4 days in California: Los Angeles, San Diego and Malibu

Sunday Feb 18/Day 1: Our flight was scheduled for 6:55am from Tampa to Los Angeles. We flew American Airlines and our plane made a quick stop at the Charlotte, NC airport. We took the Budget Rent a car shuttle to the rental car location and were on our way in a Economy Toyota Prius. We only had to fill up once the entire trip and it only cost $28! The Prius gets about 48/mpg. We stopped to eat at In and Out Burger. Then we went to check in at our Airbnb in Koreatown. Next, we went to the Griffith Observatory to see the gorgeous view of the city at night. Parking around the Greek Theatre was free. There is a line to look out of the telescope at the top of the observatory however it was too cloudy this night. The gift shop is really cool because there are meteorites for sale inside for about $120 for a Palm size one up to $3,500 for the one shown below.

Monday Feb 19/Day 2: First we made a quick stop at the Beverly Hills sign at the Beverly Hills Spa. Then we went to Santa Monica Pier. It was so windy and cold we bought beanies from one of the many vendors. Then, we drove the Pacific scenic drive through Malibu to El Matador Beach for the day. On the way back we watched the sunset from Venice Beach. You can park by the children’s playground for .50 for 30 minutes and $1 for 1 hour and so on. We ate at Jack in the Box and Carl’s Jr. Definitely order the bowl that comes with an egg roll and strawberry Dr. Pepper when you go to Jack in the Box. We also did some shopping at Ralph’s grocery store and Trader Joe’s-La Brae. Side note: one interesting thing about California that is different from Florida is all the bathrooms have both male/female signs because they are gender neutral. Also, you should bring your own bag for shopping because there is a fee at Ralph’s. Ralph’s also does not have any travel size beauty products like toothpaste etc.

Tuesday Feb 20/Day 3: Walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame and saw Dolby Theatre, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Chinese Theatre. Next, we hiked from Lake Hollywood Drive to Wisdom Tree, Hugh Hefner Lookout, and of course the Hollywood sign. At night, we visited Urban Lights and drove around Chinatown, Staples Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Rodeo Drive. We ate at Tommy’s Burgers and ordered a California Classic burger and a Chili burger with fries.

Wednesday Feb 21/Day 4: Checked out by 11am from Airbnb and drove to San Diego. Here we visited Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove. I don’t recommend using the public bathrooms at Children’s Pool (the smell was unbearable in every stall). My favorite part was watching the sea lions interact in their natural habitat. Some were defending their young, themselves, and teaching their young to swim. I can see why sea lions lay around so much now because they have to endure strong currents, rocks, and weather conditions to hunt and survive. On the way back to LAX, we ate at Miguels Mexican Restaurant in Carlsbad. Lastly, we returned our rental car and boarded 11:55am overnight flight to Tampa. We had a quick stop at DFW airport in Fort Worth, TX before arriving in Tampa by 11am.

Sea lion mating season is from December to May. There were about 8 or more pups.

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DIY: Wreath

Hi everyone. I started to research Pinterest for some ideas on wreaths and fell in love with the wreaths I saw so I started watching YouTube videos on how to make my own. I downloaded the Joann fabric store app and received a bunch of coupons I could use. Since I am new to this crafting lifestyle, I went and picked up 1 burlap, 2 tulle spools, and ribbon and it wasn’t enough to complete half a medium size wire wreath! I made a second trip and the tulle that matched mine was sold out since it is holiday themed/ seasonal and there was a sale going on. I grabbed two more 15 foot each of burlap. I spent about  $30 on my supplies. Luckily I already had pipe cleaner and hot glue. I made a mistake using the tulle and cut it really short and uneven because I started cutting impatiently. You need a piece of cardboard to wrap it on that is about 12 inches long. The con about wreath making is it can be pricey. I will be going to dollar tree first from now on. The pro is that you can take pride in making unique and personalized wreaths. Now I have a lot of ideas to use wreath making as gifts for family and friends year round.

What you need:

• Scissors
• Wire cutters
• Accent ribbon
• Burlap
• Tulle
• Wire wreath
• Styrofoam wreath

Fostering Kittens

Howard.

