The Traveling Four

A Lifestyle Blog

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame

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Wanting to get out and explore, we were in need of a quick day trip. Our family usually travels to Dawsonville to shop at the North Georgia Premium Outlets Mall. I absolutely love the deals we receive while shopping there. To be honest, we rarely travel pass the Mall. I just knew there had to be some kind of cool landmark, museum or something. Well, we were right!

Located only 10 minutes pass the Outlets Mall is the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. While it is connected to the Dawsonville City Hall the two are separate buildings.

The Hall of Fame is a great place to visit for the racecar lover in your group. Take a blast through the past looking at race cars from the 1930’s on through to present day. The Museum is full of self-guided information as well as enthusiastic tour guides that are full of knowledge. Needless to say, customer service here is phenomenal.

Start your tour within the Stock Car History Theater where the seats are in the shape of the back of 1950’s Oldsmobile’s. Enjoy learning about the history of the stock cars and moonshine. Afterwards you’ll get to look at actual race car’s through their time period. Only thing is you can’t get in and sit in any of the vehicles. I really wanted to feel like I was a part of the action, but my pic is an outside looking in type of deal…no worries though!

Huston Platt’s Dixie Twister is just one of many race cars that you can see while here.

Huston Platt's Dixie Twister

View racing attire and other racing gear while on site. The Richard Petty signatures are one of kind. Fun fact: Richard Petty’s dad, Lee Petty also signed his name in the same manner.

There is so much to see and do at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. The tour guide informed us that the exhibits change yearly to encourage fans to keep coming back. Check out our visit in the video below.

The gift shop is full of racing memorabilia for you to purchase. T-shirts, collectible racing cars, autographed memorabilia, corn hole stands and so much more.

On the way out be sure to visit the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery. I suggest visiting on the way out because this moonshine will have you forgetting why you were there in the first place! The distillery offers guided tours through the distillery that show you the making from beginning to end. At the end of the tour you are given a choice of your own shot glass as a keepsake. The tour is only $6.00 and worth every dime. Be sure to try the White Lightning!!!!!!!

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Reusable Dryer Sheets DIY

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Hey guys, time to help save you a little money when it comes to doing your laundry. I don’t know if you are like me but I can always throw the clothes in the washer and dryer easily, but folding may take me a couple of weeks. It’s funny I am writing this while staring at a basket of laundry that needs to be done.

Any who, the cost of doing laundry can easily add up. You have to buy laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener, fabric softener sheets, vinegar, etc,. I am the type of person that my clothes have to smell good, so I’m willing to spend a little more for a great smelling product. With this reusable dryer sheets DIY recipe, you don’t have to worry about your clothes holding in that fragrance. These help your clothes smell great for weeks.

If you are a “waste not, want not” type of person, then this post is for you. This concoction alleviates the use of spending money on dryer sheets altogether. In addition, you’re saving tons of money because you stretch out one bottle of fabric softener for months. Clothes come out smelling so clean and feeling extremely soft.

All You Need Are:

  • Sponges (without the scrubbing side)
  • Liquid Fabric Softener (whatever your favorite brand is)
  • Water
  • Jar, or Container with a fitted lid

The Easiest Directions Ever:

1.) Cut the sponges into little strips or feel free to leave them whole. Place the sponges into a decent sized jar or container.

2.) Add 1/3 parts of fabric softener to 2/3 parts water to the container.  Be sure to cover the sponges at least half way with the mixture.

3.) Shake well

4.) Place your clean, wet clothes in the dryer. (I would not recommend adding these to dry clothes that you may just be trying to get the wrinkles out.)

5.) Take one sponge square out of the container squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can and place in the dryer with your clothes.

6.) Let your clothes dry. Once they are done they will smell & feel amazing.

7.) Place the sponge back into the container for reusable use.  

Please click below for a free PNG printable.

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Family Day Trip: Cornelia, Georgia

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Hello, fellow travelers! If you are new here, Welcome. While heading to Tennessee we decided to linger a little bit in Georgia, to do a little bit of site seeing. Majority of the time when you are driving to a location your sights are set on your final destination, with maybe a few stops to the gas station in between. This time around I wanted to actually explore a few of the neighboring tourist towns outside of the Atlanta city limits.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I ran across an article about this quirky museum in Cornelia, GA. I am a huge fan of museums and no matter where I travel I will always look for museums to spend my time. Unfortunately, they were not only closed for the season, they were closed for the pandemic as well until further notice. I was so happy to see that they were opening May 1st.

Wanting to make sure we got the most out of our time while in Cornelia, I was able to come up with an awesome itinerary for the day. Here is how we spent our day in Cornelia, Georgia

Loudermilk Boarding House & Everything Elvis Museum

The Loudermilk Boarding House is the very reason I wanted to stop in Cornelia. Who doesn’t love the king! Voted Best Elvis Experience in the Guinness Book of World Records. Featuring over 30,000 items, which include pictures, clothing, potential toenail clippings, and the infamous surgically removed right handed wart. Crazy, right…but really interesting! Owner Joni Mabe was phenomenal in showing us around and pointing out cool things about the Legend and her extensive collection.

Be sure to visit the gift shop here to collect a few trinkets for your own collection.

Channeling My Inner “King”

The Big Red Apple

The Big Red Apple is a historical landmark marking the center of the town. The apple being created as sort of a homage to the rising apple industry in the town. Cornelia famously is now known as the “Home of the Big Red Apple”. A name of which they clearly run with, by hosting the Big Red Apple Festival yearly. The festival hosts car shows, hayrides, cornhole tournaments, carriage rides, live music, food, crafts and so much more.

Historic Train Museum

Learn about the Tallulah Falls Railways of Cornelia through this historic gem. The Historic Train Museum is conveniently located right next to the Big Red Apple. Inside the museum you can enjoy a free guided tour to learn about handmade train replicas, ticket artifacts, the original train dispatching area, and more.

On the outside of the museum you can view actual train tracks and two fully restored cabooses. Great for taking photos.

Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant & Tavern

Time to Eat!!! It’s easy to leave Bigg Daddy’s with a full stomach because of their monumental portion sizes. We were pleasantly surprised with all the food we were given, and it was delicious. Our table ordered the Drunken Mussels, Chicken N Waffles, The Balboa, and their famous Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs.

Bigg Daddy’s plays all major sporting events on their many T.V’s, so a cool place to hang out to watch the game. Check out our previous post for a full Review of Bigg Daddy’s.

