Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – The Views of Tallinn

The theme for this year’s cruise was Scandinavia and The Baltic because of the ports of call we would be traveling to. Many of us, who have cruised with Dave Koz and Friends at Sea before, joke that this is more than a terrific way to travel. It is a process from beginning to end that makes dreams come true. I’d never heard of the city of Tallinn but was familiar with the country of Estonia.

Situated along the coast of the Baltic Sea, Estonia is one of three countries that had at one time been a part of the Soviet Union. Today, it is an independent nation which is also a part of the European Union. One of the first things that I noticed, on the chilly morning of our arrival, was the combination of historical and modern structures.

Established as the capital city in medieval times, Estonia is beautiful. Quick commutes to virtually any part of the city makes it convenient for tourists with strict schedules. We visited some of the important attractions and landmarks in the area. These included Old Town, Pirita, and Viimsi. Imagine my surprise when we went in search of a cappuccino and found a fully functional and expansive shopping mall.

The Strawberry Crème Cappuccino was absolutely delicious but it was soon time to return to the ship. Norman Brown, Jonathan Fritzen, and Marcus Anderson were on the lineup for the selection of jazz venues on board and we were ready to enjoy them!

The Sights, Sounds & Feelings in NYC

Every time I get the opportunity to visit NYC, I learn something new. This time around the city was in the midst of finishing up UN Council activities and hosting the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. The diversity, heart, and overall vibe that circulate around this world famous destination were nothing less than motivational.

One of the reasons that I love traveling in general both nationally and internationally is my getting the chance to fully immerse myself in the locale. This involves finding ways to fully engage with the surroundings and millions who live in it. The culture and attractions that makes NYC unique is also a part of what brands it into my memory.

The Sights

This is truly a never sleeping city that is vibrant around the clock. From the time we ventured out in the morning until drifting off to sleep, there was nothing but activity going on. The bustle of the subway and 24/7 movement shows the constant examples of tradition. These sights attract tourists from around the world and provide exploration opportunities.

The Sounds

Voices, vehicles, vendors and more are a part of the never-ending productivity that defines this city. All of these come with sounds that are heard throughout the day and night. These are a harmonious melody that works together to express what New York is all about from location to borough. There are notes of music, sellers, restaurants, and staples everywhere.

The Feelings

The sheer life of the city corralled on this visit in Central Park which was the backdrop for the 2018 Global Citizen Festival. This annual event focuses on the importance of eliminating poverty on a global basis. This year’s crowd has been figured at 60+K attendees converging for an underlying purpose and goal. Here was a site to learn from and inspire citizens to work together to make life better in the future.

Top Summer Styles – Tailoring Your Look

No one can tell you what you feel comfortable wearing! It is possible to get inspiration from fashion trends. This is a good way to find styles that appeal to your sense of fashion. At the same time, you will learn what pieces are being worn this season.

Summer is typically the time of year that everyone likes to show a bit of skin. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for shorts, skirts or dresses. You will discover a wide array of colorful styles to choose from.

Harper’s Bazaar reports that virtually any shade of lavender is working this year. In fact, this is being seen in every layer for 2018, including pantsuits, minis and other items. Another top trendy style involves animated-influenced graphics, coupled with solid colored pieces.

You can create your own artwork with a graphic top and a pair of bright colored slacks. Here are some other Top Summer Styles to Consider:

• Spaghetti Strap Sun Dresses
• Plaid & Solid Color Combos
• Layered Skirts
• Retro Relaxed Fit Jeans

***Shop with Naked Zebra for Fashion Ideas!!!



My Journey to 50! - Oh, No…Thinking About Hair, Too?

Girls will forever be thinking about their hair. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 20 or 40 this is a feature that follows us around. For me right now, I decided to turn My Journey to 50 into a hair exploration, too!

In fact, I chose my style for 35, 40 and 45. Although I’m a little over-the-top in the detail department, I’m looking forward to the 50 hairstyle reveal. Comfort and ease are the key factors for me, right now. My stylist tries to convince me all of the time that longer hair is beautiful.

I totally agree with her. It’s just that it’s beautiful on someone else. I’ve never felt more free and attractive than when my hair was short. This is my opinion and my journey. Finding my way, and yours as well, is about listening to yourself.

If your hair or anything else becomes drudgery, is it worth it? No matter the compliments, I just want to enjoy as much of this time of life as possible. Loving the Speed of Life and all it…

Introduce Color into Your Home – Décor Tips

You may be embarking on a remodeling project at your home. This will take a bit of time when it comes to selecting interior furnishings and décor items. The same is true for those who are trying to develop their very first homes.

The introduction of color is extremely important to each room of the home. This can be a scheme that is the focal point for the rest of the space. Color is also utilized as an accent to other shades, designs and features.

Finding the right pieces that bring this color into the room requires research and comparison shopping efforts. The Speed of Life and your other responsibilities could make it challenging. Don't give up!

