Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – The Music Plays On

If I had to find a phrase to describe these unique cruises it would be continual music. It doesn’t matter whether you are asleep in your cabin or on deck for a stroll. There is jazz being played everywhere on the ship from sunrise to sunset. What more could fans from countries around the globe ask for when they truly love the music?

Departing from Helsinki brings a bit of sadness to us, travelers because we know the end is coming. There’s one more full-day at sea and then back to Copenhagen. For the majority of us, we will be heading to the airport and home. So I normally take this time to finish up my notes, make some important observations, and enjoy the last two days apart from the Speed of Life.

Each cruise we’ve gotten the chance to meet people we would not have encountered in the states. That in itself is amazing to think about. We’ve adopted travel parents, brothers, sisters, and friends on these journeys. Maybe this is why so many of the jazz fans and cruisers keep coming each year. It’s difficult to say goodbye but we know the music will play on until we see each other again.

#Rick Braun #Marcus Anderson

Highlights from Hawaii - Foodie Dreams

Eggs ‘n Things

2464 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu

I am not normally a breakfast eater! I know, I know about the most important meal stuff and I agree, it just not my thing. This time around though, I am in Hawaii, it’s a beautiful morning, and apparently SPAM and eggs are somethings that I simply MUST try while here.

The long line of hungry people waiting told me a couple of things. One of which was that this meal would definitely be worth the wait. The efficient drill here is to pick out what you want before you get your table, pay first, and within a few minutes the meal is ready.

I opted for the Minced Egg Scramble with green onion, SPAM, and cheddar cheese. This came with a side of the largest buttermilk pancakes I’ve seen. There were 3 syrups to choose from, maple, coconut, and papaya. Let’s just say I made delicious choices all around. Yum!



Dietary Changes – Find Comfort & Fitness

According to Food Revolution, veganism and plant-based eating is at an all-time high. Some people make this choice because they can’t bear to eat anything from animals. Others are moved to change their diets because of existing health problems.

It’s no secret that removing certain things from the diet has fitness and health benefits. Vegans and vegetarians can see improvements as it relates to overall health, blood pressure and weight loss. There is no one approach to eating this way, however.

Sass Magazine presents an article that highlights how you can make this a personal journey. Long-term dietary changes should be seen as lifestyle changes. Planning for the process is the best way to be certain that it will work for you.

• Experiment with New Foods
• Transform Old Favorites
• Visit Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants
• Plan Inclusive Meals

What’s your approach to making dietary changes?

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…

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?

Taking Advantage of Local Offerings – Summer Field Trips

There are many things for couples and families to consider during the summer. Once the Speed of Life slows a bit, travel is usually on the agenda. Globetrotting can be a lot of fun but certainly requires a bit of planning and budgeting.

Getting away from the stresses of life is possible by exploring the things that are available locally. These may include local day trips to parks, lakes and museums. Most cities, however, have activities and attractions that can be interesting to see.

Even planning a trip to landmarks, such as state and national parks is a nice way to learn and getaway. Visit their websites that display tourist details that travelers look for. Many of these trips are budget-friendly and can be done within a day or two.

• Walking Trails – Plan for the difficulty level and take a lot of pictures.

• Historic Sites – Look for site requirements and if tickets are necessary.

• Tour Brochures – Many cities with popular landmarks and attractions have brochures online.

• Weekend Getaway – Find scenic locations within an hour or two to relax and explore.

My Journey to 50 - Keep Exploring

I don’t know about other people, but I’ve become more adventurous as I age. When the kids were little the Speed of Life was the battle in more than one way. Now it’s time to explore in different ways than before.

Travel is definitely one of our favorite things. Seeing the world in a unique way and through the eyes of others is fulfilling. In My Journey to 50, I’ll keep moving with my hubby to explore the world…near and far.

Exploration in my mind isn’t limited to one thing like travel. Adopting our vegan lifestyle is an example in this category. Doing things that help you to improve your quality of life and spark inspiration are important, no matter what your age.

Right now, I’m exploring how to use my writing in even more creative ways…

Select Styles that Embrace Spring

Coming out of the winter frame of mind is sometimes easier said than done. The longer we have to deal with colder temperatures, the less we feel like spring is actually here. Selecting styles that are both fashionable and weather-friendly is the best idea.

Layering with trendy apparel is a good way to tailor your look for this season. When it’s cool outdoors, you may want a light jacket with long-sleeve tops. As the temperatures rise during the day, removing layers is simple.

Approaching summer months will provide many opportunities to show off some skin with the fashions you choose. Let’s take a look at some of the select styles that allow you to fully embrace the season:

• Striped Wrap-Around Tops
• Capri Length Jeans & Slacks
• Mid-Length Maxi Skirts
• Medium Thick Jackets

Shop with Speed of Life - Naked Zebra Ads



Freelance in Your Lane – Utilize All Your Skills

There are many different ways to pursue career goals. Some will find work in their areas of expertise or field of interest. Others will discover the opportunities that freelance work provides. This is work that is available through companies and industries around the world.

In most instances, these employers are in need of short-term relationships to achieve specific objectives. Hiring freelance workers is a good way to get the work done at a reasonable cost. The options for freelance professionals are vast.

Those with diverse skills have the opportunity to earn in that number of ways. For example, if you are speedy at typing information, you can work for clients needing data entry services. It may also be possible to secure projects that involve document creation.

The key to pursuing these opportunities is to fully utilize your skill sets. Those with technical knowledge can find clients in IT or administrative fields. Writers, discover that there are many companies requiring articles, blog posts and marketing materials.

Freelancing in your lane requires being strategic about what you offer and consistently increasing your experience levels.



