The Cost of Easter Candy

Leave a comment

Easter candy has filled all of my surrounding stores and the temptation to indulge is unbearable. Staying on track with my health goals has got me looking for any excuse to say no. Pop Sugar recently ran a detailed  article on how many jumping jacks it take to work off the top-selling Easter candy. Check it out.

easter candy.JPG

So before you dive into a bowl of goodies, is 49 minutes of a vigorous workout worth it for one item?

Find out healthy alternative to these treats here on my post “Healthy Easter Snacks To Try.”

Living Like Christ Is Coming Tomorrow

Leave a comment

I recently started a study plan entitled “Freedom From All Fear.” It covers everything from peer pressure to worry. In the last couple of days, I’ve been focusing on not worrying about the big scary world but instead focusing on Jesus’ homecoming.

matthew 24

In Matthew 24, Jesus prophesies about the wars and terror we see on the news everyday.

“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic…” – Matthew 24:6

He assures us that we are to expect these things to happen because they foreshadow his homecoming. He doesn’t say it will end immediately but these events will progress.

“Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” – Matthew 24:6-7

Although these things are painful to hear, Jesus did not give us this prophecy to scare us into hiding under a rock. He was giving us hope and encouragement that He will soon be following. God’s timing is not always our timing – it could be today or in years.

I want to live like He will arrive in several hours even if realistically it may be a 100 years. Jesus’ arrival should be every Christians dream. I can’t wait until the day when all of this insanity in the world just disappears – when everything is finally perfect.

But TODAY, I am still in an imperfect world fighting to share the Gospel of Jesus. Living as if Christ will knock on my door at any moment is what drives me to be obedient. It drives to me to be thankful for every moment I have on earth, whether good or bad. Because every moment draws me closer and closer to meeting with God. And at that moment, I want to proudly stand tall and feel confident that I did my very best with the days I was given.

I challenge you to reflect on your own day. Are you living as if Jesus will be here tomorrow or are you hoping for centuries to clean up your act?

 

Learning to Follow

Leave a comment

All my life I was taught to make decisions. To create my own destiny and carve out my own path. I was never taught to follow…until I decided to follow God.

Gate

Over the years, I had gotten used to calling my own shots. To make the same mistakes over and over and hope someone how the result would change. That’s the definition of insanity right?

But when I began learning the Gospel of Jesus my mind opened up to a whole new way of living. God calls us to follow because He’s already got everything figured out. We no longer have to infinitely make the same bad decision because God already mapped it for us.

The first thing I learned about following Jesus is it’s hard. I’ve had to allow to completely reprogram my mind to stopping relying on the world’s game of chance and start having faith in Him.

 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13 – 14

The bible tells me that following God will not be easy and that many people will choose not to. But it also tells me that my reward is everlasting life.

” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

So what will you choose? Insanity or life?

Tips To Keep Your Pet Summer Safe

Leave a comment

Summer is around the corner and Las Vegas is already beginning to heat up. The toasty sidewalks and blazing heat are not place for four-legged friends. As the sun shines brighter, here are some tips to keep you pets safe and enjoying the new season.

Hunter at the Pool

Protect Their paws

Once the sun rises over those Vegas mountains, the asphalt and concrete turn into hot lava under your dogs’ feet. Like humans, dogs can experience heat stroke and burns. When taking your dog out, transport inside of a cool car, only allow them to walk on grass areas or even try dog shoes if they can handle it.

Water, Water, Water

My dogs are big water guzzlers normally and the summer time increases their thirst. Make sure that your pet always has access to water. The rising heat can quickly dehydrate your pet and lead to worse problems.

Throw Some Shade

Dogs are susceptible to sun burns and skin cancer too. Your local vet can recommend a pet friendly sun screen for those long summer days. But shaded areas are always the best option for your pet.

Pool Party!

Many dogs love water but not all dogs can swim. Keep an eye on your dog and secure your pool area so they cannot accidentally slip and fall. You’ll not only keep your filters clean but you could save your pets life. Try a doggie kiddy pool instead and let them splash around.

