Current Faves: Colorado or Bust Edition

Tonight we are heading out on a family road trip to Colorado, where Luke and I are from.  We have all sorts of fun things planned, like trips to the Zoo and Garden of the Gods, a spa day with just me and my mom, and some get togethers with friends and family. 

After the last couple months we've had, we've been really looking forward to the quality time together and the relaxation.

(You really can't help but relax in a place where the air is so thin. Also because everywhere you go there's at least a small whiff of pot.)

(Just kidding.)

(Sort of.)

Anyway! We like to do the majority of our road trip driving through the night, so that our kids sleep as much as possible (limiting bathroom stops and "Are we there yet?''s) and we have as much time with family as possible, even if we're completely loopy once we get there.

But before we head out, I wanted to share some of my current favorite things with you:

1.) As You Wish (The Audiobook)

I'm convinced that there are only two types of people in this world:
1.) People who LOVE The Princess Bride, and grew up watching and quoting it regularly.
2.) People who have never seen The Princess Bride.

If you're in the first category and you haven't read As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From The Making Of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes (the actor who plays Wesley) please stop reading this right now and go find a copy.
Specifically a copy of the audiobook, and here's why: not only does Cary read it himself, making it that much more endearing and personal, but his impression of Rob Reiner whenever he's quoting him is pure gold. It makes me smile or laugh EVERY TIME. Also there are excerpts from the other actors/filmmakers (like Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, etc.) who voice it themselves and it makes it that much more special to hear their experiences from them.
This book is such a gem because he lets you in on what it was like to make the movie that most of us consider to be a magical part of our childhood or adolescence. He shares what it was like to be cast as Wesley, the search for his counterpart which would be Robin Wright, mishaps and disasters that almost ruined the movie, the nerve-wrecking intensity of having to learn sword fighting from scratch, and so many incredible stories about the lovable Andre the Giant.
It's completely enchanting from start to finish, and will make you appreciate the movie in new ways.
Luke and I are planning on listening to it (again!) on our trip tonight.

It's available on Amazon, Audible, or at your local library.

2.) My New Hobby Lobby Earrings 

Yes, you read that right- they're from Hobby Lobby! I almost didn't get them because I have a problem with stripes (the problem is that I love them and half of my wardrobe is striped), but I decided to throw caution to the wind and I'm so glad I did.
In general I'm drawn to big, leathery earrings (which these are) and I've found that the black and white stripes stand out in an unusual but really cute way. I've gotten compliments on them every time I wear them, and YOU CAN TOO!

Go grab them for $6.99 (which is basically stealing), and some of their other cute earrings while you're at it (I've got my eye on those blue leafy ones too).

 You can find them up at the front towards the registers. 

(Right past the magnets, bibles, Joyce Meyer books, and those TY stuffed animals with the big, creepy eyes.)

3.) Seasoned Tuna Packets

Okay, I realize that packaged tuna can definitely be filed under 'bizarre things to get excited and or/write about', but you know how I get when I'm jazzed about something and there's no stopping that train. Plus, let's face it, I'm sure I've written about and recommended weirder things to you than this.

These have been my go-to summer lunch or snack, because they are so magnificently flavorful for something so easy and healthy. Both brands Bumble Bee and Starkist offer a ton of different flavors (found in the aisle with the canned fish), my personal favorites being the Lemon Sesame & Ginger and the Spicy Thai Chili (followed closely by the Siracha). You can eat them on their own (yes, they are that good) but I usually try to involve an avocado, maybe some hard boiled egg and cucumber.

They go for a buck a piece, people. They are so refreshing and delicious, you need them in your life.
So please.. move past the concerning fact that I just spent time out of my day writing about tuna, and trust me on this. You will not be disappointed. 

4.) My New-ish Boxing Gloves/Bag

Earlier this spring, I got myself some boxing gloves and a punching bag (which Luke hung in our basement for me) and it's been awesome.
I wanted a different exercise option at home other than workout videos or lifting small weights, and because I have hyper-mobility (douple-jointed!), a lot of standard exercises like push-ups are hard on me and my over-flexible limbs and joints. (I'm like Elastigirl! Except that she can use her powers to save the world whereas I'm borderline useless. Other than that, we are basically the same.)

But I've always enjoyed kickboxing, and am able to work muscles that I usually have a harder time getting to, like my shoulders and certain arm areas. Plus I've loved that depending on the intensity and pace, I can get a really good full-body workout in a pretty short amount of time.

Punching bags can be pretty easy to find on Craigslist or at sporting goods stores, and the Everlast gloves (make sure to buy hand wraps too) are pretty widely available. I got mine HERE.

If you have the space for it, and you're looking for a treadmill or workout video alternative, this might be a fun option for you.

Plus, lets face it, you guys.... it's just fun to punch stuff.
Enough said.

Well, thats all for now.
 I have to go finish packing and make sure the kids didn't smuggle anything weird into their stuff, like I don't know.. the cat.
OR a bunch of sauce packets from Taco Bell (this has happened before and ended horribly.)