Enchantment Archives - Cindy Goes Beyond

August 8, 2019

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

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On this, my third trip to Scotland, I traveled with less of an agenda. At least, this was true for the time that my sister and I had apart from the Clan Maitland events. We built in six days of exploring on our own.

Our primary intention, while in this beautiful and intriguing city, was to wander about and soak up the city and the culture while enjoying our encounters with the people we met.

I said less of an agenda. I did hope to visit several places that I had yet to experience in Scotland. One of those was the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, founded in 1670, began as a garden to grow medicinal plants. Today the garden actually occupies four sites across Scotland: Edinburgh, Dawyck, Logan and Benmore. Each offers its own special collection of plants. The Edinburgh site is the main garden. Its outdoor collection consists of more than 13,000 plant species and almost 300,000 individual plants.

Originally the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh flourished near Holyrood Palace, at the foot of what’s referred to as the Royal Mile. Hence the name. It is the second oldest botanic garden in Great Britain, after Oxford’s. That first medicinal garden occupied a 40 foot by 40 foot plot, and housed almost 900 plants. When the site became too small, the garden relocated in 1676 to Loch Nor, not far from High Street. Today Waverly Railway Station occupies that space.

In 1763 the garden moved again to Leith Walk, away from the more populous part of Edinburgh. And in the early 1820s the garden moved to its current location adjacent to Inverleith Row. The garden occupies 70 acres and includes a variety of collections including Alpine Plants, Chinese Hillside, Rock Garden, Scottish Heath Garden and Woodland Garden. There’s also an Herbarium on site, that houses more than 3 million specimens.

Creating Time to Explore

On my first visit to Scotland, in 2014, I learned about the botanic garden and yet lacked the opportunity to explore the grounds. In 2017, on our girls’ whirlwind trip through Ireland, Scotland and England, lack of time prevented a visit once again.

However, on this visit, my sister Debbie and I built in time to explore. Rather than fill our days up with activities, we spent our hours exploring the city and getting around on the famous hop on/hop off buses. When we purchased tickets for the bus rides, we learned that we could upgrade our one day pass the next day for a three day pass that included the Royal bus line, which included a stop at the Royal Botanic Garden. Oh yes, a trip to the gardens became very doable.

Scottish weather is typically cool and rainy. And so it was, our first few days in Edinburgh. We chose Monday as the day to spend outdoors in the gardens, based on the weather app.

Visiting Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

What a surprise when Monday turned out to be a rarity in Scotland….hot, sunny and windy! We opted for lightweight shirts and left our jackets at the apartment. Carrying our metal water bottles and pulling our hair back into ponytails, we hopped on a bus…and hopped off at the garden entrance. Admission is free although there are nominal fees to some of the greenhouses and exhibits on the site.

I’m a gardener. My soul finds great joy and peace in the gardens. I believe my love of working the earth is a result of my Scottish DNA. The Scots love their green lawns and patches of flowers and herb gardens. It’s one of the reasons I feel so at home in Scotland.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh delighted me on so many levels.

Debbie and I wandered slowly through the grounds, making no attempt to see all 70 acres. We agreed to stroll some paths and enjoy our surroundings and find a bench to sit on, amid the beauty found in the gardens.

That’s exactly what we did.

I love that the gardens are not formal. Instead, they are in a natural state. There are beds, of course, and groupings and pathways. However the overall feel of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is abundance, in a wild sort of way, and it seems so fitting for Scotland.

Refreshed in the Garden

We sat for a time on a bench, watching people walk by, sipping our water and laughing as the wind played with our hair. Just as it does when I’m in my garden at home, nature restored and refreshed me.

Simone Weil wrote,

There are only two things that pierce the human heart. One is beauty. The other is affliction.”

Beauty pierced my heart that afternoon, bypassing my mind completely. In fact, I walked through the garden and turned off my need to know the names of all the plants. I saw many that are not familiar to me. And yet, it seemed enough to take in beauty and the sweet scents from a variety of flowering plants and bask in the warm Scottish sunshine…and just be.

My sister and I were simply the Lauderdale girls, walking through the garden, sweaty from the sun, wind blown and incredible happy to be in Scotland. The experience at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was perfect…and worth waiting five years for.

In the sun….and windblown….and look how happy we are!

Check out these fun finds, for your visit to Edinburgh!

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August 5, 2019September 1, 2019

Overcoming Jet Lag with Voke Superfood Supplements

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Thank you to Voke Superfood Supplements for sending me their product to try while on my trip. As always, all opinions are my own.

Although I love traveling, one very real issue with long international trips is jet lag. As my sister Debbie and I flew across the Atlantic, toward bonnie Scotland, we passed through several different time zones. Adding to our weariness was the fact that our plane experienced a 5 1/2 hour delay in New York City.

We landed in Edinburgh almost 30 hours after we began our adventure in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And sleep? Neither of us ever slipped into a deep restful sleep, napping for brief periods of time instead on our red eye flight.

When we at last arrived at our destination, we had no desire to catch up yet on sleep! We had our first afternoon tea time waiting for us, at Beetroot Sauvage Café. What a great time to try out Voke Superfood Supplements.

Creating a Balanced Supplement and a Family Business

Kalen Caughey came up with the idea for Voke ten years ago, as he rode in a chairlift up a local ski hill in Montana. A competitive skier, Kalen wanted a healthy, convenient, portable energy solution for long days on the mountain.

Together with his dad, who has a PhD in biochemistry, the two developed an organic blend that is natural and balanced without sugar, artificial sweeteners or excessive doses of vitamins.

