artsea & nauti™

[artseanauti]

10 of the Best Podcasts on Spotify

1. Crime Junkie

This is my absolute favorite podcast. I tune in every Monday to get my true crime fix. You can follow Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat on social media to get the latest updates on content and cases, and for a chance to win some cool swag.

2. Park Predators (NEW)

3. The Daily Show With Trevor Noah: Ears Edition

4. The Side Hustle Show

5. Lovett or Leave It

6. Pod Save America

7. Can He Do That?

8. 48 Hours

9. Philosophize This!

10. Stuff You Missed in History Class

[artseanauti]

Lavender Vegan Lip Balm

Ingredients

Candelilla Wax

Cocoa Butter

Coconut Oil

Jojoba Oil

Essential Oils

[artseanauti]

I Love When People Share their Pics 😍

Send me a photo with your swag and get featured on my blog.

Elly bought the Eco-Friendly Canvas Produce Tote.

Thank you for sharing, Elly! ❤️

[artseanauti]

Cultivate your Freelancing Skills and Outsource Time-Depleting Tasks to Fiverr

Fiverr is the hub for all of your digital needs. Even the most technically inclined people run into tasks that are either outside of their scope of expertise or are just completely mundane and burdensome, and thus become triggers of stress and procrastination. Keep your head above water by prioritizing which projects and tasks you can complete in a timely manner versus those that will result in a loss of productive time and energy that’s likely already in short supply. Productivity-drains aren’t limited to excessive cell phone use and socializing, these drains can be relative to your industrial habits as well. Consider outsourcing as an option to improve your process, strategies, and output.

How does it work?

The site is incredibly user-friendly and it’s FREE to sign up. Signing up takes only a minute of your time, which compared to the tedious tasks you’ll be sparing yourself that cost you so much more time, it’s completely worth it. First, determine what your needs are. Reference that mile-long to do list if you aren’t sure where to start. Looking through your outstanding tasks, what areas does it look like you struggle to keep up the most? Let’s review some of the categories of virtual services that Fiverr offers and see what aligns with your needs.

Fiverr Pro

Find professional accounting services for your specific business needs. Here’s a few offerings I found just by browsing the marketplace:

Hire a Certified Accountant

Take CPA Marketing Courses

CPA Landing Page Design

CPA Mobile Marketing

CPA Network Hookups

Promotional Campaign Creation

Passive Income How-Tos

MLM Investment Platform Creation

and more Graphics & Design Services

Logo Design

Brand Style Guides

Business Cards & Stationery

Illustration

Brochure Design

Poster Design

Flyer Design

Book Design

Album Cover Design

Packaging Design

Web & Mobile Design

Social Media Design

Portraits & Caricatures

Cartoons & Comics

Architecture & Interior Design

Building Information Modeling

Industrial & Product Design

T-Shirts & Merchandise

Presentation Design

Infographic Design

Digital Marketing Services

Social Media Advertising

Social Media Marketing

SEO

Public Relations

Email Marketing

SEM

Marketing Strategy

Web Analytics

Mobile Marketing & Advertising

Writing & Translation Services

Articles & Blog Posts

Resume Writing

Proofreading & Editing

Translation

Sales Copy

Press Releases

Product Descriptions

Website Content

Scriptwriting

Book & eBook Writing

Email Copy

Video & Animation Services

Whiteboard & Animated Explainers

Video Editing

Short Video Ads

Animated GIFs

Logo Animation

Intros & Outros

Character Animation

3D Product Animation

Lyric & Music Videos

Live Action Explainers

Visual Effects

Product Photography

Local Photography

Music & Audio Services

Voice Over

Mixing & Mastering

Producers & Composers

Singers & Vocalists

Session Musicians

Programming & Tech Services

WordPress

Website Builders & CMS

Game Development

Web Programming

E-Commerce Development

Mobile Apps

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

Chatbots

Data Analysis & Reports

Business Services

Market Research

Business Plans

Presentations

AndCo

Pass off the grueling, routine tasks that keep you from focusing on the more important and enterprising aspects of your business, or from doing the work that you’re truly passionate about. Here’s a list of the services that AndCo offers to help you get leagues and bounds ahead. Don’t be reluctant to ask for help or outsource tasks. It can be more affordable than you think and will save you so much aggravation. Time is money, and with AndCo, a little money equals significantly more time!