Click here to see a copy of Bigg Daddys MenuDownload

Sugartopia

What better way to end a meal than with something sweet. At Sugartopia we were able to indulge ourselves in some of the tastiest cupcakes we have ever had. They were so moist and I could not believe the price. My personal suggestions would be the Pina Colada, Oreo and Red Velvet cupcakes.

Chenocetah Tower

The last stop on our day trip through Cornelia was the Chenocetah Tower. What better way to end a joyous day than with breathtaking views of the Chattahoochee Forest. The word Chenocetah meaning “seeing all around” was built in 1937, and stands 1830 square feet above sea level. Chenocetah tower was originally used for fire observation, until 1971 when the building started to fall apart.

In 1984, the building was registered with the National Register of Historic Places. Now this landmark can be enjoyed by all. Due to Covid, the tower is not allowing patrons on the inside, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting.

Keep in mind that there is no set parking, so be prepared to park on the street.

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Some of Amazon’s Top Selling Personal Care Products

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I think most of us have jumped on the “Self Care Sunday” bandwagon by now. It’s just the perfect day of the week for some me time. I know you should practice it everyday and we do in a sense but with all the responsibilities in life we may not have as much time to pamper ourselves as we would like. That’s why designating a day to really focus on you and thoroughly refresh before the busy work week starts again is such a great idea. Friday night and Saturday night you probably want to spend time with friends and family and maybe even hit the town. Sunday is usually the day we wind down and reset for the week ahead. This is why “Self Care Sunday” has become so popular.

Amazon makes getting all your personal care products so easy. It’s a one stop shop and you just wait for all of it to arrive at your door. And if you’re a prime member that’s a lot sooner that delivery from anywhere else. Amazon has also been gracious enough to list all their best sellers right on the site for you. That makes it that much easier to shop for your self care needs. It’s all just a few clicks away. So let’s dive into some of Amazon’s top selling personal care products and see what we can add to our lists.

Disclaimer: The Traveling Four are participants in the Amazon Associates Program & receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). Click the image or link in the text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support, which helps us keep the lights on. Just click on the picture or link in text to purchase.

HAIR CARE

Let’s just start at the top and work our way down. And what could be more on top than that beautiful head of hair, or maybe soon to be beautiful after you get some of these products. LOL!!

There’s nothing like a good ole scalp massage…oh, I can feel it now. The HEETA Shampoo Brush with Soft Silicone Scalp Massager helps you get your lather on while increasing the circulation to your scalp. Increased circulation promotes scalp health which in turn adds to the health of your luscious locks. I’m always down for items that serve more than one purpose and produce long term results. I’m definitely adding this to my list.

A tool that dries your hair, brushes it out and volumizes all at the same time. I’m wondering why I don’t own it already, LOL!!! Time to add it to the list and for only $41.88 we’re definitely off to a good start.

FACIAL CARE

Give your face all the moisture it longs for while keeping your pores clear with Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Daily Face Moisturizer. The hyaluronic acid contained in this moisturizer keeps skin supple and glowing throughout the day. And for more amazing moisturizers especially during this mask wearing season check out our article on Skin Care Tips While Wearing Face Masks.

This rose quartz Jade Roller & Gua Sha Stone is excellent for firming the skin, relieving muscle tension, as well as increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage on the face and body. All those benefits for just $18.99 well that’s sounds like a great deal to me.

BODY CARE

Release the tension in your muscles and just relax…ahhh. Soak all your troubles away…mmm. Well maybe some of your troubles will still be there once you get out of the tub but the tightness and tension from thinking about them you can drain that away after you’re done soaking with Solimo Epsom Salts. And if all of that tension also has you backed up this works as a great digestive aid.

Cleanse good and smell good doing it with Dr. Squatch Mens Cedar Citrus Soap. This natural, cold pressed soap bar for men is made with Cedarwood, Rosemary, and Orange Organic Oils. It’s great for exfoliating and cleansing the skin without utilizing harsh chemicals.

Finishing Touch Flawless Women’s Hair Remover is great for removing unwanted hair without the pain, skin irritation and redness that normal razors may cause. You will also notice that with this tool hair won’t grow back more coarse like it does with normal razors.

OGX Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Hand-to-Heel Body Cream with Vanilla Bean will have your skin so supple, soft and smooth that you’ll want to stock up on it. This sulfate and paraben free body lotion will keep your skin radiant and hydrated throughout the day for only $8.45.

Burt’s Bees has been holding down the skin care regime for decades and keeps going strong. This amazing kit from this long tested and praised brand is a skin powerhouse bundle. With products for your lips, hands, cuticles and feet your self care routine will already be cut down just with this one kit. So dive into all of the pampering, moisturizing and smoothing now.

Well those are some great choices to start off with from some of Amazon’s top selling personal care products. For the full list of all their best sellers click on this short link.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021

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Mother’s Day is May 9th

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and the stress of finding that perfect gift for mom can be daunting. It’s without question that we want to show mom how much she is loved & appreciated on this special day.

Whether shopping for mom, grandma, or mom-to-be, I’m sure you will find something that she’ll adore in this Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

In addition to her favorite flowers and dinner at her favorite restaurant, of course…

Disclaimer: The Traveling Four are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate, Top Shop Affiliate, ASOS Affiliate, Pretty Little Thing Affiliate, as well as the Amazon Associates Program & receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). Click the image or link in the text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support, which helps us keep the lights on.

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Gardening Tool Set

Spring is in bloom and the vegetation is growing. Gardening is a rewarding and healthy hobby. Help mom make her plants thrive with an all-in-one gardening tool set. If you’re worried about your mom executing overzealous plants, check out our post on Easy Indoor Flowering Plants.

Raised Garden Beds

It seems more and more people are trying their hands at container or raised plant bed gardening rather than the traditional ground gardens. With a raised garden bed your garden is at a much more manageable height. They are also great for controlling those stubborn weeds that you would find with in-ground gardening.

Personalized Pillows

Give mom something with a more personalized touch with these customizable pillows. Use you favorite photo(s) to create a lasting displayable memory.

Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes add a personal, more sentimental touch. They can be customized to your unique situation or purchased with personal messages to your loved ones. Great gift idea for a soon-to-be or new mother to put babies precious items in. Shadow boxes are also good for holding those special keepsakes of mom’s who are no longer with us.

Vacay All Day Gift Set

As the world starts to open back up and we set sights on traveling once again, this summer faves set features a lightweight carrying case with:

  • – 0.21 oz. Milk Makeup Mini Lip + Cheek—Werk
  • – 1 oz. OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub
  • – 0.84 oz. Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
  • – (FULL SIZE) 0.17 oz. NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tint—Orgasm
  • – (FULL SIZE) 0.3 oz.Tarte SEA Surfer Curl™ Volumizing Mascara
  • – 0.5 oz. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
  • – (FULL SIZE) 1.7 oz. Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield Daily Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Sephora Favorites - Vacay All Day Set

Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum

This serum is used to reduce skin irritation and the appearance of redness. An added bonus is that the product is vegan & fragrance free. The reviews supersede the product with a 5 out of 5 rating on Sephora’e website.