Kalen’s brother Evan joined him to help with creative development. Together they run Voke as a family business.

Voke Superfood Supplements has fueled expeditions on all seven continents, including climbs in the Himalayas. The benefits of the tablets moved beyond adventurers to the health conscious and to health minded professionals.

What’s in the Voke Superfood Supplement?

Each Voke tablet is formulated to combine superfoods that help support the body and provide energy. The formula is based on peer-reviewed, published and scientifically backed research.

The tablets are plant based, gluten and sugar free, with no artificial flavors or sweeteners. They contain 100% of the daily requirement for vitamin C.

Meet the superfoods:

Whole Seed Guarana – source, the Amazon of Brazil

Guarana improves short and long term brain function, keeping the mind refreshed and focused. It brightens mood and reduces anxiety, improves cognitive performance, manages weight and appetite, and decreases fatigue while it energizes the body.

Acerola Cherry – source, the Amazon of Brazil

The acerola cherry is one of nature’s most powerful fruits. It is high in antioxidants and it’s full of nutrients, vitamins (especially vitamin C) and minerals. This cherry supports the immune system and helps the body recover.

Red Beetroot – source, United States

Red Beetroot is naturally sweet and provides the light red color for the tablets. Beetroot contains bioactive compounds including nitrates, vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and betalains. Together these compounds improve cognitive performance and provide essential nutrients that the body needs.

Green Tea Leaf – source, China

Each Voke Superfood Supplement contains 75 mg of natural caffeine derived from green tea leaves. They increase focus and memory function, improve mood and energize the body. Green tea leaf supports the body during physical exercise.

Trying Voke Superfood Supplements in Edinburgh

The recommended dosage for the supplements is one chewable tablet in the morning and one midafternoon.

Debbie and I arrived in Edinburgh at 2:30 in the afternoon, sleep deprived and tired and yet excited to be in Scotland. Because we had the afternoon tea scheduled, we quickly unpacked at our apartment and opened our complimentary boxes of Voke Superfood Supplements.

We each took one tablet and grabbed a cab. By the time we arrived at Beetroot Sauvage Café, we noticed a definite lift in our energy and alertness. In fact, for as little sleep as we’d had, we did extremely well, enjoying our tea time and later walking to a grocery store near our apartment to stock up on groceries. Our weariness seemed to evaporate.

Ten Days of Supplements, Ten Days of Energy

For the next ten days, we took a tablet every morning, before leaving the apartment, and one most afternoons or early evenings, when we returned. I can truthfully say that I did not experience jet lag as I normally do. Yes, we retired early the first night there, and several other nights after very long days exploring Edinburgh and the Borders. However, we had energy to spare and I did very well physically, walking all over the city. While in Scotland we logged more than 40 miles of walking. I appreciated the natural boost that Volk Superfood Supplements gave me!

The only downside for me is that I do not like chewing supplements. I never have. I prefer to swallow a capsule. However, after experimenting with several options, we found that it was best to chew the supplements, after breaking them into four smaller pieces, and then wash them down with a glass of water. The taste isn’t prohibitive. In fact, knowing how natural they are helps me to accept them, with gratitude, just as they are.

One of the many streets we explored, and climbed, in Edinburgh. This is Victoria Street.

I Recommend Voke Superfood Supplements

Can I recommend this chewable supplement? Yes! By way of comparison, I did not take the tablets when I returned home from Scotland. As a result, I’ve felt extremely tired this past week, often falling asleep late afternoon as my body struggled with jet lag.

There’s a marked difference in how I felt while in Edinburgh and how I felt at home the first week. Only today, one week later, am I finally more myself, energy wise.

Voke Superfood Supplements will accompany me on every trip and adventure I embark on. I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience the difference these tablets make. And I look forward to traveling again, knowing I don’t have to miss a minute of my time in another country, due to jet lag and fatigue. That’s incredibly valuable to me!

Doing well, exploring Edinburgh.

Order your Voke Superfood Supplements HERE. Type in CINDYGOESBEYOND in the code box when you check out, and save 20%!

August 1, 2019

At Home on Thistle Street

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One difference, on this trip to Scotland, was using Edinburgh as home base. Rather than traveling around the country and staying in various accommodations, we stayed in the Braid Apartments in Edinburgh for the duration of our visit. We took several day trips into the Borders, however we returned to Edinburgh each evening.

Thistle Street, in the New Town section of Edinburgh, became home for 10 glorious days.

In the Heart of Edinburgh

When we planned this trip to Scotland, my sister Debbie and I gave our travel agent, Ken, very specific requests about accommodations. We hoped for a central location close to Old Town and within walking distance of Charlotte Square in New Town. When Clan Maitland activities began, we’d need to catch the bus in Charlotte Square.

Ken’s choice of the Braid Apartments on Thistle Street served us so well. We found ourselves located minutes from Princes Street, the Royal Mile, the hop on/hop off buses and Charlotte Square. In addition, we discovered nearby vegan restaurants and cafes, a grocery store and we easily located the specified meeting places for Maitland family teas and dinners. The location proved to be perfect!

The cobblestoned Thistle Street.

The History of Thistle Street

New Town, in Edinburgh, is not new by most standards! At more than 200 years old, it is only new in comparison with Old Town, which is considerably older.

New Town, created during the reign of King George III, is set up in a grid pattern with streets named after the king. There is a George Street and one named Princes, Queen Street and Hanover.