Proposals

Invoicing

Payments

Contracts

Time Tracking

Expenses

Task Lists

Reports

Fiverr Learn

If you’re the type of person who brings the DIY philosophy into your business endeavors, then Fiverr Learn is for you. You might say, “why pay someone else when I can invest in learning how to do it myself,” and that’s a winning attitude that Fiverr can help you reinforce through affordable online courses designed for specific areas of interest by subject matter experts. Choose from dozens of on-demand courses in 6 different categories:

Digital Marketing: Product Promotion, Social Media Content and Marketing Strategies, SEO Fundamentals, Paid Advertising, Brand Strategies for Small Businesses, Google Analytics, Blog Content Strategy, and more.

Design & Branding: Business Strategy and Deisgn for Small Businesses. Logo Design Fundamentals, Creating Brand Identity Systems, Create and Design Memorable Presentations, Personal Branding: Creating A Strong Online Presence, Product Photography Retouching in Adobe Photoshop, and more.

Adobe CC: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator Mastery, Adobe InDesign Mastery, Adobe Lightroom Classic Fundamentals, Adobe Premier Pro Fundamentals, and more.

Storytelling & Voiceover: Voiceover for Real People: Complete Freelancing Guide, Stories That Sell: 7 Secrets To Create Killer Content, Data Storytelling: Deliver Insights via Compelling Stories, Blog Content Strategy, Online Freelancing Essentials: Be a Successful Fiverr Seller, and more.

Web & SEO: Build a Professional Website with WordPress.com, Google Analytics - Fundamentals, SEO Fundamentals: The Ultimate Framework, Creating High Converting Landing Pages, Become an SEO Specialist, E-Commerce Copyrighting: The Key to Conversion, Google Analytics Mastery, and more.

Programs: Take Your Business Online, Become a Content Marketing Specialist, Social Media Marketing: Organic & Ads, Paid Advertising: Social and Search, Viral Marketing & Copyrighting, Logo & Brand Identity for Designers, and more.

Affiliate Disclosure

According to the FTC, it’s my responsibility to inform consumers that I do receive compensation for product, service, and website reviews and recommendations for my affiliates in the form of a commission. I take consumers’ privacy and trust very seriously and will do my best to share products and services that are safe and legitimate.

[artseanauti]

Space Saver Ideas found on Amazon

Baskets

One of the things I love about Joanna Gaines’ decorating style is how she incorporates decor that is aesthetically-appealing and functional. I saw these baskets on Amazon and thought they are neutral enough to work into any eclectic, bohemian, nautical, or rattan themed space. The basket on the left is made from cotton rope and the other is wicker. Growing up my mom collected wicker furniture and back then pieces like that were a dime a dozen. Now it is shocking how expensive wicker anything is, so when I see it for a good price online or in a store, I naturally just gravitate to it.

Chests & Trunks

I love pieces like this that can double as a storage container and a table. They come in all kinds of materials, but where I love the farmhouse-style furniture, the bleached wood look is my go-to. I tend to mix themes in my home because I like way too many different things, so I would call my decorating style eclectic, but when you select furniture that has enough neutrality to tie themes together like this piece does, it can a long way. I could see tying this piece into a farmhouse and/or nautical theme. What makes the difference is how you would dress this piece up with knickknacks - candles, a decorative bowl, or a pretty vase.

