Celebrating Life in Myrtle Beach

I had the pleasure of kick starting my summer vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The town has a real southern American feel, which is a drastic change from the very diversified culture of Florida.

I could, however, relate to the great touristic influence it has.  The place was heaping with tourist traps, attractions, mini golf courses, museums, water parks and theaters.  

The beaches were filled with people basking in the sunlight and enjoying the Atlantic seawater.  The streets were filled with concert goers headed to the Carolina Country Music Fest.

View of the Sky Wheel on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk

We were blessed enough to stay at the wonderful Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation.  The suite was a spacious, condo style living area with a fantastic view of the oceanfront. 

    

View from one of our balconies

Best continental breakfast I've ever had!

While there, we celebrated my favorite (and only) aunt's birthday. 

My aunt and I chillin in the balcony

Although I greatly enjoyed the trip, I have no real interest in going back.  I am too spoiled and biased with my love for Florida.  There wasn't anything significantly great that Florida did not already have.

Ciao,

       Monique

Tracks of the Month: May

Here are 5 tracks I've loved during the month of May 2015:

1.  When I Found You by Francesco Yates (R&B Pop): 

2. Remember by Feki (Electronic):

3. Some Minds by Flume ft. Andrew Wyatt (Electronic):

4. Kathleen by Catfish and the Bottlemen (Indie Rock):

 5. Need You Now by Hot Chip (Techno):

 *Links for mobile:
1. When I Found You ~ Francesco Yates
2. Remember ~ Feki
3. Some Minds ~ Flume ft. Andrew Wyatt
4  Kathleen ~ Catfish and the Bottlmen
5. Need You Now ~ Hot Chip

Ciao,

       Monique

Light, yet mighty breakfast

I don't normally eat heavy breakfasts, which often leads to me not eating as healthy as I could in the mornings.  However, I recently conjured up a super easy (and healthy) recipe suitable for those of us who like to eat light in the morning:



Avocado + Toast

Ingredients:

• avocado
• powdered cayenne pepper
• salt
• extra virgin olive oil
• whole grain toast

Instructions:

Cut up avocado slices. Sprinkle cayenne pepper and salt to your liking.  Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.  Accompany with whole grain toast.

Health Benefits:

Avocado - filled with potassium, healthy fatty acids, antioxidants and lutein 

Cayenne Pepper - anti-allergen, digestion aid, promotes heart health

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, promotes heart health, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure

Whole Grain Toast - digestive aid, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure

*The tea in the picture is a delicious loose white tea infused with roses, Chelsea Garden Blend.  I picked up the tea at the Whittard in Covent Garden on my trip to London.  Whittard's teas are seriously good!

Ciao,

       Monique

  

Vero Beaching It

I don't go swimming at the beach very often, but after spending a great weekend with my family at Vero Beach I plan on increasing my visits to the Floridian shoreline.

Vero Beach is a quaint little town.  The people are hospitable and the ambiance is inviting.  The town is ideal for those wanting to get away from hectic city life.  During my stay I was very shocked by how quiet the nights are there.  Plazas all about were bare and empty at 9 p.m.  Quite different from most of Florida's cities.

Craving seafood, we devoured a local favorite, Mr. Manatees.  The food was incredible!  The seafood was fresh and flavorful with a slight island twist.  So much so my family was surprised to find a collection Matouk's pepper sauce on the shelves (Trinidadian hot sauce).  

Seafood Gumbo

Cracked Conch Basket

Blackened Salmon

Vero Beach was a great getaway, I hope to be back soon.

Ciao,

       Monique

Tracks of the Month: April

Here are 5 tracks I've loved during the month of April 2015:

1.  Foolish by Alpine (Indie Pop): 

2. Alright by Kendrick Lamar (Rap):

3. Gooey by Glass Animals (Indietronica):

4. Don't Wanna Fight by Alabama Shakes (Roots Rock):

 5. My Type by Saint Motel (Indie Pop):

 *Links for mobile:
1. Foolish ~ Alpine
2. Alright ~ Kendrick Lamar
3. Gooey ~ Glass Animals
4  Don't Wanna Fight ~ Alabama Shakes
5. My Type ~ Saint Motel

Ciao,

       Monique

Inner Elan Vital #4

Topic: Finding An Outlet

Stress, worry and overwhelming situations always seem to find us in this life.  To escape the damaging effects of negative energy, it is imperative to find an outlet.  There are many ways to wind down:

Tips:

1.      Sensory Escape:  light your favorite scented candle, eat your favorite comfort foods and drink relaxing, detoxifying beverages such as tea

1.      Take Time For You:  take some time out of your day for yourself and do something that what you like to do 

2.      Don't Over-think: it's easy to take your obligations to seriously, but over-thinking them can suck the joy out of your life

2.      Balance, Balance, Balance: this world revolves around balance, remember "Work hard, play hard"

*This is a part of the Inner Elan Vital Series

Ciao,

       Monique

Tracks of the Month: March

Here are 5 tracks I've loved during the month of March 2015:

1.  Dress by Sylvan Esso (Indie Electronic): 

2. Pedestrian at Best by Courtney Barnett (Alternative):

3. Somebody by Natalie La Rose ft. Jeremih (Pop):

4. Apparently by J. Cole (Rap):

 5. You Know You Like It remix by DJ Snake/AlunaGeorge (Trap):

 *Links for mobile:
1. Dress ~ Sylvan Esso
2. Pedestrian at Best ~ Courtney Barnett
3. Somebody ~ Natalie La Rose
4  J. Cole ~ Apparently 
5. You Know You Like It ~ DJ Snake/AlunaGeorge

Ciao,

       Monique