ReaDrea

Product Reviews, Food, Craft, Exploration

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Attitude of Gratitude

Our prehistoric brains are designed to see what's wrong around us. It would have meant the difference between life and death when caveman and saber-tooth tigers were next door neighbors. But, in our modern society where most of us have to worry less about being eaten by zoo creatures, our brains haven't caught up. But, it's not all bad. We can retrain our brain to notice the good going on around us and focus on the positive instead. 

Creating an attitude of gratitude takes a little time. As you create that positive mental feedback, it gets easier, those brain connections work faster. Here’s three ways focus on the positive.

Positive journaling. It has been shown to be more effective than opioid drugs in controlling chronic pain perception. WHAT?! That's right, we can mentally fortify ourselves. Start by writing down three positive things everyday and why it was good. It doesn't have to be "I won the lottery” big. In fact, simple may be better.

“I woke up early; it's good because I had time for exercise and was on time to work.” 

“My smoothie tasted great; it was full of hidden spinach.”

“A stranger held the door for me when I had a huge package in my arms.”

Flip the script. It takes practice to quiet that negative voice. When I find myself fixating and getting irritated, I mentally call a time out. Literally, I make my inner monologue say STOP. Then I flip the script that's repeating through my brain. Sometimes it's ridiculous, but it's just what I need.

What do I mean? If I'm irritated that my husband left dirty dishes on the coffee table. I mentally say STOP. Maybe he was running late and had to leave for work. Maybe a wasp got in and he had to abandon breakfast to save me from the emminitent bug threat. Maybe he wanted me to know he ate a healthy breakfast. At least he didn't wake me up a 5am to tell me. Sure, those stories are a little goofy, but they give him the benefit of the doubt. Because there is no way he actually left the dishes to piss me off or make the space dirtier for me. I probably didn't figure into his equation at all. 

Or, maybe I'm bumming about another friend quitting at work. Mentally say STOP. I'm happy for her, the new job sounds great. I can have her old locker in the break room. Does her absence mean there is a way for me to step up, have more responsibility and look better for reviews at work? There are always multiple sides to a situation. Coming at the story from another angle can change the whole mood of it. 

Write thank you notes. Now that you are focusing on the good around you, share that feeling! Moods are contagious. Share the warm fuzzy feelings, let someone know when they are a positive moment in your day. It can be short and sweet. Writing it down, rather than just saying it (although you can and should do that too!) means they can look back on that memento throughout their day when they need that pick-me-up. See what happens? Positive Moment-Affirmation-Positive Moment-Affirmation. You just created a feedback loop of positivity. 

This post was sponsored by the beautiful thank you cards featured in the photos. If you need thank you notes to get you started, pick some up here. https://www.etsy.com/hk-en/ZCYLOVE/listing/560779920/48-pack-floral-flower-thank-you-cards?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1511497674595 Have a positively beautiful day! 

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Pool Daze | Vitchelo Waterproof Backpack

Explorer girls need something to keep their stuff dry on aquatic adventures. I am always up for trying something new, especially if it's complimentary from my friends at www.Tomoson.com. 

This water proof backpack will definitely get some life next season, when the snow melts, maybe even before the snow melts. It has comfortable straps with chest and waist cross supports. Watch the video below to see all the space this bag has to offer. Outside, there is a zippered front pocket. The seams are waterproof. And on each side there are mesh pockets for a waterbottle or small equiptment. Inside, there are three seperate spaces. The back wall has a half pocket that velcros and a full back wall pocket with a covered overlap to keep items secure. 

It will keep gear dry from rain, drips, and splashes. As you see in the video, it's not for full submersion. When I jumped in the pool and swam on my back, the big zipper leaked at the closure and one end seam. But face it, it's a million times better than your canvas backpack at keeping things dry!The rain flap that covers the big zipper would prevent most water situations from spoiling your trip. The waterproof material will be much more helpful than any canvas backpack. 

Mine came from here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073D4SJS1

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Cheers to Trying New Things

I am not one to be considered a creature of habit. There are very few things that I am brand loyal about. My preference would lean toward trying the newest, coolest, different, exotic. Why? Because, as far as commercialism goes, I think the little guy has the advantage over the big guy any day. Sure, bigger brands have money for marketing, name recognition, and package design. But I think the smaller maker still has a connection to their product. Whether it's clothing, service, or food I think the smaller hand crafted product was made with love and that's always better. 