Side Tables

I love little tables like this that offer a little extra storage. These are perfect for a small space because they aren’t bulky looking. The side table on the left opens up and would be a great place to store items that you don’t use often or don’t want cluttering a visible space. The table on the right would be perfect for rolling up towels, linens, or throw blankets and putting them neatly inside the basket. I’d use something like this for my pets toys that seemingly grow legs and travel around the house.

Wall Shelves

I love this geometric corner shelf. I think it would look adorable with some little succulent plants, small votive candle holders, and mini picture frames. You could stagger items, one per shelf, and give it some character. Another thing that would look pretty on a small shelf like that is little jars of sand from different beaches or seashells. Shelving is something that alleviates the burden of having or needing furniture at floor-level just to house your trinkets. Open up some floor space with wall units and behold a few extra feet or inches of livable space.

[artseanauti]

8 Summer Gadgets found on Amazon

1. Portable Radio

These are so perfect to bring to the beach or out on a deck to sunbathe. You won’t need to burn up your cell phone juice to play music or have to DJ. The SUNNYLIFE radio actually opens up, and I thought that would be a super convenient place to keep your cell phone and car keys so they don’t get sandy or soaked. The third Bluetooth speaker would be excellent for tailgating, a pool party, BBQ, or to listen to while working in your garage.

2. Waterproof Floating Phone Case

Sadly I have been known to lose electronics overboard of boats and off the side of docks. With one of these waterproof cases, you not only don’t have to worry about it going overboard by accident, but you can purposely take your phone with you while you float around in the pool and not have to worry if that friend we all have does a cannon ball right next to you or if you have butter fingers like I do.

3. iPhone Fan

I actually bought these for my husband and I when I lived in Florida and they definitely put off some nice breeze! They do get kind of warm if used for more than a few minutes at a time and they will run your battery down slightly, but worth it for a trip to the tropics. They are under $10 and come in all colors.

4. Underwater Camera

I have always wanted a camera that took pictures under water, but I always thought they were so expensive. Guys, the one on the left is under $50! The one on the right is $75 and has great reviews.

5. Snorkel Mask with a Camera Mount

Haul out your Go-Pro and mount it right on top of your snorkel for hands-free photos and videos.

6. Bluetooth Headphones

I see people wearing these bulky headphones again. They seemingly went out of style for a while, unless you’re a gamer or something, but I am seeing people wearing these at the beach, on public transportation, walking around the city, and on college campuses again. Skullcandy has always been one of my favorite brands and I highly recommend these. They come in multiple colors. Click any one of the photos below to view the other color options.

7. Wireless Projector

These little projectors would be so cool to take camping! Whether it’s a romantic trip or a family trip, I would totally sit in my tent at night and watch a movie. I understand that seemingly takes the point out of camping, but I’m speaking on behalf of the night owls who are always the last one’s standing after everyone else has tapped out for the night. Catch me at 4:00 am watching some Criminal Minds in my tent.

8. GPS Watch

These are super functional for outdoorsy types. You can track steps, distance, heart rate, GPS coordinates, and so much more. I recommend Garmin over the iWatch personally, but I’ve attached both for you to compare.

Affiliate Disclosure

According to the FTC, it’s my responsibility to inform consumers that I do receive compensation for product, service, and website reviews and recommendations for my affiliates in the form of a commission. I take consumers’ privacy and trust very seriously and will do my best to share products and services that are safe and legitimate.

[artseanauti]

6 Amazing Restaurants to try in Bar Harbor

Mama Dimatteo’s (Italian)

This is one of my all-time favorite places to eat in Bar Harbor. It’s centrally located with only a minute walk from the Village Green and parking. They have indoor and outdoor seating with ambient lighting, plenty of social distance, and very attentive staff. My husband and I actually just ate at Mama’s on the 4th of July. Here’s what we ordered and enjoyed tf out of:

Caesar Salad with the best dressing, homemade croutons, and shaved parmesan. I actually remember telling my husband that it was the best salad I’d had in months.

