Nature.

Last week my friend asked if I wanted to go for a hike through the Sequoias.  Quickly I replied YES!  I don't mind nature, a little overcast weather and fresh clean air.  So we drive up to Sequoia and stop once we pull in to ask where the best trails are for a little hike to check out the rapid rushing of the cold water and just sight see for a minute.  We parked across from Hospital Rock and just started out on whatever open trail we could find.  On the first trail we had to semi rock crawl and cross over and under.  But the view was very much well worth it and sooo refreshing!

We then headed across the road to another trail that took us up and over the road in which we came into the park on.  The view from uptop was amazing and the air literally felt so very fresh and crisp!  Almost like a cheesy Downy commercial.  My fear of heights prevented me from going a bit further and getting a few better shots. I was very proud of myself though for going as high as I did. 

Memorial Day Random ?'s..

I love asking questions and often enough don't mind answering them.  But when it comes to questionaires I LOVE THEM!  So here are a few I have found that I thought I'd answer and let you get to know me a little better.

Kissed any one of your Twitter followers? nope

Been arrested? Almost
Kissed someone you didn't romantically like? Yes, blugh
Slept in until 5 PM? No, like 1 or 2pm
Fallen asleep at work/school? I wanted to
Held a snake? HELL NO
Ran a red light? Yes
Been suspended from school? Yes, 8th grade
Totaled your car/motorbike in an accident? No
Sang karaoke? No, majorly scared to
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yes, and totally regretted it
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? No, Hate the snow and the cold
Kissed in the rain? Yes, well no, while it was raining not in the actual rain
Sang in the shower? In portuguese, does that count??
Sat on a rooftop? Yes of a bar/consession stand in the town on Sao Sebastao, Azores
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? Yes and skinned my knee in the process
Broken a bone? Yes, my nose...OUCH
Shaved your head? Wanted to once.
Blacked out from drinking? Not really
Played a prank on someone? Yes..Do you not know my friend Lisa (not me) who loves doing that to people
Felt like killing someone? Always
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? Yes
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? No, do they really jump??
Been in a band? No, but i was I'd be the drummer
Shot a gun? Water and Pellet
Donated Blood? Nope
Eaten alligator meat? Blugh, no!
Eaten cheesecake? Once and hated it
Still love someone you shouldn't? Who doesn't
Think about the future? All the time
Believe in love? Yup
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? Always
Talk in your sleep? I've heard I do
Play a musical instrument? Piano, I must say I'm kinda good at it
Lived outside of the country? No
Been skinny dipping? Yes, hehehe
Gone sky diving? Heck NO! Scared to death of heights!!!
.

My Five Friday Favs.

1.  Starbucks Black Tea..Sweetened, YUM!

2.  This adorable E-Session Pic I came across on one of my fav wedding blogs.

3.  Special K...My fav cereal at the moment that has been a great friend through my diet these past few months.

4.  A great tweet I read last week. 

5.  Allison's 21st Birthday cake she made herself! It was absolutely adorable!!!!!!!!

Kicking Off Summer.

Memorial Day is always the weekend to kick off summer, bbqing, longer days or even that afternoon at the lake.  Food and drinks are a huge part of Memorial weekend.  I have found some receipes that are easy, simple and for sure yummy!

All American Berry Pie

Sweet Onion & Bacon BBQ Burgers

Caribbean Rum Punch

Add one of these cute straws and you have a festive little party going on right in your hand.

**All the recipes from today's post may be found on allrecipes.com

Home Beauty Remedy Tips...That Work!

1.  Avoid a Hangover, consume something fatty before you drink, take your drinks slowly and take a glass of water before going to bed. Also, take 2 advil before bed to avoid a headache.

2.  Dry Face, Almond Oil makes a great primer before foundation because its quickly absorbed.  Or use it as a night moisturizer. OR make a mash of banana and leave on your face for 20 minutes.

3.  Dry Feet &/or Hands, Apply Vaseline, baby oil or Olive oil to the affected area before bedtime, then wear socks or gloves all night.

4.  Exfoliating, 1 cup of brewed coffee mixed with a tablespoon of salt.  Put on a dry brush or loofah pad then scrub away.  Use it within 20 minutes though, that is when the coffee has more oxidisation.  After that it is way less effective.

5.  Prevent hair loss, apply high quality Castor Oil to roots and scalp. Try to avoid getting too much into your hair, it may be hard to get out. After applying cover your hair for 20 minutes with a towel or plastic cap, then wash it out with shampoo. Repeat 1 time a week for 6-8 weeks.



6.  Dull Hair, Heat half a cup of Olive Oil, leave it in your hair for 15 minutes, then rinse. OR Brew some coffee and let it cool, then apply to dry hair and leave for 20 minutes.  Rinse with warm water and repeat 2 more times. 

7.  Oily Hair, Boil and mash some Carrots, leave on your hair for 15 minutes then rinse, repeat 1 more time.  OR 1/2 cup dishwasher detergent.  Leave in for 20 minutes then rinse and repeat 1 time.

8.  Dry Hair, Massage hair with Mayo, Olive Oil or Almond Oil.  Leave in whichever one you choose for 10 minutes then wash it as usual.

