I read Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey after If You Tell by Gregg Olsen revived my love for reading. It was an exciting book that only took me about a week to read, which is quick seeing I didn’t have much time. Few books keep me up past my bedtime, and this was one of…
Tag: Olena
An Apple Watch Camera? Wristcam Gives You TWO!
Does Apple Watch have a camera? No, and I don’t think it ever will. The Apple Watch is a literal supercomputer, but it is also small. A small watch means a small battery, so even with everything it currently does, an average charge only lasts about 18 hours. It just wouldn’t make sense to add…
If You Tell by Gregg Olsen: Book Review
I picked up If You Tell by Gregg Olsen on a whim, it was recommended by my Kindle, so I didn’t do any research and dived right in. Before you do the same, I suggest that you do read up on it first. Although it was a great book, it was rather disturbing. The author…
10 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails Worldwide – Youth Time Magazine
Right across the world, hiking can let you explore and see things that to some would seem unimaginable. Here are some of the best places for you to go walking. Hiking is a popular outdoor activity all over the world. Walking outside and enjoying beautiful scenery is a fun way to spend time, but there…
10 Reasons to Visit Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s most visited cities, thanks to its eclectic vibe with unmatched offerings. Rightly so, Dubai has the unique capability to satiate every interest, no matter you are here for its avant-garde modernity, fascinating culture, modest past, or multicultural ambience. In fact, there are manifold reasons to visit Dubai and here…
My 10 Favorite Amazon Prime Day Deals of 2021
It is not too late to take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals! Prime Day happens annually and lasts two days. So just because it started yesterday doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some last-minute deals today. Anyone can view the Prime deals on Amazon; however, the sales are only available for Prime members. Here…
First Day of Summer 2021: Making Eco-Friendly Resolutions
Today is the first full day of summer in 2021! The good news is that summer is officially in full swing. The bad news is, it is hotter than ever, and temperatures keep rising. It can feel like individuals can’t make a huge difference when it comes to global warming. However, we can all make…
Happy Juneteenth 2021: All About the Newest Federal Holiday
Tomorrow, on June 19th, the USA will celebrate Juneteenth as a federal holiday for the first time ever. Since it falls in a Saturday this year, many federal workers will have the day off today on Friday, June 18th while other companies will offer Monday, June 21st off. But what is Juneteenth? It is a…
Five Reasons to Resist Online Shopping – Youth Time Magazine
For many of us, online shopping is a way to get the things we want at ease. But should you do it? We take a look at it. Online shopping has become essential for people to get what they need in a timely fashion. However, some view our online shopping habits as a pandemic of…
10 Ways to Have an Eco-Friendly Summer Vacation – Youth Time Magazine
As we all gear up to travel again, we should not travel the same as before. So here are ways to go on vacation and look after our world. Summer is something we all look forward to, but many of us don’t realise the negative impacts of our basic vacation rituals. Consider turning over a…
Five Ways to Volunteer this Summer – Youth Time Magazine
Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy life. But it also offers a unique opportunity to volunteer your time in a meaningful way. Altruism aside, being a volunteer can be beneficial to all parties involved. Help your community this summer and reap the benefits of knowing you’ve contributed to making the world a…
Sun Safety Tips for Healthy Summer Fun – Youth Time Magazine
We all want to enjoy the sun and get outside this summer, but it’s important to remain safe. Here is how to do it. While it’s not the official start to summer yet, temperatures are already high, and the sun is out. Now is the time to start thinking about sun safety for the season. …
Universal Yums Review: A Five Star International Snacks Subscription
After receiving three boxes, I am finally ready to write my Universal Yums review! As you may have guessed from the title, I give it five stars. So far, we have received Ukraine, Germany, and most recently, Spain. Although I only liked one snack out of the six in my Spanish box, I’ve been super…
Trinity Brewhouse in Providence, Rhode Island
We visited Trinity Brewhouse on our journey to get ALL the stamps in our RI Brewery Passport! Although we’ve already visited in the past, we wanted to follow the rules and refused to stamp our passports without trying their beers again. Unfortunately, our second experience here wasn’t as great as our first. Our Experience at Trinity…
Best Moet & Chandon Champagne Deal: $35 at Iggy’s, Oakland Beach, RI
Moet & Chandon champagne is the ultimate fancy celebratory drink, and we had a few things to celebrate last weekend. However, we did not go to Iggy’s at Oakland Beach in Rhode Island with champagne in mind. But when we saw it on the menu for $65, which is about how much you’d pay at…
Is TimeStope Legit? How to Make a Passive Income with Crypto
I am currently mining cryptocurrency with the Bee Network (olenaroosa), Pi Network (olenakagui), Midoin (olenakahujova3102,) and, most recently, TimeStope (olenakagui.) But one is not like the others. TimeStope screenshots can be seen all over the internet with a dollar value displayed next to the TIME number. This implies that it is already worth actual money and can be exchanged….
The Damselfly by Susi Holliday (Banktoun #3): Book Review
I finished The Damselfly by Susi Holliday two days ago, and I’m still angry at the author! The Damselfly is the third and final book in the Banktoun series. The first two books were plenty dark and sad, so I should have seen it coming, but this one still took me by surprise. Even though it’s been…
West Shore Coffee Bar in Oakland Beach, Warwick, Rhode Island
Last weekend we visited West Shore Coffee Bar and got our first taste of summer in 2021! Although they are called a coffee bar, they have a bit of everything. They serve craft beers, acai Bowls, less healthy meals, and even CBD oil alongside their delicious coffees. The staff was super friendly, and the food…
Edible Insect Vending Machines in Japan
Japan is obsessed with vending machines, and they sell everything in them. Want a new iPhone? Vending machine. Want sake? Vending machine. Want batteries? Vending machine. You get the gist… But what if you want to explore entomophagy? Luckily, Japan has a handful of edible insect vending machines as well! Vending Machine Culture “There are…
How to Get the iPhone App for TimeStope Cryptocurrency
So I’ve told you about the Pi Network (olenakagui,) Bee Network (olenaroosa,) and Midoin (olenakahujova3102.) Three apps that have the potential of being the next Bitcoin – although there are no promises. The fourth supposedly big competing cryptocurrency is TimeStope (olenakagui,) but their iPhone app is still pending approval to be listed in the Apple…
Cicadas are Coming FAQ: Here’s What You Need to Know!
Cicadas are making headlines as they prepare to wake after a 17-year nap and are coming to scream their heads off by the billion. Unfortunately, I live right outside their habitat of choice. I say ‘unfortunately’ because these creepy-crawlies are hella cool, and I wish I could witness this rare phenomenon in person. Instead, I…
Moniker Brewery in Providence, Rhode Island
Moniker Brewery is located in Providence, Rhode Island, really close to another brewery, Beer on Earth. Isaac and I discovered it thanks to the RI Brewery Passport, an app created by RI Brewers Guild! We chose to visit Moniker out of the 30+ breweries in Rhode Island because they had a German pilsner beer on…
National Big Wind Day: Featuring Rhode Island’s Offshore Wind Farm
April 12th is National Big Wind Day here in the USA! Since moving closer to the ocean, I have experienced winds like never before! It also gave me a newfound appreciation for Rhode Island’s offshore wind farm. So I thought that today was a great day to talk about the power and potential of wind!…
Is Midoin Network Legit: a Cryptocurrency Investment or a Waste of Time?
With stories about people finding an old Bitcoin or Dogecoin stash and becoming instant millionaires, it is tempting to jump on the cryptocurrency train. But for regular people, investing in the more advanced cryptocurrencies is almost impossible. That’s why new currencies such as Pi Network (olenakagui,) Bee Network (olenaroosa,) and TimeStope (olenakagui) are so tempting….
National Beer Day: Celebrating the Breweries in Rhode Island
Today is National Beer Day, among other fun holidays like Girl, Me Too, Walking, and No Housework days. You can see the other holidays on the National Day Calendar website. I chose to write about beer because lately, I’ve been actively exploring Rhode Island’s fantastic breweries. I even made up a fun fake one for April Fools…
The Very Good Butchers Review: A Big Box of (Plant-Based) Meat
We just ordered our second Big Box of (Plant-Based) Meat, and we finally decided to write The Very Good Butchers review! I first discovered this Plant-Based Butchery a year ago in a Facebook ad. It said, ‘we butcher beans.’ I was intrigued by the products but intimidated by the price. But I finally bit the bullet and…
National Silly Earring Day Has Been Founded! How Do You Celebrate?
I am the proud new owner of a brand new holiday: National Silly Earring Day celebrated annually on April 13th! I’ve been thinking about founding a holiday that celebrates unique earrings for quite some time. When I was younger, I thought that all earrings were expensive, made with fine metals, gems, and diamonds. As an…
10 Strange Easter Traditions from Around the World
Humans are weird creatures who dream up unusual ways to celebrate holidays. Since today is Easter, I decided to explore ten strange Easter traditions from around the world! The great thing about holidays is that there is no wrong way to celebrate anything. But I think it’s perfectly okay to admit when the way we…
Van Gogh the Immersive Experience: Did You Get Scammed?
If you are like me, you’re super excited about Van Gogh the Immersive Experience coming to Boston this fall. But, you may have bought tickets to a different Van Gogh Exhibit. There is no ‘real’ exhibit, but there may be a few scams floating out there. Plus, it can be confusing to figure out the…
April Fools’ Pranks – History & Best April Fools’ Pranks
Yesterday I wrote an article about a mushroom beer brewery opening in Rhode Island, and it was one of my favorite April Fools’ pranks of all times! It was fun because not only did many people fall for it, but it promoted some existing local businesses in the meantime. To avoid spoiling the joke, I…
Mushroom Beer Brewery Opens in Rhode Island: Portabeera Brew
Mushrooms are a superfood, and companies worldwide are creating new shroomy recipes that are healthier than their fungus-free alternatives. MUD\WTR makes a low-caffeine drink that gives you more energy than coffee, while Four Sigmatic adds mushrooms to their coffee! Mushrooms are even being turned into eco-friendly packaging by Ikea. Finally, the beer industry is jumping on the mushroom wagon. And the…
How to Protect Your Online Identity: Youth Time Magazine
Most of us don’t actively worry about taking steps to protect our online identity. However, the statistics are alarming. In the USA, there were over half a million cases in 2019. It more than doubled in 2020 to around 1,300,000. Unfortunately, this can happen to anyone. But there are steps you can take to protect your online identity, just…
Shaidzon Beer Company: Rhode Island’s Breweries
We visited Shaidzon Beer Company last weekend. After getting the Rhode Island Brewery Passport, we’ve been on a mission to visit all 30+ breweries! We really enjoyed Shaidzon’s outdoor seating, and we even got to see a passing train. Take a look: About Shaidzon Beer Company ““The sun was in my eyes so I thought…
NuWave Brio 15.5-quart Digital Air Fryer Oven: Review & Unboxing
After having cheap air fryers for years, we finally invested in the NuWave Brio 15.5-quart Digital Air Fryer (#affiliate.) We’ve always loved the concept of having a healthier way to cook food to make it tasty and crispy. However, over the past five years, we’ve had some incredibly basic and faulty air fryers. Finally, we got the…
Tilted Barn Brewery: Rhode Island’s First Farm Brewery
We’ve wanted to visit the Tilted Barn Brewery for a while now. However, you need to reserve in advance as it is a trendy spot. Finally, we called right after someone had canceled, and we got to visit for 30 minutes! Since we were there for such a short time, our video is just a teaser: About…
Our Little Secret by Roz Nay: Book Review
I discovered Our Little Secret by Roz Nay (#affiliate) because one of my favorite authors, Chevy Stevens, posted about it on her Facebook page. It sounded right up my alley, so I bought it without hesitation. I read it in about a week and finally finished it last night. I’m still processing how I felt about it; hopefully,…
Stealth Core Trainer Review: $125 Plankster Game Exercise
After months of seeing the Plankster in social media ads, I finally bought it! You can buy it on Amazon for $149 (#affiliate.) I found it discounted for $99; however, with tax and shipping/handling, it amounted to $125. Although I already have a lot of gym equipment, I wanted this because it turns exercise into a game….
The Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: $200 Marcy with Resistance
Even before COVID-19 shut down the gyms, I was into working out at home. Since I work remotely, I have a flexible schedule. Instead of a coffee break, I have the opportunity the hop on the treadmill, MaxiClimber, or rowing machine. After trying out several exercise bikes over the years, I have discovered the best…
National Equal Pay Day: Gender Pay Gap Awareness
Today is National Equal Pay Day, which aims to bring awareness of the gender pay gap. It is celebrated each year on a day in March or April. President Biden is marking this day by hosting U.S. Women’s national soccer team members at the White House. History of Women’s Rights Before we jump into National Equal…
Juice Cleanse 101: What Are the Best Vegetables to Juice?
A few weeks ago, Isaac and I tried doing a three-day juice cleanse. Unfortunately, we only managed 48 hours, but we learned a lot from doing it! We did not look up any recipes before going shopping for our fruits and veggies. Going in blind had a few perks, including discovering the worst and best vegetables…
Is It Better To Be An Early Bird Or A Night Owl? – Youth Time Magazine
They say that the early bird gets the worm, but people don’t fly or live in nests. Typically, it is a good idea to listen to science. However, in this case, studies send mixed messages about whether it’s better to get up early or stay up late. Originally published on Youth Time Magazine. Read it…
Instagram Marketing 2021: A Udemy Class for All Your Insta Needs
Love it or hate it, the fact is that an Instagram account can make or break your business. Instagram Marketing 2021 is a Udemy class that is perfect for all your Insta needs. The great thing about Instagram is that there is SO much marketing potential. However, it isn’t always intuitive, which is why this class is…
Five Sleep Apps To Get You Dreaming: Youth Time Magazine
Getting enough sleep is the key to being healthy, happy, and successful in life. In fact, not getting enough sleep can cause weight gain, among other serious issues. Unfortunately, up to one in three adults report not getting enough sleep. Many factors can prevent you from sleeping as much as you should. Luckily, there are smart solutions that can…
World Down Syndrome Day: March 21st, 2021
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated internationally on March 21st. This day gives people with Down Syndrome and their advocates a voice and an opportunity to be heard. On this day, it is typical to organize or participate in activities that promote public awareness for this genetic disorder. Check out this impressive list of the 10…
Apponaug Brewing Company: Women-Owned Brewery in Warwick, RI
After moving to Warwick, Rhode Island, Isaac and I have looked for breweries in the area. We discovered that Apponaug Brewing Company is only three miles from our new home! The great thing about this place is that it has delicious beers, outdoor seating with a fantastic view of the river, and a mouthwatering menu. Plus, it’s…
What Is St. Joseph’s Day? Who, When, & Why?
Two days ago was St. Patrick’s day and today is St. Joseph’s day. But what Is St. Joseph’s day? Celebrated annually on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day is a popular holiday among Italian-Americans. Typically, they gather together wearing red costumes to enjoy the feast day by donating food to the hungry. What Is St. Joseph’s Day? St….
Cottrell Brewing Company: Pawcatuck, Connecticut
We visited Cottrell Brewing Company two weekends ago on a whim. Isaac and I live in Warwick, Rhode Island but we were already in Westerly for an outdoor baby shower. Then we decided to get some Deviant Donuts in Mystic. Somewhere in between Westerly, RI and Mystic, CT we found the Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck!…
Exo Protein Bars: Crickets, the Most Sustainable Protein
Exo protein bars are delicious, nutritious, and sustainable. In fact, they are made with the most sustainable protein – crickets! It is widely believed that reducing our meat consumption is one of the most environmentally positive decisions we can make. Farming crickets saves water, land, and other resources that make it an eco-friendly option. Exo…
How to Do Your US Taxes in 2021: Youth Time Magazine
Tax season is here again, and for most taxpayers, the US taxes deadline for 2020 tax returns is April 15th, 2021. This is also known as IRS Tax Day! You can file your taxes as early as January 2021, as soon as your employer gives you your W-2. Read about: What Are Tax Returns? What…
Spring CAUSEBOX Customization: Lifestyle Subscription Box 2021
A few days ago I completed the Spring CAUSEBOX Customization! This will be my third box by them – check out what I got in the Winter 2020-2021 box and the Fall 2020 box. I have really enjoyed both my CAUSEBOX, FabFitFun, and Kinder Beauty Box subscriptions and my home is now filled with amazing…
International Women’s Day: History, Controversy, Celebration
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year. While some take this to be a lighthearted day to celebrate the wonderful women in the world with flowers, others use it to fight for women’s rights. There are also people who are not huge fans. In fact, there are a lot of controversies surrounding…
Kinder Beauty Box Review & Think Dirty Rating
A few weeks ago I got my first ever Kinder Beauty Box! I am a huge fan of subscription boxes and love my FabFitFun and CAUSEBOX. However, I’ve been stressing over the negative environmental impact of all my shopping. In this Kinder Beauty Box review, I’ll explain how this box is a greener option for…
Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh: Book Review
Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh is my second read by this author. After reading I Let You Go, I knew I had to read more! While I did not love Let Me Lie quite as much as I Let You Go, this was a great read with a story unlike anything I’ve read before….
Ecosia Plants Trees: The Greener Way to Browse the Web
A few days ago I wrote about Google being carbon neutral since 2007. It made me realize that I somehow forgot to share the wonder that is Ecosia. Like Google, Ecosia is a web browser, except instead of being carbon neutral, it’s carbon negative. This means that instead of making up the carbon that they…
Google: Carbon Neutral Since 2007? What Next?
Google is an impressive company in many ways. But one thing I didn’t know is that they’ve been carbon neutral since 2007. This is actually Google Chrome’s fault! Since it is my preferred browser, I never go to Google.com. Today I found myself there, looking for a potential Google Doodle to write about, and instead,…
Remote Work Tips for Mental Health & Productivity: Youth Time Magazine
Working from home can be a fantastic opportunity with many benefits. However, there are a lot of disadvantages as well. Being able to work from your home offers a more relaxed atmosphere, the ability to be with your pets all day, and unique flexibility to your schedule. There is also the lack of socialising with…
The Real Baba Yaga: Terror of the Dark Forest – The Original Story
The other day I discovered Baba Yaga: Terror of the Dark Forest. I love a modern spin on an old-school legend, and the Baba Yaga is a great one. As a Ukrainian, I was born hearing stories about the real Baba Yaga. She was a magical old lady who lives in the forest in a wooden…
How to Prep for a Juice Cleanse: Buying Juices vs. Juicing At Home
Everyone and their mother are doing a juice cleanse. My friends, in-laws, even my boss are all talking about doing a 3-5 day juice cleanse. It is even mentioned on the radio every single time I’m in the car. There is a lot of information on the health benefits or why it’s BS, which I’ll…
Is Bee Network a Scam? To Bee, or Not to Bee: Cryptocurrency 101
A few weeks ago I wrote about the Pi Network (olenakagui.) The Pi Network was developed by Stanford’s PHD graduates. You can read about it in Stanford Daily. Despite all the skeptics, the Pi Network appears to be a legit cryptocurrency. Whether or not it will make you rich is another question. But we’re not here…
Voodoo Dolls: Everything You Know About Them is Wrong
When most of us think about voodoo dolls, we think poking a doll with a pin hoping that it hurts someone who caused us harm. As a European, I only know what I’ve seen in movies. In Lilo & Stitch, Lilo creates a voodoo doll of her friends out of spoons, puts them in a…
Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask: Generation Clay
Yesterday I finally tried the Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask by Generation Clay. I got this mask through my FabFitFun subscription; it was a paid add-on in my Winter Box. If I’m being completely honest, I already had a LOT of face masks and didn’t need another. However, I really wanted a clay mask,…
Zoom Backgrounds, Filters, and Touch Up My Appearance: Youth Time Magazine
Many of us have become closely acquainted with Zoom in the last year. Whether we use it for work or to chat with friends and family, there is a lot more to Zoom than just clicking “Join Meeting”. Did you know that there is built-in airbrushing? Plus, there are free ways to add fun filters! You…
Think Dirty – Shop Clean: The App That Helps You Be Safer
“Think Dirty – Shop Clean,” is the brilliant slogan of a company that wants to help you make safer choices. Think Dirty is an app available for iOS and Android that tells you more about your products’ ingredients. Their database has over 850,000 cosmetics and personal care products, so you can just scan the barcode…
Vimco Wellness – Charcoal Lemonade: Delicious, Cheap, Only 5 Calories
Vimco Wellness lemonade seems too good to be true. It costs $15 for 20 servings and it only has 5 calories per serving. Well, the black Charcoal, green Matcha Lemonades, and orange Focus Lemonades only have 5. The blue Probiotic Lemonade has 15 but it is absolutely delicious plus the difference of 10 calories really…
Closet Organisation Tips for Small Spaces: Youth Time Magazine
Studies show that we only wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time. The rest wastes away hanging in our closets. Now let’s be honest; it doesn’t matter how ample our closet space is. It is perpetually tough to fit everything and organise it accordingly. Originally published on Youth Time Magazine. Read…
Zitkala-Sa: The Woman Behind Today’s Google Doodle
Zitkala-Sa (Zitkála-Šá) also known under her missionary-given name, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a writer, editor, translator, musician, educator, and suffragist. Today would have been Zitkala-Sa’s 145th birthday. Among her greatest achievements was getting US citizenship for American Indians through the passing of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. Thank you Google Doodle for featuring her!…
Willow Walk by S.J.I. Holliday: Book Review, Banktoun #2
Willow Walk by S.J.I. Holliday is the second book in the Banktoun trilogy. It is also my fourth read by the author who also goes by Susi Holliday. Her other books, Violet, The Lingering, and Black Wood were all great and I just can’t stop reading everything she’s written. Personally, I liked Willow Walk even…
10 Stay Warm in a Black Out Tips – Power Outage 101
With the dire situation in Texas making headlines, I became curious about ways to stay warm in a black out. We rely so heavily on electricity, gas, fresh tap water, and the internet. Without these, things fall apart fast. What happened in Texas can happen anywhere in the world. Basically, an unexpectedly bad winter storm…
Shuttle App aka Etsify: Hassle-Free Etsy to Shopify Listing Transfer
Two days ago I decided to pay $69 to transfer all my item reviews from Etsy to Shopify using Shuttle App. I recently decided to try to move my business away from Etsy. It has been great but the fees become too much when you sell a high volume of cheap items like I do….