Baked Cheese with mozzarella cheese wrapped in a light and flaky pastry puff and served with marinara. The marinara is to die for. My husband and I actually ate it with a spoon after we demolished the baked cheese puff.

Garlic Nuggets baked to perfection and slathered in garlic, butter, herbs, and parmesan cheese. The portion is small, but it makes you want to savor each bite because sometimes it’s about quality over quantity. We will definitely order them again.

Chicken Saltimbocca is prosciutto-wrapped chicken served with linguine and mushroom marsala. My husband killed his dinner, so I didn’t even need to ask him if he enjoyed it. This entrée was a generous portion and the marsala looked sinfully palatable.

Chicken Parmesan hardly needs an introduction. I tend to be a plain Jane sometimes when I’m not feeling adventurous with food. I was devastated that they were out of alfredo when we went, but considering they sat us less than hour from the time they were scheduled to close on a busy holiday, I’m absolutely not complaining. The early bird gets the alfredo. Duly noted.

Can’t forget the cocktails! My husband ordered a blueberry mojito and I ordered my signature drink, a Moscow mule. They were mixed perfectly!

2. Rosalie’s Pizza

Okay, I realize the out of control Italian in me is showing, but I’m taking you from the best Italian restaurant around to a NY style pizzeria right smack dab downtown on Cottage Street. Rosalie’s has been a Summer staple of mine since we moved to MDI in 2002, and all of these years later I still make it a point to go at least a few times per season. Something about family-owned pizzerias who’ve perfected their recipe over the span of decades just sells me. Any true pizza snob knows it’s all about the quality of the sauce and cheese and the appropriate ratio of sauce to cheese. The crust is thin and crispy, but not too thin or too crispy. Keep in mind that Rosalie’s is like Chick-fil-A level popular in Bar Harbor, so don’t wait until your stomach goes into survival mode and starts eating itself to get in line. We usually call ahead to order and either find a place to eat on one of the two floors of seating or we do take out. The upper level of seating has a great view of Cottage Street by the way, so I tend to always make my way upstairs to eat in non-pandemic world. If you choose to dine in, the staff will call your name and bring your food right to your table. Don’t forget to leave them a tip in their tip jar if you enjoy your food and experience as much as I always do.

3. Side Street Café

Side Street used to have the BEST build your own mac & cheese, and I was obsessed. I haven’t made it there in a couple of years now, but I was once a frequenter just for that dish. It was a-maz-ing! I actually just confirmed on their website and they still have it on the menu. Yay! Some other notable mentions about this restaurant is their covered high-top tables on their outdoor patio and they have a super convenient wait list right on their website that you can get on without having to call, and you can see the approximate wait time to decide if the timing fits into your plans. The patio is a great place to just relax, enjoy your beverage, and do a little people-watching. It’s centrally located and directly near public parking. If you’re like me, gravitate toward that outdoor patio, enjoy the infamously fresh Maine air, devour some mac & cheese, and pre-game or post-game a walk around downtown. Keep in mind that Side Street does high volume business, so it would behoove you to utilize their online wait list feature.

4. Jalapeno’s (Mexican)

I’m not going to lie, I go for the salsa and sangria. Their salsa is so good with its big chunks of tomatoes, fresh cilantro flavor, a hint of sweetness, and a fair amount of kick. When I say I go for the salsa and sangria, that’s because I never save enough room to make it through my meal. I don’t know about you, but I’m usually good for a couple rounds of salsa. Jalapeno’s checks all of my Mexican food boxes. Good chips and salsa, check. Good sangria, check. Good queso, check. The rest is just background noise.

As someone who spent 13 years of my childhood in the Heartland of Texas, I know good authentic Mexican cuisine. Admittedly, there are not many places in Maine to get authentic Mexican food or even Tex Mex. Jalapeno’s is my go-to when I have a hankering for all of my South of the Border fixes. The portions are super generous and I always get multiple meals out of it. They also have a nice patio that overlooks Main Street, the long drag through downtown Bar Harbor with tons of shops and restaurants. It’s a minute walk from the village green and a less than five minute walk from two public parking lots. There is also street parking closer-by.

