July 2021 - Cindy Goes Beyond

July 30, 2021

A Day in Silver Dollar City

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

As one of my Yeses, for the July Yes! Month, I agreed to take my granddaughter Aubrey and great niece London to Silver Dollar City, near Branson, Missouri.

These girls are second cousins. However, they’ve grown up together as cousins and friends. They enjoy spending time together.

The girls planned this trip, from the day they wanted to go to working out the details of getting together. I happily said yes to a day in Silver Dollar City. Greg accompanied us, serving as driver and holder of items while we rode rides in the park.

Explore the City with us!

Silver Dollar City History

The City is located in the Ozarks, near Branson. One of the most popular attractions in Missouri, Silver Dollar City actually began as a hole in the ground.

The sinkhole, originally called Marble Cave, was discovered by the Osage Tribe in the 1500s. Over the years explorers lowered themselves down into the cave, searching for marble…there wasn’t any…and other treasures. Canadian mining expert William Henry Lynch bought Marvel Cave and moved to the area with his two daughters.

They began giving tours of the huge cave in 1894. By the 1920s, tourists flocked to the cave, by road or by hiking in from the train station. In 1946 Hugo and Mary Herschend leased the cave from the Lynch Sisters. After making improvements to the cave’s access, the Hershcends and their two sons developed the idea of an 1880s village around the cave entrance. People arriving to tour the cave could wait there.

Silver Dollar City officially opened in 1960, so named for the promotional idea of giving guests change in silver dollars. The town square contained a general store, blacksmith shop, doll shop, ice cream parlor and two authentic log structures. A small troupe, dressed in 1880s costumes, performed in the square.

A Day in Silver Dollar City 6o — A Day in Silver Dollar City – Diamond Jubilee Celebration continues

Silver Dollar City Today

The City continues to grow from that humble beginning that drew 125,000 visitors its first year.

Today the park spreads over 100 acres. It features more than 40 rides and attractions, 18 restaurants, 12 performance venues, 60 shops and 100 craftsmen. World class festivals and events are offered from spring through the holiday season, when the park is lit up with more than 6 million lights.

The City is divided into 11 themed districts, all reachable on foot. Prepare for lots of walking in the City, and up and downhill walking at that. Due to the Herschend’s careful planning to leave the area as natural as possible, the paved pathways and streets wind through wooded areas and water features. During the hot summer months, all those trees help keep the area cooler.

The first roller coaster, Fire in the Hole, opened in 1972, joining the steam engine train, Flooded Mine ride and Grandfather’s Mansion. It’s still in operation today. Silver Dollar City’s newest ride, Mystic River Falls, opened last year. It’s billed as the tallest rapids drop in the western hemisphere.

A Day in Silver Dollar City

The park is open March through December. Current hours are from 9:30 am until 10:00 pm. You can purchase one, two or three day passes online or at the park. Also available is a season pass for unlimited visits through Christmas. A slight discount is offered for those over 65. However, for active or retired military, there is a significant discount. Those tickets must be purchased online.

Until August 8, you can enter the park after 5:00, during Moonlight Madness, for a deeply discounted price.

You can also save on groups of 15 or more people.

The City offers strollers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters for rent.

Due to COVID the park chooses the right to limit the number of visitors into the park. Stringent cleaning practices are in place. Vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask. Masks are encouraged for those who are not vaccinated.

Special note: some rides have a height requirement. Check out the rides and requirements HERE.

A Day in Silver Dollar City Wildfire — A Day in Silver Dollar City – Wildfire Roller Coaster

Our Day in Silver Dollar City

We arrived about 10:00 am, after purchasing our tickets online. London is a season pass holder, which meant we all received discounts on our food purchases while in the park.

For the girls who planned this trip, the highlight for them was deciding where to go, what to ride and when to eat. Greg and I tagged along behind them everywhere they went, allowing them to follow their adventurous hearts.

On this day in the City, the girls focused on rides and primarily the roller coasters. Due to the heat…temps in the high 90s making it feel like 108…the water rides had long wait times. We rode one toward the end of the day. The rest of the time, the girls enjoyed other rides and attractions and the thrills of Thunderation, Wildfire and Time Traveler, riding each multiple times.

We stayed hydrated, drinking water throughout the day. And we ate lightly every couple of hours.

I downloaded the Silver Dollar City app and found it so helpful! The map showed our location, making it easy to see where we needed to go to get to the next ride or restaurant. And every ride shows how long the wait time is. The girls passed on any ride with a 30 minute or longer wait time, focusing on those with quick access. As wait times shifted, we moved to that part of the park. I highly recommend the app, available in the Apple App store or Google Play.

We ended our time in the City with a water ride that left all of us soaking wet…and happily so. I’d recommend leaving dry shirts in the car.

A Day in Silver Dollar City water ride — A Day in Silver Dollar City – soaking wet after Tom and Huck’s River Blast

Until Next Time

What a fun yes experience, taking Aubrey and London to Silver Dollar City. We walked more than five miles that day, spun and looped and twisted on roller coasters and explored all areas of the park.

At the end of our day there, the girls…and Yaya and Papa…were extremely tired. It was a good day though. The girls declared Time Traveler their favorite ride. I think they rode it at least six times. I joined them once. It is a cleverly done coaster that spins as it hurls over the track. This coaster is called the world’s fastest, tallest and steepest spinning roller coaster. The course includes a 10 story tall 90 degrees drop and a 95 foot tall vertical loop. The whole steampunk theme charmed me.

This won’t be our last time to visit Silver Dollar City. I have more grandchildren to explore the City with. And Greg and I would enjoy a stroll around the City on our own, taking in the shops and some of the shows.

Get your Silver Dollar City passes HERE. And let me know if you’ve visited this fun 1880s themed park.

The favorite ride this day…Time Traveler. Aubrey and London head to the entrance.

Take these items from Amazon along on your trip:

Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

July 26, 2021

GROK Your World

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I have an affiliate relationship with Grok the World. All opinions are my own.

I love play as a form of learning and growing. In fact, play is an extremely important part of my daily life. I was introduced to the GROK card set by Greg. He purchased them to use with the book, Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD.

Although I’ve not read the book, I’m familiar with Nonviolent Communication, also referred to simply as NVC. I’ll briefly share the four tenets of NVC below.

The GROK card game immediately intrigued me. Through play, discovery and connection, one can get to the heart of what matters most, indeed. It is possible to “GROK your world”, by learning more about feelings and needs with this lovely game.

The Story Behind GROK

Christine and Jean met in 2005 to brainstorm ideas as they launched their line of NVC products.

With a MA in Sports Psychology, Jean long held an interest in learning through playful engagement. She loves teaching cooperative games that stretch the imagination and spirit. As a life-long meditator with a MA in international relations, Christine pursued interests in restorative justice, mindfulness, and conflict resolution, from the personal to the global. With their similar backgrounds as small business owners and years of experience teaching Nonviolent Communication, it made sense to combine their strengths and talents and launch their GROK product business in 2006.