Two smaller streets in New Town represent the union of Scotland and England. Rose Street is named after England’s flower emblem, while Thistle Street represents Scotland’s national flower.

Thistle Street is a small commercial lane, filled with tiny shops, pubs, cafes, boutique hotels and apartments. The building that currently houses the Braid Apartments served as a hub for offices previously. The interior underwent a renovation two years ago, creating 20 modern apartments for short term leases, while retaining the charming exterior.

View from the living room window.

At Home on Thistle Street

The cozy apartment on Thistle Street housed us well during our stay in Edinburgh. Large windows offer spectacular views of the city as it ambles down to the Firth of Forth.

The spacious rooms provide homey comfort and plenty of storage space. I loved unpacking and putting clothes away, rather than living out of a suitcase for 10 days. Apartment amenities include two large screen tvs, an ironing board and iron, a blow dryer, toiletries, use of a free cell phone, towels and robes and daily cleaning service.

My favorite room in the apartment was the large fully functional kitchen. The refrigerator, stove (called a hob in Scotland) and microwave meant we could cook at home. We shopped for groceries our first evening in Edinburgh and prepared healthy, wholesome meals during our stay, for a fraction of the cost of eating out. I enjoy cooking. And cooking in Edinburgh? Precious.

All the Conveniences of Home

The apartment also provides a dishwasher and all the kitchen essentials such as pots and pans, cutting knives, silverware, plates, cups and glasses. Braid Apartments stocked the kitchen with a large assortment of teas, a loaf of bread, milk, juice, jelly and butter. I loved the electric tea pot. It made creating cups of hot tea a snap.

A washer/dryer unit in the kitchen allowed us to do laundry, which was a great help. How wonderful to pack clean clothes for the trip home.

And due to the recent renovation, the bedroom has a wall air conditioning unit. Most buildings, homes, hotels, restaurants and businesses in Edinburgh do not have air conditioning, since Scotland is so cool, even in summer. However, during our visit a rare occurrence happened. All of Europe, including Scotland, experienced unusually hot temperatures, creating a host of heat related problems. Debbie and I felt gratitude for that air conditioner unit! We slept comfortably with it running. Thankfully the extreme heat only lasted a few days before more typical Scottish weather returned.

Cute apartments across the street. I love the different colors on the doors.

Grateful for Thistle Street

During our stay, I became quite fond of our little apartment on Thistle Street. We spent most of our time out exploring Edinburgh or traveling with our Maitland/Lauderdale family members throughout the Borders. But as the days wound down and the light softened toward dusk, our steps always led us back to that quiet cobbled lane.

The Thistle Street apartment was many things during our visit: convenience, sanctuary, pit stop, shelter, personal café…and for 10 days, it was home. It’s where we dwelled in peace and comfort, rested tired feet, refreshed ourselves with healthy meals, pots of tea and hot showers, and set out on new adventures.

We felt sad, locking the door of the apartment for the last time, and yet grateful for all that it provided. I highly recommend the Braid Apartments at 27 Thistle Street, Edinburgh. I hope to stay there again…soon.

Check out this Guide to Edinburgh:

July 23, 2019July 23, 2019

Seeds for the Soul Vegan Restaurant

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Thank you to Seeds for the Soul Vegan Restaurant for providing complimentary lunches. All opinions are my own.

On this fine summer day in Edinburgh, my sister Debbie and I hopped in a cab, excited to experience lunch at Seeds for the Soul Vegan Restaurant. Living in a city in the Midwest, USA, my vegan restaurant options are limited. It is a real treat to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer for plant based dining.

Seeds for the Soul

After a short cab ride, we arrived at our destination in a part of Edinburgh we’ve not visited before.

Seeds for the Soul, located at 167 Bruntsfield Place, delighted me the moment we walked through the door.

Before I even spoke to Katie, the manager, I spied a table with a little chalkboard sign on it.

“Reserved from 12PM Cindy”

How’s that for a sweet welcome?

This 100% vegan restaurant provides intimate seating in a cozy area at the front of the restaurant and a larger room at the back. We enjoyed a table in the front, with views out the large window.

Changing the World, One Plate at a Time

Seeds for the Soul offers an impressive menu. From full vegan breakfasts to an assortment of hearty and healthy lunches and specialty drinks, this cafe believes in changing the world one plate, one meal at a time.

They make most of their food from scratch using organic and locally sourced produce. And they take to heart the words, “be the change you want to see in the world”, offering cruelty free meals, always.

We ordered Soul Bowls for lunch…the Middle Eastern one for me and the Asian one for Debbie. And of course, we requested a pot of tea to accompany our meal, Breakfast Tea this time.

Soul Bowls

How beautiful our meals were, when they arrived, visually pleasing as well as delicious.

The Asian Soul Bowl (top of photo) features seasoned tofu, rice noodles, avocado, lettuce, carrot, coriander and black sesame seeds with a ginger-garlic tamare dressing.

The Middle Eastern Soul Bowl (bottom of photo) is filled with falafel, hummus, roasted curried chick peas, spinach, cucumber, carrot, red cabbage and sesame seeds with a mango chutney.

We savored our incredible lunches. This is soul food indeed, real ingredients thoughtfully prepared and lovingly presented. Each bowl came topped with a perfect pansy, which is not just a lovely garnish. These pretty flowers are edible.

As we dined, Debbie and I enjoyed people watching out the window. We also appreciated the artwork on the wall, by local artist Samantha Fung. Her art is whimsical with important messages about treating all living creatures with kindness. Samantha happened to come into the restaurant while we were there, accompanied by her adorable dog.

