Intentional Living

Note: Since writing this post we actually did buy a TV.  We initially only got it to watch the olympics.  And you know what?  We hardly ever watch it now.  Peter uses it for video games, sometimes we'll watch Netflix... but usually... it's off.  So I think this post still applies.

There's usually a mix of reactions when people hear (or see) that we don't have a TV.  Surprise, disbelief, scorn, and sometimes envy.  We invariably get asked a lot of questions about why we don't have one.  How do we survive??? What do we doooo???  I usually just shrug my shoulders and reply something along the lines of, "Well at least we're saving a lot of money..."

But when I really stop to think about it, there are many reasons why I don't want a TV, and only a few of them have to do with money.  I hate background noise, I hate commercials, I get bored easily, we don't have to pay for cable.  But mostly it has to do with intentional living.  TV is a distraction.  For many people, it's an escape... from reality, from their thoughts, from their lives.  I'm sure a lot of people could benefit from unplugging the TV and just living intentionally.

What does that even mean, living intentionally?  How do you do it?  Why should you do it?

Be intentional with your words

Say what you mean and mean what you say.  Don't be a flake.  Don't be superficial or "fake nice."  Pay attention to how people are receiving your words.  Don't barrel through conversations.  Pay attention to how people respond during conversations and adjust your tone if needed.

Be intentional with your time

TV is a big time waster.  What could you be doing instead?  Exercising?  Reading a book?  Starting a hobby?  Spending time with family or friends?  Make time to be with the people you care about.  And when you are with them, really be with them.  Don't keep checking your phone.  Don't let your mind wander.  Pay attention to them.  Do you know someone who's in the hospital?  Go visit them.  Don't always be daydreaming about the future.  Be present in the moment.

Be intentional with your actions

Pay attention to your body language, your quirks, your habits.  Are you trying to emulate someone?  Are your actions contrived?  Just be yourself.

I think the main thing to remember about intentional living is to pay attention to your surroundings and the people you're interacting with.  Don't waste your time on trivial things.  Live in the moment and don't take things for granted.  And be yourself.  Don't try to look or act like someone else.

What do you think?  Do you try to live intentionally?  

Try the World || The Paris Box

Hi guys,

I'm back with another subscription box review.  My first subscription box experience was with Umba - you can read about it here.  Soon after I signed up for my first Umba box, I decided to give Try the World a go.  I guess I was just in subscription-box-mode.  Just like with Umba, I've been getting the Try the World emails and newsletters for awhile.  I can't remember where I first heard about the company, but it intrigued me.  I never ordered it because it was a little expensive for me - $39 per box (+shipping).  But they sent me a coupon code, so I thought, "Why not?"

What is Try the World?

"Every 2 months, receive a box from a new country - with 7 gourmet products curated by expert chefs." (from their website)  You basically get to try food from a different country.  A fun idea, in my opinion.

 Here is what I found in my first box, the Paris box:

So to recap, I received a few tea bags, mustard, fig jam, a small box of, like, 3 cookies, pork paté, salt, and the "mystery treat" was a tube of chestnut spread.  I held them in my hand so you can get an idea of the size.  Some of the items (tea and cookies) are very small amounts.  The mustard, salt, paté, and fig jam are decent sizes.  The chestnut spread will last a long time, because I won't eat it.  Peter will enjoy it though.  (The box itself is quite sturdy and cute, so I will probably find a use for it!)

My initial thoughts?  Not worth the price.  However, after talking it over with my husband, and after receiving another discount code, we decided we would give it another try.  The next box will be from another country, so hopefully there will be some cool discoveries.  This subscription is once every two months, so we won't get our next box until December.  Again, whatever I don't use from this or the Umba box I will give to my friends and family for Christmas gifts.  ;)

I have to admit, these subscription boxes are kind of fun.  But not great for the bank account.  As I mentioned before, I will give Umba and Try the World one more month before I decide if I will cancel my account.  

Do you think you would like this subscription?

I have a referral link to share with you guys today*, if you want to give Try the World a go.  You will get $15 off your first box.  Click on the link for $15 off your first box (and I get $15 credit toward the e-shop): http://fbuy.me/cY2j4

*This post is not sponsored.  Try the World has no idea who I am or that I have a blog.   Every new subscriber receives a referral link to share with friends.

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Julie's Tips for Traveling Overseas - Part 1

Julie's Tips for Traveling Overseas

- Part 1 -

I have traveled a lot around the world, and most recently moved with my husband to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  I thought I'd share a few things I have learned from all the packing, airports, customs, and eating I have done around the world.  I hope this is beneficial for at least one person reading!

1.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Flying dehydrates you!  There are several reasons why I get dehydrated while traveling. You can't bring water past security and bottled waters are expensive in airports!  I often don't drink anything until I'm on the plane and the flight attendants bring around the beverage cart.  And then it's just a tiny cup of water.