Through the GROK game, and the other products developed over the years, Christine and Jean promote a more peaceful and empathetic world.

Curious about the name?

In the sci-fi novel Stranger in a Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein, grok is a Martian word that means “to drink”. Metaphorically it means “to take it all in”, “understand fully” or “to be one with”.

GROK Your World booklet — GROK Your World – game box with booklet

What is the GROK Game?

GROK is a set of interactive card games designed to heighten understanding, listening and connection in a fun and engaging way.

Playing GROK games can improve relationships with family members, friends and colleagues, along with deepening the relationship with self. It provides support in resolving conflicts, and opens doors of opportunities for making better choices, decisions and goals. And it promotes social and emotional intelligence while allowing players to practice the art of empathetic listening.

Included in the game box are 70 feelings cards, 70 needs and values cards, and a booklet. Within the booklet are instructions for playing more than 20 games, for 2 – 25 players. Also included are games to play alone.

GROK Your World cards — GROK Your World – instructional booklet, feeling cards and needs cards

Foundation for the GROK Games

The GROK games are built upon conscious communication, as developed by Marshall Rosenberg. Integrating NVC practices helps us act in harmony with our values. We can share what is true for us while still hearing and discovering what is true for another. Additionally, we share what we are feeling and needing, rather than judging, blaming or attacking.

Nonviolent communication focuses on:

Self-empathy and the ability to identify and connect with the feelings and needs in a particular situation, without judging, blaming or criticizing self.

Empathy for others and guessing another’s feelings and needs without judging, correcting, advising or criticizing.

Honest self expression, sharing observations, feelings, needs and requests.

The four tenets of NVC include:

Observations, which are different from judging, evaluating, labeling and analyzing.

Feelings, which are different from perceptions and “victim verbs” that contain blame, insults and attacks.

Needs, which are different from strategies, blame and “shoulds”.

Requests, which are different from demands, shame and manipulation.

(For more info, read the helpful instruction booklet included in game.)

GROK Your World games — GROK Your World – 20+ games included in booklet

Sample of GROK Games

The booklet includes a wonderful variety of games, for groups, couples or individuals.

GROK for Two – the speaker with the feelings deck decides on a topic and chooses 5 – 10 that express his emotions. He shares on his chosen topic for 1 – 2 minutes, while a listener, listens. The listener then scans the needs deck and chooses 3 – 4 cards to guess the speaker’s needs. The speaker responds to each guess with more dialogue, allowing the listener to choose more needs, until the listener can say, “Thank you for listening. I feel heard.”

Feelings Charades – player draws a feelings card and without looking at it, shows it to the group. Group members demonstrate the feeling, using facial expressions or body movements, without speaking. Player then guesses the feeling.

I Have a Need When… – player draws a needs card and without looking at it, shows it to the group. Group members describe situations where this need might be active, without using the word itself. Player guesses the need.

Artfully Yours – choose 1 – 3 needs that are important. Go through magazines and select images and words that represent those needs. Glue onto a board. Write the needs or cut out letters to spell them and add to the board. Display board where it can be seen daily.

GROK Your World

Greg and I have yet to play with the GROK cards together. However, I’ve enjoyed studying them and playing individual games. I recently played Celebrations. Thinking about a situation that brings me joy, I selected feelings cards that match the emotions around the situation. I narrowed those selections to 5 cards. Then I chose cards that represent the needs in the situation.

For the situation, I chose an upcoming solo trip, and selected the feelings: enthusiastic, excited, grateful, inspired and curious.

The fulfilled needs connected to that upcoming trip include: freedom, love (of travel), inspiration, fun and play, autonomy and choice, spontaneity, beauty and aesthetics, compassion and empathy, creativity, trust, appreciation and learning and growing.

Playing this game brought me clarity about why I want to do this solo trip and showed me the many needs that are fulfilled as a result. And going deeper, playing with these cards helps me to move beyond judgments, labels, “shoulds” and criticisms, of myself and of others. I feel lighter in my being, and open to so many possibilities.

Get Your GROK Game

Are you as intrigued by this game as I am? Are you eager to deepen your empathy and increase your ability to connect with self and others in a meaningful way?

I’m thrilled to offer you a discount code, to try GROK and to get to the heart of what matters most! This is an excellent game for families to play, and there is even a Kid’s Edition available.

Use my link to visit the GROK the World website.

Then upon checkout, use my discount code CINDYMOORE to save 10% off of your order. Code is good for any of the GROK products.

Are you ready to GROK your world? And the worlds of others?

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with GROK the World and Amazon. Purchasing products through my links may result in a commission for me, all at no extra charge to you.

July 24, 2021

Exploring Eureka Springs

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I recently enjoyed a road trip to Arkansas and an afternoon exploring Eureka Springs. I’ve visited this intriguing little town many times, however, with my desire to see with a fresh perspective, I learned several new things.

Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs, Arkansas offers Victorian charm, an artsy attitude and interesting energy! It’s called the Little Switzerland of Arkansas…although it bears other nicknames as well.

Come with me on a tour of Eureka Springs.

Exploring Eureka Springs History

Located in northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a small community of about 2,300 people. The town clings to the mountains…in Arkansas, these are more like big rocky hills…earning it the name of Little Switzerland.

Native American legends told of the Great Healing Springs in the area. Indigenous peoples long visited the springs and considered them sacred. When European settlers arrived, they found the springs restorative as well.

Dr. Alvah Jackson is credited with locating Basin Spring in 1856. He claimed the waters healed an eye condition. In 1879 Judge JB Saunders declared himself healed from a crippling disease, by the springs, and promoted Eureka Springs. In a year the community became a flourishing city, spa and tourist destination.

Eureka Springs incorporated as a city in 1880 and by 1881 became the fourth largest town in Arkansas. Within a few years, the city attracted thousands of people who built Victorian style homes and established commercial enterprises.

The city continues as a tourist town, offering unique shops, cafes, arts and crafts. It’s a mecca for artists, writers and those who appreciate a creative, diverse lifestyle.

Exploring Eureka Springs bath house — Exploring Eureka Springs – the bath house, now an artsy retail building.

Fun Facts About Eureka Springs

There is so much more to Eureka Springs, beyond its establishment. Perhaps because of all the springs…at least 62 of them…and the limestone in the area, it presents strong, unusual energy. The word “eureka” comes from the Greek mathematician Archimedes…and it means “I found it”. I can imagine the excitement the discovery of the springs brought. Check out these interesting finds as well.

Underground Eureka Springs

The first street in Eureka, appropriately named Main Street, stretched down a gulch that connected to Basin Spring. Because of its low elevation and a spring fed creek nearby, Main Street continually flooded, earning it the nickname of Mud Street. The buildings built along Main…or Mud…Street often flooded as well.

