DEPRIVATION. IT'S BAD FOR YOU!

                                                          Glass flowers inside the Golden Door


                             DEPRIVATION
What an awful word! It even sounds like you should be feeling guilty taking a shower! It is, however a big part of an adult life. Kids have no idea what deprivation is (unless they are growing up in some tough places). So how much deprivation is healthy and how much is too much? Is it OK to be a vegetarian, and then overdoing by becoming a vegan? Is it OK to buy a pair of shoes for 100 dollars, and overdoing it if you spend 200, or more? As adults, we sacrifice a lot. Every day. Every moment. If you have children - double that. How to find a perfect balance and not go crazy? This is the proverbial million dollar question! I think, go ahead and deprive and sacrifice during the school year till you are blue in the face. Come weekends and holidays - indulge! As Greeks said "Everything in moderation". And that goes to deprivation as well!


HOW NOT FEEL DEPRIVED ON A ROAD    
                                  TRIP


OK you're ready for a road trip! All your outdoor stuff, bug repellent, hiking boots and sunblock are in the car. You packed 20 T-shirts and after 12 days on those dusty roads you are not sure what gender you are.
My friends think I am a crazy woman but every time we go on a road trip I bring a pair of high heels and a couple of beautiful dresses. Trust me, it works! Even if you travel with your RV there will be a day where you would like to take a shower and look like  a girl again.
Another thing. Plan one day for yourself. Walk around town and take yourself for lunch. Buy yourself something impractical. Get a massage. You need to take care of yourself, so you can take care others!

                                                I am getting a  facial in Park City






             Was someone kind to you today?
I had an excruciating headache. I ran into the convenience store, grabbed extra strength Tylenol, and realized that I left my purse at home. There were 2 dollars in my pocket and Tylenol was $2.45. I guess the look on my face was so desperate that both guys behind the counter reached down into their pockets and got enough change to cover me. That made my day! Thanks!






FUN SALAD THAT CAN REPLACE A MEAL

Make your own croutons. They are so much better then store bought! Cube day old bread in 1 inch cubes and marinate for an hour in olive oil, freshly squeezed garlic, and grated Parmesan or Gruyere (or both!) Spread on a cookie sheet and bake @ 425 degrees.
Chop romaine hearts, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches and avocado. Mix with olive oil and balsamic vinegar! YUMMMM! 

MY TRAVEL BLOGS WERE MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT OF ANDREI DOROSHIN, MY DEAREST SON. THANKS, ANDREI!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!