5. Fish House Grill

I was actually good friends with the owner’s niece in grade school, just a random factoid. He sold the business to someone else who kept it pretty true to it’s original form, which I appreciate. Fish House Grill has an amazing view of the harbor, pier, and marina. This has always been one of my favorite places to go for lighter fare and drinks as I’m not a seafood-eater. I personally recommend the caprese sandwich.

Despite its seafood-sounding name, the Fish House Grill has something for everyone. It’s a laid back and relaxed atmosphere, and the service is efficient and attentive. It’s important to mention that the restaurant is located on the bottom level of a commercial building, so if you look for and follow the signage, it is easy to find. Once you make it down the little flight of stairs, the hostess station is immediately on your right. I have actually never experienced a wait time and they’ve always been super accommodating of my outdoor seating requests. If you’re planning on catching one of the whale watch or boat tours in Bar Harbor, the Fish House Grill is literally right next door to where you board and disembark, so it’s super convenient to grab some lunch or dinner before or after your tour.

6. Siam Orchid (Thai)

I’ve actually only been to Siam Orchid one time when my husband and I were dating, but I enjoyed our meal, our window seat, and the friendly service. They have both indoor and outdoor seating available. It feels super exclusive and it’s affordable ethnic cuisine. I remember the food being beautifully plated and well-cooked. It’s on our hit list for this summer to go back for more. Typically with Asian cuisines I’m a creature of habit and tend to order the same things everywhere and every time we go, but I remember their eloquently worded food descriptions enticed me to try something new. Highly recommend it! I can’t wait to go back soon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it…

[artseanauti]

Sarajevo is all about the Statement Jewelry

I absolutely loved the flea markets in Sarajevo. It’s a notoriously Muslim area, so the fashions are rich with bold colors and large jewelry. Between the bangles and bulky necklaces, I just wanted a magic carpet and a genie lamp. I also found this adorable little key chain with the Serbian spelling of my name.

Here’s a similar piece I found on Wish.

Sarajevo is abundant in this exaggerated, big-statement, Bohemian type jewelry. I’d pair this with a hippy dippy kind of skirt, a solid tank, and a denim jacket.

[artseanauti]

A Quick Morning Snack Before Our Hike Through Jahorina Mountain

I never eat cleaner than I do when I visit my husband’s family in Europe. We always throw together the lightest and most delightful little snacks and meals. One of my favorite meals we’ve ever prepared, though it is so simple, was when we were staying in a little cabin on Jahorina Mountain. Our little morning meal consisted of: Homemade Sausage, sliced Fried Eggs, in oil Sliced Tomato and Chopped White Onion Salad Fresh Bread Loaf, sliced Farm-to-Table Ham The veggies and fresh bread loaf came from a farmer’s market in Pale. The meat and fresh eggs came from Nik’s parent’s farm.

[artseanauti]

The Balkan Experience. A Hidden Eastern European Gem

I’ve been to Eastern Europe three times. It’s actually the only international region I’ve traveled to, and I’m a proud patron and frequenter. I met my husband on Mount Desert Island in Maine. He was a J-1 student who came to work and travel for the summer in 2016 and a national of Bosnia and Herzegovina. After our first year of dating, some of which was spent long-distance, I decided to take the plunge and go visit him in Bosnia. It was the best decision I have ever made for two reasons: 1. It was an unforgettable and affordable cultural experience. 2. It was the first big step I took in our relationship. Now we are happily married! My first trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina I stayed at Hotel Drina, a 5-star hotel in downtown Bijeljina where my husband and his family are from. Compared to some of our 5-star hotels and resorts in America, it was a more simple elegance, but nonetheless, I was enamored by it all.