Antonio’s Bakery & Charlie’s Deli: Warwick, Rhode Island
Antonio’s Bakery & Charlie’s Deli is a locally-owned bakery and a deli under the same roof! They have been under the same ownership for 31 years and specialize in Italian pastries, bread, calzones, custom cakes, and more! Isaac and I went here during a craving for something sweet and we were not disappointed! Isaac and…
Touch of New England: A Subscription Full of Locally Made Products
Touch of New England is a company that promotes local artists from the six New England states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The products can be bought in the form of monthly subscription boxes that come in various themes. You can purchase several months worth up front or pay on…
Valentine’s Day Origins: Feast of Saint Valentine
Today is Valentine’s Day and many people, including my husband, like to mock it for being a Hallmark holiday. Despite Hallmark having one of it’s most profitable days around this holiday, they did not invent the holiday. There is a lot of history to Valentine’s Day and not all of it is hearts and roses….
Cupid: Who is He? Origins of Modern Valentine’s Traditions
Have you ever wonder who Cupid really is? I sure have. And I refuse to go another Valentine’s Day without knowing why a baby wants to shoot me in the butt with a heart-shaped arrow. Hilariously enough, I have written about how snails are what cupid is based on, because they shoot love darts to…
FabFitFun Personality Test: Apparently I’m a Dreamer
Today I took the FabFitFun Personality Test. I’ve been really into all things FabFitFun. Their magazine is full of great tips, their boxes are great, and their add-on deals are too good to resist. They even have a community where members can interact and chat. I don’t normally take the time to do personality tests,…
The Difference Between Expats and Immigrants: Youth Time Magazine
Expat, an abbreviation of expatriate, is defined as a person who is living in a country other than that of a person’s upbringing. This term can be used for temporary or permanent residents and comes from the Latin words ex (out of), and patria (fatherland/country.) The official definition of ‘immigrant’ isn’t too different. It is…
Pi Network, the New Bitcoin? Understanding Cryptocurrency
Two days ago, a friend of my invited me to join the Pi Network. By using her code (Judye81), I got 1 Pi and she got 1 Pi. Now I can share my own code to earn more Pi (olenakagui), although they also accumulate over time. Today, 1 Pi is worth approximately 0 dollars, just…
Curious Elixirs: Craft Cocktails Without the Alcohol
This weekend Isaac and I partied hard with soft craft cocktails created by Curious Elixirs. Curious Elixirs Number 1 through 5 do not appreciate the label ‘mocktail.’ There is nothing fake about these craft cocktails that have all the flavor and fizz without the resulting headache. Not only do these delicious concoctions lack alcohol, they…
Five Incredible Affordable Virtual Tours: Youth Time Magazine
Travel is a popular hobby that requires time, money and planning. Doing virtual tours can not only be easier on your wallet, but you can also fit more of it into your busy schedule. There are a lot of free ways to experience the world from your home. However, some of the more curated virtual…
Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay: Signapore Guide
The main attraction of Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree Grove! On our three-day trip to Singapore, we were most excited about seeing this amazing urban nature park. It spans 110 hectares within the Marina Bay district of the Central Region of Singapore. It is adjacent to the Marina Reservoir and the park consists…
Brain Exercises That Really Work: Youth Time Magazine
Our brains are the one thing that set humans apart from other animals. It is our intelligence that allows us to explore outer space, find cures to diseases and connect us to other humans via technology. Originally published on Youth Time Magazine. Read it here.
Groundhog Day: What Is It & Who Is Punxsutawney Phil
Groundhog Day has come and gone, unlike the movie where it keeps happening over and over again. This North American holiday is perhaps one of the most unusual. It is tempting to jokingly mock Americans for this illogical yet adorable and somewhat controversial holiday. But it turns out that they are not the only ones!…
Superfood Terminology: Probiotics & Adaptogens & Collagen, oh my!
I love trying healthy foods so I am becoming familiar with superfood terminology. However, I don’t quite understand it all completely. I know that probiotics are great for your gut and collagen has something to do with having beautiful skin, but what do these words really mean? They say if you can’t explain it to…
Imbolc: What Is It & How to Celebrate?
Imbolc is also known as Imbolg and sometimes also called Brigid’s Day. It is a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. Traditionally, it is held on February 1st and it lands about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is celebrated throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man –…
Gifts for Him: Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas
I love giving (and receiving) gifts but I find men really hard to shop for! All the guys I know have one or two hobbies but at a certain point you exhaust the number of themed gifts. He may love Pokemon but he doesn’t need Pikachu on his phone, clothes, wallet, car and laptop. Well,…
Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens: Book Review
I started Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens when I only had a mass-produced paperback copy. It was amazing and I was really into the book and got five chapters in before I could no longer stand handling the difficult format of it. I immediately ordered a hardcover and I finished it just a few days…
Bristol Harbor Inn, Rhode Island: Harbor View Room, Hotel Experince
I stayed in Bristol Harbor Inn in Rhode Island for just one night. After a year of no travel and moving and noisy house construction, I badly needed a break from reality. Luckily, for just $100, I got to enjoy a peaceful 24 hours looking at the Bristol harbor from my cozy hotel room! I…
Rocky Point, Rhode Island: History, Photos & Drone View
Rocky Point is a great spot in Rhode Island for a day trip. Today, it is a state park with almost 120 acres of land. One of the highlights for me was the pier that offers breathtaking views of the ocean. If you stay long enough, you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset and even a moonrise,…
Two Blind Brothers: About Our $28 Purchase & The Company
Two Blind Brothers is one of the fastest-growing cause-based companies in the United States, if not worldwide. During the holiday season, we finally decided to see what all the hype was about. We purchased the cheapest blind gift on their website to start off with. The concept behind the store is that you are shopping…
Caffeine Addiction: Turning a Crutch Into a Tool
Caffeine has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. In fact, I starting drinking coffee on an almost daily basis at just eight years old. I am not a doctor and have not done any research, but I’d like to share my experience with caffeine. Specifically, how I turned…
MaxiClimber XL Vertical Climber: A Cardio Revolution
We got our MaxiClimber XL Vertical Climber (#affiliate) a few days ago. Assembly took about 30 minutes and was not a pain in our butts. The machine, however, was a pain in our butts, legs, arms, core and then some. Just as it’s supposed to be! My dreams of getting this machine and spending 30…
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen: Book Review
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen caught my eye while I was browsing new books to buy. I have already read The Wife Between Us that was co-written by the authors so I knew it would be good. While I found An Anonymous Girl really interesting and unique, there was something that…
Insect Decorations for Your Home: Creepy Crawly Bug Art
While butterflies, dragon flies and lady bugs aren’t uncommon to see in people’s homes, insect decorations are unusual. But why? How come some insects are considered appropriate decor while other bugs are simply not art? The following artists hope to take the creepy out of the crawlies. They see the beauty of all insects and…
Foraging Wild Mushrooms Class Class: Learn Your Land by Adam Haritan
A Foraging Wild Mushrooms Class can be a great way to learn more about mycology. I have picked wild mushrooms from a young age with the guidance of my parents. Without my dad by my side nodding if I find something edible or shaking his head if I have a poisonous lookalike in my basket,…
Danger Bridge at Oakland Beach – The Most Dangerous Bridge in RI?
Danger Bridge is located in Oakland Beach, yet you won’t find it on most maps. It is a great spot to view the sunset and most locals use it as a meeting spot for walks on the beach. The spoiler here is that Danger Bridge is not dangerous at all, the name came about in…
The Other Mother by Carol Goodman: Book Review
The Other Mother by Carol Goodman was recommended to me by a friend who shares my love for thrillers – the darker, the better. This was my first book by Carol Goodman, but I already have more books by her on the way. The Other Mother was different, it was a unique story full of…
Flavor God: Delicious Health All-Natural Seasonings, Toppers & Rubs
Flavor God was on our radar for months before we finally bit the bullet. Since we mostly stick to a plant-based diet, there are many beans, legumes and salads. Although Isaac loves to cook, there isn’t always time to make every meal fancy. Flavor God helps keep our meals simple, delicious and interesting. Rice and…
Forever Wick Candles Review: Which Diamond Did We Get?