Planning for each step of your decoration project can be helpful. Let’s take a look at some tips that will make it easy.

• Select a Central Color for Each Room
• Look for Artwork and Wall Hangings to Harmonize
• Set a Theme that Works for the Space

Creative Ways to Construct Meals – Save Time with Leftovers

If you are the family meal planner, you may be juggling a lot of ideas. The Speed of Life can make matters challenging, which is why organization is key. It is possible to construct meals for multiple days at once.

This can be done by using similar ingredients for those meals or to simply by making one large dish to accommodate the time. You can save even more time by creatively using your leftovers.

This can allow you to either deconstruct a meal or to be completely innovative. Roasted rosemary chicken, saffron rice pilaf, broccoli and rolls is an example of a very nice meal. There are a number of terrific dishes, possible with leftovers from this one meal.

These dishes are good for both lunch and dinner. Take a look at these 3 options:

Chicken Casserole – Use chicken, rice and broccoli along with a creamed soup mix and shredded cheese.

Chicken Sandwiches – Make cold/hot sandwiches from meat and roles, mix rice and broccoli for a side.

Chicken Salad – Use chopped chicken, mayo, mustard, pickles and spices to make a cold salad.

What other meals could you construct with leftovers?

Discover Ways to Relax – Creating a Quiet Space

Everyone has seen the studies that say there is good stress and there is bad stress. It’s true these are involved with virtually every aspect of life. Finding real ways, however, to decompress is essential to every lifestyle.

This involves discovering methods to enjoy true relaxation. Often this requires shutting out distractions and enjoying a quiet or serene space. Many homeowners have realized the importance of this space and are creating them DIY.

Those with additional rooms have the option of designing this area. It doesn’t have to be a large space but one that is adequate. Designating such a place for meditation, reading or even listening to music is beneficial. Couples can share this space or take turns utilizing it.

• Choose a Room
• Remove Clutter
• Embrace Natural Light
• Make it Your Own

Read to Communicate

We all remember being assigned a questionable book in school. There were times when we were surprised to find out that the book was exceptional. I can think back to certain titles that served to introduce a whole new world to me. Today, reading is a debated topic to many people. Because we’ve taken so many shortcuts in communications, reading has fallen by the wayside in some minds.

The things that we read are instrumental to how we communicate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a song writer or a delivery person. Verbal and written communication intrudes into most peoples’ lives. Our ability to solve problems, think critically, or relate to others has to do with our experiences. Physical experiences travel and materials that we’ve read enhance how effectively we communicate to others.

Speech Patterns


The way that we use speech can be related to what we’ve read. Those who love the news and read it daily are capable to discuss it. This doesn’t mean that their opinions are unique or correct. It simply means that these individuals utilize what goes into their consciousness. The patterns of speech used by anyone can show their interests and understanding.

Empathize

Reading diverse materials about different topics can broaden your ability to empathize with others. You don’t literally have to travel across the globe to learn about people living in remote places. The more that you learn through reading, the easier it is to understand who these people are and how they live.

Connect

There are millions of pieces of material on the internet at any given time. Reading things that interest you can serve to connect you to other people. Examining topics, issues and history is an effective way to relate to the world. Connecting shows a desire to expand both knowledge and understanding.

Finding Your Style

Everyone knows that there are far too many fashion magazines out there to choose from. Many point out what the season musts are for women. This sort of work serves to build a foundation, for those who don’t know what they like. There is nothing wrong with creating your own style and fashion. This may mean taking bits and pieces of trendy looks. Overall though, finding your style is about appreciating your beauty.

All of us are shaped differently and have a variety of terrific assets. Styles that accentuate are a tasteful way can be your own. Tailor them to include the colors and designs that you like best. Trying on a combination of ensembles is a great way to determine what looks good on your frame. Each season has its offering when it comes to fashion. Experiment with boutique, traditional and contemporary styles. Find what you love and wear it!

Here are some ensembles to consider:

Light flowery blouses / Textured vests / Designer print jeans

Long denim skirts / Straight collared shirts / Ruffled scarves

Extra-long tanks / Short graphic tees / Colored Capri shorts

Local Papers Hanging On

Many of you will remember several years ago, the talk about newspapers going the way of all obsolete things. At that time it was thought that technology would usurp the stage as it relates to how people got their news. I must admit that the internet provides us with great ways to find out about current events. Cable news channels like CNN and popular newspapers like USA Today, have transitioned to online outlets.

It did sadden me, however, to think that physical papers would fade away. I'm glad to say that this hasn't happened (yet). There's just something settling about being able to hold onto your own copy and turn the pages slowly. Just as large papers have been in jeopardy, so have local newspapers. A recent story determined that these local newspapers around the country are doing better than expected.

Many residents are opting to support their local outlets, instead of the national brands. There's something to be said about this type of salvage. The fact that these papers are generally much less expensive probably plays a role too. At the bottom of it all, there are just some things we don't want to change. There are some things that we should still be able to depend on . . . even if they take the form of local newspaper.