Escape room escapades!

“A man can die but once.”

— Henry IV Part 2

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Imagine embarking on a mind-bending journey that will challenge your wits, teamwork, your relationships, and possibly your sanity. Get ready to escape reality and dive headfirst into a world of riddles, mysteries, and if you’re lucky a few hints and a whole lot of laughter. This, my fellow swagsters, is exactly what happened to yours truly.

The SETTING: The lobby (in particular, the escape hotel I visited) was filled with eager adventurers, all ready to tackle the mind-boggling challenges that await. The employees, from the moment you step foot into the hotel, are fully immersed into their character, leaving no room for doubt that you're about to embark on an extraordinary adventure. Our particular concierge greeted his guests with a theatrical flair, speaking in riddles and cryptic clues, setting the stage for the mind-bending challenges that lie ahead.

The TASK: You're spoiled for choice with a variety of themed rooms that will test your critical thinking and your problem-solving skills. Pro-tip:  If you are no good at either, choose your partner wisely (smile). From ancient Egyptian tombs complete with mummies and ill-gotten treasure to be had, to antiquated elevators that should have been put out of commission eons ago, each room offers a one of a kind escape experience. Another Pro-tip: Read the waiver you have to sign carefully just so you know what you’re signing up for.

TICK TOCK:  Time is your worst enemy in an escape room, and the pressure is on! As the minutes tick away, you'll find yourself frantically searching for clues, deciphering cryptic messages and occasionally arguing with your teammates over who pulled the wrong lever. You'll quickly ascertain who the natural-born leaders are, who gets easily distracted by shiny objects, and who has a knack for finding hidden compartments. Just remember, it's all part of the fun, and the more chaotic, the better. 

To sum it all up, escaping the room is just the cherry on top….the icing on the cake, so to speak. Don’t forget to savor the chaos and the madness of it all, because that’s the best part.

Happy escaping!!

PRO TIP #112

Just Swaggin´ (Summer 2022)

“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”

— Sonnet 18

My best friend and I celebrating our 50th birthday in Greece. -July,2022

This summer turned out to be very memorable, and fun. It was the summer that I turned 50 years old. When they say “time flies” it is soooo true!

As always, I intend to have a great summer every year, however, sometimes I hit the mark, and other times I miss. This year, I exceeded it. Without going into details, I actually had one of the best summers ever. I hope your summer was also fun, and you made memories to last a lifetime. If you didn’t , that is also okay, because we can start over at any moment of the day, and make each moment great.

Thank you for stopping by! I really appreciate it.

XOXO

I’m also on Youtube! Check out my videos if you want a little fashion inspiration!

My Summer trip to Rhodes, Greece!

In July, I took a long overdue vacation to Greece. I’ve been to several places/islands in Greece, and this time I chose Rhodes. Several people had stated to me how fabulous Rhodes is, and they were all right on the button.

After the plan landed, I got my bags and got in the taxi that was waiting to take me to my resort. I stayed at the Lindos Grand Resort Spa which is actually located in Lindos, which is an hour away from the airport in Rhodes.

The resort was brand new and beautiful. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. Covid protocols were also strictly adhered to. I had a room with a private pool, which I HIGHLY recommend. I spent more time at my own pool than at the main pool and at the beach.

Lindos, Greece

The town of Lindos is about a 10 minute taxi ride, which costs between 10-12 Euros. There, you can walk around the picturesque town, which is full of shops, restaurants, and they also have an acropolis. You can walk up to the top or take a donkey ride for €8. But those poor donkeys looked so hot, tired, and overworked, if you can walk, then do that.

Like I stated before, the resort is brand new, so there were some minor things that weren’t fully completed. For instance, there were two light bulbs missing on my terrace. It was minor, and it didn’t bother me at all.

The beach is about a 3 minute walk from the resort. There is a direct path where you can walk, and they also offer a shuttle bus, as well. The beach has food and drink service, and lounge chairs specifically for the resort, which is cool. There are also water sports available.

I literally had a different swimsuit for each day I was there! :-)

The floor to ceiling windows were fabulous. It was very hot, but also a nice breeze. When you opened the doors, the air-conditioning automatically shut off, which was cool.