Forever Wick Candles seem like a crazy concept at first glance. You pay $50+ for a candle and hope to get a $12,000 diamond? That’s one way to think about it, but the concept behind Forever Wick Candles is much more romantic. Imagine your significant other gifting you a candle. You burn it during dates,…
Strange Planet Subscription Box Review: Cartoon by Nathan W. Pyle
I ordered my Strange Planet Subscription Box via CultureFly. CultureFly is like Cratejoy but they focus on subscription boxes dedicated to pop culture. Strange Planet is a cartoon created by Nathan W. Pyle, who’s had multiple books on the New York Time’s Best Selling List. After following Nathan’s Strange Planet cartoons on Facebook, I became…
The Shadows by Alex North: Book Review
The Shadows by Alex North is my second book by this author. I had my eye on both The Shadows and The Whisper Man for ages so I bought both at once. I was absolutely floored by The Whisper Man, you can read my review of it here. The moment I finished it, I picked…
Anese Body Creams: Care for Booties, Boobies & More
Anese is serious skin care for not so serious babes. They have a range of products with hilarious names and amazing reviews. After seeing their fun ads on Facebook I decided to bite the bullet and buy their Front to Back Set. I managed to find a coupon simply by Googling and I got the…
Fort Wetherill State Park: Jamestown Day Trip, Rhode Island
Fort Wetherill State Park is a great spot to visit in Jamestown Rhode Island. I wrote about it once before, but this time I did more research and even took a video. After exploring the bunker we also took a drone video of the sunset over the cliffs, you can find it at the end…
MUD\WTR: A Healthier Mushroom Coffee Alternative
Yesterday we talked about Four Sigmatic, a mushroom-infused coffee. MUD\WTR is a little different… with 1/7th the caffeine of coffee, mud gives you natural energy, focus and more without the jitters and crash. Spoiler alert: it is also delicous! The ingredients are simple: That is all! These simple ingredients can upgrade your morning routine. Can…
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee: Caffeine With Benefits
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is the perfect way to step up your caffeine routine. Four Sigmatic creates more than just coffee, but today I will be focusing on jitter liquid because it’s Monday morning and I need a cup (or five.) But I’m getting ahead of myself. In this article I will tell you about…
Bristol Harbor, Rhode Island: Perfect Sunset Spot
Bristol is a great place to visit in Rhode Island. It is a cute historic town and it happens to have beautiful sunsets. I spent a night at the Bristol Harbor Inn, which I will write about soon. That is how I discovered that Bristol may be one of the best places for a perfect…
CAUSEBOX Winter Box 2020-2021: About the Products
The CAUSEBOX Winter Box showed up on my doorstep a few days ago! Somehow I had completely forgotten that it was on its way and I didn’t even think that I had personalized it. Looking back through my emails, it looks like I did in fact go through the customization process. Just like with the…
The Whisper Man by Alex North: Book Review
The Whisper Man by Alex North has been on my radar for a while. It was recommended for me on Goodreads and I was immediately intrigued by the cover. It took me a while to finally buy it and read it. I loved it so much and I’m now kicking myself for not reading it…
oVertone Hair Dye for Brown on Bleached Hair: AMAZING Results
I have written about oVertone Hair Dye before, but I had to do it again. Last time I dyed my dark brown hair purple using oVertone after Arctic Fox completely failed me and I was amazed. It was impressive that there was actual purple color on my dark hair. But I couldn’t help feel jealous…
The Lingering by SJI Holliday: Book Review
I binge-read The Lingering by SJI Holliday in just two days. My first experience with SJI Holliday was Violet. Violet was a really unique book that was inspired by the author’s personal travel experiences. The Lingering is different from Violet and any other book I’ve ever read for that matter. There is a lot to…
YMCA COVID-19 Pool Swimming Regulations: Rhode Island, 2021
The YMCA is my go-to gym but I haven’t been since February 2020. Since one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to get back into shape, I began looking into returning. I am fortunate to have a treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine and dumbbells at home. So I am only interested in pool access. Due…
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh: Book Review
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh may have a slow start but it accelerates to the speed of light. At once point, I found myself getting bored and I almost put it down. I am so glad I stuck to it because WOW, this book blew me away. Also, I have to do something…
Sunwink: Alcohol-Free Cocktail to Try This Dry January
Dry January is a the perfect time to try some new alcohol alternatives such as Sunwink. As a Ukrainian-born Czech, drinking is part of my culture. Alcohol alternatives such as non-alcoholic beer are pretty much a joke in both my home countries. I really enjoy a good pint of beer, glass of wine and even…
Virtual Runs & Races: Motivational Medals & Communities
Running isn’t the first thing you think of as something that suffered due to COVID-19. Not only were gyms closed and outdoor activity limited, but organized races were canceled. Before I discovered virtual runs, I had already spent hundreds of dollars signing up for in-person races. Organized races are fun because of others participants. There…
Vision Boards and Dream Boards: What, How & Why?
Vision boards, also known as dream boards, are a great tool for goal settings, self-improvement and more. Having a space full of clear images of your goals, dreams or things that remind you of your purpose can do wonders for your psyche. It may seem silly or even juvenile to sit down, cut up magazines…
Eat Lentils, Get Rich: Czech New Year Traditions
Czechs believe that you should eat lentils on New Year’s Day because they will bring you good fortune. There is a Czech saying that goes: “Jak na Nový rok, tak po celý rok” which translates as “As on New Year’s Day, the same throughout the whole year.” Many countries in Europe believe that the way…
10 Personal Development Journals That Will Change Your Life
Journaling is a popular way to become more self aware, reduce anxiety and track progress in various areas of your life. The following personal development journals all take a different approach and work towards accomplishing different goals. Everyone is different, but we all have something we want to work on. I cannot promise that any…
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House: Secret Off-Season Deals
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House has secret off-season deals! During summer months, Iggy’s at Oakland Beach is swarming with tourists from near and far. As soon as swimming season wraps up, everything slows down – even during pandemic-free times. We discovered the secret off-season deals via an envelope full of Valpak coupons. They have some…
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins: Book Review
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins is the second book I’ve read by this author. My first, of course, was Girl on the Train. It was the first book I read with so many twists, and I was super excited to read more by Paula Hawkins. The first time I tried to read it, I…
Christmas Superstitions in the Czech Republic
Cultures all over the world have their unique Christmas superstitions. The Czech Republic is known for being one of the most atheist countries in the world. Ironically, according to Czech tradition it is baby Jesus, not Santa Claus, who brings gifts. Instead of lining up to sit in Santa’s lap, Czech children wait in line…
Into the Jungle by Erica Ferencik: Book Review
I bought Into the Jungle by Erica Ferencik the moment I finished The River at Night. I wouldn’t have picked either book out in a bookstore, despite their pretty covers, because they are not in my preferred genre. It came to my bookshelf via a water-themed book lot that included some of my favorite psychological…
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn: Book Review
The Woman in the Window is a great book that I remember clear as day a year after reading. A reader friend just read it and was raving about it and it made my own love for the book resurface. Let me start by saying that this is a WEIRD book. But that’s what I…
Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens: Book Review
Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens was my third book by the author. My first book by Chevy Stevens was Those Girls and I found it too graphic for my tastes. Next I read Still Missing, which was still disturbing but not enough to turn me off. I ended up buying a whole bunch…
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher: Book Review
I read The Wives by Tarryn Fisher in a single weekend. This wasn’t one of those free-time weekends either. A lot of work was put off and the book came with me on errands. I almost shushed the cashier when it was finally my turn to pay at the grocery store. When I finally finished,…
Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark: Book Review
I finished Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark late last night! I started reading it just a week ago and despite my busy schedule, I couldn’t put it down. While the book was interesting and had some great twists, it did read a little old. If you’re looking for a quick read, this…
I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale: Book Review
I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale was a great book that I read before I started writing reviews. However, I remember it well and read the two sequels, one of which I already reviewed. The series is about a family growing up in a religious cult. The first book, I Am Not Esther, introduces…
Overture by Skye Warren: North Security #1 – Book Review
I read Overture by Skye Warren back in December 2019 but I never got around to reviewing it. Part of me was embarrassed that I even read it, to be honest. Like many things that I buy, I discovered Skye Warren in a Facebook ad. While I am an avid reader, erotica is not my…
Tayola Flush Mount LED Ceiling Light: Affordable, Bright & Minimalist
The Tayola Flush Mount LED Ceiling Light (#affiliate) was something that I did little research on. We moved into a new house with some weird looking ceiling lights. In fact, the previous owners took their pretty ones and hung up some mismatched, ugly lights that didn’t even provide much light. We bought two beautiful chandeliers…
Atlas Coffee Club: $14 Subscription to Taste the World
I discovered Atlas Coffee Club in a Facebook ad. I am not a huge fan of monthly subscriptions because sometimes it becomes too much. However, one 12 oz bag of a new coffee to try every month is just the right amount. I have received two bags from Atlas Coffee Club and recently got a…
Living Christmas Tree or Artificial: Which is More Eco-Friendly?
For the first time ever, I have a living Christmas tree in my home. Growing up I always had an artificial one. My parents didn’t want the hassle of a living tree so we used the same artificial one for 20 years. When my parents moved back to Ukraine from Prague, they brought it with…
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens: Book Review
I finished Still Missing by Chevy Stevens yesterday. Despite being extremely busy and in somewhat of a reading rut, I blew through this book. My first experience with the author was mixed. I found Those Girls by Chevy Stevens unnecessarily disturbing and I still don’t know if I enjoyed reading it. Still Missing, on the…
Tesla in an Apocalypse: Pros vs. Cons of an EV in a Global Crisis
No one can argue that Teslas aren’t impressive cars that look sexy AF. But have you ever wondered about owning a Tesla in an apocalypse? How would an EV (electric vehicle) fare if the world was ending? Would owning a Tesla give you a fighting chance at survival? Or would the decision of purchasing a…
10 Thanksgiving Facts & Statistics: America’s Biggest Holiday
Today is Thanksgiving in the USA and a great time to share these Thanksgiving Facts & Statistics! For those who don’t know, Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the United States, Canada, Brazil and a few others. Although Canada celebrates it on the second Monday of October while the USA waits…
The Meeting Place Coffee Gift Basket: Review
This past weekend I got the sweetest (literally) gift ever! I was expecting one of the many Amazon purchases that seem to be never-ending due to our recent move. Instead of a boring yet necessary household item, I opened up a box that smelled like coffee and sugar! There was a sweet personalized message, three…
Sunset Science: How Are The Colors Different Every Day?
Isaac and I recently moved to Oakland Beach in Rhode Island, where sunsets are particularly beautiful. Every day there is a pretty spectacular sunset and the colors are different every day. But what determines the color? How exactly do sunsets work? What conditions are necessary for the perfect sunset? Let’s find out! What is a…
10 Unique Advent Calendars to Spice Up Christmas
Your typical advent calendars contain chocolate, which is great. It is scientifically proven that most people love chocolate. 91% of women and 87% of men eat chocolate. But chocolate advent calendars year after year get stale – literally, if you forget to eat them on time. Today there are many fun and unique advent calendars…
Vegan Thanksgiving: Plant-Based Recipes & Tips
Whether you are plant-based or are prepping for friends or family, these vegan Thanksgiving recipes can be a great addition to your feast. Last year I wrote an article on meatless turkey alternatives, but there is more to the meal than just the main course. These plant-based recipes are delicious, nutritious and will please people…
National Absurdity Day: November 20th
While social media is full of arguments on whether it is too early to decoration for Christmas, let’s spend today celebrating National Absurdity Day! How does one embrace this absurd holiday? Absurdly… duh! Put on that silly hat, dance around your home naked, do all those crazy things you’ve always wanted to do. As long…
Monthly Earring Mania: Earring Subscription as a Christmas Gift
I created Monthly Earring Mania because I am obsessed with fun subscription boxes. They have done irreparable damage to my wallet, so I wanted to make my subscription as affordable as possible. I decided to start my subscription when I discovered CrateJoy while working on an article about 99 monthly subcription boxes! It took me…
5 Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts for Zero-Waste Fans
Christmas is a stressful time for people who are into a more eco-friendly lifestyle. It is hard for us to try and find Eco-Friendly Christmas gifts for friends and family that they will love that won’t harm the environment. We are also worried that we will get something that is awesome but will end up…
Marie Kondo: Is She a Hypocrite? KonMari Method vs. Store.
Before I get yelled at for speaking negatively about Marie Kondo, let me start by saying that I love her. I don’t quite remember when I first heard about the queen of organization and minimalism. It was after she published her first book in 2011 but before her show came out on Netflix. Despite, or…
ASMR: What Is It? Why Some Love It While Others Hate It?
