My search for Ellie Roo began some two years ago when I began casually searching for a puppy for Hank. I always scoured through rescue sites for the dog that would fit just right into our family. Hank didn't want a puppy, but I knew he'd appreciate it once he got to know her. He … Continue reading The Story of Ellie Roo
Scooters and Snails: Vietnam
First stop: Hanoi. It was 11pm by the time I made it through the customs line in Vietnam and set foot for the first time in the country my uncle had fought in years ago. It left an unmistakable scar on him as it did everyone else involved in the war. I was eager to … Continue reading Scooters and Snails: Vietnam
Of Tuk Tuks and Dancing Kings – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The plane cruised over vast forest and flooded fields as Cambodia is suffering from extreme monsoon waters and the government has issued warnings to those living out in the stilt houses. It poured rain my first evening there. I secured my eVisa online in advance, the approval took about a day before I received my … Continue reading Of Tuk Tuks and Dancing Kings – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Five Days in Yangon, Myanmar
I smiled at the customs officer and looked towards the camera pointed at me while she reviewed my eVisa and passport. She smiled at my excitement, stamped both documents and handed them back to me. That was it, I was in Yangon. A flood of men in longhys gathered around as they saw me … Continue reading Five Days in Yangon, Myanmar
Best Road Trip Ever: Arizona
I was tasked with creating an all-inclusive great American Road trip for myself, my partner Brent and my good friend visiting from Germany. It should include Page, Arizona and Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon and Sedona wine tasting. Beyond that, I was free to share whatever aspects of my beautiful home state I wished. In … Continue reading Best Road Trip Ever: Arizona
Arizona’s Most Scenic Road
I heard about the hair-raising Apache Trail first from a customer at the hot air balloon office saying that she had, "done crazy stuff like this before, like take her friend along the Apache Trail, and she vomited, but we made it through!" I thought, "now this sounds like my kind of adventure!" After further … Continue reading Arizona’s Most Scenic Road
Chocolate Coffee Banana Peanut Butter Breakfast Smoothie
Don't get me wrong, I do the green smoothie thing most of the week. Yet I'll be the first to admit, as an avid breakfast smoothie maker, it's tough to stick to a strict veggie/fruit smoothie breakfast routine without getting bored. It's crucial to mix it up! I find that peanut butter or chocolate is … Continue reading Chocolate Coffee Banana Peanut Butter Breakfast Smoothie
Unique holiday gifts inspired by change
I don't know about you, but my holiday shopping doesn't usually begin until December. Maybe it's because I grew up in the desert, where I have to put myself into the holiday spirit by sipping pumpkin spice frozen drinks and playing constant Christmas music throughout December to remember that it is December, because it is … Continue reading Unique holiday gifts inspired by change
The truth about your dog food
Dog food has been a passionate subject of mine for years, beginning with working with a raw dog food nutritionist in Fort Collins during college. So I ask you to step back for a moment and look at what you're feeding your pet. Do you take your best friend's nutrition as seriously as your own? … Continue reading The truth about your dog food
Très chic! Why using natural shampoos takes patience
I guess it's time to admit that while I speak German and lived in Germany, my real beauty obsession comes from the French. I love their natural, effortless femme, I love the Breton stripes and Coco Chanel suits. I love how their hair is tossed up in a carefree knot and their skin always looks … Continue reading Très chic! Why using natural shampoos takes patience