In 1890 major street improvements raised the level of Main Street to the second story level of the buildings lining the street. The ground floors then became underground basements connected by narrow limestone passageways. Beneath most of these basements lies another basement level through which runs a stream of water.

I never knew this about the town! On Main Street and Spring Street you can peer down into grates in the sidewalk and see the old storefronts below. Greg and I ate lunch at Mud Street Cafe on Main Street, which is located underground down a flight of steps. It’s a unique place to eat a wonderful meal. They have several vegan options.

Take a tour of the Eureka Springs Underground. Tickets available HERE.

Exploring Eureka Springs Mud Street Cafe — Exploring Eureka Springs – Mud Street Cafe building.

Exploring Eureka Springs underground — Exploring Eureka Springs – the underground cafe with fake windows at the front where the original doors and windows were.

Dr. Jackson Creates a Cave Hospital

Before the town officially incorporated, settlers’ shacks sprang up around the springs. Dr. Jackson began marketing the spring water as “Dr. Jackson’s Eye Water”.

During the Civil War, Dr. Jackson established a hospital in a local cave. He treated wounded soldiers with spring water and other natural remedies that he learned from the Native Americans.

Fires Destroyed the Community Multiple Times

The original structures in town were made of wood. The houses, fifty hotels and boarding houses, and commercial buildings were susceptible to fire. Major fires struck Eureka Springs in 1883, 1888, 1890 and 1893. Eventually stone structures replaced wooden ones, lessening the fire risk.

Many of the buildings downtown stand on the footprints of previous buildings.

Basin Park Luxury Lodgings occupies the spot where The Southern Hotel once stood. Built in 1880, the hotel suffered damage in the fire of 1890. The repaired and enlarged hotel boasted 100 rooms and an elevator. It burned to the ground in a “spectacular blaze” in 1932.

On the other side of the park, The Perry House was the other grand hotel in town. This four story hotel, built in 1881, burned down in the fire of 1890 as well. On that site now rests the Basin Park Hotel, built in 1905. The current lodging contains 100 rooms and a top floor ball room. It is considered the second most haunted hotel in Eureka Springs! More about this hotel in my upcoming “Ghost Stories” series in October.

Exploring Eureka Springs lodging — The Basin Park Luxury Lodgings occupies the spot where the Southern Hotel stood.

Basin Park Hotel occupies the same footprint as The Perry House.

Basin Spring Park

The spring first utilized by Native Americans is located in the park at the center of town. The first health seekers camped here in 1879. And the first town survey platted with lots, blocks and streets extending in all directions surrounds this central point.

The spring now lies beneath the park. There’s a grate to peer into, to view the original spring.

Basin Spring Park offers the perfect spot to rest while shopping and exploring the city. Live music often flows from the band shell and stage, erected in 1921. There’s a short…and steep…hiking trail that rises above the park, providing great views.

Exploring Eureka Springs Basin Spring Park — Exploring Eureka Springs – Basin Spring Park

National Register of Historic Places

The whole city is on the National Register of Historic Places, as the Eureka Springs Historic District. The town is also one of America’s Distinctive Destinations, as selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Besides the nickname Little Switzerland, Eureka Springs is also called The Stairstep Town, due to the mountainous terrain and winding streets and sidewalks. And it’s called Halloween City during October, due to the many paranormal experiences people have here. It claims to “deliver more thrills and chills per square mile than any other town in America.”

One of the Most Photographed Buildings in Arkansas

In the central downtown area, sandwiched between Spring and Center Streets, stands one of the most unusual buildings in town…and the state. Affectionately called the Flatiron Building, the triangular shaped structure, which houses a hotel and shops, is one of the most photographed structures in the state.

Built in 1987, the developer, Lawrence Smith, took great care to make the building look old. Two previous buildings on the site…you guessed it…burned down.

The Flatiron Building often serves as the iconic symbol for Eureka Springs.

Exploring Eureka Springs — One of the most photographed buildings in Arkansas, the Flatiron Building.

Most Haunted Hotel in Town…and the US

The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa has a rich…and spooky…history. I’ll save the ghost stories for the October post. For now I’ll only add that it earns its nickname as America’s Most Haunted Hotel. Far from disturbed by this, the hotel happily caters to ghost hunters and paranormal seekers, offering ghost tours on site.

Originally constructed as a luxury hotel in 1886, the structure is made from locally sourced limestone and features a variety of styles including French Renaissance and Richardsonian Romanesque. The hotel towers over the town below, from its perch on West Mountain.

During its long history, the building served as a luxury hotel, a women’s college a cancer hospital and eventually was renovated back into a hotel and spa. It’s a popular destination for weddings and special events.

Exploring Eureka Springs

A few things to remember, exploring Eureka Springs.

The streets are very narrow and wind up and down hills. There are no traffic lights, and parking downtown is limited. However, Eureka Springs is made to explore on foot. There are shuttles that carry in visitors from outlying parking lots, for a small fee.

The sidewalks also wind up and down hills and are sometimes uneven. Use care when walking and watch your step.

Eureka Springs is a tourist town and most of it closes down between November and March. Check online before arriving there, to see what’s open during those months.

Besides the historic downtown district, there are many other attractions in the Eureka Springs area. These include Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Beaver Lake, The Great Passion Play and Christ of the Ozarks, Vintage Train Ride on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, Lake Leatherwood City Park and Eureka Springs Brewery. I’ll feature some of these places in upcoming posts!

And watch for the Ghost Stories from Eureka Springs, coming in October, for a hair raising peek into the city’s scary side.

Have you visited this uniquely beautiful town in Arkansas?

Exploring Eureka Springs fountain — Exploring Eureka Springs – fountain in Basin Spring Park

Eureka Springs Finds from Amazon:

July 19, 2021

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

THIS IS A COLLABORATION WITH SMARTR SKIN, with whom I have an affiliate relationship. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Ah, summer! With the warmer temperatures and fun in the sun and water comes the possibility of skin damage. After a day of play outdoors, it’s so vital to take the time to care for our skin so that we don’t accumulate damage that results in wrinkles, fine lines, rough patches and dark spots.

I’ve happily used Smartr Skin products for more than two years now. And, I’m a raving fan. I love their serum and lotions. I use them daily and love the healthy glow they give my skin.

And I appreciate the jade roller as well, and the gua sha facial tool. Recently Smartr Skin also sent me their micro needle derma roller to try.

These Smartr Skin summer essentials are key to my skin care routine. And the company is allowing me to offer three of their amazing products at a remarkable discount!

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials Trio

These three products…Vitamin C Serum, Jade Roller with Gua Sha Facial Tool, and Micro Needle Derma Roller…are the perfect additions to your skin care routine. Together they help create healthy, glowing skin.

Read a brief description of each item. Then find your discount codes at the end of this post.

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials sale — Smartr Skin Summer Essentials – trio on sale

Smartr Skin Vitamin C Serum

A better idea for skin care is the driving force behind this physician created line of products. The company creates custom formulations from clean ingredients that nourish the skin, from the inside out. Check out my initial review HERE.