Glow Recipe - Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL Clean at Sephora

Perfume

My absolute favorite perfume is Coach Floral. It’s bright but not overpowering and smells divine. Second runner up would be J’adore by Christian Dior. Let mom smell these and you’ll be buying these for her every gift giving holiday that comes around.

Candles

Let mom pick out her favorite candle with this lovely 4 pk. scented soy candle set with reusable tins. The four classical scents included are Jasmine, Rose, Peony and Camellia. Another option would be the Pet House Candle with 60 hours of burn time. Pet House Candle Company has over 27 fragrance options to chose from, which all smell good.

Sports Memorabilia

I am a huge sports fan! Football, basketball, baseball…you name it. Many other mom’s share in my love for sports. Purchase her her favorite team related items such as jewelry, socks, purses, hats, etc.

Tumbler Gift Set

These gifts sets come with customized tumblers and other small goodies. You can either purchase them online or make them yourself. A tip to making these yourself, be sure to grab all the item’s that SHE likes. For instance, her favorite candies, skin products, perfumes, candles.

Wine Carriers

Carry your wine in style with these fashionable wine carriers, complete with wine glasses. Lightweight with a slender design make these easy to tote around.

Tablet

Since we seem to be moving more toward streaming services what better way for you loved one to catch up on their favorites shows and movies than with a 10 inch tablet. Tablets are lightweight and can connect to just about anything. Also when the kids start to get out of hand it likes an “invisible babysitter”.

iRobot Roomba

I know giving mom gifts that revolve around cleaning is frowned upon, but I am all for anything that makes life easier. With this automatic vacuum you can come home to a vacuumed floor without lifting a finger. You can program this robot through your phone and let ’em go.

Dear Mother,

You cared for me when I was small.

You did your best and gave it your all.

Now that I am grown this is forever true.

My dearest mother I will forever love you.

Happy Mother’s Day To All of You Wonderful Mothers!!!

I hope you enjoyed our Mother’s Day Gift Guide for 2021! We would love to hear from you in our comments below.

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A Weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee

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When you think of Tennessee you think of high traffic areas like Nashville, Gatlinburg, or Chattanooga. Knoxville doesn’t seem to be high on the tourist list, but it should be. Knoxville is the third largest city in the state of Tennessee. Sparkling with energy and charm, better known for their historic sites and museums.

Below is a small compiled list of places to eat and things to do while enjoying a weekend trip in Knoxville.

Pictures are from the Strong Alley Mural Walk

Helpful Tips

  • Book a hotel located in the downtown area. Most of their well-known attractions are within a 3-15 minute walking distance from one another.
  • Downtown parking garages offer free parking on weeknights & weekends.
  • Free Trolley Rides – Knoxville has 3 different trolley routes to take you throughout the Downtown and UT area.

For more beneficial tips check out our previous post on tips for traveling on a budget.

Market Square

Market Square is the cornerstone of excitement in Knoxville, TN. Housing many of the cities best restaurants, bars, and unique places to shop. With its vibrant and bolstering nightlife, the square host many live concerts and outdoor movie events.

Don’t forget to visit the farmer’s market, on North Market Square near Wall Ave., for a taste of locally grown goodies.

Sunsphere Tower

The Sunsphere stands 26 stories tall, paneled with 24-karat gold glass windows. Making this the largest gold ball in the world. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of Downtown Knoxville, World Fair Park and the Smoky Mountains. This iconic attraction has become the “Free Thing to Do in Knoxville” Staple. Be prepared if you’re scared of elevators or heights it will give your anxiety levels a little jolt.

Tupelo Honey Café

When trying to decide what to eat for breakfast or brunch the Tupelo Honey Café should be your first option. The food here is beyond good! Ambiance, Presentation, Flavor…Tupelo is the place to go!

I ordered the Shoo Mercy Griddle which consisted of brioche French toast topped with buttermilk battered fried chicken, apple cider bacon, pecans and sprinkled with a hint of powdered sugar. Whew, it gives me flash backs just writing about it. My husband ending up deciding on the southwestern omelet with chorizo, avocado, cheese, salsa, sour cream & rosemary potato cracklins. If you have never heard of cracklins just come to Knoxville, and try Tupelo’s version.

I would suggest making a reservation online for this establishment, if you decide not to the food is well worth the wait.

Kilwin’s

Looking for something sweet after one of your gut busting meals visit Kilwin’s. Kilwin’s chocolate confectionery shop has locations throughout the eastern coast of the United States. Making over 75 delicious chocolate based treats. How can any person go wrong when chocolate is involved?

After a relaxing night stroll on Market Square we finished our night with a Georgia Peach Cobbler Milkshake, Rocky Road Marshmallow, and a Caramel Dipped Rice Krispy Treat with a chocolate drizzle. The yummiest sugar rush ever!

Stock and Barrel

Stock & Barrel has a retro, speak-easy atmospheric vibe to it. The food here is soooo good, I ended up ordering the spicy crab dip and wedge salad. The balsamic reduction on the wedge salad is absolutely divine. I could eat that all by itself, it was so good. While the food is delicious the drinks are even better. Do yourself a favor and order a glass of bourbon, you’ll thank me for it.

Don’t take my word for it just look at the reviews. No matter which platform you research they are all good!

Kabuki Restaurant

In the mood for some good sushi give Kabuki a try. Customer service here is excellent and super friendly. I was pleasantly surprised with the fast speed of service. My favorite was the house soup, which is a beef broth based soup with green onions and mushrooms. This is one of my go to soups at any sushi restaurant I visit but I can definitely say that Kabuki’s was by far the best I’ve ever tried. For the sushi, we tried the California and the crispy tempura rolls.

Calhoun’s on the River

Calhoun’s is where you go when you want a hearty meal. Something that will stick with you throughout the day while you sightsee. Once we were seated, we told our waitress that this was our first time visiting and she immediately preceded to tell us the history of the restaurant. Calhoun’s is voted the “Best Ribs in America”, that’s a pretty big award. We had to see if she was telling the truth, so we ordered a nice slab, and she wasn’t lying. They are deliciously flavorful and fall off the bone tender. Another must try is the Spinach Maria and Pulled Pork Nacho’s. The Pulled Pork Nacho’s were pilled high with moist pork, cheese and jalapenos.