9.  Prevent Hang Nails, Soaking your fingers in Olive or Castor Oil for a few minutes every week will moisturize your nails without weakening them and also softens your cuticles too.  Also, Massaging your fingertips with Vitamin E before bed with strengthen them too.

10.  Whiter Teeth, Brushing your teeth with mashed Strawberries everyday, the Malic Acid acts as a mild astringent when used with baking soda.  OR 3 drops of Hydrogen Peroxide to some Baking Soda and brush as you would like with toothpaste.  Also, Lemon juice w/salt or Orange peel and Bay leaves works the just as good. It all depends on your taste buds.





 

Summer Ready Cheeks.

I'm not a big makeup fan for those of you who truly know me.  Lipstick, blushy cheeks and a tad of mascara is what my getting ready consists of.  Eyeshadow is sometimes added when its a true special occasion.  But not often do I go that far.  Blush is an everyday must have for me though.  The following are my true fav, and in the manner in which they are used daily depending on the weather and the function I'm attending.

1.  Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle is perfect for just cheeks or all over for daily use at work or a day in the sun, even for an evening out under low lights and dancing til the sun comes back up.  Looks great with a bright lipstick such as Snob by Mac

2.  Mac Cremeblend Blush in Florida is what I use for a night out on the town when I want to add a bit of an edge to my look and tone down my lipstick.

My Five Friday Favs.

1.  Opi Nails Chic Prints Nail Stick Ons.  Last a little long than polish and are soo fun! 

2.  Bridesmaids the Movie! Saw it last week and LOVED it! Total MUST SEE!!!

3.  Better Homes and Gardens Wax for your Scentsy warmers.

4.  My Favorite Fruit...Peaches

5.  Indian Inspired Headband



10 Minute Under $20 Self Manicure.

Summer is the time to be natural and a time to save $$$$... On those nice Saturday afternoons or long evenings during the week, after work you don't want to have to rush to an appointment or waste time sitting at a salon waiting to get your nails done!  Below I have posted all that you will need for a self mani/pedi that can be done in about 10 minutes or so and will cost less than the salon treatment.

1.  Natural Nail Buffer  $1.19

2.  Natural Nail File, also for Toes! $.89

3.  Manicure Stick $.49 & Cuticle Treatment $2.49

4.  Nail Strengthener & Base Coat $4

5.  Any Summery, Fun, Bright Colors.... $.99 - $8.00

6,  Top Coat $5.49

Once doing all these steps...  Let the polish dry and for quicker results to dry: 10 minutes after polish has been completed on all the nails, place hands under running cold water or in a bowl of ice water, that will most def help with shorter drying time. 

Top 20 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance.

Prioritize the things in your life

Manage the time properly by making to do lists, by prioritize the tasks, share the work load at home and at office

Take care of your own health

Find a flexible employer

Use your annual leaves

Work more efficiently

Every weekend do a fun filled activity

Limit the use of Internet time

Limit the activities that are nonproductive or non-priority

Give time for exercises at least 30 minutes in a day either morning or in the evening

Avoid watching television for a long time

Expect less and give more

Keep week end for the activities with family, friends and weekend trip or for fun related activities

Recognize signs of burn out like extreme tiredness, over reaction to the minor problems and diminished productivity

Separate the work and family life

Take a career break whenever you need

Ignore unnecessary activities

Seek help from family members or friends to balance your life

Plan fun and relaxation time for yourself like yoga, sports

Find a new career or new job if the current career is stressful

Use the advantages of corporate policies and programs like childcare, flexible timing, job sharing, etc...

Schedule your time effectively at work

Make your time for yourself and for your family and friends

Leave for work and from work on time at least 3 times a week

Free Engagement Shoot Giveaway!

Who wants a FREE engagement session?? Go to www.facebook.com/pages/Raquel-Leal-Photography, Like the page and leave a comment saying why you should win and then get people to like your comment. The comment with the most likes wins a FREE engagement session! Winner announced May 31st! Ready. Set. Go. ♥

Spring Fling Songs.

I often think that music comes with seasons.  As summer is approaching with lake time, floating, bbqs' and lazy days around by the pool certain Genres like rap, hip hop and country always come out with "theme" songs.  So far I have come across a few that I can see being played on my ipod while laying out or cruising the water with friends. 

Jake Owen...Barefoot Blue Jean Night
Pitbull...Give Me Everything Tonight
Lady GaGa...The Edge of Glory
Blake Shelton...Honey Bee
Adele...Rolling In The Deep
The Black Eyes Peas...Just Can't Get Enough
Jason Aldean...Dirt Road Anthem
Katy Perry w/ Kanye West...E.T.
Luke Bryan...Country Girl
Mike Posner...Bow Chicka Wow Wow

Dailys Cocktails.

Skimming through a mag and I came across Dailys new cocktail mix.  Its a bartender frozen style cocktail with 7 different flavors to choose from.  You simply purchase the flavors you want, freeze them, then cut the top and pour it into a glass.  No extra $$ spent, no meseses, just a good treat for those warm afternoons by the pool.