For 6 nights in Hotel Drina, I spent $600 USD. An absolute steal if you ask me. One small lesson I learned, however, is that hotels abroad assess a fee for each additional person who stays in your room with you, so that $600 was initially less when I made the reservation, but after all was said and done, that’s what I spent on my luxury stay, and I’m not complaining at all. The room was furnished with a sofa, a writing desk, a TV with cable, maid service, a separate bedroom from the living room, a beautiful view of the city with cathedral windows, a modern bathroom with a garden tub, and breakfast every morning that was included in the cost of the room. I enjoyed sitting in the window every morning and watching the city come to life, and again in the evening as the city seemingly went to sleep with the sun.

My first trip to Bosnia I quickly learned that coffee doesn’t come with ice and it sure as hell isn’t picked up at a drive-thru window. Eastern Europe is all about espresso, and coffee isn’t just a morning ritual, it’s a culture. There are three types of places you will see in abundance there, and that’s cafes, churches, and pharmacies. Balkan people spend an ample amount of time socializing over coffee with their friends. They can make an espresso last for an impressive length of time, and for many of them, their day revolves around getting dressed up and meeting people for coffee. My favorite place to have an espresso, and a piece of kinder cake, is in Gradski Park in Bijeljina.

One of my other favorite places to visit is the farmer’s market in downtown Bijeljina. All of the produce is traditionally farmed and organic. It’s centrally located and open daily which makes it super convenient for one-stop shopping on your way by or through. I also obtained spices from the market that I have and use to this day.

I visited three major cities on my first trip. In addition to receiving the grand tour of Bijeljina, we went to Novi Sad and Belgrade in Serbia. Novi Sad felt more exclusive, but Belgrade is like the New York City of Serbia, a city that never ever sleeps. My first trip happened to coincide with the anniversary of the NATO bombings, so being an American tourist as well as a veteran of the US military made me feel a little uneasy, but despite all of that, people treated me with respect and showed me nothing but kindness.

While in Novi Sad, Nikola and I were able to catch a movie premier at a theater and we visited the Petrovaradin Fortress which was build in 1692 to protect Austrian forces from the Ottoman Empire and Turkish Army. We also indulged in a sweet treat from an ice cream bar. It was also the occasion on which I learned how my name is spelled in Serbian, Adrijana, thanks to a pizzeria we saw.

I’ve been saving the best out of three for last, though I must say Belgrade is also the priciest of all three destinations. Worth every penny though! The experience is so surreal. Artists and musicians line the streets. The fashion is forward and eclectic. The shops and restaurants are elegant and refined. I was truly captivated, entranced, invigorated, mesmerized, and enchanted simultaneously by Belgrade. There are simply not enough expressive words to describe it. We visited the Belgrade Zoo, numerous nightclubs, a rooftop bar, street vendors, a couple restaurants, and of course our friends, Milica and Lidija, who are locals. We sat and had drinks on the Sava River to watch the sunset. Belgrade never disappoints.

[artseanauti]

On Domestic Violence: Ask Yourself

When I picture domestic violence, my mind automatically defaults to the image of a man battering a woman because that is the extreme scenario, but not the only scenario. I never thought about the other red flags and forms of domestic abuse and violence, and I certainly never knew that I was a victim.

Not all abusive relationships are easily discernible, even to the person being abused. Some abusers are so good at manipulating and controlling someone that a victim won’t even be able to realize it, let alone any outsiders. Some abusers have convinced the victim that they are the mentally ill and unstable one, and that their unhappiness is their own choosing. Manipulation is abuse! It’s basically psychological terrorism, and sadly it works.

There are numerous indications of relationship abuse, and many people aren’t aware that some of these indications even fall on the abuse spectrum. I’m going to convey these red flags and indicators in the form of questions because I want you to ask yourself if any of these have applied to you or currently apply to you. Please answer these questions truthfully to yourself. Consider the incidents you’ve encountered and your true feelings about them.