So, if you’re thinking about a planning a trip to Greece for relaxation and great weather, I would highly suggest the island of Rhodes and Lindos Grand Resort Spa.

The resort had fantastic views, and the aesthetics were great.

Let me know if you’ve ever been to Rhodes, Lindos, and/or Lindos Grand Resort Spa.

Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate it! XOXO

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How to get the most out of your wardrobe.

I chose the above quote for this blog because Macbeth and Lady Macbeth´s “clothing” is actually Macbeth´s new title of Thane of Cawdor. At this early stage in the play, they are thankful that they have the title and are not being greedy at this point. Let’s connect that with us literally buying our favorite pieces and caring for them so that they last and are not cast aside so quickly. (Am I reaching? Lol…just roll with me.)

Ok…we love are clothes and we want them to last. How do we do that? Let me give you a few tips on how to do exactly that.

Skirt: Gucci (about 4 years old)

READ THE LABELS:

Those labels are there for a reason. Make sure to check and see if your garment can actually be washed, or if it should be dry-cleaned. If you’ve ever washed something that should have been dry-cleaned, then you know about the possible catastrophic events that can ensue. Washing on the delicate cycle is always a safe bet, as well as mesh bags. I love mesh bags. They are perfect for delicates and anything else that may need extra tender love and care. Another thing you can do is air dry your garment. The dryer can cause shrinkage and put unnecessary heat on your clothes that may ruin them. So air drying is your best friend.

Sweater: Zara (last year) Jeans: Zara

Shoes: Miu Miu, Socks: Gucci

PROPER STORAGE:

How you store your clothes will add to their longevity . For example, hanging up your skirts and pants on proper hangers is something you should do. The right hangers can preserve the shape of your clothes, providing you hang them properly. I really like to use those special skirt hangers. You can also use velvet hangers that will prevent your dresses and shirts from slipping off the hangers, which can be really irritating. Also, keep in mind, some things should not be hung. For instance, cashmere sweaters. Hanging them might cause them to become misshapen, so I would suggest folding them.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY:

I realize that fast fashion is very tempting, and can be a good choice if you want to try a trend before investing in it. However, don’t overlook the fact that investing in quality pieces will stand the test of time. Often times, these fast fashion pieces are very inexpensive, and when you wash them, they fall apart. Threads start unraveling, hems come apart, discoloration, etc. So, what happens is, you end up wearing the item once or twice and you’re back ordering again. Contrast this with investing in a quality piece that costs more, but it will stand the test of time and you will get your cost per wear out of it….which leads me to my next point.

Boots: Alexander Mcqueen

COST PER WEAR:

Cost per wear simply means the cost of the item divided by how much you wear it. Now, don’t let the math intimidate you…lol. The basic premise is the value of the item is directly related to how much you wear it. If you follow this rule, you will be able to justify that high price tag, because you are getting the maximum amount of wear out of said item. I put this equation to the test when I purchase items that are pricey, but I know I will reach for it time and time again.

Well, those are a few of my tips. I hope I could help. Let me know some things you do, to get the most out your wardrobe.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

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My Amalfi coast SUMMER Highlights

Since all of my vacation plans for 2020 were derailed because of the global pandemic a.k.a. Covid 19, I was estactic when I got the opportunity to go on a quick trip to the Amalfi coast. The Amalfi Coast was on my travel list anyway, so when this opportunity arose, I seized it.
Here are a few of the highlights and tidbits from my trip.

Seeing as flying has been a bit tricky these days, we actually drove from Switzerland to the Amalfi Coast. Yes, the ride was very long! Twelve hours to be exact! However, after being cooped up at home, that didn’t bother me. I was actually looking forward to it.
A little warning…once you get towards the coast…there are winding roads that you’ll have to drive through. The roads are small and have very tight turns. Couple that with tons of people on scooters!! There are several chances to take a beautiful scenic photo, but it might be a bit tricky trying to pull over to the side.

WEATHER

It was extremely hot when I arrived, around 32 degrees Celsus, and remained so the entire time. So it is highly advisable to take a sun hat with you. This hat you see in the pic was fabulous because it doubled as wind protection on the ferries to various destinations and/or islands.