•Frozen Lemonade


•Frozen Mojito

•Margarita

•Strawberry Daiquiri

•Frozen Pina Colada

•Peach Daiquiri

•Pomegranate Margarita

My Five Friday Favs.

1.  Lindsey's First Holy Communion. 

2.  Mac Snob Lipstick

3.  Red Paper Striped Straws

4.  Carnival Themed Invites

5.  Mexican Themed Wedding Photo..LOVE the Sombreros

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FRIEND AMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Random Date Spots.

Being single at times makes you think of Vacays to take with other single friends, Random dives to hang out at on a Saturday afternoon when everyone is gone to a wedding or a social "Couple Function" and at times it also makes you think of Fun date spots in town that you can be low key and really helps you get to know one another.  I have gathered all the dinner/date spots I've ever been to in my dating life and put them into the Good and Bad columns.

Good...

1.  Low key bistro with a bar that you can sit at and enjoy a few sips of their good wine without feeling to foofy.

2.  Authentic Mexican restaurant with possibly some good music and of course amazing Margaritas

3.  Pizza parlor with a wide variety of the old Mr and Ms Packman games along with a rooster quarter machine

4.  Dodger game with a game time of 7:10, pig out on Dodger dogs and ice cold beer followed by peanuts or sunflower seeds or Both

5.  Taco wagons...Make a little picnic out of it with a 12 pack and some Carne Asada Burritos


Bad...

1.  Anywhere that needs a reservation

2.  Vegan restaurant that will bring you tofu or something raw that looks and tastes like Round up sprayed grass

3.  His family owned restaurant where you will be forced to meet his aunts, cousins and maybe even parents

4.  2 for 1 special, means he is cheap and probably will ask you to go dutch with him

5.  Anything that is messy and requires a bib 


If your first date consists of anything to do with his family, if he talks too much about what he has or doesn't have or complains alot or even shows signs of jealousy or of being controlling, that for sure is ALL signs to note date him again!

Hey, It's OK...

I found another It's OK in the Glamour... I just had to post.

If you are taller than your significant other and still wear heels. Why not?

To start your to-do list with a few things you've already done. Check, Check and Check!

To serve your dog only organic food but consider three-day old Domino's a perfectly acceptable dinner for yourself.

To put the extra rich lotion on your hands and then forget and touch your hair and, oh, screw it: It's a ponytail day

To cling to your black tights till the last possible moment. Too pale! No pedicure! Argh!!

If nothing melts you faster than a hug from your mom. Except maybe one from your dad.


My It's OK..

If you polish your nails and get access around on the skin, when you shower it will come off anyway

If you shut your phone off for an evening of R&R all to yourself

To tell a telemarketer where to go when they have called you 30 times and still don't get the hint

Turn away an unwanted drink from a strange guy at the end of the bar

To go home early to get a good nights rest so Saturday morning you feel refreshed and not hungover with dried out skin.

To ride your bike to the local dive when meeting your friends for happy hour. As long as you can ride back!

What's Inside Your Purse?

Every woman has different odds, ends and the basic necessities in her purse.  Mine are all pretty much basic:  Keys, IPhone, daily planner, pen, tissues, lip gloss, hair tyes, gum & headphones.  Oh and cannot forget the wallet.  That is a major necessity.  Some carry all that and more like an IPad, a book or kindle, jewelry, makeup and hair products, food, water, hand cream or sanitizer...the list can go and on.  Not to mention if they have kids.  Then the list really grows to bottles, snacks, diapers, wipes, toys, pacifiers....etc etc etc.

 How often is to often to clean out your purse, change it or even junk it and replace it with a brand new one?  I understand that if you have a Louis Vuitton or Coach you really aren't just going to chuck it or even replace it as often.  I personally love the side strap bags aka...cross body bags.  I have soo many and seem to really work for me.  I hate having anything on my shoulder or having to carry it with my hand.  Cross body and even backpack styles are a huge plus when purchasing a bag.  What do you look for in a purse when purchasing one?  Do you go for color, style or even just convenience?  Here are a few I have collected through the years and literally use them until they fall apart.

My Five Friday Favs.

1.  Forever 21 Skirt that I plan on wearing this weekend.

2.  Adorable table setting I found on a blog I frequently visit...loveandlavender.com

3.  "L' necklace featured on Etsy that I just had to get. I'm soo into crosstitch right now

4.  Mini Parrot Pinata..So festive and sooo Cinco De Mayo

5.  Flaxseed Oil Capsules.  Great for your heart, blood stream and digestive system.



CINCO DE MAYO.

Growing up I never understood what Cinco De Mayo was.  I just knew that every year it was an unexplained day that people drank Tecate and Coronas, made tacos and ate chips n salsa while listening to Mexican music.  A few years ago my Cinco De Mayo changed.  I went to a party where I met a few people I ended up being good friends with and even dated a guy I had met that night. It was a whirl wind and complete change of how I felt about Cinco De Mayo.  This year my friends and I have planned to go watch a baseball game for a local semi famous team and hopefully have chips n salsa while sipping on Coronas or Margaritas.  I've also made some Mexican tissue paper flowers to have as decor in my house and will be visiting the Panaderia for yummy desserts.