I started using their Vitamin C Serum in the spring of 2020 and I love it.

The vitamin C Serum contains skin supporting ingredients such as aloe, vitamins C and E, MSM, botanical hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, jojoba oil and horsetail, dandelion and geranium extracts.

The hyaluronic acid helps create new collagen, restoring the elasticity and structure of skin damaged over the years by the sun and harsh elements in the environment.

Benefits of the serum include:

moisturizes and regenerates skin
protects against sun damage
soothes sunburns and irritations
speeds the healing of acne and helps prevent scarring
lightens dark spots on skin
brightens and smooths complexion
minimizes pores and fine lines
tones and tightens skin

I appreciate the way this rich serum smooths over my face, neck and chest.

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials C — Smartr Skin Summer Essentials – Vitamin C Serum

Smartr Skin Micro Needle Derma Roller

The derma roller, with hundreds of high quality titanium micro needles (0.05 mm in size), is a wonderful option that replaces expensive spa treatments.

The micro needle derma roller works with the body to create beautiful results. Micro needling stimulates healing by encouraging the body to produce collagen, naturally. Needling helps to reverse the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and fine lines.

Benefits of weekly micro needling includes:

increases the absorption of topical skin care products to maximize their effectiveness
improves the skin’s appearance and texture
effective, affordable and safe skin care method
treats sun damage, hyper pigmentation, wrinkles, and aging skin
promotes the product of collagen to smooth, tighten and plump skin

This is a safe tool for at home use. I pour alcohol over the needles before and after using, to keep them sterilized. After washing my face and using witch hazel on my skin, I use the micro needle derma roller gently over my face. There’s no pain, only a mild tingly feeling, and absolutely no bleeding. The needles barely prick the outer skin surface, which is exactly what you want them to do.

After use, I apply the Vitamin C Serum, use my jade roller and gua sha tool and then follow with my Smartr Skin Moisturizer.

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials roller — Smartr Skin Summer Essentials – micro needle derma roller

Smartr Skin Jade Roller and Gua Sha Facial Tool

The jade roller and gua sha facial tool massage the face, boost blood circulation, and tone and rejuvenate skin.

Benefits of the jade roller include:

less puffiness from fatigue
reduces dark under-eye circles
boosts blood circulation
reduces swelling and facial inflammation
deeper skincare product penetration
smooths out fine lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles

Benefits of the gua sha facial tool:

stretches and tones skin
relaxes tense muscles in face, neck and scalp
smooths fine lines and wrinkles
eliminates fluid build up by promoting lymphatic drainage
promotes blood circulation

The cool, smooth jade stones, in the roller and the gua sha tool, feel wonderful against my skin. I start with the jade roller, using the larger end for jawline, cheeks and forehead. And then I switch to the smaller roller for the mouth and under eye areas.

I use the gua sha tool over my neck first, moving downward toward my collarbones. Then I glide it over jaw line, cheeks and forehead, gently stretching skin. Finally, I “comb” the gua sha over my scalp, starting at the hairline and moving back over the top of my scalp. I finish with my Smartr Skin moisturizer.

Check out my entire daily routine for skin care HERE.

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials jade — Smartr Skin Summer Essentials – jade roller and gua sha facial tool

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials Sale

If these products sound ideal, I’m excited to offer you discount codes for the best possible price!

To individually purchase the Vitamin C Serum, Micro Needle Derma Roller or Jade Roller with Gua Sha Facial Tool, and save 25% off, use my code:

SmartrSkinCindyGoesBeyond25

Click these links and apply the discount code at checkout:

Vitamin C Serum

Micro Needle Derma Roller

Jade Roller with Gua Sha Facial Tool

Or, purchase all three and save 40% off the trio bundle!

Use my code SmartrSkinCindyGoesBeyond40 at checkout.

Smartr Skin Trio Bundle

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials rilynn — Rilynn photo bombing my flat lay! The perils of an outdoor shoot.

Enjoy Summer and Nourish Your Skin

I hope you are having an amazing summer full of fun. And I hope you are caring for and nourishing your skin to keep it glowing with health.

Let me know which Smartr Skin product you decide to try! And if you have any questions about these products, drop them into the comments below.

Summer glow with Smartr Skin — Glowing skin with Smartr Skin

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Smartr Skin. I may earn a commission when you purchase products through my links, all at no extra cost to you.

July 16, 2021

My 12 Travel Essentials

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

As I think about traveling again…domestically for now and eventually internationally…I’ve put together this list of my 12 travel essentials.

I’m considered a “light traveler”, meaning I pack light and carry only what’s necessary, especially when I fly. I’ve spent 10 days in the UK several times and 12 days in Italy with only a carryon and my purse. Check out how I pack a carry on in this post. Then read on for the items I consider essential when I travel.

My 12 Travel Essentials

For domestic trips and international ones, overnight road trips or a long weekend away, these are the items that travel with me.

Carry on Luggage

Starting with the most basic, my carry on holds the majority of my other essentials. My clothes, toiletries, shoes, supplements and documents go in here.

Over the last eight years, I’ve used three carry ons. The first one met an untimely end in an escalator accident.

I borrowed a carry on from my daughter for my most recent trip to Scotland, to try out a hard-sided suitcase. After I arrived home I purchased my current piece, a Samsonite carry on with four spinner wheels. I love its many pockets and deep compartment. Plus, it has a built in charger that can recharge my phone securely in an inner pocket.

My 12 Travel Essentials carryon — My 12 Travel Essentials – carry on luggage

Clear Toiletry Bag

Because I tightly roll or fold my clothes, Marie Kondo style, I don’t use the travel cubes. I do however pack my non-liquid toiletries in a clear TSA approved bag, like the ones pictured below.

Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, makeup and deodorant get packed in one of these bags, while liquids go inside a clear quart zip lock bag.

My 12 Travel Essentials – clear toiletry bag. Click photo to order.

Earbuds or Airpods

Yes, they hand earbuds out on most airlines. While typically free, some airlines charge for them. And I’d rather tote my own. I carry these in my purse for easy access while flying. Plus, I sometimes use them while in a hotel room, to listen to music on my phone.

My 12 Travel Essentials – earbuds. Click photo to order.

Travel Pillow

I don’t sleep well on long flights although I try. It’s often difficult to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. What helps me is finding a movie I’ve seen before, turning the volume down low, and propping my head up with a travel pillow. I’ve used the typical U shaped pillows. I attach mine to the handle of my carry on. However, I want to try the Trtl neck pillow that slips around the neck and provides great support.

Has anyone tried one of these? Are they really comfortable?

Trtl neck pillow for support. Click photo for more info.

Phone Charger and Portable Charger

My phone is so important, for my work and for capturing photos and videos. It would quickly become useless without a charger. I use a charging disc at home and love the convenience of dropping my phone onto it. It travels with me.