I first heard of ASMR a couple of years ago via the viral breadfacing videos (see below). While the concept of breadfacing is still a mystery to me, I have learned more about ASMR. Basically, it signifies the subjective experience of “low-grade euphoria” characterized by “a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling…
Qwerkywriter: Typewriter-Style Bluetooth Keyboard
I don’t know many writers who don’t dream of typing out their thoughts on an typewriter. These romantic ideas are not always practical and I experienced this first hand. Now, I’m ready to sell my pretty but rusty typwriter that weighs as much as a bag of bricks. Thanks to Qwerkywriter, I can have the…
Greenwashing: What Is It & How to Avoid Supporting It
In recent years, humans have grown more aware of their negative impact on the environment. While many companies have embraced the challenge of being greener, others began to greenwash their products. Today there are eco-friendly products in every industry imaginable. You can now buy eco-friendly toiletries, cleaning supplies, clothes, lifestyle products, cookware, cars, jewelry and…
FabFitFun Winter Box: Customization & Add-Ons
I ordered my FabFitFun Winter Box on a whim after already ordering a CAUSEBOX. It did earn me a “do you really need both?” lecture from my husband who wishes he married Marie Kondo instead. However, this is not only a fun box full of heavily discounted lifestyle items that will spruce up my life…
CAUSEBOX Fall Welcome Box – Thorough Review and Item Investigation
A week ago I received my CAUSEBOX Fall Welcome Box. I have seen ads for CAUSEBOX for years and I was super excited to finally order one. Unfortunately, I chose the worst time to do it and it took the box weeks to get to me because I had moved and was unable to forward…
Those Girls by Chevy Stevens: Book Review
Those Girls by Chevy Stevens is a book that I read before After the Fire. However, I wasn’t ready to review it until today. This was an extremely disturbing book and while I had to finish reading it, I often wish I hadn’t started it. Even though I enjoy scary books, I’m not a huge…
Hotel Living, Working & Etsy During COVID-19
Hotel living sounds like it should be amazing, at least to me. Why? Probably because I love travel and grew up watching Gossip Girl where Serena lives in a fancy hotel. Despite booking a cheap 2-star hotel for an eight-day stay while we finalized the paperwork to buy a new house, I was excited. Free…
National Croc Day: Are They Back in Style?
National Croc Day comes around every year on October 23rd and celebrates the loved by some, hated by others boating shoes. The “Beach” design launched in 2002 at a perfect event, the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. The shoes were such a hit that 200 sold that day and, over the course of time, 300 million…
After the Fire by Will Hill: Book Review
After the Fire by Will Hill is a book that I knew little about when I picked it up. Somehow, it ended up right on theme with all my latest reads. Cults and fires are popular literary topics! This was one of the books that I saw advertised on Goodreads and bought without looking at…
CAUSEBOX vs. FabFitFun: At First Glance Comparison
CAUSEBOX and FabFitFun ads have been all up in my face while I have been MIA from the blog. Isaac and I are currently living in a hotel after selling our house. We are technically homeless with the hopes of moving into a new house soon. We are juggling work, freelance writing and Etsy, which…
Canva.com: Great Resource for Bloggers, YouTubers & More
Canva.com is an amazing resource for bloggers, YouTubers and other content creators. I am baffled that I only discovered it a few months ago. If you follow my blog, you’ll have seen the changes. For just $9.95/month if billed annually, you can create these amazing designs. I have only begun exploring all that Canva has…
New MacBook Air Upgrade: Expectations, Reality & Disappointments
I got the new MacBook Air #affiliate after my 2014 MacBook Air decided to shut down on me for no apparent reason – five times in a row. Since I use my laptop for work, I absolutely couldn’t end up without one so I finally bit the bullet. Normally, I’d save up for a $1,000…
kencko: Instant Organic Smoothies – Just Add Water
I love smoothies but I hate the mess, wasted food and taking out the large blender – that’s where kencko can make life simpler! Basically, they grinds up fruits and veggies into a powder that comes in compostable single-serving packets. They don’t use any preservatives or even artificial coloring and the smoothies are beautiful, delicious…
Grove Collaborative – Cleaning Products & Free Gift Set
Grove Collaborative is basically a subscription of natural household and personal care products. For those averted to subscriptions, you can also buy individual products on their website. Or, if you’re subscribed, you can add or remove products as needed – plus you can pause your subscription if you don’t use up all your products in…
Crafted on the Cape – Cape May Brewing Co
Crafted on the Cape is a great brewery located in Cape May, New Jersey. We happened to visit Cape May on a gloomy rainy day and we couldn’t enjoy the beautiful beaches. With a few hours to kill between visiting the light house and going whale watching, we discovered Crafted on the Cape! Did I…
LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs Gift Set: Review
I tried LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs because I was looking for an affordable alternative to Lush bath bombs. There are lots of bath bombs available online, but it seems like there is something wrong with all of them. Some don’t dissolve, some are wrapped in so much single-use plastic, others have weird chemicals in them and…
10 October Celebrations From Around the World
There are many October celebrations that people all over the world enjoy. In the western world, the most well-known is probably Halloween. In the USA, Halloween is all about children dressings up and going around their neighborhoods asking for candy and saying, ‘trick or treat?’ It may seem like a silly tradition but the roots…
Whale & Dolphin Watching in Cape May, New Jersey
Isaac and I went whale & dolphin watching in Cape May, New Jersey around two years ago. When it showed up in my memories, I was shocked that I haven’t already written about it. Better late than never, right? Cape May is known for its whale and dolphin spotting! The Cape May Whale Watch &…
Daily Harvest Review: 5-Minute Prep Meals for $5.99+
I have been so excited to do this Daily Harvest review ever since we got our box! My husband, Isaac, and I have never been busier than we are today. We wake up at 5 am most days and get straight to work until the moment we pass out around 10 pm. This doesn’t leave…
Pick Shaming: Mushroom Hunting Dos & Don’ts
Social media brings out the worst in people and pick shaming is common in mushroom picking or foraging groups. Just like anything that you post today, you may experience backlash. It happens if you post a photo of a dog, baby, recipe, literally anything can set off a keyboard warrior. Two days ago, my blog…
Cape May Lighthouse: Day Trip to New Jersey
The Cape May Lighthouse is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey. It has been an aid-to-navigation for mariners and attraction for visitors since it was built in 1859! More than 2.5 million visitors have climbed the lighthouse since it opened to the public in 1988. For those who choose not…
Birch Polypore Mushroom: Disgustingly Healthy Tea
The birch polypore mushroom is an incredibly easy to identify mushroom with some miraculous health properties. Fomitopsis betulina, commonly known as the birch polypore, birch bracket, or razor strop, is a common bracket fungus. As the name suggests, grows almost exclusively on birch trees. The brackets burst out from the bark of the tree, and…
Thermal Label Printers Save Money, Time & the Environment
Thermal Label Printers have been on my radar for quite some time. But I was hesitant to get one for my growing Etsy business. Why? I wanted my store to be as eco-friendly as possible and the $168 printer that I was considering seemed like it would create a lot of plastic waste. Yes, I…
The Cliff Walk: Scenic 3.5 Mile Path – Newport, Rhode Island
The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island is probably the single most scenic walk in this state, if not the entire East Coast. It is 3.5 miles of seaside path – sometimes on smooth pavement, other times rocks. I 100% recommend coming a little later in the day so that you get to enjoy a…
The Pub at Matunuck: Beach Dining, Rhode Island
We ate and drank at The Pub at Matunuck this past weekend. Our friend Patrick wanted to check out the surf but the rest of us wanted to stay out of the freezing water. Isaac, Jenn and I wanted to find a spot to relax while still watching the surfers. It was a super busy…
Get Brewsy Wine Making Kit: Juice to Wine in 5 Day
The Brewsy Wine Making Kit can step up your wine drinking game. While I love trying new wines and going vineyard-hopping, I never even thought to try to make my own. Although I’m always up for new adventures, my recently busy schedule didn’t leave room for much time to start a new hobby. Luckily, the…
Tavern By The Sea: Historic Wickford, Rhode Island
Tavern By The Sea is a great spot located in the historic village of Wickford, my new favorite spot in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. We discovered the Tavern By The Sea by coincidence, while waiting for a spot to open up at Gooseneck Vineyards for a wine tasting. If we had more time, we would…
The Oxford Comma is Unsightly, Redundant, and Makes People Lazy
The Oxford Comma is something that I feel strongly about. At school, I was taught that it was optional and my teachers never penalized me for not using it in essays. That could have been it for me and the Oxford Comma, but then I decided that I was passionate about writing. So suddenly, here…
Gooseneck Vineyards: Wickford, Rhode Island
Gooseneck Vineyards was started by two cousins who have a simple life philosophy. They believe that doing what they love and loving what they do is essential to their being. Isaac and I visited Gooseneck Vineyards last week and we were surprised at how small the space was. Our first question was, ‘Where is the…
99 Monthly Subscriptions You Don’t Need but Probably Want
Monthly subscriptions are everywhere these days and available for just about anything. Somehow over the past few years, companies realized a great money maker. Give people a free box or a discount on something cool, then hope you can no longer imagine life without receiving it regularly. Some monthly subscriptions make perfect sense, like coffee,…
10 Facts About Chickens That Will Blow Your Mind
This past weekend I got to learn some facts about chickens while visiting a new friend who loves birds. You should follow her on Instagram. Along with her son, she taught us so much about chickens! It was a wonderful experience and now we’re considering getting chickens ourselves. They are cute, smart and so much…
Ballad of Mulan: The Legend That Inspired the Movies
The Ballad of Mulan is the original legend of Hua Mulan – the one that inspired the animated Disney movie and now the most recent live-action remake. This newest Mulan movie did not come without controversy. First, there were rumors of non-Asian actors starring in the movie. Then, people got upset that there would be…
National Ampersand Day: Celebrating “&”
Today is National Ampersand Day! As a blogger, I have a deep appreciation & love for the ampersand. It is more than just a useful shorthand. It makes article titles look neater & it looks great in my Canva-made featured imaged. In fact, wouldn’t it be great if we scrapped the word ‘and’ altogether &…
Mulberry Vineyards: Historic Chepachet, RI
The Mulberry Vineyards are located in historic Chepachet in Glocester, Rhode Island. We discovered this great spot due to a recommendation from friends who live in the area. We arrived on a beautiful day, with a large crowd sitting at a safe distance on chairs and blankets brought from home. There was live music by…
Labor Day: History of the Holiday
Tomorrow, Monday, September 7th, people all over the USA will celebrate Labor Day. In fact, the entire long weekend is festive and companies use this occasion to offer sales on their products as well as services. But what do you really know about the history of this holiday? Other than the fact that it takes…
Green Sand Beach: The Big Island, Hawaii
Visiting the Green Sand Beach was one of my top 10 experiences in Hawaii. I spent four months living there as part of a study-abroad program but somehow, I never wrote much about it. Today, as I get my annual Facebook reminders about being in Hawaii this time eight years ago, I was inspired. So…