I decided to Foster kittens at the Humane Society this month. My first fosters are four male, five week old kittens. Their names are Harold, Howard Herman, and Harley. I have been volunteering at the Humane Society ever since my previous employer offered 2 paid volunteer hours per year. I continued to volunteer for many reasons. It was a rewarding hobby that had so much to learn. I have always wanted to foster so when I received an email that it was kitten season and the Humane Society was in desperate need of foster volunteers, I quickly applied. I downloaded the app for adobe sign that allows me to input my information and signature to the downloadable application on the Humane Society website and attached it to an email to the Volunteer Manager. After a few emails and calls back and forth (phone tag) and a visit to the shelter, I was finally able to get started. I have always had cats and dogs growing up. I raised two puppies as well. But kittens are a different story! I work full time so I am gone about 9 hours a day between work and driving. Luckily, kittens and cats are self sufficient. However, when I am home they definitely appreciate my attention. The biggest obstacle so far has been their bathroom behavior. They poop everywhere and will jump on my bed and track it all over my sheets. I have had to clean blankets all day everyday and vacuum. Since there is 4 of them, I am using 2 litter boxes. I do not crate them, but they stay in my room unless I am home. They love to play with each other and will hide under my couch. I also wake up to them in my bed. I have introduced them to the outside by allowing them on my screened patio which they enjoy. I’ve also bathed them which they absolutely hate. They have watched YouTube cat videos and are very curious about everything. I am thankful for all the great tips and information out there on the we and all the people who share their pictures on Instagram. I even created a page for them @hstbfoster. I hope the hashtags will attract people interested in adoption to find them or share. I am thankful that the Humane Society provided me with a litter box, litter, food (dry and pate’), and toys. I will be taking them to a check up at 2 weeks and if all goes well, by week 4 they should be ready for adoption after they are 8 weeks or older.
About the kittens:
Harley: He is the most adventurous. He is brave and independent. You can find him with Harold most of the time. He is usually the first one to cuddle with me and was the first to meow.
Harold: He is sneaky and likes the most attention. He will cuddle with me the most.
Herman: He is goofy and you can usually find him scratching the cat pole and playing with Howard.
Howard: He is the biggest goof ball. He has those “crazy eyes” like he is about to get into something. He tends to follow the others but has lots of personality.
I am going to miss them when they leave but I hope they will go to a good home and live long and happy tails. 
Tips:
1. Cover entire carpet with blankets.
2. Put litter box in a corner and very visible.
3. Cuddle with them.
4. Fostering saves lives!

[caption id="attachment_739" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Herman selfie.

Herman.

Harley.

Harold, Harley, Herman, and Howard cuddled together.

Harold.

Renaissance Fair Tampa, FL

Amazing Animals Inc. Pay $5 to hold snake or baby alligator

Mermaid free hand $20

For the past few years, my mother and I have been attending the Renaissance Fair in Tampa, FL, next to MOSI.

Some interesting facts you might find helpful:

1. Buy tickets in advance at Walgreens or use coupon from Subway for $3 off. Student and senior ticket discount. Parking is free but get there early or you will have to walk further. There is no shuttle or golf cart service.
2. Wear closed-toed shoes. You will be walking in dirt all day, so to avoid filthy feet, no flip flops!
3. Bring cash. There are ATMs but you will find it much easier to pay with cash. $40 minimum is a safe amount. The weather in March is about 75-85 degrees and you will get thirsty from all the walking. Also, if you don’t tip at the bars, they will mock you with “ bad tipper” for everyone to hear and embarrass you. Just about every game costs $2 minimum. There is henna art and pony rides as well as a petting zoo area with goats and donkeys to feed.
4. Most if not all of the performers work on tips and sell their CDs or even hot sauce after their show.
5. Port-O-Pottys are hard to find.

New 2017:

1. Mini horse unicorn is a therapy animal that walks around with its Princess and you can take free pictures with them, if you are lucky enough to find them.
2. I think it is called acrobatics, but a woman performs by doing tricks hanging from long curtain along beautiful music.
3. Weiner dog races. May not be new but for it was my first time going on Pirates and Pets weekend and this was the highlight of the day. Weiner dogs line up on about a 6 ft tarp and race from one side to the other.

My favorites:

1. The “Idiot” is a lady who walks around all day dragging a fake dead animal on a string.
2. Meeting a mermaid. She hands children small pebbles and it is a great photo opportunity. My 1, 2 and 3 year old nephews really enjoyed seeing a mermaid.
3. Wench show. Sit up front and you will get wet for not cheering. Sit up front at the mud show, if you want to get covered with…mud.
4. Favorite Bar is the Seahorse Pub. You will enjoy if you like cinder beer (offering pear and apple flavors), stout, and free peanuts.

And remember, it is always more fun to participate! So dress up, get on stage, and meet new people.

2017 Bucket list

To start off the New Year, I have decided to create a new bucket list. I made a list of about 50 things I wanted to do in my life back in high school and even if only one thing came true, it made me happy to check it off or keep trying. Obviously I can’t make homecoming court now, but I like to think the most important things that are meant to happen will someday or in someway. If I make a S.M.A.R.T list I should be able to realistically accomplish my goals.