Casting a Vision

I so appreciate the lunches provided by Seeds for the Soul. And even more importantly, I appreciate the mission and the vision the owners have.

They recognize that wholesome, clean food creates health and happiness. Therefore, they make it a priority to use the best ingredients available, free from preservatives, chemicals, refined sugar and all sorts of other nasties. Seeds for the Soul serves food that nurtures the body and the soul, that’s why it’s made with great love and care.

And I LOVE that this company has the mission of reducing waste and pollution. All takeaway boxes, bags, cups, cutlery, and napkins are 100% biodegradable. And all the waste that’s produced when preparing food is composted or recycled daily.

The owners’ vision is to plant ‘Seeds for the Soul’ in every city in Scotland. Doing so would support and promote natural food and local organic producers. And they can educate people about the benefits of a vegan diet while keeping the planet healthy for future generations.

Seeds for the Soul intends to spread love and health to as many people as they possibly can.

I can wholeheartedly agree with that intention. Please visit this restaurant in Edinburgh and be fed, on many levels. And watch for great and mighty things from this company.

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July 20, 2019July 20, 2019

Afternoon Tea at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe

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Our afternoon tea at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe was provided for us by the restaurant. All opinions however are my own.

My sister Debbie and I arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland yesterday, after 22 hours of travel. Originally scheduled to land in Edinburgh at 9:10 am, we actually arrived at 2:30 in the afternoon due to a five hour delay in New York City.

Tired but excited to be back in Edinburgh, we unpacked at the Braid Apartments by Mansley and headed out into the misty rain.

It was tea time. And we had an afternoon tea at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe waiting for us.

Being Vegan in Edinburgh

Maintaining a vegan or plant based lifestyle is easy in this busy city. There are many, many vegan restaurants to choose from. And, most regular restaurants have vegan options.

I researched many of the all-vegan cafes before the trip and reached out to several. In exchange for an afternoon tea or lunch, I offered a blog post feature and social media shares. There were two cafes in particular that caught my interest. Both responded positively.

Beetroot Sauvage Cafe & Wellness Centre

Beetroot Sauvage offers a vegan cafe plus wellness activities including yoga and meditation, holistic therapies and events for the community.

The cafe’s menu features plant based meals for breakfast, brunch and lunch. They also provide sweet treats that are vegan, with some desserts that are gluten free as well.

And, they offer a vegan afternoon tea.

During my first visit to Scotland in 2014, I adopted the practice of afternoon tea. I love that refreshing pause mid-afternoon. At home I enjoy an herbal tea and a simple treat such as a piece of fruit.

How exciting to experience my first vegan afternoon tea, in my favorite city in the world!

Outdoor seating in the back gardens at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe. Live music is offered on Sundays.

Exploring the Cafe

Upon arrival cafe manager Diana greeted us kindly and directed us to a table. We selected an herbal tea called Strawberries and Cream. While our treat was prepared, Diana gave me permission to wander around and take photos.

The cafe is attractive, homey and pet friendly. Tired as we were, we felt the peace and joy that permeates the entire space.

The pretty back gardens provide outdoor seating in a natural environment. In fact, Sauvage is a French word meaning “wild” in a natural way. Beetroot Sauvage Cafe perfectly fits its name.

Upstairs I slipped into the empty yoga studio to snap a couple of photos. Natural light fills that large room due to an abundance of windows. Marie-Anne had graciously invited us to attend a 10:00 am yoga class that morning, however our plane did not arrive in time.

Yoga studio upstairs

Cafe interior

Vegan Afternoon Tea

Shortly after I rejoined Debbie at our table, a pot of tea arrived along with china cups and saucers.

As we exclaimed over the pretty teapot and cups, Diana carried out a three tiered serving stand, filled with treats both sweet and savory…and all vegan.

Sampling each delicious offering, one wouldn’t know they are plant based.

In the previous 30 hours, Debbie and I had only eaten airport or airline food. We limited our meals to simple vegetarian options as we flew. This magnificent afternoon tea completely wowed us and revived us.

More than a snack, the tea time meal satisfied our hunger, physically and soulfully. We didn’t eat again until this morning.

A Special Beginning to Our Time in Edinburgh

I deeply appreciate Marie-Anne, Diana and the staff at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe for their warm welcome and for the amazing vegan afternoon tea. The cafe and wellness centre is located at 33 – 41 Ratcliffe Terrace, Edinburgh.

I highly recommend Beetroot Sauvage Cafe for the food and for their dedication and commitment to feeding others in a way that nourishes the body and warms the heart while promoting healing for people and for the earth.

They kicked off our visit to Edinburgh in the most phenomenal way by showing that it’s possible to explore a city and eat in a healthy way at the same time. We are grateful.

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July 18, 2019August 12, 2019

Tips for Traveling with a Carry On

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On the eve of my trip to Scotland, it seems a great time to share tips for traveling with a carry on. This is my third international trip in which I’ll live out of a carry on for 10 or more days. I learned on my first trip to Scotland in 2014 that lugging a large suitcase around was not the best idea. Vowing to do better, I discovered the benefits of traveling light.

If 10 days with a carry on seems impossible, read on!

Plan, Practice, Pack

These are some of my favorite tips for traveling with a carry on, when preparing for an extended trip. I’ll be in Scotland for 11 days. I’m traveling with a carry on and a purse.

Plan

Planning for this trip began a year ago. I can’t speak highly enough of my travel agent, Ken, with GalaxSea Cruises & Tours. Ken and I sat down together last year and put together a phenomenal package that saved my sister Debbie and me money.