ACCOMMODATION

There are plenty of places to stay while visiting the Amalfi Coast. Just keep in mind that in places like Positano you will pay much higher prices than staying in Sorrento or some place on the outskirts like that. That’s because Positano is a very touristy place, and people flock there for the beach and to take instagrammable photos. If you don’t want to pay exorbitant prices, simply stay in a nearby area, and then take the local bus to Positano. The bus is very cheap, and you must wear a mask. (By the way, masks are required on public transportaion, including ferries, all stores and restaurants, etc.)

I stayed in an area called Scala, at Palazzo Pascal , which is near Ravello. It was high in the mountains, which meant the views were outstanding. I was considering staying in Positano, however, the prices at Palazzo Pascal were half of what they were charging in Positano.

ATTIRE

Besides being extremely hot in the summer, there are thousands of steps that you will be climbing. I actually brought four pair of shoes. A pair of Valentino sandals, which I mainly wore to the pool. A pair of Alexandre Birman wedges which NEVER saw the light of day. Another pair of beautiful gold flat sandals, which I honestly forgot about…lol. And lastly, some Gucci Ace sneakers which I wore with everything. These shoes were my life savers because of all the walking that I did. So, I’d advise you to bring some comfy but stylish shoes if you visit this part of Italy.

SIGHTSEEING

Once you get to the Amalfi Coast, the beautiful scenery will blow you away. You can walk around the town of Amalfi, and then take a ferry to other destinations as well. I would highly suggest taking a ferry to Positano and exploring the beach, the town, and the restaurants. Then, you can explore other islands such as Capri by taking a ferry.

Also, if you have a chance, don’t forget Salerno. It has a different vibe than Amalfi and Positano, it’s more of a “big city” vibe, and very much worth it. Also, I just want to add that there are beautiful flowers and trees EVERYWHERE. So, make sure you stop and smell the roses…and hydrangeas…and geraniums…..and……..and…….

DINING

There are tons of restaurants to go to during your visit. I got some good recommendations from the hotel receptionist.. Of course you will find pizza and seafood to your heart’s content. I’m vegan, so I ate the Marinara pizza (make sure they don’t add anchovies), wonderful salads, scrumptious fruit, etc. Also, I had some of the best grilled veggies, and THE best tempura zucchini fries ever. (I’m currently trying to re-create them in my kitchen right now.)

All in all, I highly recommend that you visit this wonderful part of the world. I wish I had a bit longer to explore the other islands. I’ve already decided to go back and do that at a later date. It’s a beautiful place….plain snd simple. Let me know your experiences in the Amalfi Coast, or if it’s on your travel list.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

My morning musings......

Cows frolicking in the field (yes..they do frolic at times) , the warm sun shining on my face, the neighbor´s cat doing rollovers on the pavement underneath the chair I’m sitting in, as a desperate attempt to appear cute enough to be given a tasty treat. This is my morning. My online classes I’m teaching have their assignments, and I’m deciding on what to get on the weekly grocery run….definitely some ingredients for a vegan culinary masterpiece for myself…since I actually have time to make one. Perhaps “masterpiece” is a bit superfluous…but I have high expectations for myself..lol.

Even though the weather is warming up and I am getting antsy to go out into the world and live, to enjoy the company of my loved ones, and to once again travel to all of the spectacular destinations I have planned to go, I am still content sitting in my backyard. Breathing the fresh air, having funny conversations with my son…(while often dodging his pleas to play one on one soccer every 5 minutes….lol), looking at the bees and butterflies flutter about, I am content.

Living in the moment is all we can do. Often times, our minds are focused on the past or the future…never the present. This is our time to breathe, reflect, and live in the present. I am grateful for this moment.

Let me know what you are grateful for.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

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The Taming of the Corona......

What a time to be alive? I mean, I watch all of those apocalyptic movies that Hollywood churns out like there’s no tomorrow just like everyone else, but never really thought I’d see anything close to it in my lifetime. However, Covid-19 seems to have turned everything on its head, and hit the reset button.

