My scenic drive...

Here are some photos from one of my favorite local scenic drives, referenced in this blog entry: http://traveltalkteach.blogspot.com/2011/01/monday-mood-modifier_31.html

Within 2 minutes drive from my house lies the option to lust after the beauty of the 360 degree views of the ocean and nearby islands to the west, snow covered peaks to the east, or rolling green hills to the north and south on the spectacular drive up to Double Peak. A second, equally incredible drive, within 2 minutes of my little town lies the beautiful area called Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove. The following are pictures from my Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove drive (more pictures to come of the drive up Double Peak) :



       

  

(Images via traveltalkteach)

Happy Thursday!!!

10 Happiest Cities to Work in America....

Yep, my hometown of San Diego made Forbes top ten list for happiest cities to work in America. Does this surprise you??? Not me, but I am shocked that Los Angeles slid in one spot ahead of us (must be all the celebrity wealth that threw off the ratings). Just another thing to make me smile today. Good thing we purchased a home in the greater San Diego area and not St. Paul, MN :)

Here is a link to the Forbes Article for those interested:

http://www.forbes.com/2011/02/02/happiest-cities-to-work-in-america-forbes-woman-time-compensation-balance_slide.html

My beautiful San Diego...pictures that make me smile:

 (Image via traveltalkteach)

 (Image via traveltalkteach)

(Image via Bluewave Photography)

Declutter your life and feel the anxiety melt away!!!

Does this remind you of a space in your home????



(Image via http://www.homeorganizeit.com/declutterforever.html)

Or how about this????



(Images via http://www.professionaltimesavers.com/Home_Services.html) 

Painful huh??? If you are anything like me, you are feeling somewhat stressed and anxious just looking at these photos.


Clutter leads to stress and anxiety! Take 15 minutes today to declutter one area of your life. Start small (maybe a drawer) and pick one new area a day to declutter and I promise you will start to watch the anxiety melt away. There is nothing like waking up to a clean and organized living space. Start today!!!

Here is a link I found helpful in my journey to declutter my life:

http://zenhabits.net/zen-mind-how-to-declutter/

Here are some clean and organzied spaces that bring me peace and calm:

tropical family room design by new york interior designer Olga Adler

contemporary family room design by toronto interior designer Jennifer Brouwer

♥ Monday Mood Modifier ♥

JUST "BE"....

Take a moment to soak up wherever you are at today. Take a break from your blackberries, Iphone's, computers, TV's, video games, camera's...etc!!! All it takes is 15 minutes of sitting in a quiet place to help calm your mind. Find a tree, a creek, a lake, a quiet spot on the beach or anywhere that you are able to experience some peace and quiet and literally JUST BE!!! There is not much to it...just sit in peace and quiet and absorb where you are at!

Here are some pictures of my favorite place in the world to "Just Be"...can you guess where this is???

(Images via Nicole Rowe)

COSTA RICA!!! It is a secret little spot called Punta Mala about a 30 minute walk from the little town of Esterillos Oeste where my husband and I lived for 6 months. I did this walk about 4 times a week when I lived there. When I reached this impressive point (hence the Punta) I would sit under the little sign pictured above and watch the waves crash into the giant rocks. This was about as close to a meditative state as I have ever experienced. I am beyond excited to be able to take this peaceful walk to this serene place in less than 2 months :)!!!

Happy Monday!!!

Have you smiled yet today???

(Image via Blue Wave Photography at http://www.bluewavephotoweddings.com/)

Take a moment and smile today! Smiles are infectious and the cheapest way to make someones day. I have lived my life with a smile on my face and I truly believe that a smile attracts smiley and happy people. I remember telling my little sister at a young age that "smiles are free" and that she would invite brighter people into her life if she started smiling more. Apparently I was a bossy older sister, but on a serious note this is something I totally believe in! It is never too late to start smiling...so start today and I promise you won't mind the results that come from a simple smile!!!

Here are some of my favorite quotes regarding the power of a smile:

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.  It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.  ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.


Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.  ~Author Unknown


Everyone smiles in the same language.  ~Author Unknown


Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.  ~Mother Teresa


You're never fully dressed without a smile.  ~Martin Charnin


It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.  ~Author Unknown


Smile - it increases your face value.  ~Author Unknown


Most smiles are started by another smile.  ~Author Unknown


Peace begins with a smile.  ~Mother Teresa


Happy Saturday!!!

Who do you want to stand by you today???

Take a moment to view this video if you want  a quick mood boost. Don't hesitate to sing along and even get up and dance...I did and it felt amazing :)!

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

During my travels I am always drawn to street singers and performers. This video is a brilliant compilation of street singers from around the world singing the song "Stand By Me". I am especially drawn to the old man in New Orleans...he puts a smile on my face just looking at him ♥

Happy Friday!!!

Travel Eye Candy...

(Images via http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g147353-w18-British_Virgin_Islands.html#last)

Here are some pictures of the next travel adventure that we are planning for a reunion with all of my friends that studied in Australia with me. Can you guess where this is????

British Virgin Islands!!!!

This travel eye candy is getting me through the week and providing me with some images that require relaxation! I hope this inspires you to plan your next adventure rather than going out and buying that new Iphone that Verizon is finally offering :). I know I know...it is difficult to surpass such a monumental occurrence in cell phone history, but just remind yourself that research has shown that material purchases, such as an Iphone, provide you with an average of 9 months of satisfaction whereas a vacation or travel experience provides a lifetime of memories and satisfaction! So put that $200+ towards a plane flight!!!

Happy Thursday!!!