We visited at night but I can assure you the river views are just as pretty at night as they are in the day. There is a nice little river path next to the restaurant for you to walk so that you can burn off some of those BBQ calories.

Tennessee Theater

Tennessee Theater, located on Gay Street, slaps you back into the 1920’s with its Spanish-Moorish style. The theater features many grand chandeliers, striking interior décor and an impressive stage. The theater offers free movies throughout the year, please check their calendar for availability.

Bijou Theater

Bijou Theater is similar in nature to the Tennessee Theater, by being another landmark theater in Knoxville, built in 1906. This theater features an abundance of various artists and film festivals. After a good show visit the Bistro at the Bijou, which is connected to the theater, for a light fine dining experience.

Ijam’s Nature Center

Ijam’s Nature Center offers 10-miles of walkable nature trails and a 25-acre quarry lake. This park is ideal for the ultimate nature lover. Ijams offers hiking, zip lining, swimming, fishing, cycling, paddling and canoeing.

While there we noticed many people and their families taking professional photos. There were so many optimal locations within Ijam’s that I could definitely see getting the family dressed up to showcase those beautiful smiles.

Knoxville Museum of Art

Knoxville Museum of Art should be top on your list of places to visit while in Knoxville. The museum is so relaxing and beautiful. Lovely exhibits which features a video documentary of the artists and their creations in the making. After visiting take a look through their gift shop which features lovely pieces from local artist.

Don’t let me forget the best part…the museum is free! Take a look at our visit in the video below.

East Tennessee Historical Society

Start this museum tour with a short video of East Tennessee before you venture onto other rooms full of valuable, interesting information. The Historical Society takes you all the way from the civil war on to modern day living. Enjoy viewing collections of old newspapers, city directories, maps, vintage memorabilia and more. You will spend at least 3 hours at this museum because of all of the exhibits and information available.

World’s Fair Park

Home to the Sunsphere, Tennessee Amphitheater and East Tennessee Veterans Memorial. World’s Fair is a peaceful park to have a picnic, listen to music, play with the pets (lawn areas only), etc..

The park is a great location to bring your family during the spring & summer months because of their splash pad fountains. Kids and adults can spend time running through the fountain sprinklers. Please be sure to read the splash pad rules before arriving.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

Opened in 1999, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame features many artifacts, highlights, memorabilia and activities for the whole family to engage in. We had a blast learning about women that paved the way like Lisa Leslie, Pat Summit, Teresa Edwards, “Magic Paula” and so many more.

It was pretty cool to be able to test our basketball skills on their skilled basketball courts. I can honestly say I’ll leave this up to the pros because I suck. This place is so big that you can easily spend 3 hours here just having fun with the entire family.

We would love to hear from you!

Tell us about your trip to Knoxville, Tennessee in the comments section below.

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Miami Fusion Café

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Sign displaying Miami Fusion Café

Background

A family owned and operated business that brings a slice of Miami and Puerto Rico to Birmingham, Alabama. The Puerto Rican born and South Florida bred chef whips up a menu that brings Caribbean flavors to the South. You’ll find dishes of Jamaican, Cuban and Puerto Rican styles on this menu. All flavors merry well and give you an authentic feel of restaurants you would find in Miami. Luckily if you’re in the Birmingham area you won’t have to travel further south to experience such delight. With two locations Birmingham, 2015 5th Avenue North and 5511 Hwy 280 you won’t have to go too far to sample the plethora of dishes available on menu at Miami Fusion Café.

Our Experience

We visited the Miami Fusion Café located on Hwy 280. Once seated we got our drink orders (mojito, iced tea and water) and ordered our main dishes. Our orders consisted of the Lechon Asado, Pan Con Lechon, and Caribbean Jerk Chicken Plate (see menu below for more details). The roasted pork in the Lechon Asado was seasoned amazingly. The flavors really came through and paired well with the black beans and rice that was equally yummy. The Pan Con Lechon was tasty but I’ve had better dishes. The Cuban bread reminded me of a Panini, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The pulled pork inside was well seasoned but I felt like it could use some type of sauce. In the sandwich was also lettuce and tomato and it was accompanied by fries sprinkled with seasoning salt.

Lunch Menu for Miami Fusion Café

The Caribbean Jerk Chicken was also seasoned amazingly, the flavors really burst in your mouth. Being Caribbean though and having eaten jerk chicken at many different places including home made I would have to say that this is not what I would label as such. It’s more like baked chicken with jerk seasoning but not as spicy. This would be a great choice for those who love the flavor of jerk but can’t really stand the heat of traditional jerk chicken. And paired with the red beans and rice this dish packed a flavor punch.

Left to Right: Lechon Asado, Caribbean Jerk Chicken Plate, Pan Can Lechon

The mojito was top notch and the bar where it was made definitely gave me Miami vibes. All the color and vibrancy that came from the corner where the bar was just drew your eyes there. Even if you don’t drink you would want to at least sit at it. Miami Fusion Café also serves coffee, desserts and has a kids menu. All in all for the price, with the reasonable amount of food and the tastiness this restaurant was a great choice for a lunch spot.

Miami Fusion Café mojito
Mojito
Miami Fusion Café kids, drink and desert menu

My Rating                                                                

Scale: $-low cost, $$- medium cost, $$$-high cost; rating: ⭐ – ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐  

Cost: $ – $$ 

Food: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Service: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Atmosphere:⭐ ⭐ ⭐  

Overall Rating:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Miami Fusion Café also offers a dinner menu and can be booked for events. Check out this information and more one their website.

Worst Hotel Experience in Myrtle Beach

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Hello, fellow travelers! If you are new here, Welcome. I am always eager to showcase the best, newest and greatest while traveling. While it’s easy to glorify that picturesque hotel with the gorgeous 180-degree views of the beach & mile long extravagant breakfast spreads. What happens when every trip is not like that?

Against my better judgement and advice the family and I wanted to take a quick trip to the beach just to relax and unwind for a bit. I am a planner and when I say this was a last minute decision it was literally a “Let’s go to the beach” statement and in less than 3 hours we were in the car and on our way. We quickly decided on Myrtle since we had been there a few times before (Once with the girls on a girl’s getaway & twice with my family on a family vacation) plus we knew the drive was pretty quick. We hadn’t been in the last five years, but we knew they had plenty of family oriented activities, in addition to many budget-friendly hotel options with oceanfront views.

Just like most travel planning, majority of a travel budget goes to travel and lodging. We knew that we weren’t going to be staying long so I decided to opt for a “Cheaper Option“. My #1 Tip for Traveling on a Budget is to Read Reviews. Well let me tell you I glanced at the reviews but the price tag reeled me in. Why didn’t I listen to my own advice?