***

Do you feel afraid to say you’re going out with your friends? Do you feel like you must ask to go out with your friends? Does your partner become upset when you want to or ask to do things without them? Does your partner break things in your home, drive erratically to induce fear, yell or scream at or around you about insignificant inconveniences? Does your partner frequently bad-mouth your friends to you? Does your partner always have a negative remark or offensive comment about every single one of your friends? Do you feel lonely because you feel there is no one to hang out with that your partner approves of? Do you feel like your relationship has pulled you away from your hobbies or interests? Do you feel isolated from your friends and family? Have you admitted to yourself before that your partner suffers from mental illness? On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your partner’s control of their temper and emotions? Do you feel like your partner often doesn’t care how they make you feel when they speak to you? Do you feel like you are guilt tripped out of pursuing your goals and aspirations such as going to college or going after a new job opportunity? Does your relationship lack support? Do you feel like you are stuck? Have you fantasized about committing suicide? How often would you say that suicide crosses your mind? Do you often hear your partner’s voice in your head as a negative voice or a positive one? Do you feel like you are sad or irritable more often than you are content or happy? Do you feel like you want to talk to a friend or family member, but don’t know how to explain what is going on in your relationship? Are you having trouble discerning whether your thoughts or feelings are rational or irrational? Do you feel you are commonly confused about how you feel or if it’s okay to feel the way you feel? Are you feeling hurt or pain as a result of something your partner did or said to you that you feel you have to justify to yourself or others? Do you find yourself frequently justifying their actions or words? Have you ever felt like your partner is manipulating you or trying to isolate you? Has anyone else in your life told you that they feel like your partner is manipulating or isolating you? Have you ever felt afraid? Have you ever felt like your partner wants you to feel afraid of them? Have they ever pushed or shoved you? Have they ever smacked or punched you? Has your partner ever verbally told you how they wanted to hurt you? Have you ever seen your partner straining to control their temper? Do they clench their fists? Do they punch walls, the steering wheel, their car, or any other objects? When your partner does break something or hurt themselves in the process of breaking something, do you feel like they believe it’s all your fault? Does your partner scream or yell at you when you tell them to calm down? Are you losing sleep at night? Are you having trouble focusing at work or school? Do you commonly feel lost in a repetitious cycle of thought and reflection? Do people commonly ask you if you’re okay because they sense you’re not? Are you okay? Do you feel like your self-image has deteriorated since being in your relationship? Do you look at old photos and try to remember what it was like to be happy? Do you avoid looking at old photos? Do you feel like your family will support you if you talk to them? Will anyone in your family or group of friends take action if you tell them you’re being abused? Are you afraid of what your partner will do if you leave them? Do you feel like your partner is capable of watching you, breaking into your home, or coming after you if you leave them? Are you afraid to make a scene or spectacle of yourself or your relationship by confronting your abuser? Are you afraid to confront your abuser because you feel more people will support them than you? ***

If, like me, you’ve found your way out of an abusive or toxic relationship, you may want to open up about it. Sometimes we have to open up to get closure. If you are still in a relationship that you are learning is abusive, unhealthy, or toxic, you can always seek out someone who can help you. It doesn’t have to be a friend or family member, but someone in the community. Just remember that you have to be willing to listen to their advice and really take it into consideration. If they think the best thing to do is to go to the police, if a crime has been committed, then you should go. If your partner is mistreating or abusing you and has not committed a crime, then someone may be able to help you get out of the situation you are in before it escalates or before it really takes a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing.

If you have a compelling story to share that you believe can help others, please contact us. This blog post is dedicated to Vanessa Guillen, the Army soldier murdered at Ft. Hood this year. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to her family, friends, and comrades. We hope our blog post will encourage others to analyze their relationships and friendships carefully, and hopefully identify a threat and be able to prevent a senseless crime, injury, or loss of life from happening. Lastly, the military needs to take accountability when it delays addressing sexual harassment and especially when it delays bringing an offender or killer to justice. I personally have experienced the ‘Old Army’ mentality and misogynistic side of the military as a female soldier, and I was devastated to learn how little some people cared or paid attention… We need to change that. We HAVE to change that. These conversations need to stop being staunchly avoided by military leaders and institutions.