So my friends, Nick and James, feel the same way. They connected over a mutual love of French culture and tastes. A sip of wine from a vintner’s private stash as he explains why he loves his land--nothing compares! That small maker worked his vines, harvested, and created this barrel with intention. Nick and James wanted to share that experience with their friends. But I couldn't get away to join them. So, they created Blason Louis to bring a glass to me! 

The guys started a subscription wine service, with a unique twist. They wanted to introduce small French vintners to wine drinkers in the states. But, I’m not always keen on buying a whole bottle without a recommendation. I want to test a couple and pick my favorite. So, Nick sent me flacons, single glass servings of his favorite two for a side-by-side comparison. He sent me a mini wine flight! 

Two glasses of Pommard and two glasses of Sancerre. Definitely different, but I see why Nick paired them off. The information cards talk a little about the area where the wines were produced and their markers. I told Nick, if you want me on board, make me think I got to come with you on this scouting mission. 

Blason Louis has won me over! I loved being able to compare wines that I would never had exposure to otherwise. It's sophisticated and makes me feel like an insider too. It's a great option to add to a date night or a classic evening in. Plus, if you find one you just can't wait to have more of, you can order a full bottle separate from the subscription box. 

If a French wine night is something you want to try, use my code ReaDrea for $20 off your order. Your first $24.99 box will only be $4.99. Follow the link HERE

So, since I have a discount code, this post is Sponsored by Blason Louis. I benefit if you try them out. But you will benefit too! Cheers to that! 

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Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

This is the moment when you grow as a person. When your circumstances are challenging enough to force you to do more/think more/be more than you were up to this moment. Travel is a great way to jumpstart growth, creativity, and empathy. 

When I travel, I know I stick out. Im pretty tall for a girl, Im light skinned, and reddish blond hair. In the world of people, I am unique to most. I know Im going to get looks in the subway, maybe because Im the only head they can see above the crowd. Personally, Im getting used to the looks. I even like to play it up. They’re going to stare anyway, why not give them something to look at. 

Earrings are my go-to. They are inexpensive enough to have a great collection. They make a fabulous souvenir. I love these Kisspat Pheasant earrings. They could have been plucked from a holiday dinner. (Very traditional English Christmas.) But they are just long enough with a pop of color to seem exotic. 

Its hard to be the ‘other’ when traveling. That is the challenge. When Im in Latin America, I know Im the ‘other,’ but with a simple statement piece like these, I can tell myself they are checking out the feathers instead of just staring. This trip, several people have actually approached me in Spanish to say they love my earrings. Its a second language for me, so the struggle to communicate is part of my challenge. But I love it, and Im glad these earrings could be the catalyst. 

I received these earrings greatly discounted in exchange for this review. But the fashion statements and adventuras en un otra lengua son mias. If you want a pair check out http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EUMGVKG

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A Little Bling Goes A Long Way 

 Ever wake up just feeling kinda....blah? Of course we're not always running at a 100%. Sometimes you have to force yourself to fake it. I don't think that's a bad thing, faking it. Positive mental attitude. If it's lacking, start lying to yourself until it's true. "Today is a great day. I feel strong and ready. My outfit is perfect." 

 On these days my instinct is to stay in PJs and never leave the couch. But, usually, it's a work day. Instead of going for my regular attire, step it up a notch. I pull out a suit jacket or a dress. No one else on my staff dresses this way. Clients instantly think I'm more professional, maybe even a boss. And, damnit, today I'm going to be. 

 My other go-to is a statement accessory. Then, it's okay if my demeanor is quiet or my clothes make me inconspicuous. That one piece of bling makes it look like I put in effort. A little pop of color draws people's attention...maybe away from me, the person. Kind of like how pets, babies, and adorable internet memes are great distractors. 

So it's, okay if you don't feel 💯. Lie to yourself in the mirror, "I am fabulous.” Put on some real clothes, grab your favorite flashiest earrings, and fake it til you make it. 

If you need some jewelry inspiration, I got these light, flashy gold dangles from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073XK8QCQ. (2-pack!) I got a discount in exchange for this link. Don't let that negate the fact that I know some days are harder than others. I hope if you know that too, that you find the inner strength to get up and face the day. Find that one positive and hold onto it!