We are staying in an apartment in the center of Edinburgh, close to everything that we want to experience. The location is important as it is near the hotel where Debbie and I will meet with other members of Clan Maitland a few days after we arrive. An apartment is preferred over a hotel room because of its full kitchen. I can cook part of the time and prepare my own plant based meals.

Tips:

Whether planning your own trip or working with a travel agent, know what your needs are and prioritize them. High on my list…an apartment with a kitchen in a specified area.

Be aware of any events going on that might impact travel. We learned that an international rugby competition is going on in Edinburgh while we are there. The Fringe Festival begins August 1. These events draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Edinburgh, limiting accommodations in July and raising rates. That info prompted us to create travel plans much earlier than we normally would, ensuring a place to stay at a great rate.

Using a weather app, add your destination and begin watching the weather. This helps with packing appropriate clothing. Scotland is cool and rainy, even in summer. Today’s high was 65 degrees with a low of 52. Long sleeves and a jacket are essentials.

Create a list of all the items to pack in your carry on.

I’m excited to try out these travel supplements, from Voke.

Practice

I find it helpful to do a practice run…or two…packing my carry on. I had to toss my last carry on, after an incident on an escalator. My daughter Elissa loaned me a hard-sided carry on to try out. I’m glad I practiced packing several days ago, because this carry on is very different from the soft-sided piece I owned before.

My first thought was “I can’t make this work!” This carry on seems much smaller due to the suitcase being divided into a clothing compartment and a laptop one. However, after a practice packing session, I found I could fill the computer side with clothes and other items, since I’m not traveling with my laptop.

Tips:

I’ve tried rolling clothes, and that worked well with my last carry on. With less depth in this carry on, I used Marie Kondo’s folding technique to create small, flat rectangles with my clothing. Success! Try both methods and see which works best for your carry on.

Eliminate clothes that you don’t need. Most people pack too many clothes. Practicing makes it real. You can see what’s most important to take and what’s nonessential. My practice pack helped me to cut down on the number of shirts, socks and underwear and settle on one jacket. Since we have a washer and dryer in the apartment, we can wash clothes while in Edinburgh. That helps greatly.

And try on ALL the clothes you intend to take. Make sure they still fit and that they are in good repair. If you don’t like an outfit for any reason, don’t waste space taking it. Create multiple outfits from a small capsule wardrobe to maximize space.

Pack

Tonight I completed packing, for real. I only need to add a couple of toiletries in the morning, after getting ready. After my practice pack, tonight went smoothly and I feel confident about the clothes I’m taking.

Tips:

Fold or roll each article of clothing to make it as small as possible.

Don’t waste any space. I tuck underwear into shoes and fill in empty spots with socks and supplements. Fill pockets in the carry on with toiletries, small items such as jewelry and thin documents or books.

Speaking of supplements, I travel with vitamin B12, to keep my energy up. And I take along MSM and Cat’s Claw to keep inflammation at bay in my left knee. Be mindful of your health while you travel. Carry prescriptions in their bottles with your name and doctor’s name on them.

All containers of liquids and gels MUST be 3.4 ounces or smaller and MUST be in a clear quart size zip lock bag. Keep this bag in an easily accessed part of your carry on, as it is placed outside luggage as you go through security. You are allowed one zip lock bag. (See TSA rules for carry ons.)

Keep travel docs handy as well. I placed mine in a pocket in the laptop compartment. I used the airlines app to precheck and have an online boarding pass ready to go, on my phone.

Be sure to pack phone chargers, earbuds, sunglasses and a journal. I’m including a rechargeable battery pack so I can charge up my phone while out for the day.

Wear your bulkiest articles of clothing on the flight. Tomorrow I’ll be wearing jeans, a short sleeved shirt and boots. Smaller, easier to pack shoes and slacks are in the carry on. I save space by carrying a jacket over my arm and toting a large plaid wrap as well. The wrap will double as a blanket on the flight.

Extra Tips for Traveling with a Carry On

If souvenirs are important, leave space for them in your carry on.

It’s okay to take an empty metal water bottle through security. Carry it rather than pack it. After passing through security you can fill the bottle for use on the plane.

Make sure family members have your travel itinerary. Keep your copy in your carry on.

Arrive at the airport approximately two hours before your flight boards.

Never leave your carry on unattended.

Keep your passport handy. I have mine in my purse, rather than in my carry on.

Make sure you’ve added an international phone plan and contact your bank prior to leaving, if you will be using a bank debit or credit card.

Most importantly, have fun! Travel is a wonderful way to expand the mind, heart and soul. Create memories. Try something new. Get lost at least once. Talk to people on the plane, the bus, the train, and at the café. Follow curiosity.

Do you have favorite tips for traveling with a carry on? I’d love to see them in the comments.

My next post will be from Edinburgh, Scotland! I can’t wait to share my trip with you.

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July 8, 2019July 9, 2019

Wreck this Journal

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Have you heard of the Wreck this Journal book?

Me either, until my granddaughter Aubrey introduced me to it. This creative kid ordered the book for herself and couldn’t wait to show me this unique twist on journaling.

Not only did Aubrey want to share her journal-in-progress with me, she felt sure I’d enjoy owning such a book myself. I loved the idea of working through our journals together. To encourage our Yaya/grandchild adventure, Greg purchased the book for me!

Aubrey is right. This is not your typical journal. It breaks the rules and pushes us beyond our comfort zones in the process. And, it is extraordinarily fun!

