Best Books to Read on Vacation: Cuba Edition

One of my favourite things to pack on vacation: books. There is actual excitement when trying to plan and pick which books actually make it into the suitcase. This process doesn't thrill everyone though, so here's a final list of titles that you might want to use for your next trip. 

Even Dogs Into The Wild by Ian Rankin

This book made the list for a few reasons. First, it was a gift. Second, it's a detective novel which is not a genre I typically read. Third, this author is a number one bestseller with a plethora of other titles to choose from if the book rocks. 

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Front Lines by Michael Grant

This is the first of a trilogy, where they go back in history to World War 2. But this story has reimagined the girls fighting alongside the boys. 

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The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones

This is the newest release in the Charley Davidson series that made the Book of the Month post recently.  I might be able to catch up in time to read this one as well!
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Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia
I've been meaning to try this series out for a while now. Clearly we love series - when they are good. It's like a season of TV. Title pretty much explains what it's about and what the genre is going to be. Monster hunting. Excellent.
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World War Z: The Oral History of the Zombie War By Max Brooks

This is a book and a movie, but the version that's on my "must read list" is the audiobook. Apparently the narration of this story is pretty great and there are a ton of great actors involved. This is interviews from people and their account of the zombie war and their different versions. The only audiobook that I truly loved was Kevin Smith's book but I'm willing to give it a try! 

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Top 5 Destinations to Beat the Winter Blues

It has been a long time since I have been able to get away for a vacation in the Winter. Things always seem more important than RnR. I decided in 2016 to do more things that I wanted to do and one of those things is Travel. Plus it is really cold here in Edmonton, we had it really good these past few months with a milder Winter than usual but alas all good things must come to an end and so we have been having very cold days here in the -31 degrees Celsius range. With colder temperatures and the shorter days, comes the winter blues. So in order to combat those winter blues I have come up with a list of destinations that are sure to get you out of that winter funk.

Cuba

Cuba is a great place to go if you are on a budget and still want hot weather and beautiful beaches. While the food isn't the greatest (bring your own hot sauce) the weather and beaches definitely make up for this. If you're up for drinking and relaxing by the pool and the beach then I would definitley suggest an all inclusive resort. You can also go and explore Havana or adventure out on the water with a catermaran cruise if you can't just lay about for a whole week.

Búzios, Brazil
For a ritzy, celebrity-like escape in the dead of winter, you can't beat Búzios. Located at the tip of a long, beach-fringed peninsula about 100 miles north of Rio de Janerio. This former fishing village retains much of its old-world charm, but now boasts a slew of glitzy boutiques, restaurants, and beachfront mansions to complement its fantastic string of 20-plus beaches, rugged coastline, and darling town. December to March is the best time to visit this top winter destination, Since Brazil's summer weather is just right for a dose of sunbathing pleasures.

Costa Rica
Nowhere else can you go from  gazing at a volcano while soaking in a hot spring to a hike deep into a rainforest. There are miles and miles of amazing beaches, and national parks with many opportunities to see wildlife. You can do Costa Rica on a shoestring budget or spend a little more and make it a luxury vacation. To me a hut on stilts in the jungle sounds like an amazing adventure.

St. Croix, USVI
St. Croix is one of the U.S. Virgin Islands best kept secrets. Unlike St. Thomas and St. John St. Croix is a hidden gem. You can stay right on the beach without breaking the bank. You can tour a rum distillery or check out old sugar plantation ruins both are interesting ways to spend the day. Another attraction you can find is deep sea diving, picture clear blue oceans and miles of ship wrecks waiting to be explored.

 Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic like my other picks has the essential white sandy beaches. Many people travel here because it is affordable with a lot of all inclusive resorts. The Dominican is great because you can cater your getaway to what you are looking for whether it is a romantic getaway for two, or family friendly it has something for everyone and at every price point. The waterfalls are beautiful definietly a must see!

Hawaii
Hawaii is a legendary surfing destination, but even if you are not into surfing there are plenty of other water sports to try out. Hawaii can be very expensive but if you do your research and look out for deals you won't have to break the bank to enjoy it. There are many islands to choose from depending on what you are looking for. Hawaii has always been a destination on my bucket list of places to see, what entices me are the pictures of amazing waterfalls, lush landscapes, exotic flowers and volcanoes.

Where do you go to beat the winter blues? What destination is on your bucket list?

Blogging FOMO

In all honesty, some days being a blogger I hit a wall. I fully admit that I've been at home scrolling through my social media feed and having a self-pity party as I stare at photos of bloggers who seem to have a much more exciting life than I have. I think this is commonly referred to as FOMO aka fear of missing out.

I am often catch myself think “How do other bloggers have the time? How do you manage all the things and still have an amazing and exciting social media feed with a huge following?” I know some people have worked their asses off and are fortunate enough to have their blog as a full time job, but how do rest of the up and coming bloggers get to it all? Between balancing a full time career, running a blog and attempting to have any sort of social life I find one of the three is always fighting a losing battle.



So how to deal with FOMO and manage all aspects of everything? Here are few things I am gonna try...


Disconnect.  Take time each week to get away from your phone, email or whatever! As bloggers we spend so much time on social media and behind our laptops, taking a few hours break here and there wont hurt (and we probably wont miss much). The Letters to LA LA land team is heading to Cuba on Sunday, I plan not to check my phone or e-mail at all. (Having little to no internet will help, but how will I let everyone know I love them on twitter and instagram? #firstworldproblem)


Get organized. I think half my issues are that I wanna do so much but time seems to get away from me. Telling myself you will remember that, you don't need to write it down is a lie - so start with writing things down, set measurable and realistic goals, keep organized.


