Upon crossing into New Mexico from Colorado, take a detour before arriving in Albuquerque, NM and visit Aztec, NM. Aztec National Ruins Monument is a World Heritage site. Hike your ride your mountain bike around for a look before stopping at the gift shop to buy pottery made with horsehair.

An image of three clay vases

Continue on to Albuquerque and treat yourself to some shaved ice. Sites like Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and Petroglyph National Monuments are places I recommended seeing.

Take the tram right before sunset and observe the fiery reds and oranges fluttering down to the horizon. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albuquerque Historic Old Town.

Arizona

Once in Arizona, you have many options of where to lay your hat. I recommend either staying in Sierra Vista or Tucson. Tucson is a good central location if you want to take a day trip to Phoenix.

Or you can extend the road trip traveling around Arizona and see the changing landscape change from desert to snow.

A must-see is Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Continue north to Utah and visit Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. Don’t forget the Grand Canyon!

In southern Arizona, you have to visit the mining town turned the hipster town of Bisbee. Local artists, great food and an annual blues festival will have you calling a realtor to buy some land.

In my opinion, they have the best coffee shop. Food is out of this world. Continue on to Tubac for art galleries, pottery, and jewelry.

An image of rows of pottery

You can’t leave Arizona without visiting Tombstone and grabbing a couple of donuts in Benson for your trip back to Minnesota or the place you call home.

An image of a GPS device

On the return home, I recommend staying in Truth or Consequences, NM followed by Colorado Springs or Denver and finally Omaha. Make sure when you are making the long stretch from AZ to NM to stop and fill up.

The trek from NM to CO can result in driving a long time before seeing a gas station. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with little or no reception.

Since you are stopping in Omaha, check out the ice cream shop featured on the show, Shark Tank. You won’t miss it as you will see a line wrapped around the block waiting. Go Greek and visit Feta’s Greek Restaurant.

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AUG
2019 05
Travel
0

5 IDEAS ON CREATING YOUR OWN FIRST CLASS AIRPLANE EXPERIENCE

Woman in a Delta Sky airport lounge enjoying a glass of wine.

1. Breeze Through Security

Instead of rushing to the airport, if you are connecting through Minneapolis, stay overnight at the Intercontinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel. Go to the 12th floor to watch the planes take off.

The hotel is connected to the airport with a security lane only accessible to hotel guests with carry-on only. Going through security can take less than 5 minutes. The checkpoint opens at 5 a.m. You might be good until 8 or 10 a.m.

The hotel provides free shuttle service to and from the Mall of America (MOA). The two restaurants at the hotel aren’t too bad either and might make you want to stay in and skip that trip to MOA.

When the volume of screenings increase, TSA personnel are moved to the other security checkpoints. No worries. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to hang out in.

2. VIP Seating

Boeing 717-200 has one seat in an exit row by itself. You don’t have to worry about bumping elbows with your neighbor. The only requirement, in the event of an emergency and plane evacuation, is to read the safety guidelines in the seat pocket and be prepared to help your fellow passengers out.

The stewardess will ask everyone in the exit row to answer “yes” to assist in the event of an emergency. If you don’t agree and are not willing and able, you will get moved to another seat. It’s okay to let someone else do it instead if you are not comfortable.

But if you are prepared to assist, sit back, relax and splurge on that $8 drink. Just know others are thinking just like you so book your VIP seat early.

3. Delta Sky Club

If you have a first-class ticket or a Delta Sky Miles credit card, you can access the Delta Sky Club for free or at a discounted rate and enjoy complimentary wine and snacks. It is an excellent option if you have an early flight and none of the shops are open yet.

4. Eat Like a King or Queen in Economy

Visit Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and get a caramel apple with your favorite fixings chopped for you to indulge on your trip without making a mess. Throw in a pretzel drizzled with while milk chocolate to eat later.

The other passengers will stare at you with envy wishing they would have thought about the same things. If you have a dog traveling with you, they also sell tasty doggy treats.

5. First Dibs on Overhead Cabin Space

Most airlines allow active members of the military to board the plane first. When the boarding announcement is made, if you are traveling in civilian clothes, take out your military ID and show it with your boarding pass.

Be prepared that you may be the only one in a sea of people currently serving in the military. Don’t be alarmed if someone comes up to you and says, “thank you for your service.”

The first-class treatment doesn’t have to end here. Check out my blog post 21 Carry-On Bag Essentials for Air Travel to Any Destination.

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JUL
2019 29
Health & Wellness
0

DIY MINIMALIST BEAUTY HACKS

Woman standing next to a tree of flowers.

Many of the beauty products we purchase produce the results. Multi-purposing beauty items in your household can save money and reduce clutter.

Finding multiple uses for beauty products using DIY minimalist beauty hacks saves you time and reduces the chances of accidentally buying the same thing over and over again.

If you experience daily brain fog and find yourself with multiple bottles of hair gel, it helps to do an inventory.

Organizing products on shelves helps you see what you have on hand and what things need to be replenished.

Multipurpose Beauty Products

When I went through my toiletries, I couldn’t believe the number of duplicate products I had.

1. Use dry shampoo as a foot powder. I learned this hack from a hairstylist. Your feet will stay dry and smell good. My favorite go-to is Aveda’s Shampure Dry Shampoo.

2. Cut large cotton squares for makeup removal into fourths over buying cotton balls.

3. Cut toner pads in half to extend use from 30 days to 60. My favorite go-to is Aveda’s Outer Peace Acne Relief Pads.

4. Make your own facial scrub by combining one tablespoon of Himalayan bath salt, a few drops of carrier oil (olive oil, argan oil, walnut oil), and 15 drops of your favorite essential oil.

If you have oily skin or need a glow of radiance, try an essential oil blend of sweet orange and ylang-ylang.

The aroma will calm your senses, increase blood flow, and relieve anxiety.

5. Invest in a cupping therapy kit and acupressure mat to create your own DIY at home spa experience and save money on trips to a massage therapist. Check out my post for DIY spa at home ideas.

6. Use Bag Balm skin moisturizer to brighten up eyes, soften cuticles, and cracked feet. That equals three fewer products to buy.

7. Replace your hand soap with Dr. Bronner’s 1-gallon liquid soap with 18-in-1 uses. 1-gallon can last one to two years (depending on daily use).

Peppermint and almond are my favorite. I rotate between the two throughout the seasons.

8. Repurpose your facial mask as a spot blemish treatment. My favorite go-to is The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask.

9. Use mason jars to keep summer critters away.

10. Instead of buying shaving cream, use coconut oil for shaving. If you already keep a jar in your kitchen pantry for cooking, you’re all set.

Store some coconut oil in a small jelly jar, scoop out what you need, and warm the coconut oil with your hands to prep your legs when taking a bath.

Remember, a little goes a long way. Shave with Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap for a close shave.

Say hello to extra-soft skin!

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