Drink lots of water before you leave!  Buy a water bottle at the airport and ask the flight attendant to refill your water bottle when you get on the plane.

Flying also dehydrates my skin.  I already have dry skin, so flying just makes it worse!  If you also have this problem, I suggest using a hydrating face mask the night before you leave.  I used a Mary Kay moisturizing mask and my skin felt amazing!

Contact Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Ruth Smith to order*

2.  Stock up on healthy snacks

A couple of days before we left I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on healthy snacks. Airport food is expensive, flights are long, some airlines don't serve meals and, if they do, they might be nasty, gross, or unhealthy.

A couple of items that saved my sanity this past trip:

An apple

Gluten Free Crackers

Vegetable chips (not the overly processed ones from Trader Joe's, but the actually real, dehydrated veggies from Whole Foods)

KIND fruit + nut Almond and Apricot bars











Justin's Honey Almond Butter (Great on gluten-free crackers, apple, celery, etc)



Other items you could bring;
Fresh veggies such as carrots and celery
Fresh fruit such as apples and bananas
Trail mix
Seed and nut mix (I like to mix almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, craisins, raisins, and chocolate chips)


3.  CALM

CALM is a natural supplement that does just want is says: calms.  This is great for people who suffer from bowel issues (any kind) that are aggravated by travel or other stressful situations, including packing, mentally preparing for a major life change, or anything else that may cause stress.  I have a canister of it at home, but I picked up a couple of individual packages to more easily pack it in my carry-on.

Thanks for reading!  Do you have any other tips you'd like to add?  Leave a comment below.

Julie's Tips for Traveling Overseas - Part 2 - to come soon!  

* I am not receiving compensation from Ruth Smith or Mary Kay.  I mentioned the product because I want to bring awareness to my mom's business, and not for any other purpose or personal gain.

 Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Read my disclaimer here.

Fun with maps!

[Don't forget to help me win... I joined a new website (knock-off of Pinterest) in the hopes of winning $750 toward my wedding.  Please go vote for my "Tie the Knot" board! http://www.favery.com/Juliesmithmusic/660/boards/tie-the-knot]

Random facts about Julie, continued...  

I have always wished that I lived in the days when the world was being discovered... so that I could be a cartographer!  I love maps!

I found this map at the University's bookstore... I attached it to a cork board and used pins and thread to "map" out my world travels thus far.  I ended up having to take it down and use the cork board for wedding planning, but I'm planning on making a permanent cork board map soon!

What thinkest thou?

Two-Cents Tuesday

Get out of your comfort zone, travel, experience new cultures...  

Many of these photos are repeats from previous blog posts.  They are the ones that I keep going back to look at, to remember how crazy my life has been, to be grateful for the amazing experiences and wonderful memories, to wish I had even more experiences and memories to look back on, to wonder what the next adventure will be...

Decorated Envelopes!

This summer I participated in an envelope exchange project called The Elevated Envelope.  We were assigned a group of people to whom we were to send decorated envelopes!  This season's exchange theme was "sweet."  

I think my relationship with Peter is pretty sweet.  Also, he's a very sweet, kind, nice person!  So I chose to decorate my envelopes with maps of North and South America to represent our long-distance relationship.  (BTW he's in Cali now, yay!, and looking for a job, so if you hear of anything...)

I used watercolor and marker.

I'd love to be real, old-fashioned pen-pals with any of you, but ONLY if you promise to send decorated envelopes!  :)  Email me your address and let's get started!  alonewithmytea(at)gmail(dot)com

Art Journal - "The World"

This week's art journal theme was "The World."  This was an extremely busy week so I was only able to do one entry...

 This is watercolor only... I like how the water looks textured and the continent border lines are fluid. 

Check back soon to see the world-themed envelopes I did for The Elevated Envelope!

Have you started your art journal yet?  I'd love to see what you create! :)  Email photos and I'll put them on my blog!  Alonewithmytea(at)gmail(dot)com

Art Journal Challenge Begins Now!

Art Journal Challenge begins now!  Will you join me?

Theme for the week of July 23-28:

THE WORLD

****************************

Many of you know I have an art journal.  I was using it almost every day, then I sort of slacked off.    

So I decided that I will start an art journal challenge!  


Keep reading...

Colosseum

Facebook.com/alonewithmytea

I hate reading blogs that seem like they're just bragging about where they've traveled and what they've done.  I don't want my blog to seem like that.  The purpose of my blog is just to have an outlet for creativity, to show my artistic point of view.  It's also a way for family and friends to stay connected, see what I'm up to, especially if I'm on a trip somewhere.  

I know that I have been extremely blessed and lucky to have traveled to as many places as I have.  I love traveling and seeing new countries and experiencing new cultures.  I love trying new food, learning new languages, making new friends.  

For me, traveling is more than just the excitement of typical tourist destinations.  Some of my favorite stories to tell are about randomly meeting people...  

(Please keep reading)