1. Work out 3-5 days a week. At the very least this will include either weights, workout videos, walking my dogs on a daily basis, bicycling, jogging, and rollerblading. I have all the equipment so no excuses. Time to put the investment to good use. But first, new running shoes. If I finish a dozen or even just one actual race or obstacle challenge such as a 5K, 10K, Savage Race, or Color Run, I will be very proud. It may be a long shot but to compete in the Cross Fit games, BSR, or American Ninja Warrior in the future would be a high expectation.

2. Go on an adventure. Preferably out of state and if I’m really stretching it, out of the country for the first time. Got to use that passport some time before my 10 years expire. I love to try new things and see new places. I definitely want to see how other people live and experience all types of elements. Whether this is a trip to the Florida Keys, camping in the mountains, a cruise I want to make it happen early spring or summer. With my job expanding, I would like to travel for a build up, especially if I want to advance.

3. Write more. I write a blog on here about once a month but I think I should try to network online more and start sharing more of my thoughts with the universe. I hardly post a status on my Facebook regarding how I feel, which I think is a benefit for everyone really but I have to admit, I like to read what people say and hope I can help people by what I have to say. Maybe I could write about movies I’ve watched and start a portfolio. Why not try a video blog or tutorial? I don’t have much of a following on WP or any social media I use but maybe I can change that this year. I have been using the app at work to keep in touch with peers throughout the company in all parts of the country and it has been interesting connecting with them on a professional level.

4.  Start a new hobby. I have recently started some simple DIY projects I saw on Pinterest and it is very rewarding to make something yourself. Along with crafting and DIY projects, I would like to dive into photography and gardening. As soon as I can get my hands on some soil and pebbles, I am planting succulents. Maybe vegetables also: lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, basil, and carrots. Maybe I will try sunflowers again but definitely a salad garden. I want to cook, and I won’t say more because I don’t cook much at all! I would love to make homemade sangria for the first time.

5. Give more. Be more socialable. If anything, be a shoulder for someone to cry on and a helping hand for someone in need. Become an animal foster parent. Donate my time or materials.

6. Buy a home. I want a place for my dogs to live carefree. I want to plant a garden and grow my own vegetables. I want to paint and decorate however I want.

Florida ➡ North Carolina in 3 Days

Want to know how to spend 3 relaxing days driving from central Florida to North Carolina? This is my experience. 

*indicates tip 

Day 1: Start driving at 7:45 AM. Make a stop in St. Augustine to visit the Lighthouse. Took about a hour and costs $12.95 per person. *From the top you can view the lens rotate which it has for over 100 years non stop. Drive over Lions Bridge to view Fort Matanzas. Make a stop for lunch at Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. The cafe has a good little Chicken Salad sandwich. Arrive at destination by 8PM in Hope Mills near Fort Bragg in Fayetville, NC. 

Day 2: On the road at 6 AM. Make a stop at Bank of America Stadium. Spend about 20 minutes. Head to Chimney Rock State Park in Lake Lure. Take scenic route past Mint Hill, lots of winding roads. Costs about $15 per person. Arrive by 12PM. Check out the tunnel to the elevator (elevator was closed). Peek in the Gneiss Cave (didn’t see any bats). Climb the stairs up the mountain and get spectacular views. *Don’t forget to bring a few quarters so you can look out at the top through the binoculars. Hike 3/4 mile to Hickory Nut Falls. We visited out of season in December which means we didn’t get to see any critters (bears, birds, hedge hogs, snakes) since they were hibernating. Other activities such as the Discovery Den or Climbing Wall were closed. The Exclamation point trail was closed due to ice and the Falls lookout deck as well. Left at 3PM. Make a stop at South of the Border for footlong chili dog, fries, and tamale because you’re starving and why not? Arrive in Fayetville by 8PM. Make a bonfire.

Day 3: Start drive home at 11AM. Get lunch at Bojangles just because you don’t have one in FL.

*You will need about $200 for gas when driving a truck. 

Leopard makeup for Halloween

I was a Leopard for Halloween last year after searching tirelessly for something fairly different and easy for Halloween. based on what I had in my closet, I decided to pair a simple black top with some Leopard shorts. I added some tights. It was a really hot night in Florida this year so no jacket required. The best part about my costume is that I reused it this year! It worked out perfectly because  I no longer have cat ears but I used a bow that fell off the neck bow tie and pinned it to my head with just two Bobby pins. I wore the neck tie and it looked great without the bow. All I needed was makeup I already had!