The last time I checked the news, Switzerland was ranked number 9 on the top ten list of the countries with the most cases of Covid-19. We have put in place all of the safety measures such as social distancing, self- isolation/sheltering in place, and the closing of schools and businesses that are considered non-essential. There are tons of blogs and videos in cyberland giving tips and tricks on how to survive quarantine life, so this blog isn’t about that.

This is a short blog about my experiences while visiting the essential businesses here in Switzerland. Of course, my family and I have to eat, so I go to the grocery store when needed. And I also had to go to the post office the other day as well. The atmosphere in these two places was really strange. People were looking at each other like they were aliens, there were no smiles or laughter to be seen or heard (at least when I was there), and overall I just wanted to get in and out ASAP. Unfortunately, concerning the grocery stores, the big stores that do home deliveries are having the boom of the century, and therefore delivery dates are few and far between. Let me correct that….they’ve been non-existent.

Skirt: Gucci

My hope is that everyone doesn’t lose their sense of community because of this virus. That everyone doesn’t become so used to isolation and being isolated that we forget our humanity. So, if you happen to be out and about on essential business, it’s ok to smile at someone you don’t know (6 feet apart of course). After all, don’t forget, we’re in this together.

Tell me about your experiences during this time.

Thank you for stopping by!

XOXO

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2019 Fall/Winter Trend Alert: The Tall, White Boot

“VALENTINE
’Tis true; for you are over boots in love,
And yet you never swam the Hellespont.

PROTEUS
Over the boots? Nay, give me not the boots

VALENTINE
No, I will not, for it boots thee not.


”

— The Gentlemen of Verona Act I, i

I was sooooo skeptical about this trend. I had been hearing everywhere about how the white boot is so popular this fall/winter season, and that it is really very versatile and easy to wear. Wait. What?! How can a super white boot that seems like it would stand out, be easy to wear? I just found that hard to believe.

Well, after watching several fashion videos on Youtube showcasing white boots being styled with multiple outfits, I began to take a closer look at this trend. The first thing I did was think of an outfit that I could easily pair with the white boots BEFORE I bit the bullet and bought them. (Did you check out that unplanned alliteration?) After that, I thought of about two more outfits, which made a total of three, to justify the boot purchase. That’s a good tip, by the way. If you can find a minimum of 3 outfits to wear with whatever you plan on buying, chances are you will get your cost per wear out of that item.

So, after searching online, I found a pair of fabulous tall, white boots from Fendi. They came in a range of different colors and fabrics, but I settled on the white neoprene boots. I even caught a 30% off flash sale from Luisaviaroma which totally solidified my online purchase! I ordered them. They came.

When the boots came, I took them out of their box and drooled. Undoubtedly, they were fabulous. And I loved the modern heel shape. I decided to try the boots on with the outfit pictured: A No. 21 skirt, with a print that I LOVE, a chic Joos Tricot turtleneck, some blue tights, and a Rockstud Valentino pvc purse which was perfect because it didn’t clash with the printed skirt at all. I topped it all off with my beloved turband from Cult Gaia.

Let me tell you. I fell head over heels with these boots (like Valentine said in the Two Gentlemen of Verona quote above) and the outfit. I wore this outfit to work and my feet didn’t hurt ONCE. I’m a teacher, so I’m on my feet a lot during the day, and I had ZERO issues. I just felt fabulous, and now this is one of my favorite outfits. But wait. It gets better. While trying on outfits to go with these boots, I found SOOOOOOO many other fabulous options. It’s literally like those boots went with everything I tried on. NO LIE. The white boots actually behaved like a neutral, which means they damn near go with everything, making everything look even more fabulous.

The only problem I have now is not pairing them with everything, every single day, because they do stand out, and people will start saying, “She must be trying to get her money’s worth!”…….LOL.

Bottom line: I will be getting my money’s worth, because these boots are one of my best purchases of 2019. Shout out to Fendi!