Say her name. Vanessa Guillen

[artseanauti]

Zaxby's Sauce

Ingredients: 1/2 cup of Mayo 1/4 cup of Ketchup 1/2 tsp. of Garlic Powder 1/4 tsp. of Seasoned Salt 1/2 tsp. of Black Pepper 1/4 tsp. of Worcestershire Directions: Mix together well and serve!

[artseanauti]

Eco-Friendly Canvas Produce Tote

Reusable, 100% Cotton Eco-Friendly Bags

100% Eco-Friendly Water-Based Inks

6 oz. Weight

12 oz. Capacity

14.5” x 15.5” Dimension

9” Handles

Designed and Printed in the USA

[artseanauti]

Double Layer Cloth Face Cover with filter pocket (Blue)

Washable & Reusable: Hand-wash or machine-wash on cold. Lay flat to dry. We recommend washing between each wearing.

Soft & Breathable Cotton Blend

Double-Layered

One Size Fits Most

Made in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Includes small opening for filter insertion

DISCLAIMER: Unfortunately due to COVID-19, all sales are final on face coverings. These are not medical grade masks. We cannot guarantee effectiveness.

[artseanauti]

Double Layer Cloth Face Cover with filter pocket (Red)

Washable & Reusable: Hand-wash or machine-wash on cold. Lay flat to dry. We recommend washing between each wearing.

Soft & Breathable Cotton Blend

Double-Layered

One Size Fits Most

Made in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Includes small opening for filter insertion

DISCLAIMER: Unfortunately due to COVID-19, all sales are final on face coverings. These are not medical grade masks. We cannot guarantee effectiveness.

[artseanauti]

Double Layer Cloth Face Cover with filter pocket (Black)

Washable & Reusable: Hand-wash or machine-wash on cold. Lay flat to dry. We recommend washing between each wearing.

Soft & Breathable Cotton Blend

Double-Layered

One Size Fits Most

Made in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Includes small opening for filter insertion

DISCLAIMER: Unfortunately due to COVID-19, all sales are final on face coverings. These are not medical grade masks. We cannot guarantee effectiveness.

[artseanauti]

Meet the Bracy's

Meet the local Mount Desert Island family who personify the meaning of hard work and innovation, Jimmy and Suzanne Bracy. The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the economy, but some families just won’t give up without a fight. They have too much at stake. Let’s keep our fishermen in business as the lobstering industry is what essentially keeps us all in business on MDI. We endorse the quality and reliability of their product. Show them some love and support!

Here’s their story.

Jimmy and Suzanne Bracy have been married nearly 14 years. They reside in Southwest Harbor where Jim has lived and fished his entire life. For the past seven years, they have sold live lobsters from Jim's daily catch out of their home shop between July and September.

With the financial impact resulting from COVID-19, they decided to open in May and began advertising. Their flyers and business cards can be found at campsites and cottage rentals all over MDI. Jim and Suzanne pride themselves in efficient and friendly customer service, often going out of their way for their customers, whether it be lending them a pot large enough to boil their lobsters or packing an order at 6:00 am for a customer heading back to their home state.

Their shop is open daily from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm with extended hours on the weekends. Find their banner at the corner of Hillcrest Circle and Route 102 in Southwest Harbor and follow the ‘live lobster’ signs to locate them, down the short dead end.

Prices can fluctuate and are driven by boat price, but Jim and Suzanne strive to provide the most reasonably-priced lobster on MDI. In their spare time, you can find them attending their daughter DeLaney's cheering competitions or hanging out with their five grandchildren. They are grateful for such a loyal customer base.