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

Setting Good Examples for Kids – Inspire the Future

There’s no rule stating that you have to be a perfect example as a parent. In fact, it’s virtually impossible to do so. Your goal, however, should be setting an example that inspires your kids’ future choices.

This could involve sharing your mistakes and successes. Children of different ages have the capacity to understand a great deal. It’s up to us to find easy applications and lessons that relate to daily life.

Young kids can learn from your suggestion to not run without looking. This is a simple lesson that makes sense right where they are. Older kids are sponges for good examples, too.

Sharing why it’s important to stand up for your beliefs may be a broad stance. Inserting lessons specific to you can be truly helpful.

Adopting a Healthy Diet

Kids watch what you do! If you tell them to eat healthy, you’d better be a good example for this, as well. it doesn’t matter whether you are choosing veggies sticks over chips or a salad over a burger.

Parents who adopt healthy diets are setting an example to their kids. Discussions about reasonable choices are good methods for starting the conversation.

Budgeting for Purchases

Relaying the importance of living on a budget to your children could be challenging. A 5-year old understands the correlation between good behavior and getting a sought after toy.

This same child can also learn how to reserve something now for a later date. Tweens and teens are ready for budgeting on a large or small scale. Start with tracking where their allowance goes each month.

Being a Good Friend

Many of our grandparents encouraged us to be a good friend, if we were looking for a good friend. This isn’t a dated message. Showing this through real life examples, parents can explain the efforts they take as a friend.

Sharing these experiences and motivations, at your child’s learning level can help. This like all important things will take time, but can impact the future. Sites, such as Cleverly Changing offer parents an opportunity to not only learn from previous mistakes.

It is possible to visit this site and gain budgeting, parenting, product selections and healthy living tips. These areas are terrific considerations for adopting good examples.

Remember that these are not simply individual lifestyle choices, but ways to model and inspire how our kids may live in the future.

How to Get What You Want from Work? - Job Satisfaction

I recently heard a story about an administrative worker who longed for more responsibility at work. This worker, of course, wanted to rise up the corporate ladder and earn more. Her primary objective, however, was to utilize the skills and expertise she'd gained over the years.


Because this worker had earned a good reputation at her office, she was able to get what she wanted. Speaking with one of the senior leaders, resulted in her being able to secure a new position. This position was a bit out of her current field, but it held greater responsibility and tasks. Not everyone will be able to experience this result because...


They don't showcase dependability


Dependability is a diverse area when it comes to workers. It is important to be on time for work and an active participant. At the same time, you show dependability by trying hard to meet company goals and objectives. Communicating well with supervisors is helpful, too.


They aren't team players


Team players are not simply people who follow the leader. They work cohesively with the team to achieve goals and objectives. This may mean working independently in some cases. Understanding initiatives, asking questions and completing projects effectively is essential.


They don't speak for themselves


Speaking for yourself is all about communicating well. This can be verbally or in written form. How do you express yourself? Professional examples are seen not simply through apparel. These individuals understand the company and its long term goals and missions.


It is important to be a GOOD worker no matter what your field or area of expertise.
Hiring officials and employers are looking not only for the brightest candidates. They want people who have committed to work and are trustworthy. This is the best way to get what you want out of your position or perhaps a new one.

Avoid The Holiday Blues!

The holidays create some of the most special moments of the year. These are the occasions where people get together. Families, friends and co-workers all celebrate the season and time of year. Although many people love the holidays, there are those who feel a bit of pressure when they arrive.

Those who live far away from those they love often fit into this category. People struggling with emotional or financial woes tend to find the holidays overwhelming. Parties, events and get-togethers can be troubling to many people. Instead of feeling joy, they experience Holiday Blues!

There are ways that you can get through this season without feeling stress. Applying some very useful tips is a good way to journey through this holiday time. Preparing for what's ahead is definitely the best way to get ready. Here are a few tips for those who struggle during this time of carols and celebrations:

Limit Party Going

You don't have to go to every party that you're invited to. Pick the top three that really matter. This can allow you a bit of breathing room when so many events are going on at the same time.

Find Simple Gifts

Gift giving can be the culprit behind why people are down during the holidays. Money problems are challenging when it comes to gifts. Simple gifts like a Starbucks gift card can help. You determine the dollar amount. Personal items like pies or cakes can be cheap gifts.

De-stress Your Day

Avoiding the stress of the season will help you! Listen to music, take a walk or a drive during the holidays. Don't let stress make you a scrooge! Dealing with your feelings in a healthy way is wise.

The last tip to avoid Holiday Blues is to smile more! You don't have to have a commercialized season to be involved. A simple smile can be a treat for you and others during this time of year.

Enjoy the Season

Not everyone is fortunate enough to take the holiday season off from work. Does this mean that you are limited in terms of what you enjoy? I don't believe so. Those who celebrate Christmas or attend New Year's events should find a way to do so even when work is looming.

There are little things that you can do to get enjoyment out of the season. Incorporating these is good way to do everything that you need to and have fun at the same time. Remember that you only live one life and enjoying it is key. The Speed of Life can be a good thing or a bad thing. This all depends upon your focus and perspective. Use these tips to get the most out of this beautiful season.

1 - Attend a Party

You might not be able to attend every party that you're invited to. Even if you spend an hour or two enjoying yourself, it's better than not participating. Carve out a bit of time to be festive and fun!

2 - Eat Special Treats

Are you a baker? If so, prepare a few treats to take with you to the office. Taking a break and snacking on holiday treats can break the tension. Those who don't bake can pick up cookies or muffins from their local bakeries.

3 - Spend Time with Loved Ones

If you have family or friends in town, spend some time with them. It may be limited, but it can help you to decompress. Workers that live away from their loved ones should consider spending time with co-workers and friends. Get out and enjoy the scenery and the season!