When planning a hotel stay based vacation, my go to site is Orbitz. I have been booking hotels with them for the last ten years. Orbitz is a great travel booking site that offers many pictures and honest reviews of hundreds of hotels and lodging rentals.

When looking at the listing on Orbitz the pictures of the hotel looked fairly well. The amenities were a plus with the lazy river, Jacuzzi’s and heated pool, not to mention the full on ocean views. The price of the hotel, at the time, was only $55 a night…to good to be true, right? Right! I glance over the reviews and they are a little lack luster with majority of the reviews saying the same thing. Cleanliness is a no, Customer Service is eh, Property Conditions a means for pause.

Once again I choose cheap over peace of mind. We arrive at the Sandcastle Oceanfront Resort South Beach location. Family in tow we are ready to check in and head straight to the beach. Customer service was just like I said earlier, eh. Nothing but here is your room key and your parking pass. I couldn’t be mad at it.

Not sure what your remedy is but before we bring all of our items into a room, I like to check the room and spray all surfaces with a disinfectant. (I did this even before Covid). When we go in the room, you can instantly see that the room needs to be renovated. Everything looks outdated and worn.

Kitchenette Area: Rusted Stove and Peeling Refrigerator

The room itself looks as if it had been cleaned in 2 seconds. I called for someone to come and clean but no one showed up. I am so glad I travel with heavy duty cleaners (when traveling by car). The bathroom was so dirty and disgusting. The tub had black markings in it that I initially thought were permanent markings…until I cleaned it with bleach and realized that it had not been cleaned at all.

Bathroom: Unclean Tub and Floors
Tub after I cleaned it with Bleach

I can honestly say that it wasn’t all bad because the full ocean views were absolutely as pictured. If I could stay outside the entire time I would have.

For additional proof, it’s clear to conclude that I left this hotel a bad review on Orbitz.com and will not be using this hotel for any future stays.

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Tell us about your bad hotel experience in the comments below

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A Weekend In Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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When in need of a quick beach vacation visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida; known for its 23 miles of beautiful beaches and boating canals. Fort Lauderdale features an extensive list of hotels, restaurants and shopping locations with gorgeous beachfront views. In addition to a wide range of family-friendly outdoor activities that are a must try.

Although we only stayed in town for 48 hours, of course…we would have loved to stay longer, we were able to do a lot of fun things that didn’t break the bank. Below is a small list of recommended places to visit to make your short stay amazing.

For beneficial tips for traveling on a budget click on the post below

The Beach

Planning on traveling to Fort Lauderdale, then the first stop of a quick vacation must be the beach. The beach is free and super relaxing. While sunbathing on the beach, take a minute to listen to the waves. I feel it helps to slow the mind down and just decompress.

If trying to catch fish directly off the shore your chances are exceptional. There were a lot of small fishes that nibbled on our toes as we swam in the water.

Don’t forget the sunscreen while unwinding under those Florida sun rays!!!

Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies

This part of Florida is not shy to the restaurant scene, with its abundance of restaurants and eateries. Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies was featured on an entertaining episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Clearly, if it is good enough for Guy Fieri then it was good enough for us. This place is obviously a hot spot to the locals with all the curbside and to-go orders flying out of the kitchen.

I ordered the # 90, which is a classic steak hoagie, with cheese sauce, and fried onions. I added on some mushrooms for a little extra flavor. It was delicious, I can see why people flock here in droves.

Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant

Jaxson’s is a must stop for families! The carnival atmosphere is sure to be a kid-friendly pleaser. Aside from the decor the food is without a doubt something you probably haven’t seen. The proportions served here will feed a family of four off one plate. Hot dogs are the size of a grown man’s forearm, fries are pilled a mile high, and the burgers were gut busting just looking at them.

Jaxson’s is known for their monumental ice cream sundae called ” The Kitchen Sink”. The Kitchen Sink has been featured on various televised food shows and we can see why. It comes with four pounds of ice cream of your choice, bananas, whipped cream, cherries, chocolate sauce, and chopped nuts served in their iconic replica of a classic kitchen sink. Served with two raging sparklers on top to add to the gratifying experience. We had so much fun trying to tackle this behemoth.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a lovely historical place to visit. Originally built in the 1920’s, this 35-acre estate features mature foliage, tropical gardens and an eclectic style house. There isn’t a section featured in this museum that you won’t want to take a picture of.

They offer self-guided for $20 per adult and guided tours for $25 per adult. Be sure to visit the gift shop.

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is a family friendly attraction featuring flamingos and other various species of beautiful birds. In addition to the birds the park features alligators, turtles, bobcats, panthers, and bears.

Some of the trademark trees and plants on display at the Gardens include, white silk floss trees, pink trumpet trees, panama, tropical hazel nut, African mahogany, ear pod trees, yellow poinciana and cluster fig.

Peacocks are abundant in the gardens. It amazed me with how up close and personal you can get to these amazingly docile creatures. There is also an all white peacock on the premises, but you have to catch him while you can. I really wanted to see those white feathers bloom but he was not in the mood. Well technically there were no females around for him to boast happily to. Enjoyable none the less.

Be sure to take the tranquil narrated Tram tour. The tour last for an hour and is very informative of the animals, landscape and nature that surrounds the park.

Downtown Hollywood Mural Project

The Downtown Hollywood Mural Walk is so fun, free and an absolute must do. It is a collection of beautifully painted murals, that can be found on the side of the local businesses and shops throughout Downtown Hollywood. Consequently, it becomes a game to see which buildings have murals and which do not.

There are guided & self-guided walking tours to see all the beautiful artwork. Depending on weather, I would recommend a self-guided personal vehicle tour. Stop by one of the local bars, grab a drink and get your cameras ready.

Click the link below to access a full copy of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project Map

Mural-Tour-Map-for-participants-5-2020_202005271443531044Download

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Easy Indoor Flowering Plants

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Keeping indoor plants is great for the aesthetics of your home and can improve air quality. Although not everyone has a green thumb and flowering plants can sometimes be harder to care for. Not to worry though, I’ve compiled a list of the ones that aren’t hard to care for. So let’s dive into those easy indoor flowering plants that can add color and vibrancy to your décor in a natural way.

Disclaimer: The traveling 4 are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you). Just click on the link in text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on 🙂.

African Violet

Blue African Violet
Shutterstock/Vadym Lavra

African violets are perennial flowering plants with fuzzy leaves and either white, blue, purple, or multicolored flowers.