Take Twilight Stroll

Midday is when the Sun is at its hottest. Take your dog on an early morning stroll before the sun rises or near sunset to insure the ground is cool.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

Would you leave an unattended child inside a car in summer? Didn’t think so. You’re fur baby cannot handle the smoldering heat in the car either. When it’s 110 degrees outside, it can be double that inside a car. When in doubt, leave your pet safe at home in a cool area of your house.

Feel free to share your summer tip for helping your pet enjoy a safe and fun summer.

Downtown Welcomes Project BBQ Food Truck to Fremont Street

1 Comment

Derek Steven’s, over of the D Las Vegas, has brought a potential food icon to downtown. Placed in what used to be a gift shop right next to Mermaids, Project BBQ has set up shop and the crowd is flocking to give them a try.

IMG_5697

Opening March 2017, Project BBQ has been opened for less than a month and the word is quickly spreading. This permanent food truck offers unique BBQ choices, quick and efficient customer service, and an industrial styled place to eat.

IMG_5696

They offer a selective menu of handcrafted sandwiches and meat bowls. Their prices range from $7 – $15. On special occasions, such as today – St. Patrick’s Day, they may jazz up their menu. Project BBQ offered Corned Beef Sandwiches and add-ons all day long today.

IMG_5695

My coworkers and I took a short trip to their booth and tried everything on the menu. Several of us ordered the meat bowls and dove into its gooey goodness.

IMG_5699

Others gave their sandwiches a try and were pleasantly surprised at the portion and taste.

IMG_5702

One coworker was feeling in the spirit and enjoyed a corned beef addition. He wasn’t disappointed. Was it the luck of the Irish or is Project BBQ just that good?

IMG_5701

Project BBQ is open daily at 11 AM and sits right on the Fremont Street Experience. If you are in the area, support the local food scene with an order or two.

IMG_5700

What’s Up Wednesday

2 Comments

Thanks for the inspiration by The Daily KC, here’s my “What’s Up Wednesday” update.

What I’ve been up to…

After a long vacation celebrating my one year anniversary, I’m trying to get back into the swing of things with work. My few weeks back have been filled with nothing but photo shoots, food and beverage events and media opportunities. Checkout a photo from my commercial wedding shoot. (Yes that is my actual wedding dress! No that’s not my husband)

Wedding 45RT1

What I’m reminiscing about….

I’m wishing I was still in California hiking the mountains in Azusa and enjoying guilt free naps.

What I’m loving…

Spring gardening season has really inspired me and I’m working to transform my humble abode in to a floral paradise.

What I’m dreading…

As the weather heats up, my office is turning into a winter. I am not excited for the extra sweaters I’ll need to lug in just for my shift.

What I’m excited about….

One Republic will be here this Friday and I will hopefully be at their meet and greet!

What I’m watching/reading…

No new books have caught my eye yet, but I’m open to any suggestions! I’m getting back into The Office to catch up on everyone’s story lines.

What I’m listening to…

Loving Frank Ocean’s “Chanel,” Petit Biscuit’s “Sunset Lover,” Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” and Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like.” New music Friday is my Spotify favorite.

What I’m wearing…

Maxi dresses and Tom’s wedges perfect for my hippie style.

What I’m doing this week/weekend:

Heading to see One Republic and Andy Grammar at Red Rock Station in here Las Vegas and running a pool media event. Hopefully I can fit some Go Karting in there as well.

How’s your week going?

Scriptures to Get Through Rough Days

2 Comments

Some days seems to fly by while others appear never-ending. For those days that I am struggling to make it, I have few go to scriptures that encourage me to push through. Whether you’re struggling with a person or a feeling, I hope these will help remind you that God loves you and always offers a helping hand.

scriptures

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

1 Peter 3:9

“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”

Isaiah 43:25

“I-yes-I alone- will blot out your sins for me own sake and will never think of them again.”

Hebrews 11:1

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

Please share your favorites in the comments below!