How do you feel about white boots? What’s your favorite type of fall/winter boot? Let’s chat about it in the comment section.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

2019 Trend Alert: Making a statement with statement sleeves!

Dress: Zara, Bag: Fendi , Necklaces: Dylanlex Palm cuff: Gucci

Headband: Cult Gaia Socks: Gucci Shoes: Louis Vuitton

Puffs. Tiers. Ruffles. Ruching. The statement sleeve trend this season has got you covered. Literally. Whether you are going grocery shopping or going to a gala, there is a sleeve that will suit the occasion. Some people may feel that this trend is just too unwearable, that it only looks good on the runway. Let me just shout a resounding NO to that. At every price point, you can find a sleeve to fit your comfort level. There are poofs, puffs, and ruffles of various sizes to fit the statement you’re going for. Take a look at my first outfit below.

This fabulous khaki-colored dress from Zara has sleeves that aren’t that extreme, however they still make a statement. It´s a very wearable way to dip your toe into the swimming pool of this trend. If you want to dive into that pool and do a few laps, check out my next outfit.

This Cynthia Rowley dress has glorious statement sleeves. I could hide this cat in them, and no one would know….lol. These ballon sleeves will instantly elevate your look and take your outfit to a whole new level. Believe it or not, this is actually a summer dress. Pairing it with jeans and combat boots extends the life of this outfit, allowing me to wear it in the fall and winter. I believe in getting as much cost per wear from the outfits I wear, and this is how it can be done.

If you haven’t already, try this trend this season. Make a statement without saying a word. Let me know how you’ve styled your statement sleeves!

Thank you for stopping by! XOXO!

I‘d rather be naked! (3 things to do when you have NOTHING to wear.)

“He wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat.”

— Much Ado About Nothing Act I, i

PC: me

Headband: Gucci , Dress: Vivetta

How many times a week do you stand in your closet and proclaim “I HAVE NOTIHING TO WEAR”…knowing good and well that this should NOT be the freaking case. (This is definitely a first-world problem,…and the sin of gluttony at the very least…..but don’t judge…lol. Before running to the nearest mall in despair (are malls still a thing)….or your nearest keyboard to order something cute online, check out my three tips.

TIP #1 PINTEREST

Are you still sleeping on Pinterest? Well, today you are going to get that app and get yo life all the way together. Pinterest is a powerful search engine that you can use for all kinds of inspiration, including fashion. I love to type in a particular looks, such as spring/summer outfits, or transition to fall/winter outfits. You can even get specific and type in boots, or leather coats, etc. Go ahead and create some boards and keep your looks on tap. That’s what I do. Check mine out for all kinds of swagalicious looks.

TIP #2 SHOP YOUR CLOSET

Don’t underestimate the depths of your closet. First, have a clear out. Donate or sell all of the clothes and shoes you know for sure you won’t don anymore. Take them to your local Goodwill, or sell them at a second-hand shop, or on apps such as DePop, Poshmark, or TheRealReal, for example. Now you’re ready to take a double take at all of those shirts, sweaters, and skirts, that got pushed to the back of your closet. That skirt you bought on sale, it’s a great color, great fit, still has the tags on it,…pull it out! What about that sweater you haven’t worn in a while, pull it out of your drawer and give it some love. Now, lets see what we can do with these pieces that we’re about to give new life to.

TIP 3 TRY DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS

After perusing Pinterest, you no doubt have several outfit ideas you can’t wait to try out. Instead of pairing the same outfit combinations you normally do, try something different. Pair different patterns, colors, add some new jewelry, etc. Also, try different shoes that you wouldn’t normally wear with the outfit you’re creating. All of this will give you the feeling as if you are wearing a brand new outfit. And the best part is, you didn’t spend any money, and you potentially made some money from the sale of unwanted clothing items. Now that’s a WIN-WIN!

BONUS TIP

There is also an app that I’ve recently discovered called Stylebook. With this you can upload your clothes to the app, and the app gives you wardrobe suggestions that you may not have thought of. There are also other features such as a calendar which can potentially help you take the guess work out of what to wear for the upcoming week. Give it a try! :-)

Those are my tips on solving the “nothing to wear” problem, and avoiding you just giving up and leaving the house in your birthday suit…lol.

Let me know if this is something you regularly do, or if you decided to give something I mentioned a try. Would love to hear from you!