  • Sunlight– Medium to bright indirect sunlight for the greater part of the day.
  • Temperature– Medium to high humidity in temperatures above 65oF.
  • Soil– African Violet potting soil or other well-draining soil. Mixing regular potting soil with perlite to increase drainage will work as well.
  • Pot– small pots with good drainage. Re-pot once a year in mostly fresh soil.
  • Watering– use room temperture, non-chlorinated water. Water violets from the bottom to avoid leaf rot. This can be done by pouring water into saucer below plant pot. If there is no saucer place pot into a dish with gravel and water until water is absorbed.
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– African Violet Plant Food
  • Purchase– From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid

This Southeast Asian orchid is also known as the ‘Moth-Orchid’ and comes in many varieties and colors. They were given the name Moth-Orchid due to their moth shaped flowers. These beautiful flowers come in variations of pinks, purples, oranges, yellows or just plain white. You can also find them with multicolored flowers as seen above.

  • Sunlight– low light within 6-10 inches from a window or sliding glass door.
  • Temperature– 60 to 85o F
  • Soil– Orchid bark or potting bark with perlite or sphagnum moss mixed in is preferred.
  • Pot– Pots that are large enough to hold the orchid without them toppling over. Plastic or vinyl works fine but these pots are lightweight so make sure they are large enough to keep plant upright. Ceramic or clay pots can also be used as they are heavier and can definitely hold up these as they grow tall. Make sure the pots have at least one drainage hole.
  • Watering– water once to twice per week. During flowering months of Spring and Summer you can cut watering to every other week.
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– Orchid fertilizer or flowering plants fertilizer. Use fertilizer at half strength and fertilize every couple of weeks during the flowering season.
  • Purchase–From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

Bromeliads are durable plants with a dramatic central flower. They can grow in both hot and dry as well as in cool and moist environments. It’s beautiful, long-lasting blooms come in a variety of colors such as reds, yellows, oranges and purples. Once, the main flower begins to fade the plant will start to decline but baby bromeliads (called pups) will begin to appear around the base. As the babies grow into bigger plants they will begin to produce the dramatic central flower.

  • Sunlight– Medium Filtered Light
  • Temperature– 13oC to 27oC (55o F to 80o F)
  • Soil– Well draining soil. You can also mix potting soil with 1/4 perlite and 1/4 sand to give better drainage. You can use peat moss in your soil mixture. Different Bromeliad species will tolerate different amounts of soil dampness. Make sure to read the care card that comes with your plant or consult your local nursery as to the specifics for your plant species.
  • Pot– Plastic pots with several drainage holes if you live in a dry region. Unglazed clay pots with drainage hole if you live in a humid area. Make sure there is a saucer underneath but don’t allow a lot of water to collect in it. You can put some gravel in the saucer and then place the pot on top of the gravel bed to prevent the soil from becoming soggy.
  • Watering– Water moderately at least once per week and keep water in central leaf “cup”. Plants can also be misted once per week to increase humidity.
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– Any house plant fertilizer or flowering plant fertilizer will do (dilute with water according to instructions). I recommend Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed Bloom Booster Flower Food. Spray fertilizer around base of plant on soil. Don’t put fertilizer directly on plant or in central cup. Bromeliads do not require a lot of fertilizing. Do this sparingly.
  • Purchase– From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

Calla Lily

Calla Lily

Calla Lilies are perennial flowering plants native to Southern Africa. They have arrow shaped green foliage that is often adorned with white freckles. The beautiful, cup-like flowers come in a variety of colors from yellow, pink, orange, white and red.

  • Sunlight– Half shade to sunny position
  • Temperature– 5oC to 30oC (41o F to 86o F)
  • Soil– Plant at least 4 inches deep in potting soil for indoor plants. When the flowers have faded and the leaves died back trim stems down to only 2 inches. Place wet peat moss around base of plant, place on a box and place in a dark place. Moisten moss a few times (but not too damp as not to encourage too much humidity) during this dormancy period.
  • Pot– Pots or planters that are heavy enough to hold the lilies up as they grow tall.
  • Watering– Water Moderately
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– No fertilization required but can fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
  • Purchase– From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

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Recently-Released Movies to Watch from Home

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If you are looking for some new movies to watch from home, check out some of the movies below:

Sylvie’s Love

Sylvie’s Love stars Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha. It is a love story period piece set in the late 1950s amongst the magic of jazz music. I loved it; it was quite refreshing to watch. You can watch this on Amazon Prime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbjakuJZgww

Soul

Soul is a Pixar and Disney animated movie that I highly recommend. Jamie Foxx does the voice-over for the main character Joe Gardner. It is great movie for the whole family. You can watch it on Disney+.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOsLIiBStEs

One Night in Miami

Regina King directs this movie that puts Sam Cooke, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Jim Brown all in the same space simultaneously. This movie takes us back in time to the 1960s, and we are given access to a night in the lives of these men and the ups and downs they encountered during their time together. It stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom. Check out the trailer and watch the movie on Amazon Prime.

American Skin

This was an excellent movie. I watched it with both of my boys, and we had a deep discussion afterward. I think it should be a required movie to watch. It invoked so many emotions. Nate Parker masterfully played the main character. I bought it via Google Play but, I think you can purchase and stream it on any number of apps iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play, etc.

Judas and the Black Messiah

A historical piece that outlines the events that occurred leading up to Fred Hampton’s assassination. Fred was the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. The movie is told primarily from the informant William O’Neal’s perspective, who played a major part in his demise. It stars Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield. The movie is available to watch on HBO Max.

Outside the Wire

Anthony Mackie and Damson Idris star in this action-packed movie. I thought it was terrific. Watch the trailer and then watch the movie on Netflix. You won’t be disappointed.

The Little Things

This movie is a psychological thriller, and it does make you think and think and think. Even after the movie goes off, you are left wonder if what you thought you saw is really what you saw. It stars Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto and is definitely worth watching. I will note that it is best to pay extra attention because you will miss something major if you turn your head. It is currently on HBO Max.

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“Face Matter” Exhibit

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January 11th, 2021 – February 25th 2021

In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to showcase an art exhibit that will be featured until the end of February. The Face Matter Exhibit is being displayed at the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville. Located at 8652 Campbellton Street in the historic downtown area of Douglasville, Georgia.

The Cultural Arts Council has selected a vibrant mix of artists that can be understood by all genres. “Face Matter” showcases artwork from five very talented artist: Felicia Noelle, Diyah Najah, Timothy Short, John Martin & Brandon Maddox.