About Wreck this Journal

Created by conceptual artist and author Keri Smith, this paperback book is part journal, part sketch pad and part scrapbook. On each page a suggestion offers ideas on how to use the book.

“Document your dinner. Rub, smear, splatter your food. Use this page as a napkin.”

“Poke holes in this page, using a pencil.”

“Write or draw with your left hand.”

“Hide this page in your neighbor’s yard.”

“Tear this page out. Put it in your pocket. Put it through the wash. Stick it back in.”

The idea is to free up creativity by doing things that may at first induce a bit of discomfort, especially for adults. As children, we are not taught to wreck books, and of course this journal is not teaching disrespect. Instead, it encourages free thinking, expressiveness and outside the box activities.

Wreck This Journal, Express Creativity

There are pages in the Wreck This Journal book for doodling and drawing. Colored pencils, markers, crayons and watercolor paints are perfect for completing these pages. One page encourages the use of lots of tape. Many pages come with instructions to tear out the page or rip or poke or cut through the paper. Others urge the owner to get messy….with food, liquids or dirt.

Beyond the simple instructions on each page, the book owner is free to carry out the mission in any way that she or he chooses. Part of the fun of this journal is letting the imagination run wild and being clever in completing the activities.

If you need inspiration there are a ton of YouTube videos and photos online in which journal owners share their own creative ideas. Aubrey and I enjoy doing some pages together and having FaceTime chats on our phones where we show each other what pages we’ve completed that day. We discuss ideas too or come up with some outrageous way to accomplish a wacky activity.

Wreck This Journal and Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone

I love that Wreck This Journal teaches the idea of going beyond, on several levels.

It encourages creativity, trying new experiences and getting out of our comfort zones. I know, from personal experience, that doing those three things opens up perspectives and broadens the mind. Expressing creativity is an invitation for inspiration to show up, with a continual stream of fresh ideas.

This journal delights me because as one who has always treated books with the upmost care, it’s very freeing to toss this one around and deliberately mess it up. I welcome activities that shake up old beliefs and ways of doing things. I’m enjoying the process of messy creation.

My intention is to carry Wreck This Journal to Scotland with me next week…and see what adventures I can have with it there.

My favorite thing about the journal, however, is that my granddaughter knows me so well that she knew I’d be intrigued with this book. Although I’m sure the author had kids and pre-teens in mind when she created the book, the journal is actually suitable for all creatives of all ages. I love the cleverness of it, and Aubrey knew that I would.

Pick Up a Copy of Wreck This Journal

I’m grateful for my granddaughter’s recommendation and for the fun we’ve already had, sharing this experience of wrecking a journal, together. Looking for a unique gift for a creative child, teen or adult? Or are you feeling the urge to express creativity in fresh new ways? Aubrey and I highly recommend Wreck This Journal.

Order your copy of Wreck This Journal by clicking on photo above. And enjoy!

Looking for a great inspirational read for this summer? Check out We Carry Kevan.

More fun books by Keri Smith:

July 5, 2019

Movie Review: Yesterday

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My attraction toward films with musical overtones continues. The movie Yesterday, which released last weekend, is not a music biopic. Unlike Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, Yesterday features music from a particular genre and time period, without focusing on the stories behind the artists.

After seeing several previews, I was intrigued by the film’s premise. What if everyone in the world forgot who the Beatles were, except for one man? I deliberately avoided reading anything about the storyline. Instead, I got myself to the theater as soon as I could, to see how this fantastical story turned out.

Yesterday Cast

This film dips into multiple genres including comedy, musical, romance and fantasy. It stars Himesh Patel, Lily James, Joel Fry, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Ed Sheeran, Meera Syal and Kate McKinnon. Yesterday, directed by Danny Boyle, carries a PG-13 rating for mild suggestive content and language, and has a run time of 1 hour and 56 minutes.

What If No One Knew Who the Beatles Were?

Jack Malik (Patel) is following his passion. Since junior high school, when he won a talent contest, Jack has pursued his dream of making it in the music industry. His childhood friend, Ellie (James), manages his would be career. She sets up gigs and encourages Jack to keep going, even when he feels like giving up.

However, to Jack it seems that his dreams are nothing but wisps of smoke that are rapidly fading away.

The night that he calls it quits, after a poor turnout for a performance, something magical happens. On the way home, Jack is hit by a bus during a brief but bizarre power outage that affects the entire planet.

He quickly realizes, after leaving the hospital, that no one knows who the Beatles are. Strumming his new guitar, and singing a few lines of Yesterday, Jack is astonished when his friends enthuse over the new piece he’s written. When he tries to give credit for the song to its rightful owners, his friends look confused.

Google searches come up empty when he looks for info about John, Paul, George and Ringo. Somehow the band and its legendary collection of songs have not just disappeared, they’ve never existed.

Capitalizing on a Golden Opportunity

The Beatles may not exist, however the lyrics and melodies to the songs remain in Jack’s head. He begins to perform songs that are familiar only to him. The once struggling musician suddenly finds himself receiving the appreciation and attention he long sought.

From his own parents (Syal and Bhaskar) to singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran (Sheeran) to his pushy new manager from the US, Debra Hammer (McKinnon), Jack becomes a big deal. As he frantically jots down all the Beatles’ lyrics that he can recall, recording contracts are offered and performances booked.

