quality vs. quantity time and my advice

This past weekend I spent Labor Day with my father's side of the family. A ritual has begun and we call it the Jackson Family Summer Games. The second bi-annual competition took place in my aunt's backyard and was just as wholesome as the name sounds.

I was welcomed by smiling, familiar faces, some of which I hadn't seen in over a year. I would like to blame distance and time constraints on this fact, but that's not the truth. Life is hectic and we all have our own stuff going on. My family doesn't have to meet on every holiday. We don't force or try to squeeze in our time together. As odd as it may seem, as an adult I have come to fully appreciate this about my clan. We laugh and do really cheesy things together (like things you would see on a Hallmark movie) and no distance of time diminishes it. Quality versus quantity is a belief I have fully absorbed in the past year and a half. Monotony is never a word used to describe the Jackson gatherings. I attribute this to the value we put on our time together and emphasis we place on the quality of those moments.

Now don't get me wrong. I would love to see these humans more often than I do. They're funny and smart and carry so many unique traits. Traits that remind me 'oh, you're not the only weirdo who thinks that's way'. Weekends such as the last make me so incredibly thankful of traditions such as Jackson Family Summer Games and being present in the precious moments given to me. Quality, I have learned, trumps time.

If you miss someone, let them know. And the next time you are together look each other in the eyes and smile while you're talking. Life's best moments happen when you forget where you sat down your phone.

writer's block and when to take a breath

As you can probably tell, I have been in a funk. My creativity level has been at an all time low. I am not entirely sure when it happened, but somewhere between making writing a large part of my career and the summer beginning I kind of lost my head. You see, I have always put pen to paper for fun. When a hobby transitions to a job (in my case a job where people change, erase and pick at your words) you sort of fall out of lust.

But not love. Which brings me back here; I love this blog. I don't care how many people read it. I do this for me. I love my art.

If you have ever been in a funk, at loss of words or struggled through a months long writer's block, here are my tips for you.

-Take a breath. Take a break. Having a unique and inspiring voice will never show face in times of distraction or stress.

-Take a walk. Literally, go outside and gain a new perspective. My best ideas happen on city pavements and in grassy parks.

-Write about something else. A poem, a memory, a fake toast. Write something mindless, meaningless and let your juices start flowing.

-Ask for help. Talk to someone about your topic. Different insights and experiences can do wonders for most situations, actually.

-Pour a glass of wine. Or beer. Or cocktail. And if none of those sounds good, indulge in a big piece of chocolate cake. Make your mouth happy, the fingers will follow.

Barley especially loves writer's block...

And sometimes I do too. 

Hi Blog, missed ya

Hi Blog,

I missed ya. Summer break was great, but I am ready to get back on the writing grind. After all, with nearly four months of adventures under my belt, it's time to spill the beans.

This summer was spent with Barley (naturally), drinking beer (again, naturally) and of course, slowly putting ticks next to my ever changing/growing/evolving mental bucket list. For one, I had no idea that this summer would be the summer that my inevitable itch to fish would absolutely  need to be scratched. See here where I subtly mention this secret passion. Did it - Check! Local adventure - Accomplished! Caught what I said I would - A Buzz! (I'm physically patting myself on the back.)

Back to my summer. I travelled to Lake Enders twice, which is basically a beautiful mud puddle on the western boarder of Nebraska. I spent two weekends enjoying the sunshine, camping with my family and watching far more talented people than I do water sport activities. All in all, it rocked and I am so happy I made it a point to road trip out this year.

I also created and attended an unofficial RiNo bar crawl, thanks to the purchase of the Denver Passport. Later this week I will write-up a full review of the places, pizzas and shenanigans that took place.  It was one of my favorite days ever spent in Denver. I am excited to dive into my memory to recount that date. Stay tuned.

Other warm weather highlights: Visiting Mexico to see my cousin get married, filming Bert the Conqueror at Water World, taking my parents to The Big Wonderful and treating each weekend like it's my birthday.

VSCO: taking an iPhone pic to a masterpiece

I wish there were words to describe how beautiful this photo is through my eyes. For the past twelve hours this image has lived on a window, opened for me to view between documents and emails. As this picture surprisingly reappears, it brings me simple bliss. 

I am not a photographer, but in a world where image is king, VSCO is making artistry via camera phone that much easier. This application is more than a collection of snapshots or a social media forum. It is a high quality editor, taking an iPhone pic to a masterpiece.  It is additionally a beautiful display of different facets of a user's life. 

Now, back to my peaceful place. 

VSCO 

Local Exploration: scratching a travel itch

In a recent article published by USA Today Traveler, author Jessica Festa highlights how one can and should capitalize on those allusive days of paid vacation. As we know, getting away is much easier said than done. As the piece blatantly states, in 2014 over 40% of us didn't.

In my first official year of a "big girl" job I have quickly recognized the challenges of planning, packing up and jet setting to a new destination. Not only is there very little time, there's little wiggle room in my life to frivolously travel. "Yolo" doesn't fit anymore. Between building my career and bank account, it's hard to find the ultimate balance of wanderlust and work.

So what are we do to? Lead a life without roving and play? Of course not. I stick on a band-aid,  scratching the travel itch. What's my solution? Keep the explorations local.  If we're friends, you know that I truly do pride myself on staying in the loop. If there is a great cocktail bar opening, I want to be the first to try it. If there's an interesting gallery exhibit, I'm on the RSVP list. And don't get me started on the wilderness I proudly call my backyard. Between hiking, biking and the other outdoor sports I have yet to pursue, I could probably spend the next five years compiling my weekends with staycations. These passions for my city and state really fulfill my urge to roam.

Not sure where to get started on your nearby retreat? Challenge yourself.  Visit an exhibit or festival, even if you have to tackle it alone. Decide which dive bar in town is your dive bar. Find your absolute favorite burger and don't let anyone tell you that Cherry Cricket's is better. Try a new activity, like fishing. Even if you are terrible at the sport, you can at least catch a buzz. The options are endless and you won't have to pack a bag.

Happy trails, local travelers! And best of luck finding your new favorite gem.

a healthy sweet treat

When it comes to brownies I don't usually recommend blending together black beans and avocados,  but desperate times call for desperate measures. How did I end up here? Let me explain.

The secret's out, I like dessert. The other secret's out, I want to look good this bikini season. These two obsessions unfortunately do not go hand in hand. So what's a girl to do when her sweet tooth gets the best of her? Blended Mexican mush... (kidding!)

Today I introduce a healthy recipe that I actually enjoy. Here is how to make a gooey, delicious, protein packed, sweet treat. 

Ingredients:

1 Can Black Beans

1/2 Avocado

2 Large Egg Whites

3 Scoops of Protein Powder (Chocolate or Vanilla)

1 Apple

2 Tablespoons Coconut 

1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350. In a food processor blend ingredients together until it becomes a pancake-like batter. Coat an 8x8 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 20-30 mins. Pull out of oven and let cool. 

Garnish with granola and honey. 

Enjoy! 

My Marquee

It's Friday, which means today is the perfect time to introduce my newest treasure... My marquee sign! Earlier I walked you through the steps of assembling this DIY decor piece. Ready to polish off the project?

First of all, get some hot glue. Place a bulb in each hole, and dab a little bit of the glue to the inside of the cut. Use just enough to make the light sit tight. Secretly, I have also attached duct tape to the back of each letter. This is to keep the cords from popping out. 

Yes. It is seriously that simple. 

Ready for the big reveal? Here is my master piece:

It's not perfect, but I think it rocks. Cheers to winging more DIY projects in the very near future. Oh, and happy weekend all!