Bones Coffee Company: Their 5 Best Flavors
Bones Coffee Company calls themselves the world’s freshest small batch coffee, and I completely agree. After seeing their ads for months, I finally decided to order some and I couldn’t decide on just 5, so I got 10! They have a crazy selection of flavors with beautiful art, plus they offer free shipping on orders…
Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours: Rhode Island
Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours only river based tour boat on the James River at Jamestown Island. Their U.S.C.G. Certified pontoon boat is able to accommodate up to 28 passengers, however we only had 8 others on the boat with us. We had to keep our masks on throughout the ride except when we enjoyed our…
Fort Wetherill State Park: Abandoned Military Base in RI
Fort Wetherill State Park is located in a scenic part of Jamestown, Rhode Island. After turning my nose at seeing some old bunkers (they may as well grow on trees in my home country), I finally agreed to make the trip. Now, this may be one of my favorite places in Rhode Island. First, there…
Waterfall in West Warwick: River Walk, RI
There is a waterfall in West Warwick! When I moved to this town, I was excited about the central RI location and affordable houses. A beautiful waterfall and a scenic River Walk were a great bonus! The River Walk also offers a view of the Royal Mills Riverpoint Apartments. But I’ll get to those in…
7 Anatomically Incorrect Halloween Decorations
I love this time of the year and I find anatomically incorrect Halloween decorations especially amusing. All holidays have traditions that don’t seem to make too much logical sense. Like, how can Santa fit down a chimney after eating so many cookies? Why is there a human-sized Easter bunny and what is it doing giving…
Photography 101: Cheap Tools for Aspiring Photographers
Photography 101: in a world where most people have a smartphone, there are many people who dabble in photography. I am one of those people. In the past I had a DSLR and even enjoyed organizing a few super amateur photo exhibitions. Finally, I decided to step it up and actually learn about photography! While…
The Arsonist by Stephanie Oakes: Book Review
I finished The Arsonist by Stephanie Oakes last night and I have no idea when or if I will ever stop raving about it. Never have I been angrier about a review on Goodreads. Not that 3.99 stars is terrible, but it just isn’t fair for this mind-blowing book. I will do my best to…
Independence Day of Ukraine: August 24th, 2020
Independence Day of Ukraine takes place on August 24th, 2020, one day after Ukrainian Flag Day! Independence Day of Ukraine is the main state holiday in modern Ukraine, celebrated on 24 August in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991. That’s a year before I was born! Is it appropriate now to show off…
Ukrainian Flag Day: August 23rd
Today is Ukrainian Flag Day! It is celebrated annually on August 23rd. It was on the day of dawn of independence in 1990 that a blue-yellow flag was hoisted above the capital’s city administration. After the failure of the coup in Moscow on August 23, 1991, a group of Ukrainian MPs brought a blue and yellow flag…
Moving to China: 10 Reasons to Consider Relocating
Moving to China is something that my husband Isaac and I did on a whim. We were happily living in Prague, Czech Republic but we were bored and had never explored Asia. Isaac is a teacher, so when he got a spam email suggesting that he apply for a job in China he laughed and…
15 Octopus Facts: 8 Tentacles, 3 Hearts, 9 Brains
These octopus facts show just how fascinating these creatures are. Despite my love for all things cuddly, especially dogs, the octopus is my favorite animal. Although surprisingly, they have a lot in common with each other, but I’ll get into that in just a bit. Octopuses (not octopi!) are interesting animals and there is so…
10 Pumpkin Scented & Flavored Things
After three heatwaves this summer, pumpkin scented and flavored things have a bigger appeal than usual. As September slowly approaches, a pumpkin spice latte sounds more necessary than basic! Although it is difficult to picture the humidity disappearing and the leaves turning colorful, fall is just around the corner. Normally, I try to hold on…
10 Czech Cities To Visit From Prague
There are many great Czech cities to visit. This beautiful country may be small, but it has a lot more to offer than it’s amazing capital city of Prague. Plus, because it’s so small, you can get to all of these places hassle-free. Rent a car or get a super affordable bus ticket and explore…
National Roller Coaster Day: August 16th
National Roller Coaster Day takes place annually on August 16th. This is a popular time for people to visit theme parks and enjoy their favorite ride. Even though that might not be possible today, we can still celebrate roller coasters from a distance. Plus, there are some fascinating facts about these large metal beasts that…
World Honey Bee Day: Raising Awareness
World Honey Bee Day is celebrated globally on the third Saturday of August. On the surface, bees seem like one of your typical insects, however, bees have been declared the most important living beings on this planet. That’s right, not just the most important insect, THE most important LIVING BEING. And their rapidly declining population…
Burčák: Why Do Czech’s Drink Wine Before It’s “Ready”?
Burčák, also known as young wine, is a popular late summer/early fall beverage in various European countries. But Burčák is not just young – it is partially-fermented wine in an earlier stage of production. Czechs feel strongly about the six-week Burčák season and some even believe that it is healthiest to drink at least seven…
National Prosecco Day: August 13th
National Prosecco Day takes places every year during the middle of August. It is supposed to remind us to relax, sip a chilled delicious beverage and enjoy what is left of summer! It is a super popular beverage all over the world and by the end of 2020, the worldwide consumption of Prosecco is expected to…
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney: Book Review
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney is one of a handful of books that I have read at least 10 times. I first read it in late middle or early high school and I enjoy it just as much now as I did then. In fact, I’m overdo for a re-read…
Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten: Book Reads
Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten is a book that I put down after a chapter. I was binging psychological thrillers and this seemed too young for me at first. The characters are in high school and I graduated nine years ago, so I just couldn’t relate. A few months later, I picked…
Violet by S.J.I. Holliday: Book Review
Violet by S.J.I. Holliday is a unique book that grabbed my attention from page one. Not just because it was incredibly dark and mysterious – there was a gross perverted Russian man involved. I loved that the book was set on a trip in various countries, most of which I have been to! It was…
International Beer Day: August 7th
Today is International Beer Day! Imagine my frustration learning that my birthday, August 6th, is National Root Beer Float Day (yuck) while the day after is so much better? Yes, complaints have been made to my mother. If my birth was an Amazon purchase I would have given her 4 stars. ‘Giving me life was…
Antoine Repessé: Motivational Zero-Waste Photography
Antoine Repessé made a big impact on my life with his photography of the daily waste that regular people create. I was completely unaware of the effect of my consumerism until about three years ago when I met a group of passionate zero-waste individuals in Shanghai. Around the same time I coincidentally discovered Antoine Repessé’s…
Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman: Book Review
Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman was on my ‘to read’ list ever since I read her first book, Something in the Water. So apparently people have given the author a hard time because Catherine Steadman is originally an English actress. She is best known for playing Mabel Lane Fox in series 5 of ITV drama…
10 Nautical Decor Items for Your Beach House
Nautical decor items can get a bad rap because they can be kitschy. But I am moving to a house by the beach and I don’t care what anyone says, I will have some nautical decor items all over the place! Whether you are decorating a beach house, a house that you wish was a…
15 Eco-Friendly Bathroom Products for a Greener Earth
The following 15 eco-friendly bathroom products can help you make a difference on this planet! The zero-waste movement has picked up steam in the past few years. Many people now say no to straws and carry a reusable bag when shopping. It can be a lot harder to waste less when it comes to bathroom…
5 Heat Records That Shocked the World
Heat records are not uncommon these days as Earth’s temperature continues to rise. Summer lovers may be excited to enjoy an extra hot day, but neither human bodies or our creations are built for extreme temperature. This is a problem that is slowly getting out of hand. Some countries are already changing their infrastructures to…
10 Tips for Etsy Sellers to Boost Sales
These 10 tips for Etsy sellers can help you if you are just starting a store or hoping to boost your existing business. A year ago I would have laughed at the idea of giving Etsy advice to others. I started my store in November 2018 and I didn’t hit 100 sales until May 17,…
Middle of Nowhere Diner: Rhode Island
The Middle of Nowhere Diner is located, as the name suggest, in the middle of nowhere. My husband Isaac and I discovered it on our way back from a hike at Step Stone Falls. Yesterday, I wrote about the Next to Nowhere Creamery, a place that serves delicious ice cream. It is located right next…
Next to Nowhere Creamery: RI’s Best Ice Cream
Next to Nowhere Creamery has delicious ice cream. Isaac and I discovered it on the way back from a hike at Step Stone Falls. As a Rhode Island native, Isaac had obviously heard of the Middle of Nowhere Diner but I was incredibly amused by the well-fitting name. I wasn’t hungry enough to stuff myself…
Chanterelle Mushroom: Foraging Guide
Chanterelle mushrooms are a relatively new mushroom to me. Although I grew up picking mushrooms and could accurately ID several kinds by the age of 5, I only discovered chanterelles when I moved to the USA. The other day I went on a pretty unsuccessful mushroom hunt and they were the only mushroom I found….
Bolete Mushrooms: Foraging Guide
Bolete mushrooms are by far my favorite mushroom to forage, cook and eat. They are easy to identify because they have a spongy bottom. They are also one of the mushrooms that you should be extra careful with because there are inedible as well as poisonous types of boletes. As always with these guides, I…
10 Craft Room Storage Tips to Save Space & Money
These 10 craft room storage tips helped me turn a small space into my dream craft room! But let’s rewind for a minute… Have a craft room, they said. It will be fun, they said! In reality, a room that was once a cozy bedroom became a dangerous mess, not to mention a fire hazard!…
10 Reasons to Live in Prague, Czech Republic
There are many more than 10 reasons to live in Prague, but I’ll need to write an entire book to get them all so bear with me for the condensed version. I didn’t realize how lucky I was to grow up in the city of one thousand spires until I left it. After 20 years…
5 Places You CAN Put Glitter But Shouldn’t (NSFW)
Glitter can be a beautiful thing, or your worst nightmare. Especially when it ends up in one of the 5 places you CAN put glitter but shouldn’t. Personally, I am anti-glitter because it is super harmful to the environment and can be a health hazard. A lady literally lost her eye because glitter from her…
Durian – Stinky but Nutritious: Weird Food Facts
Durian is not a fruit that too many people grow up eating. Growing up in Europe, I was blissfully unaware of this bizarre-looking and atrociously stinky fruit. It wasn’t until my Singaporean friend chose durian as a topic for our annual speech contest at school that I ever heard of durians. Ever since she described…
VARK Qs to Determine Learning Style: Youth Time Magazine
Today it is widely understood that not everyone learns the same way. Many schools have special programs for people with dyslexia; standardized tests are being questioned; and alternative schools are gaining popularity. It was Neil Fleming who began research in the early ‘90s to determine why some teachers were more effective than others. He then…
Walk 10,000 Steps a Day: Random or Healthy?