The artists have put together a fascinating collection using a mixture of mixed medias like prints, 3-D mosaic tiles, acrylic & oil-based paints. The collection focuses on the celebration of black history and culture. Their art embodies stories of beauty, liberation, strength and self-acceptance.

My Personal Favorites

Felicia Noelle is a creative artist out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her works of art are sophisticated, whimsical and personable. My favorite from her collection was “What God Put Together”.

Timothy Shorts oil-painting of “A Dark in the Light (You Are All You Need) II” is a profound piece of work that not only relates to men of color but anybody that can personify with the message.

Diyah Najah’s artwork is also something that is very commendable. She offers a selective range of art including – paintings, mix-materials and my favorite a collage named “Stand Up for Us”. A truly astounding piece where the title resonates.

Brandon Maddox’s “Angela” is exquisite and graceful. “Angela” in my opinion is a manifestation of the iconic saying “My black is beautiful”.

Although, the exhibition will only be around for a short while you can view these artists and their artwork all year-round on their personal social media platforms. For more information on The Cultural Art Council Douglasville, please visit their website at www.artdouglas.org.

Let us know what are some of your favorite Black History Exhibits in the comments section below.

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“Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people – the beauty within themselves.”

– Langston Hughes

2021 Valentine’s Day Gifts

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This years Valentine’s Day is an extra special one. If you and your love didn’t drive each other crazy during 2020 quarantine, or you made a long distance relationship work even though you couldn’t see each other as much due to the Covid-19 crisis. You and that special someone may have had to endure hard times together. Times where you had to comfort each other due to a losing someone or losing a job. Struggling to make ends meet or workout the home school schedule. Or maybe you found love during all the mayhem it all makes this years V-day that much more special. So why not commemorate this time with a special gift to that special someone? Below you can find some ideas for 2021 Valentine’s Day gifts that show your significant other just how much they really mean to you.

Disclaimer: The traveling 4 are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you). Just click on the image or the link in text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on 🙂.

Gifts for Her

Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Second to you of course especially after you gift her with this stunning Amazon Collection Diamond 3 Stone Pendant Necklace (1/4 cttw), 18″ ($99.99).

Want some earrings to go with that well these SWAROVSKI Women’s Attract Trilogy Crystal Earrings ($89.00) would be a great choice.

Needing something a bit cheaper but that will still WOW then these Sterling Silver Round-Cut Stud Earrings made with Swarovski Zirconia ($17.00) will be a great pick.

Keep her feet warm, cozy and stylish this Valentine’s Day with UGG Women’s Fluff Yeah Slide Slipper ($99.95).

A gift you both can enjoy on this special day. She can even model it for the “Silhouette Challenge”. Avidlove Women Satin Lace Chemise Mini Teddy ($16.59).

A relaxing bubble bath with rose petals and candles is like a Valentine’s Day staple. You can achieve this in a fun and natural way with these 7 Natural Bath Bombs with Shea Butter ($14.99).

The candle that’ll enhance that romantic bubble bath that much more. LA JOLIE MUSE Jasmine Scented Candle ($20.74).

And if you need more than one candle to set the mood then these are another great choice. Yinuo Candle Scented Candles Gifts Set ($19.98).

What’s Valentine’s Day without a teddy bear and chocolates. Not much if you ask me, it’s the iconic gift aside from flowers. Give this Valentines Day Gift Basket Set ($29.44) a try.

Speaking of flowers check out this One Dozen Red Roses Bundled with Godiva Chocolate & Teddy Bear ($49.99). Chocolate, teddy bear and flowers now we’re talking.

For the woman in your life that wants a gift that will last try this Rainbow Flower Colorful Rose with Love Stand plus 3000 Pcs Rose Petals Artificial Flower Petals ($29.99).

Gifts for Him

Many guys have just let it all grow out since most barber shops were closed or they didn’t feel comfortable going to one. Help him keep that facial hair soft and lustrous with this Beard Grooming Kit ($24.91). With beard oil, shampoo/conditioner, balm and so much more you’ll love brushing up against his smooth, conditioned facial hair.

He’ll feel like he’s walking on pillows with these stylish suede UGG Men’s Ascot Slippers (109.95)

This sleek and stylish Michael Kors Men’s Stainless Steel Quartz Watch ($119.99) is the perfect gift for that debonair dad.

Keep him organized in a stylish way with this TESLYAR Wood Phone Docking Station ($52.80). It can not only house his cellphone but watches, keys, glasses, wallet and so much more.

For the man who’s a lot more casual and has a sense of humor this Happy Quarantine Valentine’s Day T-Shirt ($17.99) could be the perfect gift.

For the gamer in your life these funny novelty socks may be just the thing to make him smile. Do Not Disturb I’m Gaming Socks sold for $10.99

These stressful times are all the more reason to kick back with a cold one. This Wall Mounted Magnetic Bottle Opener ($23.99) makes doing that so much easier.

For the handyman in your life this Magnetic Wristband ($14.98) is the perfect Valentines Day gift. It can house all the screws, nails, and drill bits he’ll need to keep great home décor projects going. That’s a win-win for both of you.  

So he can join in the “Silhouette Challenge” with you and look great doing it. Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Classics Multipack Boxer Briefs ($27.54)

Gifts for All

Commemorate your love making it through to 2021 with this customizable wooden plaque ($39.99) that shows that love can withstand the tests of time.

Staying in for Valentine’s Day and want to add some fun to your date night. Well this Romantic Game for Couples ($24.97) is just the thing to get the flirting and fun started.

This personalized 3D Crystal Picture Engraved Heart (119.00) can capture a special moment in time and display it for many years to come.

Another amazing way to capture a moment in time and depict your love for years to come. Personalized Watercolor Digital Portrait ($64.95-1 day delivery for Valentine’s Day).

Another great way to add some personal touches to your 2021 Valentine’s Day gifts. This one has so much thought put into it that’ll definitely make that special someone feel warm and fuzzy inside. What I Love about You Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal ($9.95).

For the snacker in your life this CraveBox Care Package (45 Count) ($23.95) is the perfect V-day gift.

They may not be ale to hit the spa this Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a relaxing massage. This Shiatsu Heated Neck and Back Massager ($39.99) is just the thing to destress and enjoy a relaxing V-day.

Hope you can find your loved ones something great for their 2021 Valentine’s Day gifts from these choices. And if you have any other suggestion don’t hesitate to share.

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Beauty Tips for Mask Wearers

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Well who would of thought that we would come into the new year still wearing masks. And with the way things are going looks like we’ll be doing so for quite a bit longer. But mask wearing doesn’t have to damper your beauty routine. We’ve uncovered some great beauty tips for mask wearers and we’re ready to share them with you.