Thank you for stopping by! XOXO

My Bali Travel Guide: Solo traveling

“To unpathed waters, undreamed shores.”

— The Winter’s Tale

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Where I stayed

While in Bali, I stayed in a one bedroom AirBnB located in central Seminyak. The upstairs of the villa consisted of the bedroom, which was the bed, a TV, and a bathroom with a shower. Downstairs was a small kitchen, small dining table, a couch, and a small bathroom with only a toilet and a sink. There were doors that opened all the way to make the inside and outside one space, as well. Outside on the patio were chairs, tables, and a private swimming pool with luscious greenery. Truthfully, this spot was perfect for just me, but for two or more people, it would have been way too tight. The pictures on AirBnB made it appear much larger than it was.

Photos taken by me.

What’s Bali like?

Language: In Bali, there are many dialects spoken depending on which caste you come from. However, there is a common language called bahasa, that is kind of a newer language used to unite all of the different dialects so everyone can communicate easier. But fear not! Since Bali’s tourism industry is very strong, English is spoken everywhere, so you won’t have a problem in this area.

Getting around: OMG!!!!! There are soooo many scooters in Bali! That is the first thing I noticed while I was being driven (in a car) from the airport to my AirBnB. My driver informed me that because there really isn’t a public transportation infrastructure such as buses and trains, people mostly use scooters to get around because it’s cheap and easy. Taxis are also everywhere and easily accessible. However, it is recommended (by myself as well) to use Bluebird Taxis. These taxis are regulated, they use a meter, and you won’t get ripped off. Unfortunately, I was running late for something because my Bluebird Taxi I ordered couldn’t find my AirBnB (that’s another story…lol), so I hailed an unregulated taxi and got taken for a ride, if you get my drift…lol! From then on, it was only Bluebird for me! :-)

Back to these scooters! If you’re brave enough, you too can easily rent a scooter to get around on. But it’s nothing like riding around Mykonos, for example. That’s child’s play compared to Bali. Bali on a scooter is not for the faint of heart. There are very few to zero rules of the road that I noticed…so ride at your own risk, and don’t forget to wear a helmet! You will also get offered rides on scooters for money by the Balinese and their scooters, so that is also an option if you feel adventurous.

Tirta Gangga, Bali

Must-have Apps: Here are three apps that you need to download for your time in Bali and Southeast Asia period. If you need a taxi or scooter, if you need food delivered from your favorite restaurant, or even groceries delivered, these are the apps you need. You can pay through the app for cashless transactions, which makes everything easier. So, download these apps for a much more enjoyable stay in Bali. I was definitely happy I had them.

App #1 : Grab

App # 2 Gojek

App# 3 My Bluebird

Vegan yumminess! My falafel burger and sweet potato fries with tahini sauce. This was at a cafè called Kimsoo.

Currency: Rupiah is the currency used in Bali. You can exchange your home currency for theirs directly in the airport after you grab your luggage. This is safe and easy. You can exchange your money at various other places in Bali, but make sure that it’s an authorized vendor, otherwise you will get cheated. Because Bali is a poor country (in terms of wealth), your money will go far here. For example, 100,000 Rp = approx. $7…(at the time this post was written.) There are also lots of ATM’s around, too.

Some things to do: Depending on whether you just want to chill, or if you want adventure, you can find it all in Bali. I actually did both. The first few days, I went on some tours that I booked via AirBnB (yes, they also have what they call Experiences for you to book), and Viator. I went to the famous Gate of Heaven, the Water Garden, the Jungle Swing, coffee plantation, and the rice gardens. It was a long tour, but highly worth it. I even took a bike tour (something I do on all of my vacations if available). This tour was more strenuous than I expected…lol…but I loved it because we rode to Canngu, an area that I had wanted to see, and I saw parts of Bali that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. I highly suggest tours, especially if you are a solo traveller, because it´s stress-free. Most of the time they even pick you up from your accommodation. You can’t get more stress-free than that! :-)

Of course, if you just want to chill, you can hit up the beaches and the beach clubs. I would recommend Ku De Ta and also Potato Head. Massages are also offered everywhere if you’re in need of one. Also, other spa services are offered at many places on the island. And, these services are very inexpensive, too.