And I love taking along a portable charger that I carry in my purse or backpack. When my phone battery runs low while I’m out exploring, I can recharge it quickly and easily.

The Battpak by OCTAVE is a portable charger with a secret compartment that’s perfect for carrying cash, cards or small items. It’s accompanying me on my upcoming solo trip. Get yours HERE and use my code CINDY15 for 15% off.

My 12 Travel Essentials portable charger — My 12 Travel Essentials – Battpak portable charger

Travel Wrap

I don’t know about you, but I get cold on airplanes. I carry on a lightweight wrap that serves as a blanket while I’m traveling. When I get to my destination, the wrap becomes a pretty shawl for those cool evenings out.

This wrap, from Mer-Sea & Co comes with its own cloth tote bag, making it easy to tuck the folded up wrap into my backpack or purse. The company has an assortment of travel wraps to choose from.

My 12 Travel Essentials wrap — My 12 Travel Essentials – wrap that doubles as a lightweight blanket

Supplements

Do you take supplements for health? I do. And when I travel, I want to maintain my health and care for my body. It’s especially important since I walk all over cities while exploring.

I don’t carry all of my supplements when traveling. However, these must go with me: Cat’s Claw, MSM, MyKind Multi that includes essential vitamins and minerals plus plant based collagen, and Comfort Guard with turmeric, ginger and boswellia. The Comfort Guard is the best supplement I’ve EVER taken for joint comfort.

When I’m traveling internationally, I love these supplements from VOKE. They help me overcome jet lag quickly without losing a day for recovery. And they are made from superfoods so I know they are good for me as well.

My 12 Travel Essentials supplements — My 12 Travel Essentials – supplements

Backpack or Crossbody Bag

When out exploring, I carry a crossbody bag or a backpack to hold items I need. My portable charger goes in there along with a bit of cash, a hairbrush, sugar free mints and my phone.

I learned the hard way to wear my bag. Someone stole my purse the night before a cross country flight, while it was resting in a Walmart cart. Since that experience, I only wear backpacks or crossbody bags.

I’m loving this woven straw backpack from Kit and Wilder. It’s lightweight and perfectly carries all that I need. Order yours HERE and use my code Cindy15 to save 15% off of your order.

My 12 Travel Essentials backpack — My 12 Travel Essentials – backpack

Walking Shoes or Boots

I walk a great deal when I’m traveling. While hop on/hop off buses are helpful for an overview of the city, once I get my bearings I walk as much as possible to destinations. It’s such a wonderful way to really get to know a city, town or community. Plus there are botanical gardens or nature trails to explore.

A good pair of supportive walking shoes or boots are a must for me. And I prefer boots. They give my ankles some support too and I find them the most comfortable. Because boots are bulkier, I wear them onto a plane and pack my other shoes.

For boots or shoes, I only wear man made uppers or faux “leather”.

Faux leather boots…an essential for me. Click photo to order.

Metal Water Bottle

I don’t do plastic water bottles. However, I discovered on my last international flight that metal water bottles are allowed through security. They must be empty when passing through security then they may be filled with water for use on the flight.

No matter where I go, I carry a metal water bottle with me. It’s so essential to stay hydrated especially while out exploring.

My 12 Travel Essentials – metal water bottle. Click photo to order.

Universal Adapter

For international travel, a universal adapter is essential. These allow you to plug in chargers, hair dryers or laptops safely. I blew out the power on the whole second floor of a B&B in Edinburgh once, when I forgot to use my adapter for my hair dryer. Ooops!

These are small enough to easily tuck into a carry on.

Plug in adapter for international trips. Click photo to order.

Travel Journal

I like to carry a small journal along when I travel. It’s useful for jotting down information about places I intend to write about. I can also write out my impressions and thoughts about my experiences. And sometimes I do a sketch.

One thing I’ve learned, as I travel, is that I can’t have too many photos or too many notes about what I’m doing. When I get home I then have all I need to create my travel related posts.

What are your travel essentials?

Those are my 12 travel essentials, the things I absolutely make sure I pack for a trip. Of course my passport goes with me too, and any travel documents.

What about you? What items go with you on every trip? I’d love to know what is essential for you.

Travel Journal — My travel journal with my passport and my first carry on…may it RIP.

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Mer-Sea & Co, Voke Superfood Supplements and Amazon. These programs provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to the companies, all at no extra cost to you.

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021

Yes Month Challenge

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

How fun this month, to receive an invitation to join in on a challenge. A friend of mine on social media decided, during July, to say “yes” to something every day.

I was immediately intrigued. During my Year of Firsts, in 2014, I experienced a Yes Day. I’ve since done that a couple of times. However, I’ve never experienced a yes month.

My first yes for this challenge was accepting the invitation to participate. Check out what I’ve said Yes! to so far and join in on the fun.

Why Say Yes?

Saying yes opens us up to new opportunities and experiences. And saying yes shows that we are willing to move beyond comfort zones and fears. It’s too easy to utter “no” as our default response to opportunities, requests and invitations. Plus fear crowds in, giving us all kinds of reasons why we should say no instead of yes.

Saying yes allows us to stop procrastinating and to adopt a growth mindset as well.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, who just soared into space this week, shares this:

“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity, but you are not sure you can do it, say yes…then learn how to do it later!”

Saying yes also ramps up creativity and invites playfulness.

Yes to the trip — Yes to a solo trip and to afternoon tea while there.

Yes…And

In 2015 I attended a writer’s conference in Philadelphia. I enjoyed an improv class there that taught me a valuable lesson.

The instructor led us through a series of conversations. The first one involved saying “no” to all questions asked. No quickly shut down conversations and possibilities. Next we said “yes…but”. Those words limited conversations as well and made communication awkward and difficult. However, when we answered each other’s questions with “yes…and” conversations and creativity flowed. High level energy filled the room.

I witnessed that day how powerful the word “yes” is. It leads to collaborations, more invitations and fun experiences. Yes moves us forward, gets us out of ruts and shifts us into the flow of life.

Of course, there are times to say no. Inappropriate requests are met with no. Overextending oneself repeatedly halts with no. And boundaries are set with no. When no becomes an automatic answer though, it’s time to shake things up and open life back up with yes.

Yes Month Challenge river — Yes Month Challenge – my first yes after accepting the challenge…a walk along the river

The Yes Month Challenge

My online friend Jen, Go Family Adventure on social media, decided to say yes every day during the month of July. She chooses to say yes to things she’d typically brush off, put on the back burner or say no to.

I love her idea of a month long challenge and said “yes, I’ll join in”.

We are sharing our yeses in our stories on Facebook and Instagram. I believe Jen began on July 1. However, I began saying yes on July 5. That’s the beauty of a yes month challenge. It can begin on any day of the month. Simply continue saying yes daily for 30 days.

When I do one of my games, such as my birthday celebrations, I plan it out. Activities are written on slips of paper and dropped into a jar, where I randomly draw one out every day.