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Grow Your Own Food

Indoor gardening should be something we all do. Greenery inside boosts our mood. It helps clean the air in our homes. It can provide a focus and a purpose for your day. It could produce food, feed your body, and decrease your grocery bill. And that, if everyone participated, could change the way our culture handles food, nutrition, and the economies and ecology of those larger processes. Wow. All that from a little seed in a window.

Maybe it's too soon to think that big. Maybe it's just a fun project for a couple of months. I started the Nature's Blossom Microgreens Kit eight days ago. They have already sprouted!

I'm holding onto the tomato kit for a couple of months. I'm going to start them inside in late winter. Hopefully they get nice and big before the last frost and I will be able to transplant them outside in the spring. 

The variety available still gets me. I thought I knew food because my dad worked at the grocery store. But I didn't have a clue. When I was in my early twenties, I learned that carrots aren't always orange. What?! That's right, purple, red, yellow, white are all common carrot colors. Same thing with tomatoes. I only knew about big romas and hothouse. Tomas can be vary from grape size to the size of a human brain! They can be green, pink, yellow, red, purple, almost black. Some have uniform segments inside like an orange, and some look like a squiggly brain when you slice it. 

I'm going to be growing Black Cherry, Red Delicous, Green Zebra, and Yellow Pear tomatoes. I'm excited that the Nature’s Blossom kits are about exploring the diversity. I picked two kits that would work for me. I encourage you to look at their whole line-up. Exotic veggies (including those purple carrots!), edible flowers, salad kits, and cold weather veggies. 

I got a decent discount on the kits in exchange for this post. But the labor and the fruits of my effort (see what I did there?) are all my own. To start growing your food, look at the tomato kit on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XJWQ8FM Good luck and happy growing! 

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We have a food disconnect. Where did your meal come from? How did it get to that processed state? Who knows. When I started questioning the food process, I felt a huge disconnect. I realized I couldn't even identify the original food/plant in my chips, sauces, or candy. I really started questioning what I was eating.

There has been a resurgence of interest in farm-to-table food chains and I for one am so glad. Start looking around the perimeter of the store (that's where the least processed food is.) Do you even shop there? What do those raw ingredients even taste like? Those foods are where we need to start. Fruits, veggies, raw meat, whole grains, these are easiest to recognize where they came from. You want to shorten the distance your food takes to get to you? The shortest chain is from your own garden to your plate. Don't worry, you don't need a lot of space to get started. 

I picked up two Nature’s Blossom Sow & Grow Seed Starter Kits on Amazon. I’m going to start the Microgreens kit now in the upstairs window. It's late summer, so my plants will be moving indoors very soon. Microgreens are the baby forms of what could grow into larger veggies. Since this is a window garden, I'm going to make them into a salad when the plant is still young. 

The kit is easy an comes with simple instructions. The peet soil comes compressed and you will add water to expand it to fill the compostable pot. *Note: The only issue I found was the instructions said heat 1-2 liters of water. You will NOT pour all of that on ONE peet disc. One liter was enough for 3 peet soil discs!*

The instructions tell how to germinate each seed, what depth to plant it at, and the best coverage for the pot until the seeds sprout. Hopefully in two weeks I have greens sprouting and I’ll get to eat them about a week later. This is a great project for families too. Kids love playing in dirt and sneaking their bountiful snacks right off the bush. 

I can't get over my fascination with growing my own food. And when you start looking you will see the variety available. No more iceberg salads for this lady! Chard, Arugula, Beets, and Basil all make great delicate greenery for salads. The fully mature veggies are great too! Rainbow chard broiled with cheese is my favorite wilted green. And it's hard to pass up roasted beets and turnips on a crisp fall day. 

This post was sponsored and I got a discount on my kits. The preparation was my own effort and any resulting food is mine to eat. If I don't harvest everything, I could take the plants through to full maturity and collect seeds to do it all again. Get yours here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071CV6KNV

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Maybelline Brow Drama VoxBox, free from Influenster. The Micro Pencil is perfection. Draw each little hair to fill in thin/light brows. The Chalk Powder, a little heavy handed for me.