Miscellaneous: Restaurants are plentiful in Bali. You will find anything and everything, no need to worry about that. I’m a plant-based eater and found tons of eating options to accommodate me.

There are also dogs EVERYWHERE in Bali. One of my Balinese tour guides told me that the Balinese love dogs, and that every household has one. The dogs I saw appeared to be very independent, and didn’t seem to belong to anyone, but maybe that’s just dog- life in Bali……:-). None of the dogs seemed aggressive, they just did their own doggy thing. I did see an unfortunate accident where a poor dog got hit by a truck and became instantly paralyzed….:-(. This ties into the crazy driving situation in Bali that I mentioned earlier. So, just be careful if you do decide to rent a car or a scooter.

I chose the above quote from The Winter´s Tale, because in this particular scene one character is telling two other characters not to go off to some far away, possibly dangerous part of the world. I often come across people who tell me not to go there, or maybe you shouldn’t go alone, or maybe why are you going for so long, or why are ´not you staying longer, it´s not worth it….blah, blah blah. So many people have opinions about this or that….and because what you’re doing doesn’t seem or feel right for them, they try and deter you from doing what feels right for you. That is when you thank them, or not thank them for their input, and continuing to do you and continue to remember that you are living YOUR life, not theirs.

Please like, share, and/or leave a comment telling me about your experience in beautiful Bali!

Thank you for stopping by! XOXO

Damn! You are so skinny!

Recently, I went to a Thai restaurant to have lunch. I’d been to this particular restaurant several times in the past, however, this was the first time I had seen this particular waitress. As she was taking me to an available table, she exclaimed quite shockingly, “Wow, you are sooo skinny!” I’m going to assume that because English wasn’t her first language (it was quite obvious), that she didn’t realize using the term skinny has a negative connotation. And using it with strangers can come across as off-putting and rude. However, while taking all of that into consideration, and assuming she had no intentions of being rude to a paying customer, I simply smiled and said, “Yes, that’s true.”

Dress: Athena procopiou (I don’t think dress is available anymore.)

Shoes: Gucci Ace Sneakers

Purse: Gucci

Photo credit: BT

You see, this has been happening my entire life. I am really very, very naturally thin. I basically have been the same size my entire teenage, young adult, and now middle-aged adult life. I cannot tell you the countless times I´d been teased growing up because of my weight. As a child I was called Olive Oyl…remember her? :-) I was also a cheerleader from age 7-18 and of course those skimpy cheerleader uniforms just accentuated my skinniness even more. All of the other cheerleaders had curves by then, and I was still “straight up and down” as they used to say back when I was young. My mother even thought that after I had a baby, I would do as she did, and gain a lot of weight. She, too, had been thin as a child and as an adult before she had children. However, after I had my child, I snapped right back to the exact same size I had always been.

I guess people who know me and have known me my whole life aren’t really fazed by how thin I am. They don’t even notice. And quite frankly, most times, neither do I. But, in today’s society of enhanced body parts, my lack thereof, may seem strange to some people. And the fact that I embrace how I am, and don’t strive to look like what society deems is “perfect” at whatever given moment may also be a factor. I am naturally the way I am. And that suits me perfectly.

The quote above is Shakespeare´s Sonnet 130, and it is mainly discussing people’s perception of what beauty is. What is our standard of beauty? Why are we always striving to fit a standard that is ever-changing, and is quite frankly a hollow template that cannot possibly contain all of the greatness we are? This lady (the Dark Lady, she’s called) that the person in the poem is describing has none of the attributes that make a woman “beautiful”, and yet he is deeply in love with her. He basically is putting his middle-finger up to society and it’s bogus beauty standards.

I’m not putting my middle finger up to society in this blog post…lol…but I do want to stress that we should all be comfortable the way we are. If you want to change something for you, that’s great, but don’t try and fit into society’s fickle perception of who you should be at any given time. When those thoughts start creeping in…that’s when you get those middle fingers ready!!! ;-)

Thank you for stopping by….XOXO!