Snuba Diving

Snuba Diving in Nassau, Bahamas

Who doesn’t love a little adventure, travel, and a new challenge?

I recently went on my first cruise – which was very exciting and a lot of fun and decided to do some excursions. I have never heard of this before, but it was definitely interesting and left you wanting more. It was exciting to try going farther under the water without the training of scuba diving or limitations of snorkeling. The breathing was definitely challenging if you are not a seasoned swimmer.

I still get an adrenaline rush and surge of excitement thinking about it. I will admit I was not as successful with it as I would have liked to been or expected. The sites underwater are amazing though and made me feel like I was in a different world. I want to continue practicing this and be able to go farther down at some point. One of the coolest things about it is how it challenges your brain to take over your anxiety and to control your breathing. I feel this is a skill and an art that can not be easily mastered by everyone.

If your travelling somewhere and looking for excursions make sure you check it out! I attached the link to company and location we used! Have fun!

My Thoughts on Creating the Best Year Yet

After reading a few articles on new year’s resolutions, bucket list ideas, de-stressing, self development articles, looking and listening to a variety of people’s ideas, and doing some self reflection of my own I came up with a few things that I think contribute to being open to having the best year ever… Note the stress on being open to it. I believe not only do you have to be open to it, but ready to seize each day and opportunity. So here’s a few ideas some may be cliche or new. We are all different and where we are at in life varies so each list should vary and may over lap.
1. Do something you have been doing but do it in a different way and even better – yielding better results for yourself. Whether it’s a workout, recipe, an idea or project for work, a craft, etc.
2. Do something new and that evokes some fear and excitement at least once a month. Whether it’s a new hobby, class, or something thrill seeking.
3. Be proud and confident in the person you are no matter what. No matter what mistakes you made or how bad someone made you feel stand up tall and love yourself.
4. After completing number 3 take time to appreciate and give to others. Give thanks, compliments, a hand, a smile, a ear to listen. Be kind and love others, let go of resentment of others.
5. When life gets tough breath live in the moment, move forward, live minute by minute, day by day don’t rush but just keep moving and walking forward.
6. Focus on you and the energy you give. Be positive, see good in things, see and value your own strength. Don’t compare yourself to others.
7. Be a friend and have friends. Build a living network around yourself for support, love, laughter, the good and bad. For thick and thin.
8. Travel or explore – travel somewhere new or explore where you are.
9. No to low expectations. Don’t expect things from people if they do something that appeases you great but don’t spend time wish or worrying about it. What’s meant to be yours and in your life will be.
10. Spend and gain money wisely.
11. Be independent and love yourself.
12. Believe in something… a dream.
13. Believe in a higher spiritual power.
14. Create your own path, journey, story, then share yours and theirs.
15. Keep learning.
16. Find what it is that makes you the best version of yourself.
17. Be you and be you to the fullest.

Bucket List Ideas for 2015

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6343056

Looking for bucket list ideas for 2015? Here are some great ideas to add to your to do list!

Healthy Habits to Adopt for 2015

http://www.health.com/health/m/gallery/0,,20452233,00.html

Looking for new habits and resolutions to add to your new year routine? Check out this article for some ideas. Happy New Year!

Creating a Welcoming Home Around the Holidays

http://domino.com/10-things-every-guest-room-needs/story-image/all

Having guests over for the holidays and looking for ways to make their stay more comfortable? Attached is a link for some awesome decor and room ideas to make your friends or families stay more comfortable and inviting.

Tulum Beach: a little slice of heaven

http://www.visitmexico.com/en/tulum-ancient-mayan-fortress-in-riviera-maya

This summer 2014 I took a trip to Tulum, Mayan Riviera, and Chichen Itza. The ruins were amazing to see as well as emerging yourself in the culture of the Mayans. Zip lining over the jungle like forests in mexico was a blast! My favorite by far was the Tulum ruins and Tulum beach, just beautiful! If your looking at trips to Mexico I highly recommend these sites!

Treadmill Challenge!

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/40-Minute-Treadmill-Workout-Intervals-35372178?ref=35724000

This workout is for a runner that can run about a 10 minute mile and is also no stranger to high intensity sprints. Especially if you are looking for some variety for your running and, or treadmill routine. If you find this routine too easy amp up at the incline 1 to 5 grades. If you find it too difficult change the speeds slightly for example 5.0 to 5.4 instead of 5.5, 5.5 to 5.9 instead of 6.0, and 7.0 to 7.9 instead of 8.0 mph. Try this routine 3 to 4 days a week for weight loss and cardiovascular improvements. If you are a beginner try to 1 to 2 days a week and if your intermediate try 2 to 4 days a week. Advanced try 3 to 5 days a week. Remember to incorporate a day off in between if possible!

What you can do to Prevent Animal Extinction

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-d-barnosky/10-ways-you-can-help-stop_b_5968774.html?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=Green

There are always ways for us – individually or as a group to have a positive impact on the environment and animal species. I have attached a list with some great ideas on how to do so. Most things on the list are considerably easy. The more time and effort you put in to this list the more impactful results you’ll have. Help keep are animals alive!

Also please note chart attached was updated in *2009

Top Ranked Innovative Cities in USA

http://money.cnn.com/technology/most-innovative-cities/

I love innovation especially when innovation is helping an individual to be more independent, a company to work for the better of it’s workers and the environment, and improvement on how a city runs. This article includes top innovative cities in the USA and why.

Pittsburgh Bound

http://www.50statesofstyle.com/50statesofstyle/2014/7/15/my-america-emily-slagels-pittsburgh-pennsylvania

I live just north of Pittsburgh, but I do spend a lot of time going to and doing things in Pittsburgh. For those of you who live in, around, or feel like traveling here – I attached an article from my favorite Pittsburgh magazine, NEXT Pittsburgh. Check it out for some great ideas!