Makeup:

• Black eyeliner (I used liquid for my eyes and pencil for the rest)
• Brown and gold eye shadow  
• Lipstick 
• Bronzer 
• Eye brow pencil (optional)

Additional:

• Tail
• Paws
• Bobby pins
• Bow

Step 1: Add Bronzer to face.

Step 2: Draw “C” shaped spots in different directions all around forehead and eye (you will color these in).

Step 3: Color in with eye shadow your black outlined spots. Add eye shadow on eye lids.

Step 4: Draw in eyebrows. I have a great little eyebrow kit from Winn Dixie that has two brushes that make it easy to paint on your eyebrows. I used it on my spots too.

Step 4: Draw a nose from the tip of your nose to the top outline of your mouth. Add whiskers (optional) and lipstick. 

DONE! Over the years, I think a Leopard for Halloween is gaining popularity. It is definitely a twist to the traditional black cat costume. The Leopard was also my school mascot! 

Below are some pictures. As you can see, my 3 nephews were adorable in their costumes as Spiderman, Ironman, and a Cowboy. For the cowboy look, you only have to spend money on the hat! The rest was found in the closet including  overalls, plaid shirt, and Cowboy boots  (his were rain boots). The cowboy vest was borrowed from my nephew! 

DIY Halloween Costume: Scarecrow

Halloween is my favorite holiday because it is by the far the most unique and fun. At my job, Coworkers dress up and pass out candy to children that trick or treat throughout the Showroom. This year, I decided to be a scarecrow because it was the first thing I could come up with from items I already had in my closet! Plus, it is super easy and really cute. It only took me five minutes to put it together including the makeup! I am so glad I didn’t spend money on a costume this year. I checked out a Spirit store and it was super expensive! Plus, last year I was a Leopard and bought everything from Party City and it all fell apart! I bought paws, makeup, a tail, and fangs and it cost me almost $30!

What you need:

• Straw hat, could be a fishing hat, or any large hat with a brim all the way around
• Overalls or any jeans
• Plaid shirt
• Eyeliner
• Lipstick
• Blush

Simple Steps:

I have really short hair but you can add braids or pigtails with your hair.

With the eyeliner, I drew a patch for a nose and colored it in with either red lipstick or blush.

I drew stitches for the mouth.

Then I drew eyelashes under my eyes.

I added some color by drawing really round red cheeks.

That’s it! Here is the look:

Boyett’s Grove Citrus Attraction in Brooksville, FL

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Let me tell you about my visit to Boyett’s Grove Citrus Attraction in Brooksville, FL. I grew up coming to this zoo and my greatest memory is feeding the friendly spider monkeys. My mom says it has changed a lot since then. The attraction is unlike any other aquarium, zoo, or museum. My mom, Kay and 20 month old nephew, Ben came around 2PM. It was $17.95 for 2 adults and a bag of food. The bag of food is in a plastic store bag full of popcorn, chopped celery and carrots, bread, buns, and powdered donuts. Parking is free. The only downside is parking is at the top of a hidden hill on Spring Lake Hwy so you have to be extra careful leaving (people don’t drive the speed limit).

You enter the outdoor attraction to tortoises that you can reach out to touch and hand feed. Then you explore the following: emus, geese, mini horses, goats, potbelly pigs (with 5 baby piglets), zebras, donkey, monkeys, spider monkeys, llamas, deer, peacocks, porcupine, camel, raccoons, and last but not least, birds, turtles, snake, fish, guinea pigs and bunnies.

  

In the aviary, some of the birds are in individual cages you would see in your home. You will find several parrot species and canaries. There are food dispensers that you need to put a quarter in and about twenty turtles were surrounding it just outside of their pool.

Through another surprise door is a dinosaur land. The room is dark and has statues of dinosaurs surrounded by strobe lights. The dinosaurs remind me of children’s toys multiplied in size. Children can pretend to dig up fossils in the surrounding sand pit covered with bones.

In a separate room are statues of  shark, grouper, and other fish species. There are home sized aquariums of live fish as well.

The attraction and its animals could use some tender loving care. The horses have matted hair and the slides are aged by the elements and are covered in spider webs. It is difficult to push a stroller here, the sidewalk is narrow and not flat. You are surrounded by overgrown trees and some of the tallest banana trees I’ve ever seen. Inside the gift shop is an arcade, old fashioned candy, ice cream and more. There is only one cashier handling everything and no change machine.