Walking 10,000 steps a day is always on the list of things to do to be healthier. 10,000 steps is also the standard goal setting on most fitness trackers and watches. Distance-wise, 10,000 steps is between six and seven kilometres if you are walking – at least that’s what my Apple Series Watch tells me….
World Emoji Day: July 17th Holiday
Today is world emoji day and I hope that you spent it sending emojis. You may wonder why we are celebrating emojis. They are unprofessional and can be confusing, right? Meh. Was it unprofessional for the Egyptians to use hieroglyphics? Is it confusing to add an emoticon at the end of a ambiguous sentence to…
10 Free Apps to Track and Organize Your Life: Youth Time Magazine
In our increasingly fast-paced and busy lives, it can be hard to keep everything organized. Humans are great at using technology, working really hard, and multitasking. However, many of us are losing our aptitude for managing our basic daily needs, such as drinking enough water. One study has shown that most Americans don’t drink enough…
Word Genius: Daily Vocab Expander
Word Genius sends me an email or two every day. I waste a lot of time clearing spam and emails that I once thought I’d want to subscribe to. However, I always open and enjoy my emails from Word Genius. You can subscribe to get a word a day and I feel like I have…
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware: Book Review
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware is definitely my favorite book by the author. While I had a few issues with it, the ending in particular, I loved almost everything else. The story was unique, the twists were crazy but the ending was just a little rushed. Ruth Ware’s books have been hit…
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris: Book Review
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris was my third book by this author. Of course, I started with Behind Closed Doors, then devoured The Breakdown and finally got Bring Me Back delivered to my doorstep. Sans yellow Russian dolls, I already had a bunch of those laying around. You’ll get it when you read the…
Pickles Made Cleopatra Beautiful: Weird Food Facts
Pickles are a staple in many people’s homes. They are a popular hangover food in Ukraine, a fun street food in the USA when deep-fried and Cleopatra ate them as part of her beauty regime. Did I just say Cleopatra? Yes. Pickles have been around for a ridiculously long time. Some believe the first pickle…
Chicken of the Woods: Easy to Identify Mushrooms
Chicken of the Woods is an amazing mushroom that is known for its taste. Somehow, it tastes exactly like chicken! Sure, they say that about everything but it’s not just the flavor, it’s also the looks and texture. If you follow my blog then you may be feeling some déjà vu. Beware, chicken of the…
Jan Hus Day: Anniversary of Martyrdom
The name Jan Hus may not ring a bell to too many people who haven’t lived in the Czech Republic. Every year on July 6th, Czechs celebrate the day that he was burned at the stake in 1415. As shocking as it sounds, Czech history is full of macabre stories and holidays. To be fair,…
Ellis Artistic Wonders: $3 ‘Bad’ Pet Portraits
Ellis Artistic Wonders popped up on my Facebook newsfeed while I scrolled through adorable photos of dogs. It is not uncommon for artists to show off their work and accept commissions. This particular artist, however, stood out because she was creating simple sketches that she dubbed ‘bad pet portraits.’ I have been thinking of commissioning…
July 4th: Fun Facts About America’s Biggest Holiday
July 4th is arguably the biggest holiday in America. It celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Essentially, it is the birthday of the United States of America as an independent nation. The declaration was signed on July 4th in 1776, a reminder of just how young this country really is! But I’m not…
Live Concerts and Fireworks: Youth Time Magazine
Summer is finally here, and it wouldn’t be complete without music, concerts, and performances. In the USA, the first weekend of the month begins with various 4th of July performances in celebration of American Independence Day. This month you can look forward to free virtual events that feature various genres of music and unique shows…
Over-Reliance on Tech: Youth Time Magazine
We humans rely on technology to wake us up in the morning, remind us of our appointments, and to keep us connected to the rest of the world. Technology can bring a lot of convenience into our lives. But it can also make us rely a little too much on our phones, tablets, laptops, and…
Dice Facts: Oldest Gaming Implements Known to Man
Dice facts: dice are defined as small, throwable objects with marked sides that can rest in multiple positions. Although a traditional dice has six sides, the record number of sides is a whopping 120! But that’s not even the most interesting thing about them. Turns out that they are so old that they pre-date recorded…
The Dinner by Herman Koch: Book Review
Reading The Dinner by Herman Koch was an interesting literary as well as culinary experience. It was a unique read because the entire story took place over one dinner. The entire book is even split into courses: aperitif, appetizer, main course, dessert and digestif. The story itself is different and unexpected from anything else I…
Camp Nowhere, RI: $3 Food & Drinks
After being cooped up at home for months, a trip to Block Island broke our stay-at-home seal. While staying at home is still the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people are beginning to go stir-crazy. While it is still best to stick to outdoor activities like hiking, there are pubs like Camp…
What My Sister Knew by Nina Laurin: Book Review
What My Sister Knew by Nina Laurin is the third book I read by this author. The Starter Wife and Girl Last Seen were both great reads and this book was no different. This story had two timelines. One where Andrea is a teenager and another where she is an adult. Andrea’s twin brother Eli…
Planning a Trip is Good For You Even if You Don’t Go
A few days ago I read a blog post that listed some strange statistics. It claimed that 80% of people were so stressed to plan a trip that they would rather cancel it to avoid said stress. Now don’t get me wrong, I have felt stress while planning trips… but I’d like to share some…
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris: Book Review
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris is my second book by the author of one of the most disturbing books I’ve read. Behind Closed Doors was an intense book full of darkness and twists. I expected no less from The Breakdown. It wasn’t quite as crazy but I may have set the bar too high. It…
Job Opportunities in Space: Youth Time Magazine
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.” This is one of Les Brown’s most famous quotes. Although it was used by the well-known motivational speaker to encourage us to dream big, it is now a literal possibility for humans to work or even live in space. Between…
ShadowQuillsInk: Editing Services & More
Creating content is an art and a skill. It takes talent, ambition, and a genuine love for breaking new grounds. But it’s also difficult, competitive, and utterly unforgiving to new creators, making it one of the hardest fields to break into. Especially online. That’s why ShadowQuillsInk is devoted to bringing indie creators together in one…
I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney: Book Review
This was another book that I discovered by accident when buying a lot of books. I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney is a book about an actress with a mysterious past. It took me a while to get into but the twists kept me reading and wondering! Alice Feeney is known for her…
Sushi Began as Cheap Fast Food: Weird Food Facts
Yesterday, June 18th, was International Sushi Day! I don’t normally celebrate these holidays because there’s something like this happening literally every day. If I ate whatever food was being celebrated, I’d gain even more weight than I already have. Anyway, I decided to use this fun occasion to tell you a little bit about sushi….
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware: Book Review
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware is my fourth book by the author and I have no idea why I haven’t reviewed any yet! You’ll have to stay tuned for the others. My first experience with her had an amazing plot and buildup, yet a disappointing and rushed ending. The second book I read by…
Plogging: An Eco-Friendly Sport – Youth Time Magazine
Some people enjoy running, while others enjoy picking up trash to help protect the environment. Then there are those people who combine the two and call it plogging! Plogging was born in Sweden in 2016, and by 2018 it had become a global “sport” of sorts. Today, plogging is known as a recreational activity that…
Figs Contain Dead Wasps: Weird Food Facts
We live in a strange world where humans spend less and less time outside. So many of us are disconnected from the natural world. Most things in our lives are virtual, processed and synthetic. Nothing depresses me more than those videos of children being shown vegetables and asking “what is this?” While I can confidently…
Book Review: I’m a Therapist, and My Patient is Going to be the Next School Shooter
Facebook has discovered that I am a bookworm and is now bombarding me with ads for all sorts of books. My husband is upset, my wallet is upset but I am so excited to get so many cool suggestions! One of them was I’m a Therapist, and My Patient is Going to be the Next…
Dropps: Eco-Friendly Detergent and a Naked CEO
Detergent pods get a bad rep cause some of the less intelligent individuals in our society confuse them with candy. Fortunately, not everyone watches pod-eating videos. People like me prefer to watch naked CEOs advertising awesome products in a fun and memorable way. I didn’t order Dropps right after watching the following ad and I…
The Other Woman by Sandie Jones: Book Review
The Other Woman by Sandie Jones: when a woman falls in love with someone, one of her biggest fears is that another woman will come between them. While most women who are fighting for a man’s attention are competing with another potential date, Emily is competing with someone who Adam can’t leave: his mother. The…
TENVIS: Best Wireless Home Camera Review
Do you have a dog that you want to keep an eye on when you’re not home, or a kid who likes to play in a different room than you work in? There are many reasons why one may want to have a camera in their home. While I bought mine to spy on my…
Married for Four Years: Moët & Snail Cake
Four years ago, Isaac and I got married in Prague, Czech Republic. It was a small ceremony with just a few close friends and an after party at a pour-your-own-beer bar. We danced on the table, did shots of Becherovka and ate on adorably terrifying-looking wedding cake in the shape of a snail. Isaac and…
When She Returned by Lucinda Berry: Book Review
When She Returned by Lucinda Berry revolves around one of my favorite topics ever: CULTS! Well, just one cult. But you get the point. I read When She Returned right after reading The Perfect Child by the same author. When I say right after I mean I literally read the last sentence of one book…
10 Wine Drinking Essentials on a Budget
Drinking wine is one of my favorite hobbies. I used to be more of a beer girl, but it turns out that I prefer my beer on tap, especially in Prague, Czech Republic. So the quarantine threw me through a bit of a ringer until I decided to find a wine I loved. What started…
The Never List by Koethi Zan: Book Review
I read The Never List last year when I was binge reading psychological thrillers like my life depended on it. Some of the stories I read have blurred in my memory. Others disappeared completely. Earlier this year, I picked out an interesting looking book from my extensive library. I was a few pages in before…
Start Your Own Blog for Free: Youth Time Magazine
There are many reasons why having a blog or your own website is a good idea. It can be a way to market yourself to a future employer, it can be a creative outlet, and it can be a way to make some extra money. Before you can create content and put it out into…
FitVine: Healthier Wine with Less Sugar
Thanks to Mr. Zuckerberg, I discover many things via Facebook ads. Since Facebook knows that I love to run and drink wine, it hit me with the most perfectly targeted ad: FitVine! Since I’d Just ordered over 40 bottles with Splash Wines, I was not shopping for more wine. But I couldn’t resist buying one…
Adultery by Paulo Coelho: Book Review
The name Paulo Coelho might ring a bell, and it should. He is the author of one of the best known books in the world, The Alchemist. I’m embarrassed to say that I have not read his other books yet. But I was definitely intrigued when I heard about Adultery. Classics meet 50 Shades of…
Virtual Brew Run 5k: Shirt, Glass & Medal for $25
Run before beer and you’re in the clear! That is my personal motto for this Virtual Brew Run. This run, like the ones I previously wrote about, is a virtual run that can be done at one’s own pace. While the other races that I have mentioned only include a medal in the base price,…
Girl Last Seen by Nina Laurin: Book Review
This book was nowhere near my radar. I discovered it coincidentally while scrolling on Marketplace, as one does while peeing. Turns out a crazy lady in my neighborhood was selling 20 books for $20. Most were by Jodi Picoult so I couldn’t resist making the purchase. But the book that caught my eye was Girl…
Best Rowing Machine: MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine for $246 Review
I received my MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine about a week ago and my entire body has been sore ever since. Since I didn’t act fast enough when the quarantine hit, I waited for almost a month to receive it. It seems like everyone had the same thought process – can’t go to the gym, let’s…
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik: Book Review
Once upon a time I paid someone $15 on eBay for a set of five hard cover books. Funny enough, they were all water-themed! One of these books was The River at Night by Erica Ferencik. It sat on my shelf for over a year until I finally picked it up and devoured it in…
East Coast Greenway: RI Hike, Bike & More
Last Saturday Isaac and I went on a 10-mile walk along the East Coast Greenway, also known as the Coventry Greenway. This path is popular for walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, dog walking and even roller skating! There are 48 total miles (77 km) of path of which 32.5 miles (52 km) is protected greenway….