Don't compare yourself to others. This is a lot harder said than done, but this is something I need to be more aware of.

OOTD - Pink Obsession

My love for pink knows no bounds, apparently. It was brought to my attention that I wear two colours on the regular: black and pink... turns out this is true. Pretty pastel colour dresses are my favourite thing as they are very feminine and elegant. Since they aren't really part of my winter wardrobe I paired it with a sweater.

dress: vintage

purse: unknown

shoes: Valentino

sweater: H&M

Easy Chocolate Almond Bites

Baking is a skill, that can be learned but it's not always easy. If you want to make dessert but don't want to follow 15 step and measure things, here is a recipe for you. It takes 30 minutes from start to finish and you can not mess it up.

Ingredients:

Pie dough

Chocolate bar

Almonds, sliced

Butter, two spoons melted

Directions:

On a baking sheet /tray lay out the pie dough, and place chocolate bar in the middle.

Cut the dough in strips around the chocolate on each side, fold dough taking on strip from one side than another (essentially like a bride).

With a brush spread melted butter over dough.

Spread sliced almonds over rough.

Bake for 12-15 minutes at 375.

Enjoy.

OOTD - Will Work for Shoes

I think it was on "Sex and the City" that I first saw this shirt, and  found it very relatable. I do work for shoes... and sometimes to pay for like bills and stuff. Pink is my favourite colour, so I had to get this skirt (which is on sale for $5 now) There is something very feminine and elegant about very blush colours and nude accessories.

Shoes: Valentino

Purse: Kate Spade

Skirt: Reitman's

Top: Vintage

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Yes, my love for pink knows no bounds... but at least I am not wearing black, right?

Tv/Movies-Top 5 Shows to Watch in 2016

Fuller House

A Netflix original series Fuller House is bringing back the 90s. I guess 2016 is the year of throw backs. I am super excited for this show, I loved the original "Have Mercy!" which is currently on Netflix. So if you lived under a rock in the 90s or were too young now's your chance to catch up and then start the new series. The plot is D.J. Tanner-Fuller is a widow and mother of three. Things become too much to handle, so she asks for help from her sister Stephanie and her best friend Kimmy.

Prison Break

It has been confirmed Prison Break is coming back to Fox. So brush up on the episodes on Netflix and get ready for the eye candy that is  Lincoln (Purcell) and Michael (Miller). There are few details so far apart from both Purcell and Miller coming back for the series but this is a must watch. Although there is no confirmed release date be sure to keep this one on your radar.  When it first came out I was hooked, and it has been gone long enough that I miss it and love that it is coming back.

Shades of Blue

Jenny from the block is on TV and as a cop no less. Say what you want but the woman can act. She plays a mother and cop in a tight-knit crew of cops in Brooklyn. Their unit often crosses the line, and so Harlee (JLO) gets turned informant. She has to balance motherhood, her unit and being an informant. This show looks good so be sure to watch Thursdays 10/9c.

Lucifer

This show is about the original fallen angel Lucifer, who is bored with his life and so abandons his post as the Lord of Hell and retires to none other than Los Angeles (because if you're going to retire why not LA!) where he owns a nightclub Lux. The murder of a pop star happens right outside his club, and so he meets Chloe Decker an LAPD homicide detective. He helps Chloe solve the murder and in doing so awakens something inside of him and he beings to wonder if there is hope yet for his soul. I know this storyline sounds crazy and weird but it actually looks pretty good and I love the whole good vs. evil that we all battle with.  If you aren't convinced by my description check out some clips here. Lucifer premieres on Monday January 25, 2016 on Fox.

Second Chance
A disgraced ex-sheriff is thrown to his death but gets a second chance at life as a younger, better version of himself. That description says it all, I mean who wouldn't want to be a younger better version of themselves. This show premiered on January 13, 2016 so if you haven't seen the first episode yet go and catch up and then watch every Wednesday at 9/8c on Fox.  

What are you guys watching in 2016?

Style staples

I, as many of you, have way too many clothes.  Regardless if I get sucked in to buying into trends, buy 5 of the things I absolutely love or buy endless amount of dresses due to many cultural events, in my late twenties I have accumulated enough clothes to outfit a store. However, here are ten things that I can't live without and that are my style staples.

1. Graphic tee
2. Leather jacket
3. Biker boots
4. Black pumps
5. Red Lipstick
6. Black Skinny Jeans
7. Leather Pants
8. White Dress
9. Black Shoulder Bag
10. Statement coat

I have owned (currently do) at least one of each of these (I have like 20 graphic rock tees) and these are the only things that make regular appearances regardless of how old I am getting, or what is in style.
I have linked my favorite version of my style staples for you.

What are you wardrobe staples you can't live without?

OOTD - Overalls

Winter is in full swing and this year I am trying to do something different by going out and enjoying the colder temperatures. I don't handle cold very well but I am lucky enough to live in a place where we get a lot of sunshine even on coldest days. Levis jeans are a classic and you cant go wrong with them; I took a risk with these Levis overalls and I love them. I pair them with a simple knit sweater and went for a short walk.

Now, the questions is can we bring overalls back in style?

I generally don’t like wearing turtlenecks but this one is so cozy and comfortable I couldn’t resist. I left my hair tucked in so it looked like I ahve short hair for a day.

Jeans: Levis

Sweater: J Crew

Shoes: Converse

Purse: Spring