The Queen Mary Offers The Most Unique Tours in Long Beach

Leave a comment

Of the many trips I’d taken to Long Beach, CA, I’ve never been able to take a tour of the majestic Queen Mary. Docked at the same port as Carnival Cruise ships, the Queen Mary is a floating hotel open to special events, dining and tours.

9551_10202804365588114_7908372943255125043_n (1)

Our visit began with a haunted tour that took guests on an exploration of the entire ship. Every ghostly experience is documented on a sign plastered to the walls throughout the ship.

17156230_10202804366948148_92079081208876840_n.jpg

We visited the library where housekeepers claimed to have met a classy woman.

17098433_10202804366908147_742170066501381840_n.jpg

We stepped into an active room that received so many complaints its been shut down.

17098663_10202804366148128_5279258615447598207_n.jpg

We walked up a staircase that was said to be home to some dressy gentlemen.

17103260_10202804366388134_1112515871050503952_n.jpg

We then moved to a more historic tour of the ship that talked about its history on the water. The Queen Mary served as a cruise ship as well as a soldier transport.

17191146_10202804364148078_2805566531692707267_n.jpg

The ship even features an enormous replica make entirely out of Legos! We also discovered that the Queen Mary is twice the size of the Titanic! So, we walked a lot.

17190759_10202804364188079_920939698982270130_n.jpg

We were able to walk around the engine room and discover the inner workings of the ship and see examples of what the guest rooms used to look like during its cruise and transport days.

17203124_10202804365028100_5840924168497173373_n.jpg

Overall, the tour was very interesting. The ship also offers a Princess Diana tea time exploration that was currently down for renovations. So, if you’re ever in the Long Beach area and are brave enough to stay on the ship or just take a look around, you can book your experience here!

 

Food Feature – Kogi BBQ Truck

Leave a comment

Normally I am no foodie hunting for my next perfect meal, but one trip to the Kogi BBQ truck at a stop in Long Beach, CA could change everything.

IMG_5567

Kogi BBQ is a traveling Korean Taco Truck that drives through the streets of L.A. delivering delicious delicacies. Starting Thanksgiving 2008, Kogi has blown up so quickly they’ve even been able to open counters in Culver city.

IMG_5564

My experience was nothing by extraordinary. There is always a line outside of the truck as customers choose from their extensive and inexpensive menu.

IMG_5562

I had a whole plan to document every item my group purchased, but from the first bite, we couldn’t put down our plates. We sampled the sliders, burritos, burger and tacos.

IMG_5611

The truck is always moving around and you find their next location here or follow their social accounts! If you don’t want to wait, schedule a stop or cater their food!

California Adventures Secret Menu – Cover Bar

2 Comments

On my recent trip to Anaheim, I was lucky enough to book a reservation at one of the most popular bars in all of California Adventures. The Cover Bar is located on Paradise Pier right next to Ariel’s Grotto. You can book ahead but most people wait in line. Our wait was about 20 minutes and we were able to sit at the bar overlooking the midway and Mickey Ferris Wheel.

cove bar menu

The Cove Bar is know for their delicious bites such as lobster nachos, tri-tip nachos and personal pizza. The lobster nachos were big enough for two people and only cost $16.

cove nachos

The secret menu at the Cove Bar offers a step up from their already creative drinks. You can choose:

Disney Food Blog cove menu drinks

Photo by Disney Food Blog

  • Black Pearl – Vodka, gin, rum, sweet and sour, Chambord and Sprite mixed.
  • Earthquake – Vodka, gin, rum, sweet and sour, blue Curacao and Sprite all mixed topped with a 151 Rum Floater.
  • The Fun Wheel – layers of pineapple juice and X-rated Passion Fruit Vodka topped with blue Curacao mixed with vodka, rum and gin.
  • Neverland Tea – vodka, gin, rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, Sprite and Midori mixed to Peter Pan green.
  • The Zombie – light rum, dark rum, coconut rum, spiced rum, 151 rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, blue Curacao, Midori and Grenadine.

These drinks are extremely strong, so I wouldn’t recommend gulping down the set and then taking on a roller coaster.

What are you unique food and drink finds at California Adventures and Disneyland Resort?