Canyoneering in Southeast Asia: Youth Time Magazine
Canyoneering is a fun activity that simply means exploring a canyon from point A to point B using a range of techniques. This can include walking, rafting, climbing, sliding, jumping, and more! This type of activity is especially popular in Southeast Asia, and many people travel to gorgeous canyons in that part of the world…
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage: Book Review
I picked up Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage after being told by several people that it was unsettling. It was not only unsettling but it was also caught my attention right away. To my delight, it got crazier with each chapter, until…. well, I’ll got to that in a minute. “Meet Hanna. She’s the sweet-but-silent…
Noom Was Not for Me, but It Could Be for You!
I signed up for a free trial of Noom six weeks ago and I wrote about my first impressions here. Since then I decided to cancel my subscription but stayed on because I was offered a $20/month deal instead of the original $159 for 5 months. Today, after four days of avoiding the app, I…
Being Magdalene by Fleur Beale: Book Review
Being Magdalene is the third book in a series by Fleur Beale. The series is about a family growing up in a religious cult. The first book, I Am Not Esther, introduces us to this world and the characters. The second book, I Am Rebecca takes place several years later and focuses on another character…
Digital Fine Art: Youth Time Magazine
As human beings, we are often drawn to art because it is a way for us to channel our creativity. Some people are talented with a paintbrush while others prefer other mediums. Today’s technology creates even more opportunities to express ourselves artistically. Digital art, including digital painting, is gaining popularity and opening up a whole…
Apple Watch Series 5 as a Fitness Watch: Yay or Nay?
I got my first Apple Watch in November of 2019. I had previously used Fitbits in the past but after getting an iPhone, I wanted to check out the Apple Watch. For the first few days I absolutely hated it. Once I got used to it and figured out all the settings, I absolutely loved…
The Woman in the Wall by Patrice Kindl: Book Review
I had just finished Odd Child Out and was slightly tipsy from wine tasting. I wanted a find shorter book that would still be interesting. So I browsed my library, packed to the brim with second-hand books from Saver’s 50% off days. That’s when I found The Woman in the Wall by Patrice Kindl! The…
Medal Displays to Show Off Your Wins
Whether you are a runner, participate in sports competitively or have a bunch of childhood medals that you want to show off – good storage or a way to display them can be a head-scratcher. There are display stands that can be purchased. But you can also create your own and save some money such…
Yes.Fit – Virtual Fitness Challenges
Another virtual challenge? Yes! I’m obsessed. Virtual fitness challenges are all the rage and I’m not the only one who’s addicted. These Yes.Fit challenges aim to motivate people to get moving and get into better shape. There are many virtual races to chose from and they all have beautiful intricate medals! Many virtual races rely…
Fit2Fat2Fit by Drew Manning: Book Review
I discovered Drew Manning’s Fit2Fat2Fit on Hulu. The TV show, available on Hulu and other streaming websites is called Fit to Fat to Fit. I knew nothing about it and just wanted to watch something that would motivate me to work out more. The show led me to wanting to learn more about the original…
Trailforks App: The Best Hiking Companion
Isaac and I have been hiking every weekend! People often ask us how we find great hiking spots and honestly, most days we just find a green spot on the map and set the GPS. More recently, with higher distance goals, we have started doing a little more planning ahead of time. Trailforks is a…
It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell: Book Review
I spent all of 2019 reading psychological thrillers. I read some super dark books and it was nice to take a break from the violence. But part of me began to miss that world. That is why I picked up It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell. It actually showed up in a Facebook ad…
Big River Management Area: The Best RI Hiking Spot
I have been exploring hiking spots in Rhode Island ever since I moved here about a year ago. For such a small state, it has a surprisingly impressive amount of diverse spots to explore. I have managed to visit quite a few of them during my brief time here. So far, my absolute favorite has…
The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
Finally, my mission to reading all of Liane Moriarty’s adult books is complete. It has been my mission ever since I fell in love with the author a year ago. After my disappointment at Three Wishes, I almost put off reading the remaining two books. But The Last Anniversary was awesome and so was The…
Apothic Red Blend: My Favorite Wine
I do not consider myself picky when it comes to wine. In my early 20s I was happy drinking $2 bottles of wine in Prague. A few years later, I was paying ten times more in Shanghai for fake imported wine that could not have been worse. Suddenly, I found myself tolerating most wines but…
Amerithon: 3,521 Miles for a 6-Piece Medal
The Amerithon is an amazing challenge by Run the Edge. The goal is to complete 3,521 miles (5667 km) by doing any sort of activity. Whether you are running, walking, biking, swimming, you can accumulate miles however you want. If 3,521 is too much of an intimidating number, you can complete the race with another…
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Book Review
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson is an f-bomb filled self-help book that presents a counterintuitive approach to living a good life. I picked up this book after reading Brendon Burchard’s High Performing Habits. The two books couldn’t be more different, but there were a few similarities. In particular, both…
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: Book Review
I just finished Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng in just four days! Since I’m quickly running out of TV shows to watch, I was in a hurry to watch the show on Hulu. I read the book without even seeing a trailer for the show. After just a few chapters, I was hooked and…
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
Nine Perfect Strangers is my favorite book by Liane Moriarty. You may gasp and say, “but what about Big Little Lies?” Meh, I enjoyed it but I didn’t fall head over heels for it. It also took me a few tries to get into. Nine Perfect Strangers, on the other hand, had me hooked from…
Iceland: SDGs & Youth Organizations – Youth Time Magazine
Iceland is one of the most unique countries in the world. It has the smallest population of any NATO member and is the only one with no standing army. At the same time, Iceland ranks high in economic, democratic, and social stability as well as in equality. In 2018, it was ranked the sixth most…
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
I just finished The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty and I really enjoyed it. I picked up Little Fires Everywhere right after and despite the dramatic start, I am not as excited about it as I was about The Last Anniversary. It was a nice surprise after the disappointing read that was Three Wishes. Since…
High Performing Habits by Brendon Burchard: Book Review
I just finished High Performing Habits by Brendon Burchard. Before you read my review, I wanted to share a few facts with you. First of all, this is the first self-help book I have ever read. Second, I took a photo of it on a shelf with Steven King because I was more scared of…
Love Day in the Czech Republic: May 1st
“Love day? Did she just misspell labour day?!” you may be asking yourself. So technically, today is a public holiday in many countries around Europe known as labour day. Labour day, as you may already know, dates back to 1886 when workers had a strike in Chicago. But in the Czech Republic the holiday has morphed…
Best Apps for Making Friends: Youth Time Magazine
As little children we can just walk up to each other and become friends, even if there is no common language. The older we get, the harder it is to meet and connect with others. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found out that 3 out of 4 Americans feel lonely. Today, there…
Burning the Witches on April 30th: Czech Holiday
Burning the Witches is a popular holiday in the Czech Republic that takes place on April 30th. Despite the negative connotation, it is a happy holiday where many participants like to dress up as said witches. Although a large bonfire is a necessity for this event, no humans are burned during this event, even if…
MyFitnessPal: Weight Management App
I have been using MyFitnessPal on and off since 2016. It is a fitness tracking app that lets you log your progress. This includes the food you eat, the exercise you do and so much more. The basic app is completely free although the paid app has some features worth the investment. When I first…
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty: Book Review
Liane Moriarty is one of my favorite authors of all time. Her books such as What Alice Forgot, Nine Perfect Strangers and Her Husband’s Secret are among my all time favorites. Of course I’ve also read her more popular books Big Little Lies and Truly Madly Guilty, but these did not make my favorites list….
Trader Joe’s Vegan Protein Patties
Move over Beyond Burger, Trader Joe’s Protein Patties are the best alternative meat product out there. These vegan patties only have 260 calories and 26 grams of protein and five grams of fiber. These are by no means a healthy food that should be consumed regularly. But they are delicious and a great treat for…
US Road Running: Virtual Races
US Road Running is one of dozens of companies that organize virtual races. I feel like a broken record because I have already written about two other companies that do this. However, they are all very different! In the future, I may stick to US Road Running exclusively because they are by far the cheapest!…
Online Wine Tasting: Youth Time Magazine
Enjoying a glass of wine with dinner is a great way to unwind. But it can be really disappointing to bring home a bottle of wine with a taste that doesn’t match the cost. Sometimes it’s due to the brand, but other times it’s simply served wrong or paired incorrectly with a meal. Luckily, it…
New Asia House: Sushi in Warwick, RI
New day, new sushi place discovery – coincidentally called the New Asia House! The New Asia House is by no means a new restaurant. It has been on Quaker Lane in Warwick since September 2016. While their website isn’t particularly modern or informative, you can get a lot of information about the via Yelp. We…
Grounds & Hounds: Good Cause Coffee Subscription
Grounds & Hounds is an amazing coffee subscription that donates a percentage of their profits to help dogs. The subscription starts at $13.99 + $2 shipping and can be fully customized to suit your needs. The company also sells coffee normally with no subscription needed. They have a wide selection of delicious products. “20% of…
Entertainment from Home: Youth Time Magazine
Hearing your favorite musicians perform live is an amazing experience. It can also cost a pretty penny and have other downsides such as crowds. Luckily, it is possible to enjoy real-life performances from the comfort of your home. Virtual concerts give you all the control and convenience. You can watch on your phone, computer or…
Land Snails as Pets: Why GALs & Garden Snails Make Great Pets
Snail owners have a lot of fun picking out names for their snails, and yes, thousands are named after SpongeBob’s Gary. The best part of choosing a name is deciding on the snail’s gender. Although gender assigning is frowned upon in today’s society, snails really don’t mind as they are hermaphrodites and have both male and female reproductive organs…
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