All in all, you can expect a unique experience hand feeding several animals that are like pets. You don’t have to deal with lots of tourists or crowds. Young children will enjoy this giant petting zoo. It truly brings your childhood dreams and fairytales to life.

Also, I recommend having lunch down the road near Hwy 50 at Pappa Joe’s Italian Restaurant.

Ringling Museum

Anyone looking for tips on how to do Florida this Summer, go checkout Ringling Museum in Sarasota. It was about an hour and a half drive from the Raymond James Stadium area in Tampa. I used my Waze app ofcourse and it made for a very easy drive. The drive back was not so easy due to the Tropical Storm, Colin that made its appearance but that can be expected of unpredictable Florida weather just days after Hurricane season officially started. I was able to enjoy the Ringling Museum free with student ID, and FYI free on Mondays as well. Also, although the first floor is already included with admission, I was told that the mansion has free guided and expanded tours (at certain times) only during summer. This includes upstairs living quarters and the tower. I was also given great advice to return at Christmas time. I’m assuming the grounds are decorated for the holiday.

I arrived just past noon.  Parking is free and you enter the Museum box office and gift shop building. After you receive your wristband, ticket, and map you walk outside along a sidewalk to “The Big Show” Circus Museum #1. FYI there are tram stops available to pick you up from anywhere and take you anywhere at no charge. They look like they hold up to 8 people on a golf cart. This building has two floors. Another important tip is to check the time on your ticket. This was not explained or mentioned to me and apparently my ticket was for 1PM (had I known I would have gone straight there or not taken so much time in the Circus museums to begin with and I had to wait from 2:30PM until 4PM for the next self guided tour at the mansion. You can enjoy a marvelous hand crafted replica of the circus by Tillman and many sights and sounds the circus was well known for. The second floor has interesting artifacts, history, and a timeline of events.

You may enjoy the Dwarf garden just outside the gift shop prior to Museum #1. There are about 6 statues and a few detailed benches to explore and beautiful trees surround this unique path.

My second stop was Circus mueseum #2. It is one story and has a real cannon that was used, animal cages, and a railroad car with kitchen, bedroom, and observatory. There is also many costumes that were worn on display, family history, newspaper articles including the Hartford, CT fire devastation, and Ringling family history through photos.

To the middle is an amazing playground for children with a great big slide and unique swings. The Mabel Rose garden is a must see. Absolutely sniff the roses! There are all kinds of roses of all shapes, sizes, and colors. I really liked the lemon spice rose. There are statues surrounding the garden and a gazebo in the middle.

Next I followed the trail through the Millenium trees. The palms along the waterway are beautiful and nothing I have seen before. At the end is an exhibit for Walker guest house. This is a small 24×24 I believe and functional beach house with screens instead of walls and only a kitchen, bath, office, and living room area. 

I entered the traveling exhibit first which showcased Asian art. The building was uncomfortably cold and the employees even said so and they were wearing jackets. It is located on the second floor of the building which exits into the magnificent courtyard. There are statues of mythical gods lining the building and beautiful large doors with great detail. There are fountains with great works of art facing a giant David. I had time to visit most of Peter Paul Rubens and others art work. The paintings are on large canvases and display passionate stories including Madonna and the Child.

The architecture at the mansion is beautiful. Make sure to look at the ceilings because there is so much talented art work to be seen. It took four years for the artist to paint. John Ringling and his wife enjoyed his home for only 3 winters if I heard correctly. The outdoor terrace provides a wonderful view of the ocean. The windows are big and colorful.

There is a Secret Garden to be seen closest to the mansion where Ringling, his wife, and Ida rest. Ringling and I share the same birthday, May 31. There is a variety of flowers in the garden with all kinds of colors of purple, yellow, and orange.

I drove twenty minutes to Siesta Key just after 5PM n when the museum closed. It was cloudy and just before the rain hit. The waves were strong. The water was not as clear as I expected, not a beach for snorkeling. There was very few shells. I think the beach rates high because it cam accomodate masses of people. It has free parking, playgrounds, lots of volleyball nets, and park safety patrol. I was disappointed when I tried to get a photo with the sign that reads “Voted #1 Beach” because there was a strange, loud protest going on with a crowd of people that seemed tp be drinking or partying to music and dancing with hula hoops and such. Men stood with a microphone and a poster in front of the sign I was speaking of, blocking anyone from going near it or taking a photo of it without getting them and their poster in it. It may have been a religious or political protest but not really sure. There were about 8 police officers just standing and watching it all happen.

I was disappointed that I took several snap chat videos and pictures that did not post or save and therefore dissappeared, never to be seen by anyone. It was of my first half of the journey including my attempt at “walking the wire”.