Jack pulls together enough Beatles songs for his first album. He upgrades his appearance, at Debra’s insistence. His parents express surprise and pride over his new found popularity. And after a heart wrenching talk with Ellie, Jack leaves her and heads out with his friend Rocky (Fry) on a whirlwind world tour to promote the upcoming musical release.

It’s everything Jack dreamed about and hoped for in his career….or is it?

My Thoughts on Yesterday

I loved this sweet and funny film. This is a movie to sit back and simply enjoy. There aren’t any stories about how the Beatles’ songs came to be or glimpses into the Fab Four’s personal lives. No, this is a story that explores a world where the Beatles never formed as a band and where no one knows the songs “Let it Be” or “Yesterday”. No one, that is, except Jack.

Himesh Patel portrays Jack beautifully. A newcomer to films, Himesh brings a fresh sound to familiar tunes in an earnest and somewhat understated way. He sings beautifully and really does play the guitar and piano during the movie.

I can feel Jack’s discouragement as gig after gig produces less than satisfactory results. Anyone who has ever worked hard to manifest dreams can identify with Jack’s angst and feelings of inadequacy as his way to fame seems blocked.

And, it is understandable how such an enormous opportunity to realize those dreams cannot be ignored.

The question during the movie shifts from Is it wrong to take credit for someone else’s work? to Should such an incredible collection of music disappear forever? Those are great questions to grapple with.

What is the Cost of a Dream?

Ultimately, Jack must decide what his responsibilities are, to himself, to his friends, to the world…and to a group of musicians that no one is aware of.

With 17 songs from the Beatles and some surprising twists in the film, Yesterday is fun to watch…and listen to. Humor and tenderness are sprinkled liberally throughout the story and several great lines of script appeared to be directed at me.

I took to heart Ellie’s words to Jack, when he threatened to quit music and get a teaching job. She reminded him that any energy he devoted to teaching took away from the energy he had to create songs and music. I love that reminder that what we focus on matters, and energy flows where our attention goes.

Beatles fan, romantic comedy fan or fantasy fan…Yesterday delivers.

Pick up the amazing Yesterday movie soundtrack by clicking on the photo below:

June 18, 2019

We Carry Kevan Book Review

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Thank you to SMITH PUBLICITY, INC for sending me this book, We Carry Kevan, for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Image developing, at age 29, the intense desire to travel and explore the world with close friends.

And imagine, after a year of planning, fund raising and making arrangements in France, England and Ireland, seeing that dream become reality.

A group of seven friends parked their van at the airport and gathered up their gear, ready to depart on the adventure of a lifetime. One item they deliberately left behind…a wheelchair belonging to Kevan Chandler.

Kevan Chandler

Born with a degenerative neuromuscular disease, Kevan is the youngest of three children born to Peter and Diana Chandler. And, he’s the second in his family with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy.

His muscles grow weaker, as he ages, and he has very limited use of his arms and legs. However, Kevan is not limited in the way he lives his life. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in counseling and he is an avid writer and storyteller.

Kevan’s compassionate heart and big personality draw people to him. He often joins friends for dinners, road trips or spur of the moment parties.

And Kevan dreams big dreams. One wistful idea, of traveling in Europe, met with encouragement and enthusiasm from his friends. In the summer of 2016 Kevan spent three weeks fulfilling his dream by vising three countries with six friends, without the aid of his motorized wheelchair.

Riding in a custom made backpack, Kevan’s friends carried him everywhere they went, including to the peak of an island mountain in Ireland. We Carry Kevan is the story of a shared adventure, yes. However, it is primarily a story of faith, trust and incredible friendship.

Paris, France. Photo from We Carry Kevan book.

We Carry Kevan in Paris France

The friends arrived in Paris, France on June 20, 2016 in time for summer solstice celebrations the next night. They quickly discovered that the people of Paris go all out when they celebrate, with music and singing and dancing in the streets.

And music is what drew Kevan to Paris in the first place. His desire to visit the home of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt became reality when the group attended a festival honoring the musician.

Kevan feels a connection to the guitarist, who lost the use of his ring and pinky fingers on his left hand after an accident. And yet that didn’t stop the musical genius from adapting. He emerged stronger and better, becoming one of the greatest known guitarists.

London, England. Photo from We Carry Kevan book.

We Carry Kevan in London

London offered the opportunity for Kevan and his friends, Ben, Tom, Phillip, Luke, Robbie and Mr. Hill, to meet up with online friends.

As the group planned their trip, people from the countries they intended to visit provided places to stay and acted as tour guides. From the small town of Oxted, the friends returned to London to mark Kensington Gardens off the “must visit” list.

While in London, Kevan seized the opportunity to stop by the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and view the Peter Pan statue in Kensington. Author J.M. Barrie, who wrote Peter Pan and made contributions to the children’s hospital, inspires the storyteller within Kevan. Standing where the author once stood, as he perched on the back of a friend, Kevan considered the great legacy Barrie left behind, and pondered what his own might be.

Skellig Michael, Ireland. Photo from We Carry Kevan book.

We Carry Kevan in Ireland

Finally the friends explored Ireland. Although they traveled throughout the country, their ultimate destination was Skellig Michael, a craggy island in County Kerry. Known for its rugged and stark beauty, Skellig Michael is the tip of a mountain jutting up from the ocean. An ancient monastery rests at the peak, which is accessible by climbing 600 stone steps.

Scaling the island mountain marked the pinnacle, literally, of the trip and presented the greatest challenge for those carrying Kevan on their backs. And yet, the men trained and prepared themselves, physically and mentally, for this very challenge. Up the mountain they went, to the very top. Taking turns carrying Kevan as they climbed, they ascended and descended, to the applause of others visiting the site.