Disclaimer: The traveling 4 are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate and Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you). Just click on the image or link in text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on 🙂.

Moisturize

This is something we should of been doing even before mask wearing came along. But definitely more so when wearing masks since your skin won’t be getting as much air. Also you’ll be breathing all that hot breath on it which causes it to dry out even quicker. A good non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer is key to keeping your skin hydrated, supple and healthy. Check out our post on Skin Care Tips While Wearing Face Masks for more great tips on keeping skin healthy under the masks. Also there are lots of moisturizers for all skin types listed in that post as well.

Primer & Setting Spray

According to Allure a primer is a product that prepares the skin to hold onto whatever makeup comes after it. A setting spray is sprayed on after the makeup is applied. The setting spray helps hold the makeup in place therefore allowing your look to last longer. Both of these will help to keep your makeup on your face and off your mask.

Some great choices for primer are Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Glossier Priming Moisturizer 1.7 oz. I personally use the Smashbox primer and I love it. It not only keeps my makeup set in place but refines my large pores. Some great choices for setting sprays are Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray and NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray. Best of both worlds MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer & Setting Spray.

Sold by Nordstrom for $15.00 (0.4 oz.)

Sold by Nordstrom for $15.00 (1oz)

Light Foundation

If you can skip the foundation while wearing masks then that’s best but if you need that full face look then go lightweight. A light foundation that will give you some coverage but won’t be as hard on you pores is the way to go. Some top picks for light foundation are Lancôme Skin Feels Good Hydrating Skin Tint with SPF 23 and Revlon Photo Ready Candid Glow Foundation. If you can try to only apply it on exposed areas so you are giving the area under the mask as much aeration as possible.

Sold by Nordstrom for $35.00

Sold on Amazon for $8.97

Blotting Papers

Blotting Papers can help remove excess oils and makeup from your face so that you keep looking fresh. You can use this right after you apply your makeup to get any excess off that would otherwise end up on your mask. You can also use them throughout the day to keep the shine down if you have oily skin. Some good choices for blotting papers are Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Facial Sheets (50ct for $8.99) and Boscia Black Charcoal Blotting Linens (100ct for $10).

Accentuate Eyes

Eye makeup tools

With most masks the entire lower part of your face is covered so it’s no wonder that playing up the eyes is big this year. And there is so much that you can do with those windows to your soul. From using sparkly eyeshadow and thickening up the eyeliner to curling your lashes and pumping up the mascara. The eyes have become the center of attention and the ways to make them stand out seem to be endless.

  • Eyeshadow: Bold and Beautiful, Sparkly and Shimmery, Deep and Dark, oh so many colors and techniques to choose from. Try a more natural and subtle look for during the day. A sparkly or more colorful look works for evenings and night. A smokie eye is always great for a black tie event or something that coordinates well with your ensemble.

I’ve watched tons of makeup videos on YouTube and the Anastasia Beverly Hills brand of eyeshadow keeps popping up. It seems that makeup gurus everywhere are all in love with the Anastasia palettes. This Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette (sold by Nordstrom for $45.00) is just right for daytime wear.

  • Eyeliner: This is another makeup item that comes with a laundry list of ways to wear. From kitten and cat eye to baby wings and stiletto wings it’s not hard to find what works for you. But just like with eyeshadow knowing when to wear a particular look is key. Just lining the top lid or subtly lining top and bottom would be great for the office. You can thicken up that liner or get more creative with it when you’re stepping out on the town.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil sold on Amazon for $22.00

  • Mascara and Falsies: Oh how we love those elongated lashes and the curlier the better! Whether you can just add some mascara to get a pumped up effect or have to add some false eyelashes. Either way you’ll be able to bat those beautifully elevated lashes above that mask.
Two models showing off mascara and eyelash curling

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara sold on Amazon for $8.98

Blush

Just like with your foundation you want a blush that won’t budge. Seeing as your blush might get pushed on by your mask you want to make sure it stays in place. Applying a long wear blush like Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush or Lorac Color Source Buildable Blush is the way to go.

Matte Lipstick

Model with matte lipstick being applied

Even though your lips are hidden under your mask you may still want to color them up for when you take your mask off in a safe space. A matte lipstick will stay in place and give your lips that vibrancy it needs once it comes from behind the mask. Some great choices are FENTY BEAUTY Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick and Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick.

GOT SOME MORE GREAT BEAUTY TIPS FOR MASK WEARERS? DON’T HESISTATE TO SHARE WITH US IN THE COMMENTS.

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Positive Affirmations for Self-Motivation

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So, the year has just started, and you have already broken your new year’s resolutions. The mindset starts to shift “Oh, I’ll get back on track next week…I have time.” and so it begins – you keep putting it off until that resolution is a distant memory. Just like millions of other people you are not alone. We start with good intentions then negative thinking creeps in. The ambition is there but the drive has fallen short. You’ve messed up…now what? Where do you go from here?

Sometimes we end up setting goals that are way too big for us to start without positive reinforcement. So instead of focusing on the goal, focus on building confidence and self-esteem. One way to do that is by reciting positive affirmations to yourself daily.

Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

–Lao Tzu

What are Positive Affirmations?

Positive affirmations are emotionally driven thoughts of self-encouragement. This form of optimistic, self-thinking helps to suppress conflicting feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Positive affirmations allow you to rethink your thought process on how you tackle certain avenues within your life. It helps you to filter out what is important from what can wait.

When to Recite?

The answer to this question is easy; you want to recite an affirmation as often as possible. When you are constantly telling yourself that you are enough you start to believe it. The objective is to believe in what you are saying so that it reflects. Anytime that you feel any form of negativity creeping upon you, recite a positive affirmation or two to yourself. “I’m not going to make it.” needs to turn into “I’m here, so I’ve already made it!”

Positive Affirmation Examples

  • My today is not contingent upon my past
  • I am enough
  • I am becoming the best version of myself with each passing day
  • There will be no settling for anything less
  • I will not limit myself on achieving my dreams
  • I unequivocally rebuke any feelings of doubt that comes my way today
  • My focus will not be on things that I cannot control but the things that I grow strength in
  • Some progress adds up to a large result
  • Yesterday was and will not be my today
  • Today I choose to be happy
  • Today was a great and monumental day
  • I will surpass all things that choose to keep me bounded
  • I am capable of achieving my goals and living out my dreams
  • While focusing on the good, the negative decreases
  • I am fearfully and wonderfully made
  • Beautiful, smart and a strong force to be reckoned with
  • I shall not limit myself in any way today

Positive affirmations yield positive results

Negative dedications equal vanquished capabilities

-Cierra

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