For the yes challenge, the idea is to stay open and see what invitations arrive. Opportunities can be as simple as “Want to grab lunch?” to the more complex “Want to collaborate on this project?”

What I’m finding is that multiple opportunities to say yes appear every day. I’m just more aware of them during this challenge. Some days, I say yes to one opportunity. Some days I’ve said yes multiple times.

Yes Month Challenge picnic — Yes Month Challenge – yes to a spontaneous vegan picnic for one

My Yeses

A week into the Yes Month Challenge, I realized I began saying yes! several days before my invitation to join in.

I booked a solo trip to a city I’ve never been to before. Several times I almost backed out of the trip, before I even bought my airline ticket. However, I recognized it was time to push myself beyond my comfort zone and any fears I had about traveling solo. I said yes! and booked that trip.

Other yeses during my first week include:

a walk along the river, something I have not done in a while
a spontaneous picnic for one in my backyard garden
attending the Boss Baby 2 movie with my grandkids, sister and her granddaughter
trying something new at one of my favorite restaurants
working a 1000 piece puzzle that arrived serendipitously from Scotland
planning an afternoon tea time in Charleston during my trip, after a city brochure I received in the mail made me aware of the possibility
caring for my teething eight month old granddaughter one afternoon, so her parents could work

And today I said Yes! to writing this post about the challenge.

The fun, for me, is that I do not know ahead of time what invitations or opportunities will arrive. More yeses have shown up, than those I’ve listed above. Being open to possibilities brings more opportunities to actually say yes to.

Yes Month Challenge shrooms — Yes Month Challenge – shroom bowl from The Veggie Table

An Invitation to Say Yes

Saying yes involves trust.

Fear wants you to believe that you will end up doing something you don’t want to do, if you say yes. Not so. You still chose what’s right for you. Fear wants you to believe it is safer to say no. There’s a difference between safety and holding back.

“Jump off this building?” That’s an easy no.

“Speak before this group?” That’s a no because you are afraid…to speak in public, that you will make a mistake, that no one will want to hear what you have to say. What happens if you say yes instead? You move beyond your comfort zone. And you might make a mistake. No one cares. People can learn and receive value from what you have to share.

By saying yes to opportunities, invitations and new experiences we say to the Divine that we trust. We trust that good is intended for us and that we can grow through the experience.

Boss Baby 2 movie — We all said yes! to seeing Boss Baby 2…and we enjoyed the shared experience. Photo shot before movie started.

Will You Say Yes?

Consider this post your invitation to join the Yes Month Challenge. If a month long challenge seems too intimidating, try a Yes Week or a Yes Day. You can start on any day and end the challenge whenever you want. Have fun with it. Invite your children or a friend to join in. Write about your experiences.

It’s your choice. I hope you’ll join me in saying yes!

Let me know if you accept the challenge. And please share some of your yeses with me!

Yes Month Challenge cuddles — A very easy yes, cuddling this sweet girl.

Check out these inspiring books from Amazon:

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Year of Yes Journal by Shonda Rhimes

The Surrender Experiment by Michael A Singer

I Dare Me by Lu Ann Cahn

July 9, 2021

Things to Do in Colorful Burano Italy

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Burano, Italy is an island in the Venice Lagoon, about 45 minutes away by boat from that more well known sister city. Often called one of the top most colorful towns in the world, Burano is well worth exploring as a day trip…or even half a day…from Venice.

Learn more about this charming community of about 3,000 inhabitants. And discover things to do in colorful Burano Italy.

Getting to Burano

Visitors to Venice can easily include a trip to tiny Burano via water buses. Our tour group took a large water bus to Burano, for lunch and an afternoon of exploring.

Half a day to a day provides plenty of time to experience the beautiful island.

What to do while on Burano? Read on for a list of possibilities.

Start in Piazza Galuppi

Burano’s main square, Piazza Galuppi, is a great place to begin your exploration on the island. Shops and cafes offer places to purchase goods and eat. Also check out the stone Istrian well that dates back to the 6th century. And note the statue of Baldassarre Galuppi, a famous composer from the island.

Because Burano is famous for its lace making, visit the Burano Museum of Lace if you have time.

Things to Do in Colorful Burano Italy – begin in the square

Watch a Glass Demonstration

Nearby Murano Island is famous for their glass, just as Burano is for their lace. However, you don’t have to go to Murano for a glass making demonstration. You can see one in Burano.

New Arte Fuga is a shop that sells Murano glass AND gives a glass making demo as well. We caught the demonstration in Venice, however, while in Burano you can check out this amazing art form.

Attend a Lace Making Demonstration

Although Venetian Lace became popular in the 1500s, its production ceased in 1797 with the fall of the Republic of Venice. During an extremely cold winter, in 1872, the fishing community of Burano suffered hardship due to the weather. The economy depended on fishing.

The art of needle lace revived and gained in popularity, easing Burano’s economic situation and improving the island’s quality of life. A lace making school opened and soon became the main source of income for Burano. Although the school eventually closed, women in Burano continue the art of lace making in their homes and shops.

From lace tablecloths to collars to umbrellas to shawls and scarves, there is a vast variety of Burano lace available for purchase. Visit any of the shops in the square or along the narrow streets to find a lace souvenir to take home.

Take a One Hour Walking Tour with a Local

There’s no better way to learn about a community, than from someone who lives there.

If you have time, walk through Burano on this tour, with a knowledgeable guide. It’s a great way to learn the history, secrets and daily life in Burano, from someone born and raised there.

Photograph the Colorful Houses

Burano is known for its brightly colored houses that line the canals and winding streets. Made up of four small islands connected by bridges, Burano’s colorful houses are the other unifying feature.

Legend says that the houses were originally painted in bright colors so that fishermen could find their way home on foggy nights. The fishermen could also easily tell which house was theirs, as each house features a different color.

Today Burano’s painted houses are protected by law. If anyone wants to paint a house, he or she must get approval to do so from the community government first.

These softly hued houses make Burano one of the most photographed places in the world.

Burano's colorful houses — Things to do in colorful Burano Italy – photograph the houses

Try Burano’s Sweet Treat

Bussola…also called Buranelli…are dense cookies sold in the town. The cookies originated with the fishermen’s wives, who made the treats to send with their husbands on trips out to sea.

The cookies provided the fishermen with nutrients during a long day fishing.

You can sample one of these tasty treats. Look for them in Burano’s shops and cafes.

Take a Photo of Burano’s Leaning Tower

Pisa isn’t the only town in Italy with a leaning tower. Burano has one too!

The bell tower of the Church of St. Martin Bishop is easily seen from all over the island. It stands 159 feet tall on a square base and has an obvious tilt.

At one time an angel statue stood atop the tower. It came down during a storm in 1867. An iron cross tops the tower now.