Here is where the love of his traveling companions shone so brilliantly. About the unconditional love of friends, Kevan wrote:

“They were driven unexplainably to carry me, literally, through the impossible. Not because I’m cool or because I’m an inspiration to them, but because of a true love beyond themselves, beyond any of us. And this put us on a wonderful adventure across the known world.”

Be Inspired

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Authored by Kevan, the story moves expertly through the grand adventure shared by this amazing group of friends. He writes honesty and openly about his disabilities, with a style that is imaginative and compelling.

I felt humbled by all that these young men accomplished and deeply moved by the compassion and trust that the group shares. Kevan requires assistance for everything…bathing, brushing his teeth, using the bathroom, getting dressed. And yet, he is definitely not a burden. Kevan is a courageous and bright adventurer with extraordinary friends who care for him and offer their very best…and their backs…to make his dreams come true.

Together they saw the world, says Kevan, as we all are meant to see it…big and beautiful and full of life. After their first trip, Kevan started a nonprofit organization to redefine accessibility and to assist other disabled people in fulfilling their adventures. Check it out HERE.

I’m inspired to continue my travels, and see the world the way Kevan sees it. I feel renewed gratitude for my left knee. Although it sometimes falters, my knee does the very best that it can, to take me where I desire to go. And, I see what Kevan does, moving beyond his comfort zone, on so many levels, to manifest his dreams. I know I can do the same.

Grab this book and settle into your favorite chair, with a cup of herbal tea. And prepare to be inspired as well.

Order your copy of We Carry Kevan by clicking on photo link below:

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June 10, 2019June 10, 2019

Movie Review: Rocketman

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While still enjoying the film Bohemian Rhapsody at the theater, the preview of an upcoming movie intrigued me as well.

Another music biopic, Rocketman tells singer Elton John’s story. Every time I saw the preview, I felt drawn to this powerful film.

Rocketman Cast

Rocketman stars Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh, Matthew Illesley and Kit Connor. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Rocketman carries an R rating for moderate language, the portrayal of drug and alcohol use and moderate sexuality. It has a run time of 2 hours and 1 minute.

The Early Years

The film alternates between the present day, where Elton John (Egerton) appears to be in a group counseling session, and the past. The story is woven together as the present day singer recounts his childhood and rise to stardom.

Born Reginald Dwight, Reggie (Illesley) is a quiet child raised by troubled parents. His mostly absent father, Stanley (Mackintosh), passes his appreciation of music on to his young son. However, he cannot connect with Reggie emotionally. In fact, he refuses to hug his son or express love in any way.

Reggie’s mother Sheila (Howard) is cold, distant and as hungry as her son, for love. She seeks affection outside her home, which ultimately destroys the marriage. The real champion in the lonely boy’s life is his grandmother (Jones). When Reggie shows musical talent, she encourages him to play the piano and to pursue his passion.

Reggie’s desire to play and sing leads him to the Royal Academy of Music. As he enters his teen years (Connor), he begins performing in local pubs and forms a band called Bluesology.

Elton John is Born

As a young adult, Reggie and Bluesology are hired as a backup band for an American jazz band touring England. One of the singers gives the serious young man advice, to become famous: change his name, write his own songs, “kill” the old Reggie and become the person he is meant to be.

Inspired, Reggie adopts the name Elton John. He shares a few early songs with a studio, receiving moderate praise and interest. He acquires a manager who partners him with songwriter Bernie Taupin (Bell). The two become best friends and collaborators. Bernie writes song lyrics while Elton produces the melodies.

Their song, Your Song, lands them a performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Elton overcomes a major case of the nerves to give an exceptional performance that ignites the audience and captures the attention of manager John Reid (Madden).

The Rise and Fall of a Rocketman

As Elton attempts to shed his old persona, and become a showman, his manager John shifts from showing romantic interest in the performer to openly manipulating him.

Once again denied the love that he craves, Elton throws himself into his performances. His costumes become more and more outlandish, to the delight of his audiences. In front of a crowd Elton is all smiles and brilliant show. Behind the scenes, his pain and loneliness drive him to drugs, alcohol and anger.

His long time friend and musical partner leaves. Elton truly finds himself alone and depressed, in the midst of incredible fame, and fortune, and people who want from him but have nothing to offer in return.

The past and the present day at last align, as Elton concludes his story. Realizing his life is spiraling downward, he walks away from a sold out concert and seeks help.

Can his career survive, he wonders, if he is sober and clean and more…ordinary?

My Thoughts on Rocketman

Rocketman is a beautiful, clever musical, skillfully weaving Elton’s songs throughout the movie. They tell his story in illuminating ways, showing snapshots of who he was at different times in his life.

I’ve long been a fan of Elton John. His songs are an integral part of my storyline. Hearing them I can recount the events in my own life as his tunes topped the charts. I know his songs. However, the film taught me a great deal that I did not know about the man.

Elton’s story is overshadowed with sadness. It’s difficult for me to understand how love can be withheld from a child. In my heart it feels so wrong. And yet, it is possible that Elton’s early years birthed more than an extraordinary performer who wowed audiences. His pain gave incredible depth to his music. He truly is a musical genius. And although I teared up many times during this film, I experienced a deep appreciation for the way that he endured as he sought to be who he is.

The end credits are worth staying for. Actual photos and text tell the rest of Elton’s story, bringing us to the actual present day.

The tagline for Rocketman is an apt one.