Things to Do in Colorful Burano Italy leaning tower — Things to Do in Colorful Burano – photograph the town’s leaning tower

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner on the Island

With its proximity to the sea, Burano features many fresh seafood dishes. Three of Burano’s best restaurants include Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, Trattoria da Romano and Riva Rosa.

The town’s specialty is Risotto De Go, a dish prepared with a local fish.

And if you are plant based, like me, no worries. I enjoyed a wonderful vegetable lunch, prepared with great care by our chef. It was excellent.

Walk Across the Tre Ponti

Burano has three lovely canals in town. Cross over them on any of the available bridges and pause to snap a photo.

The Tre Ponti is the most famous of the bridges. Made of wood, Tre Ponti is perfectly situated to catch many of Burano’s most scenic views.

Things to Do in Colorful Burano Italy houses — Things to do in colorful Burano Italy – view from Tre Ponti

Wander Through the Town on Your Own

Our favorite thing to do on Burano was to explore the island, on our own. After a wonderful lunch near the square and time visiting shops, we struck out on our own to explore.

Burano is small enough that you can’t get lost. Or if you do, it won’t be for long. With it’s brightly colored houses, gorgeous canals and narrow streets, Burano is a charming, less crowded, much smaller version of Venice.

We literally walked from one end of the island to the other, enjoying a leisurely stroll. It was fun to watch kids playing and adults sitting together talking. We stopped to catch a gorgeous view of the sea, at the end of one of the canals.

When we reach a row of shuttered houses with fragrant, tiny gardens, we turned to walk back to the square. What an enchanting experience.

Have You Been to Burano?

This tiny island truly exudes fairy tale charm. The eye catching houses, tranquil canals and slower pace make it an ideal excursion while visiting Venice. And if you enjoy taking photos, it is a photographer’s dream location.

Have you been to colorful Burano, Italy? What did you most enjoy?

Things to Do in Colorful Burano Italy garden — Things to Do in Colorful Burano Italy – explore

Check out these fun finds from Amazon:

July 6, 2021July 6, 2021

Wild Woman Manifesto

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Two years ago, I wrote about creating a personal manifesto. You can read that post HERE.

As a reminder, a manifesto is a statement of intentions and ideals. Think of it as a mission statement or a declaration of beliefs, desires and values.

A personal manifesto helps us to evaluate where we are in life, and provides clarity on where we want to go. It can provoke change, encourage shifts and inspire forward momentum.

Each person’s manifesto is uniquely his or her own, reflecting journeys, beliefs, desires and wisdom.

The thing is as I grow, learn and settle more deeply into who I am, my manifesto changes, as it should. Recently I realized it’s time to update mine.

This is the perfect opportunity, during my Year of the Wild Woman, to make some changes. Here is my Wild Woman Manifesto.

Growth and Change

A personal manifesto reflects an individual’s beliefs, desires and life values. Those naturally change as we learn and grow as humans.

Some of my growth the last couple of years, since I wrote the last manifesto, includes moving deeper into myself, shedding completely the “people pleaser” personality that I had and connecting strongly with my beliefs and desires.

I am becoming. And part of that process involves learning to stand solidly on my own, seeing my value and offering who I am unapologetically to others. I belong to myself, and to no one else.

Brene Brown says:

“True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness.”

She goes on to say that true belonging requires you to be who you are.

This is my journey. I am becoming the Wild Woman who loves her people fiercely, enjoys travel and creative play, values my alone time and marches to the beat that I drum.

Wild Woman Manifesto

Not all of my beliefs, desires and values changed. Some deepened. I’m keeping those. Some no longer quite align with who I am becoming. And some I’ve learned more about, as I discover my voice and open my heart.

You can click the link above, to see my original manifesto. Then check out this year’s Wild Woman Manifesto that accurately reflects where I am at this point in my journey.

I Believe…

in Divine guidance and having a personal relationship with God
in a daily, ongoing, playful conversation with the Divine
I am called to live life beyond the edges, free from fear and playing small
self acceptance and self love are crucial to offering unconditional love to others
life unfolds for me in magical, oft times mysterious ways
ALL people are worthy of love and we are all connected
I am a guardian of the Earth and her precious resources
kindness toward others is a strong indicator of a person’s truest heart
my most authentic self is unfettered, untamed and free
I am a loner at heart…and that’s not a defect
happiness is my responsibility and no one else’s
I am manifesting a life that’s perfect for me, one day at a time

Wild Woman Manifesto making it up — Wild Woman Manifesto – making it up as I go

I Desire to…

follow curiosity
surrender to the flow of life
embrace all of my gifts and my quirks
live from my passionate, open heart
engage in new experiences
travel and work/write remotely from anywhere in the world
encourage my children and grandchildren to live authentically and joyfully
offer to others through my writing and my life experiences
express creativity in a multitude of ways
live in the moment, releasing the past and not worrying about the future
live a healthy, vibrant plant based lifestyle
stay true to who I am, always
create a peaceful environment in my home and garden that fully supports me
remain unattached to outcomes
dream BIG dreams

Wild and Free — Wild Woman Manifesto – wild and free…and ready for adventure

My Life Wisdom…

I accept that for me, the veil between this world and the Spirit world is thin
my intuition guides me unerringly
if I ask a question, I always get an answer
I have nothing to fear
if fear shows up in my life, it is an invitation to learn and trust
I must speak my truth…silence is seen as agreement
comparison and worry are thieves of joy
I’m 100% responsible for my life and my reactions/responses to life situations
I am open to everything and attached to nothing
others have the freedom to be exactly who they are at this moment in their lives
I’m not here to live someone else’s life or to abide by someone else’s expectations of who they think I am
I create change in my life by first shifting my thoughts and beliefs
my outer world is a true reflection of my inner one
I am the Queen of my own kingdom and it is ever expanding
challenging experiences create growth and expansion in my life
gratitude is the foundation of my life

Who Are You?

Would you like to write your own personal manifesto? Refer to my post about creating one HERE.

Then spend time reflecting on your life and jotting down what’s true for you under the headers of BELIEFS, DESIRES, VALUES or LIFE WISDOM. DON’T ASK ANYONE ELSE WHAT THEY THINK! This is your deep inner work.

And remain aware that as you grow your manifesto grows with you.

I’ve discovered that not everyone understands my journey. In fact, most people don’t. That’s okay. It’s my journey, my amazing life, my growth.

As I’ve grown and embraced who I am, I’ve lost friends and had people simply disappear without a word from my life, while others tell me I’ve changed so much…as if that’s a bad thing. Someone even said, “I liked you better before.” That’s because before I didn’t speak my truth.

You know what? None of that matters, to me or to you. What matters is that you…and I….live as our most authentic, most courageous selves. We continue the process of becoming. And other people…well they have their own journeys and growing to do. Their remarks or backing away has everything to do with them, not us.

Write that manifesto…and share it with me, if you want.

Wild Woman Manifesto crouch — Wild Woman Manifesto – unapologetically me

Good Luck Traditions from England

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

This fun series, looking at unique superstitions and traditions in different countries, comes to a close with this post. That is, until I visit more countries!

I wondered if England’s traditions and those in Scotland, Ireland and the US might be very similar. However, I found that not true. There are some similarities. For the most part though, England has their own collection of superstitions and good luck practices. Or, in some cases, the good luck traditions from England are the opposite of those in other countries.

You’ll see what I mean, in the following post.

Pocket that Money

Putting money into the right hand pocket of new clothes brings good luck and fortune. The practice is thought to attract MORE money to put into that pocket.

Similar British traditions include wearing new clothes on New Year’s Day and on Easter Sunday, so that more new clothes arrive.

Cut Hair at the Right Time

This British traditions suggests that cutting hair as the moon is waxing ensures good luck. At the very least, the Farmer’s Almanac agrees that cutting hair during this time results in thicker, faster and longer hair growth.

Want to try it out? Cut or trim your hair during the first two days of a waxing (growing) new moon.

Good Luck Traditions from England waxing moon — Good luck traditions from England – cut hair during the waxing moon

Hang a Horseshoe Over the Door

Horseshoes are considered lucky because they are made of iron, which supposedly wards off evil spirits. And the horseshoes are traditionally hung with seven nails. Seven is the luckiest number.

It’s important though, how that horseshoe is hung. Make sure to hang it so that it resembles a U, to invite good luck into the home. Hang it upside down and luck runs out of the house.

Meet a Black Cat

In the US and some other countries, encountering a black cat is considered bad luck. However, the British believe it’s lucky to meet a black cat. In fact, black cats are often featured on good luck and birthday greeting cards in England.

Good Luck Traditions from England black cat — Good luck traditions from England – lucky black cats

White Rabbits

This tradition says it’s considered lucky to say the words, “white rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits” on the first day of each month, before saying any other words.

Why though?

One possibility is that the word rabbit was an expletive many years ago. The ancient belief is that uttering expletives helps avoid evil. Another possibility is that rabbits are considered lucky animals.

This custom carried over to the United States. President Roosevelt apparently uttered rabbits, rabbits, rabbits on the first day of every month.

Falling Leaves

Catching falling leaves in autumn guarantees good luck for the following year. Each leaf caught equals one month of good luck. So for the best year possible, catch 12 leaves as they fall to the ground.

Knocking on Wood

In the US, and some other countries, people knock on wood to keep something from happening. For example, someone says, “I’ve never had a car accident…knock on wood.” And they then rap their knuckles against something wooden, like a table.

The British tradition is the opposite. They knock on wood to make something happen. “I intend to travel this summer…knock on wood.” And they then touch or knock on something wooden.

Four Leaf Clover

This tradition seems similar in several countries, including the US. Find a four leaf clover, good luck comes to you.

This tradition originates in Ireland. The majority of clovers have three leaves. A more rare four leaf clover brings faith, hope, love and luck to the finder.

Get a lucky four leaf clover charm to carry always, HERE.

Good Luck Traditions from England four leaf clover — Good luck traditions from England – four leaf clover

Peacock Feathers

Those gorgeous peacock feathers are NOT considered lucky in England. It’s considered unlucky to have peacock feathers inside the home or to hold anything made from the feathers.

This tradition comes from the belief that the eye shape on the feather is associated with the Evil Eye and wickedness.

Ravens

In some parts of the UK, encountering two ravens together is good luck.

Two ravens bring good luck or good news. Seeing one raven brings bad luck.

In Greek mythology, ravens are associated with Apollo, the god of prophecy. Ravens are also called God’s messenger to the mortal world. Seeing one means change is coming.

According to English legend, the Kingdom of England will fall if the ravens at the Tower of London leave or die. As a result, six ravens, at least, have resided there for centuries. Obviously, not the exact same ravens.

Good Luck Traditions from England ravens — Good luck traditions from England – ravens. I snapped this photo in the Tower.

Your Good Luck Traditions

Do you or your family practice any good luck traditions? My family has an assortment of sayings and traditions, passed down from generation to generation.

I have a fairly high percentage of English DNA. I enjoyed learning more about this country’s traditions.

You can check out the other posts in this series:

Ten Scottish Superstitions

The Luck of the Irish

Italy’s Good Luck Traditions

I’d love to hear about any traditions or superstitions that your family practices. You’ll find me out this autumn, catching leaves as they fall! And…I already have a lucky horseshoe, hung correctly, over my front door.

Good Luck Traditions from England peacock feathers — Good luck traditions from England – no peacock feather in the house

Silver Dollar City History

Silver Dollar City Today

A Day in Silver Dollar City

Our Day in Silver Dollar City

Until Next Time

Take these items from Amazon along on your trip:

I have an affiliate relationship with Grok the World. All opinions are my own.

The Story Behind GROK

What is the GROK Game?

Foundation for the GROK Games

Sample of GROK Games

GROK Your World

Get Your GROK Game

Exploring Eureka Springs History

Fun Facts About Eureka Springs

Underground Eureka Springs

Dr. Jackson Creates a Cave Hospital

Fires Destroyed the Community Multiple Times

Basin Spring Park

National Register of Historic Places

One of the Most Photographed Buildings in Arkansas

Most Haunted Hotel in Town…and the US

Exploring Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs Finds from Amazon:

THIS IS A COLLABORATION WITH SMARTR SKIN, with whom I have an affiliate relationship. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials Trio

Smartr Skin Vitamin C Serum

Smartr Skin Micro Needle Derma Roller

Smartr Skin Jade Roller and Gua Sha Facial Tool

Smartr Skin Summer Essentials Sale

Enjoy Summer and Nourish Your Skin

My 12 Travel Essentials

Carry on Luggage

Clear Toiletry Bag

Earbuds or Airpods

Travel Pillow

Phone Charger and Portable Charger

Travel Wrap

Supplements

Backpack or Crossbody Bag

Walking Shoes or Boots

Metal Water Bottle

Universal Adapter

Travel Journal

What are your travel essentials?

Why Say Yes?

Yes…And

The Yes Month Challenge

My Yeses

An Invitation to Say Yes

Will You Say Yes?

Check out these inspiring books from Amazon:

Getting to Burano

Start in Piazza Galuppi

Watch a Glass Demonstration

Attend a Lace Making Demonstration

Take a One Hour Walking Tour with a Local

Photograph the Colorful Houses

Try Burano’s Sweet Treat

Take a Photo of Burano’s Leaning Tower

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner on the Island

Walk Across the Tre Ponti

Wander Through the Town on Your Own

Have You Been to Burano?

Check out these fun finds from Amazon:

Growth and Change

Wild Woman Manifesto

I Believe…

I Desire to…

My Life Wisdom…

Who Are You?

Recommended Reading

Pocket that Money

Cut Hair at the Right Time

Hang a Horseshoe Over the Door

Meet a Black Cat

White Rabbits

Falling Leaves

Knocking on Wood

Four Leaf Clover